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Issue 129 // APRIL 2016 www.insidegolf.com.au
> US MASTERS PREVIEW In-form Aussies gearing up for Augusta > GREEN FEE GEMS Australia’s top Public Access courses
IylNorM:ade W A Ta iver M2 Dr
> CLUB OF THE MONTH Windsor Country Golf Club > GEAR Feeling ‘chipper’ about the new PNP Siteline series
Marc Leishman bounces back from adversity
GOLF TRAVEL LIFT-OUT The majestic King Island
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DUSTIN JOHNSON TAYLORMADE-ADIDAS GOLF TOUR PROFESSIONAL
Š 2016 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. #1 Driver in Golf claim based on combined 2015 wins and usage on the PGA, European, Japan Golf, Web.com, Champions and LPGA Tours, as reported by the Darrell Survey Co. and Sports Marketing Surveys, Inc.
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Cereal killer: making golf convenient inconvenient; usually requiring lengthy application forms, finding a way to somehow get introduced to a few members, getting references from these members, playing an introductory round with the captain or other members, etc.
Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf
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recent story in the New York Times reported that the breakfast cereal industry is in dire straits. Sales of the quick and easy breakfast favourite have tumbled by almost 30 per cent over the past 15 years, with the future looking even more uncertain.
That’s right. The bellwether breakfast staple for millions of kids (and kids at heart) across the planet is, unbelievably, taking a dive. According to the story, a survey of millennials (also known as Generation Y, or individuals born roughly after the 1980s/90s) are eschewing breakfast cereal in favour of more “convenient” breakfast options. More convenient? Than cereal?? Are they kidding??? After nearly spitting out my spoonful of healthy Muesli in astonishment (ok, truth be told, it was some sugary cereal from the back of the cupboard), I continued reading about how almost 40 per cent of the millennials surveyed said that cereal was an “inconvenient breakfast choice because they had to clean up after eating it”. That’s no joke. Cereal requires using a bowl and a spoon—which obviously don’t clean themselves, nor can they be eaten on the go, or tossed in the bin. It’s clear that the young folk of today (as well as many of their parents) simply don’t feel they have the time (or desire) to “fumble around” with a bowl, spoon, milk and washing up. Instead, they are either eating breakfast away from the home, or choosing readymade breakfast sandwiches, muesli bars, packaged bikkies or yogurt instead of the traditional breakfast staples. So how does this relate to golf? (I knew you’d ask.) When you consider that millennials represent the future of golf (an indisputable fact according to the global golf industry) then you MUST pay attention to their purchasing decisions and attitudes towards things like this. In this particular instance, convenience is paramount.
It’s almost like some golf clubs are going out of their way to make it INCONVENIENT to join. We’re acting like a glitzy nightclub with an expensive cover charge, limited capacity inside, and only models, celebrities and “beautiful people” allowed in.
So when we look at golf as an offering (and especially club memberships), we need to ask ourselves “is it convenient”? Are we as an industry (and as individual clubs) making our offering as quick and easy as possible? For the most part, I would argue that we aren’t. Not by a long shot. For example, let’s look at the websites of most private clubs, which are the first of point contact by the vast majority of millennials. In general, very few club websites have the equivalent of a big sign shouting “Hey you! Come and join us!” Instead, many prospective members are treated to stodgy, elitist, and often cold-at-heart messages that whisper “You could apply to be a member if you like; we’re nonplussed either way.” And trying to find membership prices, joining fees or the like is often treated with a “(Yawn) contact us for more information.” Like their choice of breakfast options, millennials are likely to choose your club if it is super quick and easy to join, with minimal fuss. If they have to take more than one or two clicks for information, then you’ve lost them. Once they get that information, to actually join a club is even more
Instead, we should be shouting like a circus carney, spruiking to all who will listen “Hurry, hurry, hurry! Step right up and see the amazing and colossal wonders of the breathtaking Golf Club!” When you look at how many barriers and obstacles we are putting in front of prospective members and juniors, it’s no wonder why they go to footy, tennis, cycling and the like. All you need is a ball/bike/racquet and an open oval/track/court. No muss, no fuss. So the next time you look at your website, joining process or other “entry points” for potential members, maybe take a long, hard, objective look at the convenience factor. See if you can’t make it quicker and easier...with fewer “bowls and spoons.” See you on the fairways (after my Muesli...bar),
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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42 INSTRUCTION 50 SENIOR AMATEURS NEWS 53 public access feature IG BUSINESS 86 19TH HOLE GENERAL MANAGERS COVER STORY: Marc Leishman 88 YOUR VOICE 89 EVENTS CALENDAR ON TOUR 90 DEMO DATES AMATEURS LEGENDS TOUR Golf Travel LIFT-OUT: clubs Golf on the glorious King Island gear www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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Magic eighth for Hend in Thailand
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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ustralian Scott Hend held off a fast-finishing Piya Swangarunporn of Thailand to win the True Thailand Classic by one shot at Black Mountain Golf Club last month. The 42-year-old Hend birdied the 14th and 17th holes for a closing four-under-par 68 and an 18-under-par 270, enough for a narrow victory over Piya who’d earlier fired a new course record of 63. It was Hend’s eighth Asian Tour victory and second European Tour title in the US$1.75 million co-sanctioned tournament and he took home US$291,660, which propelled him into fourth place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit. Belgium’s Thomas Pieters settled for third place following a 68, three strokes back, while American Peter Uihlein was a further stroke back in fourth after a 70. Victory was sweet atonement for Hend, who finished tied second in last year’s event, where he also led into the final day. The overnight leader by two was also fired up to make amends after a poor outing at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in the United States the previous week. “To win this tournament after last year’s disappointing finish and to get back into the winner’s circle in Europe and to stay in the winner’s circle in Asia, is extremely important to me. I’m very proud to win this title,” said a jubilant Hend. “Last week was extremely disappointing and somewhat deflating. I knew I was swinging the club pretty good. Maybe I was more patient this week and it all came together.” Piya, 32, threatened to spoil Hend’s party
by charging into contention with an amazing run of seven birdies and one eagle where he chipped in for a two on the 10th hole. After the Thai drained a 20-foot birdie on 18 to set the clubhouse target, Hend found himself trailing by one. However Hend soon drew level with a fourth birdie of the day on 14 and after driving the green on 17 for an easy birdie to regain a one-shot lead, the Aussie ensured his victory march up 18 was a formality after striking two sweetly-struck three-wood shots onto the green. “I saw his (Piya) name shooting up and
wondered where he came from. He was obviously having a great round. Once he posted 17-under, I thought we will have to try to make some birdies but we were not going to force the issue as if you try to force the issue on this course, you’ll be going to make bogeys which was what I did last year,” said Hend. “I stuck to my game plan and it came together. 17 obviously was a crucial shot, being tied for the lead and on that tee there, you hit a good tee shot you have a chance to get one in front. And on 18, it’s about not messing up the hole.” •
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WA trio sign landmark reciprocal agreement I n a ground-breaking agreement that reflects a changing golf industry, The Vines Golf and Country Club last month announced a full reciprocal agreement for its members with The Cut in Mandurah and Araluen Golf Resort. In a first for Western Australian golfers, this arrangement offers The Vines Members the chance to play with reciprocal rights at two other clubs in the greater Perth metropolitan area. Members at Araluen and The Cut can also play and stay at The Vines, attracting new visitors to the wine region of the Swan Valley. “This is a significant benefit to players to be able to have such a variety of course to select from, and two new great courses within an hour’s drive of their home club,” said The Vines Club Manager Scott Meiklejohn. “It is not common for Metropolitan courses to have full reciprocal agreements with each other, often the agreements are interstate, regional or international. I believe this agreement will be great for the relationship of the three courses involved, providing benefit to members and attracting more golfers to our courses,” Scott said. “We have been looking at how to make the golf club more progressive and what we can offer our members,” said Mike Stanton, General Manager
The Vines Golf and Country Club
The Vines. “A universal downturn in memberships across the country drove the decision. Our modern members want flexibility to play a number of courses, that vary in style, therefore challenging their skills, but within striking distance of home or work, so this just made sense. They will not have to have to pay additional green fees to play, as it is inclusive in their membership at The Vines.”
is located on Verdelho Drive in the Swan Valley, 35 minutes from Perth. It is home to the Novotel Resort, and has a rich tournament history having hosted some of the world’s best players, including Greg Norman, Ernie Els, John Daly, Ian Woosan, Fred Couples, and Annika Sorenstam over the past 25 years. The Club currently holds reciprocal rights with 17 interstate Clubs, and 32 international Clubs.
The Cut is a links-style golf course perched high above the ocean at Dawesville, south of Mandurah, and is voted in the top 25 courses in the country, with state-of-the-art facilities including clubhouse and driving range. It is likened to the courses in Ireland and Scotland, playable and enjoyable all year round.
Located 40kms south-east of Perth – tucked away in the beautiful hills of Roleystone-- the Araluen Golf Resort offers one of the most unique golf experiences in Australia, with stunning alpine views, world-class food and some truly enjoyable golf.
The Vines Golf and Country Club
Day wins AIS Male Athlete of the Year
Jason Day capped off a remarkable year by being named the 2015 AIS Sport Performance Awards (ASPAs) Male Athlete of the Year at a gala awards event at Star City in Sydney last month. The boy from Beaudesert’s extraordinary 2015 peaked with his first Major win at the 2015 USPGA Championship.
THE NEW REIGN OF POWER
out the PGA brought me to tears.” Day’s 20-under in the PGA was the lowest score in a major and he was only the fifth Australian to win the prestigious tournament. It was one of five USPGA wins for the year, and he finished in the top 10 in three of the four Majors.
Day said he was “honoured” to receive the award.
He memorably finished ninth in the U.S. Open having collapsed on the course with vertigo on the second day.
“2015 was a dream come true for me. Winning a major championship had been a dream of mine since I was 12. So taking
The (ASPAs) recognise Australia’s leading athletes, teams, coaches and administrators by celebrating their outstanding achievements.
More information: (08) 9297 0707 or email golfclub@vines.com.au or visit www.vines.com.au
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Oosthuizen wins Perth International South African Louis Oosthuizen won the ISPS Handa Perth International in style, firing 1-under 71 in the final round to take the win by one shot over Frenchman Alexander Levy. “This win means a lot, it’s been two years since I had a win last, I came close a few times last year and want to stay in the winning circle. You want to keep that feeling of what it feels like to win,” Oosthuizen said. “2014 I was still struggling with a few things in my body then ‘15 felt okay, but to get close is one thing... to win it is something else. A victory is something you can work from and really take to the next tournament and the rest of the season,” he added. Oosthuizen was full of praise for the Lake Karrinyup Country Club and said his mates Ernie Els and Ian Baker-Finch had been right when they said it would be a place he would enjoy. “They (Els and Baker-Finch) told me I was going to love the golf course and I do. It’s such a great track and it’s one of my favourites so I’ll definitely be coming back,” Oosthuizen said. www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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Cammeray Golf Club tees off its Schools Program
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ammeray Golf Club has been well rewarded for its efforts to make the club and course more attractive to families and juniors in the local area. Cammeray Public School has jumped on board. 60 of their school kids aged 7 to 12 will take part in a five-week program run by U.S. Kids Golf introducing them to the game of golf. General Manager of Cammeray Golf Club, Simon Adams is committed to boosting the numbers of juniors in the club and has teamed up with U.S. Kids Golf Australia to do so. In December 2015, he introduced the U.S. Kids Golf Family Course Program which involves placing two more tee off points on each fairway. This reduces the distances to the holes for kids and makes the game less daunting and more fun for those that may not yet have the strength or skill to hit the ball long distances. “The U.S. Kids Golf Family Course concept has been very well supported by the local community and we are definitely seeing more kids and families playing.” Adams said The increased exposure caught the attention of Cammeray Public School who contacted the club with the idea to bring Golf into the school’s sports program.
Adams said “We are thrilled to be working with Cammeray Public School to introduce the kids to golf. Many of them have never picked up a golf club before so it is a great chance for us to show them how much fun golf is and hopefully then provide them with the opportunity to play more regularly on a fun course or through the clinics, tournaments and promo days we are offering in conjunction with U.S. Kids Golf.” U.S. Kids Golf instructors Leon Faulkner and Oliver Gebert will be coordinating the program in line with the U.S. Kids Golf Learning Program which has been developed
and based on over 20 years of coaching research.”It is no doubt the best learning program in the market, it is based on teaching kids the game of golf by making it fun whilst not being overly technical,” says Leon Faulkener who was recently awarded an “Honourable Mention” by U.S. Kids Golf in the “Top 50 Kids Coaches” world wide.
Tourism on King Island will receive a boost with the announcement of $300,000 in federal government funding for infrastructure work at the Ocean Dunes Golf Course.
Ironically, both Leon and Oliver attended Cammeray Public School, grew up playing and were junior members of Cammeray Golf Club. “Both Oliver and I are passionate about teaching kids golf, and to be asked to be involved with Cammeray Public’s Schools golf program, at Cammeray Golf Course, is a privilege !” says Leon.
“The Federal Government is providing $300,000 through the Regional Tourism Infrastructure and Innovation Fund which was announced as part of the Government’s Economic Growth Plan for Tasmania,” Minister Colbeck said.
U.S. Kids Golf Australia is a subsidiary of U.S. Kids Golf International and is the worlds leader in kids golf equipment, competition and instruction. U.S. Kids Golf tournaments fall under the banner of The U.S. Kids Golf Foundation which is a not for profit business. All profits are invested back into the development of the game. For more information on U.S. Kids Golf Australia go to www.uskidsgolf.com.au or ph Danielle Wallis on 0414 959 690. •
Junior golfer returns in style 20-year-old Cameron Davis is turning heads at Roseville Golf Club. In the Medal at Roseville recently, Davis shot a blistering 7-under-par 59 to win the medal and post a new course record. This eclipsed his previous course record of 63 in 2014. At 11 years of age Cameron joined Roseville after being turned away by many clubs as he was considered too young. With the support of the
Lakelands Golf Club
$300,000 to drive King Island tourism
Roseville Junior Program in his early years, lots of hard work and a desire to be the best, Cameron is now the number 1 Amateur in Australia. In the previous week, after three months off with a wrist injury, Cameron finished second to Harrison Endycott in the 72 Hole Avondale Medal. Let’s all wish Cameron good fortune in 2016 as he hopes to conquer the Europe and USA amateur scene.
Minister for Tourism and International Education, Senator Richard Colbeck, and Member for Braddon, Brett Whiteley MP, announced the funding while visiting King Island last month.
“Golfing tourism will be a key driver of tourism on King Island and the Ocean Dunes Golf Course is expected to attract thousands of golfers each year. “With 44 cents of every tourism dollar spent in regional areas, driving tourism demand to regional areas including King Island will have a flow-on effect for employment and the local economy.” Member for Braddon, Brett Whiteley said Ocean Dunes Golf Course is a great example of King Island’s world-class tourism offering. “King Island has exploded onto the world golfing scene in recent months with Ocean Dunes now considered one of the best courses in the world. “Golf is one of the most lucrative sporting tourism sectors and complements the existing KI tourism brand.” The project will include the installation of crucial infrastructure items including power and water supply, and visitor access to the course and clubhouse. It is part of a broader $7.1 million development.
Stay and Play PackageS • Unlimited Golf at Lakelands & accommodation packages available • from $157.50 per person per day (based on twin share accommodation) **Conditions apply**
The most central Golf Course on the Gold Coast Please contact operations@lakelandsgolfclub.com.au for all enquiries Ph 07 5510 6538 • 100 Lakelands Drive Merrimac QLD 4226 www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au
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April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
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Senior golf makes long-awaited return to the Murray
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he Murray River region has a rich history when it comes to golf and this year the highly anticipated E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour returned to the district for the Shepparton BMW Victorian Senior Open. The 54-hole tournament, the largest Professional golf event the region has ever seen, brought 51 Senior Professionals and 11 low amateurs to the area to vie for the newly establish Peter Thomson Trophy and a share of the $35,000 prize purse. The tournament saw a strong field of Professionals including Krishna Singh, the elder brother of two-time Major winner and former World Number 1, Vijay, together with Tim Elliott, Terry Price and 2015 E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour Order of Merit winner and defending champion, Michael Harwood. Played across two courses, the Peter Thomson designed Black Bull Golf Course in Yarrawonga and Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club in Mulwala, the tournament reignited the region as a top golfing destination in Victoria. Aaron Brain, Dealer Principal at Shepparton BMW, was thrilled with their decision to become the naming rights sponsor and their foray into the local golf market, providing the purse and courtesy vehicles during the tournament, was a pleasing experience.
“The 2016 Shepparton BMW Senior Victorian Open was a testament to all involved in running such a fantastic tournament,” said Brian. “As a first year naming rights sponsor we were unsure what to expect and we were well and truly impressed by the professionalism of the players, the PGA and the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club along with Black Bull Golf Club. The event would not have been as great as it was without all parties contributing to its success.” After three solid rounds of golf Victorian Lucien Tinkler engraved his name on the trophy and claimed the title after carding 6-under 66 to win by one stroke over Price and fellow Victorian, Harwood The Victorian Senior Open has a long heritage in the region after calling Rich River Golf Club home for over a decade. Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club and Black Bull Golf Course along with Shepparton BMW have committed to hosting the Victorian Senior Open for the next two years and are excited about the future of the tournament in regional Victoria. To become involved in the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour as either a host club or sponsor, please contact the PGA Legends Tour coordinator on 03 8320 1911 or arogers@pga.org.au
Griffin tops in New Zealand Australian Matthew Griffin claimed the BMW ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open with a clutch birdie on the final hole of the tournament. Starting the day two shots behind Japan’s Hideto Tanihara, Griffin opened his final round by eagling the first. With his nerves settled, Griffin went headto-head with Tanihara all day but found himself one behind his competitor with three holes to play. A clutch birdie at the last, where Tanihara made bogey, saw Griffin claim the title and his sixth win as a Professional. Griffin fired 5-under 67 in the final round to post a winning total of 20-under 267 in front of his parents who had travelled overseas to watch him play for the first time. For his win Griffin picked up NZ$180,000 and top billing on the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit. “This is by far the biggest event I’ve won,” Griffin said. “To win the New Zealand Open, it’s got so many good names on the trophy, it’s a real step forward for me.” Finishing tied for third and six shots off the lead was leading New Zealander Michael Hendry and Japan’s Shunsuke Sonoda. Yoshinori Fujimoto (JPN) finished outright 5th on 13-under 274 with Steven Alker (NZL) a further shot back. Taking out the pro-am component of the BMW ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open were Deyen Lawson and his amateur partner Anton Booy. Lawson picks up a bonus NZ$12,000 for his team’s effort.
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Summer of golf schedule announced Australian golf fans are set to enjoy one of the biggest summers of golf in recent times, with a threeweek swing of world-class golf on offer.
history of staging world-class golf tournaments which attract the best players in the world,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.
Returning to Royal Sydney Golf Club, where Rory McIlroy claimed the Stonehaven Cup in 2013, the Emirates Australian Open will be played from the 17-20 November.
“In recent times Australia has had the privilege of hosting The Presidents Cup in 2011 and the World Cup of Golf in 2013.”
Melbourne and Kingston Heath Golf Club will then become the focus of the golfing world’s attention as the World Cup of Golf is played from 24-27 November. The Australian PGA Championship will close out the trio, played at RACV Royal Pines Resort from 1-4 December with the European Tour returning for the second year to co-sanction the tournament. “Australia has a long and proud
“In each of those years the best players in the world have travelled to Australia which provides golf fans the opportunity to witness their heroes competing live in their own back yard.” “This year, like in previous years, players will arrive and take opportunity to compete in either or both of the events surrounding the World Cup of Golf,” added Thorburn. “Over the coming months the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia will work to secure strong fields for the
Australian PGA Championship and the Emirates Australian Open, ensuring golf fans in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales have the opportunity to see these players in action.” The summer of golf will once again highlight the attributes of Australian golf and will boost tourism both from domestic and international visitors. “Australia is renowned as having some of the best golf courses in the world. Hosting the World Cup of Golf once again reinforces Australia’s standing and places it in front of the eyes of our global fans,” said Thorburn. “With the calibre of field anticipated for each event, I am sure we will see strong crowds attending the tournaments with fans flying from both interstate and overseas to watch the action in person.”
Dates announced for 2016 Isuzu Queensland Open
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he Isuzu Queensland Open will be played from 20 - 23 October this year allowing for a greater alignment with the traditional golf tournament season. Golf Queensland chair Peter Castrisos said the dates will position the Championship early in the leadup to the Australian summer of golf. “We are excited about the opportunities the later date will provide through player availability and increased daylight resulting in a larger field,” Mr Castrisos said. “Spring is the optimal season for golf and I am sure The Brisbane Golf Club will be presented in first class condition.”
2015 Queensland Open Champion David Bransdon This year the Championship moves back to The Brisbane Golf Club after last being played at the venue in 1991 when Stuart Appleby won as an amateur. Golf Queensland is also looking to
expand the reach of the event in 2016 with the introduction of a number of regional amateur qualifying events. Further information on these initiatives will be announced in the future.
Blind golfers get help reading greens Mount Lawley Golf Club Head Golf Professional and current Western Australian Teaching Professional of the Year Duncan Kegg has recently conducted two Aimpoint Express Green Reading Clinics for some of Western Australia’s Blind Golfers. Aimpoint Express is the much touted green-reading system used by some of the world’s leading Professionals including Adam Scott, Lydia Ko, Hunter Mahan and Stacy Keating. Blind golfers generally rely on their caddies to read the green for them and help them to line up their putts.With Aimpoint Express the golfer is now responsible for their own green reading, they then direct their caddie where to aim them.
With a number of Blind Golfers competing in the Pro Am at the Perth International, they were able to put some of their newly learned green reading skills into play. “It was really inspiring working with the golfers and their caddies,” Kegg said.
The Blind golfer is now responsible for reading their own putts giving them ownership of this part of their golf game.
“Once they had an understanding of feeling the tilt of the green using their feet they were really taking ownership of their own putts and directing their caddies where to aim them. The caddies were particularly pleased as not only did they learn the skills to help their own games but they jokingly said it took the pressure of when the golfer missed a putt – it was no longer their fault.”
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS
Sandbelt superclub merger scrapped clubs because the synergies of operation are quite substantive. That will be the way of the future once clubs reach the point of no return where they actually understand that they don’t have a future and they can take emotion out of the decision and look at it logically, it’s the way to go.”
Henry Peters
ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters
M
ergers talks between Melbourne’s Huntingdale, Patterson River and Sandhurst golf clubs have been terminated with one general manager declaring it likely that the merger will never eventuate. A heads of agreement between Huntingdale Golf Club the three clubs was announced in November but due to doubts from some club members, largely Patterson River their nine-hole course cease within five years members, the potential merger fell flat. and suggested an increase to that period of Representatives from the three clubs met for the first time in 2016 on February 3 and Huntingdale confirmed in a letter to its members that, “The proposed merger discussions would be terminated.” Under the heads of agreement, any merger would have hinged on the sale of significant land at Patterson River, which would likely have converted the 18-hole course to nine holes. The capital raised would have gone towards a newly formed 63-hole ‘super club’ - including the current 36 holes at Sandhurst and 18 holes at Huntingdale - but Patterson River’s members could not adequately agree on how best to proceed with the land sale. “It’s been an extremely frustrating process because, before Christmas, we felt that we’d agree on all of the major points that we needed to move it forward,” said Huntingdale general manager Stewart Fenton. Some members at Patterson River were concerned that a merger would see play on
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April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
play would make a merger more attractive. A merger between the three clubs would have delivered potentially $2.5 million in annual savings, according to Fenton. Discussions between the clubs had also centered on identifying operational savings that could be delivered across the business including the use of a single computer system across the three venues, one superintendent, one general manager and the employment of an operations manager at each venue. “People keep focusing on the land sale, the $60 million of capital that would have come into the combined entity, but that money in the grand scheme of things would have been chicken feed in terms of the operational synergies we were going to see from that business running on a year-to-year basis,” Fenton said. “My personal view, from a general manager’s perspective is that the way of the future will be strong clubs running weaker
General Manager at Patterson River, Pam Carpenter, said its board is keeping its options open in relation to mergers with other clubs. “We’ll look at anything else down the track,” Carpenter said. “We’re one of the very few debt-free clubs so we’re not in any diabolical state or anything like that. We have no debt. We will do what’s in the best interests of members.” Sandhurst Chairman, Kevin Greaves, noted similar sentiments in a letter to Sandhurst members: “The Sandhurst Club Board and management will continue with its multipronged approach to achieve and maintain financial viability. Pursuing potential viable merger and/or amalgamation opportunities and implementing marketing plan strategies to attract and retain golf members will remain a primary focus.” Meanwhile, Huntingdale also announced in its recent letter to members that it recently made its first principal repayment of $500,000 for its clubhouse loan. In 2014, the club opened a brand new $11.2 million clubhouse. Huntingdale anticipates making a further repayment of $700,000 in the 2016/17 financial year. •
Tour explores new frontiers in PNG The PGA Tour of Australasia will explore new territories in 2016 as it heads to Papua New Guinea for the first time. The South Pacific Export Radler PNG Open will become a fully fledged PGA Tour of Australasia tournament after many years of being a successful pro-am event. To be played at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, which successfully hosted the Pacific Games in 2015, Tour Professionals will be competing for a minimum of AU$140,000 and Official World Golf Ranking Points when they tee off from 2124 April. “The PGA Tour of Australasia continues to grow and offer Tour Professionals opportunities to compete in quality tournaments,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia which oversees the Tour. “We are delighted to have the South Pacific Export Radler PNG Open join the schedule, expanding the Tour’s presence across Australasia.” “The PNG Open has for many years been run successfully as a pro-am on the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series but its elevation to the Tour sees the prize money become official on the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, the application of Official World Ranking Points and as such it is expected the tournament will receive a boost in the strength of field competing for the title.” The PGA Tour of Australasia will travel to Western Australia for the Nexus Risk Group TSA WA Open to be played from 28 April – 1 May with the TX Civil and Logistics WA PGA Championship being played in Kalgoorlie from 12-15 May.
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INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS
Clubs need to sell their message In Australia, the philanthropic market is extremely healthy with $2.5 billion donated or distributed to charitable or social causes.
David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au
Of that, less than one per cent currently goes to sport – which does not reflect sport’s importance to the average Australian.
P
ATRICK Walker, CEO of the Australian Sports Foundation, says there is a way for golf clubs to raise additional revenue at a time when membership numbers are under pressure.
“When clubs are looking to grow revenue, they often look to sponsorship first. Yet sports sponsorship is only a $730m market, which is really hoovered up by the big five televised sports yet you have this $2.5b market for donations and sport only gets one per cent.
“The philanthropic market in Australia is a big opportunity for sport, including golf, to tap into philanthropic donations and fundraising,” he said. Most people are unaware tax deductible donations can be made to their golf club but only if the club is registered with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF). Currently, just 40 of Australia’s 1497 golf clubs are registered. “That’s two per cent of golf clubs that are operating in this space, which is far less than many other major sports,” Walker added. “If you take rowing, for example, they have around 140 clubs registered, which must be getting close to 15-20 per cent of rowing clubs fundraising for boats equipment and things like that.” Walker says sports like golf have failed to “tell their story”. “They need to tell the community that sport is good for your physical and mental health. “Then there is the social aspect of being part of a club. Playing golf with friends is important for mental health and helps overcome anxiety and stress. “Clubs need to explain golf’s value to the community and show how if it could raise $10,000 or $20,000 what impact it would have and what a difference it would make. “That’s how all fundraising works. “If you give $1 a day, you will give a child clean drinking water. If you give $25 you will give an under-privileged kid the opportunity to experience the joys of golf. “Turn a donation into an impact by asking people to help your club in your community.”
Patrick Walker Oftentimes, golf clubs levy their members when the golf course needs upgrading, new equipment or a clubhouse renovation, however, if the club registered with the ASF it could request its members to make a donation instead via the ASF website and receive a tax deduction. In contrast, if donors make a donation directly to the club and not via the ASF, the donors would not be entitled to a tax deduction. Because the ASF is not government funded, it retains five per cent of the donation. “Golf has its challenges, but it also has good assets – a fairly wealthy demographic by and large,” Walker said. “A lot of people are at good stages of their career or are retired and have disposable income so golf has the opportunity to appeal to those people who love golf and who want to make sure their club is sustainable. “However, golf has declining membership and, in some cases, too many clubs and demographic issues. Some facilities are old and outdated and could do with an upgrade. “If I was in a golf club I would be saying, as a club, we won’t be around in 10 years if we don’t get more people under the age of 20 joining. “If a club could raise $20,000 it would be able to run come and try golf days, junior programs and things like that.”
“Surely, one per cent of the market cannot reflect its importance to our society. “Sport is part of Aussie life, but it also has many social and health benefits. “Registering with the ASF is a simple online process and golf needs the funds to meet the challenges it’s facing like tired facilities or getting younger people involved in the sport. “This is the way to do it.” Walker said tax deductible donations through the ASF last year were $24m, which is less than one per cent of that $2.5b. Still, donations grew by 40 per cent from $17m to $24m last year and year to date donations have grown by a further 50 per cent. “This space is growing, but we still have a long way to go,” Walker said. “A 40 to 50 per cent growth year-on-year should not to be sniffed at. “Our short-term goal is to get to $100m for sport and our five-year aim is to be level with the arts, which current has eight per cent ($200m) of the $2.5 billion.” The ASF has made it easy for people to donate online through its donation platform and has toolkits and case studies to help clubs fundraise successfully. “Sport is constantly looking at new ways to generate revenue, but it hasn’t tapped into fundraising yet.” For more information, go to the ASF website at www.asf.org.au •
South Korea dominates World Ladies Championship World No.35 Lee Jung-Min of South Korea stormed to her eighth career title with a one stroke victory over compatriots Lee Seung-Hyun, Kim BoKyung and Ji Han Sol in the World Ladies Championship at Mission Hills Resort Dongguan in China. Despite dropping two strokes in the last three holes, eight birdies in a final round 66 was enough for Lee to hold on as her closest challengers all blew their chances in damp and testing conditions on the Olazabal Course. Lee also won the concurrent team competition with partner Ko Jin-Young. An aggregate score of 12-under-par put the South Korean pair 15 strokes ahead of the French duo Gwladys Nocera and Céline Herbin, with Chinese Taipei duo Lin Tzi-Chi and Kuo Ai-Chen five strokes further behind in third. “I was very surprised to win because I didn’t feel that I played my best and I wasn’t in the leading group,” said Lee, 24, who earned three titles on the Korean LPGA Tour in 2015, having turned professional in 2009. This was the first edition of the World Ladies Championship to be sanctioned by the Korean LPGA Tour as well as the Ladies European Tour and China LPGA and resulted in nine KLPGA players in the top 12 places in total. Other notable performances came from Australians Stacey Keating and Sarah Kemp, Noora Tamminen of Finland and Céline Herbin of France, who were part of a large group sharing 19th.
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INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS
Shining lights of the Qld golf industry Darren Richards (left) congratulates Qld PGA Teaching Professional of the Year winner Richard Woodhouse.
David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au
T
HE annual Queensland Golf Industry Awards and PGA Trainee Graduation went off with its usual flair at Jupiters on the Gold Coast last month, attracting more than 400 golf industry folk from all corners of the state. The evening, emceed by Fred Lang, recognised the achievements of people from the Queensland Division of the PGA of Australia, Golf Managers’ Association Queensland (GMAQ), Golf Queensland and the Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of Queensland (GCSAQ). With 30 awards presented, it was a strong representation of the positive direction of the Queensland golf industry. In an impressive opening address,
Broc Greenhalgh, State Manager for the PGA (Qld Division), reminded the industry of the strength of golf in Queensland. Since the introduction of the world golf rankings, Australia has had four world number one golfers – Greg Norman, Karrie Webb, Adam Scott and Jason Day – and all hail from Queensland. That set the mood and had the guests chatting throughout a thoroughly entertaining evening. One of the highlights of the night was when 20 bright-eyed trainee professionals (the class of 2015) took their final graduating step and officially became full members of the PGA of Australia. Following an inspiring speech from PGA of Australia chairman Mark Gibson, who reminded the trainees this was not the end of the book but the start of a new chapter, Queensland trainee captain Rick Coleman stepped forward
Tim Porter (right) receives the Qld PGA Club Professional of the Year Award from Stuart Thompson (CCA).
and spoke eloquently and passionately of behalf of the trainees. Another highlight was when former British Open winner Ian Baker-Finch appeared via video link to present Twin Waters with the Qld PGA Legends Proam of the Year award. Tim Porter was named PGA Club Professional of the Year and Richard Woodhouse (KDV Academy) received the Queensland PGA Teaching Professional of the Year Award. The South Pacific Export PNG Open was named Queensland PGA Tournament of the Year. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Charlie McGill was voted GMAQ Manager of the Year after overseeing the transition from Horton Park Golf Club to the brand-new Maroochy River Golf Club. Volunteers, the backbone of many golf clubs, weren’t forgotten and this time Carbrook Golf Club’s Bill Colman, a tireless worker, was presented with the award.
QUEENSLAND GOLF INDUSTRY AWARDS Qld PGA Club Professional of the Year: Tim Porter - Victoria Park Golf Complex Qld PGA Teaching Professional of the Year: Richard Woodhouse - KDV Academy Qld PGA Pro-Am Series Sunshine Swing OOM winner: Tim Hart PGA Pro-Am Series Sunshine Swing Rookie of the Year: Josh Cabban Qld PGA Game Development Professional of the Year: Atomu Watanabe - Grant Field Golf Qld PGA Trainee of the Year: Rick Coleman Qld PGA Trainee OOM winner: Rick Coleman Qld PGA Tournament of the Year: South Pacific Export PNG Open Qld PGA Metropolitan Tournament of the Year: Wynnum Pro-Am Qld PGA Regional Tournament of the Year: Rockhampton Pro-Am Qld PGA Legends Pro-Am of the Year: Twin Waters Legends Pro-Am Qld Golf Industry Services to Golf Award: Max Mason Golf Qld Volunteer of the Year: Bill Colman - Carbrook Golf Club Golf Qld Male Amateur Golfer of the Year: Anthony Quayle Golf Qld Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year: Rebecca Kay Golf Qld Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the Year: Charlie Pilon – Hills Golf Qld Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year: Karis Davidson GMAQ Golf Club of the Year: Headland Golf Club GMAQ Manager of the Year: Charlie McGill - Maroochy River Golf Club GMAQ Board Member of the Year: Michael Moore - Maroochy River Golf Club GMAQ Staff Member of the Year: Lynda Simonds - Carbrook Golf Club PGA IGI Excellence in Golf Education: Laura Goh Supplier of the Year: Schweppes Junior Golf Program of the Year: Emerald Lakes Golf Academy Superintendents’ Achievement Award: Mick McCombe - Maleny GC Superintendents’ Apprentice of the Year: Ashley Hill – Arundel Hills Superintendents’ Recognition Award: Rod Cook – The Grand Superintendents’ Assistant Recognition Award: Stuart Campbell - Maroochy River Golf Club Superintendents’ Environment Award: Kelvin Nicholson – Pacific Harbour
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INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS – general managers
GM Mark Whiting answers the call “Financially, this year will be a record year and that is predominately because we have had a strong focus on constantly making clubhouse improvements and building a clubhouse membership base,” Whiting explained.
David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au
B
ALLINA Golf and Sports Club general manager Mark Whiting was halfway through an interview with Inside Golf when he excused himself to answer a telephone ringing in the background. Soon he returned to apologise for his short absence.
“That’s the life of a golf club manager,” he chortled. Whiting, who has been general manager at Ballina GSC in the Northern Rivers of NSW for four years following a seven-year stint at Tin Can Bay Country Club, started his working life in banking, but realised after six months it wasn’t his calling. He joined the army as a parachutist with all intentions of joining the police force at the conclusion of his three-year army stint. “By the end of my army service I was sick of being told what to do, so I changed tack and started working in hospitality, managing nightclubs, pubs and restaurants. “Before accepting the position at Tin Can Bay, I was fortunate enough to travel around Australia with my family in a motor home,” Whiting said.
Bunkerstamp …… a lasting impression
“We offer excellent Chinese cuisine as well as Australian cuisine,” Whiting said. “The food is exceptional and that’s another reason why the Ballina community supports the club.
“I arrived here the day the clubhouse renovations were completed and I was tasked with filling the clubhouse and that meant giving people outside of golf a reason to come to our club.
“We also have a quality, challenging golf course, which is known as the Garden Course because it’s always lush and green and you never get a bad lie.
“We did this by creating promotions and improving aspects of our customer service which has resulted in transforming the club into a viable entertainment option for the people of Ballina.
“The office manager had to take her dog to the vet so while I’m talking to you I have to answer the phone and speak to members about different issues.
For the past three years, Ballina Golf and Sports Club has turned over healthy profits thanks to the club’s forward-thinking board, a sound strategic plan and Whiting and his team.
The club’s restaurant, run by long-term caterers, is popular with members and the local community.
“We have competitions six days a week that are well supported by the members,” Whiting added. “There is great camaraderie around the club and we attract large numbers at presentations so we haven’t lost that club feel about being a golf club.”
“We needed to improve the revenue generated from the clubhouse and start to realise the clubhouse’s potential.
“We are currently investigating the possibility of extending the driving range from 130m to a full-length range.”
“We have been fortunate with the weather and how the people of Ballina have taken to our club and that’s because of the constant improvements like changing the décor, adding new furniture, installing large TV screens along with numerous other initiatives.
Whiting enjoys his golf and regularly tees off at first light on a Saturday morning. Mark Whiting
“We are seeing the benefits of the changes we have made over the past few years.
Whiting says the best thing about his job is “variety”.
“When I arrived here, it was the tail of the big wet and the club had recorded trading losses for eight years, but the last three years have been sensational.”
“No two days are the same and every day there is a different challenge,” he said. “It’s interesting, rewarding work and I work with some amazing people.
“Golf course operations are now performing well above expectations and that’s due to the quality of the course.”
“I also have a great board so the stars have aligned to have a perfect atmosphere around the club.
Ballina Golf and Sports Club has 22 staff members, 950 golfing members and 1300 social members.
“I believe that any success the club or I have is due to the people I have around me,” he said. “We are a good team.”
A unique way to deliver a message to golfers
“I also try to play three out of five Wednesdays with different members. It gives me the opportunity to listen to any concerns they might have,” he said. “I play off 12, but should be off 22,” he joked. “Every now and again I have a good round and that reminds me why I play the game. “But I love the golf industry and that’s why I chose to work in this field. “Those of us who work in the golf industry are fortunate and I am always mindful of that. “If I won Lotto, I don’t think I would change too much in my life. “Maybe I would take more holidays.” •
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INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS - from the ceo
Collaboration is key
Smith giving back to golf HE’S only 22 and still finding his feet in the professional ranks, but Cameron Smith has confirmed he will be giving back to golf through a scholarship bearing his name.
Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia
It’s part of Golf Australia’s Give Back program.
I
ndustry collaboration is imperative to the future direction of golf in Australia. Over the past two years a number of joint industry initiatives have been implemented to give golf a stronger voice in a competitive and challenging market. The PGA of Australia has taken a proactive approach in uniting and engaging in programs and initiatives that it believes, over time, will benefit the industry as a whole. One of the most significant introductions to the golf industry has been the national junior program, MyGolf. The PGA, together with Golf Australia, have worked incredibly hard together to encourage clubs and facilities to either take up or transfer to MyGolf. MyGolf was relaunched in July, 2014 and now, 20 months on, the program is flourishing together with the MyGolf Schools program, which forms part of the Australian Sports Commission’s Sporting Schools program. Out of 32 sports that make up the program, golf ranks as the 11th most popular sport. The Community Golf Instructor Program, which is another ongoing collaboration between the PGA and Golf Australia, is an Australian Sports Commission National Coaching Accreditation Scheme approved program that provides training and accreditation for individuals wanting to engage as an instructor or facilitator of
The 22-year-old, who tied for fourth at last year’s US Open, will give an annual $12,500 sponsorship to a player he and Golf Australia’s high performance team jointly select. national golf participation programs. This training is accessible to the public through the PGA. The Greg Norman Medal is another successful industry collaboration which brought together the PGA and the Australian Ladies Professional Golf to develop Australia’s most prestigious golf award and provide greater recognition of our Tournament and Club Professionals, both male and female. The representation and support from the golf industry has been exceptional and feedback received gave praise to both organisations for the initiative and the delivery of a superb event. Further to this was the Premier’s Cup which has paved the way for a stronger relationship between business and golf by providing a networking opportunity between politicians, the corporate world and the golf industry. The PGA committed considerable time and resources on behalf of the AGIC to ensure this day was a benefit to the industry. More recently, collaboration between the PGA and Golf Australia, together with ISPS-
Handa, saw a number of PGA Professionals undertake specialist blind and disabled golf coach training and accreditation to provide support to those with disability on the golf course and provide inclusive playing opportunities.
Queenslander Louis Dobbelaar, a Golf Australia national squad member and QAS member, will receive the inaugural Cameron Smith Scholarship. “I am honoured to receive the Cameron Smith Scholarship for 2016,” he said.
The in-depth training provides participants with an understanding of the framework of disability golf in Australia, how Club Professionals fit into the disabled golf landscape, attributes required of an effective inclusive coach, required features of an inclusive facility, learning strategies and specialised club-fitting.
“It’s awesome to see a golfer who has gone through the process here in Queensland as a junior, through to a top amateur and now on the PGA Tour give back to young golfers in Australia.
From a Tournament perspective, the PGA’s relationship with the European Tour continues to grow; providing greater opportunities for our Australian Professionals to access to golf’s world stage and an international career. Nathan Holman is a great example of what playing opportunities can be gained by this relationship. Seeing more Australians teeing it up overseas is great promotion for Australian golf and its associated programs and pathways. •
“Cameron is a player I admire and respect hugely for what he has achieved already in his career and someone I have looked up to since I started playing golf. “It means a lot to me to receive the inaugural scholarship, and this will really help me achieve my goals for 2016.” Golf Queensland chair Peter Castrisos said it was a testament to Smith’s commitment to grow the talent of young golfers in this country.
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17
INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS
Another successful ALPG Tour season done and dusted across all eight of our 2016 ALPG Pro-ams. Cathryn Bristow, winner of the both the Mulpha Norwest ALPG pro-am at Castle Hill CC and the inaugural Northern Beaches ALPG Pro-am at Long Reef had taken a 200 point lead into the final 2 events, however victory at the Brisbane Invitational at McLeod Country Golf Club saw Victorian star Stacey Keating edge ahead of Bristow to ensure a shootout for the top prize at Yamba.
Karen Lunn
Executive Director – ALPG
A
s the ALPG Tour staff and players catch our breath, we can reflect on another fantastic Tour season where we saw some rising young stars and some of our established players making the headlines. The ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open in Christchurch was a huge occasion again for Women’s Golf in New Zealand as Kiwi superstar Lydia Ko returned to defend the title she had won in style at Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch 12 months earlier. As had been the case in 2015, huge crowds turned out all week and were rewarded with another home win as Ko eventually strolled to a 2-shot victory over 16-year-old Korean sensation Hje Jin Choi and Englishwoman Felicity Johnson. Unlike her victory in 2015, Lydia really had to fight for her win this year. During the final round three different players had held the lead at some point during the round, but as expected class prevailed and Ko would claim her 3rd ISPS Handa New Zealand Open.
From Christchurch the tour headed across “the ditch”, this time to Adelaide for the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open which was being held for the first time at the Grange Golf Club. This would be the first time the event had returned to the city of churches since 1994 when a rising young Swedish star by the
name of Annika Sorenstam lifted the Patricia Bridges bowl at Royal Adelaide Golf Club. The tournament was a huge success with some of the largest galleries seen at a women’s event in Australia since the glory days of Karrie Webb in the mid-nineties. Karrie herself spent much of the tournament in contention, however a cold putter on the weekend would ruin any chance of a 6th Women’s Australian Open title. It would be Japan’s Haru Nomura who would go on to win the title by three strokes from world number 1 Lydia Ko after a superb final round of 65. Haru would become the first Japanese winner of the tournament which was hugely pleasing to our title sponsor ISPS Handa and in particular Dr Handa. From Adelaide the ALPG Tour headed up to the Gold Coast in Queensland for the 28th
edition of the RACV Ladies Masters, where 18-year-old Canadian sensation Brooke Henderson would be the headline act, along with former world number one Jiyai Shin who now spends her time on the LPGA of Japan Tour. Shin would ultimately show her class winning in the end by 4 shots after several players had challenged during the course of the final round. Jiyai, one of the real characters on tour had admitted to a liking for Australian beer and pies commenting after her win “just don’t tell my trainer” Many of our international visitors chose to stay on for the final two events on the 2015/2016 ALPG Tour schedule, the Brisbane Invitational held at McLeod Country Golf Club in Brisbane, and the BWAC pro-am held at Yamba GC in Northern NSW. These two events would see the culmination of the 2016 ALPG Club Car Series which was held
The affable Victorian had set herself up for a bumper payday if she could put one more good round together and she didn’t disappoint, shooting a 4-under-par 69 on the testing Yamba layout which saw her in a playoff with Queenslander Katelyn Must and Norwegian visitor Tonje Daffinrud. Must stole the show holing a 10 metre birdie putt on the first playoff hole for her first ALPG victory, but it would be Keating who walked away winning the 2016 ALPG Club Car Series along with the McLeod/Yamba trophy. On behalf of the ALPG players, staff and board I would very sincerely like to thank all of our sponsors and host clubs for their support again in 2016 and for making this all possible. In particular, I would like to thank ISPS Handa and Dr Haruhisa Handa RACV and Oates, our major tournament sponsors along with all of our other sponsors and partners for their support. I would like to wish our ladies heading overseas to compete on their respective tours in 2016 all the very best for the upcoming season, you can follow all of the action on our website www.alpg.com.au •
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INSIDE GOLF BUSINESS - from the ceo
Building momentum for women in golf Stephen Pitt
Stacey Keating captured her third ALPG event of the 2015/2016 season, winning the Brisbane Invitational in style at McLeod Country Golf Club in Brisbane last month.
CEO – Golf Australia
A
s we reflect on the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open in Adelaide last month, both glorious moments and future issues spring to mind.
The 29-year-old Victorian needed a par at the par-3 18th hole to force a playoff with Canada’s Kyla Inaba and Norway’s Tonje Daffinrud, but went one better holing a putt from 15 metres to take the victory.
Firstly, our collective hat goes off to all in South Australia – our hosts at The Grange Golf Club, the South Australian Government, all of our tremendously supportive and engaged sponsors, the army of volunteers and, of course, the public – for the overwhelming vote of confidence in the event. Our national championship was played to record crowds and international interest with a leaderboard that was befitting a truly global event. Only a round for the ages from our worthy new champion Haru Nomura kept world No.1 Lydia Ko and five-time champ Karrie Webb – and others – at bay in a rollicking final day. And that she got to play that round in front of such vast support and adulation was fitting. Not only to witness a world-class performance, but also that it highlighted the progress of women’s golf as such a quality product. Moreover, the broad support steels us in the belief of just how important it is to continue to promote and expand the reach of golf for women and girls of all ages. Throughout tournament week, so many females – young and not so young –
Keating wins Brisbane Invitational
Keating was delighted with her win, which took her into the lead on the 2016 ALPG Club Car series. “It’s been a long few weeks and I am really happy to get another win on the board. I have played well the last few weeks but just not finished the job off so this is a great feeling.” were engaged by not only the national championship on course, but by clinics, functions and other activations around Adelaide. In particular, it was fantastic to see the response of many local women to Swing Fit sessions given exposure around The Grange and by media outlets, both within South Australia and nationally.
the figure is around 30. We must redouble our efforts to keep this momentum flowing and growing in the right direction. We need to take every opportunity to promote women’s involvement at all levels of the sport. And we should adapt our thinking to achieve this.
And herein lies the challenge – converting this excitement and attention into tangible involvement.
Those of us familiar with golf clubs might not find them daunting, but research tells us many women find them imposing and confronting.
The stats don’t lie. Women currently comprise not quite 22 per cent of all club members – a number dwarfed by other countries, most notably New Zealand where
Help us all along with this … if you see something that’s not welcoming at your club, take the time to change it, or put wheels in motion to do so.
The tournament was under threat of not finishing after heavy rain caused a one-hour delay, and the decision was made to resume play in the afternoon with only the professionals playing once the course was clear. Keating was grateful that this decision was taken, as were all of the professionals who played. “A huge thank you everyone at McLeod and especially to the amateurs who sacrificed their afternoon’s golf to enable us to get a result today.” Keating will be in the running for the McLeod/Yamba bonus of $5000 which is being offered to the leading player over the final two events of the ALPG season.
✁
July 24th – July 31st 2016 Events:
TROPHIES TO THE VALUE OF $11,000
1 2
Sunday 24th July Medley 4BBB Stableford (entry $20pp)
3
Monday 25th July Women’s Single Stableford (entry $20pp) Includes Special Veterans Prize
4
Tuesday & Wednesday 26th – 27th July WOMEN’s sEAsIDE ClAssIC Jean Derrin and Senior Order of Merit Event STROKE OR STABLEFORD 36 HOLES (entry $35pp), 18 HOLES (entry $20pp)
5
Tuesday 26th July Seaside Classic Dinner ($28pp) 6.30 for 7.00pm
6
Thursday 28th July Men’s 4BBB Stableford (entry $20pp)
7
Friday 29th July Medley 4BBB Stableford (entry $20pp)
8
Saturday & Sunday 30th - 31st July (entry $60pp) MEN’s sEAsIDE ClAssIC 36 hOlEs stROKE Vardon and Senior Order of Merit Event
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
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Monday 25th July Men’s Single Stableford (entry $20pp) Includes Special Veterans Prize
US Masters preview
Five Aussies eye Green Jacket David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au
I
N-FORM Adam Scott already has one Green Jacket in his locker and will be aiming for a second when the US Masters gets underway on April 7. Joining Scott at Augusta National will be fellow Aussies Jason Day, Marc Leishman, Steven Bowditch and debutant Cameron Smith. Of course, Day, Leishman, Bowditch and Smith too will aim to leave Butler Cabin wearing the most sought-after coat in golf. After back-to-back wins – the Honda Classic and the Cadillac Championship – Scott’s odds have plummeted from 17/1 to 11/1. At press time, he was fourth favourite behind Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth (7/1) and Day at 10.5/1. Leishman is at 56/1 while Smith and Bowditch are long shots at 250/1 and 300/1 respectively. Scott, who won the Masters in 2013, has a good record – 14 starts, 12 cuts made and four top-10 results including a win and a runner-up finish to Charl Schwartzel in 2011. Day, the US PGA champion, debuted at the 2011 Masters where he finished tied second with Scott behind Schwartzel and was third behind Scott in 2013.
Day’s record in majors is scary good and he’s looking like a Masters winner all the time. Leishman, too, has been a major contender. In 2013, he tied fourth at the Masters and was T5 and T2 at his last two Open Championships. The 32-year-old is an experienced campaigner and it wouldn’t surprise anyone, including PGA of Australia chairman Mark Gibson, if Spieth helps him into the Green Jacket on April 10. Bowditch’s record in majors is mediocre although he did finish T26 at the 2014 Masters. The 32-year-old didn’t play in 2015 and qualified this year courtesy of winning last May’s AT&T Byron Nelson.
“Cam also worked on hitting to certain targets because at Augusta you have to be able to play to certain zones where the ball, especially on the greens, will feed into other places.
Smith is the new kid on the major block and qualifies courtesy of finishing fourth in last year’s US Open. Who will forget that magnificent eagle three he scored after rifling his second shot to within a few feet of the cup on the 72nd hole at Chambers Bay to secure fourth place and his Masters invitation.
“We worked on his short game – hitting high, soft bunker shots and shots you need on those greens because they are quite tricky. “At Augusta, the short game plays a massive part and Cam excels with his short game. I think he will go alright.” The good news is Smith will play a practice round with Scott and Day and no doubt they will reveal some of Augusta’s secrets.
“He’s very excited about playing the Masters for the first time,” Field said.
Still, Field would like his young charger to organise a practice round with Zach Johnson, who won the Masters in 2007.
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“It’s a limited field so I think he has a chance of doing quite well,” he said. “Cam knows his game and he’s good enough that’s for sure. “We didn’t expect him to finish fourth in his first major (US Open) and he did … and on a long golf course.”
His proud parents Des and Sharon will be there along with coach Field and his manager and trainer.
“Having a practice round with Adam and Jason is going to be awesome and extremely beneficial,” Field said.
“I would still like him to arrange a practice round with somebody like Zach Johnson
Field is quietly confident Smith will play well and make the cut.
Smith will have plenty of support at the Masters.
Smith recently spent two weeks at home in Brisbane preparing for the year’s first major with his coach Grant Field.
“We did some work based around Augusta – shot-shaping, hitting off side-hill lies because that’s what you get there,” Field said.
- someone who hits it around the same distance he does,” Field said.
FOOTNOTE: The top-50 players on the official world golf ranking published the week prior to the Masters (March 28) receive an invitation. At the time of writing, Aussies Matt Jones and Marcus Fraser were 61st and 64th respectively and urgently needed a couple of top-5 results.
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www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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cover story
Leishman bounces back Following an emotionally-trying year—as his wife battled through a life-threatening illness—Marc Leishman returns this month to Augusta National to compete at the U.S. Masters. The Aussie, who nearly won golf’s finest tournament in 2013, chats with Inside Golf on his difficult year off the course, as well as his close call at the Open Championship last summer. Garrett Johnston
@johnstongarrett
Getting back to Augusta again this month, what kind of emotions do you think you’ll feel, considering what you, Audrey, Harvey (4), and Oliver (2) have been through? It’s going to be great to get back there. I’m really excited about the tournament and probably even more excited about the par-3
tournament really. I’m really looking forward to having Audrey out there and the kids. They’re all caddying; my wife will do most of the carrying of the bag but my boys will be out there in the bibs. That’s going to be amazing to be able to do that considering all of the stuff that’s gone on. It will certainly be something that I didn’t think that I’d ever be doing again. Marc Leishman at this year’s Northern Trust Open (Photo: by Felix Marquez).
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April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
cover story
CUTTING EDGE DESIGN WITH GAME CHANGING TECHNOLOGY
Leishman in 2013, the year he nearly captured the U.S. Masters (Photo: Jason O’Brien). What made that mindset come about? Because at a time of need, I was thinking of my kids, and not about myself. I was thinking the worst— a lot of stuff going through my head—I was thinking that my boys need me and I couldn’t imagine traveling as a single dad with two kids. I feel like that would be really confusing for them. Obviously I’m loving the outcome, my wife’s here and I’m back to doing what I love but I wasn’t thinking about golf at all; I was thinking of my boys and how we were going to get by with what may happen (Note: Leishman’s wife was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome and toxic shock syndrome. She was initially given a 5 per cent chance to survive). What was Harvey’s reaction to the stressful situation as it was happening? He could tell by me and my reactions that something was going wrong. He could tell I was upset, he’d start crying and ask for his mommy— she had always been around with him all the time—and here I was thinking ‘wow, he’s probably never going to see her again’ and that would make me break down. It was just little things like that; even when I’d take him to the playground it was different because usually Audrey and I would take him together. Then I’d wonder if we’d ever take him to the playground together again. Things that you don’t think much about, even a song would come on the radio will play now— one which was always on the radio when our struggle was happening— and then I start to tear up. It brings up memories that I probably don’t want to think about. But I feel like it’s all made me a stronger person, my wife has been changed for the better. We don’t let little things worry us anymore. I don’t know what the reason was as to why it happened but they say everything happens for a reason. We’ll see what that is I guess. When you’re away, how hard is it? It’s tough, Audrey had strep throat during Doral. If she gets a sore throat it turns into something else. A runny
nose turns into the flu where she’s aching all over and out of commission for a few days. Even when I call her in the morning and she doesn’t answer the phone, I call 20 minutes later she’s finally waking up. Her doctor says I have PTSD, I feel like I’m handling it well but he said you don’t go through something like that and not feel different. I think Harvey had a degree of that too. Anytime either of us left him, he didn’t want that to happen because we might not come back. Mommy and Daddy always came back, that almost happened with Audrey. Now he’s doing better but straight after it happened, he has always been scared of change. Ollie wasn’t old enough to know what was going on, which was really a breath of fresh air. He was still happy and chirpy. We moved away 4 months ago and we know that stuff in the old house would remind us if we were still there now. How have you managed the emotions? Some times are easier than others when I’m away but we’ve got a lot of help at home. We’ve got a nanny who helps us out, which is awesome, Audrey’s friend Angela was the one who really made her go to the hospital in the beginning—she’s a huge help. We’ve just got a lot of friends that are such a great help. At the Open Championship you seemed composed on the course. Has that changed at all for you since Audrey’s hardship? Yes it has. Golf’s not life and death, it’s a game, like I’ve always said before. Obviously I want to hit every shot perfect but it doesn’t happen in this game unfortunately. So I just don’t let the bad stuff worry me as much and I think that has helped me. I don’t think of (the hardship) when I’m on the golf course. I think going back to Augusta is going to be pretty interesting. I will try to go there beforehand and try to get a bit of that stuff out of the way.
But it’s stuff that’s come up from the ordeal that I didn’t realize a year ago I’d have to deal with. But I’ll be dealing with it now and handling it as well as I can. Audrey is up to 80% and we were told that by two years after everything happened we would know whether or not she’s going to make a full recovery. At the moment it appears that way. How would you have handled the disappointment of the British Open if you hadn’t gone through this ordeal? I felt really calm at the British. I didn’t feel nervous at all which was surprising. It was a big moment and there were huge crowds. I wasn’t nervous at all; in fact I was really calm which was nice. I’ve always handled not winning pretty well. Once I get off the golf course if I’m frustrated, give me ten minutes and I’m good. Obviously it was tough to take. Straight after it wasn’t but a week later I was sitting at home and I realised, ‘wow, I had a really good chance at winning the Open Championship and I didn’t take it, that doesn’t come around all the time.’ That part was obviously a bit of a downer but I feel like I’m pretty good at getting over stuff like that again with what happened with Audrey, it’s not life or death. It was a second place. I played pretty well. I didn’t feel like I did a whole lot wrong during those last two rounds. What was the biggest moment of opportunity there in your eyes? I had that putt on 18, a 20-footer and I misread it. I thought it was going to break right and it stayed straight. Everyone was doing it that way, except Zach.
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I drove into a divot on the first and that got me into the woods off the bat, but Zach played well in the playoff, what are you going to do? • Garrett Johnston is a golf journalist More game-changing technology at powakaddy.com based in California. He covers the game on an international level for IG, 10 090 14 210 square AW 3rd march.indd 4-5 New Zealand Golf Magazine, Today’s Golfer UK, and Golf World UK. www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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on tour
Making cuts from coast to coast the first day and hit the ball terrible from tee to green. Fortunately my putting kept me in it and I signed for a 3-under-par 69 to be running in 11th position. Day 2 was fairly similar to day 1 with my ball striking being a little off. Not that I was hitting it into trouble all day, just that I wasn’t hitting it close enough to make a lot of birdies. Once again I putted solid and struggled my way to an even-par round, which had me running 25th and well inside the cut line. It felt like groundhog day on day 3 except my putter misbehaved! The good putts I was holing for par were now sliding by.
with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au
M
y 2016 Australasian tour campaign started at the Victorian Open at 13th Beach Golf Club. This is an event that I love playing as I have had some great results over the years. I love the two courses; they are really strong and normally the wind blows, which suits my game. I also stay with some great friends in Geelong, Rex and Izzy, whom I met at a Pro Am in Queensland about five years ago. Every year that I play down there they are good enough to put me up for the week. I would like to thank them as it makes a massive difference not paying for accommodation. We have some great conversations, normally about golf. Izzy is a great cook and Rex makes sure my beer is never empty! The first couple of days at the event were a struggle. Even though I had been working hard on my game, my swing didn’t feel great and I was hitting some wide shots. I had to remember that this was my first event since early December so you have to feel your way back into it. With eight holes to go the second day I needed four birdies to make the cut. Pete my caddy said to me, “mate forget about technique and just see the shot and trust it. It looks like you’re trying to hit the shots, which is getting in the way of you just playing.” Well, that was great advice as I went on to birdie 13, 15, 16 and 18, to make the cut on the number. No wonder I drink! But not all the work was done as at this year’s event they put in a new cut after the 3rd round. So normally I would have had two more rounds to build a score but this time I didn’t have that luxury.
I played great on the 3rd day but the putts didn’t drop. I signed for a 1-under par 71 but missed the 3rd round cut. Not a bad start to the year and it gave me some ideas about where my game was and what I had to work on. Next: The Victorian PGA, a Pro-Am event, with each professional teaming up with an amateur. It was held at the beautiful Huntingdale Golf Club and I was lucky enough to be teamed with my great mate and sponsor Robbie Bennetts. The first day was tough, as I started terrible and was 3-over after five holes. Three birdies midround got me back into a solid position before a couple of bogeys had me shooting 2-over. Our team score wasn’t a lot better, we only managed 1-under which I blamed mostly on Robbie! We were off early the second day and things were looking up, not only with my score but also the team. We needed to run in the top 40 teams after two rounds to make the two-round cut. I had five birdies, one eagle and two bogeys to shoot 67, 5-under
and moved into a great position with two rounds to go. In the teams we combined to have 7-under and make the two-round cut, so Robbie had to walk another 18!! Our 3rd round really never got going, I shot 2-over and we only managed 3-under in the teams, which placed us 17th. It’s awesome that in our game no matter what level you are at, you can still compete on the same stage as the world’s best. A 76 on the last day positioned me in 46th position and I was looking for the airport!! The next event was The Perth International and it is the biggest event of the Australasian schedule and is played at the amazing Lake Karrinyup golf course in Western Australia. This course every time I have played it is always in amazing condition. There is never a blade of grass out of place, the greens are lightning and the layout is unbelievable with a great mix of short and long holes. To add to the event it was co-sanctioned with the European and Asian tours so the field was first class. I was staying with Lawrie Montague, one of my coaches so once again I was very well looked after. I played early
There’s one thing I have learned about golf. You can hit the ball bad and putt good or putt bad and hit the ball good and you will still get away with a nice score. But if you do both poorly, well, that just normally brings tears! A 2-over 74 dropped me to tied 55th and now at the wrong end of the leaderboard. I finished 3-over my last three holes on Sunday to finish the tournament tied 58th. The best bit of the weekend was when my caddy Pete, tripped over a gallery rope walking down the 15th hole. He didn’t hit the ground but he was close. Drinks and clubs went everywhere and it brought a smile to my face. It wasn’t as funny as when Jeff Lloyd (my old caddy) tripped in Japan, commando rolled several times before coming to rest and blaming it on me, even though I was 2 meters in front of him!! It was a disappointing finish to a week that got off so well. On Sunday night I had a flight to Auckland leaving at 11.40pm so I called into a mate of mine who also gave me a car to use for the week. Ian Barross runs a Jeep dealership in Wanneroo and he always helps me out. I met his great family and threw down a spaghetti bowl before heading to the airport. This is one of the great things about my job. You meet a lot of awesome people that go out of their way to help you out on your journey. So my next two events are in New Zealand so I have a great chance to keep working on the game and hopefully a win. •
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April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
on tour
Kirk kicks ‘bad habits’ david@insidegolf.com.au
Kirk who won the 2009 Ladies Masters – albeit on the “old” course – said she favoured the new-look Graham Marsh-designed golf course at RACV Royal Pines Resort.
A
USTRALIAN Katherine Kirk, a two-time US LPGA Tour winner and 2009 Ladies Masters champion, admits life on tour has been a struggle over the past 12 to 18 months.
“I absolutely love the changes to the golf course,” she said. “It looks like a championship golf course.
Still, if her form at the RACV Ladies Masters, where she finished as the leading Australian professional in a tie for 17th at one-under par, counts for anything then she is heading in the right direction.
“As we all know golf is about how many and not how. I just have to get back to hitting it and not thinking too much – just try and get it in the hole as fast as I can.” The 34-year-old, who has amassed more than $5.5m since turning professional in 2003, is currently working on positive swing changes. “I am hoping my best form is still ahead of me although with all these young guns winning at 18, 19 and 20, I will need to get my act together,” laughed Kirk, who finished runnerup to Yani Tseng in the 2010 Women’s British Open. “It (my game) is heading in the right direction.
“It’s fun and a test because it makes you think.”
Former Ladies Masters champion Katherine Kirk tees off at RACV Royal Pines. – Photo Bruce Young. “I started with a new swing instructor in November last year in conjunction with my current instructor. “We are working on a sequence change right now. “It’s been difficult because I have done things the hard way since I was 12 years old so we are changing 22 years of bad habits.” A product of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and a graduate of Pepperdine University in the US, Kirk is currently building a house in Wichita, Kansas with husband Tom Kirk.
Two years ago, Kirk looked a certainty to join former world number one Karrie Webb as the Australian representatives at this year’s Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil. That’s extremely unlikely following a form slump and the rise of West Australian Minjee Lee, who is making every post a winner on the US LPGA Tour. Asked if golf needed to be an Olympic sport, Kirk gave the only answer possible for someone in her position – a diplomatic one. “I don’t think it needed to be added to the Olympics because it’s already big enough, but I think there will be some positives that come out of it for golf,” she said. “If golf gets exposure in countries that haven’t thought about golf and start investing in junior programs then that’s a positive.” •
INSIDE GOLF looks at the facts and figures following the 27th RACV Ladies Masters played at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.
3 players withdrew from the tournament – Australians Courtney Massey-Docking and Nicky Henderson and Russia’s Maria Verchenova. 5 players, including Australian Rebecca Artis, missed the cut (fourover par) by a single shot. 6: the number of bogeys champion Jiyai Shin made during the tournament. 7 of the 10 amateurs in the field made the cut including four Australians – Hannah Green, Karis Davidson, Rebecca Kay and Robyn Choi. 17 of the 75 players who made the cut finished under par. 18 of the 40 Australians who lined up to play the RACV Ladies Masters made the cut. 20: the number of birdies made by winner Jiyai Shin. 21 Australian players missed the cut. 33 different nationalities from six continents lined up to play in the RACV Ladies Masters.
US Masters & British Open Tours
“Now you can’t just smash driver off the tee. You have to be far more careful and think about where you hit it to get the best angles into the greens.
Truth in the numbers 2 players, England pair Melissa Reid and Alex Peters, retired after round one.
LIFETIME
A golf simulator and net are part of the plans.
David Newbery
“Last year I probably got too technical and was trying to make perfect golf swings and hit perfect shots,” Kirk told MC Bruce Young at a packed corporate luncheon during the tournament.
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44: the number of shots RACV Ladies Masters winner Jiyai Shin finished in front of last placegetter Eliza Huff of Australia. 67: the best score during the tournament was recorded by four players – Anne Van Dam of the Netherlands, Brooke Henderson (Canada), Felicity Johnson (England) and France’s Marion Ricordeau. 87: the highest score recorded by a player who made the cut. Two other players signed for 87s, but missed the cut. 143 players teed it up in the RACV Ladies Masters – 75 made the cut and 68 dropped out after 36 holes. 150: the maximum score (four-overpar) needed to play on the weekend. 278: the number of shots winner Jiyai Shin took at RACV Royal Pines. 5,893: the number of metres the players had to negotiate around the new Graham Marsh-designed course. 12,842: the number of Australian dollars leading amateur Hye Jin Choi of Korea would have won had she been a professional after finishing in a tie for fifth.
LAST LAUGH: RACV Ladies Masters champion Jiyai Shin jokes with the media about her fetish for meat pies, hot chips and beer. 57,502: the number of Australian dollars champion Jiyai Shin banked after winning the tournament. 383,348: the number of Australian dollars spread between the 75 players who made the cut. ??? the number of meat pies and beers consumed by champion and lover of all things Australian Jiyai Shin. “I love pies and some beer but please keep this a secret from my trainer,” she told a packed media conference. www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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Steffensen sprints into golf Henry Peters
ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters
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F
rom a Commonwealth Games gold medal to Olympic and World Championship medals, former sprinter John Steffensen’s competitive streak can now be sparked just as easily by a monthly medal. A decade on from his captivating gold-medal winning run in the 400 metres at Melbourne’s Commonwealth Games, the 33-yearold is happily retired from track and field and has had his sights set on a single figure handicap since he took up the game in 2014. “I could never play golf when I was doing my sport,” he said. “I started playing through a guy who I call my second dad, a guy by the name of Albert Salerno, he’s a member of The Lakes in Sydney. He took me to The Lakes and I just love it.” Steffensen - a 14-handicapper recently moved to Melbourne and joined Huntingdale Golf Club. He admitted a back complaint he battled throughout his athletic career has been a blessing in disguise for his golf by making him pay more attention to his body. “I do a lot of stability exercises throughout my week just for normal daily living. It doesn’t affect me on the golf course. I can play 36 holes in one day and I’ll be fine as long as I execute and keep my technical elements quite sound throughout my golf swing.” Speaking with Inside Golf, his enthusiasm for the game was palpable. He was still riding high from his victory in an annual five-round stableford event at The National and Moonah Links on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula known as ‘Blood, Sweat and Beers’. “There’s about 35 to 38 guys that go down every February and we play five days of golf. The guy with the most stableford points has the leader’s yellow jersey on the final day so we play The Old Course on the last day and we have a Calcutta and you can win money and this year I won it. A lot of the guys were upset, so I said, ‘Hey, I’m coming back to go back-toback next year’. It was really cool.” A Cobra Puma Golf ambassador, Steffensen is also one of the faces of Channel Nine’s Wide World of Sports. He makes regular trips to Sydney, where he has a second set of Cobra Puma golf clubs to avoid the hassle of added luggage, but when he’s travelling anywhere else, his other set of Cobra Puma sticks almost always travel too. “I got a set of clubs fitted for me properly by the guys down at [Cobra] Puma in Melbourne and it’s making all parts of my golf game so much easier,”
Steffensen said. “Their technology is just crazy. It reminded me of running. I was very pedantic about my running spikes. I’d fly to Japan when I was with my old shoe company and we’d spend two days trying to develop a shoe that gave me the best edge when I stepped on the track at the Olympic Games. It’s amazing the punter can get that for golf.” Steffensen - who grew up in Perth, moved to Sydney by the age of 20 and spent the bulk of his athletics career based in Los Angeles - had his running breakthrough at the 2004 Athens Olympics when he won a silver medal in the 4x400m relay. He also captured a bronze medal in the same race at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin. In a career spanning 12 years, Steffensen has seen many corners of the globe, but his bucket list of world-class courses overseas is largely unchecked - and not surprisingly includes Augusta, Pinehurst and Pebble Beach - because he hardly ever found time for golf while competing. “When I went to Palm Springs [in California], I’d go to a couple of country clubs. I was lucky enough to go to Bel-Air Country Club in LA. I’m a big sucker for really picturesque courses. I love the really plush greens, plush fairways. My favourite course is the [Greg] Norman [Moonah] Course at The National. It’s a thinking course, but it’s long. Some long courses, you don’t have to think too much.”
improve men’s and women’s health in elite sport. And while he was critical of the previous administration at AA, Steffensen predicted its new president Mark Arbib and CEO Phil Jones (former CEO at Yachting Australia) can lift Australia out of athletics’ doldrums. “Athletics is on its knees right now, it is dead, athletics is dead and if these guys are committed like they say they are committed, you are going to see a resurgence in track and field to become a powerhouse in this country over the next five to 10 years and that’s without a doubt.” And while Steffensen is working hard to help the next crop of athletes replicate and surpass his achievements on the track, he’s more than happy to kick back and enjoy life like a regular person. “I worked really hard, I had no life for 12 years to be honest. Now, to be able to retire and enjoy some of the fruits of my hard labour has been nice. To walk into the clubhouse and actually have a beer and not a Powerade is pretty cool.” •
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Steffensen refers to himself now as a philanthropist. He recently began working with Athletics Australia (AA) - the same organisation that handed him a six-month ban in early 2013 for bringing the sport into disrepute - to www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
27
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pga igi
PGA IGI program delivers promises David Newbery
up I went to PGA IGI because I knew how well they look after their students and Cloud’s resume was a standout and he was offered a position,” Hawley said.
david@insidegolf.com.au
I
Five months into his new job, Nguyen, originally from Vietnam, is enjoying the challenge.
F you’ve considered studying for a Diploma of Golf Management through the PGA International Golf Institute (PGA IGI) but need more convincing, go and talk to graduates Mark Hawley and Bach “Cloud” Nguyen, who now work in a field they love – the golf industry.
“I was always aiming for a position in golf because I am passionate about it,” he said. “When I was working part-time at a golf club I thought I would end up with a job at a club but it turned out even better because I work for a company that is in contact with all the golf clubs.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Hawley and Nguyen recently for this story and both had the unshakable belief in the quality of the PGA IGI program delivered by golf industry experts.
“Doing the PGA IGI and the Griffith University degree has really helped get this job straight after graduating in 2015.”
Their enthusiasm and optimism is contagious and it’s little wonder Go Golfing, a Gold Coast award-winning golf tournaments and golf travel company, snared their services after they graduated in 2011 and 2015 respectively. Hawley has worked at Go Golfing for four years and is Tournament Manager, while Nguyen is the Golf Holidays Coordinator and Tournament Administrative Assistant. Both young men received a Diploma of Golf Management qualification at PGA IGI and completed a sports management degree at Griffith University. As Australia’s only Diploma of Golf Management, students combine practical golf training and competitions alongside academic learning that focuses on the business and management of the golf industry. The Diploma of Golf Management offers pathway opportunities into the PGA Trainee Program, Bachelor Degrees and for many students is the first step towards a career in golf.
PGA IGI Dean and General Manager Geoff Wessling said it was encouraging to have companies like Go Golfing support IGI students. “It showcases the quality the program provides in getting our graduates ready for a successful career in golf,” he said. Bach “Cloud” Nguyen (left) and Mark Hawley working in an industry of their choice. management degree, really steered me in the direction of events when I started doing work experience at the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship. “The best thing about the PGA IGI program is it’s not just a piece of paper you get at the end of the degree. “It allows you to do so much more by introducing you to industry networks and give you opportunities to gain knowledge and towards a career in the golf industry.
“The biggest thing I took away from the IGI program was the contacts I made through the program,” said Hawley, a recipient of the Adam Scott Foundation Scholarship.
“The PGA IGI staff look after the students to make sure they are getting these opportunities and there are constant reminders of upcoming opportunities.”
“The fact that the program is run by golfers in a background I love helped me get the position I currently have at Go Golfing, which is managing world-class events for amateur golfers.
When Go Golfing was looking to expand its operation and needed a new staff member, it had no hesitation approaching PGA IGI.
“Doing the PGA IGI course, in conjunction with the sports
“When I became Tournament Manager and a position opened
“PGA IGI Alumni are working within the golfing industry throughout the world. “Our graduates have forged careers not only across Australia, but in China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Oman, Ireland and many more. “Year after year we look forward to new students joining us as they take their first step towards a career in the golf industry. “The PGA IGI is the first step for many golfers who take steps to becoming a golf coach, General Manager, Director of Golf, Event Manager or even a PGA Professional.” The PGA IGI delivers the Diploma of Golf Management at its campus locations in Sydney and the Gold Coast. Applications are open now for 2016 mid-year intakes. For further information regarding the PGA International Golf Institute, please contact Luke Bryden on (07) 5657-6109, email lbryden@pga.org.au or visit www.pgaigi.com Facebook - facebook.com/pgaigi Twitter - @PGAIGI
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amateurs
Exciting changes in new ACGC series
UPCOMING ACGC DATES STATE
EVENT
DATE
WA
Seaview
01/04/2016
12 noon shotgun
VIC
Morwell
03/04/2016
10:30am shotgun
NSW
Cobram Barooga
09/04/2016
SA
Port Augusta
10/04/2016
9:30am shotgun
SA
McLaren Vale
16/04/2016
all day 7am start
SA
Mount Gambier
24/04/2016
10am shotgun
NSW
Coomealla
24/04/2016
all day 7am start
TAS
Kingston Beach
29/04/2016
12:30pm shotgun
VIC
Bendigo
06/05/2016
This schedule is subject to change, and venues are being added regularly. Visit www.acgc.com.au for the latest schedule.
brand Crestlink. This internationally recognized brand is well known in Australia as the official apparel of the Emirates Australian Open, and has a brilliant reputation for the highquality designs that are specially designed to suit the golfer’s lifestyle.
Lauren McGregor
Champion Events
The 2015-16 ACGC series has been different by allowing all Australian golfers to compete, however the spirit of the competition has remained in celebrating the Auto Clubs of Australia and their commitment to the game of golf. To mark this change, the Committee has chosen to outfit all competitors in the same shirt and cap design and colour. The Auto Club logos will be proudly emblazoned on the shirt chests and caps to keep the friendly rivalry between clubs alive. All 2016 Finalists will also be spoilt with a fantastic Crestlink Boston Bag to show off back at their home clubs.
T
he 2015-16 ACGC regional event series has flown by, with events run far and wide throughout Australia. With the tournament open to all Australian golfers this year, the ACGC Committee has been busy organising bigger and better events, welcoming both new and familiar faces. With all the excitement at the regional events, it’s hard to believe that the ACGC Championship Final is almost upon us. Preparations are well under way at RACV Royal Pines Resort in Queensland as they gear up to welcome the contenders for Australia’s Best Amateur Golf Pair. One of the fun tasks for the ACGC Committee to complete in preparation for the Final is helping to design the competitors’ shirts and caps for tournament play. Traditionally, competitors have been outfitted in shirts and caps that display the Auto Club logo they are representing in the Final. In years past RACV, NRMA, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, and AANT have also
boasted different shirt and cap colours and designs to further differentiate and increase the competitive spirit between the clubs. The common thread throughout the four past series of ACGC has been the partnership with premier golf apparel
One of the best parts of the Championship Final is the group photos taken before the tournament begins, and we at ACGC cannot wait to see the 2015-16 competitors lined up in their Crestlink shirts and caps. There are still regional events open for registration on www.acgc.com.au, so if you and a partner think you could be one of Australia’s best amateur pairs, sign up today! •
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April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
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legends tour
Wall strikes a blow for amateur golfers In November came a big highlight of his first year when he was paired with Peter Senior for the first two rounds of the Legend Tour’s premier event, the Australian Senior PGA Championship.
Brian O’Hare
brian@australianseniorgolfer.com.au
I
Walking off after 36 holes at Richmond Golf Club, Wall was ecstatic to be able to stand next to a star-studded leaderboard with his name on it.
T happens to most amateur golfers somewhere in their careers … the mind starts to wander and they begin picturing themselves as a pro.
After all they’ve got the right caps with their favourite sponsor’s name emblazoned across the peak, they’ve got the right clubs, the favourite branded balls. It’s only a small leap really. Even if they are a high handicapper and the thoughts will clearly never turn to reality, they still happen. There they are on the practice green and suddenly they have a 15-foot putt to win the U.S. Masters. Oh the glory of it all. But for the better players, maybe more correctly the better, more determined players, the thoughts can sometimes turn serious. For example, the thoughts certainly turned serious for Sydney’s Guy Wall. Wall started playing golf as a five-year-old and by 20 had a very respectable 10 handicap. As a youngster, Wall knew he was never good enough to be a pro, but as he got older the idea continued to niggle at him. He was a very good club golfer, playing pennants for Pymble for 20 years and amateur events whenever he could get away from his successful financial planning business. “I was never good enough when I was young but the older I got I just thought to myself, ‘If I just keep competitive and keep playing pennants, keep fit - I think that’s an important one - you know … then maybe?” he recalls. “Then around 47or 48 I thought, hang on, a couple of more years to turn 50 and I started taking it seriously. Got a coach, John Serhan out at St Michaels. “John and I worked on a plan to get me ready for the Legends
Guy Wall next to the Senior PGA Championship Leaderboard. Tour qualifying school, because we have to go there as amateurs.” Wall saw his coach as often as he could and took some time off work to play and practise (he says that “fortunately” his business partners are all golfers and “understand the passion”).
“It is just so exciting,” he said at the time. “I have had the privilege now of playing with Peter Senior, I’ve played with Mike Clayton, I’ve had a practice with Rodger Davis, I’ve played with Ian Baker-Finch, I’ve played with Terry Price. Just all these guys I used to watch on TV and now I’m playing with them; and the last two days with Peter Senior who has just finished 35th on the US Champions Tour. To be alongside him and watch him go is great. Trying to keep up has been difficult but it’s been good.” Wall said their games were comparable in many respects, but he knew he still had a way to go. “[Senior] just knows how to score. I think I’m just not as consistent as him. When I hit a good one it is comparable but we’ve walked off after two rounds and he’s six under and I’m three under,” he said.
“I started playing a lot of mid-amateur and amateur events just to try and play as much as I could and get ready for the tour,” he says. Wall turned 50 in January 2015 and it was crunch time. He turned up at the Legends qualifying school at Sandhurst Golf Club in Melbourne, shot rounds of 71- 71- 73, came first and received one of just the three new tour cards available each year.
Now in the midst of his second year as a pro, Wall continues to progress, sitting 15th on the 2016 Legends Tour Order of Merit after just six appearances. But having successfully taken the first step, the ambitious Wall is looking to take another one. He says his plan was to spend the first couple of years “gauging where I am in the pecking order”, working on his consistency, and then he might “look elsewhere”.
Suddenly he was a pro golfer, on tour and “playing with guys I’ve watched on TV forever.” His first event as a pro didn’t exactly go as planned.
That elsewhere will be “somewhere between” the Champions Tour, Japan and European senior tours.
“Yes absolutely it was daunting,” he says, “The first game as a pro I think I had 81... shocking score. It was the Cromer Legends event I was just very nervous and thinking ‘have I done the right thing’. I’ve spent all this time and effort to do this. But fortunately the next week at Killara I played really well, I think in the top five, shot 1-over, and that kind of got my mojo back.”
“I think in the next couple of years I might have a crack at one of them,” he says. “I’m not sure which one but I’ll go try one of the three.” • 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
Then in May he got his first win, a Legends event in Tumut followed by another in Cootamundra. The rookie was starting to feel at home.
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clubs
CLUB OF THE MONTH >
Windsor Country Golf Club membership until to full seven-day unlimited golf for the whole year for $1170 including a generous $170 bar credit -- compare well with the other local clubs (about $3000 a year).
“Our average annual fee across all of our playing categories is just under $700 and our full seven-day fee was raised a meagre $20 last year and is likely to be the same this year.
ocated in Sydney’s north-west – one of the city’s fastest-growing regions and now only 25 minutes from the city’s official geographic centre –the historic and energetic Windsor Country Golf Club seems to not only have everything going for it, but also everything growing towards it.
McLean, a sales executive with Coca-Cola Amatil, before being appointed to Windsor in the management role, is steeped in northwest Sydney golf having been a promising junior at Muirfield and now is married to Cumberland Country Golf Club’s PGA Head Professional Jo Bannerman.
“Importantly, competition fees form 40 per cent of our revenue, when combined with subscription fees, and our standard competition fee is $15 -- very affordable in comparison to local clubs.”
On the innovation front, its progressive management team of General Manager Rob McLean (18 months in the role) and Club PGA Head Professional Wayne Kesby (12 years) have numerous promotions available every day of the week.
He is buoyant about Windsor’s future on every front while not shying away from the many challenges confronting almost every golf club in Australia.
Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au
L
Some of the outstanding aspects of the 54-year-old Windsor Country Golf Club, which set it apart from many clubs across Australia, include: A healthy membership of more than 1000 – the second successive year it has achieved this mark, restoring the numbers to what last applied in 2005; A 5887m par -1 championship-quality public course which boasts a GolfLink Slope rating of 128. This is a higher rating than almost all of its upmarket private and resort course rival clubs in the north-west area; A sound financial situation now applies after combined losses of $250,000 and erosion of the club’s cash position in the previous eight years before McLean was appointed in August 2014. From $21,000 in the red standing , when he took charge, the club had a profit of $17,000+ by March 2015 and this year is on track to at least double that; A super competitive suite of Membership options -- which vary from less than $249 (April to September 2016) as a one-off payment for seven-day limited 34
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
While appreciating that the constantly improving Windsor course and an enthusiastic traditional membership are pleasurable assets to promote, he sees the core issues to its long-term success as cementing its financial standing and boosting its membership. “I am pleased the membership numbers this year are back to 2005 levels after they plummeted from 2012 due to a series of flood events and the subsequent battle to revive the course for the next two years,” he said. “So the return to the current playing figures and membership ranks is healthy, considering the trends in recent years among traditional membership style clubs.”
McLean said he and the club’s Board are confident the club has “turned the financial corner”. “The club had significant losses in two out of the eight previous years until March 30, 2014, with even the positive years in 2009 and 2010 only providing a combined total of $24,539. The losses added up to close to quarter of a million and there was a significant erosion of the clubs cash position. “The club already was facing another loss halfway into the financial year when I started in August 2014, when it was in the red by $21,000. However we finished the year in the black with $17,136 up, and a net cash improvement of $130,000. “This year, with February and March still to go, we were $35,000 up and enjoyed a healthy improvement in our net cash position.
McLean says that lower membership subscription fees certainly are a talking point in the north-west.
“An improvement with bar, gaming and green fees have been our largest contributors, even though the competition rounds were lower than the previous year due to significant rain / flood events in January 2016, and April and May last year.”
“We compare well with the clubs east of us, such as Castle Hill, Muirfield and Pennant Hills, which are all around $3000 for the seven-day membership category,” he says.
If Windsor members are happier with the current financial situation, they must be even happier with its improving position geographically with the NSW Government
recently declaring Parramatta as the “demographic centre of Sydney.” McLean says Windsor Road (now virtually a four-lane highway) is “now a quick 50-minute drive” from the Sydney CBD; from the M2 exit it is 20 to 25 minutes and from booming Rouse Hill just 15 minutes. “Rail is still several years from having a huge effect all the way to Windsor with the dual rail line not till 2025, but the connection with the new North West rail link will have benefits down the track,” he says. “It certainly is creating a housing boom in the areas only 10 minutes away from us at Box Hill and Riverstone etc. “The population growth in the Hawkesbury Council area is expected to go from 62,000 now to 83,000 by 2019 and the Hills Council footprint is predicted to also grow about 30 per cent.” And when the anticipated increase in golfer numbers arrive they will find a beautifully grassed and maintained course which will test all of their skills. Course Superintendent Peter Carey, who recently celebrated 20 years service at Windsor, started as a junior groundsman and was promoted into the top job about eight years ago. With an increased staff in the past two years he has been able to gradually raise the course to a very high standard. Carey and his team have overseen the solving of a variety of water problems on the layout – either too much in flood times or too little in the increasing dry periods.
clubs
All aboard for top-value memberships and tee times A SAGE golf club industry person once equated managing and marketing a public golf course to being similar to operating an airline. Their cut-through philosophy was that, every unsold/empty seat on a flight, when it took off, could never be sold again and equated that to unsold/empty tee-times at a public golf course at any time of any day. That would seem to be the thinking at Windsor Country Golf Club which offers myriad opportunities to play golf.
McLean says the biggest factor has been the supply of quality water. “About five years ago and in partnership with the Sebel and Rum Corp golf facility we were able to pipe in (from more than 2km away) water under license, from the Hawkesbury River, in tandem with a one gigalitre storage dam being built,” he says. “A course matrix has been designed and will be progressively worked on over several years with replacement of the 17th and 16th greens coming in next 2 years. “We are conscious the course needs to be developed, to keep it fresh and relevant for current and future golfers.” A unique feature at Windsor is the amazingly innovative technology centre housed in Club Pro Wayne Kesby’s extended 170sqm quality stocked pro shop. It is fully equipped with the latest Foresight Sports GC2 launch monitor, Projection unit, PING Nflight simulation and analysis software, V1
swing analysis and 100cm display units. Add to this a massive array of fitting and teaching equipment options and Kesby has created a full swing simulation solution to any golfers’ needs in Sydney’s Northwest, Penrith and Hawkesbury regions. “Helping every member or public golfer to improve their game and then watching the satisfaction they get from achieving that is fulfilling and exciting and one of the main reasons I became a golf professional,” Kesby says. So it seems everything is going and growing great for Windsor Country Golf Club’s future, which is welcome good news for the golf industry. •
FACT FILE Windsor Country Golf Club Phone: 02 4577 4390 Website: www.windsorgolfclub.com.au
General Manager Rob McLean and his Board of Directors are always looking for ways to get more public golfers teeing off. However their unique best-value and successful membership-boosting offer is for seven-day limited* Golf Australia handicap memberships (with no joining fee) for $449 valid until September 30 2016. Mathematically rounded out, that means as a new member you will have access to almost 200 days of unlimited golf which equates to about $2.10 a day. Members joining under the $249 Limited Membership category are welcome to play in Windsor club events for a competition fee of $25 each time. However if they plan to play in competitions frequently they can trade up for just $200 more ($449) for the no strings attached 7 days full membership, with competition fees just $15. At some time every day of the week there is a special top value all-inclusive deal to attract public players.
One of the best is 18 holes for four with two carts plus a beer or a soft drink from Sunday (after 11 am) to Friday for just $99 -less than half the normal price. No wonder all of the club’s 25 carts are booked out almost every Sunday taking up this offer. There also are outside-competition hours offers (one is especially for tradesmen playing after work) which include meals and drinks and cut-price golf. Windsor also can arrange rare primetime public playing spots on Saturday during daylight saving months, which are blended in between their Members’ competition rounds. There are eight different categories of memberships available at Windsor scaling down from the $1170 a year seven-day unlimited golf deal (which includes $170 in drink vouchers) to just $50 a year (full handicap and unlimited golf ) for cadets aged 8-12 years – all without joining fees. In between there are special full memberships for those aged over 65 ($970, includes drink vouchers $140), Pensioners ($770, includes drink vouchers $180), Associates (women, $760, includes drink vouchers $80), Limited-7 Day membership ($680, includes drink vouchers $170), Post Junior (aged 18-25) ($480, includes drink vouchers $80) and Juniors (13-17 years of age, $75) Membership year runs from 1st October to 30th September, and pro rata discounts apply. If you’re a public golfer wanting to book a prime tee time or a would-be club handicap member, there’s definitely a deal to suit you now, at the go-ahead Windsor Country Golf Club.
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
35
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The new Cobra KING wedges are designed and manufactured using new Progressive Milled Grooves which feature wider grooves and gapping on higher lofted wedges, and traditional groove spacing on lower lofted wedges. The wider groove design allows higher lofted wedges (56-60*) to grab the golf ball imparting increased spin, and making spin more consistent throughout the wedge set. The KING wedges feature Three Sole Grind configurations that have been combined with the iconic COBRA Notch, which provides golfers with the ability to choose the perfect wedge to match their game and turf conditions. Each unique sole grind has its own set of advantages: the Versatile sole features a medium bounce (810*) to provide overall versatility on medium to firm turf conditions, the Classic configuration has a high sole bounce (11-12*) and a narrow sole for ease of use on all turf conditions, and the WideLow option has a low bounce (4-7*) with a wide sole that works well on medium to soft turf conditions.
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Odyssey White Hot RX Putters
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 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. Choose from Odyssey’s standard rubber or SuperStroke grip options to find the perfect setup for your stroke.
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Exotics continues to earn the reputation of ‘leaders in fairway wood technology’ with the release of the new EX9 series. Tour Edge use class-leading manufacturing methods such as Robotic Laser Bonding in the EX9 and Combo Brazing in the EX9 Tour. Only premium componentry is used in the Exotics product such Diamana, Matrix and UST Mamiya Recoils shafts.
Release all that built-up tension and strain with a good-quality massage chair.
Tour Edge guarantee their product for life; because they stand behind everything they do. For over 25 years, Tour Edge has been a golfer’s golf company, producing a full line of state-of-the-art product to suit everyone from the Tour Player to those new to our great game. Tour Edge incorporates leading edge Technology in everything they do. Made for golfers, by golfers. EX9 is the most adjustable series of clubs made by Exotics. This allows the golfer to tune their clubs for optimum playability. Key features include Narrower and Deeper Power Grids which allow for maximum spring effect. Variable Face thickness (VFT) increases launch speeds. Walkinshaw Customer Service: 1800 656 968 RRP: $ 399.95 EX9 Fairway $549.95 EX9 Tour Fairway www.wsports.com.au ws.orders@wsports.com.au
CounterCore putter grip
Muscle relaxation is also a benefit --many people feel a certain amount of discomfort after they have carried out a strenuous physical activity or if they have had a long day at work/school. Fatigue, discomfort and soreness are very common symptoms of physical strain and 10-15 minutes in a massage chair can loosen and relax your muscles.
1300 780 022 www.innovationsquare.com.au hello@innovationsquare.com.au
Used by some of world golf’s best players—including World Number 1 Jordan Spieth—SuperStroke grips have taken the world by storm, and are helping golfers across the world improve their putting.
Adjusting grip weight allows you to fine-tune the feel and stability of your putter. Every SuperStroke CounterCore putter grip comes with a 50g back-weight that engages larger muscles in the arms, shoulders and back, which results in more of a pendulum motion, improves stroke path and reduces face angle rotation. The patented NO TAPER design promotes even grip pressure, which leads to better putting. It can also be played without the weight if you prefer.
RRP $6,120.00
Finally, massage chairs can result in improved spine alignment. Massage chairs—especially ones with an automatic recline function—support the spine while the massage is being carried out. This allows the spine to stretch and relax and eases the pressure, thus improving its alignment.
RRP: S tandard: $259.99 Superstroke: $289.99 http://au.odysseygolf.com/putters/family/ white-hot-rx/
SuperStroke’s new CounterCore is an adjustable weight system to help you putt even better.
There are many benefits of using a massage chair. These include pain relief (easing body aches and pains) and Stress relief (sitting in a good massage chair helps relax your shoulder, neck and head area of stress and the associated side-effects like headaches).
FOOTSENSE
A variety of colour combinations are available. Distributed by Champion Sports www.championsports.com.au
MGI Navigator Quad Gyro The MGI Navigator Quad Gyro will be your new best friend on the golf course and is dynamic on every level. It is the pinnacle of luxury and power with intelligence to stay on track and respond to your needs on the green. The patented gyroscope technology helps master any terrain by keeping the buggy straight on track irrespective of the terrain (it can move across a hill instead of down). With a full directional remote control you can direct your buggy from a distance and have more energy to play your best game. The MGI Quad Series is a reflection of what you demand out of your caddy – power, performance, style and innovative technology. They are the only four wheel buggies with rotating front wheels 38
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
RRP $2,240.00
and suspension. Explore the integrated technology at the heart of the Quad Series motorised buggies, compact size, controlled downhill speed braking system, electronic park brakes, patented gyroscope directional technology and multi-functional utility handle. The four wheels provide stability, better manoeuvrability, weight distribution (increasing the life of the buggy) and a smooth ride with less resistance. With the rotating front wheels and front wheel suspension you will notice the difference for a smooth ride and pleasurable walk. For stockists: MGI www.mgigolf.com 1300 644 523
RRP $59.00 Lepard has released a new product to complement the LIGHTGRIP golf training glove. FOOTSENSE is a low-cost, portable pressure mat with coloured lights, designed to show you where you have your weight or pressure at setup and during your swing. The sensor (black part) is simply placed under the ball or heel of the foot inside the shoe either under the sock or inner sole and the orange ‘light’ box sits on the outside of your shoe. When you transfer weight the lights change colour. This is the fastest way to get a feel for where your
weight is at setup and during the golf swing. For immediate results with chipping and pitching try using FOOTSENSE with a LIGHTGRIP pressure glove. Set your grip pressure on light (yellow light or no light) and FOOTSENSE on green which means your weight is on the ball of your foot closest to your target. www.lightgrip.com.au 0422 253 751 lepard@lightgrip.com.au
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Seventh Annual Golf Classic 3 - 6 October 2016 PORTSEA
ST ANDREWS beach
Moonah Links - Legends
Sorrento
Register NOW! Experience Tournament Play on these Exceptional Mornington Peninsula Courses Graded Championship for Men and Women This prestigious individual stableford Tournament showcases Australia’s #1 golf destination, the Mornington Peninsula Play 3 of Australia’s Top 12 Public Access courses and Sorrento, one of Australia’s most exclusive Clubs! Early Bird Entry Fee of $595 includes*: ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗
Welcome Dinner Carts at all courses Presentation Dinner at The National Golf Club Souvenir Polo Optional golf (additional costs)
◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗
4 days of golf Daily lunches Daily and overall prizes Morning or afternoon fields Partner’s ticket available (additional costs)
Discounted Accommodation offers available. * Must register and pay before 20 June 2016
This is going to be a sell-out Tournament! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to play these unique courses! For more details, go to www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au info@golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au Pamela McDermott, Marketing Manager on 0439 396 617
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
EARLY BIRD SAVE $60!
new gear
WE TRIED IT!>
PNP SiteLine
Richard Fellner
putter and chipper
richard@insidegolf.com.au
H
aving played golf for over 40 years, I’ve seen and tested nearly every new type of club on the market. While many of these products can easily fall into the “gimmick” category, there are a fair number of clubs that are the “real deal”, offering massive benefits to golfers of all levels. An even smaller subset of these can be classified as a real “game changer”, offering something so unique that it can actively help a population of golfers to really reduce their handicap, and improve their enjoyment of the game.
A new product line on the market, the PNP SiteLine Putter and Chipper line, sits firmly in that second category. Now, many golfers out there are hesitant to add a “chipper” club to their bag, whether it’s due to the thought of the perceived sledging from playing partners, or simply indecision of which of the 14 clubs in their bag should be relegated to the storage closet in favour of this new club. To be honest, I fell into both categories. But after a few rounds with the SiteLine clubs, I was absolutely hooked. The benefit of using a chipper is that it allows you to hit low-lofted, bump-and run shots from a variety of places near or around the green. Whether you need to clear a section of furry fringe near the green, pop over a small obstacle like a sprinklerhead, or simply hit a greenside shot from a very tight lie, a chipper has many unique advantages. While some players will opt to hit, say, a
TaylorMade M2 Family Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au
Whenever TaylorMade Golf launches a new set of clubs, I anxiously await my chance to get them out on the course for a test-drive. The last full set of TaylorMade clubs I tested – the RSi irons—were so good that I quickly added them to my bag on a permanent basis. And they have never let me down (my swing has, certainly, but never the clubs!) So when TaylorMade announced the new M2 irons and woods, I took on the air of an expectant father, pacing the hallways in anticipation of something exciting in the immediate future. As expected, the new M2 doesn’t disappoint. The M2 are game improvement irons, designed for golfers who need to get maximum distance and trajectory, while also delivering great forgiveness and feel. Fortunately, there are no compromises, so players of all levels can benefit from these sleek and stylish clubs. In creating the M2 irons, engineers 40
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
hybrid or wedge in these situations, the truth is that a hybrid’s shaft is often too long for a controlled, “touch” shot around the green, while the face can sometimes lead to inconsistent results. Wedges, on the other hand, can dig into the ground (leading to the nasty “chunk” shot) or can bounce off a tight lie, leading to a skulled shot. And a putter from well off the green can result in unexpected “kicks” off uneven turf or unseen obstacles. The SiteLine clubs put an end to all that. The secret to the SiteLine Putter and Chipper line is that they work together as a “Dynamic Duo”. Both clubs use a unique “All Square” alignment feature. Simply address the ball, and make sure that the directional pointer fits squarely in the notch on the top of the club. This ensures, every time, that your eyes are directly over the ball and that the putter face is 90° to the target direction. But here’s the key (and this is absolutely critical, so pay attention): As these two clubs are designed as a set, you can use the SAME employed some really cool features, including the company’s patented Speed Pocket technology. The Speed Pocket is a small slot in the sole of the iron to improve shots struck low on the face of the iron. This helps activate the lower portion of the face by minimising speed reduction and creating higher launch on shots hit below centre. This increases the size of the sweet spot vertically. And a bigger sweet spot is always a good thing! Shot after shot, these irons were absolute beauties, giving me exceptional distance and a high peak trajectory. The long irons are among the longest irons I’ve ever hit—and though that is partially due to the stronger lofts, there is no denying that the ball absolutely flies off the clubface. And the short- and mid-irons produced some eye-popping approaches that stopped on a dime, many within tap-in distance of the pin. Absolute gold! The M2 Metalwoods, too, offer massive distance gains, with plenty of forgiveness. For players like me, this is especially important off the tee, as my less-thanconsistent swing can result in tee shots leading me to many previously undiscovered parts of the course. Building on the success of its predecessor,
STROKE for both putting and chipping. This develops into a repeatable muscle memory, and all but guarantees consistency (and confidence). So, playing a long “chipper” shot uses the exact same stroke as a long putt (albeit with a longer backswing, etc). It’s a brilliant idea, and is sure to turn heads. The SiteLine chipper features an anti-dig, flat sole, which glides across the ground for consistent contact. With a loft of 35° (Similar to a modern 8-iron) it’s designed for shots under 60 metres, but can be hit from a variety of distances (even full swings!) For shots under 30 metres, you use your regular putting stroke and grip, resulting in a lower shot with more roll. For shots longer than 30 metres, use your normal iron/wedge grip (with hands leading the clubhead) which gives you a higher trajectory and more backspin. As mentioned, the key is to use the SiteLine Chipper and Putter in concert to develop a
repeatable swing. The SiteLine Putter has a small, facebalanced mallet head and is made from 17-4 S/Steel, a malleable compound that gives a soft feel and good feedback through the stroke. It is designed to be used with a pendulum putting stroke—simply back and forth, and can be used no matter how you grip the club. Both clubs come in standard club length of 34.5”, with oversize grips, the latest gameimprovement craze sweeping the golf world. All told, this “Dynamic Duo” is a remarkable combination of clubs, and they now sit proudly in my bag. I have no fears about sledging from my fellow playing partners regarding the chipper, as by the end of the round, they are usually asking me where they can get one of their own! Available for pre-order from PNP Golf: http://pnpgolf.com/au/
WIN: A TaylorMade M2 Driver
the M1, the new M2 product line feature weight savings from the carbon crown—with the discretionary weight moved to the sole Inside Golf and TaylorMade are of the club, resulting giving away an M2 Driver to in a low and slightly one lucky reader. Simply visit farther back centre www.insidegolf.com.au/ of gravity. What competitions to enter. does this mean? A Good Luck! screaming hot trajectory, a massive sweet spot and heaps of forgiveness. At address, the M2 metalwoods— Driver, Fairway and hybrids—all look and feel RESCUE like a high-performance club should. Well RRP balanced and light, they inspire confidence, $299.00 and give you the sense that you are going to hit the ball like TaylorMade staffer Jason Day, who relied on TaylorMade clubs in his PGA Championship victory last year. While few of us can hit it like Jason, one thing’s for sure: having these M2 clubs in our bag can get us a few steps closer. They are the most forgiving and exciting TaylorMade clubs I’ve ever tested. And they are definitely worth a test drive if you’re looking for more distance and playability! www.taylormadegolf.com.au
DRIVER RRP $649.00
FWY RRP $399.00
STEEL RRP $189.00
GRAPHITE RRP $189.00
gear
Single-length iron phenomenon hits Australia
GEAR NEWS Kwinana Golf Club installs the Battery Reviver onto their rental carts
B
ryson DeChambeau, who in 2015 pulled off a rare feat in golf in winning both the NCAA and U.S. Amateur titles in the same year, is nothing if not distinctive. There is the Hogan style cap and his trademark single-plane swing. A physics major at Southern Methodist University he has applied his study to his fascination with simplifying and improving his golf game.
His success on the course has elevated him to the top echelons of world amateur golf including captaining the victorious US Walker Cup team and invitations to the US Open, US Masters and The Open Championship. But none of that is the most interesting thing about DeChambeau. It’s his clubs. Through his own study of the golf swing, his desire for a repeatable single plane motion, and the fairly diligent work of the clubfitting team at Edel Golf, DeChambeau is getting attention for using a distinctly different set of clubs. He plays with a set where all the irons and wedges are the same length, approximately that of a standard 7-iron. His solution to the iron game is simplifying it. With conventional irons, the clubs are all a different length, typically 35 inches for an AW up to 39 inches for a 4 iron. The golfer has to deal with length complexity, where each iron requires a different set-up, ball position and swing plane. With Bryson’s set, all his irons are 37.5 inches and have exactly the same lie-angle, that of a 7-iron. Naturally, each iron has its own distinct loft. This
Kwinana Golf Club, just south of Perth, is one of Western Australia’s premium golfing venues, and one of Perth’s best kept secrets. Although Kwinana is a private A-Grade course, visitors are welcome with open arms to enjoy and experience the natural beauty and prolific bird life of this exceptional course.
means that he can adopt the same stance, ball position and swing plane for all irons. Effectively, he is removing all the complications of length complexity. He simply selects the loft he needs for the required distance. Imagine if we too could swing every iron in our bag with the same swing plane, tempo and set-up. Like Bryson, our iron game would be far less complicated. Bryson recently played the Australian Masters with his radical irons, coming home in second place to Peter Senior.
Australian company “foundation offer” Milford Golf, a Victorian-based, Australian owned company is planning to launch singlelength irons to the Australian market in May-June 2016. To find out more and for information on Milford’s pre-release offer, contact Fred Stewart on 0412563977,on fred@milfordgolf.com.au or visit Milford Golf on Facebook.
Kwinana have a fleet of 30 electric golf carts, and recently looked at ways to revive and extend the working life of the batteries. They came across the BLS Battery Reviver and purchased two devices to test the effectiveness of the device on carts with poor batteries. They were so impressed with the results they are in the process of fitting the Battery Reviver to all of their rental carts. The Battery Reviver is a device recently patented in the US, which performs two functions. Firstly it revives old sulphated batteries by sending a transmission through the batteries, dissolving the sulphur build up on the lead plates.
In doing this it restores the voltage of the batteries back to their original voltage. Secondly, by dissolving the sulphur, the sulphuric acid is restored back to its original strength. Leaving the device connected will prevent sulphation occurring in the future. By preventing this sulphation process from occurring, the developers claim it will triple the life of new batteries, this is difficult to prove, but it makes sense that if you eliminate the main reason the batteries fail, it must increase the life of the batteries. For more information visit www.batteryreviver.com.au or call 1300 852 433
STAYPLAY
CITY GOLF CLUB & CITY GOLF CLUB MOTEL TOOWOOMBA
Packages starting from $125pp twin share
Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club
Membership Now Open
Membership is open at Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club on the Central Coast in NSW. This unique 18 hole championship course, designed by Ross Watson, is just 2 hours from Sydney and rated No 23 out of the Top 100 Courses in Australia by Australian Golf Digest, March 2016. It is owned by its members and is an inclusive and progressive club where men and women have equal playing and voting rights. A number of membership categories and packages are now available.
Toowoomba
Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 1 Magenta Drive, Magenta, NSW 2261 Phone: +61 (2) 4336 0107 Email: info@magentagolf.com.au www. magentagolf.com.au/membership or visit us on Facebook www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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instruction
Different coaching for different levels of golf the target”, making solid contact with the ball and developing good balance. The course should include putting, chipping and bunker shots. These fundamentals will give you a good grasp on the game and allow you to play and score even if you only play a few times a year. The drills given in the course should be simple and easy for you to remember and practice. Learning in a group of players at a similar level allows the coach to pitch at the same level. It’s also more costeffective and enjoyable. Many social groups have started from beginner golf courses.
David Merriman
Golf Professional, Australian PGA 0412 44 2205
P
roviding golf instruction for the average golfer is not just a case of running through a routine with a set of drills and instructions and hoping that one size fits all. We are all individuals with different body types, different golf swings, different levels of agility and different lifestyles.
Speak with your local golf professional, PGA contact, community college or golf range to find out if there are courses available in your area. Be prepared to commit to one hour per week for six to eight weeks and know that you will walk away with a better understanding of the game and be able to carry this knowledge to the golf course.
I often play in the Australian PGA Legends Tour tournaments. I am always happy to help my amateur playing partners with their game, which leads to the question – what kind of golf instruction is right for you? In a Pro-Am event I may play with a golfer who only plays two or three times a year right through to a good amateur that plays golf on a regular basis and maintains a good handicap. These players need to be taught differently in order that they get the most out of my tips. For the player that plays rarely it’s usually best to keep it simple and give them something that they can take with them straight to the course as practice may not fit into their schedule. This may be in the form of a thought for them to use in their practice swing before they hit the ball. For the more advanced player I may give them a drill to work on that they can practice three to four times a week to enhance their swing. If you do participate in Pro-Ams and I am partnered with you please feel free to ask me for help— but not until the end of the round. Giving an amateur a golf lesson during a round can
Assisting playing partners at the end of a round sometimes have the opposite effect.
lesson or course that will improve your golf.
For the player that plays a little bit and never practices it is very difficult to make changes to their golf swing and expect results. If you wish to make changes in your swing you need to be able to practice and do drills on a regular basis. As a rule of thumb you need to have enough time to practice 5 to 10 minutes per day for three to four weeks to cement that change and create muscle memory. And that’s just for one change.
The best way for a beginner or part time golfer to improve their game is to look for a group course that has other players at a similar level. You can always put your own group together and approach a coach to teach you. The course should run on a weekly basis over a six to eight-week period and cover the fundamentals of golf – how to achieve a good grip, good posture and set up, making a consistent swing, understanding the basics of the golf swing, learning how to “shake hands with
In this article I will address the player that is just starting out and outline the right type of
My tip for the “sometimes golfer” is BALANCE. A golfer needs balance at the address position, backswing, impact position and finish. If you focus on hitting the ball and having a good balanced finish, the other three positions will probably take care of themselves (i.e.: address, backswing and impact). Next month I will outline that best type of golf lesson for the better player and what it takes to improve your handicap and game. For more information on how to play better golf contact your local PGA member or contact me at Royal Pines Golf Course on the Gold Coast. David is an Australian PGA Tour Player and Teaching Professional at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast. Contact David on 0412 44 2205.
The Jewel On The Newell
Corporate Golf | Social Golf Stay & Play Packages Available • 18 hole Championship Grass Green Course • Electric Golf Carts for Hire • Packages Available - 7 days • Small and large Groups catered for • Watered fairways • Wednesday & Friday Night Dinners a specialty! Join us on 17 & 18 September for our Annual Parkes Open Tournament Saturday - Atlas Copco Fourball Sunday - SCT Logistics Parkes Open Please phone Janelle for more information and bookings on
02 6862 2044 www.parkesgolfclub.com.au 42
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
instruction
“Right Heel Up” drill for better ball striking
Rory Doran
rory@promygolf.com
T
oo many golfers try to angle their body to get the ball in the air, instead of trying to let the clubhead do the work for them. One of the main things that is affected by this ‘killer move’ is the quality of the strike, particularly with the mid and short irons. If a golfer angles their spine away from the target in the downswing in an attempt to “scoop” the ball into the air, the arc of the golfer’s downswing will actually bottom out behind the ball before impact. This can cause InsideGolfAd_PTSEvolution.pdf 1 either a heavy strike if the golfer catches the
turf too early, or can cause a thin shot if the golfer strikes the ball with the leading edge whilst hitting it ‘on the up’.
in turn will help the golfer toward moreconsistent ball striking and a lower, more penetrating ball flight.
For better and more consistent ball striking the golfer will need to create a more aggressive, slightly steeper, angle of attack and actually allow the downswing to bottom out after impact. This will ensure that the ball will be struck from the middle of the club face, and a divot will be created after the clubhead strikes the ball.
One of the best drills to achieve this more aggressive set-up position is the ‘Right Heel Up’ drill. This is a very simple drill where the golfer is encouraged to take their normal stance for a full swing with an iron, and then lift their right heel (for a right-handed golfer, left-handers would lift their left heel). This will automatically create a stronger bias on the left side of the golfer’s stance which will restrict the temptation for the golfer to sway the majority of their weight onto their right side during the backswing, and in turn will make it difficult to angle their spine away from the target during the downswing.
To achieve this steeper angle of attack in the downswing the golfer should create some bias on their target side (i.e. the left side for right-handed golfers). This will create a set-up position that will encourage a downward, 4/6/15 4:05 PM compressing strike through impact, which
The ‘Right Heel Up’ drill effectively encourages the golfer to put more emphasis towards their target side at address and throughout the swing- making it easier to create a downward strike through impact and to encourage the momentum of the downswing to flow through towards the target. This will reduce the ‘scooping’ motion and get them on their way to cleaner and more consistent ball striking. • For more tips from Rory, 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.
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mental game
Get the butterflies to fly in formation to hit a good shot or a poor one, the choice is yours. As Gary Player said, “There is one decision: am I going to hit it well or poorly? I am going with the ‘well’ thank you.”
Emotion and feelings do come into the equation. A simple strategy with feelings is to take your focus off how you are feeling and put the focus on to what you are doing. Hopefully that ends up with you doing one thing, thinking of one thing and being positive about it.
By Andrew Crockett
E
veryone is unique in the way they handle pressure, some people thrive on it and others tremble in fear. Knowing how you deal with pressure is a valuable lesson in golf, one that may save you a match or wipe a few strokes off your score. Obviously pressure is part of the mental game within golf and the more importance you perceive the situation to be, the higher the pressure, but it is how you respond to that pressure situation that is quite intriguing. Some golfers get angry and grind their teeth under pressure, others get aggressive and put a totally different swing on the golf shot, or hit the putt in a more aggressive way than they would normally, due to the pressure situation they are feeling. Some golfers get timid and cannot, for the fear of God, get the ball to the hole. You might be a golfer that gets creative under pressure and think to try a shot you would not ordinarily try … but what is important is to accept that you probably do change under a pressure situation and what can you do about it? The situation changes, the golfer’s mental response happens which includes an emotional response and a physical response … collectively they create the consequence. Firstly, a golfer must be aware that pressure exists. While one could write a thesis about the perception of pressure and the power of the mind, all we can deduce is that pressure only exists if we are concerned about the outcome and if you can get all ‘Dalai Lama’ on yourself and pretend you are not concerned, then you will inherit the wind my friend. What sort of golfer are you, under pressure? Do you stand over a must-make five-footer
Some golfers think of pressure in a positive way, they like it, while others see it as negative and an instant recipe for self-doubt and fear. Once you identify with pressure and the fact you are feeling it and you know how you usually respond you are well placed to re-frame pressure into a positive thought, after all you know yourself and how you are about to react and that is a lot more than perhaps your competition. Get the butterflies in your stomach to fly in formation. Bob Charles practicing to remove pressure (Photo via John Fisher III archives). on the 18th and try to force it in, take all the break out of it and ram it home? Or are you more methodical? Perhaps you are oblivious, or pretend to be oblivious to the situation and when the putt misses, you shake your head ‘Oh, I wish I knew I needed that’. The obvious mistake amateur golfers make with pressure is that they only feel it on the golf course, in a match. What professional golfers do, is they practise the cognitive situation, they put themselves under pressure while they are practising. This is a very simple technique that amateur golfers should incorporate into their practice routines. Legendary Australian Amateur Peter Toogood talks of trying to hit the fairway 20 times in succession with a 2-iron when practising and if he missed the fairway, he would start again and he would not finish his session until he hit 20 in a row. Once you get to 18 or 19 successful strikes onto the fairway, the pressure is on and the golfer will learn how they respond to the situation; they might tighten up – swing too fast, go
MoSS Vale Golf club iS a
Golfer’s Paradise
to a ‘stock shot’ or perhaps take twice as long over the shot, or even worse, hurry through it. The beauty is, you can learn while practising how you react to pressure, so that when it happens on the course the feeling is not so foreign. Quite simply, the more you can put yourself in a pressure situation, the better you will be at dealing with it the next time it happens. Go back to your practice routines and work out how to incorporate pressure into them. Some golfers literally give up when the pressure gets too much; if that’s you, become aware of your temperament and realise that giving up will never get you anywhere. Other golfers lose focus under pressure; their mind starts thinking of too many things at once, whereas half an hour previously they were a totally different golfer; again, this is something you can learn about yourself and there are strategies to deal with the loss of focus. Breathing and thinking about one positive thought is a good start. Practise mindfulness, think positively. Are you going
You might drive the ball well under pressure, but chip poorly and conversely it might be your driving that suffers in the heated situation; whatever it is, it is up to you to identify which of your skills sets suffer most under the pressure and put extra time into those skills so you feel confident in them, under any given circumstance. Increased fitness helps deal with pressure and it is also good advice to practise when you are fatigued, as no doubt the time will come when you are fatigued on the closing holes and the pressure kicks in. Maintain the belief in yourself, strive for excellence, not perfection. Learn about yourself – you will be surprised how quickly you will notice your responses and poor decision making on the course, if you put the time in with considered pressure building practice sessions to identify your unique traits in this glorious and ever evolving game of golf. • Andrew Crockett is the author of Bump & Run: At the feet of the Masters. More: www.bumpandrun.com.au
2 Day Golf School at MoSS Vale Golf club 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 $230 per night for 2 people includes daily: 4 course dinner, breakfast, Accommodation, 18 holes*
Package Includes: • 3 Nights accommodation • 3 Dinners • Professional Tuition
• 3 Buffet Breakfasts • Morning tea & Lunch on two days
*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, 21st-24th September, 28th-September-1st October, 26th-29th October, 9th-12th November and 23rd-26th November 2016.
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
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April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
*Group sizes are limited to 8 people
inside the game
The art within the game By Andrew Crockett
W
ith the anchoring ban kicking in January this year, there has been a lot of talk about putting…styles of putting and what can work and what does work. Seasoned golfers believe that putting is 90% mental and 10% technique and we can all relate to that sentiment. If you look at the best players on Earth, most of them swing their irons and woods pretty much the same way, they get into a similar position at the top and they then unload. Putting is not so, it is the art within the game.
Statistics will show us that whoever putts the best in a tournament will usually end up winning, or be in the top 5. We know the importance of putting, but who puts the time in? How much time do you put in to practicing your putting, or are you down at the range trying to get an extra 20 meters with the driver? Again, research tells us that most amateurs are more interested in perfecting their driver swing, than honing in their short game, yet we all know which one yields greater results on the scorecard. Looking through history, there have been some fantastic putters. The styles of the 1950s through to the 1980s were far more eclectic than the more homogenized putting styles of the modern era. Sam Snead famously got the yips and created side-saddle putting, Bobby Locke hooked his putts and rarely missed, our own Kel Nagle with his unique pre-shot routine was worshipped for his putting, his best friend Peter Thomson once saying ‘I never saw him miss a putt from inside four feet’. Across the pond, Sir Bob Charles once had a round where he remembers not missing a putt from inside 20 feet. You hear of putting feats - that is one of them. Sir Bob Charles had a shoulder action, with his putting style, no wrist – whereas many of his playing companions of that era were ‘wristy’. Looking back, some of the game’s greatest players all have
While their putting styles all varied greatly, the game’s best players all shared one critical aspect with the flatstick: confidence. (Photo: Black Knight International Archives) their own opinions on putting styles. Here are just a few: “Best putters … confidence. I listen to these TV commentators say ‘he hit a bad putt because he jabbed it’. Two of the best putters that ever lived, Bobby Locke and Billy Casper, were both jabbers of the ball. I also jabbed the ball when I putted and I still
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do today and I think I holed as many putts as almost anybody. Arnold Palmer jabbed his putts as well; they all jabbed in our time because the greens were so slow. There is not one particular stroke that makes you a good putter. I believe good putters have got better eyes and better feel. Bobby Locke had very good manners
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inside the game on the golf course, he was very relaxed and he was the best putter that I ever saw.” Gary Player “There are putters who are renowned for having a great stroke and are said to be a great putter. There are bunker players who are great bunker players. There are drivers who are great drivers. There are golfers who are great golfers. But the great, great golfers and great, great putters, and great, great sand players do it when it means something. To me, the ones who do it when it means something are the ones who are remembered as great putters. You think of a Tiger Woods, an Arnold Palmer, a Gary Player, a Tom Watson, and if you want to be kind, I suppose I could be included in that list. Because we did it when we had to do it. That, to me, is what makes you a great putter. Of all the aspects of the game of golf, I think this is particularly true with putting. It is interesting when you hear people talk about someone being a great putter and then when it gets down to the end of a tournament, where is that great putter? The one thing about a putter that makes him or her great is being able to do it when they have to do it. Every one of these great players has to be a great putter, or they would never win anything. So in the end, I would say it is the mental outlook, the positive ability to be able to make a putt when you have to make it, and to do it consistently.” Jack Nicklaus “It is all about confidence: if one feels like one can put it in the hole with a broomstick then that is what one needs to use. So much depends on what is going on between one’s ears. If a golfer starts missing putts, the hole starts looking like a thimble, but when things are going well, one’s confidence builds, it’s easier to see the correct line and the hole starts looking as big as a bucket. Remember, you don’t have to roll the ball down a line as narrow as a thread of cotton to make putts, there is a margin for error because the cup is four and a quarter inches [108 mm] in diameter, which is roughly the width of the yellow lines on highways. Provided the ball is rolling at the right speed, it should fall in if it touches any part of the hole.” Bruce Crampton “If I had to give someone a 4-metre putt to save my life I would give it to Jack Nicklaus. The number of times Jack Nicklaus had to hole a putt at a crucial stage of the tournament … he would usually make it. I remember once he told me that he didn’t draw the putter back until he had imagined the ball going into the hole. I have always thought: to be a good putter you have to have a good imagination, particularly on fast greens, like Royal Melbourne, where some putts can break off the world and you have to use your imagination and if you don’t get it right you
YOUR BLUE MOUNTAINS parmaker OUTLET
Photo courtesy of John Fisher III may end up with a putt almost as long as the one you started with, coming back. I also think that is one of the reasons Tiger Woods has been so dominant: when he was on with the putter he was unbeatable.” Jack Newton “I’ve seen them all, but as far as I’m concerned no one ever came close to the big Australian Jim Ferrier, the former US PGA champ and two-times winner of the Australian Open. Jim averaged no more than 24 putts per round. It was just unreal. In 1938 at Royal Adelaide in the Australian Open, Ferrier had about 20 putts in the morning round and 21 in the afternoon to beat me for the title. In the 1939 Australian Open at Royal Melbourne, Ferrier did it to me again with 19 putts in the morning round, including two chip-ins, and 21 putts in the afternoon to beat me by two shots. Ferrier was a big man, but I could outdrive him by 30 or 40 yards from the tee. But he knew he was the best putter. He had a dominating personality. “The next best putter was South African Bobby Locke, who many other judges consider the best putter who ever lived.
Bobby Locke uses an ancient hickory-shafted putter and a style that violates all principles, ancient and modern, except one: confidence in his ability to put the ball in the hole. His stance is unorthodox – feet close together with the ball opposite the left foot. Locke ignores the almost sacred rule that the club should be taken back with the face at right angles to the direction of the putt, and swings the club in an arc, turning the face and rolling his wrists. What does this prove? To me it proves conclusively that putting is 99 percent mental and one percent mechanical.” Norman Von Nida The common thread in listening to the legends of golf talk about putting is confidence and developing your own mechanical style or putting action. There is no right or wrong way to roll the rock, but when you start to roll it well, that hole starts to look bigger and bigger. • Andrew Crockett is the author of Bump & Run: At the feet of the Masters. More: www.bumpandrun.com.au
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senior amateurs SENIOR Amateur WRAP With Denis Dale ed@insidegolf.com.au
Australian seniors gallant in defeat
T
his annual event began in 2007 and is played using the same format as the Ryder and Presidents Cups. When played in Australia it is played at the Sanctuary Cove Golf Club while in New Zealand the venue is always one of the country’s best courses. This year it was Royal Wellington. As is traditional the competition started with the morning foursomes – six pairs representing each country. In a very convincing display the strong Kiwi team got off to a great start and won five of the six matches to take a commanding 5-1 lead into the afternoon fourballs. Australia knew they had to lift and they did, with a much improved team performance in the fourballs. The result was a three-all tie and three points to each team. The Kiwis now led the Aussies 8-4. A highlight for Australia on the opening day was the team of David Limbach and John Banting being undefeated after two victories, each in a nailbiting finish. Limbach in particular, was in outstanding form on day one. It was especially important for the Aussies to start well in the twelve singles matches and that is exactly what the leading players achieved taking four and a half points from the first five games. The early winners included Mark Pearson, Steve Toyne, Barry Tippett and Lester Peterson. Stefan Albinski finished square in his match. Perhaps an upset was on the cards?
find their day one form and Gordon Claney who lost an exciting match at the final hole after fighting back from 5 down in a very determined display.
As could be expected it was then that the Kiwis dug deep and they won the next three matches. The losing Australians were John Banting and David Limbach who could not
The New Zealand team were now in a comfortable position with Australia needing to win all the remaining games. Not impossible but certainly a difficult task.
Peter Hannah, Stefan Albinski, Steve Toyne – Top 3 in the 2016 NSW Senior Amateur. Wins to Peter Hannah and Greg Rhodes, a squared match by Ian Frost and a loss from Ian McPherson gave Australia two and a half points from the four games, At the conclusion of Singles play it was seven points to the Australians and five to the New Zealanders. It was a winning final day for Australia but not overall.
The Kiwis had hung on well to squeeze home by 13 games to 11, the same score as in 2015. Again a very close competition with the Kiwis winning by holing the all-important clutch putts. Matchplay is mainly about avoiding trouble off the tee and holing the vital putts and the New Zealand team once again proved to be just a little too good.
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senior amateurs
Albinski creates record in winning nsw senior amateur
N
SW senior Stefan Albinski has won the 2016 Men’s NSW Senior Amateur Championship in a very exciting day at Narooma Golf Club.
Albinski was dominant in the opening two rounds with scores of one under par 71 on both the Narooma and Bermagui courses. Hitting off at Narooma on the final morning Albinski had a comfortable five-stroke lead over Queenslander Peter Hannah and a seven-stroke lead over another Queenslander Steve Toyne. As often happens golf then threw in a few surprises. Albinski had three bogies on the front nine while Hannah turned one under par and the lead was just one stroke. Toyne had slipped further back with his opening four over par. In other groups only Lester Peterson was playing well enough to be a possibility. He would eventually finish with a round of 73 and fourth place. There will be plenty of wins for Peterson in the coming years.
2016 NSW Senior Amateur Champion Stefan Albinski. surprising six-stroke gap to the rest of the field. The top four had recently represented Australia against New Zealand and they will be part of future Australian teams for some years to come. 2016 Australian Senior Team: Back - Tony Kennings (capt) Lester Peterson, Denis Dale (vc), Stefan Albinski, Greg Rhodes, Steve Toyne, Gordon Claney, Barry Tippett. Front – David Limbach, John Banting, Peter Hannah, Ian McPherson, Mark Pearson, Ian Frost.
It was on the back nine that the excitement really began. Toyne showed what a great player he is with birdies on 10, 11 and 12 to get back in the match. Hannah continued to play par golf and when Albinski bogied thirteen he had a share of the lead. Toyne was still four behind but then birdied fifteen and sixteen. He had birdied five of the first seven holes on the closing nine.
five Albinski led Toyne and Hannah by two strokes. All found the green on the uphill par three seventeenth.
with the bunker but finished on the green. Toyne pitched to twelve feet and Hannah to five. It would come down to these putts!
On the fifteenth hole Hannah had driven wide to finish in an awkward lie on the edge of the fairway bunker. He played a fine second to land in the greenside bunker not too far from the pin. However, the ball had buried deep in a grass bush “feature”. He had no real shot and finished with a double bogey. He had lost two strokes that would eventually make the difference.
Surprisingly, Albinski three-putted from not too far away while the others safely parred. The lead was one with one to play and still anyone’s tournament. Toyne and Hannah drove well and had clear shots to the par-five green. Albinski pushed his drive and stopped just a metre from the steep gully and certain disaster. He had a swing and found the fairway with a wellplayed second shot.
Albinski putted safely and had the par he needed and watched anxiously as both Toyne and Hannah tried to force a playoff. Both missed and the championship belonged to Albinski. A relieved champion but a deserved one.
Toyne was playing inspired golf and almost eagled sixteen and as the players left this par
Both challengers played strong second shots to be close to the green and had real birdie chances. Albinski’s third shot flirted
In a marvellous senior career Albinski has now won every Australian state and territory senior amateur title. As well he has collected three Australian Senior Amateur titles and three Australian Senior Matchplay titles. An amazing record that will be very hard to equal. The top four places were clear cut with a
220 ALBINSKI Stefan 71 71 78 221 HANNAH Peter 73 74 74, TOYNE Steve 73 76 72 223 PETERSON Lester 75 75 73 229 BEASLEY Graham 76 79 74, WILDER Alan 73 80 76 232, CIRILLO Dominic 78 78 76, MUSGRAVE Michael 78 74 80 233 ROGERS Russell 80 77 76, BARTON Paul 76 78 79, MINOGUE Martin 75 82 76, WOOD Noel 75 80 78, CRANFIELD Geoff 75 77 81, WOOD Richard 74 81 78, HAY Mark 76 79 79 234 NEESON John 78 82 75, 235 CHRISTIE Samuel 77 82 76, HOWLAND Graeme 73 80 82 236 WATTON Greg 80 80 76, DALE Denis 77 82 77 More information: www.ausoom.com
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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people
Making a pitch for a short, fast round by one of the states annually and that is where the selection process comes in for the national squad,” Wazza said.
David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au
“Unfortunately, Queensland and South Australia have dropped out, but New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT clubs continue to compete.
P
ASSIONATE golfer Warren Gray believes a fast game of golf is a good game, but on other occasions a four-hour round is just what is required to feed the golf bug.
“Players from Canberra International regularly attended the Victorian Masters, the NSW Championship and the Victorian State Championship.”
The 63-year-old, affectionately known as “Wazza”, has been playing golf for more than 50 years – starting at the age of 12 on a pitchand-putt course, graduating to a par-3 layout and finally to a full-length traditional golf course as a member of the Royal Military College Golf Club.
So passionate is Wazza about golf, he has even written a document titled The Golf Continuum. It suggests potential golfers start by playing pitch and putt before graduating to par-3 golf and then to golf on a traditional 18-hole golf course.
Wazza, who plays off 17, continues to play both the short and long forms of golf, but mostly delights in pitch and putt golf at the Canberra International Golf Centre.
“When an older person starts to struggle to play 18 holes on a traditional golf course they can still play pitch and putt,” Wazza said.
“I try to play 18 holes on a traditional golf course as often as possible, but I have osteoarthritis and find it hard to recover,” he said.
“At our club, we have a 97-year-old who plays twice a week and loves it.”
“So, I play pitch and putt twice a week and I urge more people to try it.
When Wazza, a retired Canberra public servant, is not chipping away (pardon the pun) at pitch and putt he’s working as a volunteer with the Jack Newton Junior Golf, the Special Olympics in the ACT and assists ALPG member Joanne Mills at the Canberra International Golf Centre.
“It’s a nice short course, just under a kilometre, and you can complete the course in an hour to an hour-and-a-half. “It’s golf’s equivalent to Twenty20 cricket. “Pitch and putt is great for time-poor people who are too busy working or running their kids around to other sporting events. “Some pitch and putt courses like Canberra International and Terrey Hills in Sydney are floodlit, which allows time-poor golfers the chance to play after dinner and when the kids are in bed. “I discovered pitch and putt when my daughter was very young and thought it was the perfect way to introduce her to golf. “It’s fantastic for young kids and adults learning the game. It’s also ideal if you want to improve your short game.” Wazza said people should not confuse pitch and putt golf with mini-golf. There are no windmills to hit through or gimmicky snapping crocodiles. “Some people think pitch and putt golf is
Warren “Wazza” Gray (centre) pitching the benefits of Pitch & Putt at the Canberra International Golf Centre. putt-putt but it’s not,” Wazza said. “A pitch and putt course has all the trappings of a traditional golf course including real grass, bunkers, trees, rough and even water hazards. “Pitch and putt is a legitimate form of golf that gets very little recognition. “You hear a lot about Urban Golf, Foot Golf, Speed Golf and Frisbee Golf, but you don’t hear anything about pitch and putt.” Eighteen countries play pitch and putt competitively including Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Catalonia, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, UK, Ireland, India, Italy,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain and Switzerland. Those with superior short-game skills can represent their country at the World Pitch and Putt Championship. At the last World Championships in Spain in 2012, Australia finished runners-up to Ireland. It’s been reported Ireland developed pitch and putt where it has been played since the 1940s. In Australia, the Australian Pitch and Putt Association (APPA) is the governing body. “The Australian Championship is hosted
“I have a community coaching certificate and enjoy helping out where I can,” he said. “I’m trying to raise the profile of pitch and putt because it’s a great sport. “It’s a complementary form of golf where we can prepare the very young and beginner golfers to tackle the bigger golf courses. “I believe golf loses potential members as the game can be frustrating when they start out and taking seven or eight shots to reach the green on a long par-4 hole. “Pitch and putt is also for the older golfers who find the traditional form of the game just too demanding physically and mentally and a shorter, quicker version is more to their liking. “I am passionate about golf, especially pitch and putt golf, and I encourage other people to give it a try.” •
At 80, Jim unbeatable after dramatic putting switch Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au
JIM Goth, an 80-year-old member at Sydney’s Castlecove, embodied the well-worn golf adage “the game you play for life” when last month he was unbeaten in every event staged at the club in a week, winning five times in as many days. And Goth -- who recently switched to putting front-on -- did not just sneak in to win, he smashed his handicap twice, shooting better than his age off the stick each time around the tight nine-hole 14-tee par 64 layout. His golden week began on a Tuesday when he shot 75 and scored 42 points off his 17 handicap to win the individual and teams Stableford comps. He followed that with 22 52
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
points to win the Friday nine-hole afternoon event. And the next day off a 16 handicap he had 73 shots for 43 points to again clean-sweep the day in the singles and team competitions. Goth, who played off a scratch handicap as a teenage prodigy at Cumberland, where his uncle Len Tombs was the first club pro, was beaten at the last hole by Bruce Devlin in an Australian Schoolboys Championship and a few years back won the Over-75 Australian Seniors title. Although he has been playing golf for 72 years, he credits a radical recent putting change for his dramatic winning week. “Front-on putting with an Aussie Pendulum, given to me by a clubmate, has been my winning weapon,” Goth said. “I have been holing everything – even from off the green. I don’t keep statistics, I only
play for fun, but it is remarkable how many putts I sink. “I saw an amazing display of putting recently when I played with Bill King, a Manly Golf Club Member who used an Aussie Pendulum and holed everything while facing towards the hole. “I had been using a broomstick putter like Peter Senior and Bernhard Langer for a few years but with the anchoring rule changes this year I have been fiddling with putters to look for a better way and I reckon I’ve found it,” said Goth. Despite now being on medication for the debilitating condition of vertigo (problems keeping balanced) Goth mostly still plays three days a week and, armed with his new Aussie Pendulum putting style, looks forward to many more wins.
A WINNING WAY: Jim Goth shows off his new front-on putting style
Australia’s top
PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
public access courses Featuring fantastic golf and great value for money, Australia’s public access courses represent some of the best golf our country has to offer. Here are some of our favourites!
VICTORIA St Andrews Beach Golf Course The Mornington Peninsula is often regarded as Australia’s premier golf destinations, and St Andrews Beach is regularly considered the cream of the crop in the region. Welcoming public and group bookings 7 days a week, St Andrews Beach provides an amazing
composition of holes and consistently impeccable course conditions that leave an everlasting impression. And you can enjoy a refreshment before or after your round with the licensed Pro Shop providing light snacks and seating in the undercover alfresco deck. St Andrews Beach is popular with a wide range of golfers, including local and interstate visitors taking advantage of the naturally draining soil composition providing firm
playing surfaces even in the depths of winter. It ensures golfers don’t have to trudge through the sloppy conditions presented at some local courses; even motorised carts aren’t a problem at any time of year. Competition rounds are offered to all players with an official handicap all year round including the monthly Doak Challenge Series events challenging players form the back markers if they choose to enter on the second
St Andrews Beach Golf Course Saturday of each month. Doak Challenge players will share in over $5,000 in prizes during 2016 with the Order of Merit concept giving regular entrants and monthly winners entry to the Series final and a chance at winning the major VIP golf prize valued at over $1,000. For more information: Pro Shop on (03) 5988 6000 or email bookings@ standrewsbeachgolf.com.au or visit www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE Amstel Park Golf Course An era comes to an end in May with the closure of Amstel Park Golf Course, meaning golfers only have a short time left to enjoy this popular course before it’s too late! Originally opening to member play in 1965, Amstel Park Golf Course has been welcoming social players 7 days a week since 2002, during which time the majority of Club competitions have been hosted by its sister Ranfurlie Course. Throughout Amstel’s history, it has remained one of Melbourne’s most sought after social golf destinations due to the quality layout, playability and excellent facilities whilst maintaining great green fee rates. Golfers in Melbourne only have a small window to experience Amstel Park one last time, but with special “End of an Era” offers now available, the best time is now.
Bay Views Golf Course
Bay Views Golf Course For absolute value for money with quality conditions, look no further than Bay Views Golf Course on the Mornington Peninsula. Bay Views Golf Course has undergone a major transformation to now realise the full potential of this spectacular venue featuring mesmerising views of Port Phillip Bay, Bass Strait and the southern Mornington Peninsula. But it’s not just the views that make Bay Views memorable, the course layout and conditions offer golfers an unbeatable combination that has plenty of golfers talking. The rolling Santa Ana couch fairways
Golf Course Road, Barooga NSW 3644 Enquiries & Accommodation: P. (03) 5873 4304 Pro Shop P. (03) 5873 4372 Golf Packages: P. 1800 062 334 www.sporties.com.au
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April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
and slick greens are relishing additional investment and are consistently presented in excellent condition all year round. New concrete path networks have been created, a larger fleet of motorised carts is available for hire, plus the recently renovated clubhouse now offers a large balcony for golfers enjoying a cold beverage after your round. You can even enjoy a self-cooked barbeque on the deck. Bay Views also welcomes players with a handicap to enter competition cards seven days a week with daily and monthly competitions giving participants the chance to win GSM Golf vouchers, and the provision
of regular competitions means regular competition players have a very good reason to consider purchasing a season pass with multiple options available for under $1000 per year. Providing great value for money with casual green fees just $36 (less for seniors midweek), flexible starting options for groups and an enjoyable challenge for all golfers, the all new Bay Views Golf Course is a must play course on every golfers schedule. For more information, Phone: (03) 5981 2833, E-Mail: golf@bayviewsgolf.com, or visit www.bayviewsgolf.com.au
To access these special offers at hugely discounted rates, visit the website and sign up to receive your exclusive golf voucher for two players for just $39 Monday – Saturday (excluding public holidays). The Pro Shop will also be slashing prices on a range of equipment so golfers can grab a bargain on and off the course. Book a round one last time, or discover it for yourself before it’s too late. And don’t forget to download your voucher at www.amstel. org.au. More information: (03) 9788 8200, email bookings@amstel.org.au
Morack Public Golf Course and Driving Range Tucked away in the suburban streets of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and just moments from Eastlink is Morack Public Golf Course and Driving Range – one of
PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
Melbourne’s most popular public courses. Set amongst a tranquil setting of native flora and fauna in Vermont South, Morack offers all the facilities social and competition golfers could ask for including 18 gently undulating and picturesque holes, an interesting course layout and a fine array of holes to provide a tempting challenge for golfers of all abilities. Morack also boasts a modern fleet of motorised carts and extensive path and drainage works have resulted in significant course improvements in recent years Visiting groups are well catered for with a complimentary electric barbeque for postgolf catering and a relaxed atmosphere to relive highlights of their round and visiting players are welcome to enter regular competition events Wednesday and Saturday for those with an official handicap. Coupled with a high-quality, full length driving range that features 20 indoor / outdoor bays and an extensive pro shop fully stocked with all the latest equipment, it’s easy to see why golfers have considered Morack a favourite destination to play or practice for nearly 40 years. A range of excellent value green fee prices starting at just $14.40 ensures all players receive excellent value for money with great afternoon and twilight specials, early back nine deals and multi-visit and unlimited golf passes available for regular visitors. Public are welcome 7 days a week with the driving range open until 8pm midweek and 7pm weekends and public holidays. For more information: Phone: (03) 9801 4479, Email: Morack@ golfservicesmanagement.com.au, or visit www.morackgolf.com.au.
Curlewis Golf Club
Curlewis Golf Club Curlewis Golf Club continues to reaffirm itself as a must-play course for Green Fee players of all standards. For years, the ‘emerald of The Bellarine’ has been a much revered ‘go to’ course for a top round outside the comfort zone of a home course for visitors and locals alike. Having recently catapulted up ten places to a ranking of 78 in Australia’s Top 100 Courses, the Curlewis course itself is seductive yet deceptively challenging. Watered year-round via an onsite, state-of-the-art water reclamation plant, the lush greens and undulating fairways are known to lull
players into a false sense of security yet no one should take Curlewis for granted. This par-72, links-style playground has gained tremendous respect for taking down even the most seasoned of golfers. The recent introduction of GolfBoards – a cool fusion between a golf cart, snowboard and Segway – has been an exciting addition for public access players. GolfBoards are a unique, fun addition to a classic golf round and Curlewis is one of the first golf clubs in Australia to have secured these hip transporters. Curlewis Golf Club’s popular, highly
ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S FINEST. THE PALMS SANCTUARY COVE.
respected PGA Pro, Steve Brodie and ProShop team welcomes players of all standards – whether it be holiday makers wanting to fine-tune a particular aspect of their game or locals signing up for one of the many group clinic options which caters for all ages and abilities. Carts and clubs are readily available to hire. The recently refurbished clubhouse too, is commanding both attention and swelling visitation - and not just for golfers. With spectacular vistas spanning the You Yangs, Corio Bay and beyond, it’s both hip and welcoming - a great place to relax and enjoy the full bar, coffee, snacks, lunch and in the
THE PALMS GOLF COURSE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND OFFERS AN EXCITING OPEN COMPETITION EVERY SATURDAY FOR $99 PER PERSON. The Palms golf course at Sanctuary Cove is open to the public for play 7 days a week and is designed to challenge all levels of play. Rated as one of Australia’s finest, the course has been ranked 48th in the 2016 Australian Golf Digest Top 100 Golf Courses. The Palms is considered a championship course rivaling some of the best golf courses in Australia. It has a total length of 5904 metres off the championship tees, and has numerous water features and hazards. Tee placements have been designed to suit a variety of playing conditions and a diverse range of players. Nestled within century-old Cabbage Palms, The Palms golf course is a return to the traditions of the game, with distinctive holes, deep greenside bunkers and boldly contoured greens requiring creative shot making.
For bookings visit www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au
HE T TO C N I E OP PUBL
Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club Gleneagles Drive, Sanctuary Cove Phone 07 5699 9000 www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au
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The Barwon Heads Golf Club not too distant future, dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. A contemporary menu awaits – one which includes house made cakes crafted by Head Chef Tara Thyer. Already a huge hit with members, the array of treats are drawing coffee and cake lovers from near and far. A round at Curlews won’t set you back a small fortune either – Midweek you can tee off for 18 at $35, Saturdays $47 and Sundays and Public Holidays $40. For pensioners and those under 18, substantial discounts apply. For more information, phone: (03) 5251 2534, or visit www.curlewisgolf.com.au
The Barwon Heads Golf Club The Barwon Heads Golf Club is rated one of Australia’s best public access courses and one of Australia’s ‘Best Golf Getaways’. It makes a stay and play visit one of Australia’s greatest golf experiences. And here’s why:
The exceptionally maintained course offers an experience reminiscent of some of the famed links of England and Scotland. The Club was established in 1907, and its course is regarded as Australia’s first true links. At under 6000m it is a relatively short course, but one that provides an enjoyable challenge – and one that is easily walked. The Club is situated only 90 minutes from Melbourne on Victoria’s roaring Surf Coast in the beautiful Golf Village by The Sea, Barwon Heads. The timeless nature of the 90 year-old Clubhouse and its accommodation offers a yesteryear experience with a warm atmosphere and traditional feel. The club prides itself on its premium service experience accompanied by fine dining. When lit, the open wood fires in winter add a special appeal. All this makes The Barwon Heads Golf Club a popular destination – especially during the peak months when golf groups return
Kingston Links Golf Course to stay and play year after year. These loyal groups, some of which have been returning for over 40 years, are always given the first opportunity to reserve accommodation when bookings open one year prior. New groups, however, are welcome to enquire about availability. The Club is open to green fee players several days a week (outside competition times) but the best way to guarantee a tee time (almost every day of the year) is to make use of the accommodation facilities. Guests who stay in the Clubhouse become ‘honorary Members’ for the duration of their stay. Special promotion: Free green fees SundayThursday during winter for guests staying on a bed and breakfast package. Two people twin share with a cooked breakfast and 18 holes of golf each from $120pp. Green fees are normally $85pp. More information: Phone: (03) 5255 6255, email golf@bhgc.com.au or visit www.bhgc.com.au
Kingston Links Golf Course Kingston Links Golf Course has long been regarded as one of metropolitan Melbourne’s finest public access courses and this is set to continue in the coming years. Located just 20 minutes from the heart of the city via the Monash Freeway and metres from Eastlink connecting players in the south eastern suburbs, Kingston Links offers a unique golfing experience with multiple water hazards coming in to play on the 6178m par-72 championship layout. The picturesque course features Santa Ana couch fairways with rolling mounds, undulating bent grass greens and an array of short and long holes set at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges all combining to provide an enjoyable round of golf. A large fleet of motorised carts are available for hire and the large clubhouse features Pro Shop, Spike Bar, multiple function and
Portarlington golf club www.portarlingtongolf.com.au
• Green fee players welCome • Great Value memberships
“Play the course that shaped Marc Leishman’s game”
Visitors welcome
|
Bookings essential
• Winner of the PGA Regional Pro-Am of the Year 2012-2013 • Winner of the PGA Regional Pro-Am Course of the Year 2011-2012 & 2012-2013 • CCV “BEST GOLF CLUB 2014”
130 Hood road, portarlington, Victoria clubhouse: (03) 5259 2492 www.portarlingtongolf.com.au 56
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Club Mandalay corporate meeting areas all basking in an abundance of natural light. All players are catered for with superb green fee rates including the popular Super Tuesday offering massive savings on golf and carts, plus afternoon golf seven days a week and season passes starting at just $199 for 3 months! For more information: Ph (03) 9764 4222, email proshop@kingstonlinks.com.au, or visit www.kingstonlinks.com.au
Club Mandalay Club Mandalay is the latest golf course to be added to an already impressive portfolio of courses designed by 5 times British Open Champion Peter Thomson and his architect firm Thomson Perrett. The course is located in Melbourne’s North just off the Hume Highway in the new suburb of Beveridge in the heart of the Mandalay Estate and currently ranks
Warrnambool Golf Club
number 56 in Australia’s top 100 golf courses. The golf course is little different to the traditional Thomson Perrett design, particularly the bunkering. Their traditional rolling fairways and elevated greens feature prominently. However, there is not a pot bunker to be seen, replaced by more ‘McKenzie style’ bunkering with intimidating white sandy faces that glare at you as you strive to hit the perfect shot. The par 72 course measures 6,285m off the back tees and offers stunning views and a golfing experience which will be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. The par-3s are all challenging but spectacular at Mandalay. Especially the 173m 11th, which features a large dam on the right and hitting to an undulating green which is surrounded by bunkers. It’s a hole that can’t be taken lightly. To compliment the magnificent golf course is the brand-new state-of-the-art Clubhouse which opened at the end of July 2015 and
features a restaurant, bar and café which is open to the public and is the perfect place to take in the superb views of the course whilst enjoying a beverage or a bite to eat after your round. Green Fees from $35 per person. Motorised cart hire $30 per round and must be booked prior to round. For more information: Ph (03) 9037 3700, Email: golf@clubmandalay.com.au, or visit www.clubmandalay.com.au
Warrnambool Golf Club Warrnambool is a classically designed course laid out between and over a massive tertiary dune system. The course offers a unique combination of exposed holes with elevated tees together with those carved into natural ti-tree-lined dunes. Located within 2km of the regional city’s CBD, it makes for an ideal destination for the
dedicated golf tourist, social golfing groups or family holiday makers. The influence of the ever-present wind cannot be understated and really adds to the challenge of a layout that offers variety from one round to the next. The course has received a good deal of attention over recent years and the installation of an integrated irrigation system, supplied with recycled water, has allowed the staff to present the course in immaculate condition. In addition, the club has launched a unique moniker for a trio of their most challenging holes—starting from the short par-4 4th and ending on the slightly uphill dogleg 6th. Borrowing from the location’s proximity to Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast, Warrnambool Golf Club has named this menacing trio of holes as “Shipwreck Bend”, with the warning that these holes can easily “wreck” a good round by players of any level.
COME AND MEET CHARLIE THE BULL DARE TO TAKE ON THE BLACK BULL
BlackBullGolfCourse
#charlieblackbull
For bookings contact the Pro Shop 03 5744 0044
blackbullgc.com.au
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Black Bull The quality of golf on this course goes beyond the typical “country course” feel, and the course would not feel out of place among many of Melbourne’s great golfing areas, notably the Mornington Peninsula. So if you’ve never played at Warrnambool, we recommend you be sure to add it to your list. A well-stocked Pro Shop enables club professional Craig Bonney and his friendly staff to cater for all your equipment and apparel needs. For more information, phone the Pro shop on (03) 5562 8528; Club House (03) 5562 2108, email golf@wgcinc.com.au or visit www.wgcinc.com.au
Black Bull The Black Bull Golf Course over the last twelve months has stamped itself as a mustplay golfing destination along the Murray River. In May this year they celebrate the first anniversary of the full complete 18
holes being opened. More and more have been coming from near and far to enjoy this magnificent course. Momentum has gained with word of “The Bull Ring” and golfers from all corners of Australia have been coming to try and tame the Bull. A true challenge of a run of three holes just waiting to test anyone’s golfing ability. And just for a bit of fun all golfers are greeted by ‘Charlie’ the bull at the entrance of “The Bull Ring”. The Peter Thomson & Ross Perrett-designed championship course is only made better with its first-class playing surfaces. This is backed up by the first official event for Black Bull when just recently they co-hosted the Victorian Seniors Open PGA with the Yarrawonga – Mulwala Golf Resort. The feedback from this strong Australasian field has secured this event for the next two years and the team could not be happier or more proud to now call this event home to Black Bull. Black Bull’s reputation continues to grow
Hearn’s Beachside Villas with the well known Accor’s Sebel luxury international hotel and serviced apartments joining forces with Silverwoods. The hotel will be sitting in a prime location within Silverwoods on the edge of Lake Mulwala known as The Point and will boast some of the finest accommodation and food to be found along the river. The hotel will include a 300-seat conference facility, bar, bistro, gym, pool and other health amenities within the resort when due for proposed completion in 2018. Word is quickly spreading around town and to the wider regions that once the hotel is built, it will provide numerous opportunities for personal and commercial use – like holidays, minibreaks, functions, conferences, events and a wonderful place to stay when playing golf at Black Bull. All of this making Silverwoods Golf and Lifestyle Resort – including their magical Black Bull golf course a true destination place to either live or visit. Spokesperson and ambassador for Black
Bull and the Silverwoods development Mr Billy Brownless has said “I have not found a better place in Victoria to enjoy world class golf, water sports and lifestyle than Yarrawonga.” For more information go to blackbullgc. com.au or silverwoodsyarrawonga.com.au
Hearn’s Beachside Villas Imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean and knowing all you have to do that day is play 18 glorious holes of Golf at Port Fairy. Hearn’s Port Fairy Accommodation can bring that thought to life at the Hearn’s Beachside Villas - catering for golfing groups large and small in stunning accommodation. Taking rest and relaxation to the next level, Hearn’s Beachside Villas offer considered luxury throughout. 7 individual villas - architecturally designed - afford quiet sanctuary in a stylishly furnished contemporary space. Perfect for the golfing
A long drive(r) for a whisky! Ratho Farm is the oldest golf course in Australia, situated in the central highlands of Tasmania, only 1hr from Hobart. It all started circa 1822. Accommodation is convict-built lovingly restored farm buildings. The Nant Distillery is a long drive shot across the River Clyde.
Waverley Golf Club Sunday Social Clubs and Green Fee Players now welcome at the Home of the Victorian Junior Masters!
Green Fees: $35 (sunday) or $30 (Midweek)
82 Bergins road, rowville ViC 3178 | (03) 9764 4559 www.waverleygolfclub.com.au | manager@waverleygolfclub.com.au 58
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2 day • Tour guide with pick-up/drop-off at Hobart Airport package: • 18 holes golf – chance to win whisky tasting set
• 1 night Ratho Farm (4.5*Trip Advisor), incl. dinner + breakfast • Tour of Lakes area • Tour, tasting & lunch at Nant Atrium Restaurant • Only $429pp (min. 4pax)
Bookings: stuart@sportsprize.com.au mobile: 0467 860 611
Special!
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Flinders Golf Club couple or groups of friends, gathering for a round or two at our fabulous Port Fairy Golf Links. Floor to ceiling windows endow the properties with natural light and maximise ocean views. Toast the sunset, your perfect 18 holes and a great day on the lush greens on your private deck or enjoy the everchanging hues of the Southern Ocean from the comfort of a king size bed. Hearn’s Port Fairy Accommodation & Hearn’s Beachside Villas in association with Port Fairy Golf Links offer Stay and Play packages and discounts through the off season, making trips to Port Fairy the ideal weekend getaway. From $320.00 per night, and $25.00 green fees. For more information: Phone (03) 5568 3150, email: accommodation@hearns.com. au, or visit www.portfairyaccom.com.au
Flinders Golf Club The lovely and picturesque Flinders Golf Club is an 18-hole seaside beauty built along an amazing stretch of land overlooking Bass Strait. Though it may seem a bit detached from the other well-known Mornington courses, in reality it’s only 15 minutes away from the Cape Schanck area, so it is well within reach for a social group weekend or casual round. The great Golf Architect Dr Alister Mackenzie was so impressed with the course during a visit in 1926 that he was quoted as saying that Flinders was “equalled by only one other natural course, which is in California.” (He was referring to Pebble Beach.) Flinders is arguably one of the more underrated courses on the Peninsula. While it isn’t long by any stretch, it still has plenty of bite. A handful of the par-4’s are easily drivable, yet if you are even slightly offline you can forget about par, as you’ll be contending with deep bunkers, tall
Moonah Links Resort trees and any number of ball-grabbing shrubs or hazards. The par-4 fourth, the club’s signature hole, is a short but spectacular hole named The Coffin. Originally a par-3, it was redesigned into a par-4 by Mackenzie, who moved the green back and behind the “Purgatory Ravine”, thus transforming it into one of the most memorable holes on the Mornington Peninsula. In truth, all the holes on the course are special. Each with its own unique ocean view, character and challenge. But the real test at Flinders is on and around the splendid greens – which are always in fantastic condition. Ultra slick, deceptive, undulating and creatively contoured, these greens roll extremely true, yet the breaks and pace can be almost impossible to read correctly. Thus, your approach shots have added importance at Flinders. Overall, Flinders is a fantastic, fun and
challenging course. And the members and staff are all top-notch, friendly and welcoming. Perfect for social groups or a casual day of golf, Flinders is a great venue that doesn’t disappoint. All this, and the green fee is still under $50. Book your social group now and mention Inside Golf to receive a dozen Callaway golf balls. (Minimum 12 players) More information: Phone (03) 5989 0312 or visit www.flindersgolfclub.com.au
Moonah Links Resort One of the premier golf resorts in Victoria, Moonah Links Resort offers two world-class championship golf courses, each boasting superior course conditions which assure year-round playability. The Open Course is a true test of golf. Designed to host the Australian Open, the course is long, challenging and full of risk-
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Gardiners Run reward situations. It is a visually stunning course that offers some of the most amazing scenery around, and some of the bestconditioned greens in the area. The Legends Course offers the perfect complement to the Open Course. While equally stunning in both design, scenery and conditioning, the Legends Course gives golfers of all levels a setting that is fun and challenging. Complementing the course facilities are a driving range and practice facilities designed to Australian Institute of Sport specifications and one of the foremost elite training facilities in world golf. Moonah Links Golf Academy, located adjacent to the resort, is the perfect accommodation option for social groups of all sizes. Featuring a large Main House and two separate villas, the facility is an affordable option for large social groups, accommodating anywhere from 10 to 38
people. The Moonah Links Golf Academy was a purpose-built golf training facility to embrace and improve some of Australia’s now worldclass players. Geoff Ogilvy, Mat Goggin and Jason Day are but a few of the names who have all passed through elite development programs at MLGA. Best of all, it is now available as a comfortable and fun accommodation option for golfers of all levels. Inside Golf has stayed at the Moonah Links Golf Academy on a number of occasions (including many “Boys golf weekends”), and we can attest that it is one of our favourite places to stay, as it has all of the amenities for a truly fun trip with the gang. The Main House features a fully-equipped kitchen for selfcatering—with multiple refrigerators, ovens, large BBQ area, full-set of cookware, plates and utensils...the works. This is ideal for those groups who like to cook large meals for the boys—from a BBQ cookup to more intricate
Anglesea Golf Club Masterchef-inspired delicacies. The large dining table lends itself well to group meals, where golfers can chat and share their stories of a great day on the course, or plan their strategies for the next day. The meal done, golfers can catch the footy or the golf on Foxtel, or battle it out on the pool table, foosball or air hockey tables. The Academy’s two villas—separate to the Main House—feature multiple rooms (twin and triple-share available), with a shared kitchenettes and refrigerators, as well as comfortable sitting rooms and patio areas. There is also plenty of dedicated parking for groups of most sizes. For a limited time, Moonah Links are offering a sensational deal for social groups. Make two bookings for your Social Group of 12 players or more between May and September 2016 and receive Green Fees for just $65pp including motorised carts! To book call 03 5988 2080
and quote ‘Inside Golf Social Group Offer’ More information: Phone (03) 5988 2034 or visit www.moonahlinks.com.au
Gardiners Run Located just 35 minutes east of the Melbourne CBD, Gardiners Run Golf Course provides golfers of all abilities with an aesthetically stimulating yet highly playable layout, sure to impress golfers of all ages and abilities. On the doorstep to the Yarra Valley, Gardiners Run Golf Course has been architecturally crafted by Pacific Coast Design, taking full advantage of the gentle sloping contours of the countryside site terrain, to create a golf course that features golfing holes of individuality and character. Warm up prior to your round with their state-of-the-art, world-class practice facilities or take a lesson from their PGA golf
Two world class golf courses, clubhouses, experiences...
One Membership Corporate Dual Membership now open. Contact either Golf Course for further information.
Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort Links Drive, Noosa Heads QLD 4567 Phone 61 7 5440 3333 info@noosasprings.com.au www.noosasprings.com.au
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Links Hope Island Hope Island Road, Hope Island, QLD 4212 Phone 61 7 5530 9000 golfmail@linkshopeisland.com.au www.linkshopeisland.com.au
PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE professional. Featuring a 90m wide mixed use (couch and synthetic) tee on their 250m long driving range, a short game pitching green and challenging yet sizeable putting green, Gardiners Run Golf Course’s facilities will ensure that every golfer has an experience to savour. A central hub to all your needs, return after your round to enjoy food and drink on the alfresco deck, overlooking the signature 18th hole green. Is your company looking at having a corporate golf day? Let Gardiners Run organise your next big event! Social group bookings are welcomed Sunday-Friday – they offer a discounted green fee rate for groups of 12 players or more. They can also organise some food options to satisfy your post round hungers. Give them a call to make your booking and see what everyone has been talking about. Have some fun at the Run! More information: Phone (03) 9739 7522 or visit www.gardinersrun.com.au
Anglesea Golf Club
Portarlington Golf Club and the 18-25yo categories, and social golfers/green-fee players are welcome every day. Green fees range from $30 (9 holes) to $50 (18 holes). Junior rates are $15/$25. Club, pull buggy & motorised cart hire available.
and welcoming club, there is a certain energy about Portarlington Golf Club which you won’t find elsewhere; so it’s no wonder why their annual Pro-Am has been voted by the players of the PGA as the best regional ProAm Course of the year for multiple years.
The Anglesea Golf Course, situated on the Great Ocean Road, is an undulating 6074m Par-73 layout set in natural bushland. A feature of the course is the number of elevated greens that require plenty of thought when selecting your club. Adding to the mix are 42 “sandbelt style” bunkers sprinkled throughout the course, eucalypt tree-lined fairways, and the ever-present resident population of around 300 Eastern Grey Kangaroos. These features all combine to produce a stimulating round of golf. The Club has just opened a 6-bay driving range with hire balls. One Bucket, 40 Balls, $7.00 and two Buckets for $12.00.
Situated on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula just minutes from the town centre of Portarlington and the waterfront, no trip along the Great Ocean Road would be complete without a round or two at the Portarlington Golf Club.
The course itself is a treat, with lush, Santa Ana Couch fairways along the 5949m, par- 72, tree-lined Tony Cashmore design. The greens are in excellent condition all year round, and there are a pleasing variety of holes throughout the course, with our pick being the par-3 17th, which features a water carry over a serene pond to a well-guarded green. There have also been recent works done to a selection of the course’s bunkers, making the holes more challenging and pleasing to the eye.
The Clubhouse bar and bistro are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Memberships are available for 7-Day, Junior
While it may not be on many Melbourne golfers’ radar, this gem of a club is cherished by those “in the know”. A bustling, friendly
Carts are available for hire with excellent practice facilities. Green fee players are always welcome with great corporate and
GOLF
RESORT
DINING
For more information: Phone: (03) 5263 1582, Golf Bookings: (03) 5263 1951, email: info@ angleseagolfclub.com.au or visit www.angleseagolfclub.com.au
Portarlington Golf Club
EVENTS
BUSINESS
social golf packages on offer. The club’s annual events such as the signature Carnival of Golf, as well as the Award-winning Pro-Am held in February this year, attract golfers of all ages and experiences to this wonderful club. The newly renovated clubhouse offers something for everyone with ample entertainment, including TA B, Keno and Foxtel, as well as function areas and their award-winning bistro, which is open 7 days for both lunch and dinner (and trust us, the food at the clubhouse is delicious and offers good value for money). Overall, we recommend a round (or many) at Portarlington. You won’t be disappointed. Portarlington Golf Club is located at 30 Hood Road, Portarlington 3223. Phone the Pro Shop on (03) 5259 3361, or visit www.portarlingtongolf.com.au
L I F E ST Y L E
Welcome to the most iconic golf course in Tropical North Queensland Experience world-class golf at one of Australia’s best and most challenging courses and relax in the 4.5 star resort.
STAY + PLAY
Paradise Palms is situated between World Heritage rainforest, palm fringed beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. A tropical oasis, all within 20 minutes of Cairns.
Two nights accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 round 18 hole golf, incl. cart*
from $255pp twin share
Cairns, Tropical North Queensland, Australia CALL 07 4059 9939 ¦ PARADISEPALMS.COM.AU *Terms and conditions apply. Book and stay by 30/11/2016. Contact Paradise Palms for more information. Booking code: INSIDEGOLF
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Port Fairy Golf Club
Port Fairy Golf Club Winding its way through unspoilt sand dunes, with spectacular views to be had at every turn, Port Fairy Golf Club is a classic links-style course that is reminiscent of the great layouts found in Ireland. So if you’ve ever fancied playing a great Irish links course, but don’t have the money or time to get there, then Port Fairy is the perfect alternative. Located 5km east of the historic Port Fairy township, the course is consistently ranked in the “50 Best Public Access Courses in Australia” and in the “25 Best in Victoria.” Course designer Mike Clayton once rated it as “the best value golf in Australia.” There are numerous highlights on this outstanding course. The 5th hole, a 448-metre par-5, is one of the most beautiful holes on the course with a lovely wide and undulating fairway that sweeps uphill and curves from left to right. Strategically-placed bunkers demand accuracy on the second shot before the approach to a fast back-tofront sloping green. The 8th is a stunning
› › › › › ›
122-metre downhill par-3 to a large rolling green that requires anything from a wedge to a 3-iron depending on the wind and skill of the golfer.
For more information: Phone (03) 5568 2866, email info@portfairygolf.com.au, or visit www.portfairygolf.com.au
Holes 12 to 16 are agreed by many to be among the best stretch of golf holes in the country, with spectacular ocean views (providing frequent sightings of southern right whales during the winter and early spring) and some very challenging hole designs.
Waverley Golf Club
The twelfth is a 470-metre par-5 along the ocean with fabulous views. The right hand side is all OOB, and treacherous swathes of marram grass await the wayward shot to the left. The 409-metre 14th plays straight at the ocean and is nearly impossible to reach in two into the wind, and extremely difficult to hold when played downwind. The course features a mixture of grasses and is immaculately conditioned. At 5887 metres it is not long by today’s standards but with the amount of wind it still tests the game of the most proficient golfers. Picturesque and testing with spot-on playing conditions it is a game of golf not to be missed.
Right in the heart of Queensland’s famous Sunshine Coast Only 1 hour north of Brisbane 18 Hole, Par 72 Graham Marsh Designed Championship Golf Course Motorised cart hire Hire clubs Superb dining
special
4 x players with 2 x golf carts
Waverley Golf Club
$260
Waverley Golf Club is conveniently located in Rowville, south east of Melbourne, easily accessed from the Eastlink and Monash Freeways. Waverley is home to The Victorian Junior Masters, Australia’s leading junior golf tournament. Held annually at Waverley, the tournament is now in its 22nd year with former Champions including Aaron Baddeley (1998 – defeated Adam Scott in a playoff ), Marc Leishman (2001), Michael Sim (2002), Jason Day (2005) and Jin Jeong (2008) – 2013 Perth International Champion (European Tour) and Former world # 1 Amateur and British Amateur Champion. The course, with a par of 72 and over 5915m, is highly ranked as one of the best non-sandbelt courses in Melbourne. The course has an abundance of trees with rolling watered fairways carved into the surroundings, it is well bunkered, and offers
the golfer some exciting challenges. Straight and dogleg fairways with fast greens make for a real contest between golfer and course. Built in the 60’s it is a traditional course set on 125 acres at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges. The modern clubhouse overlooks the course. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, two bowls greens and a modern Clubhouse that can cater to any number of private and corporate functions. Sunday morning social clubs and green fee players (in addition to mid week opportunities) are now welcome. Bookings are limited so enquire quickly to secure your preferred date $35 (Sunday) or $30 (Midweek) Green Fees. For more information: (03) 9764 5144 (Administration) or (03) 9764 4559 (Golf Bookings), email manager@waverleygolfclub. com.au or visit www.waverleygolfclub.com. au
Qu e Ac new ensla ces est nd s G Pu ’s olf blic Co urs e
374-514 David Low Way Bli Bli, Sunshine Coast QLD 4560 ph (07) 5373 1000 | pro shop (07) 5457 0900 | fax (07) 5373 1099 | email operations@maroochyrivergolfclub.com.au
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Spectacular ViewS... Spectacular Value!
Be surprised by one of the Mornington Peninsula’s best kept secrets!
• New licensed clubhouse facilities plus undercover BBQ and picnic areas • Better course conditions than ever before with rolling couch fairways and firm, fast greens • Sign Up as a Priority Golfer for exclusive offers and a welcome gift voucher upon joining! Visit www.gsmgolf.com.au
Elizabeth Drv, Rosebud
| Phone: (03) 5981 2833
| www.bayviewsgolf.com.au
play competition rounds 7 days a week at Bay Views Golf course and other GSM venues including:
Sign Up as a Priority Golfer for exclusive offers and a welcome gift voucher upon joining!
www.gsmgolf.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE Save the Date: Seventh Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic Where else can you play 3 of Australia’s Top 12 Public Access courses plus one of Australia’s most prestigious private courses? Only in the Seventh Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic! So “Save the Dates”, 3 – 6 October 2016 to play in this fun, friendly and great value tournament. Once again, the Mornington Peninsula will be on show to golfers across the country as they play in the 72 hole graded individual stableford tournament. The courses in this year’s Classic will surely challenge and delight all golfers. St Andrews Beach, Moonah Links (Legends), Portsea and Sorrento Golf Clubs will be in pristine condition to excite the morning and afternoon fields. The tournament is open to men and women golfers. The Mornington Peninsula is Australia’s #1 golf destination and is well known for the number of quality golf courses, ranging from coastal links to resort style layouts. To quote Peter Thomson, golfing legend and internationally renowned golf course architect: “For sheer variety, golf on the Mornington Peninsula is unmatched and for the traditional golfer’s welcome, it is hard to find better.” Entry is now open , and this is going to be a sell-out tournament, so hurry! To register your interest or find out more, phone the Marketing Manager, Pamela McDermott on 0439 396 617 or send an email to info@golfmorningtonpeninsula. com.au.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort
NEW SOUTH WALES Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort Nestled alongside the picturesque Murray River, a hour from Cobram Barooga, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort ticks all the boxes for modern, comfortable golf resort destinations. The largest public access golf resort in the country, the resort features 45 holes– two 18-hole courses, the Lake and the Murray, and a short nine-hole Executive course—all set amongst beautiful natural landscape overlooking the Murray River and Lake Mulwala. While the Murray course is one of the better known layouts at the facility,
all three courses offer something special to the keen golfer, and like other courses/ resorts in the area, the entire facility features a welcoming and warm atmosphere. Inside Golf have played a number of rounds here, and we have never been disappointed. Before your round, take advantage of the state-of-the-art practice facilities with driving range, hitting nets, putting greens and chipping area with bunker. There is also a pro shop open from dawn to dusk with competitively priced products and services. Choose from nine different styles of accommodation overlooking the golf course or native bushland with something to suit all budgets and needs, from basic cabins to
Calderwood Valley Golf Course
luxurious apartments and villas, each with cooking facilities, private bathrooms and a car parking space. All accommodation is self-contained, family-friendly and is only a short stroll from the clubhouse and pro shop. Long or short stay guests can explore the spectacular surrounds, tempt their tastebuds with quality dining, workout in the gym, have a hit of tennis, take a dip in the solar-heated pool or simply relax in a brand-new plush 60-seat movie theatre showing the latest releases. For more information: Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort. Golf Club Rd, Mulwala NSW. Phone: (03) 5744 1911. Website: www.yarragolf.com.au
Social Group Paradise Social clubs and players are welcome 7 days a week • Fleet of 25 carts available • Terrific Tuesdays only $15 all day • Twilight golf every day - starts at 2pm • No competitions - social golfers welcome • Corporate and social group packages available • Great value for money and weekday discounts
50 minutes south of Wollongong - Phone 4256 3055
532 Calderwood Rd, Albion Park 2527 Pro Shop: (02) 4256 3055 www.calderwoodgolf.com.au 64
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*Bookings required, conditions apply.
PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
Rich Rich River River Golf Golf Club Club
Calderwood Valley Golf Course
Calderwood Valley Golf Course
It’s little surprise that Calderwood Valley is so popular with all levels of golfers. Nestled in the picturesque valley only 50 minutes’ drive from southern Sydney and 20 minutes south of Wollongong, the high-quality course offers a relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Each of the 18 holes has stunning features, combining clear creeks, native plant species, wildlife and magnificent scenery with the Illawarra escarpment as a backdrop. The course is always immaculately presented with well contoured fairways and true greens. The completion of some wonderful upgrades on the course is sure to make your next round more appealing and challenging. With no competition days, the course is available to the public 7 days a week. Calderwood welcomes social players, groups, charity and corporate days. Groups are welcome to use the BBQ area and carts can be booked in advance. Social club packages available, and Twilight golf is available from
2pm every day. Terrific Tuesdays are only $15 all day; Senior and uni/TAFE discounts on weekdays. Weekday deal: only $28pp for 18 holes with a cart – 12-2pm. The golf shop carries a good range of great value golfing products, clothing, hire equipment, accessories and snacks. Lessons are available from golf professional Richard Jumrukovski Visiting golfers and social clubs are very welcome at Calderwood and you will be treated like the valued patron you are. For more information: Phone (02) 4256 3055, email admin@calderwoodgolf.com.au, or visit www.calderwoodgolf.com
Rich River Golf Club Rich River Golf Club, a leisurely 1.25 hours’ drive from Barham features two very impressive 18-hole championship courses, the East and the West. They’ve been developed over the years to become one of regional Australia’s premier golfing venues,
where golfers love the rolling fairways, carefully tended greens and towering eucalyptus. The West Course has traditional tree-lined fairways with tricky, small greens that take the serious player on a thought-provoking and challenging 6,183m journey. The East Course, which had a major transformation after a redesign by Peter Thomson in 1998, features large greens, wide fairways and those famous Thomson bunkers which really keep you thinking about your strokes. Course length is 6,131m. Tee times are available seven days a week, with services including golf carts, pro shop, equipment hire and a beverage cart for a quick refresher. James Maiden Bistro is locally famous for the magnificent views of the golf course, and for the mouth-watering choices on the lunch and dinner menu. Premium Australian and New Zealand wines and local and imported beer feature too. There’s also the Sports Bar and the busy
Spike Bar where you can also refuel with hot or cold snacks including healthy sandwiches and fruit salads. The deluxe accommodation has been attractively refurbished, with privacy and seclusion ensuring your own space to relax after golf. There’s a great choice of rooms too, for couples, families and small groups. 40 spacious and airy standard suites have a king split bed in the bedroom and single bed in the lounge room. The 22 deluxe rooms are rated 4-star, and feature a queen bed. If you’re travelling with a small group, a large and fully self-contained apartment can accommodate up to 7 people with 3 bedrooms, a welcoming lounge/dining area, 2 bathrooms and 3 toilets. There are so many leisure options here: two outdoor pools, a spa, gym equipment, three bowling greens, three croquet courses and nine tennis courts. More information: Phone: (03) 5481 3333. Email: golfpackages@richriver.com.au or visit www.richriver.com.au
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PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
Ocean Shores Country Club
Ocean Shores Country Club
Penrith Golf Club
Ocean Shores Country Club golf course was designed in 1972 by the team of Bruce Devlin & Robert von Hagge who are both world-renowned Golf Course Architects.
Located at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Western Sydney, Penrith Golf Club is a Par72 Championship golf course stretching out 6333m from the championship tees featuring pure couch fairways and surrounds as well as bent greens.
The renowned Championship golf course is set in an area of natural flora with tidal lakes, rivers and mountain ranges as a backdrop. The course captures the picturesque beauty of northern New South Wales. The lush fairways and pristine greens set against the background of bushland and sparkling lakes make it one of the most spectacular golf courses in Australia.
They are a very friendly club that welcomes visitors and have many various social golf options. You could try their weekday twoplayer $60 package which includes 18 holes of golf with a shared motorised cart and two complimentary drinks, or the popular unlimited weekday golf ($20 after 1pm or $12 after 3pm). Social play is generally available every day outside of competition times.
The 18-hole layout comprises six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s. This distribution lends itself to the unique nature of the course which has in the past five years had considerable irrigation, green surrounds and fairway improvements.
The club has just introduced its new Social Golf Pass option. For $400 you can play unlimited social golf and utilise the practice facilities. At less than $8 per week, it is exceptional value and a great way to work yourself towards traditional membership golf.
For more information: phone (02) 6680 1008 or visit www.oceanshorescc.com.au
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For more information: Phone (02) 4736 1633, email proshop@penrithgolfclub.com.au or visit www.penrithgolfclub.com.au
Gordon Golf Club One of Sydney’s most popular compact 18hole public access courses, Gordon Golf Club has sailed through a bad-publicity storm of closure rumours to not only be thriving but looking to expand. Nestled in the heart of the highly prestigious real estate suburbs of the North Shore region, the club’s 600 plus golf members have joined a community battle for the past two years
over threats by the council to sell off the site. Six months ago at a packed meeting Kuring-gai Council voted to defer a decision on the future of the site after councillors failed to endorse a pre-existing plan for the 18hole course. The plan sought to retain nine of the 18 holes for golf and to establish a recreational and residential space. So with the council plans on hold – especially as Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby councils are set to be merged by the State Government this year – it’s all go for 18 holes of golf and business as usual at Gordon. The club offers some of the best value golf for full-playing members of any club in Sydney with a one-size-fits-all membership of $1300 offering not only full handicap and competition rights but also free social golf. The club’s General Manager Justin Waring, a rare club manager who also is a PGA member, says the club’s “fantastic Board” has instituted some strong plans for growth and financial success.
• Listed in the Rolex top 1000 courses in the world 2011 • Consistently ranked in the top 20 courses in Australia (Australian Golf Digest) • No 4 Public Access course in Australia (Golf Australia Magazine 2013) • Range of membership packages available • Driving range open to public • Fully Licensed Club House DON’T DELAY - WHY NOT JOIN TODAY? For more information call (08) 9524 5991 or visit our website
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JOIN TODAY O
Penrith Golf Club is easily accessible via the M4 Motorway, located 500m South of the interchange along The Northern Road.
KENNEDY BAY
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Interested in golf membership? Penrith offer unbelievable value for money golf membership. Their full membership category is less than $25 per week and there is no joining/entrance fee or waiting list.
The Links
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Proudly managed by:
Email info@kennedybay.com.au • www.kennedybay.com.au • Tel 08 9524 5991 66
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PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
Gordon Golf Club “We have had a steady stream of new members since we changed the membership base, moving away from being a cheaper model to one which, despite being priced competitively, is packed with advantages,” he says. “Our current special membership of ‘$25 a week, no joining fee, free social golf’ works well, although the one we do from May onwards, where you get 17 months for the price of 12 attracts a lot of new members.” For more information, Phone: (02) 9498 1913, or visit www.gordongolfclub.com.au
Nelson Bay Golf Club Nelson Bay Golf Club has for many years been one of the Hunter Valley’s most popular courses. The 27-hole championship layout is set among the native trees with an abundance of wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies and native birds. It has a reputation for being one of the most public access friendly courses in NSW and for good reason - it offers a variety of exciting challenges in an immaculate setting. One of the standout holes is the 490m par5 12th, a tight, bushland-bordered bender that makes its way up a long hill. Accuracy
Nelson Bay Golf Club is key here, so pick your landing zones carefully. Plans for a new clubhouse at Nelson Bay, following the last year’s fire are well underway, but the temporary clubhouse is working well with full facilities. Membership at Nelson Bay Golf Club is currently available for all playing categories as well as Social Membership. The current membership promotion for new members who join before March 31, 2016 will receive 15 months membership for the price of the normal 12 months ($850). The promotion will continue to run until
31st May, but it must be noted that the extra period of membership paid for will reduce accordingly. “Kangaroo Encounters” are now available at Nelson Bay Golf Club where you can experience, photograph, enjoy and learn whilst walking amongst wild Eastern Grey Kangaroos and other unique Australian wildlife. Please call (02) 4981 1132 or go to www.nelsonbaygolf.com.au for further information on Nelson bay Golf Club.
Super Sunday experience – From $263 pp
• 1 night’s accommodation staying at the historic Duntryleague Mansion (Sunday) • 2 days unlimited golf at Duntryleague’s Championship 18 hole Golf Course Shared motorised Cart • Full Breakfast
GolF oranGe – 3 courSe experience From $425 pp
• 2 night’s accommodation staying at the historic Duntryleague Mansion (Sunday-Thursday) • 1 round of Golf at Duntryleague’s Championship 18 hole Golf Course • 1 round of golf at Wentworth Golf Clubs 18 hole Course • 1 round of golf at Orange Ex-Services Country Club • 2 days Full Breakfast • 2 Evening Meals
2 niGht experience packaGe – From $385 pp
• • • •
2 night’s accommodation staying at the historic Duntryleague Mansion 2 days unlimited golf at Duntryleague’s Championship 18 hole Golf Course Shared motorised Cart 2 Full Breakfasts • 2 Evening Meals
ultimate Stay play & learn experience – From $760 pp (min 2 people to a max oF 8)
• • • • • •
3 night’s accommodation (Mon – Wed nights) Expert Professional Tuition including video analysis & on-course (Tue-Wed) 36 Hole Competition Unlimited Golf during stay at Duntryleague’s Championship 18 hole Golf Course Shared motorised cart 3 full breakfasts, morning teas & evening meals with the Pro.
Dates (Mon-Wed): April 18 – 20, 2016, June 13-15, 2016,
Sept 5-7, 2016, Nov 7-9, 2016, Feb 6-8, 2017
Duntryleague can cater for any golfing holiday with tailor made packages
Only 3½ hours from Sydney Ph: (02) 6362 3466
151 Ocean Drive, Twin Waters Qld 4564 Ph: (07) 5457 2444 Email: golf@twgolf.com.au www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au
Corporate events from as little as $59 per person • Special rates for social clubs and charities • Tailored events to suit all budgets • Personalised professional service • Complimentary function room for presentations
www.duntryleague.com.au
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Cobram Barooga Golf Club
Cobram Barooga Golf Club With two celebrated courses set in beautiful surrounds, Cobram Barooga Golf Club offers the best of old and new for serious and novice golfers. The original 18-hole “Old” course, was constructed in 1925 and is the more famous of the two. At 6186m, its clever design and narrow tree-lined fairways provide a good test of skill for any player. The course, with many classic holes, is framed by majestic red gums and pines. Time hasn’t left this old favourite behind though, because the newly constructed greens are fast and true, with clever bunkering catching wayward shots hit into the greens. The new West Course offers wider fairways, larger greens and additional slopes that provide natural framing for tee shots. Slightly longer than the original course at 6287m, the 18-hole layout has gained a strong reputation as the perfect blend of resort and modern links style. With its Murray River location, an abundance of local flora and fauna plus great weather, Sporties Cobram Barooga Golf Club is a ‘must
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do’ for those who’d like to play on both a traditional and a more contemporary course. Tee times are available seven days a week, with services including golf carts, pro shop and equipment hire The newly renovated Clubhouse has been cleverly designed, with a fabulous choice of areas indoors and outdoors in the fresh air for lunch, a post-game drink and dinner. There’s a new Lounge Bar with spacious decks, comfortable contemporary furniture, a laid back country atmosphere and almost endless views over the golf courses. The 19th hole Club Café is a busy spot every day, with light snacks, lunch specials and a delicious range of cakes. The Bistro serves dinner every night of the week, with sharing and grazing plates, grills and more. Seniors meals are available too. Accommodation at the Club is another highlight. Eighteen new, luxurious and fullyequipped units have been opened here, with ground floor units literally opening out on to the golf course, and upstairs units providing beautiful views from generous balconies. This club accommodation is stylish and
Duntry League sophisticated, with beautiful bathrooms, supremely comfortable beds, free wifi, flat screen TV with cable channels in the large living area and a kitchenette in some units. There’s an excellent health and fitness centre with a heated 25 metre pool, sauna, spa and aerobics room. Outdoors are two state-of-the-art synthetic greens for lawn bowls and a relaxing landscaped garden area with BBQ. For more information: Phone: (03) 5873 4304 or visit www.sporties.com.au
Duntry League Historic Duntryleague mansion and championship golf course (02 6362 3466, www.duntryleague.com.au) is one of regional Australia’s premier golf courses. The Par 70 championship 18 hole golf course stretches 6006m with lush South African couch, undulating tree lined fairways, bent grass greens and a thoughtful strategic layout requiring accuracy off the tee. Overlooking the prestigious course and situated in the botanical gardens is the historic mansion built in 1876 offering 14 guestrooms
all with ensuites and free Wi-Fi. In conjunction with the 14 guestrooms are two fully self contained units comprising of 3 bedrooms, lounge and dining rooms and kitchens.The clubhouse adjoining the mansion offers, a bar, café and brasserie dining with a wide selection of delicious meals to suit all tastes. Duntryleague offers many play and stay packages starting from $267per person including twin share accommodation in the Duntryleague mansion, green fees, shared golf cart, and full breakfast.
Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club Sitting near the beautiful sun-drenched beaches of the Queensland/NSW border is the picturesque Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club. With accommodation in abundance and no shortage of shopping nearby it’s easy to see why this is one of the more idyllic and impressive golf courses in one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. Inside a stunning dedicated nature reserve
PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
PEREGIAN SPRINGS GOLF CLUB
A Noosa Golfing Destination
INSIDE GOLF SPECIAL
79
$
with share GPS Golf Cart and Six Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls Please bring this cut out with you at check in to receive your balls.
Expires 30th April 2016
Peregian SPringS golf Club Peregian Springs Drive, Peregian Springs QlD 4573 Tel: (07) 5471 5471 fax: (07) 5471 5444 email: info@psgc.com.au | www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club lie the River Course and the West Course, both 18 hole courses are on 101 rolling hectares and were ranked in Australia’s top 100 Public Access golf courses in 2015. For any golfer the 36 holes will challenge and test as it weaves from gently undulating to flat, wide fairways guarded by groves of well-established trees, and plenty of bunkers and water hazards to keep golfers’ minds right on their game. Smack-bang in the middle of the River Course is a small rainforest, and you may come face-to-face with a goanna or the many species of bird life, generations of which have happily shared their lush riverside habitat with golfers. To play a round at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club is just a fraction of the cost of many Gold Coast courses and is available all year round. The cost-friendly course also offers other great facilities like The Clubhouse which is perfectly situated with views overlooking the Tweed River. Along with great scenery, this fully licensed venue has a cafe, full club facilities, and a well-appointed Pro Shop,
stocked to the rafters with everything a golfer needs and more. After a challenging day on the course at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club is one of Tweed’s most popular and busiest restaurants, Danny’s famous seafood buffet, ready to aid the heartiest of appetites. So, it’s easy to see why for so many locals and tourists who visit the Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club they consider it one of the best. For more information: Phone (07) 5524 4544, email nicolej@cooltweedgolf.com.au or visit www.cooltweedgolf.com.au
Wellington Golf Club Located just a four-hour drive from Sydney and nestled in the foothills of the Catombal Ranges with the Bell River flowing gently behind it, Wellington Golf Club is one of the most picturesque courses in Central West NSW. Known as the town’s best kept secret, the course boasts 18 holes of irrigated grass greens which are sure to test all aspects of every golfer’s game.
www.portfairygolf.com.au This natural links style course with spectacular ocean views, winds its way through undulating sand dunes. The course is less than five minutes from the centre of charming, historic Port Fairy, along the Princes Highway in the Shipwreck Coast and Great Ocean Road Tourism regions. Fully Licensed Club House
Green Fees: $40 - Nine Holes $25 - Juniors $15 Phone: (03) 5568 1654 Email: info@portfairygolf.com.au
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Wellington Golf Club The course is open every day with a Ladies’ competition held each Wednesday, while the men line the course from 11am every Saturday. An onsite club house is available for functions with barbecue facilities available. Accommodation overlooking the golf course can be found at the Wellington Caves Holiday Complex and with cabins being recently renovated, you can rest assured you will have a relaxing stay in a quiet and pristine location. Wellington Golf Club is currently offering three- and five-day unlimited golf passes as well as a two player special – 18 holes plus cart hire for only $70 per person. For more information phone (02) 6845 2130 or go to www.wellingtongc.com.au or www.wellingtoncaves.com.au
Bankstown Golf Club
Bankstown Golf Club is a social golf oasis in South West Sydney. An immaculate, topquality NSW Golf Group One-rated layout, it also is a welcoming top-value haven for all standards of public players. Conveniently located only 30 minutes from
both the Sydney and Parramatta CBDs and situated right next to the M5 motorway, Bankstown Golf Club is a central meeting place. Expertly cared for by a greens staff nominated for several Industry awards, this manicured course offers both a challenge for low handicappers, yet still provides options for an enjoyable experience for even novice golfers. Ranging from breezy holes adjoining the Georges River, to manicured fairways that drift through native bushland, this par-71, 6068m championship course can prove a challenge for low handicappers, yet is also an ideal outing for all levels of public access course players and their options are many and varied. Escape the office on Wednesdays and pay only $50 for two players with a cart after 12:30pm or enjoy Twilight Golf, when you can play unlimited golf after 2pm for only $29 each. Accessible seven days a week, Bankstown Golf Club offers an open competition every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. Social golfers can also enjoy a round of golf,
PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
Bankstown Golf Club with Sunday Social Clubs booking well in advance for the opportunity to play at this pristine course. Bankstown Golf Club understands that many golfers these days are time poor. The pressures of daily life, family and work commitments result in limited time available to enjoy an expensive golf membership. That is why Bankstown offers a variety of ways for you to enjoy a round of golf, from a quick game during the week, to flexible yet affordable membership options. Bankstown’s unique Group One Club is only $99 per year, which gives you access to $29 green fees (usually $60). Group One Club members also receive a Group One Pack containing a $50 driving range voucher, a hat, golf balls and various discounts in the Clubhouse and Proshop. The club has flexible full membership options starting at only $1569 -- all with no entrance fees or waiting lists and payment plans are available. For more information, visit www.bankstowngolf.com.au or call (02) 9773 0628.
Beverley Park Golf Club Beverley Park celebrates its 75th year in 2016. Affectionately knowns as “THE PARk”, the Management and Members are looking forward to the 75th anniversary celebrations and opening of the new course in this milestone year. A picturesque and challenging 18-hole golf course, located in the heart of the famous St. George sporting district, Beverley Park has a history like few others with some of the great names of Aussie golf and many club characters having been part of the club’s rich history. An important aspect for any visiting golfer is the camaraderie at Beverley Park. From the initial contact with Club Professional Greg Green to the inviting and friendly atmosphere in the clubhouse that still exists today, some 75 years on since the Club’s inception in 1941, your visit is magnetic. The club caters for all golfers, corporate and charity days with competition and public times available seven days a week. In 2015 the Clubhouse underwent an
Beverley Park Golf Club extensive upgrade as can be seen in the recent photograph taken from the Beverley Restaurant operated by Executive Greek Chef Yianni, his wife Helen and friendly staff who ensure all are welcome and a sumptuous fare from the extensive menu 7 days a week. The bar boasts 11 different beers, excellent affordable wine list, gaming, and TAB facilities. The par-70 course is currently undergoing the final three months of redevelopment. 30% of the course was required by Government to be redesigned under the 100-year flood plan mitigation project. Leading golf course designer James Wilcher was engaged to design and oversee Stage 1 works that includes a creek, two lakes, four new greens, all adding to the existing testing but relatively flat course. For the period the course has been under reconstruction, members and visitors play a well presented Par-61, 18-hole course, played in just over three hours. Celebrations for the 75th Year commence with a Reunion Weekend Friday 27th to Sunday 28th May. Doltone House Sylvania
will host the dinner on Friday 27th May for an anticipated attendance of 350 current and former members, sponsors, other golf club members, dignitaries and media. The night will be emceed by ABC golf tragic and commentator Peter Wilkins. Club Captain and Life Member Warren Emmerick and his team have organised a special weekend of golf with Medley Team events on both days followed by cocktail and barbecue functions and presentation of specially struck prizes for the 75th occasion. (See ad in this feature for more information.) President Frank Bates said “We encourage all former members, players, visitors and former Pennant opponents to join us on this special milestone weekend at Beverley Park and a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and relive those days at THE PARk”. 75th More information: Clubhouse (02) 9587 3424 or Pro Shop (02) 9588 5828, www.bpgc.com.au.
There is no better time to play a round at Gordon. We are the most accessible golf course in Sydney where social play is available 7 days a week! Mention this ad and receive a burger and beer special after your round on a weekend for just $12. For a limited time only!! For an additional golfing offer, go to our website www.gordongolfclub.com.au
Celebrating its 80th year
• Membership available from just $25 per week. • Receive $100 extra bar credit if you mention this ad
Gordon Golf Club is alive and well and looking forward to the next 80 years!
The friendliest club on the North Shore
2 Lynn Ridge Ave goRdon Ph: 94981913 Web: WWW.goRdongoLFcLub.coM.Au eMAiL: inFo@goRdongoLFcLub.coM.Au www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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Links Hope Island and Noosa Springs
QUEENSLAND Links Hope Island and Noosa Springs Technically the two courses are chalk and cheese. One is a championship links layout with rolling fairways and pot bunkers; the other a traditional resort course with treelined fairways, sparkling lakes and delightful scenery. What Links Hope Island and Noosa Springs have in common, though, is their undoubted quality. They’re both rated among the top resort courses in the country – and they’re getting better year by year. Owned in the same interests, the two great
golf courses – one on the northern outskirts of the Golf Coast; the other walking distance from Noosa’s famous Hastings St – offer a delightful experience for golfers of all levels. The Peter Thomson-Mike Wolveridgedesigned Links Hope Island layout is only 23 years old – yet it’s already hosted a Johnnie Walker Classic and a Qantas Legends Golf Classic, and is on every golfer’s ‘bucket list’ of courses to play. Set in a 360ha residential resort community, Links Hope Island is a beautiful 6500m par 72 layout, with 128 bunkers and plenty of water to hold any player’s attention. Local resident Peter Senior, who plays the course as often as anybody, declares it to be “one of the best championship links courses you’ll play.”
play golf Rated #60* in Australia’s Top 100 Golf Courses
A 20-minute drive from Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes from Brisbane, Links Hope Island is centrally located for holiday-makers and residents of the south-east corner of Queensland. Noosa Springs, too, is easily accessible to holiday-makers, being situated so close to iconic Noosa Heads. Designed by Graham Papworth, the par-72 6180m course meanders its way through tropical bushland, creating a tranquil setting to an enjoyable, yet challenging, round of golf. Both courses are complemented by superb clubhouse facilities, well-stocked pro shops and, should you wish (or need) it, some of the country’s highest-regarded teaching professionals.
book your round today.
For two courses of such fine quality, Links Hope Island and Noosa Springs are remarkably welcoming to visitors. Staff are friendly and obliging and visitors are greeted with warmth and hospitality. Staff and management are proud of their courses and keen to show them off. Casual green fees (for 18 holes) are set at $140 for Links Hope Island and $120 for Noosa Springs. Right now there is a special offer available that allows golfers to play both courses for just $199. For more information: Links Hope Island on (07) 5530 9000 (www.linkshopeisland. com.au) or Noosa Springs on (07) 5440 3333 (www.noosasprings.com.au).
VISIT CLUBMANDALAY.COM.AU AND YOU COULD WIN $2000 TOWARDS A SET OF TAYLORMADE GOLF CLUBS.
Club Mandalay is the latest golf course designed by 5 times British Open Champion Peter Thomson and the team at Thomson Perrett and is located just 40 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD and only 20 minutes from Melbourne Airport. Located in the suburb of Beveridge, just off the Hume Highway, the par 72 course measures 6285m and offers spectacular vistas, superb playing surfaces and is a must play for every golfer. Visit clubmandalay.com.au and you could win $2000 towards a set of TaylorMade Golf Clubs.
Group golf from $35* per round
Club Mandalay, 430-450 Mandalay Circuit, Beveridge, VIC 3753 T 03 9037 3700 E info@clubmandalay.com.au clubmandalay.com.au
*Rating by AusGolf Top 100 Courses. Full terms and conditions available at clubmandalay.com.au
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MAN1057
For golf reservations or further information please contact our Club Professional James Pratt on 03 9037 3700 or visit clubmandalay.com.au Iconic Thomson Perrett Designed
CHAMPIONSHIP
GOLF COURSE
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Maroochy River Golf Club
Maroochy River Golf Club Maroochy River Golf Club on the Queensland Sunshine Coast is distinctly new after opening as recently as last year. Still, it seems golfers can’t get enough of the Graham Marsh-designed layout and are flocking there in numbers. More than 40,000 rounds have been played there in the past six months. So, what can golfers expect? There’s a well-equipped driving range adjacent to the modern clubhouse and a short-game practice area. Secondly, the golf course has five tee positions so it’s best to
check the wind before teeing off. From the whites, the course measures 5648m; from the blues, 5918m; and from the blacks, 6441m. The course is 1129m shorter (5312m) from the yellow tees. From the red tees it’s 5010m. While there are no tree-lined fairways, hundreds of trees have been planted in strategic locations to protect the players on tees and greens from stray shots. Still, there is sufficient water and wetlands to keep golfers honest. Most of the water hazards are directional, which means they won’t swallow a lot of golf balls unless you hit
it sideways. Many of the largish greens have open approaches and gentle contours that make the course a joy to walk and play. During a round, golfers cross six bridges while the bunkering (there are 79 bunkers) is eyecatching and add to the layout’s aesthetics. Maroochy River is definitely a risk-and-reward golf course meaning you don’t have to hit the driver off the tee on every par-4 and par-5. Still, the big-hitters’ eyes will light up as they eye off an eagle or birdie, but birdies are possible by choosing the safer approach.
The clubhouse, which offers magnificent views north to Mount Coolum, offers all the comforts required and is capable of holding multiple functions (corporate days, weddings and members’ functions) simultaneously. Currently, Maroochy River is offering a “mates rates” deal where four players can play using golf carts for $260 – $65 per player. For more information, phone (07) 5373-1000, Pro Shop (07) 5457 0900, email operations@ maroochyrivergolfclub.com.au or visit www.maroochyrivergolfclub.com.au
After golf, there is a restaurant and a separate bar with tables for dining.
Have Fun at the Run
yarra valley’S beSt value memberShip 5, 6 oR 7 day and CoRPoRatE oPtions and thE nEw LadiEs PRoVisionaL MEMbERshiP now aVaiLabLE
For more information visit:
www.gardinersrun.com.au
Social GroupS and corporate dayS welcome. let uS orGaniSe your next biG event. Green Fee diScountS apply For GroupS over 12 playerS.
Call now (03) 9739 7522 132 Victoria Road Lilydale 3140 | For more information contact Gardiners Run Golf Course | P (03) 9739 7522 E manager@gardinersrun.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
day for clients to network, raise money, do business, or just a social round with friends. Special: Play a round at North Lakes Resort Golf Club with three mates and only two pay. Mention Inside Golf when you call, to secure this special offer. Offer valid for rounds booked and played prior to June 30 2016. (Subject to availability). Promotion applies to the 18-hole green fee of $99.00 per person including shared carts. Offer valid for four golfers playing 18 holes on same day with same tee time. For more information: Phone (07) 3480 9200, email golfshop@northlakesgolfclub.com.au or visit www.northlakesgolfclub.com.au
Paradise Palms, Cairns Situated between two natural wonders, the Daintree World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, Paradise Palms is a worldclass golf course in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, just 20 minutes north of Cairns.
North Lakes Resort Golf Club
North Lakes Resort Golf Club Arguably one of Queensland’s best championship public access golf courses, North Lakes Resort Golf Club is one of the most beautiful places to play golf in Brisbane!
with exceptional drainage offer good all year round conditioning, combined with the tranquil surroundings. North Lakes has received wide acclaim over the past decade for the quality and conditioning of the playing surface and its facilities.
The challenging 18-hole course is a real credit to its creator, touring professional Graham Marsh. The Championship layout offers a fair challenge for all skill levels, with the option of four tee positions, Tifeagle greens and Wintergreen fairways along
North Lakes Resort Golf Club is conveniently located just 35 minutes due north of Brisbane’s CBD, and is open to the public seven days a week. The golf club offers, not just the stunning course, but golf instruction, an excellent driving range
and practice facilities. Its contemporary Clubhouse will impress and delight your taste buds with a delicious selection of dishes available for breakfast, lunch or dinner at the club’s restaurant, Lomandra’s. Proving North Lakes is more than just a golf course, it has perfected the art of mixing business with pleasure, with the course regularly playing host to annual charity golf days, corporate golf and business events. North Lakes goes above and beyond expectations to deliver a fun and professional
Continuously ranked as one of Australia’s best and most challenging courses, Paradise Palms’ 18-hole championship golf course offers a combination of sweeping fairways, creeks and lakes, narrow undulating greens and 72 bunkers. Open to the public seven days a week, the course is a great test for golfers of all skill levels. With no shared fairways, from every tee the golfer is presented with a truly spectacular and demanding layout. Adeptly described as one of the most serene playing fields to be experienced, the backdrop alone is worth the effort. It’s easy to see why golfers describe Paradise Palms as the most iconic golf course in North Queensland.
4PLAY2PAY
7 DAYS A WEEK
Designed by Graham Marsh and Ross Watson and opened in 1990, the par-71
Call 07 3480 9299 and mention Inside Golf when you call, to secure this special offer today! The offer runs from 1st April to 30th June 2016 - subject to availability 74
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
4 for 2 offer only valid with full 18 hole rack rate Offer valid for 4 golfers playing 18 holes on same day with same tee time
Bridgeport Drive, North Lakes QLD
Promotion includes 2 motorised carts. Carts compulsory Reservations required quote: “Inside Golf” at time of booking
PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
Paradise Palms, Cairns course measures 6,331metres off the championship tees (with four tee spots on offer). New owners and a vibrant new management team have planned improvements taking place throughout 2016. New golf carts with GPS arrive in April, and course reconfigurations include the creation of two new holes, a new combined practice putting and chipping green, as well as reshaping of bunkers. Visitors can enjoy the tropical and relaxed luxury 4.5 star resort, lounge poolside and taste local cuisine in the Paradise Palms restaurant, open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Paradise Palms offers great Stay & Play packages for golfers wanting a relaxed getaway and to experience the best golf in Tropical North Queensland.
For more information: Phone (07) 4059 9999, email golfshop@paradisepalms.com.au (golf enquiries), or reservations@paradisepalms. com.au (Play and Stay and Accommodation) or visit www.paradisepalms.com.au
Peregian Springs Golf Club Peregian Springs Golf Club located on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast is building a reputation as a must-play golf course since opening its doors to the public in 2013. Located just 10 minutes south of Noosa’s famous Hastings street and 10 minutes north of the Sunshine Coast airport, the par-72 6,169m layout was designed by Phil Scott, father of Australian’s Masters champion Adam. The 18- Hole Championship layout has multiple tee options to suit every level of
Peregian Springs Golf Club golfer with generous fairways and subtle greens and fair bunkering. Water comes into play on seven holes with the 11th, 12th & 13th holes being most prominent holes on this pristine layout. Peregian Springs Golf Club works in conjunction with Troon Golf, the world leaders in upscale golf courses. The modern clubhouse welcomes visitors and guests with two bars and a restaurant open to the public each day, serving lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner on Friday evenings. Two of the function rooms open onto the veranda that overlooks our manicured gardens and putting green. Perfect for after golf presentations with various food and beverage menus to suit the occasion. The Pro shop is fully stocked with the latest apparel and equipment. Peregian Springs has a full-length driving range with a grass
moonah links
ThE homE oF aUsTRalian GolF
tee and mat option available. The club also boosts a new Club Car golf fleet with the latest in cart GPS system from Visage. Take advantage of the Stay and Play packages with accommodation partners in Noosa and the Ramada Marcoola Beach. There is special pricing on two-night stays and one round of golf with a cart and breakfast daily. Other options are available on application. The picturesque surroundings at Peregian Springs Golf Club merely add to the pleasurable experience and bring golfers back for more. For more information: Phone (07) 5471 5471, email: info@psgc.com.au, or visit www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au
Moonah Midweek Madness! Monday @ Moonah
Play for just $50 including motorised carts.
Two for one Tuesday
Play on Tuesday and bring a mate for free *Cart excluded, maximum of 8 players per booking
whack iT wednesday
Play 18 holes on a Wednesday and receive a voucher to come back and play 9!
*cart excluded, return 9 must be played on a Wednesday on the Open course.
*Terms and conditions apply, excludes Public holidays, must quote daily deal at time of booking. * Valid Until Tuesday 31st May 2016
Moonah Links Resort Peter Thomson Drive, Fingal 3939 T: (03) 5988 2047 W: www.moonahlinks.com.au
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
Twin Waters Golf Club
Twin Waters Golf Club Twin Waters Golf Club is an ideal corporate golf day venue with dedicated professional staff to assist with any requirements. Along with its relaxed environment, the course design is friendly but not without its challenges. All holes have an isolated feel free from the rest of the course whilst capturing the links style beauty. The course condition is renowned for being one of the best in Australia, with beautiful manicured fairways and greens. It is widely considered to be the Sunshine Coast’s premier destination for golf. The course is perfectly situated in the central part of the Sunshine Coast and having the airport
only five minutes away is a bonus for any interstate guests needing a quick getaway. Twin Waters Golf Club offers many corporate event packages which can be tailored to meet the needs of intimate groups of only 20 guest or large groups up to 140 players. Packages include motorised carts for all players, personalised printing of scorecards, cart signs, all on course markers for nearest the pins, long drives, or best approaches, rules sheets, sponsor logos and a function room with prize tables any AV equipment required. Your day could start with breakfast burgers with tea and coffee or a golf clinic for your beginners on the unique aquatic driving range. The clubhouse presents the perfect
venue for your golfers to reminisce and recount stories of their missed putts while enjoying a cold beverage on the terrace. Beautiful barbecues, buffets or a la carte menus are available to complete the day during your prize presentations in either of the two clubhouse function rooms. Twin Waters Golf Club celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2015 and throughout its history has been the chosen venue for many established national companies such as Lexus, The Audi Quattro Cup, SV Partners, Master Builders, Men of League, HIA Sunshine Coast and many other local charity events. Twin Waters Golf Club has been the host of the Holden Scramble Championship
The Flinders Golf Club “Flinders is one of those unique coastal courses…….not quite links…..neither is it woodland or marsh, that perches high on the cliff top, making it a distant cousin of Pebble Beach and a relative of Murfield.... The Flinders golf course is friendly yet full of surprises and intrigue. Bring all your clubs because you are going to need them and a good understanding of what Golf is all about.” Peter Thomson OBE
Final, Australia’s largest pro-amateur team event for 20 years. For more information: Phone (07) 5457 2444, email golf@twgolf.com.au, or visit www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au
Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club The Palms golf course at Sanctuary Cove is open to the public for play 7 days a week and is designed to challenge all levels of play. The course has undergone an $8.8 million reconstruction and was redesigned by renowned golf course architect Ross Watson.
Green fees: Weekend $49 Midweek $35
Book online to receive a $5 discount and be in the running to win a “Mates Day” (10 free rounds) New Flexible Membership - Limited numbers available - Enquire NOW www.flindersgolfclub.com.au Proshop: (03) 5989 0583
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PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE The Palms is considered a championship course rivalling some of the best golf courses in Australia. It has total length of 5904m off the championship tees, and has numerous water features and hazards. Tee placements have been designed to suit a variety of playing conditions and a diverse range of players. Nestled within century–old Cabbage Palms. The Palms golf course is a return to the traditions of the game, with distinctive holes, deep greenside bunkers and boldly contoured greens requiring creative shot making. The Palms golf course holds an Open Mixed Competition every Saturday for $99pp. The competition is available every Saturday with tee times available from 7am. There are a number of great prizes on offer each week. Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club also offers an impressive leisure complex with many other facilities aside from golf, including two driving ranges, practice chipping and putting greens, five tennis courts, a state-of-the-art gymnasium with yoga room and a wide range of fitness classes, a 25m heated lap pool, sauna, spa, complete locker room facilities, dining and functions rooms and much more. Sanctuary Cove is also home to the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, a 5-star hotel resort located only minutes from the golf courses. The Village at Sanctuary Cove is also abundant with entertainment, dining and shops to suit all visitors. For more information, phone (07) 5699 9000. Email: info@scgcc.com.au. Website: www.sanctuarycovegolfclub.com.au
Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club
Redcliffe Golf Club Redcliffe Golf Club is one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets and the GMAQ Queensland Golf Club of the Year 2014. Their picturesque 18-hole Championship Golf Course, located in the suburb of Clontarf, is just a 35-minute drive north of Brisbane. Redcliffe offer a wide range of golf facilities and services. The Championship Par-71 Slope rated 123 Blue Course is very popular amongst all levels of golfers and is a soughtafter destination for many social clubs, be it midweek or weekend. The clubhouse has sweeping views across the course from the outdoor deck and is an ideal location for your
next function or special event. The Redcliffe Golf Club welcomes the local community and tourists to experience a round of golf or a quiet drink overlooking the course. The Redcliffe Golf Club is available to visiting and social players. Newcomers will find that the course presents a challenge for any calibre of golfer. The club welcomes social players every day of the week, though limited times are available on some days. Bookings are advised. The Redcliffe Golf Club’s many features include a fully air-conditioned clubhouse, bar and deck overlooking the course, fully stocked pro shop with a great range of the
latest gear, and full hire facilities for clubs, carts and buggies. Membership is currently open in all categories. The club’s Sub-Junior Program, catering for those youngsters yet to face the full 18-hole challenge, operating on a Saturday and is the envy of many clubs in the region and is the pathway to becoming a junior member of the club. Special: $70.00 includes two players and a motorised cart, all day Monday and Tuesday also after 12.00 midday on Thursday. For more information: Phone (07) 32845 4885, email: info@redcliffegolf.com, or visit www.redcliffegolf.com
ips et rsh udg e b b em le & m ar sty ye life 5 r u 1 of it yo y t u e ari to s A v ble a ail av
N
I JO
Y A D TO
Doltone House, Sylvania Waters
on Friday May 27, 2016 7pm - midnight $110 per person includes
ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND REUNION • Dinner | Golf (2 days Sat & Sun) $220.00 • Dinner | Golf (1 day Sat or Sun) $170.00 • Golf Events 4B Medley Teams Stableford (fee includes golf, 4 drink vouchers & food)
FREE transport between Clubhouse & Doltone House
Contact Office on 02 9587 3424 to book or visit www.bpgc.com.au for further details
Restaurant & Club Bistro/Café
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
3 course meal wine | beer | soft drinks Dancing Entertainment
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Great food
MC- Peter Wilkins
Good selection of wines, excellent coffee & service
Phone 02 9588 5216 for your reservation
All guests will receive a complimentary BPGC 75th anniversary hard covered coffee table book
11 varieties of beer on tap - we’ve got it all !
Book early to reserve priority seating
ALSO
TAB, VIP lounge & Keno available
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
City Golf Club
Redcliffe Golf Club
City Golf Club Take a trip up the mountain and enjoy what the award-winning City Golf Club has to offer. Located in the Garden City of Toowomba only five minutes from the CBD and claiming the Best Golf Club in Queensland award for 2011 and 2012, this facility has more to offer than just a great golf course. Visitors can enjoy first class 4.5 star City Golf Club Motel accommodation overlooking the course, with your choice of room service breakfast, available seven days a week, or a splendid breakfast at the nearby City Golf Club overlooking the fairways. If golf is not your thing, then take a refreshing dip in the lap pool or feel the energy levels return in the outdoor spa. There’s a guest BBQ under the pool gazebo to make the most of the great outdoors, or even better why not tantalise your taste
buds at the City Golf Club bistro and café 19. Heading to the club for drinks? Let the motel courtesy bus take you to the club to enjoy a cold beer at the Reitano’s sports bar overlooking the championship 18th Green, or try your luck on one or more of the 200+ jackpot gaming machines. The 18-hole golf course boasts lush kikuyu fairways and carpet-like bent grass greens all year round, ensuring City Golf Club will test your skills. Hosting the prestigious QLD PGA Championship since 2009 and various state and national amateur championships, the City Golf Club is sure to surprise newcomers. Challenge yourself on this championship golf course and enjoy the panoramic views from atop the 18th hole overlooking the clubhouse. Do yourself a favour, grab a group of friends and be prepared for a great golfing and social atmosphere. The reward at the
end will be an experience like no other. For more information: Phone (07) 4639 0000, email golf@citygolf.com.au or visit www.citygolf.com.au
Lakelands Golf Club As social golf is becoming a greater part of the golfing community, Lakelands Golf Club has managed to go with the times and partner up with a number of Tour Operators and website promotional partners in order to best deliver to keen golfers chasing the best value for money. Lakelands pride themselves on maintaining the best conditioned golf course possible throughout the year. With multiple tee ground options to suit all levels of golfers, generous landing areas from the tee, the near perfect
golf course setting and amazing outlook from the Clubhouse, what more could you want when going for a Social game of golf? Lakelands Golf Club includes a full-length driving range which is open to the public, two practice chipping and putting greens, full clubhouse with shower and locker facilities available to the public, as well as a fully-licensed bar and restaurant to help you wind down after your game. With onsite units for rent at Signature Apartments and numerous hotels within 5-10 minutes, as well as the popular Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise locations, Lakelands Golf Club is situated perfectly in the heart of the Gold Coast. Every month from February through November, Lakelands host a Black Tee challenge for the men to test their skills in
Packages To suit your individual needs
49
$
*
18 HOLES
On our championship course. Includes Twin Share electric cart hire and lunch.
p/person
1 NiGHt PACKAGE DEALs
140
$
p/person
To book accomm call 02 6680 2222
*
• 1 night’s accommodation in twin share or double room • Continental Breakfast • 18 holes of Golf with shared electric cart at Ocean Shores Golf Club • Main Course Dinner at Coast Restaurant Ocean Shores Country Club
Dedicated 6 bay driving range 40 Balls $7.00 and 80 Balls $12.00 Kangaroo Tours 6 Days a weeK
Family Fun - Mini Golf coming soon
Green fees $50 for 18 holes $30 for 9 holes Junior green fees $25 for 18 holes $15 for 9 holes Social Golf Group bookings available 7 days Women’s competitions Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Men’s competitions Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Annual Tournament held over 8 days every October
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April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
BLUE MARKER CHALLENGE Played last Friday of each month. Play to your handicap or better & receive a dozen Pro V’s. Only 30 minutes south of Coolangatta and 15 minutes north of Byron Bay *Conditions apply
30*
$
Visitors
PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
Lakelands Golf Club a stroke event, as well as a bi-monthly Lady Bear stableford event, which are both open to the public. Whenever you are in the heart of the Gold Coast you should take the short 5 minute drive from Broadbeach to Lakelands Golf Club where you can experience the knowledge and excellence that the world’s finest golfer, winner of eighteen majors, brings to golf course design. The Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus has designed over 150 golf courses on five continents. It took twenty-five years for Jack Nicklaus to find the perfect location for his first signature golf course in Australia… so experience Lakelands Golf Course today. For more information: Phone (07) 5510 6507, email proshop@lakelandsgolfclub.com. au, or visit www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au
Headland Golf Club Headland Golf Club, situated on the eastern escarpment of Buderim Mountain and overlooking the holiday meccas of Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore, has long been rated one of the most challenging courses on the Sunshine Coast. Because of its undulating and tree-lined fairways, the 6086m (from the championship tees) par-72 course is rarely beaten up, not even during the annual Sunshine Coast Men’s Open Amateur Championship. Played over 36 holes during Easter, a testament to the challenge of Headland is that last year the Easter tournament attracted a field which included 30 players with a scratch handicap or better. And this challenge presented to golfers is
Redcliffe Golf Club “Queensland Golf Club of the Year 2014”
Special Deal
The Championship Par 71 Slope rated 123 Blue Course is just 35 minutes from the Brisbane CBD
2 Players and a Motorised Cart
Social Players welcome 7 days per week, though limited times are available on some days, bookings are advised! Discounts for more than 4 players.
$70
(Monday, Tuesday and after 12.00pm on Thursday - subject to course availability)
Redcliffe Golf Cub Handsworth Street, Clontarf Beach, Qld 4019 Clubhouse 07 32845485 Pro Shop (07) 3284 2957
Air-conditioned clubhouse with bistro, bar and gaming machines. Function room available. Fully stocked pro shop with a great range of the latest gear with two full-time PGA Professionals. Membership is currently OPEN in all categories. The Club runs a very successful Sub-Junior Program, catering for those youngsters yet to face the full 18 hole challenge. This program is held on a Saturday and is the envy of many clubs in the region.
Headland Golf Club why it is such a popular golf course. Last year 60,000 rounds were recorded at Headland, 48,000 by members and 12,000 by visitors. Headland readily welcomes visitors. Regular competitions are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursday and Saturdays, leaving Friday, Sunday and Monday open for visitors. However restricted tee times are also available on competition days and visitors are welcome to play in most member events. Visitors green fees are $50 for 18 holes and $30 for nine holes, but the club also has special rates for regular players. With unlimited golf included, a weekly green fee voucher is $100, while visitors staying on the Sunshine Coast for a month can play as often as they like for a fee of $250.
arrangements with Townsville Golf Club, Federal Golf Club (Canberra), Latrobe Golf Club, Mount Osmond Golf Club (South Australia), Tasmania Golf Club, The Coast Golf Club (Sydney), Portsea Golf Club, The Sands (Torquay) and Wanneroo Golf Club (Western Australia). Members of these clubs are entitled to six free rounds at Headland each year. And in an innovative move, Headland and fellow Sunshine Coast club Caloundra have instigated a reciprocal arrangement entitling members to two complimentary rounds annually. For more information: Phone: (07) 5444 5800, email: proshop@headlandgolfclub.com.au, or visit www.headlandgolfclub.com.au
The 2015 Queensland Golf Club of the Year, Headland Golf Club has reciprocal
PENRITH GOLF CLUB 1939 The Northern Road, Penrith NSW (02) 4736 1633 | www.penrithgolfclub.com.au
$60
Golf Package for 2 people including 18 holes of golf with cart and drink each Strictly available Monday to Friday not including public holidays
$12 Unlimited Golf $20 Twilight Golf
after 3pm weekdays after 1pm weekdays
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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Ratho Farm
TASMANIA
is one of the tightest scoring ‘spreads’ on this year’s PGA Calendar.
Ratho Farm Ratho Farm has been recognised since the 1970s as being home to Australia’s Oldest Golf Course, but the farm’s history goes far deeper. The success of the completed layout has had an early indicator; in the recent Australian Golf Museum Highlands Pro-Am, with 31 PGA Professionals around the full 18 holes; four winners were tied on 66 (4 under) and none of the PGA Pros shot over 75. That
In restoring the “lost” six holes at Ratho Farm, the challenge has been to retain the golf course’s heritage, whilst delivering an enriching experience that is relevant to the regular modern golfer; with modern equipment bombing tee shots 50 per cent further than when Ratho Farm was first played over 150 years ago. The six new holes complement the reunited twelve holes to make a full 18-hole round. Like the originals, the new holes are
maintained by sheep and feature fenced square greens mown from existing contours. The selected routing and green sites for the new holes complement the twelve original holes in their natural simplicity. Just as St. Andrews has had to endure the advance of modern equipment, Ratho Farm exhibits the purity of great golf holes and nature’s own defences, which stand the test of time. Restored thoughtfully and tastefully, Ratho Farm has the potential to become something of a national pilgrimage for Australian golfers to learn about the origins
of their favourite pastime. Accommodation at Ratho Farm consists of several old farm buildings lovingly restored into boutique rooms. Equipped with modern features but still retaining elements of the original masonry and carpentry, the result is a beautiful fusion of old and new. Ratho Farm can accommodate singles, twins, as well as entire families or groups in adjoining rooms. Each room has an en suite, a fridge, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. For more information: www.rathofarm.com/golf
HEADLAND GOLF CLUB The Club of Choice on the Sunshine Coast
SOCIAL GOLF AT HEADLAND GOLF CLUB: • 18 Holes $50 • 9 Holes $30 • Cart Hire Available • Social Club & Group Rates Available
Members $20.00, Non Members $30.00 2015 Queensland Golf Club of the Year
RESULTS 11th March 2016 Winner - James Cobley Runner Up - Bradley Ward Next Best - Fraser Tier N.T.P 6th
Golf Links Road, BUDERIM QLD 4556 | Pho Shop: (07) 5444 5944 proshop@headlandgolfclub.com.au | www.headlandgolfclub.com.au 80
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
- Edmund Kost
Approach 17th - Sam Reinke
PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE
WESTERN AUSTRALIA Links Kennedy Bay If you go to Western Australia to play golf, make sure The Links Kennedy Bay is on your short list. It’s a wonderful golfing experience and one you won’t forget in a hurry. The Links Kennedy Bay might not have a large pretentious clubhouse, but what it does have is a true links golf course of the highest quality. Little wonder it’s been rated the third best public access course in Australia behind Barnbougle and Lost Farm in Tasmania. Chris Gray, the former Australian amateur champion and winner of many professional events in Australia and abroad, said The Links Kennedy Bay, managed by Peter Whittle of Prime Golf, was “special and unique”. “To play The Links Kennedy Bay successfully you need to be able to control your ball by hitting it low and high when needed,” Gray said. “We get a bit of wind here so hit it low into the wind and high downwind. “The fairways are quite generous, but there are a lot of pot bunkers (115) so watch out for them. They are only small but they tend to swallow the balls up quite a bit.” Gray lists the par-4 fifth the toughest on the course. It’s 417m from the black tee box, 410m (blue), 382m (white) and 355m (red). “There are bunkers down the fairways so it’s quite tight to get through those,” he said. The short par-4 12th (307m off the white tees) is a risk-reward hole.
Links Kennedy Bay “You can drive it downwind, but there is trouble around the green,” he said. “Most people lay-up and wedge it in. “The par-3s are great and some of the best around. The 123m 12th named Wee Tap is a great hole. It only has a tiny green with bunkers and swales and can be tricky.”
The beautifully manicured course, which runs alongside the vast blue water of the Indian Ocean, is a delight to play off the white tees. Still anyone up for the challenge, mentally and physically, should play it off the tips. The cost is $50 walking or $75 with cart.
Visitors are welcome to play every day and hungry golfers can take advantage of the club’s full menu. For more information: Phone: (08) 95245991, email: admin@kennedybay.com.au or visit www.kennedybay.com.au
Don’t miss the opportunity to play on two of the Top 100 Public Access Golf Courses in Australia!
from $125 per person per night (min 4 pp) *
Port Fairy
Big or Small Groups...we’ve got you covered! Stylish fully self-contained houses & apartments East Beach, Moyne River, Central or South Beach Stay & Play packages tailored to suit your group Reduced Green Fees for Port Fairy & Warrnambool
Call us to help plan your next golfing adventure * conditions apply
Warrnambool
www.portfairyaccom.com.au • • • • •
Shop 2/54 Sackville Street, Port Fairy VIC 3284 03 5568 3150 accommodation@hearns.com.au
Great Location | Great Service | Great Stay
Social golf available 7 days a week Golfing and Social Memberships are available Flexi Membership available 9 hole beginners female group Golf cart and clubs available for hire
• Fully stocked Pro Shop and tuition available • Bluewater Grill open for lunch 7 days and dinner Thursday – Saturday • Kangaroo Tours by arrangement • Raffles every Friday night from 5pm
Clubhouse (02) 4981 1132 Pro Shop (02) 4981 2073 Blue Water Grill (02) 4981 4256
www.nelsonbaygolf.com www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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golf tours
Looking for the best way to attend the 2017 Masters?
O
ne of the most anticipated weeks in the golfing calendar is almost upon us and it takes place in a town that explodes with excitement in the first full week of April every year: Augusta, Georgia. Attending the US Masters is a pilgrimage that most avid golfers want to take at some point in their life and so the question for them is, what is the best way to experience one of the world’s greatest sporting events? For a city that welcomes almost as many visitors as regular inhabitants one week per year, hotel accommodation can be tough to procure and for that reason, many people choose to stay in surrounding towns. There certainly are some beautiful towns not far from Augusta, including over the state border in South Carolina, however during Masters Week the concept of ‘not far’ takes on a different spin when you consider the significant increase in traffic in and around Augusta. For what is a once in a lifetime experience for many, spending hours and hours in traffic just means less time spent soaking up the experience - not just of Augusta National Golf Club and The Masters Tournament, but of the city of Augusta itself - a city which is overwhelmed with Masters fever during that very special week in April. One option unknown to many, but one that is becoming increasingly popular is the option of renting private residences; many of which are literally within a short walking distance of Augusta National. If you have a group of 3 or 4 or more, choosing a private
residence not only provides large bedrooms, most with their own bathroom and TVs, but also great shared spaces for your group to socialise in, from large living rooms, to great BBQ areas, Jacuzzis and swimming pools. The Masters experience is often also very much about who you experience it with, and there is no better way to share the experience than in a large house with your friends and family a matter of a few hundred metres from the gates of the most beautiful golf course in the world! If the idea of a house in Augusta interests
you, or whether you still prefer to stay in a hotel, the team at Exclusive Sports can help you plan your Masters trip. Their packages are flexible so you can choose exactly how long you stay, which days you want to attend The Masters and which days you would like to play some games of golf yourself on some of the best private courses in Augusta and surrounding areas. For more information, go to www.exclusivesports.com.au, email info@exclusivesports.com.au or call them on (02) 9555 5195. •
New Caledonia to host Amateur Golf World Champion finals With the largest lagoon in the world on one side and beautiful mountain ranges on the other, New Caledonia provides a compelling backdrop for world-class golf courses. In under three hours, Aussies can be teeing off on one of four impressive international courses, which host regular prestigious events such as the PGA and now, the Amateur World Championships. Ten countries—France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, USA, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Japan will battle for the crown of Amateur Golf World Champion. The competition is open to all amateur golfers with an official handicap. Each team will comprise of two players, one with a handicap below 12, and one equal or above 12. Each participating country will hold a national tournament to select its two qualifying representatives for the Amateur Golf World Cup, which will represent more than 300 tournaments worldwide and an overall involvement of about 24,000 players from across the globe. The two finalists from each country will be invited and fully hosted by the organisers for five days at the Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Golf & Spa Resort, a world-class golf resort. The Amateur Golf World Cup will be held from 23 to 27 May, 2016, and take place over 54 holes (first round as a scramble and two rounds individual Stableford). The team which scores the most Gross/Nett points over the three rounds will win. For more information: www.theamateurgolfworldcup.com.
Overnight packages
frOm just $90pp
Book now
www.golfandstay.com.au 82
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
golf tours
Vanity Fairways launches Spain Golf Tour
NSW State Teams announced The NSW Men’s and Women’s State Teams for the 2016 Interstate Series, and the Golf NSW Teams for the Australian Boys and Girls Amateur and Interstate Teams series have been announced. The Golf NSW Men’s Team will be spearheaded by Australian Rep and 2015 Australian Amateur Champion Cameron Davis. Alongside Davis, will be Travis Smyth, Austin Bautista, Harrison Endycott, Dylan Perry, Blake Windred, Daniel Gale and Kevin Yuan. The Golf NSW Women’s side includes Celina Yuan, Olivia Wilson, Elizabeth Elmassian, Sophie Cusack, Hannah Park, and Doey Choi. The Boy’s and Girl’s team are:
La Quinta Tradition Golf Club
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ovember this year will see Vanity Fairways celebrating an impressive 10 years in business. Owner Deborah Marsland is very proud of this achievement and, as part of the “milestone year”, Deborah and her husband Peter will be personally escorting their fifth overseas golf tour; this time to Spain. Past group departures have been to Vietnam, South Africa, Hawaii and New Zealand. Departing in September for 3 weeks, travelling through Spain with an optional extension to Portugal, the tour will stay in 4 to 5-star hotels and play some of the best golf courses these amazing countries have to offer. But these tours are not just about playing golf every day. Vanity Fairways allow plenty
of time to enjoy each destination with sightseeing, city tours and plenty of free time to explore on your own or with the group. There are always lots of inclusions and they also ensure plenty of 2 and 3-night stays so you aren’t packing and unpacking all the time. Past tours have been so successful that Vanity Fairways have some clients that have travelled on every tour. Their tour groups are always a maximum of 24 passengers which makes the tours more personalized, and run smoother with less hassles and time wasted, giving you much more time to enjoy your holiday. And just because Vanity Fairways specializes in golf apparel and accessories for lady golfers, it doesn’t mean that their tours are
“female only”. On the contrary, they welcome men to the groups (someone has to keep Peter company while Deborah takes the girls shopping!) If you’re a single traveller then they will do their best to match you with a travelling companion. They always play single Stableford golf so you can play your own game on the courses and be as challenged as you want to be. Travelling in a small group gives you freedom, safety and security whilst travelling with like-minded people who enjoy their golf. For more information, call Deborah on 07 3279 1358 or 0418 754 717, or email deborah@vanityfairways.com.au. Space is still available but limited. •
Boys: Jason Hong, Isaac Noh, Corey Jones, Jay Mackenzie, Jordan Garner, and Joshua Gadd. Girls: Stefanie Hall, Doey Choi, Celina Yuan, Hannah Park, Amy Chu, and Belinda Ji. In addition to the Boy’s and Girl’s team selection a number of development players have been selected to attend the Australian Junior Championship in April. They are: Jye Picken, Bradley Doherty, Thomas Heaton, Harrison Crowe, Grace Kim, Stephanie Kyriacou, Casey Cook, and June Song. The Men’s and Women’s competition is to be held from May 10th to 13th at Brisbane and Royal Queensland Golf Clubs, while the Boys and Girls Amateur and interstate teams event are to be held at Devonport and Ulverstone Golf Clubs in Tasmania from April 13th to 20th 2016.
HOLA SPAIN GOLF TOUR FULLY, PERSONALLY ESCORTED GROUP TOUR Departs Thursday 1st September, 2016 19 DAYS FROM
$10,085*
per person twin share INCLUDES: • Personally escorted by Deborah and Peter Marsland • Return economy class airfares including taxes with Emirates from Brisbane to Madrid, and Barcelona to Brisbane or Lisbon to Brisbane • 5 rounds of golf with electric carts • 17 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • All golf and airport transfers in mini-coach with professional driver/guide • Equestrian show • Flamenco show and dinner • Sightseeing as per itinerary
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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golf NSW
What’s the Rule?
MATCH PLAY vs STROKE PLAY Frank Gal
Chairman of Rules Committee Golf NSW
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here are some important differences in the Rules of Golf for match play and stroke play, primarily because both games are played differently. In stroke play, the player who completes the stipulated round in the fewest strokes is the winner. In match play, each hole is a separate contest; the player winning the most holes is the winner. The Rules also have different terms for the players in each format. Players competing at match play are called ‘opponents’, while players competing at stroke play are called ‘competitors’ (‘fellow competitors’ if they are playing in the same group). The two forms of play have different penalties for breach of a Rule. The general penalty for breach of a rule in match play is loss of the hole where the breach takes place, whilst the general penalty in stroke play is two strokes.
An important and often overlooked similarity, however, is that all the onestroke penalties (with one exception) apply to both match play and stroke play. The exception is the one-stroke penalty in match play for moving an opponent’s ball at rest other than during a search (Rule 18-3b). There is no penalty in stroke play for moving a fellow competitor’s ball at rest (Rule 18-4).
The following table summarises some of the most important differences in the Rules and penalties between the two forms of play. Note: This summary has been simplified substantially. For more information, please refer to the relevant Rule in the Rules of Golf booklet.
Kyogle Golf Club – keeping up to Standards Kyogle Golf Club contacted the NSW Golf Foundation in 2015 after a Workplace Health and Safety Audit, seeking assistance with their “Workplace Safety Upgrade” project. With over 300 members and a healthy cadet program, ensuring the club was up to scratch with WHS standards was vital, especially when several of the members were also club volunteers. The club had a visit from the Golf NSW Club Support Program thanks to the work of the club’s Board. With all the knowledge and requirements at hand, the only thing preventing the club in completing all the projects was funding. “For the last 15 years, the club survived with the generous donation of time from
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April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
many volunteers, “ says Mary Garred, the Club Secretary. “They maintain the course through mowing the fairways and the rough, by removing dead or damaged trees, installing drainage works, assisting behind the bar, and cleaning. The list goes on forever!” By hosting fundraisers such as Saturday Night Meat Raffles, Trivia Nights and golf days, the club was able to raise funds towards the project, but it just wasn’t enough.
Rule 2-4 Rule 3-2 Rule 3-3 Rule 2-5 Rule 6-6
Rule 6-8
Rule 7-1 Rule 9-2
Rule 10-1 Rule 10-2 Rule 11-4
Rule 18-3 Rule 18-4 Rule 19-3 Rule 19-4 Rule 19-5
Concession of Next Stroke, Hole or Match Doubt as to Procedure
Match Play – Allowed Stroke Play - Player must hole out Stroke Play - A player may play out hole with two balls and get a decision from Committee after round Match Play - Not allowed Scoring Match Play - No requirement to record scores on a score card Stroke Play – Competitor is required to return a score card containing the correct gross score for each hole Discontinuing Play Match Play - Players may discontinue play by agreement and resume later (provided this does not delay the competition) Stroke Play – Not allowed (limited exceptions) Practice on Course Before a Round Match Play – Allowed Stroke Play – Disqualification Wrong Information Match Play – Player loses hole if he gives wrong information to opponent as to strokes taken Stroke Play – Marker should be informed as soon as practicable after penalty incurred Playing out of order Match Play – Opponent may recall stroke Stroke Play – No penalty (competitors disqualified if they agree to play out of turn to give one of them an advantage) Playing from Outside Teeing Ground Match Play – No penalty but opponent may recall stroke Stroke Play – Two-stroke penalty and player must play from within teeing ground Ball moved by opponent Match Play – One-stroke penalty if player moves opponent’s ball other than during a search for the ball Stroke Play – No penalty if a player moves a fellow competitor’s ball Ball deflected by opponent Match Play – Player may cancel stroke and replay, or play ball as it lies Ball deflected by fellow competitor Stroke Play – Ball must be played as it lies (rub of the green) Stroke on putting green hits another Match Play – No penalty player’s ball on putting green Stroke Play – Two-stroke penalty
“The club is fortunate that we have an army of volunteers, retired tradesman and labourers who are willing to do the work, but we need help with the cost of materials to complete the project,” Ms Garred said. With the help of the NSW Golf Foundation, Golf NSW, the Club Support Program and the Kyogle volunteers, the club was able to build a new depot to house fuel tanks, install a new emergency shower and eyewash facilities, and erect emergency signage in appropriate areas. All the work was completed by qualified volunteers and the club now meets the safety standards required. We’d love to hear about your club’s volunteers too, and for more information on the NSW Golf Foundation, Club Support or the new Buddy Club Program – visit www.golfnsw.org or contact Wynter Hines on wynter.hines@golfnsw.org
Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: George Belogiannis, Glenn Cook, Arthur Crittenden, Bradley Crowe, Fred Duncan, Wendy Fleming, Tony Guo, Garnet Johns, Sandra Lewis, Tara Mackie, Salvko Planinic, Wayne Rowlands, Bill Teasdale, and Tony Watkins.
golf queensland
Strong teams announced for Junior Interstate Series 2015 Boys State Team
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olf Queensland has announced the 2016 Queensland Junior Interstate Boys’ and Girls’ Teams to compete 17 April – 20 April 2016.
Tasmania will host this year’s event, with the Boys’ event to be held at the Ulverstone Golf Club and the Girls’ at Devonport Golf Club. Golf Queensland’s Head Coach, Tony Meyer said all selected players thoroughly deserve their places on the teams. “All players have had fantastic results over the past couple of months and are looking forward to representing their home state.” “It will be exciting for many of the new members of the teams who will be playing in their first Interstate Teams Championship. It is an important event in our players’ development,” he said. The girls team have been victorious in four series in the past five years, with the boys last win in 2013. Two male and female development players have also been selected to travel with their respective Junior State Teams to compete in the Australian Junior Amateur Championship. Girls: Karis Davidson (Sanctuary Cove) Becky Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed) Darcy Habgood (Toowoomba) Stacey White (Pacific) Aneka Park (Caloundra) Lisa Edgar (Surfers Paradise) Development Rhianna-Maree Lewis (Maroochy River) Isabelle Taylor Sanctuary Cove)
Boys: Charles Pilon (Hills) Louis Dobbelaar (Brookwater) Lochlan Coleborn (Mount Coolum) Jed Morgan (Hattonvale) Chris Jimenez (Royal Queensland) Joel Stahlhult (Headland) Development Mitchell Varley (Sanctuary Cove) Zach Maxwell (Virginia)
Golf Queensland announces 2016 QAS Squad
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“It is an excellent opportunity for olf Queensland has announced the athletes to improve their skills and the Queensland Academy of work towards their goals of becoming Sport (QAS) Golf Squad for 2016, elite professionals.” with six new faces joining four existing squad members. The QAS Golf Program had a number Charlie Dann (Pelican Waters), Dee of standout achievements in 2015, Dee Russell (Emerald Lakes), Lawry specifically through Cameron Smith, Flynn (Brisbane), Louis Dobbelaar Jake McLeod and Taylor Macdonald. (Brookwater), Shae Wools-Cobb Smith had a breakout year after (Maroochy River) and Steven Cox New addition Steven Cox. (Credit: Golf NSW) placing fourth at the U.S. Open, ranked (Wantima) will join Anthony Quayle within the Top 100 World Golf Rankings (Sanctuary Cove), Blake Proverbs (Pacific), Gennai Goodwin and earned a US PGA Tour Card. (Indooroopilly) and Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed) to make Macdonald secured his status for 2016 at the Final Stage of up this year’s team. Qualifying School for the PGA Tour of Australasia. A top five The QAS Golf Program is aimed at players who have finish earning him a spot in Exemption Category 10 for the the potential and commitment to succeed at elite level duration of the 2016 season. competition golf. After a successful amateur career and Leading Amateur at The selection of squad members is based on recent state, the 2015 Isuzu Queensland Open, Jake McLeod placed 11th at national and international tournament performances as well Qualifying School placing him in Exemption Category 13 for as their commitment to continuing development in all aspects the 2016 season. of their games, including technical, physical and mental. The 2016 QAS Squad is now proudly supported by Titleist. Golf Queensland Head Coach Tony Meyer said the QAS The Queensland Academy of Sport Golf Program is Squad forms the pinnacle of the Golf Queensland High conducted with the assistance of the Queensland Government Performance Program. and forms the pinnacle of the Golf Queensland High “All players selected this year have earned their spots on the Performance Program. squad,” Mr Meyer said. “We are also extremely lucky to have a great team of coaches and sports science providers which the elite athletes will have access to.”
The QAS Golf Program, which commenced in July 2001, is designed to assist Queensland’s most talented amateur players in reaching their full potential within the amateur golf ranks. •
Contribute to the future of golf The golfing community is being asked to give back to the game they love by supporting Golf Queensland’s new fundraising arm, the Queensland Golf Foundation. The Queensland Golf Foundation is giving back to the game of golf through investing in our future golfers and growing the game in Queensland. The Foundation strives to have more people, playing more golf and experiencing the benefits that golf brings such as growth, confidence, friendship and fun. Participation and development of golf in Queensland are the key focus for the Queensland Golf Foundation. The Foundation has three key funding areas: Juniors, Ladies and Clubs. A donation to any of these areas means more programs that will attract people to golf, enhancement of existing programs, more pathways to achievement for our younger players and increased viability of the Queensland club network. Golf Queensland Chairman Peter Castrisos said the
Foundation wants to share the great game of golf with communities who may not have access to it and with people who never thought they could try it. “By supporting the Queensland Golf Foundation, you will be growing the junior golf community, providing more access to children to learn to play golf, encouraging more women to step onto the course and helping our clubs increase their membership base,” Mr Castrisos said. “It’s time for those of us who love this game, to give back and make a difference to the future of golf in Queensland.” The Queensland Golf Foundation’s fundraising partner is the Australia Sports Foundation. Donations are tax deductible and can be made either directly to the Queensland Golf Foundation page on the Australian Sports Foundation website (www.asf.org.au) or via the Donate Now button on the Queensland Golf Foundation website (www.qldgolffoundation.org.au).
Queensland Boy’s and Girl’s Amateur 28 June to 1 July 2016 Bargara Golf Club The Boy’s and Girl’s Queensland Amateur is an Australian Ranking Event for boys and girls. It is for players below the age of 18, and is played over 72-holes stroke play.
Entries Open Now www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland
@GolfQueensland
www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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19th hole
My goodness, readers! Is it Crossword > U.S. Masters time already? 1
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Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au
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zaleas, camellias, flowering peach and something called a Dogwood (who could be the head of security), will be out in their beautiful fragrant best when Jack Nicklaus bunts the traditional opening drive in the world’s most unusual golf championship, The U.S. Masters. Sure, the Augusta National Golf Course is easily one of the most beautiful places on Earth and if I received a last-minute invitation to play, I would put any one of my sons on eBay to pay for the trip, but I reckon its one bizarre club… and in fact, one weird tournament. Probably, even stranger would be me receiving that late invitation. I think we’re talking a global virus that wipes out every human on the planet except for a handfull of golfers who happened to lock themselves in the pump shed at Mt Broughton Golf Club. If a nasty plague ever hits the planet, can I suggest you find your way to this small erection in the NSW Southern Highlands because if you can make through a winter there, you’ll be fine… no virus could survive it. I have to say, though, when I’m reminded of some of Augusta National’s unusual and somewhat antique customs, I guess it was built in a period of terrible social discrimination and had no real choice but to have inherited some of these hopefully now extinct prejudices. For a start, I just can’t understand the members who strut around in their nasty looking bright green jackets showing the world they are members of a club that didn’t want a black member until 1990 and it was only three years ago when they invited Condoleezza Rice (ironically also African American) and South Carolina financier, Darla Moore to become their first female members. But then again, the Vatican of golf, The Royal & Ancient only invited people with different bits to men, to join for the first time last year. And they started with a bloody Princess! I get that there are times when blokes just want to hang with their mates and girls need to spend time with their besties but we’re talking about the most significant club in the game of golf. And it’s 2000 and bloody 16! Anyway, back to Augusta National. What about the caddy having no choice but to wear overalls! Are the Members thinking one of the gang mowers might have broken down and may need a grease and oil change? “Ok Rory, it’s 143 to the front and 157 to the
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This next issue may be just an American thing but when I’m watching one of golf’s four major tournaments on TV and suddenly the producers of that particular network decide they need to throw a list up on the screen of how “The Notables” are scoring I fight the urge to ring CBS and point out, the only “Notables” in an international event of this stature are those dudes with stupid green jackets siting in a log cabin with a moose’s head in the background. When that moose’s head was connected to its body, no doubt it was male. By “Notables” our friends are referring to anyone in the field who doesn’t possess a name starting with Bubba, Duffy, or Fuzzy.
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Can you imagine another major international sporting event referring to someone from somewhere other than the host nation as The “Notables”? I also don’t get how one of the four majors has different exemption categories to the other three. The usual field for a major is based on world rankings and recent major finishes but at The Masters, if you win on the American Tour over the past 12 months you’re straight in. Doesn’t matter if you missed very other cut for the year, you’re there! Plus if you have won this event and are still young enough to play without a walking frame, you’re also IN! That means a bunch of world-class players have that week off. Sorry, readers, I went off a bit of a tangent didn’t I? Despite my confusion with why this event is a major, I still well up when I remember Adam Scott holing that 15-footer to claim the first Aussie Green Jacket and I will be the first to be out of bed with a cup of Nespresso in one hand and a vegemite covered crumpet in the other come April 7.
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You are on the 320m Par-4 17th hole, leading by two shots. You’ve been hitting your driver 300m all day but there is water left 260m, and over the back of the green. There are nasty bunkers 230m from the 86
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
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ACROSS
1 Tennis equivalent of a golf major (5,4) 6 The most prolific winner in the history of the European Seniors Tour, Carl _____ (5) 9 Tournaments in which any eligible competitor can play, if they qualify (5) 10 Puzzling question (9) 11 Overtake (4,2) 13 The closely mowed grass that surrounds a putting green, also called a fringe (4,4) 14 Within reach (6) 16 US winner of the 2015 Shell Houston Open, J.B. ______ (6) 19 Prizes (6) 20 Winner of the 2016 Maybank Championship Malaysia, Marcus ______ (6) 22 Hazard (8) 23 Golf clubs with a broad low-angled faces (6) 26 Air flow that imparts sideways movement on a golf ball (9) 27 A field of study or sphere of action (5) 28 To become prevalent or established (3,2) 29 Bearing foliage throughout the year (9) Answers: page 92
DOWN
1 A planned arrangement of multiple golfers who play together (8) 2 Regions (5) 3 Irish golfer with eight European Tour wins, ___ Smyth (3) 4 Good fortune (4) 5 Facility enabling male golfers to get relief, perhaps? (4,4) 6 Scot who won the 2015 Senior PGA Championship, Colin __________ (11) 7 Beats; goes beyond (9) 8 Winner of the 2016 Women’s Australian Open, Haru _____ (6) 12 Winner of the 2016 Northern Trust Open (5,6) 15 Winner of The Honda Classic in 2016 (4,5) 17 Australian city that’s home to The Grange Golf Club (8) 18 Padraig Harrington, for example (8) 21 Powerful influences (6) 24 Winner of the 2016 Qatar Masters, Branden _____ (5) 25 Fringe (4) 27 Outfit (3)
That’s unless the global virus hits.
KNOW YOUR GAME WITH Cobra Puma Golf are giving away a pair of IGNITE Golf Premium Shoes each month valued at $279. Simply ‘Know Your Game’ by answering the below question for your chance to WIN:
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tee on the right and in the middle of the fairway, and a lay-up area 150m from the tee which would leave you 170m from the pin. What do you do? To enter, simply visit www.insidegolf.com. au/competitions and enter your answer. Terms and conditions apply. Strictly ONE entry per person.
230 metres to bunker
150 metres to lay up area
270 metres to the green & 310 metres into water
19th hole
with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au
Rae Clarke not ‘lost’ HOLD the front page. Rae Clarke has not been lost to the golf industry following the closure of the Greg Norman Golf Foundation where she was company CEO from 2000 to 2015. The foundation pulled shut its door for the last time on December 31, 2015, but the good news is Junior Golf Queensland, as it is known now, comes under the umbrella of Golf Queensland. And that’s where Ms Clarke, the amateur body’s event and membership officer, fits in. The popular golf administrator, who has 33 years experience in golf administration in Queensland, now spends her time growing Junior Golf Queensland memberships and overseeing junior tournaments. If you heard a loud cheer, it probably came from former GNGF juniors and their parents. Over the years, Rae has taken many junior golfers under her wing and almost became their second mum. “It’s always good to catch up with the kids at tournaments and to follow their progress,” Ms Clarke said. “To be honest, I feel that some of them are my kids because they are always pleased to see me. “I’m passionate about junior golf and just want the best for the kids.”
65,000 reasons to keep going ONE has to give Aussie Steven Bowditch credit for not surrendering during the Cadillac Championship won by Adam Scott last month. Bowditch fought on gallantly despite having a shocker of a tournament shooting scores many amateurs would keep to themselves. Mind you, he was consistent, carding rounds of 81-80-80-84 for a 325 total – 49 shots behind Scott (68-66-73-69 – 276). Players have been known to withdraw after a couple of horror rounds, but not Bowditch. Perhaps the lure of a sizeable cheque kept him going. The 32-year-old became the first man since 1983 to shoot four rounds in the 80s. Walking the course alone on the final day,
Can you believe it?
The quick nine quiz
WHAT happens when you invite a hardbitten, hard-edged Inside Golf sales representative to your golf day and lunch?
THERE are 21 stableford points up for grabs on the front nine. How many can you get?
Well, Golf Management Australia (Queensland) gave the bullet a nice old bite and did just that.
with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au
The 18 holes of golf hardly tested the salesman and the lunch was, frankly, like feeding ice cream to a very small child. Before the precision irons shots and drained putts get any longer, Inside Golf’s David Ross won the day with 36 points “off the blue tees” and collected three bottles of the finest drops from Amadio Wines for his trouble. He edged out Maroochy River Golf Club’s general manager Charlie McGill on a countback. “It was a great day,” Ross said. “Mind you, it was very hot and we had to walk the golf course. Lucky, I’m fit.” GMA (Q) captain and Pacific GC general manager Cameron Harvey said Ross played like a man possessed.
Bowditch had two triple bogeys, a double bogey and two bogeys on the front nine to go out in 46 – 10 over par.
Inside Golf’s David Ross (right) poses with Maroochy River Golf Club general manager Charlie McGill at the GMA (Qld) golf day. “I played with David and he hit some really good shots and made some even better putts,” he said. Bad luck if, like all those general managers who played on the day, you have heard the story. Stop now David, please.
Perpetual calendar
Still, Bowditch didn’t complain and why would he.
IN the 1930s, the United States Golf Association (USGA) created a limit of 14 clubs in a bag to make the game more competitive for poorer golfers.
He picked up a cheque for almost $65,000 for his trouble.
Wealthier golfers would carry as many as 30 clubs in their bags.
“No one wants to play that bad, but it’s just golf,” he said.
This riveting information is highlighted in a book titled “The Wit and Wisdom of Golf” – a perpetual calendar.
Scott walked away with a cheque for $2.1m
Vale Trevor Wucherpfennig CLUB golfers in Western Australia will be saddened by the news that former golf writer Trevor Wucherpfennig passed away in January. He was 70. Trevor, who with his family migrated to Australia from South Africa in the early 1970s, was a popular columnist for The Golfer when it had relevance in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He started his career at The Argus in Cape Town, South Africa before migrating to Tasmania to work. He also worked in newspapers in Sydney and Murwillumbah before settling in Perth. Trevor’s wife Marvine, daughters Tracey and Melanie and grandchildren survive him.
We learn that Calvin Peete, who died last year aged 71, couldn’t fully extend his injured left arm but was the US PGA Tour’s most accurate driver for 10 consecutive years from 1981-1990.
1. Who is the US Masters defending champion? (1 pt) 2. How many times has Tiger Woods won the US Masters? (3 pts) 3. Jack Nicklaus won the US Masters six times, but how many times did he finish runner-up? (3 pts) 4. True or false: Phil Mickelson was the first left-hander to win the US Masters? (2 pts) 5. Who was the last European player to win the US Masters? Clue: he’s Spanish. (3 pts) 6. In 2013, Adam Scott became the first Australian to win the Masters. Whom did he beat in the playoff? (3 pts) 7. The sudden-death playoff at the Masters was adopted in 1976, but in what year was the first playoff – 1976, 1977, 1978 or 1979? (3 pts) 8. Each hole at Augusta National, home of the Masters, has a name. Does each hole carry the name of a species of bird that lives on the golf course, a tree or shrub or a past US president? (2 pts) 9. Due to World War II, the Masters was not played from 1943-45. To assist the war effort, what was raised on the grounds of Augusta National – cattle and turkeys, pigs and goats or sheep and chickens? (3 pts) ANSWERS: (1). Jordan Spieth; (2). Four; (3). Four; (4). False – Canadian Mike Weir was first; (5). José María Olazábal in 1999; (6). Angel Cabrera of Argentina; (7). 1979; (8). Tree or shrub; (9). Cattle and turkeys.
Chips and Shanks
After an hour’s weather delay at TPC Scottsdale, Bradley’s caddie Steve Hale simply forgot to remove one of the clubs. After putting out on the first hole for what he thought was a par, Bradley realised he had 15 clubs in the bag.
Lining up a putt, Chi Chi Rodriguez said his caddie’s advice was “just to keep the ball low”.
The penalty for carrying too many clubs is two strokes per hole, up to a maximum of four strokes.
“If you pick up a golfer and hold it close to your ear, like a conch shell and listen, you will hear an alibi,” says Fred Beck.
“I don’t know what we missed to not catch that,” Bradley said. “It sucks.”
One club too many SPEAKING of the number of clubs allowed in the bag, former US PGA champion Keegan Bradley didn’t realise he had 15 clubs in his bag at the Phoenix Open until it was too late. According to pgatour.com, Bradley carries a 3-iron or hybrid in his bag, depending on the course.
Still, he did recover making four birdies over his next eight holes. Bradley’s caddie manned up saying, “that’s on me.” To his credit, Bradley didn’t overreact. “He (Steve) is a great caddie. We all make mistakes.” I wonder how Robert Allenby would have reacted?
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
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your voice
There has been much said and written over recent years regarding social golfers and the perception amongst club members of their effect on golf clubs – both good and bad. As a non-member social golfer myself, I can understand members’ concerns about the impact social players can have. My regular playing buddies are all social players and we enjoy many fun rounds around our Canberra region where we are blessed to have so many good public courses to play on. Also, our yearly “leave the wives-kidsjobs” golf trips to various parts of NSW ranging from the Illawarra to the Sapphire Coast, is something we always look forward to very eagerly. We respect and adhere to the etiquette of golf wherever we play and treat the visiting courses as if we were members. We have been “touring” together for 22 consecutive years and have re-visited many of the courses we enjoy playing. We are proud of the fact that many pro-shops look forward to seeing us again as we are good repeat customers who respect and enjoy our golf and who always spend time and money at each course we visit. We have
Letter of the Month always been warmly welcomed at every club we play at and that is a testament to the management of these clubs. So to all club members and managers, if you can create a warm and inviting environment for your social guests, I’m sure you will reap the ongoing benefits of many golf-loving social playing groups for years to come. Chris Karapanagos Canberra
Your Voice
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!
True colours I have just read your column (Going beyond the red, white and blue, March issue) and I agree with you wholeheartedly. If this concept of using different tees were adopted, it certainly would make the game more interesting and competitive for golfers of
all standards. I am a senior with a high handicap and would be happier if I had a choice of tees to start from to make my game that much more enjoyable. Thank you for a great magazine. Brian Bell
I thoroughly enjoyed your article re: the different tee markers, and agree most competitions are from the same sets of markers. My course is Cronulla and they have ratings for black, blue, red, white, and gold tees. Our Vets play every Tuesday from the white tees, which are sometimes well ahead of the men’s blue tees. The average age of our vets has never been calculated but is probably about 75. This is of
course the point you make in your article; that the course should be set up for the appropriate standard of player. By doing so we have around 100 members play each Tuesday; many for their only game of golf in the week. We believe that setting an easier course for the Vets keeps them happy and in the game. Paul North Past Vets President
I played in competitions in the U.S. a few years ago under the Tee it Forward initiative. The club would run comps by tee colour rather than handicap grade. The rule of 90 applied. If your age and handicap was equal to or greater than 90 the player had the option to play in the forward tee comp. This took into account not only your ability but also your age. On my return I wrote to the match committee suggesting this initiative be implemented for the weekday comps (seniors comps etc)
leaving Saturday for the “Men” off the back tees. The response: “not needed as the Slope and handicap systems takes it all into account.” What does one hear quite often? “The course is too long”, “this hole is too hard”, “I’m tired before the 18th hole”, etc... all of which could be addressed by implementing the Tee It Forward. Still a long way to go until maybe the Match Committee members get older and realise the benefits of shorter holes. Chris Donald
Woo, who?
Future proofing
DSR must (still) go
I am a member of a suburban golf club and disappointed in the efforts of neighbouring golf clubs to woo members with membership packages that will ultimately help destroy clubs.
Ross Perrett’s Architecture article (Plan for the future, February) is one of the best I’ve seen regarding course management.
I read with great interest and total agreement with Neil Maddison (Letters, December 2015) on the above subject. Every person that I have played competition both at my club and the district veterans since the introduction
In this age we know that clubs need to encourage new members and maintain existing ones. By being creative there are many ways this can be achieved. Club loyalty, once the backbone of sporting clubs will become a thing of the past if the scheme of a neighbouring golf club becomes the norm. They are offering each new members a 40% discount in subs if they join in a group of four. On a subscription of $2000 this means a reduction of $800 to each new member. It is easy to understand how many golfers will abandon their current club with such an offer and join the club offering discounts. Golf Boards set membership fees annually so that their clubs are able to operate successfully. If all clubs decided to operate cut price membership as outlined above I can see some being broke and out of business with mass defections. By all means attract new members but do it professionally and ethically. Adrian Leo 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!) 88
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
Most new committees walk in the door and either 1. Do nothing or 2. Send the Mona Lisa out for facial surgery. At a guess there are less than 10 clubs in Australia who can write a blank cheque to re-jig their courses. Therefore getting in someone who knows what they are doing is imperative. One Sydney club about 10 years ago made a design error (in-house) that cost $250,000 to fix. Cost, I believe, is now the number one issue and should be at the front of the consultant’s mind, followed by playability for all members and lastly, aesthetics. Costs: besides fairways and greens, it’s bunkers and trees. Do you need two bunkers on the fairway or six around the green? They cost heaps to maintain on a yearly basis. Trees, unfortunately, not much can be done to save money other than removing them. Good luck. Playability: why penalise the B and C grader with bunkers 180 off the tee? Why put grasses in front of a tee to catch the topped ball? Why are bunkers so deep that the average player can’t get out of them? Aesthetics: Buy a coffee table book. I’ve played links golf where the only stand-out feature for miles is the shelter shed. In short, stop thinking “championship course”. Instead, think “members course” and remember that for every member we lose, the rest of us pick up the tab. Norris Smith
Top shots “This is my friend and playing partner Deb Tulloch. She teed off on a par-3, big tree on the left. She pulled it bad, hit the tree. We couldn’t find it for a while but there in the middle was this little white thing. She climbed up about a metre but after some consideration she realised that she had to take a drop. Some harsh words were said then finally hit her next shot. The result wasn’t good.” Submitted by Linda Glasgow
have a Do you t you’d t tha top sho ith the golfing hare w at like to s Email it to us world? egolf.com.au sid ed@in
of the DSR System all agree with me that the system is not fair and we all agree we should play to the par of each course. What can be done to get rid of the DSR System? Bob Carter
calendar
Tocumwal shines for Victorian Two Person Ambrose Championship Eight months of planning to bring a new event to the Murray River town of Tocumwal came to fruition in February, with the introduction of the inaugural Garnaut Private Wealth 2016 Victorian Two Person Ambrose 36-Hole Championship played at the Tocumwal Golf and Bowls Club.
The party hole atmosphere was great with a running commentary resident comedian Gordon Dawson, loud music and a lot of yahooing from the clubhouse balcony. Poppy Sleeman from Yarrawonga and Rosie Emery from Huntingdale were the winners of the shoot out.
Golfers congregated around the Pro Shop in anticipation of the 9am shot gun start with the early morning weather perfect for good scoring. Superintendent Ben Lucas and his staff had prepared both the Presidents and Captains courses in fantastic condition, with narrowly defined fairways, manicured tees and fast, smooth greens.
Sunday morning mirrored the previous day with blue sunny skies, a light breeze, kangaroos and ground staff hustling to make way for the golfers.
Scores were excellent for the first day, with local pairing Michael Cooper and Matt McLeod shooting a nine-under-par 63 to take a one-shot lead into the final round, from Mooroopna pair James MacGibbon and Michael Barca, Ron Grant (Spring Valley) and David Hall (Eastern). Not to be outdone by the men, Yarrawonga ladies Sue Dawes and Ros Gray fired a 3-under round of 70 to lead fellow club members Judy Kruger and Karen Droop by three shots. At the conclusion of Saturday’s golf, participants retreated to the clubhouse where they were encouraged to enjoy the hospitality on offer from Tocumwal Golf and Bowls Club staff. The entertainment extended out onto the balcony and spilled down to the lawn below, where the party hole was in full swing, sponsored by Tocumwal Golf Resort, Early Settlers Motel and the Tocumwal Bowls Club.
The overnight leaders were up for the challenge of all comers and at the end of the day emerged victorious. Cooper and McLeod used their local course knowledge to advantage by scoring a final round 11-underpar 61 to go with their 63 on Saturday for a 36-hole total of 124. Mooroopna’s Ben MacGibbon and Brett Kellow matched the leaders’ first round score of 9-under 63 / 66 (total 129) to finish runner up overall five shot in arrears. Sue Dawes and Ros Gray let their ability and clubs do the talking, continuing on from where they left off the day before, shooting a fantastic final-round 5-under 68 to win the championship by a massive 12-under, overall total 138, from Judy Kruger and Karen Droop on 150.
COMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS April 1 McLeod Seniors (QLD) April 4-5 * Golf Australia Seniors vs ADFGA April 4 Tea Tree Gully Seniors (SA) April 6-8 * West Australian Seniors at Melville Glades (WA) April 8 Box Hill Seniors (VIC) April 10 Jubilee Seniors at Bowral GC (NSW) April 12-14 * The National Senior Masters (VIC) April 15 Carbrook Seniors (QLD) April 18 The Lakes Seniors (NSW) April 19 The Australian GC Seniors (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 May 2-5 Cobram-Barooga Seniors (VIC) May 2 Penrith Seniors (NSW) May 4 Flagstaff Hill Seniors (SA) May 5 Hills International Seniors (QLD) May 10 Strathfield Seniors (NSW) May 13 Mandurah Seniors (WA) May 16-17 Leongatha Seniors (VIC) May 16 Indooroopilly Seniors (QLD) May 24 Mona Vale Seniors (NSW) May 26-29 * Northern Territory Seniors at Darwin GC May 26-27 Hepburn Springs Seniors (VIC) May 27 Pelican Waters Seniors (QLD) May 30 Caloundra Seniors (QLD) * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System
The 36-hole handicap winners for men were James MacGibbon / Michael Barca 62¾ - 63¾ - 126½ and for the ladies Anne Beveridge / Allison Southwell 63¾ - 73¼ - 140. All final results can be found at: www. tocumwalgolf.com.au
Handiskins
CALENDAR > APRIL
Orange Major Golf Events F.O.O.D Week Plate WHEN: 11-13, April WHERE: Duntryleague Golf Club. Enjoy three rounds of golf on magnificent Duntryleague. This year’s Individual Stableford event will run for three days. Open to all male and female golfers with an official handicap. Accommodation available on site in their famous 14-room mansion. Visit www.duntryleague.com.au for entry form. http://sharecare.org.au/events/
Share Care Golf Day WHEN: 14th of April WHERE: Lakeside Golf Club 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/
MAY
2016 Mallacoota Challenge WHEN: 21st-22nd May WHERE: The Mallacoota Golf & Country Club The popular tournament, played over two days, is a two-ball aggregate team event. Both team members’ individual point scores are added together on both days of the competition. The tournament uses a modified scoring system, with handicap adjustments after round 1.
There are good prizes on offer for the successful teams with the Winners award alone valued at over $1000. There are also Daily awards, as well as NTP’s, Long Drives (2 div’s), etc. Complimentary on course drinks and closing BBQ. Entry fee $40 (visitors $50). Contact Tim Cashmore - (+61) 407524902 cashmore.tim.h@edumail.vic.gov.au
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: Balgowlah Golf Club Sydney Road, Balgowlah NSW 2093 4th Qualifying Round 9th April 2016 5th Qualifying Round 16th April 2016 Final 17th April 2016 Massey Park Golf Club Ian Parade, Concord NSW 2137 3rd Qualifying Round 2nd April 2016 4th Qualifying Round 16th April 2016 5th Qualifying Round 23rd April 2016 Final 30th April 2016 Wakehurst Golf Club Upper Clontarf Street, Seaforth NSW 2092 1st Qualifying Round 2nd April 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 9th April 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 16th April 2016 4th Qualifying Round 23rd April 2016 5th Qualifying Round 7th May 2016 Final 28th May 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 2016 Final 29th May 2016
Nudgee Golf Club 1207 Nudgee Road, Nudgee QLD 4014 1st Qualifying Round 16th April 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 23rd April 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 7th May 2016 4th Qualifying Round 28th May 2016 5th Qualifying Round 4th June 2016 Final 11th June 2016 Dubbo Golf Club Newell Highway, Dubbo NSW 2830 1st Qualifying Round 1st May 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 8th May 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 29th May 2016 4th Qualifying Round 5th June 2016 5th Qualifying Round 19th June 2016 Final 26th June 2016 Handiskins National Final Hamilton Island Golf Course 4th-8th May 2016 1st Qualifying Round Thursday 5th May 2016 2nd Qualifying Round Friday 6th May 2016 National Final for top 4 Qualifiers Saturday 7th May 2016
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
89
demo dates PING
Location
Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Day Date Time
New South Wales Morissett Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 01 April 04 Illawarra Driving Range ◊ * Monday Tura Beach Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 06 Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 07 Moruya Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 07 April 08 Mollymook Golf Club ◊ * Friday Pennant Hills Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday April 12 Thornleigh Golf Driving Range ◊ * Tuesday April 12 April 13 The Coast Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Killara Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 14 Ridge Golf & Driving Range ◊ * Thursday April 14 April 15 Muirfield Golf Club ◊ * Friday Randwick Golf Club ◊ * Monday April 18 Ryde Parramatta Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday April 19 April 20 Yass Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Griffith Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 21 Wagga Wagga Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 22 Nambucca Heads Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday April 26 April 27 South West Rocks Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Kew Country Club ◊ * Thursday April 28 April 29 Wauchope Golf Club ◊ * Friday South Australia Alice Springs Golf Club ◊ * Saturday April 16 April 17 Darwin Golf Club ◊ * Sunday Flight Path Driving range ◊ * Sunday April 17 Port Lincoln Golf Club ◊ * Sunday April 24 Western Australia Meadow Springs G C ° Wednesday April 06 Joondalup G C ° Wednesday April 13 Maylands G C ° Friday April 15 Albany G C ◊ * Friday April 22 April 23 Albany G C ◊ * Saturday
TAYLORMADE Location
10am - 2pm 10am - 12.30pm 2.30 - 5pm 9.30am - 4pm 9.30 - 1pm 10am - 1.30pm 12 - 4pm 12 - 5pm 9am - 5pm
www.taylormadegolf.com.au | 1800 700 011
Queensland Royal Queensland † ** Rockhampton † * Indooroopilly † ** Golf King Mackay † * Maryborough † * Caloundra † * Gladstone † * Caboolture † * Yeppoon † * Coolangatta † * Vic Park » Golf Central † * Victoria Rich River † Long Island † MGA » HOG Mildura † Neanger Park † Northern (Shoe Fitting) Ranfurlie † DG Preston † Sanctuary Lakes † Werribee Park † DG Melbourne † Drouin † Yarra Bend (Shoe Fitting) Huntingdale † DG Traralgon † DG Shepparton † Rosebud † New South Wales/ACT The Australian Golf Club † Toronto Country Club † Monash Country Club † Port Kembla Golf Club » Roseville Golf Club † Canterbury Golf Club † Mona Vale Golf Club † Windsor Golf Club † Ryde Parramatta † Royal Sydney Golf Club † Drummond Golf Northmead † NSW Golf Club † Muirfeild Golf Club † Muirfeild Golf Club (Shoe Demo) Waratah Golf Club » 90
11am - 5pm 8am - 1pm 12 - 5pm 8 - 10am 1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 8am - 2pm 4 - 8pm 12 - 4pm 8am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 12 - 4pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 4pm 9am - 3pm 8am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 8am - 1pm 9am - 12pm
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
Day
Date Time
Friday Saturday Wednesday Friday Wednesday Thursday Friday Wednesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Thursday
April 01 April 02 April 06 April 08 April 13 April 14 April 15 April 20 April 21 April 22 April 26 April 28
12 - 5pm
Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday Sunday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Saturday
April 01 April 02 April 06 April 07 April 08 April 09 April 10 April 11 April 13 April 14 April 15 April 22 April 23 April 27 April 28 April 29 April 30
10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 8pm 12 - 4pm 7am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 2pm
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Friday Wednesday Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday
April 06 April 07 April 08 April 09 April 13 April 14 April 15 April 16 April 18 April 20 April 21 April 22 April 23 April 27 April 28
9am - 1pm 10am - 5pm 9am - 3pm 8am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 3pm 8am - 12pm 8am - 1pm 12 - 5pm 9am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 3pm 8am - 1pm 10.30am - 1.30pm 9am - 2pm
10am - 2pm 12 - 4pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 3.30pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 4 - 7pm
CALLAWAY
Location
www.callawaygolf.com.au | callawaygolf.com/demo-days
New South Wales / ACT Pymble Golf Club √ Cumberland Golf Club √ ≠ Asquith Golf Club √ Everglades Golf Club ≠ Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club √ Manly Golf Club √ ** Pymble Golf Club ≠ Queensland Capricorn Country Club ≠ Capricorn Country Club ≠ Victoria Park Golf Complex ≠ Palm Meadows Driving Range ≠ South Australia Kooyonga Golf Club √ ≠ Blackwood Golf Club √ Victoria/Tasmania Golf City Driving Range * Horsham Golf Club * Western Australia Joondalup Resort ≠
MIZUNO
Location
Day
Date Time
Friday Friday Monday Wednesday Wednesday Friday Wednesday
April 01 12 - 5pm April 01 2 - 7pm April 04 11am - 3pm April 06 9.30am - 12.30pm April 20 10am - 2pm April 22 7.30am - 2pm April 27 8 - 11am
Friday Saturday Tuesday Friday
April 01 April 02 April 12 April 29
Wednesday Wednesday
April 13 9am - 1.30pm April 13 3 - 7pm
Tuesday Wednesday
April 05 3 - 7pm April 06 10am - 2pm
Wednesday
April 06 10am - 1pm
Day
Date Time
New South Wales / ACT Thornleigh Golf Centre * Tuesday Drummond Golf - North Mead * Thursday Friday Goulburn G.C * Murrumbidgee G.C * Tuesday Queanbeyan G.C * Wednesday Petes Golf Centre - ACT * Wednesday Moore Park G.C * Tuesday Thursday The Lakes G.C * ** Queensland Drummond Rockhampton - Capricorn Driving Range Friday Golf King Mackay - at Sarina Golf Club Saturday Golf King mackay - at Mooranbah Golf Club Sunday Tuesday Vic Park * Wantima Country Club Wednesday Headland Golf Club * Thursday HOG Hervey Bay Friday Saturday Emerald Golf Club Emerald Golf Club Sunday Thursday Bargara Golf Club * Ballina * Thursday Palm Meadows * Friday Mt. Warren Park * Friday Carbrook * Wednesday South Australia West Lakes * Friday House of Golf Mildura * Thursday Grange GC * Thursday Victoria/Tasmania MGA Driving Range Wednesday Murray Downs GCC * Friday Centenary Park GCC * Tuesday The Eastern GCC * ** Wednesday Victoria GCC * ** Thursday Neanger Park GCC * Friday Western Australia Lakelands Friday Fremantle Public Saturday Wembley Thursday Royal Fremantle Friday Sea view Sunday Carramar Tuesday
COBRA PUMA Location
New South Wales / ACT Moss Vale GC Carnarvon GC Bexley GC Victoria MGA Royal Melbourne Sunraisia Driving Range Albert Park Driving Range Rich River Golf Club Queensland Bribie Island Caloundra GC Nudgee GC Wolston Park GC Victoria Park Palm Meadows
1 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 1 - 4.30pm
mizuno.com.au
April 05 4 - 7pm April 07 4 - 7pm April 08 11am - 3pm April 12 10am - 2pm April 13 11am - 3pm April 13 4 - 7pm April 26 4 - 7pm April 28 1 - 4pm April 01 April 02 April 03 April 05 April 06 April 14 April 15 April 16 April 17 April 21 April 28 April 29 April 08 April 20
1 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 10am - 4pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 2 - 5pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 2pm 2 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 12pm
April 01 3 - 6pm April 07 3 - 8pm April 14 10am - 3pm April 06 April 08 April 19 April 20 April 21 April 22
4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 1pm 12 - 4pm
April 01 April 02 April 07 April 08 April 10 April 19
12 - 4pm 9am - 1pm 3 - 7pm 12 - 4pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm
cobragolf.com.au
Day Date Time
Tuesday Friday Saturday
April 05 April 15 April 16
10am - 4pm 12 - 4pm 9am - 1pm
Wednesday Thursday Thursday Wednesday Friday
April 06 April 07 April 07 April 13 April 22
4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 8pm 5 - 7pm 9am - 3pm
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Tuesday Friday
April 06 April 07 April 15 April 16 April 26 April 29
9.30 - 12.30pm 12 - 4pm 10am - 3pm 9am - 12pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 2 - 5pm
* 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.
golf directory
Wine and Golf Weekend Stay for 4 nightS, pay for 3 From
$398 per person twin share
Conditions apply
Includes: • Green fees for 18 holes on each course • Continental breakfast each day with homemade jams and preserved fruit - locally grown.
Stay at Greentrees Guest House located on the Doorstep of Wentworth Golf Club, Orange Ex-Services Golf Club and Duntryleague Golf Club.
Ph: Jasmin (02) 63 614 546 www.greentreeshouse.com.au
InsideGolf
Benalla Golf Club
pp $215 From share twin eek w mid
AustrAliA’s Most reAd Golf MAGAzine
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)
If your golf club needs more copIes of AustrAlIA’s most reAd golf mAgAzIne then pleAse cAll InsIde golf on 1300 465 300
• Fully Irrigated Greens & Fairways • Full Bar & Bistro Facilities • Abundant Wildlife including Kangaroos
www.benallagolfclub.com.au (03) 5762 1920 | benagolf@bigpond.net.au
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
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13 Dammans Road Warburton
$545,000 Plus
An amazing location overlooking the Golf Course 80 minutes to the CBD! 3 2 2 2 Warburton is renowned for its Golf course and the Yarra River and there are very few properties that can boast having direct access to the golf course from the rear yard and having the beautiful Yarra River opposite at the front - but this property certainly can! From the moment you venture onto the rear verandah and decking you are greeted with a beautiful feeling of space and parklike setting. The golf course joins this very special property. Imagine being able to walk out the back gate with your buggy and take in a round of golf at your leisure! An inspection is a must to experience this wonderful package so don’t delay and call Jane Nunn at Barry Plant on 0432 375 940 to book yours
For advertising call 1300 465 300
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
91
golf directory
BARGARA GOLF CLUB Winner 2014 Legends Tour Pro Am of the year
Home of the Bargara Ladies Classic & Qld Amateur Junior Championship
Other packages available
TRUEMANS COTTAGES Mornington Peninsula 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.
P: (03) 5988 6540 | M: 0419 365 142 | www.truemanscottage.com.au
STAY & PLAY PACKAGES
$120 p/person (min 2pp)
• 1 night Twin Share Accommodation • 18 Holes on our Championship Course • Lunch at the BGC Bistro • Twin Share Electric Cart • Beautiful beach side location • Short walk to the first tee *Conditions apply available Tuesday-Sunday only. Comp fees extra POA.
For bookings call (07) 4159 1180 info@shorelineapartments.com.au | www.bargaragolfclub.com.au
IS YOUR GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN? OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERIES?
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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.
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MELVIEW GREENS
Phone 02 6362 0955 Studio & Family Apartments, Ploughmans Lane Orange NSW 2800 www.melviewgreens.com.au
Crossword Answers G R O U P I N G
4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM.
92
$485
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
P/P Twin Share Conditions apply
4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day FROM
FROM
3 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day
$555
P/P Twin Share Conditions apply
F O R C E S
For advertising call 1300 465 300
R A N D S R E P E N S A A S S B Y U E A R B Y D B A W A R M W B S T A C C T R O S S W T O E T I N
L A M M U E O C O N U N K S T F R O G O O H O L M A M E D S F R E I L E W E A E I N D R D G I E V E R G
A S U D R P H A S E S E A S
O N O U M U I R A E
D G E R E A L C R E E
I R I S H M A N
golf directory
Port Stephens Golfing Holidays
BEERWAH GOLF CLUB
Golf & Accommodation from only $70 per day
At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…
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
www.facebook.com/golfpsgh
T: 02 4984 9618 | M: 0428 820 477 | info@psgh.com.au | www.psgh.com.au • Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25 • Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale • Fully Licensed Clubhouse • Social Clubs & Corporate Days • No JoiNiNg Fees All golfers stay for
$50 per night including cooked breakfast (twin share) week days only ...minimum group of 10. Rounds of golf not included
Play • Horizons • Kooindah Waters (Wyong) • Pacific Dunes • Cypress Lakes • Nelson Bay • Tanilba Bay • Hawks Nest • The Vintage • Newcastle
*AUTUMN SPECIAL*
Other packages alsO available
• 3 Games Golf - Horizons, Nelson Bay and Tanilba Bay • 3 x $20 Dinner Vouchers • 3 Cooked Breakfasts • 3 Nights Accomodation (twin share) • Total Cost per person $300 (Arriving Sunday, Monday or Tuesday)
For reservations or additional information call Christine or Mike on
47 Meredith Ave, Lemon Tree Passage, NSW 2319
Phone (02) 4982 3300
www.lemontreemotel.com.au
Email: lemontreepassagemotel@idl.net.au
US Masters 2017 From
3890
US$
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
E
S
O
R
MAGIC MERIMBULA This is the most popular package on the Sapphire Coast, it gets booked out early - don't miss out
T
• 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/ Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega, and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort. • 6 nights accommodation in a 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment (linen supplied). • 6 FREE fully cooked poolside breakfasts, buffet style.
Packages starting from: $499*pp / 2 Share $415*pp / 3 Share $395*pp / 4 Share
• Free use of resort facilities, indoor gas heated pool, sauna & spa, full size tennis court, BBQ area and outdoor pool.
*Conditions apply
• Large Groups Welcome
Phone Toll Free 1800 688 881 Ring toll free for free brochure
aquariusresort@netspeed.com.au Crn Dunns Lane & Arthur Kaine Drv, MERIMBULA NSW www.aquarius-resort.com.au
Packages
To suit your individual needs
3 Nights tue-fri 3 Nights weekend 6 Nights Golfers Tour*
49
$
3,890 US$ 4,290 US$ 7,790 US$ 5,490 US$
*
18 HOLES
On our championship course. Includes Twin Share electric cart hire and lunch.
p/person
1 NiGHt PACKAGE DEALs
140
$
From
*
p/person
To book accomm call 02 6680 2222
• Masters tickets • Hotel • Merchandise • Tour host *Play Torrey Pines & Aviara
• 1 night’s accommodation in twin share or double room • Continental Breakfast • 18 holes of Golf with shared electric cart at Ocean Shores Golf Club • Main Course Dinner at Coast Restaurant Ocean Shores Country Club
BLUE MARKER CHALLENGE Played last Friday of each month. Play to your handicap or better & receive a dozen Pro V’s. Only 30 minutes south of Coolangatta and 15 minutes north of Byron Bay
Prices twin share and valid at the time of publication
$
30
*
Visitors
*Conditions apply
www.thefanatics.com | 1300 326 284 For advertising call 1300 465 300
www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2016
93
golf directory
Play anytime - No waiting 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
Includes competition fee and after golf platter for 4 Phone: (07) 3267 7744
*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
Read Inside Golf FREE on iPads If you love your monthly fix of Inside Golf, but can’t always get your copy before they’re all snapped up, then we’ve got some great news: our new and improved Inside Golf Digital iPad app is now available on the App Store... and it’s absolutely FREE. Now, not only can you view current and back issues of your favourite golf magazine for free every month, but our new app includes the latest and breaking news across a variety of categories, tips and instruction, gear reviews, quizzes, puzzles, social media and more. Plus, our unique Golf Map is updated each month with links to reviews and information about all courses featured in both the main magazine and Inside Golf Travel. Download it today from the App store (search Inside Golf Magazine), or scan the QR Code. Alternately, get the link from our website or at http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD
http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD
Clearwater Noosa Genuine All Inclusive:
• On Course accommodation all on ground level. Central to all Murray Courses • Self-serve, eat as much as you like, Buffet Continental Breakfast • Club evening dinner vouchers • Group organisers free of charge (groups of 12 or more) • Unlimited golf each day (conditions apply at some clubs) • Non golfers deduct $30 per day • Single Supplement $20 extra per day • Upgrade to Spa Room or cooked breakfast only $7.50 per person per day! • FREE Golf Prizes - min. group of 12 • WEEKENDS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS $10 extra per person per day • FREE Wifi
Your choice of resort and club courses. • Noosa Springs • Twin Waters • Club Pelican • Coolum Golf & Spa • Mt Coolum • Noosa Golf Club • Horton Park • Headland • Caloundra • Peregian Springs Some conditions apply
94
April 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au
For advertising call 1300 465 300
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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
Bridgestone B330 Tour Balls Urethane Cover RXs Silver Box RX Red Box B330 Black Box for Fast Swing Speeds
$33 $55
Dozen
2016 WEBSITE www.thegolffactory.com.au
52º Gap and 60º Lob Wedge Right Hand Only
$249
2 PACK
Srixon Soft Feel Balls
Right or Left Game Improvement 5 Iron to Sand Wedge Regular & Seniors Flex Graphite Various Thickness Grips
Individually Boxed Green Box White Ball Pink Box White Ball Pink Box Pink Ball
$264 for 12 Dozen Carton
16º or 18º Hybrid Right Hand
$22
MIXED CARTON AVAILABLE
Dozen
Srixon Z-Star or Srixon Z-Star XV
$30
Doz
SUPERSEDED model
Not individually boxed
$144 $22 For Both
Castle Bay Iron Covers Rubber Material Right Hand Black Only
$49 Set of 10
Callaway HX Bite Balls
$18
3 Piece Construction Durable Cover Sleeves (not individual) Distance & Green Grabbing Control
Individually Doz Boxed
Dozen
Driver 10.5º Titanium Fairway 15º 3 Metal Hybrid 19º 3 Rescue Graphite Regular Flex Set Right Hand Warbird Includes 3 Cover
$349
Rescue Hybrid Fairway Metalwood Titanium Head Driver
Number 3 $229 19º Loft Regular Flex Right Includes Cover Hand
$79 $89 $139 $189
Yellow Srixon Soft Feel Balls
$18
Dozen
Individually Boxed
$199 2015 Model
$2
588 Altitude Right Hand Mens Black Srixon or Cleveland 3, 4 Sand Wedge - Steel $39ea each Ladies Tour Special 3, 4 + P.W Graphite $69 ea Minimum qty 10 Plus postage Ladies 5, 6, P.W, Gap W,
Cooler pocket Black Bag with Lots of colours either White, Yellow, Red or Blue Piping
$109 $169
Dozen
Tour Velvet Cord Golf Pride Grip
$8
$10 Fitted
Each
Srixon 5 Wood 19º Loft Mens Right Hand Regular Flex Miyazaki Graphite Shaft Z-Star
$79
$39ea
$199 $99
Eagles & Birdies Burner Soft Balls Stableford Bag 3.5kg
$17
14 Full Length Dividers Cooler Pocket Internal Putter Pit Black/Orange or Black/Yellow $249
Individually Boxed Doz
$79 $24
$159
Callaway Eleven Metalwood
Urethane Cover White or Yellow
Includes Cover
$29
Mens Standard Thickness White Only
$129
Individually Boxed Sand Wedge Graphite
$49
Point bag Lightweight 14 Way Bags Srixon Deluxe Bags -Cypress 2015 Models 14 Full length Cart Full Length Dividers Carry with Popdividers Out Stand SAVE$60 Magnetic pockets Full Length Rain Cover Lightweight
Ladies Cleveland Callaway Hex Chrome Ball Hybrid $129 20.5º Loft Graphite Shaft 588 or Classic models
Callaway Hex Black Tour Balls
White or Yellow
Ghost Tour Corza 72 Face Balanced 35” Including Cover
$119 $13 Eagles & Birdies
$189 $239 $299
Dozen
Including covers
Doz
$149
5 Piece Urethane Cover
TaylorMade Putter
Classic XL
$79 $79 $79
Project X Stiff Graphite Shafts (6.0) Including Covers & Wrench (Drivers)
$329 $20
Game Improvement Right Hand Models
Eagles & Birdies Augusta Bag 3.7kg TaylorMade 14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Tube Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket Red/Grey, Black/Orange, Navy/Bone or Navy/Red
9.5º Adjustable Driver Right or Left
Rubber Distancegrips Cleveland Hybrid Iron Ping I25 Hybrid Srixon
Putter Holder Cooler Pocket & Hood Black/Red/White or Black/White
$108 for 6 Dozen Carton
13.5º Strong 3 Fairway Right Hand
SUPERSEDED model
$499
Easy to use
15º 3 Fairway Right or left
Srixon Q-Star Individually Boxed
Callaway Set of 3 Cleveland
$769
URETHANE COVER TOUR BALL
6 - SW
$250
$980
(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days
Callaway X-Hot Pro Model
Graphite Shafts
TaylorMade Graphite Irons Aero Burner
Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd
Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA. Postage and handling any quantity
Eagles & Birdies TaylorMade ATV HP Optima TS Premium Ladies Callaway X-Hot Irons (6) Magnetic Pro Bag Wedge Pack 14 Full Length Dividers 6 Magnetic Pockets Putter Pit $349 Cooler Pocket Black/Orange
GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN
$39 Dozen
Cleveland Waterproof zippers 2014 Model 14 Full Length Dividers Black only
Left Hand Only Specials
$119
$89 $79 $99 $129 $129
Callaway Mack Daddy 2 60º Lob Callaway X Hot 5 Wood Regular Callaway X-Hot Pro 9.5 Stiff Driver Ping G30 19º Hybrid Regular
TaylorMade Jetspeed 9.5 Stiff Driver
TaylorMade Tour Preferred Balls X Version 5 piece Std version 4 piece Urethane cover
25º Loft X-Hot Regular or Seniors Graphite Shaft Right Hand Includes Cover
$229
Srixon Airlite 2.9kg Black/Green /White only
$44
$59
adidas BOA leather 2015 Models
2 year waterproof BOA tightening system TaylorMade No Project traditional (a) laces
Doz
$33 Doz