Inside Golf May 2016 by Inside Golf

Australia’s

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Issue 130 // MAY 2016 www.insidegolf.com.au

Golf Travel Lift-Out: > GREAT AUSSIE GOLF GETAWAYS The top courses, destinations and service providers for a great golf holiday

> TOP TIPS

T he value of Trackman AND: How to fix your slice!

> NEW GEAR

We test-drive new Volvik golf balls and the Active Scooter

> CLUB OF THE MONTH

The beautiful Ballina Golf and Sports Club

“I’m not giving up!” With time running out on his medical exemption, Aussie battler Jarrod Lyle fights to get back on Tour

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news

Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

ver the past few years, much has been written and said about how golf clubs are struggling to attract and retain players, and how golf in general is facing an uphill battle against other sports that are quicker, cheaper and easier. Golf clubs are closing/ amalgamating, waiting lists are disappearing, joining fees are dwindling and membership numbers are stagnant or shrinking. Indeed, the common sentiment among golfers and the wider industry is that golf is fighting for its life. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: it may actually be doing a lot better than we all assume. Case in point is Melbourne’s Yarra Bend Golf Course. If you haven’t been there lately, do yourself a favour and check it out. It will open your eyes. It is a shining example of just how strong and popular our game still is. And it also stands as a benchmark for how a course/facility can succeed by adapting and changing in an attempt to better cater to a target market.

facility; installing a massive state-ofthe-art driving range, 36-hole minigolf course, revamped pro-shop and an upgrade/re-routing of the main golf course itself. I hadn’t been to the facility in a while, so on a recent Saturday morning, I did my “civic duty” to the game and took my two 13-year-old boys to Yarra Bend for a hit at the range and a round of mini-golf. Upon arrival at the new facility, I was astounded at just how busy the place was. Every bay at the practice range was full, with many players queuing for a bay. On the nearby practice green, there was a clinic in progress with a huge group of juniors enjoying the fun and frivolity of the game, and both of the mini-golf courses were buzzing with excitement. The atmosphere around the place was unlike anything I’d experienced at a golf course in recent times. It had the excitement, energy and buzz of a theme park. And it made me quite energized and optimistic about the future of golf. Indeed, Yarra Bend absolutely “nailed it” in terms of making the facility into a family-friendly (or even just golfer-friendly) environment. And this isn’t just an isolated example. At many public access

For those of you who weren’t aware, Yarra Bend has undergone a bit of a transformation over the last few years. It was already one of Melbourne’s most popular Public Access courses, but in order to keep with the times, they embarked on an ambitious plan to upgrade the

IN THIS ISSUE:

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NEWS IG BUSINESS GENERAL MANAGERS COVER STORY ON TOUR AMATEURS JUNIORS clubs gear

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

courses around the country, the game appears to be as popular as ever. And this sentiment is echoed in the U.S. where the innovative Topgolf driving ranges are all the rage. Topgolf take driving ranges to the extreme; giving players a sort of high-tech dartboard-type game for golf, combined with the atmosphere of your local pub. So golf isn’t dying. It’s just that today’s golfers (let’s call them “consumers”) are simply choosing to “consume” the game differently than before (i.e. via public facilities instead of private clubs). And for all the private clubs out there (as well as the various golf-related businesses), it is thus critical to find a way to give these consumers what they are “craving”. See you on the fairways

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

Get the latest issue of Inside Golf delivered directly to your inbox. Simply visit www.insidegolf.com.au and subscribe to our Insider e-Newsletter. You’ll also be entered into our monthly competitions, and get any special announcements or news directly from Inside Golf!

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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: F elix 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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news Jordan goes wire-to-wire in PNG Even a final-hole disaster could not prevent Damien Jordan from an emphatic wire-to-wire victory at the 2016 Morobe Open, held in Papua New Guinea last month. Jordan withheld the early challengers over the opening nine, holding a fourshot lead heading to the 18th hole. A double-bogey 7 on the last proved to be only a minor setback, with his final round 70 good enough for a 17-under-par total and a two-shot win over Simon Houston.

Melbourne golfers skate into the record books

The official world record results Male professional golfer Graham Maher Male amateur golfer Darren Browning Male amateur golfers relay Female professional golfer Michelle Scerri Female amateur golfer Mei Lee Female amateur golfer relay

“The week for me has really come down to the putter. Being able to make clutch putts in each of my rounds when it mattered most was certainly the difference, especially over the opening nine holes today. It’s great to get the win under my belt and really can’t wait to get to Moresby next week to try and take the double.”

“Damien played great all week and unfortunately for the field, it wasn’t until his final hole that he made a mistake,” said Houston. The Sunshine Swing forms part of the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series which comprises 200 events Australia wide. Played across more than 170 golf courses around Australia the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series plays an important part in the development of Australia’s Professional Golfers whilst also growing the game at a grass roots level by engaging an estimated 48,000 amateur golfers each year.

Total time 44:57 Total time 47:44 Total time 1:29:12

AMATEUR RELAY TEAM MEMBERS

“It is a real honour to win here in Lae, as this tournament not only has a big impact for the Lae Golf Club and community, but the greater nation of Papua New Guinea.” said Jordan.

Jordan was challenged early by Josh Cabban and Simon Houston, though unfortunately their challenge was short lived, as Jordan remained steady throughout the day’s final round.

Total time 43:07 Total time 47:20 Total time 55:24

The new Golf Skate Caddy “World Record” holders are all smiles at Ringwood Golf Course.

t was an exciting morning at Melbourne’s Ringwood Golf Course on Monday 11 April, as an enthusiastic group of golfers gathered to set a number of world records for the fastest rounds of golf played on a Golf Skate Caddy – a feat never attempted previously.

36 men and women also took part in setting the male and female relay records, with 18 participants in each team taking turns to play a single hole on the Golf Skate Caddy, then “tagging” the next player on the following tee, who would then hit their shot before hopping aboard the Golf Skate Caddy.

Professional golfer Graham Maher set the overall fastest time of the day, completing the full 18 holes of golf in just over 43 minutes. Not far behind him was professional golfer Michelle Scerri, finishing the course in just under 45 minutes.

The day was capped off with members of the community and local golf clubs trying the Golf Skate Caddies as part of a free ride trial.

A pair of amateur golfers followed closely behind, with Darren Browning finishing the 18 holes in 47 minutes 20 seconds, while Mei Lee completed the challenge in 47 minutes and 44 seconds.

Lakelands Golf Club

The Golf Skate Caddy, a combination of a single-person golf cart and surfboard, gives players a unique experience of “surfing the golf course” - gliding down the fairways, directing via a central controller. Golfers of all ages and abilities can use it, and it provides those with limited time the opportunity to

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still enjoy a sport they love. It also provides, as shown by the world record times above, a potential solution to golf’s current problem of slow play. Ringwood Golf is the first golf course in Victoria to offer the Golf Skate Caddy for hire (9 Holes, $15 and 18 Holes, $25) but it is also available at a number of courses across Australia. To find out more about the Golf Skate Caddy, visit www.golfskatecaddy.com.au. For more information about Ringwood Golf, visit www.maroondahlesiure.com.au or call on 03 9298 4500.

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May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

news Scott to skip Olympics Adam Scott confirmed last month that he will not play in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The world No.7 said that scheduling and family commitments will prevent him from participating in the games as golf returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1904. “My decision has been taken as a result of an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics and other commitments, both personal and professional,” Scott said in a statement. “I have informed the Australian team captain (Ian Baker-Finch) and relevant authorities, who are understanding of my position and I wish the Australian Olympic team the very best of luck in Rio.” Scott has long been critical of participating in the Olympic Games, and last year admitted that the prospect of him appearing was unlikely. “It’s not really a priority of my scheduling next year which is based around the majors,” Scott said in November. Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt said the early decision would enable another contender to take his place. “We’re obviously disappointed Adam will not play because he’s one of the best players in the world, but we understand his position,” Pitt said. “This means one of our other elite players will get the chance and we’re more than happy that we will field a very strong team in Rio. As of press time, Marc Leishman was the highest-placed Australian in the “reserves” list, with Marcus Fraser, Matt Jones, Scott Hend and Steven Bowditch the remaining alternates. Sixty golfers will play in the men’s competition; with the top 15 players in the world all eligible, and a maximum of four players in the field from any country.

Lee wins Lotte Championship

joining a select group of Lydia Ko, Lexi Thompson, Marlene Hagge and Sandra Haynie.

Lee’s final round followed opening rounds of 68, 66 and 74. A chat with long-time coach Ritchie Smith after the disappointing third round proved enough to give her the boost she needed for victory in the final round.

“This win is definitely a big confidence boost; the last few weeks I was there, but not quite there in the end. Now my game seems to be coming together really well,” Lee said.

est Australia’s Minjee Lee shot a career-best, bogey-free round of 8-under-par 64 to win the 2016 LOTTE Championship Presented by HERSHEY in Hawaii last month. The win was Lee’s second LPGA career victory, her first win coming at the 2015 Kingsmill Championship Presented by JTBC.

With the win, Lee took home a US$270,000 first-place cheque, helping her cross the US$1 million mark in career earnings with $1,237,560 as a member of the LPGA Tour. Lee also becomes only the the fifth player to win twice before her 20th birthday,

For Lee there is much to look forward to in 2016; there are still four major Championships to compete in, plus the International Crown and the Olympic Games in Rio.

Sarah Jane Smith was the next best of the ALPG contingent, finishing at -3 in 39th place. Su Oh finished at even par in 47th place, Sarah Kemp finished +2 in 59th place while Katherine Kirk shot a 5-under-par 67 to finish at +3 in 62nd place. More: www.lpgascoring.com

NSW Open Regional Qualifying venues announced Eleven venues across New South Wales will host eight Regional Qualifying Tournaments for the 2016 NSW Open Golf Championship. In addition, the inaugural 36 hole Sand/ Grass Greens State Championship will be played at Forbes and Grenfell Golf Courses on 20-21 August 2016. The Regional Qualifying Tournaments provide an ideal opportunity for any interstate or New South Wales-based golfer to win their way into the 2016 NSW Open Golf Championship, which will be held again later this year at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Course in Greater Western Sydney. The venues that will host 2016 NSW Open Regional Qualifying Tournaments are: Camden GC, Forbes GC (8-9 October), Grafton GC and Yamba GC, Griffith GC, Gunnedah GC (27-28 August), Howlong GC and Thurgoona GC (18-19 June), Moree GC, Wauchope GC and Kew GC (8-9 October). “Golf NSW is thrilled to see regional areas benefit from hosting Golf NSW events like a NSW Open Qualifying Tournament. Not only does it generate local interest in the sport, but it provides an opportunity for the host regions to showcase their golf courses to many of New South Wales finest amateur golfers,” Chairman of Golf NSW, John Robinson said. Regional NSW has produced some of the nation’s finest golf talent and a Qualifying Series like this is an ideal pathway for any aspiring country golfer to play his way into the State’s premier Golf Championship. “Not only does regional NSW boast some of the State’s best golf courses, but many of the State’s finest golfers have been produced in country areas,” added Mr Graeme Phillipson, GM – Golf, Golf NSW. www.nswopen.com

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news

Day gives back to junior golf

orld No.1 Jason Day has put his name to Australia’s national junior golf program, MyGolf, with the 2015 US PGA Championship winner announced last month as its official ambassador. The nine-time US PGA Tour winner will be the face of MyGolf, boosting the growth of junior golf around Australia. “I’m honoured to be the ambassador for the MyGolf program. Kids are the future of our sport and if my involvement can assist to bring more juniors into our game then I’m stoked to be involved,” Day said.

“It’s great to see Golf Australia and the PGA working together and investing in an initiative that provides a really clear entry point for junior golfers across Australia; I can’t wait to meet some of our MyGolfers when I’m back home.” Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said Day’s involvement would be a great spur for the program. “Having Jason as the face of MyGolf gives the program even more validity in the golf industry and, importantly, for the kids who look up to him,” Pitt said. “I’m sure he will inspire a new generation to pick up a golf club and be a part of this great initiative.” Day will feature in exclusive digital content promoting the program and play a key role in promoting MyGolf during the Australian summer of golf. PGA of Australia CEO Brian Thorburn

praised Day’s commitment to Australian golf at the grass-roots level.

across 450 centres nationwide during 2015/16 alone.

“We’re thrilled Jason has put his hand up to support MyGolf. His input will provide inspiration to junior golfers Australia-wide and to donate his time in supporting the program is a testament to the professional that he is,” Thorburn said.

Junior participation is vital to the future growth of golf and the PGA and Golf Australia have collectively spent considerable time investing in a national junior brand that will have a positive impact on participation, create a new legacy for the game and assist the development of Australia’s next generation of golfers.

“There is no greater priority for the PGA and Golf Australia than growing the game and seeing the positive results as juniors tee it up.” Jointly run by Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia, MyGolf has enjoyed considerable success since its relaunch in July 2014, with more than 4,700 participants registered

The MyGolf Program is Australia’s national junior program aimed at juniors 5-12 years of age. Visit www.mygolf.org.au for more information.

Aussie Masters on hold Australia’s ‘Big 3’ Summer of Golf tournaments will be reduced to just two this year, with news that the Australian Masters will not be held in 2016. In a media statement released recently by David Rollo, Vice President-Director of Golf, IMG Australia and New Zealand, the Australian Masters was slated to be “reimagined”, with more details to follow at a later date. “As part of IMG’s ongoing evolution of its golf events business, the company is in the process of reimagining its Australian Masters event to ensure the delivery of a world-class experience,” Rollo stated. “To best execute a change of this scale, the Australian Masters will not be played in 2016. IMG will unveil its new plans for the event in the coming months.” The loss of the Australian Masters in Melbourne represents a major blow for golf in Victoria, which for the time being finds itself without an Australian major golf tournament. Both the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship have been locked-in to Sydney and the Gold Coast, respectively, on long-term contracts. Melbourne golf fans will take solace in the fact that this summer’s World Cup of Golf will be held in Melbourne at Kingston Heath Golf Club, 21-27 November, with The Presidents Cup also returning to Victoria in 2019. In addition, the innovative and popular Oates Vic Open is growing in stature, and for the time being represents the highest-profile professional golf event in the state.

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IG BUSINESS

Night of nights for Victorian golf industry

he Victorian Golf Industry came together at Huntingdale Golf Club for the recent 2016 Victorian Golf Industry Awards Dinner to honour and celebrate those champions and contributors from the past year, and honour eight new members into the prestigious Victorian Golf Hall of Fame. A highlight of the evening was the induction of the following eight new members into the Victorian Golf Hall of Fame: M.A. (Mick) Morcom (1976-1937), Alex Russell (1892-1961), William (Billy) Meader (1869-1940), Don Lawrence (1925-1994), Sloan Morpeth (1897-1973), Tony Charlton AM (1929-2012), Sandra McCaw and Eric Routley The 2015 Victorian PGA Trainee of the Year was Hayden Webb from the Settlers Run Golf Club. Golf Victoria COO David Greenhill was honoured for his 25 years of service. Emcee for the evening Michael Roberts acknowledged all of those volunteers make the industry tick across the state: Chris Collingwood from Keysborough GC won the Melbourne Metropolitan Area Individual Male award, and Len Prior from the Bendigo Golf Club won the Country Victoria/Victorian Golf League Individual Male category. Helen Brown from Latrobe Golf Club was honoured in the Melbourne Metropolitan Area Individual Female category, and Nancy Parry from Foster GC was voted as the Country Victoria/Victorian Golf League

Individual Female Volunteer of the Year. The final award went to the Lonsdale Golf Club Development Task Force whose efforts in driving the future sustainability of the club were championed as the Volunteer Group of the Year. The Flinders Partners Group National Pro-Am took out Metro Pro-Am of the Year honours, the Big Garage Subaru Bairnsdale Pro-Am was rated the best Regional Pro-Am of the year, the Peter Stickley Vendor Advocacy Eagle Ridge Legends ProAm was voted the best of the Victorian E-Z-GO Legends Pro-Ams, and the Harvey Norman Neangar Park Trainee Pro-Am took out top honours in the Trainee Pro-Am category. Victoria’s leading amateur players were recognised, with Jo Charlton of the Metropolitan Golf Club announced as Victorian Female Amateur for 2015. Having had her grandfather inducted

into the Hall of Fame earlier in the night made it a real family affair for the Charlton family. Victoria Golf Club’s Ryan Ruffels’ accomplishments including winning the Australian Junior Championship, and finishing as the best placed amateur at both the Emirates Australian Open and Oates Vic Open saw Ryan announced as the leading amateur male for 2015. The Bruce Green PGA Club Professional of the Year was Scott Barradell from the Eastern Golf Club and PGA Teaching Professional of the Year was Matt Cleverdon from the Kingston Heath Golf Club. Both of these winners will now go on to represent Victoria in the National Club and Teaching Professional awards, to be decided and presented at the Greg Norman Medal Dinner at the RACV Royal Pines Resort prior to the Australian PGA Championship. •

Sunshine Coast named destination partner of the Holden Scramble

The Holden Scramble Championship Final will continue to call the Sunshine Coast home after the Sunshine Coast Council extended their relationship with the PGA of Australia as the major destination partner of Australia’s most loved pro-amateur teams event. Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer for the PGA said he is pleased to see the Sunshine Coast Council continue its commitment to golf in the Sunshine State and the continued relationship between the two organisations. “The PGA is delighted to see our relationship with the Sunshine Coast Council continue; their support of the Holden Scramble as the host region of the Championship Final has been a contributing factor in the event’s success over the years. The PGA and the Sunshine Coast Council have an extensive history working together on a number of large scale events and we look forward to seeing this affiliation continue.”

In a new agreement between the two organisations, the Holden Scramble Championship Final will remain at Twin Waters Golf Club for a further three years, while qualifiers will be able to enjoy the hospitality of the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, the event accommodation provider.

“This partnership also allows us to continue our long-standing support of tournament golf in the region.”

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the Council was pleased to continue its lengthy association with the PGA through its sponsorship of the Holden Scramble, which stretches back to 1995.

The Championship Final features four days of golf, social activities and the opportunity to play with a current PGA Tour of Australasia Professional in the final round.

“We are thrilled to be able to continue our sponsorship of Australia’s largest pro-amateur golf championship and look forward to hosting local events, regional finals and the Championship Final in November,” Mayor Jamieson said. “The opportunity to be involved in an annual teams golf event with very high levels of participation is a fantastic marketing and promotional platform through which we can profile our region to a national audience of 37,000 participants.

Twin Waters Golf Club and Novotel Twin Waters Resort have become synonymous with the Holden Scramble, giving teams a huge incentive to participate.

The Holden Scramble is an exciting teams Ambrose format that is celebrating its 25th year in 2016, and will host over 460 events across the country from 1 March to 30 September. Winners from local events progress to a Regional Final where they are teamed up with their PGA Club Professional, vying for the chance to progress to the Championship Final, which will be held from 25 – 28 November. More: www.holdenscramble. com.au • www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

IG BUSINESS

How golf cart paths can increase your club’s membership returns W

ith more members utilising golf carts in courses across Australia and New Zealand, cart paths become an increasingly necessary part of course design, which can also provide revenue streams not otherwise available.

like any good investment it should also provide a good return for money. The success of the path and its integration into overall design will require a number of considerations including the type of golf course, its length, the climate, the turf, the terrain and the number of golf cart rounds all to be considered.

Cart paths provide a number of benefits to a course or club. They ensure members can play throughout the year, regardless of weather. They speed up play and allow members to reach all areas of the course without damage to turf. They also direct golfers onto a surface designed for volume traffic, helping to move traffic away from playing areas and reduce maintenance costs.

Questions such as “should the course have a continuous cart path system or does it only need to go from tee to fairway and then green to the next tee?” should also be considered. All will depend on the soil profiles, traffic numbers and of course budgetary constraints. Engaging with experts is necessary to ensure the best results for members, and the full range of benefits are realised across the club.

In addition, cart paths reduce wear and tear on golf carts by restricting access to the paths; mitigate potential damage to carts by providing a designated path system free of potentially hazardous areas, and improve the player’s overall experience. Through the advances of technology and GPS systems, Cart access can be controlled and restricted to certain areas of the course while in some cases on-course food and beverage can be arranged during the round through the integrated control unit of the cart. These benefits can help golf clubs achieve significant ongoing cost savings in maintenance and repairs, but perhaps more importantly can help improve the playing experience and club reputation, and increase revenue levels of the club.

The design of the golf cart path can have an enormous impact on the playability and aesthetics of a course. The design will vary greatly and can be influenced through a number of factors including the current or proposed course design and expected

player numbers; the number of players and competition rounds per year; the opinions and feelings of members towards golf carts and the funding available. Golf cart path installation can be a significant investment for many clubs, but

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Programmed Turnpoint provides a complete service for clubs looking to add a golf cart path system to their course, with involvement from design to construction, as well as ongoing maintenance. Programmed Turnpoint offers in some circumstances a range of long-term financing options, allowing clubs to begin realising the financial benefits of a golf cart path much sooner. Programmed Turnpoint is a leading provider in the construction, re-modelling, renovation and maintenance services of golf courses in Australia. • More: www.programmed.com.au

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IG BUSINESS – general managers

Scot Charlie McGill GM of the year David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

duty to keep the members informed. I had everything at my fingertips and because I was a member I knew what they expected.”

beverage, gaming and general club revenue is up,” McGill said.

In 2005, the Sunshine Coast council took an interest in the 53-hectare Horton Park golf course site in the heart of Maroochydore.

“Wednesday and Saturday competition days are attracting 280-290 players and 40,000 rounds were played in the first six months.

When negotiations between council and the club started McGill was offered the job as golf operations manager and he waved goodbye to the foundry.

“We have just finalised the fixture book and Sunday social club numbers are up 30 per cent on what they were at Horton Park,” McGill said.

Of course, today he has a few more bob in his pocket along with the Golf Management Australia (Qld) manager of the year award.

In 2010, McGill took over as interim general manager following the resignation of the previous manager.

“Clubs are coming from outside the Sunshine Coast because they just want to play a new course.”

McGill’s extraordinary journey began when he left school at 16 to start work as an apprentice patternmaker in a Scottish shipyard engineering plant.

“Six months later the club decided to advertise the position through Dixon Wohlsen because they wanted transparency,” McGill said.

McGill envisages more of the same going forward, but is mindful of keeping the members happy.

“There were five candidates on the shortlist, including me, and I got the job.

“We want to continue servicing the members well and give them a quality golf course to play week-in, week-out.”

AROOCHY RIVER Golf Club general manager Charlie McGill still remembers having less than $50 in his pocket when he arrived from his native Scotland to start a new life in Australia. That was 33 years ago.

“When I was 23, I thought there had to be something better than what I had in Scotland,” he said. “I remember wandering into the Australian Consulate in Edinburgh and was told there was a shortage of engineering patternmakers in Australia. “Three months later my wife and I arrived in Brisbane. “There wasn’t any work in Brisbane, but there was a job in Maroochydore. “I had no idea where Maroochydore was, but we came up and rented a house and by the time we had paid the bond and everything else we had less than $50 between us,” McGill laughed. McGill began work at the Mallet Foundry and worked his way through the ranks to production manager and eventually general manager. In the same year he arrived, 1983, he joined Horton Park Golf Club. “I soon got involved and was on the board for 10 years including four years as club captain,” he said. “While I was club captain I had set up a lot of the procedures and saw it as my

“When I took over the council was putting pressure on the club and because they wanted to resume the land. “After 18 months, a resumption agreement was reached by both parties, which gave council the prime piece of land in Maroochydore in which to build the CBD and allowed the club to stay in their Maroochydore location until the new course was ready for play.

When asked about receiving the manager of the year award, McGill’s response is quick and concise: surprise. Charlie McGill (right) receives the GMA (Qld) manager of the year award from GMAQ president Aaron Muirhead.

“The club received $42m in compensation from the council.

the superintendent and his staff were looking after two golf courses for the last 18 months.

“The negotiation process was tough, but interesting and I wouldn’t swap the experience for anything. I learned a lot, but I wouldn’t want to go through it again.”

“We had a couple of our staff at Maroochy River full-time and people going from maintaining Horton Park in the morning to going to Maroochy River in the afternoon to get it ready for opening day. The staff did a remarkable job maintaining both sites.

The upshot was the club purchased a parcel of land in Bli Bli, eight kilometres from their existing site, engaged Graham Marsh to design a golf course and the result is the magnificent Maroochy River golf course that boasts 1150 members. “During the relocation, our biggest challenge was maintaining two golf courses,” McGill said. “As the contract stood, once the holes at Bli Bli had 90 per cent coverage, we were then responsible for the maintenance of them so

“It wasn’t easy, but we promised the members we wouldn’t drop the maintenance standards as Horton Park had a reputation for being a good, well-conditioned course. “We kept our promise and Horton Park was in great condition until the day we walked out.” Nine months down the track and Maroochy River is receiving rave reviews. “Most golfers love the course and food and

“I’m honoured to receive it because there are a lot of good managers in the golf industry,” he said. “But this is a team effort. Since taking over the role, all past and present board members have been very supportive of me and my staff are second to none. “Knowing you have a good board and good staff with you certainly makes life easier and I’m sure the club has a great future ahead of it.” A keen golfer, McGill honed his skills at Lochgelly Golf Club not far from St Andrews. “I played at St Andrews many times and my best score there was a 77 (off the stick),” said McGill, who plays off six. When McGill isn’t working or playing golf he enjoys going out to dinner with his wife and having a quiet beer. Aside from that, Charlie enjoys watching soccer and darts on television. “I love watching soccer and darts,” he said. “But I can’t get enough of the darts.” •

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IG BUSINESS – general managers

US conference inspires Aussie GMs generations are not a box, but powerful clues that drive measurable results – more sales, better leaders and faster innovation,” he said.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

Muirhead said Amy Purdy, who lost her legs to bacterial meningitis when she was 19, too was an exceptional keynote speaker.

LEVEN Golf Management Australia (GMA) general managers attended the Club Managers’ Association of America’s 89th World Conference on Club Management and Club Business Expo in San Diego, California and returned home inspired and loaded with new ideas.

Originally given less than a two per cent chance of survival, she beat the odds, battled depression and rose to accept her new reality but not any limitations. Today, she is the top-ranked adaptive snowboarder in the US. Purdy is a three-time World Cup Para-Snowboard winner, the 2014 Paralympics bronze medallist and the author of New York Times bestseller On My Own Two Feet.

The were: Aaron Muirhead (Nudgee Golf Club), Scott Wagstaff (Carbrook Golf Club), Barnaby Sumner (Oatlands Golf Club), Michael Smith (Hartfield Country Club), Paul Campaner (Capel Golf Club), Russell Donovan (Box Hill Golf Club), Barbara Kelly (Chirnside Park Country Club), Deborah Hupje (Royal Perth GC), Melissa Ellis (Castle Hill Country Club), Rachel Kane (Anglesea Golf Club) and Paul Vardy (Golf Australia). The conference offered club management professionals the opportunity to take part in more than 70 education sessions, peer networking events and also featured a preview of the latest products and services available in the industry at the Club Business Expo. “There were many key takeaways from the event, both tangible personal and professional benefits,” said GMA (Qld) president and Nudgee GC manager Aaron Muirhead. “This was coupled with industry networking opportunities where we were able to rub shoulders with club managers from some of the renowned and respected golf clubs in the world including Augusta National, Congressional Country Club, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and others. “The educational topics covered all areas of club management and were structured

“Amy delivered a truly powerful and inspirational message on how to use our challenges to push past our limits and live a life without barriers,” Muirhead said. Another key session was the International Breakfast and Symposium where attending country leaders were able to address the audience and outline the state of the golf industry in their respective regions. ON A ROLL: GMA (Qld) managers Scott Wagstaff (Carbrook Golf Club) and Aaron Muirhead (Nudgee Golf Club) take time out during the Club Managers’ Association of America’s 89th World Conference on Club Management and Club Business Expo.

“Many factors that face the industry in Australia are shared in other areas of the world and it appears that these countries are coming together with a clear view of improving our industry worldwide,” Muirhead added.

where attendees had the ability to choose the topic that best suited their needs and ranged from corporate governance, junior program development to personal development including assessing your own mindset.

“The research Jason’s team has been working on highlights the ways technology and culture are converging and how the generational dynamics will be more influenced by technology than by time.

“There were also key speakers engaged to speak to the 2500 strong conference group of which all were exceptional.

“He delivered a new take on generations based on his cutting-edge research and ready-to-use actions.”

“The CMAA conference is an exceptional event and should be on the to-do list for any aspiring manager.”

“However, Jason Dorsey was a standout. He presented to the group that much of what we believe about generations is wrong.

Muirhead said Dorsey was also “extremely funny”.

For more information on the CMAA conference including information about the 2017 event, visit cmaa.org/conf •

“A key outcome from this session is that

“It was clear that the Australian contingent all came away from the event with many ideas and even more memories as the CMAA deliver an exceptional event from start to finish.

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IG BUSINESS

Top award for WA’s Alex Monteath David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

EST Australian golfing stalwart Alex Monteath doesn’t like surprises, but he received one recently when Golf Management Australia (WA) honoured him with the WA Golf Industry Recognition Award for services to golf. “It was more of a shock than a surprise because I had no idea it was coming,” said Monteath after the WA Golf Industry gala dinner awards night wrapped up at Crown Perth. “I don’t like surprises and I’m reticent to make speeches especially after I’ve been retired for 14 years. Had I known, I would have been better prepared.” GMA director and GMAWA president Brad Dawson said the award recognised Alex Monteath’s enormous contribution to the game of golf in WA. A highly respected and popular golf industry figure, Monteath’s contribution and positive impact over many decades has helped improve and stimulate the game.

Chairman of the awards committee and GMAWA executive member/captain Troy O’Hern (right) presents Alex Monteath with his WA Golf Industry Recognition Award. at Three Springs (300kms north of Perth) I was co-opted into positions in the local community,” he said. “I became honorary secretary of Three Springs Golf Club, which was a tiny club with about 70-80 members but no more than 100. “I did that for five years and towards the end of that time a local farmer, who was also a member at Royal Perth Golf Club, said they had lost their secretary manager. “He thought my accounting background made me the ideal candidate for the position so I applied and got the job.” Monteath managed the club for three years before moving to Lake Karrinyup Golf Club where he was secretary manager for 27 years.

Monteath entered the golf industry almost by accident after working in banking followed by a stint in hospital administration.

His GMA career includes being a member of GMAWA for 44 years, president of GMAWA for 19 years, delegate to the Federal Council for 19 years and president for four years.

“Whilst I was working at a country hospital

The 78-year-old is the No.1 Fellow Member

May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Robb new Golf NSW Participation and Programs Manager GOLF NSW last month announced the appointment of Andrew Robb to the new role of Participation and Programs Manager.

of GMAWA and is a life member of GMA and GMAWA. In 2000, Monteath was the recipient of the Australian Sports Medal. A member at Lake Karrinyup, Alex plays golf twice a week off a 21 handicap. “I love every aspect of golf because you make so many friends,” he said. A friend of 50 years is Ted Coker, the former general manager at Royal Queensland Golf Club. “I first met Ted in 1966 and we have been great mates ever since,” Alex said. “When he and his wife Dorothy came to Perth they stayed at our house.” Monteath is on the archives committee at Lake Karrinyup Golf Club. “I’m on this committee because I probably know more about the club than anyone else,” he said. “We are going through memorabilia as the club is preparing to write a club history.”

Robb brings to Golf NSW a strong background in Workplace Health and Safety, Information Technology and Human Resources Information Systems after a 20-year career at Western Sydney University. He has held several administrative positions at club, district and state level in his 25-year involvement in the game. He is the current Golf NSW Men’s State Team Manager and a member of the Golf NSW Match and Rules Committee. He is a former Club Delegate for Metropolitan Zone C and a former Golf NSW Councillor. “I’m looking forward to working with clubs and districts to help them implement positive changes that will deliver increased participation in golf across all demographics,” Robb said. He is the current Club Captain at Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf Club, and when he finds the time to play, he manages to maintain a healthy plus 3 handicap.

IG BUSINESS

Max Mason recognised THE Queensland golf industry recognised the contribution Max Mason has made to the industry by awarding him the Golf Industry Services to Golf Award.

Cannon new Howlong Director of Golf

Max, one the most respected figures in the golf industry in Australia and abroad, committed more than 25 years to the golf industry and always went far above the normal call of duty as a club manager.

Howlong Golf Resort President Ken Walton is pictured congratulating John Cannon on his appointment as Director of Golf.

He worked with the GMA national board for more than 15 years. The result of Max’s passion and dedication was that in 2007 at the Queensland conference, GMA formed a national body and in 2013 Max was awarded GMA life membership. He established friendships with GMA’s national affiliates including the PGA, Australian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, Australian Golf Industry Council, Golf Course Architects and others. These relationships were vital for the industry and the profile of the GMA.

HE Howlong Golf Resort has appointed John Cannon as its first ever Director of Golf.

The club has a long history of head golf professionals running the golf operations as a contractor and is now implementing a new organisational arrangement, which will centralise golf operations under the direct control of the Director of Golf as an employee of the club. From Wollongong originally, Cannon is a US PGA professional who has been based in the US since 1993. He spent four years as Director of Golf at Arizona’s Torreon Golf Club, one of Arizona’s most exhilarating and picturesque golf experiences. Prior to Torreon, Cannon was in an assistant’s role at Anthem Golf and Country Club, located just outside Las Vegas. He is an accomplished golfer, who plays of a +2 handicap.

Max Mason (right) receives his award from GMA (Qld) president Aaron Muirhead.

A former US mini-tour winner, Cannon said he was looking forward to playing in some of the local pro-ams when time permits.

Howlong general manager Chris Rebbechi said the club had undertaken an extensive recruitment process for the position. “We received a huge response and were delighted with the high quality of the applicants,” he said. “Interviews were conducted with candidates from Canada, USA, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. The applicants’ preparedness to travel long distances at short notice for the position was testament to the popularity of the role.” Howlong is assembling a quality team with John Anderson (ex-Riverside) recently joining the grounds team as an assistant led by Paul Irvine (ex-Royal Melbourne). The resort has been undergoing renovations and the club has built four brand-new luxury apartments to expand its offering and plans to build an extension to the clubhouse to incorporate a new pro shop and to turn the existing pro shop into a gymnasium.

Sloan into Hall of Fame

Sloan Morpeth. SLOAN Morpeth, champion golfer and well-known golf administrator, last month received a posthumous induction into the Hall of Fame at the Victorian Golf Industry Award. Morpeth, who died in 1970 aged 73, was secretary of the Australian Golf Union (now Golf Australia) for more than 30 years (1930-1962). In a dual role, he managed Commonwealth and Yarra Yarra golf clubs in the 1930 and 1940s and was honoured with life membership at both clubs and Peninsula Country Golf Club. New Zealand-born, Morpeth won the New Zealand amateur title three times (1922-27-29), the New Zealand Open in 1928 and the Victorian amateur in 1929 – the year he moved to Australia. After he retired in the 1960s, he became a course designer and redesigned Commonwealth, Portsea, Peninsula North and South course and Narooma golf course.

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IG business

Twin Creeks set for turbo takeoff

Bill Colhoun

Over the next few years the new enthusiastic ownership group also is to invest in upgrading the clubhouse and golf course.

ed@insidegolf.com.au

HE Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club, which for a decade has been a pacesetter in the luxury residential golf market in western Sydney, is set to soar to new heights on the wings of the new Badgerys Creek airport. Following the purchase last year by a Chinese consortium of the 340ha estate— which boasts the acclaimed national top-100 Twin Creeks course and 200 dwellings—a fivestar resort is planned, which will be the first of its kind in the region. Its architecture and design will be integrated into the clubhouse with the aim of it being the best accommodation and entertainment venue in Sydney’s west.

The Twin Creeks Development consortium, which bought Twin Creeks in July, has plans to capitalise on the site’s key location, five kilometres north of the Western Sydney Airport, to open in the mid 2020s. This will include providing accommodation and conference facilities for the rapidly expanding nearby city of Penrith. “The airport will connect Penrith with the rest of the world, making us the gateway to Australia’s largest and most exciting city for business, tourism and manufacturing,” Mayor Karen McKeown said when she met the consortium’s executives in February. The Chairman of Twin Creeks Development Dr Lam Yin Lok spoke of the group’s plans for

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future development in Penrith beyond their existing proposal at Twin Creeks. “Dr Lam spoke of his group’s interest in becoming part of the community and enriching the diverse culture of Penrith,” Cr McKeown said. On the golf front, Twin Creeks’ widely acclaimed Graham Marsh-designed layout has been on the must-play list of most golfers since opening in 2006, so it is a popular venue on the Corporate Golf scene. Golf is a winning way of fostering corporate relationships, both on and off the course, so securing the right venue is paramount to the success of any Corporate Golf day. Twin Creeks is fortunate in being able to offer such a unique superb setting and understands how it conveys the corporate image of its customers’ brands. •

Millar the main attraction in home town Gold Creek Country Club hosted one of the strongest pro-am fields ever assembled in Australia and it was thanks in large part to PGA Professional Matt Millar who calls the Canberra-based club home. In his 17 years as a Member of the PGA of Australia, Millar has become one of the most respected and admired players not just in Australia, but around the world, forging friendships which were on display at his own event in Canberra. Marcus Fraser, Peter O’Malley and Andre Stolz were just a few of the big names to come to the nation’s capital to play one of the strongest pro-am swings on the 2016 PGA Pro-Am Series. Joining them were some of the rising stars of Australian golf, including 2014 BMZ New Zealand Open champion, Dimi Papadatos, 2014 NSW PGA champion Lincoln Tighe, 2015 Tahiti International Winner, Callan O’Reilly, and Victorian young guns, Kris Mueck and Rory Bourke. Millar’s good friend and frequent travel companion David Bransdon showed why he is still one of the best players in the country, carding an amazing 4-under 68 in the afternoon field at Gold Creek to take victory and keep Millar chasing his first win at home. Although relatively new to the tournament scene, the Austbrokers Canberra Gold Creek Country Club Pro-Am has established itself as one of the best events in the country and with the name of Matthew Millar behind it, it’s no wonder the event has received such great support from the local Canberra community and his fellow PGA Professionals. More www.pga.org.au

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IG BUSINESS - from the ceo

An Aussie start Golf rounds to the year up in 2015 Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

t’s been an exciting few months on the professional golf circuit. We have witnessed significant success for our Australian Professionals overseas and delivered a contingent that couldn’t have been in better shape as we embarked on the first Major of the year, The Masters.

Marcus Fraser started the ball rolling in Malaysia, notching up the first Aussie victory of 2016 at the European Tour’s Maybank Championship in February. This win was quickly followed by Adam Scott, who defied his putting critics to take out backto-back victories at The Honda Classic and the World Golf Championships – Cadillac Championship on the PGA TOUR. Scott Hend also did his bit to keep the Aussie winning spirit alive in Asia; securing a victory at the European Tour and Asian Tour co-sanctioned True Thailand Classic. Jason Day kept his 2015 form going, with back-to-back wins at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the World Golf Championships-Dell Match; returning him to World Number 1 and capping off a six week stretch that saw an Australian pick up a title every week on one of the major international Tours. The depth of talent we have competing around the world is truly phenomenal and it’s a testament to the entire Australian golf industry. These champions have come through junior programs, been offered some of the best training in the world via our country’s elite programs and have wonderful PGA Professionals coaching and supporting

he Australian Golf Industry Council recently released its National Competition Rounds Report for the final quarter and full-year results for 2015.

them. For a small country to have produced so many wonderful golfers is something we can all be proud of. It’s an exciting time for Australian golf and I can’t wait to watch the success of our Professionals continue. Back home, we’ve had some exciting winners on the PGA Tour of Australasia this year including Michael Long (Oates Vic Open), Ashley Hall (Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Victorian PGA Championship), Louis Oosthuizen (ISPS HANDA Perth International), Brad Kennedy (Holden NZ PGA Championship), Matthew Griffin (BMW ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open) and David Klein (Coca-Cola QLD PGA Championship). The PGA is well underway with preparations for the Australian summer of golf, with the Emirates Australian Open, the World Cup of Golf and the Australian PGA Championship all set to give Aussie golf fans a season of golf that they won’t forget. These events will also provide a great opportunity to get the kids involved in golf. Jason Day has recently put his name to Australia’s national junior golf program, MyGolf, as the program’s official ambassador. Junior participation is vital to the future growth of golf and the PGA and Golf Australia have collectively spent considerable time investing in a national junior brand that will have a positive impact on participation, create a new legacy for the game and assist the development of Australia’s next generation of golfers. There is no greater priority for the PGA and Golf Australia than growing the game and seeing the positive results as juniors tee it up. To learn more about participating in MyGolf or becoming a MyGolf Centre, please visit www.mygolf.org.au •

Approximately 14.54 million rounds were recorded by GolfLink over a 12-month period ending December 2015, showing a 1.9 per cent increase over the same 12-month period from the year prior. Chairman of the AGIC, Brian Thorburn, was pleased with the latest 12-month figures which showed a continued trend of steady growth. “It’s encouraging to see steady growth and that more and more clubs are seeing an increase in rounds being played,” Thorburn said. “With our Australian Professionals performing so well overseas and with the reintroduction of golf into the Olympics, more interest in our sport is being generated. These events stimulate golfers, assist clubs and facilities to promote the game, and help to convert the casual golfer to a regular golfer.” Slightly higher growth was recorded in rounds played by male golfers, who accounted for 82 per cent of all rounds played with an increase of 2.1 per cent on previous years, together with a small increase in rounds played by female golfers. “Female golf participation will continue to grow thanks to programs like Swing Fit, which encourages more female

participation in our sport,” Thorburn said. Competition rounds growth was achieved in seven of the twelve monthly periods with WA experiencing the largest increase in rounds played for the financial year, recording growth of 10 per cent in 2015. Victoria also benefited from a less disruptive year weather-wise with rounds growth recorded in each quarter of the year. In NSW and SA, the autumn and winter periods delivered softer demand over the corresponding period in 2014. Stronger results were recorded in metropolitan areas with the collective capital cities enjoying 3.6 per cent growth in 2015, with Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne markets the standout performers. For the final quarter of 2015, rounds were comparably subdued compared to the same period in 2014. Negative trends were recorded in NSW, SA and the NT while Victoria, Qld, WA and Tas recorded growth. Queensland stood out as the top performing state recording a 4.5 per cent increase in rounds played. In the month of November rounds played nationally fell by 7 per cent in 2014, while the same period in 2015 saw growth. Competition rounds are defined as a single handicapped round only and exclude rounds played in nonhandicapped events and rounds played at public facilities.

PRESCARE QUEENSLAND SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT Open to all men and women golfers over the age of 55 years Scratch and nett divisions for all events and order of merit Over 65 years section Play a few or play them all! Go to www.golfqueensland.org.au for event details and to register. upcoming events WHEN Thursday 5 May Monday 16 May Friday 27 May Monday 30 May Monday 6 June Monday 27 June

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ENTRIES CLOSE Monday 2 May 2016 Thursday 12 May 2016 Monday 23 May 2016 Thursday 26 May 2016 Thursday 26 June 2016 Thursday 23 June 2016

IG BUSINESS - from the ceo

National women’s clinic schedule announced

Golf Services Management Pty Ltd was last month appointed by the Amstel Golf Club Board of Directors to manage the Ranfurlie Golf Course, just outside of Melbourne, on a fee for service contract. Golf Services Management Pty Ltd will oversee all venue operations, finance, marketing, HR and hospitality services at the venue and will operate to strict service plans and operational budgets approved by the Board.

Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

s we all wind down from what was a fantastic 2015/16 ALPG Tour, we turn our focus to the other side of our business the ALPG National Women’s Golf Clinics. Our ALPG National Director of Development Lee Harrington, who joined us in a full time position after 5 years at Golf Queensland in December last year was pleased to announce our early season National Women’s Clinic Schedule. “We will kick off 2016 by returning to the beautiful Windsor Golf Club in Sydney’s west on Monday 9th May. After hosting last years’ highly successful event, the club was keen to host another clinic again in 2016. Our clinics are led by our elite ALPG coaches and hosted alongside one of our ALPG playing legends. At Windsor the clinic will be headlined by one of our elite fitting and coaching professionals in Jo Bannerman alongside ALPG legend 8 time LPGA winner Rachel Hetherington, with Natasha Hemms and local Pro Nick Banham also coaching on the day”. Harrington was delighted that the first two clinics of 2016 would be held on the back of successful clinics in 2015.

“May sees us heading back to the stunning Bonnie Doon Golf Club once again on Thursday 19th May. We have an impressive line-up of ALPG coaches headed up by the highly credentialed Dennise Hutton, International stars Shani Waugh and Jenny Sevil, and ALPG and PGA coach Nicole McConnell”

GSM appointed at Ranfurlie Golf Course

While there have been a few tweaks to the model from the highly successful clinics launched in 2015, Harrington is sure that they will provide a great experience for all levels of women golfers “The day involves total game instruction, from putting and chipping to full swing and course management and instruction with your professional for the day. The ladies will be paired with women of equal abilities or, if they prefer, with business associates and/ or friends. They will enjoy a light breakfast, lunch and post-instruction drink and reception. The feedback from our clinics last year was fantastic, and we are sure that we can provide the ladies with an even better experience in 2016.” The ALPG National Clinics are something that the ALPG is really proud of. We started this project from scratch after a successful pilot at Oatlands GC in 2014, and last year we were blown away by how successful they were and how much the ladies enjoyed the experience. This year we have added a section for juniors and beginners which we feel is very important. We want to play our part in getting more girls and women playing golf and also want to see that the transition

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from beginner to club golfer happens more regularly. We want girls and women to know that golf can be a fun, enjoyable and inclusive sport, and that becoming a member of a golf club can be a really positive experience.

“The Board sees this as an exciting time as the Club enters a new phase and Ranfurlie will benefit from the expertise and handson approach provided by Golf Services Management in all aspects of the business whilst achieving greater operational efficiencies and industry leading service levels,” said Amstel Golf Club President Graeme Percy.

As we confirm venues we will keep you updated. Join our ‘Friends of the ALPG’ to go on our mailing list. Bookings http://www.alpg.com.au/clinics

“Working closely with a progressive Board and a dedicated team of staff, we are perfectly placed to deliver exceptional results in the short, medium and long term” said Golf Services Management Director Ian Denny.

DATE Monday 9th May Thursday 19th May Monday 6th June Monday 18th July Monday 1st August

VENUE Windsor Golf Club (NSW) Bonnie Doon Golf Club (NSW) Hope Island Golf Resort (QLD) Noosa Springs Golf Resort (QLD) Yarra Yarra Golf Club (VIC)

LOCATION Sydney, NSW Sydney, NSW Gold Coast, QLD Sunshine Coast, QLD Melbourne, VIC

To stay updated with the full clinic schedule or for bookings head online www.alpg.com. au/clinics or contact Lee Harrington on 0413 163312 or leeh@alpg.com.au Follow ALPG on Twitter @ALPGTour Instagram alpgtour and Facebook Australian Ladies Professional Golf.

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cover story

For Jarrod, life is more than just golf Following his highly-publicised battle with leukaemia over the last few years, Australia’s Jarrod Lyle has returned to the PGA Tour with a new battle on his hands: earn enough money via a dwindling number of “medically exempt” tournaments to not only regain full status on Tour, but also perhaps reclaim some semblance of normalcy back into his life. Despite his battles on the course, however, he has also found success and joy at home, as both a business owner and father.

Inside Golf caught up with Lyle recently, and discussed his life both on—and off—the golf course. Garrett Johnston

@johnstongarrett

What do you make of your current form? Overall, it’s nice to be out here. I feel like I’m playing the way I need to play. I’m just not quite getting the most out of my rounds like I should be getting. The scoring just hasn’t quite been there. At Torrey Pines, I didn’t do a whole lot wrong but then I made four bogeys in the last four holes... When you cut your season short last year, what were you able to do with your family to take your mind off the game? Well my wife and I started Lyle Apparel in Australia. I worked on that, did a ton of practice, went to the gym, all that kind of stuff.

I felt a lot better when I was coming back in October to play the Frys.com. Things are trending in the right direction, unfortunately I’m running out of events but I know what it’s like out here, you just need to get that one week where everything sort of comes together and things can change. So I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing and hopefully one day it will turn around. What’s the challenge been like as far as managing your expectations? At first, just sort of get through a couple and then see how everything was sort of panning out. Now I feel my game is in a good enough spot where I shouldn’t be missing cuts. My bad rounds are better than they’ve been in the last year. I had a couple bad rounds in Australia where I’d gone 77, 78 but now I feel my bad rounds are more around par,

STAYPLAY

one-over, two-over which out here doesn’t kill you. But if you start shooting six-over, that’s when you sort of turn up to the golf course and realise that you’re going through the motions. There are a lot of positives to come out of the game at the moment. Is your drive and the fight still there? It’s definitely still there. I don’t usually get angry and frustrated on the golf course. The bad shots are starting to get better. I’m still not letting things get to me because I know I’m lucky enough Jarrod Lyle at the Farmers Insurance Open (photo Felix A. Marquez).

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cover story to have the chance to play golf again so I think my whole outlook on golf is a little different than everybody else’s out here but I’ve still got that desire to do as well as I can. I’m not going to sit here and say that I don’t get angry on a bad round but I don’t show it. I just sort of suck it up and just get on with it. Is that sort of part of the process of staying composed? Yeah, the big picture is, I’ve always said from the minute I got sick that if I never play golf again then I would be happy. But now that I feel well enough to come out here and play and compete, those feelings are still there. I still want to do as well as I can, I still want to get out there and play my best. I think the way I compose myself on the golf course is very good. But I still get frustrated at bad shots and silly mistakes and I think regardless of whether I’m playing anymore or not I think that I’m always going to be like that. That’s the competitive edge that everyone out here has got. I’ve always been very calm on the golf course, and I’ll always be that way but deep down I get shitty with myself and I guess I just don’t show it. How much do you look ahead in the schedule? I don’t really know of what tournaments that are coming up, I’ve got a fair idea. I’ll try to ‘Monday’ (qualify) for some of them. I just don’t know how I’d go four weeks in a row at this point. That’s one thing that I’ve sort of had to keep a close eye on that I don’t destroy myself physically before the tournament starts. Just make sure that everything is done in moderation in my preparation. Tell us about Lyle Apparel. It’s actually been pretty cool to still be within the golfing industry and have a different kind of side to it. For me to actually get inside pro shops and meet people and talk to them and try to make them buy a bunch of my stuff. But it’s something that is completely out of my comfort zone just to go and cold call a bunch of people and set up appointments, to travel up to New South Wales or up in Queensland. For me to drive around for a week and try and sell some belts…I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been nice to be able to use my name a little bit. I’ve run into a few places that some people may never get into but I guess when it’s your business you’ve got to work your butt off at it, the same as my golf. I’ve been working my butt off at that as well and my wife is pretty much the brains behind Lyle Apparel, she’s the one who’s done all of the hard yards, I go in and call myself the salesman of the year when I sell a few belts to show that all the hard work is starting to pay off. How would you describe your wife’s role in all this? She’s the boss. The boss of everything. But she’s the one who organises the shipments that come in. She organizes the customs, does all the ordering, the posting of belts, the shipping of orders and all of that stuff. She’s pretty much doing

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Jarrod proudly sporting a NexBelt. everything there. Now she’s pregnant, and she’s also got our little four yearold running around as she tries to keep the business going, but she’s doing a fantastic job. She’s working her butt off because she wants to see it do well and when it’s your business and your money that’s going into it you want to try and do everything you can to try and make it work. How many hours in a week do you put into it? She probably puts in a good 30-40 hours a week. She sits in front of her computer and does a bunch of stuff. My cousin’s wife is helping as well on the accounting side of it. They’re working pretty hard. We did a thing at the Australian Open where they sold belts out of one of the marquees down there from 7am to 5pm. I’m very impressed that she’s doing it and it gives her something to do too, keeps her occupied when I’m not there. Talk about your specific relationship with NexBelt? We’re the distributors for NexBelt in Australia, they’re based in the U.S. It all started when we had a meeting in Las Vegas in 2014. They asked me if I wanted to wear their belts. During that meeting I found out they were looking for someone to do Australia, trying to expand out of the U.S. My wife and I didn’t say a word to each other, we just sort of looked at each other when the folks were still there and we thought ‘Why don’t we give it a go.’ Since that day she’s really jumped on board and run with it. How rewarding is it to have your young daughter in your life? Ah mate, it means everything to me. Years ago I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to be able to have kids. She came along and I guess the whole timing of me getting sick and her being born was pretty crappy, but she gave me that thing I always needed to fight for. I always had my wife in my corner but to have a little one always there, it was nice to see her smile at the hospital. She was the thing that kept me alive. She doesn’t know that yet but she sees pictures at home of me with no hair and she doesn’t understand that I was three-quarters dead at one time. She doesn’t understand all that so

she’s still very innocent to things that have happened to me in the past. She’s that person that I would give everything up in heartbeat to look after her. She means the world to me; I’d do anything for her. And you’ve got another one on the way? The marvel of what doctors can do, the IVF. It’s just been an amazing process to see how it all goes about starting, and getting pregnant. What my wife had to do to get herself pregnant, she had to give herself needles and all that, making me give her needles—which I’m not a huge fan of—but it’s something that you’ve got to do. But it’s nice to see the end result come through and she gets pregnant. We feel very lucky that we’re able to have a second kid coming. A lot of people don’t get that opportunity to have any kids at all so we’re just very lucky. Hopefully number two comes along and is very happy and healthy and grows up to be a pain in daddy’s ass. Just like your wife giving you a swift kick? She’s done that a few times over the years and it’s well deserved. • Editor’s note: Following the interview, Jarrod noted on his website/blog (www.jarrodlylegolf.com) that he is currently spending time with his wife in Australia for the impending birth of the couple’s second child. Jarrod has now competed in 17 of his 20 tournaments via a “medical exemption”, and while his recent results on tour aren’t meeting his expectations (in his own words, the experience has been “frustrating” and “demoralising”), he vows he “is not giving up!” and will be “working his butt off” here in Australia to prepare for his remaining three U.S. events, which could potentially be in July. Jarrod is also an ambassador for Challenge Australia, a non-profit organisation providing children living with cancer and their families an opportunity to interact with others in similar circumstances.. For more information: www.challenge.org.au Garrett Johnston is a golf journalist based in California. He covers the game on an international level for IG, New Zealand Golf Magazine, Today’s Golfer UK, and Golf World UK. www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

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CARNARVON GOLF CLUB Carnarvon Golf Club is a Par 72 Championship Golf Club located in Lidcombe, just 10 minutes from Sydney Olympic Park. The Club has hosted Qualifying rounds for the Australian Open in each of the past 4 years. Carnarvon was also home to the Australian Schoolboys Championships. The course is a beautiful, easy walking, slightly undulating layout. The course boasts lush Kikuyu fairways and Poa grass greens. It is kept manicured all year round. The Fairway mounds, bunkers and water hazards make it a challenging course. To top off a great day on the course, Carnarvon also boasts a modern and friendly club-house, with bistro service every day of the week for lunch and dinners on Wednesdays to Saturdays. Functions are well catered for in the stunning 200 seat function room.

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on tour

Hopping across the Tasman with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

y next stop was beautiful Auckland for the New Zealand PGA. I hadn’t been to Auckland for about 10 years so I was looking forward to not only playing Remuera golf club for the first time but also seeing the city of Auckland again. I had a great practice round and felt like I had a breakthrough in regards to my swing technique. I found a way that I could keep my lower half a little stiller which is something I had been working on for a while. The golf course was great and even though it was a tier 2 event, it was definitely run like an Australian Open or PGA championship. It was a tight course where driving the ball straight was a must with average-size but slopey greens. Due to how soft the course was, scores were low. I shot 2-under the first day and was in 40th position. The feel that I had worked on earlier in the week started working as my next two rounds of 5-under jumped me up into the top 10. The last day I turned 4-under for the day and thought with another four or five birdies on the back-9 I may be a chance. But on 10 I hooked my tee shot and a double-bogey later killed that idea. I fought back to shoot another 5-under to finish in a tie for 7th, a pretty solid week, 17-under. It just goes to show you how good the level is out there when 17-under finishes 7th! I have to give a huge shout out to John and Annie that put Pete and myself up for the

week. Their house was amazing and between Annie’s cooking and John’s beer fridge we had a great time. And Annie cooked a crispy skin salmon that was one of the most amazing meals I have ever had!

to stay patient which is, as most of us know, really difficult sometimes. Well, it worked as I made a couple of birdies coming in and was 2-under through 36 holes, a few back but in the fight. Last year I shot 64, 65 on the weekend so I was looking for the same rounds to jump up the leaderboard. And guess what: I shot 64, 65 again. On Friday afternoon I did some work with my coach on visualization on the greens and it worked. I can’t stress how important it is in all parts of your game to see what you want to do. If you can’t see it there is a good chance that it may not happen. I finished at 13-under-par and in a tie for 6th. As it ended up I was only two shots out of being in a play off. It’s amazing that the first two rounds weren’t great and at the end I nearly got there.

On Monday morning I Pete and I jumped on a plane to the amazing Queenstown. This would have to be one of my favourite places in the world. Not only is the town of Queenstown beautiful but Millbrook and The Hills golf courses are world class. At Christmas last year I gave my mum a present which was a trip to New Zealand as she had never been there before. So we organized a rental house in central Queenstown so mum could go on some day tours while I was at work. The first day was interesting. We woke up to heavy rain and were fairly glad not to be out there. As we were driving out mid-morning the rain stopped and the sun came out. ‘I’m blessed’ was what I thought… until about 15 minutes before my tee time! The wind had suddenly come up, gusting at about 60km per hour. Now I was thinking ‘I’m not sure what would be better, rain or this’! I started average with four 3-putts on my first 9, but played great coming in, signing for a 1-under par, 71, which I was happy with due to the conditions. I played at the Hills the second day and started great, being 2-under after 5. Unfortunately that’s where my move forward ended. Three more birdies and four bogeys meant I again signed for a 1-under par which had me mid-field after two rounds, but I needed to shoot a low one to give myself a chance of winning Sunday afternoon. That low 3rd round never eventuated, with my ballstriking good but the putter going cold. I turned the front 9 in 2-under but made

nothing coming in and again signed for a 1-under par 71 to have me at 3-under through 54 holes. A final round 72 had me finishing in 37th position. Not a bad week but I never really got going. It was great having mum there for the week. She had a great insight into the life of a touring pro, and I’m pretty sure that she saw every part of Queenstown! My next event was the QLD PGA Championship at City Golf Club in Toowoomba. This is an event that I have played well at over the past couple of years and I have even won the Pro-Am there. This is another tier 2 event that is run like a tier 1. The committee, members and community always get behind the event and make you feel really welcome. I played solid the first day shooting 2-under but woke up the 2nd day feeling a little average and hence I struggled early. I was 2-over through 12 holes and doing my best

I would like to thank City Golf Club for my accommodation at the City Golf Club motel. It’s in a great position and the rooms were great. 13 hours after finishing in Toowoomba I was on a plane to Sydney for the Castle Hill ProAm. It’s an event that I love to support. Castle Hill is an awesome golf course and David Northey, the head professional is a good mate so I always make a effort to play. I play with the same guys each year. Rob, Dave and Roscoe are great to play with, and will always beat any confidence out of you that you may have, and there is never a shortage of laughs! Anyway, it was a tough event, shooting 75, 76 and winning a centre of a doughnut! But it was great to see old mates and stay with my sister Joanne, Mark her partner and her boys Flynn and Jesse. I now have a few weeks off before I head up to PNG and then get ready for the Volvo China and the Maekjung in Korea. It’s a tough little stretch but I’m sure a win will make it easier. •

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on tour EXPERIENCES OF A

Hart is starting to believe

LIFETIME US Masters & British Open Tours

Professional Tim Hart watches the outcome of another power-drive.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

UEENSLAND PGA Pro-Am Series Sunshine Swing Order of Merit winner Tim Hart has the game to reach the highest level, says his coach Richard Woodhouse. “He’s incredibly talented and has the attributes to compete with the best players in the game,” said Woodhouse, the 2015 Queensland PGA teaching professional of the year. “He’s powerful off the tee, has a great wedge game and has great touch around the greens. “He definitely has the quality to make it to the PGA Tour.” A power-hitter who regularly launches 300m missiles, Hart is familiar with shooting low scores like the 61 – nine-under par – in the final round of the Queensland PGA Championship. Mind you, it could have been as low as 58 had he parred the hole instead of signing for a triple bogey that put him in a playoff with Germany’s David Klein, which he eventually lost.

lifestyle of a touring professional. “It’s great travelling the world and I do love the lifestyle,” said the Gold Coast-based professional. “You can practice and play in different locations and you can do a lot of other things people who sit in an office every day can’t do.” Last year, Hart amassed an astonishing 27 top-10 finishes that included seven victories with the highlight being winning the rich Bartons/BMD Wynnum Pro-Am for the second time in three years. This year he finished runner-up at the Queensland PGA Championship, had a top-five at the Victorian PGA and was 10th in the New Zealand PGA Championship. Since turning professional in 2011, Hart has honed his skills on the proam circuit. “It’s extremely competitive because there are a lot of good players on the tour,” he said. “Even the Australian players on the US, European and Asian circuits want to play in the pro-ams when they come home.”

The 26-year-old has put the disappointment behind him and is focussing on his short- and long-term goals.

Peter Senior, Rod Pampling, Steven Bowditch, Cameron Smith and others are Troppo Tour regulars at the end of each year.

“I’m trying to get my first four-round victory so I can qualify for the bigger events in Australia – the Australian PGA, Australian Open and the Australian Masters,” Hart said.

“There’s always low scores in the pro-ams so you have to be making plenty of birdies to compete or win.”

“My long-term goal is to get a card to play the US PGA Tour, but first I will try for a card on the secondary Web.com Tour. I think the US will suit my game.” Hart says he enjoys the nomadic

Hart, who took up golf at the age of 13 and secured his first job as a cart attendant at Tamworth Golf Club in country New South Wales, has become a more consistent putter since adopting the AimPoint putting method. AimPoint is a system for reading greens more accurately.

“We introduced AimPoint a few months ago and Tim had instant success and now there are no more misreading putts,” Woodhouse said. “Now Tim is clear with his start lines and it clears up a lot of the tension on the green, which can happen in tournament golf.” An important ingredient of being a professional golfer is having the belief in your own ability and it’s something coach and player continue to work on. “We are currently working on getting Tim to build the belief that matches his ability,” Woodhouse said. “Building mental strength is a big part of it.

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“It’s about understanding that sometimes you don’t have to be perfect on the golf course. If you draw a bad lie or miss a putt, it’s about leaving that behind and still have the same positive outlook going to the next hole. “It’s about trying to find a neutral place on the golf course rather than reacting to negative situations. “If we can bridge that gap it’s a big step in the right direction. “In the last three years, his rate of development has been impressive. “We have seen better results and more prizemoney because he works hard and understands the game.” Away from golf, Hart enjoys spending time with his family and girlfriend Paige, going to the beach, gymnasium and playing darts. “I can throw a decent dart,” he said. For Tim Hart, hitting the bullseye is routine but his aim and focus remains on securing a playing card to the world’s most lucrative tour. • www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

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E-Z-GO PGA legends tour

Williams storms to victory across Victoria

he crème de la crème of Legend Tour Professionals gathered in Victoria last month for the Victorian leg of the E-ZGO PGA Legends Tour, in what was a successful two-week stint in the southern, eastern and central parts of the state. Former Major winner Ian Baker-Finch joined a host of well-known Australian Legend Professionals including former Alfred Dunhill Cup winner (1986) and US PGA Champions Tour winner (2003), Rodger Davis, European Open winner (1991), Mike Harwood, and New Zealand Open winner (2004), Terry Price, as they battled it out in eight Order of Merit tournaments across the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and Central Victoria regions. Vying for $105,000 in prize money, South African Chris Williams, who finished in the top20 on the European Senior Tour last year, came out with all guns blazing to produced three victories. His first victory came at the ProCon Gardiners Run Legends Pro-Am in Lilydale where he equalled the course record of 8-under 64 in a round that included six birdies and an eagle to take the title. A 2-under 70 at the Northern Health Foundation Annual Corporate Seniors Pro-Am at Growling Frog Golf Course in Yan Yean was enough to tie for victory with Peter Woodward, before finishing things off in Heathcote where a 7-under 64 saw a four shot victory over Victorian Tim Elliott to claim the City of Greater Bendigo Heathcote Legends Pro-Am. These victories were the kick-start the South African needed, after wrapping up his 2015 European Senior Tour campaign with a T3 finish at the MCB Tour Championship in Mauritius; ranking him at 17 on the European Senior Tour Order of Merit and securing an

South African Chris Williams (left) at the ProCon Gardiners Run Legends Pro-Am. unconditional card for 2017. If it wasn’t for the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour, Williams, who has played on the Tour since 2013, believes he wouldn’t have kept his card on the European Senior Tour, as the competition in Australia, has played a vital role in honing his talents in the lead up to MCB Tour Championship. “I thank the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour for the opportunity it gave me to sharpen my skills before the MCB Tour Championship,” said Williams. “I don’t believe I would have kept my card if it wasn’t for the competition in Australia, I finished 3rd in Mauritius and retained my playing privilege for 2016.” The E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour is the Professional golf circuit for Professional golfers aged 50 and over. Approximately 80

tournaments operate throughout Australia and The Pacific regions with over AU$1 million in prize money on offer each year. Former Major Championship winners Wayne Grady (US PGA) and Ian Baker-Finch (The Open), along with Australian golfing legends such as Peter Fowler, Michael Harwood, Michael Clayton and Peter Senior all feature regularly on the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour. The PGA of Australia welcomes new events on the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour. Golf Clubs who are interested in running a E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour event are encouraged to contact Andy Rogers, Legends Tour Coordinator, at the PGA on 03 8320 1992 or arogers@pga.org.au for further information. •

Oatlands receive Buddy Club accolade Oatlands Golf Club has been selected as a finalist in ‘Clubs in Collaboration’ category of the Clubs NSW 2016 Clubs and Community Awards. The selection recognises the work that the metropolitan Sydney club has undertaken with their country ‘Buddy Club’ partner, Oberon Golf Club. “We are thrilled with this recognition as a club,” says Oatlands General Manger Barnaby Sumner. “It shows what can be achieved by a couple of clubs when they work together.” Oatlands and Oberon Golf Clubs were paired as Buddy Club partners in the first stage of the Golf NSW Buddy Club Program in 2015. The Program has proved enormously beneficial to both clubs, with the flow of technical expertise in areas like club management and golf course operations helping the small country club. Other benefits to flow through included the donation of excess equipment for Oberon’s Commercial kitchen, clinics and tuition in the game conducted by Oatlands golf operations staff, and some organized “Super 6s” and Ambrose competitions. There was even a popup golf shop offering products that the Oberon locals didn’t get access to purchase on a regular basis. The Buddy Club Program was launched by Golf NSW in March 2015 with more than 120 clubs signing on to the program during the first round of offers. Participating clubs have enjoyed benefits ranging from strategic planning workshops, the donation of excess course and office equipment, and organized visits from staff and executives to share industry expertise. The winning club will be announced at the Clubs NSW Clubs & Community Awards Dinner on May 6th.

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amateurs - acgc

Last chances for your ACGC Golden Ticket Lauren McGregor Champion Events

s the fourth annual ACGC regional series comes to a close, the ACGC committee can confidently say this has been the best series to date and look forward to what should be the biggest and best Championship Final. The interest in the event has grown by leaps and bounds this year and as a result the regional series has been extended to right up until the end of May. This means some event champions only have to wait a week or two for their golf holiday! With the new rules of this series allowing any Australian golfer to enter regardless of Auto Club membership, we expect a more diverse group of champions at the 2016 Championship Final and therefore some tougher competition than in years past. Competitors will descend upon RACV Royal Pines Resort at the end of this month to stake their claim as Australia’s Best Amateur Golfers. Amongst this group of golfers, we have noticed a few trends that have begun to emerge. At most of the regional events this series there have been competitors and champions from previous years, returning for another shot at the trip to Queensland. It is always great to see familiar faces at the events, and it only adds to the excitement of the day to hear them talk about their experiences at previous Finals. This year’s Queensland Final will welcome three pairs that have qualified through before. While some say this will give them an

edge in the competition, with a field of the best amateurs in Australia it’s really anyone’s game! It would seem this year has also been more of a family affair than other series. The regional events have produced champion pairs made up of husbands and wives, fathers and sons, and siblings. A pairs’ competition is a great way to bond with your loved ones, and an all-expense paid golf trip to the Gold Coast makes for the perfect family vacation. Some pairs have invited along partners and kids and have extended their stay at RACV Royal Pines Resort beyond the competition to really soak in the beauty of the Gold Coast resort.

One of the standout father/son pairs qualified at the RACV Royal Pines Resort regional event. Barry and Trent Rhodes will be returning to the resort to compete, which is notable as Trent was our first-ever junior golfer to qualify to the Final. With this series implementing the rule of juniors of any age being able to qualify, 17 year-old Trent chose a good year to enter. As always, we expect the Championship Final to be a golf trip to remember for everyone involved. Though the focus is the competition, we also hope that all of our qualifying pairs have a fun and relaxing time. We encourage anyone following along at home to check out our Facebook

page at https://www.facebook.com/ autoclubgolfchampionship/. We will be posting photos and videos from the Final and will of course be announcing Australia’s Best Amateur Pair! •

UPCOMING ACGC EVENTS STATE

CLUB

DATE

VIC

RACV Goldfields

1/05/2016

QLD

Emerald Lakes

5/05/2016

VIC

Bendigo

6/05/2016

Links Lady Bay

8/05/2016

QLD

Parkwood

25/05/2016

MORE: www.acgc.com.au

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May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

juniors

More please, say William and Chloe David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

ROWING indigenous participation in golf is something siblings William and Chloe Letts encourage – albeit for different reasons. “Golf is a great sport because it’s fun and you learn that it’s not just about winning all the time,” said 15-year-old William. Chloe, 14, says she established very quickly that golf helped control her emotions. “Golf calms me down especially if I am having a bad day,” she said. Little wonder the pair wear permanent smiles whenever they turn up for practice or play. Of course, at home golf is often the topic of conversation. Since joining Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane, William and Chloe have excelled under the tutelage of club professional Mark Victorsen and recently competed in the 54-hole Queensland Indigenous Championship at Murgon Golf Club, 270 kilometres northwest of Brisbane. Surprisingly, Chloe was the only female to compete at the championship. Still, it didn’t bother her as she improved her score each day and won the junior nett and a $50 voucher, which contributed towards a new pair of golf shoes. Chloe has only been playing golf for nine months and in the past five months has reduced her handicap by 17 strokes to 28. “I was doing dancing and got sick of that and I wasn’t sure what sport to do,” she said. “William was playing golf so I thought I’d give it a try and I love it.” William, who plays off 6.8, took out the A grade nett on the final day of the championship and finished eighth behind winner Rickie Dodd. William and Chloe live with their grandmother Marilyn in the suburb of McKenzie, which is seven kilometres from the golf club. “I first got interested in golf when my dad Robert gave me a golf club when I was quite young,” William said. “When he saw

William and Chloe Letts can’t stop smiling since discovering golf. INSET: Coach Mark Victorsen. potential in me he put me into golf at Logan City Golf Club.” Marilyn said her grandchildren moved in with her because they wanted to join Pacific Golf Club. “They have been with me for three years and I take them to the golf club three or four times a week to practice and play in the club’s competitions. “Their dad runs a business so it’s hard for him to get to golf, but they see him on weekends.” Both William and Chloe aspire to be professional golfers, but know it’s going to take hard work and dedication. A strong ball-striker, William says he needs to work on his hot and cold putting. “Sometimes my putting gives me grief, but other days it’s great,” he laughed. “But my coach, Mark, is a good teacher and he’s helping me improve all the time. “Since working with Mark I have learnt that I can easily fix any mis-hit or bad shots.” Chloe is working to improve her pitching and putting to complement her long game.

“Pacific is a great golf club and you never get tired of playing the golf course,” she said. “Every time you play the course there seems to be another challenge.” Described as having tidy golf games, do the teenagers keep their bedrooms neat and tidy? “Yes they do,” Marilyn said. “Their dad is the disciplinarian so if they don’t do it I call him and he sorts it out,” she laughed. “I’m so glad they are involved in golf and with Pacific because it’s a wonderful club and the people are so nice.” President of the juniors Peter Johnstone welcomed William and Chloe to the Pacific Junior Golfing Academy. “They are great kids, enthusiastic and both are naturally talented golfers,” he said. “Importantly, I think they have a great opportunity to be ambassadors for indigenous golf. “Not many young indigenous people are drawn to golf and I think William and Chloe can be part of changing that. They have already achieved a lot of success and I am sure there is more to come for both of them.” •

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

juniors

Josh accepts ‘hits’ and moves on Young golfer on the right track

HERE is truth in the phrase “work smarter, not harder” but for Gold Coast junior Joshua Capes, doing both, working harder and smarter, is paying dividends. The 17-year-old realised he needed to improve his work ethic after he was overlooked by Queensland selectors for a spot on the state junior team. That wasn’t his only disappointment. He wasn’t invited to join the Queensland Institute of Sport program and he missed out on top-7 selection for the Emerald Lakes pennant team. According to Joshua’s dad Greg, his son took it in his stride and decided to make positive changes to his approach to the game. “The three letdowns have been a godsend and proof that if you work hard the rewards will eventually come,” Greg said. “After Josh missed selection for the Queensland junior team he started looking further into his game with his coach Kevin Morley and they come to the conclusion that he needed to work harder and smarter. “Josh started training in all aspects of the game at a more intense level. “Currently, he trains up to 70 hours a week and the work is starting to pay off. “In his last four competition rounds at Emerald Lakes Golf Club he is 23-under par. He shot 68-70-61-66 and the 61 – 11-under par – equalled the course record by an amateur. “All he wants to do is play golf, but he realised to be successful he needed to work harder to get the rewards.” Greg said his son realised he didn’t deserve to be picked in the State junior team. “Missing out on being selected hurt him,

Joshua Capes has put three disappointments behind him and is moving forward with his golf. but then he realised these things don’t get handed to you on a plate. You have to work for them. “He didn’t deserve to be picked in the team and he knew it. That was one of the driving forces for him to move forward. “Since he’s had the letdowns he’s been a different person and is determined to succeed. “Mind you, I told him if he didn’t want to continue with his golf he would need to find a full-time job.” Aside from practising and playing, Joshua, a member at Royal Pines Resort, works at the Palm Meadows driving range. “Joshua has truly proved that if you work hard the rewards will come. He loves his golf and I think you will hear a lot more him over the next few years,” said proud dad Greg.

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HIL Cartwright, the club professional at Young Golf Club in the South West Slopes of NSW, believes the club has unearthed a potential golf star. Joel Shields, who dreams of becoming a professional golfer, has the ability to reach the top of his sport, according to Cartwright. “Joel swings a golf stick about as well as anyone that I have seen,” he said. “His swing is the most modern, technically proficient and reliable of any young man that has come through Young Golf Club in my 30plus years here. “If what we have witnessed in the past month is any indication, he is right on course to achieve his goals.” Cartwright is referring to Shields’ 60 (10-under par) off the stick in February along with his results in the South West Slopes Credit Union Club Championships. He was quick to point out Young golf course is no pushover as it boasts narrow fairways and small, tricky greens. “Young Golf Club has many seriously good players,” Cartwright said. “There are six who have played off scratch or better in the past year or two and 12 players are currently on four or less.” Despite the challenging course and strong field, Shields went on to win the club championship by a staggering 29 strokes. “Joel was in a class all of his own,” Cartwright said. “His 12-under par total was a record score and his victory was a record margin. “He also claimed the official course record with a seven-under par 63 in the second round.” “To be a world-class player, you must have a technique that is reliable and be able to produce the results time after time. Joel has this ability.

“Joel’s last 10 rounds are an aggregate total of 35-under par – an average of 3.5-under par for every round. “He demonstrates enormous self-belief and trust in his ability under pressure. Cartwright said watching Shields, who plays off +4, tee off the 10th hole in the final round of the championship was akin to watching Adam Scott. “The trajectory, distance and purity of the strike reminded me of Adam Scott,” he said. Shields’ results has the club excited and it is supporting his quest to be the best player he can be by helping raise funds for him to travel overseas and pursue his dreams. Through donations, auctions, prizes and memorabilia have contributed to raising some money to allow Shields to travel to the US in June and July to play in regional amateur championships. Shields, 20, said he was looking forward to his first trip overseas. “Hopefully, I will get some good results and will then think about turning pro through qualifying school,” he said. The 20-year-old is a good ball-striker and possesses a good short game. “Joel will use the US experience as a springboard into a playing career,” Cartwright said.

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Liverpool flips the membership model

iverpool Golf Club has taken a bold step in order to make membership more affordable.

On the 27th and 28th May, 24 of Australia’s best junior golfers will take on New Zealand in a format similar to the Ryder Cup.

Recognising that the current membership model is becoming less popular, particularly with younger members, the club has taken the initiative to restructure its membership fees.

“We are very excited to launch the inaugural U.S. Kids Golf Trans Tasman Cup and to provide an opportunity for kids to represent their country playing golf in a fun and competitive format,” said Kevin Wallis, U.S. Kids Golf Managing Director.

“The traditional membership model has relied on a high annual subscription with relatively low participation fees,” says Liverpool General Manager Peter Summers. “We’ve found that the high annual fees have in fact become a barrier to entry to golf club membership. This is particularly the case with the Generation X and Generation Y demographic.”

The U.S. Kids Golf Trans Tasman Cup will be an annual tournament with the venue alternating between Australia and New Zealand. The inaugural event will be held at Moore Park Golf and will set the benchmark for junior tournaments in the Pacific region.

The Club believes that a different model with a lower annual subscription fees combined with competition fees based on demand for premium competition days is the way to go. “We’ve reduced the annual subscription for Full Membership from $1850 per annum to $1200 and introduced a sliding scale for Saturday, Sunday and mid-week competitions,” says Summers. The club’s new pricing structure looks to tap into the time-poor golfer market who typically can’t justify the high cost of a golf club membership. They’re offering an affordable annual fee with pay as you golf competition fees, which makes their membership model a true ‘user pay’ product. Summers also says that the club has combined their Six Day membership with the Full membership category to offer even greater flexibility. “By combining these two categories,

Aussie juniors battle for Trans Tasman Cup

members who generally play only on Sundays now have the added benefit of being able to play the occasional Saturday competition, simply by paying the competition fee of the day”. This new initiative adds to the club’s successful Intermediate Membership that was introduced in 2013 and is targeted at persons aged between 21 and 37. It combines the annual subscription and competition fees into one affordable price of $1200 per annum. “The best outcome from the growth in Intermediate membership is that almost 50% of these members have not previously been members of a golf club,” says Summers.

“The Board is very focused on looking to the future and recognises that adapting to change is fundamental to surviving in a market that’s extremely competitive at the moment. We’re delighted that we’ve experienced a 14% growth in membership since 2011 which comes at a time when the general Sydney Metropolitan market has declined by 8% over the same period”. The club is hopeful that the new structure will not only attract new members but will help reduce the attrition rate at renewal time in June. For more information go to www.liverpoolgolf.com.au •

“Players will participate in an official Opening Ceremony where they will be kitted out in their country colours, will sing their National Anthem and raise their flag . The first day will see the kids play in a Pro Kids event which is based on the traditional Pro-Am events you see preceding majors.” Wallis said. “We are thrilled to have the support of some inspiring pros who are passionate about junior golf.” “U.S. Kids Golf New Zealand has finalised their team and at last count has a contingent of over 100 New Zealanders traveling to Australia as spectators, coaches and caddies. This will make for a great competitive atmosphere,” says Wallis. We also have some great prizes on offer with Oakley coming on board as a sponsor for the event.

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clubs

Oxley launches pay-for-play membership

n an attempt to move with the times and offer time-poor golfers an attractive membership alternative, Queensland’s Oxley Golf Club has introduced a Pay-forPlay membership option. The Club sees this as an opportunity to allow golfers who have limited availability to play golf (due to other commitments, etc), the ability to be a member of a club, have a handicap and play in club competitions, all at a reasonably-priced figure.

Rosebud Country Club was congratulated by Blind Golf Victoria President Mr Doug Sloan not only for the use and presentation of the course but also for the gracious level of support provided by the many volunteers who helped stage the event.

The Club is confident that their current seven-day members will not be inconvenienced as this new category will have restricted access to the Saturday timesheet, which is currently limited to 14 days in advance.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to anyone wishing to offer charitable support to the blind golf community. Also, blind golf is open to people of all ages and is a perfect avenue for those club golfers who are experiencing some sight loss to stay involved in our great game.

With currently 30 to 40 vacant time slots available most Saturdays, the club feels that both full members and pay-for-play members can be accommodated.

The following conditions apply: Access to

Rod Mills from NSW won the 2016 Blind Golf Victoria Open Championship played at Rosebud Country Club on 14-15 April. Rod, who is a B3 player on a handicap of 30, played a solid first round with Ian Winnett as caddie scoring 37 stableford points to trail leader Stephen Mitchell by 4 points. On the final day, with Geoff Mowthorpe as his caddie, he scored 32 points to narrowly defeat David Wheatley from Victoria (B3 handicap 36) by one point on the par-72 South course. Deanna Minciullo (B2 handicap 36) from WA won the Ladies Championship, while David Blyth from Vic won the B1 title, and Graham Coulton from NSW and Jeff Ellis from Vic won the B2 and B3 titles respectively. A total of 19 players from five States took part in the event.

With a small upfront payment to meet administration and affiliation costs, players are then able to access the course via the payment of a fee. What is unusual with this new membership is that it allows full access to the course and the ability to compete in normal club competitions, even on Saturdays.

For a payment of $300, players get full seven-day access to the course, the ability to compete in club competitions (including Saturdays), an official Golf Australia Handicap, full use of the practice facilities, member pricing in the Clubhouse and Pro Shop, access to the club’s Reciprocal Club network, and the ability to invite friends at Member Guest rates. There is currently no joining fee.

Mills wins 2016 Blind Golf Victoria Open

timesheets is limited to 14 days in advance, players are ineligible to win Club Special Events (Club Championships, Honour Board, etc), and there are no voting rights. Cost to play Saturdays is $40 plus Competition fee, if applicable, while the cost to play all other days is $27 plus Competition fee, if applicable. For a short time the club will waive the subscription component for the remainder

of the 2015-2016 subscription year (up to 30th June 2016) once payment of the 20162017 subscription is made. So players can be a member of Oxley Golf Club from now until June 2017 for only a $300 upfront payment. Further details and application forms can be found on the Oxley Golf Club website, www.oxleygolfclub.com.au or by phoning the club on 07 3379 6322. •

Blind golf has 3 sight categories; B1, B2 and B3 which relate to how much sight a player has. B1 players are totally blind. Anyone wishing to learn more about these sponsorship opportunities, or either playing blind golf or caddying for a blind golfer may contact Gary McInnes on 0417 055 731, or visit www.blindgolf.com.au or www.internationalblindgolf.com

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CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Ballina Golf and Sports Club David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

The club’s 950 members are pleased Tickle stayed because he and his staff have the golf course looking a picture.

ALLINA Golf and Sports Club, located about an hour south of the Gold Coast and 10 minutes from Ballina Airport, is a lush green parkland golf course that offers peaceful vistas of North Creek and lovely carefully maintained flora.

If your golf ball finds the fairway you are virtually guaranteed a perfect lie and the medium-sized Bermuda 328 greens are perfectly paced and a pleasure to putt on because there aren’t too many contours or subtle breaks.

Known as the Garden Course of the Northern Rivers, Ballina GSC is a traditional golf club that offers a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and members like Vince Newman, who was keen for a chat while carefully negotiating the picturesque 11th hole that borders North Creek.

“The golf course always presents well and is one of the better wet-weather courses,” Tickle said. “The course drains well and we are able to get out and cut the fairways shortly after a rain event.

Vince says he has been a member for 30plus years and never tires of playing the golf course.

“And because we now have cart paths all the way around the golf course it means members and visitors don’t miss out on their game and that makes them happy.”

“Have a look at this beautiful golf course and the environment we’re in,” he said when asked what draws him to the club and course.

The club’s head professional Colin Edwards has been at the club for six years and is assisted in the pro shop by fellow pros Chris Hawkins and Lachlan Ritson.

“I play three times a week and it’s always a challenge and, besides, where else would you rather be.”

“The golf course is in the best condition all year round of any golf course I have worked at,” Edwards said.

Not only is the golf course and surrounding area beautiful, but the climate is perfect for year-round outdoor activities.

For the A, B or C grade golfer, it’s a good challenge.

And perhaps best of all, Ballina is one of the most desirable places to visit … even retire. For the past three years, Ballina GSC has been turning over healthy profits courtesy of the club’s forward-thinking board, general manager Mark Whiting and his team, club professional Colin Edwards and course superintendent of 23 years Wayne Tickle. When Tickle arrived at the club in 1993, he thought he would stay in the job for a few years but new projects on the golf course kept him more than interested. 40

May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

It’s an easy walking course, it’s user friendly and if you keep the ball on the fairways it’s not that punishing but if you stray into the rough or trees which line the fairways it can be a challenge. “We also have a number of strategicallyplaced bunkers to catch wayward shots, but it’s a golf course that won’t beat you to death.” With four tee positions – blue, white, gold and red – golfers can choose their own medicine. The par-72 golf course stretches to 6052m off the blue tees, 5815m (white) and 5241m (red).

Ballina Golf and Sports Club is extremely comfortable with what it has to offer, but it’s not resting on its laurels as it continually seeks ways to improve services to members and visitors alike. “We think the club is a cut above and we want to remain that way,” Whiting said. “We (staff ) work hard to achieve this in the services we offer. “We are certainly not snobbish – it is a matter of a standard we set and a standard we try to repeat. “The club believes our services and the environment give people a good reason to come to our club.” The clubhouse includes a host of excellent amenities, including a well-stocked pro shop, locker rooms, showers, a lounge, dining facilities and more. “In recent years, the club has transformed into a viable entertainment option for people,” Whiting added.

“Certainly, 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. The club’s restaurant, run by long-term caterers, is popular with members and the local community. “We offer excellent Chinese cuisine as well as Australian cuisine,” Whiting said. “The food is exceptional and that’s another reason why the community supports the club. “We also have a quality, challenging golf course, which is always lush and green and you never get a bad lie. “Everything you like about golf and a golf course –the sights, the sounds, the smell, the flora and fauna – I believe we have at Ballina. “The course is always in good condition and it’s enough of a challenge without being stupidly hard. It’s inviting, enjoyable and

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has nice views on different holes as you go around the course.”

opportunities, according to professional Col Edwards.

Ballina golf course has its own version of “Amen Corner” – three tough, demanding holes in succession.

“The first hole is a short par-5 (437m from the white tees), which is reachable in two for long-hitters,” he said.

“The 14th, 15th and 16th (all par-4s) would not go astray on any golf course in the world,” Whiting said.

“The par-5 13th hole (441m) is another birdie chance. It doglegs right, but for those willing to have a go it can be rewarding.”

“If your game is in good shape when you come to the 14th hole make sure you have a couple of shots in the bank because you might need them.

The four par-3s are short (138m, 152m, 128m and 110m from the white tees) and require accuracy to make birdie or par.

“These three holes (index 3, 1 and 5 respectively) are all around the 400m mark and can rip the heart out of a good round.” The trio of holes might be brutes, but isn’t that what golfers crave from a round of golf – a solid test. Still, there are plenty of birdie

“You have to put the ball in the right position on the short holes, especially the 12th and 17th because they are uphill,” Whiting added. The practice facilities at Ballina Golf and Sports Club are adequate and perfect for golfers keen on honing their short-game skills. There is a large putting green, an 80m chipping area and a 130m range.

Currently, the club is investigating the possibility of extending the driving range from 130m to full-length.

are best because we have special packages available. On Thursdays, it’s $30 per person for 18 holes in a shared golf cart. On Sundays, we give golfers a burger and chips, 18 holes of golf in a shared golf cart and that’s only $50 per person.

Aside from golf, Ballina has beautiful surf beaches and is a popular fishing destination. “We also have the hinterland with its natural parks and waterfalls on our doorstep and the historical town of Alstonville, which is popular with tourists,” Whiting said.

“It’s worth going for a drive to discover something different.

“Since the Pacific Highway has been upgraded to a dual carriageway road visitors from Brisbane and the Gold Coast are making the effort to come and see what Ballina has to offer. “From the Gold Coast it’s a quick run so if golfers want to get out of the city for a day or a weekend they should not hesitate because we have a lot to offer.

“We like to think that if someone comes here to play golf they will definitely come back again, but golfers need to call the club and book a tee time.” •

FACT FILE Ballina Golf and Sports Club Jameson Avenue, East Ballina 2478 Clubhouse: (02) 6686-2766 Pro shop: (02) 6686-0144 Website: www.ballinagolfclub.com.au

“For visiting golfers, Thursdays and Sundays

Ballina Golf & Sports Club $50 SUNDAY SPECIAL

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Phone: (02) 6686 2766 | Email: admin@ballinagolfclub.com.au | Website: www.ballinagolfclub.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

clubs

Avondale: More than a golf club – a sense of belonging Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

HEN Sydney’s Avondale Golf Club was featured as Inside Golf’s Club of the Month in July last year it willingly revealed – in an unprecedented industry move—many of the winning factors behind its continuing status as one of Australia’s best private clubs. In a series of candid insights into how it had continued to attract new and varied additions to its 1500-plus membership, Inside Golf was allowed to observe first-hand and learn about some of the secrets of success Chief Executive Officer Paul Paterson and his Board of Directors have enjoyed, amid difficult times regarding golf club membership. One of the major proven strategies Inside Golf reported was the introduction to the Club which includes a coffee or unique lunch interview and a game on the course, which is offered to anyone making a genuine enquiry about becoming a new member at Avondale. Avondale doesn’t hold back in its enthusiasm in welcoming new members as the following excerpt from its current seductive club brochure illustrates: “To experience all that Avondale has to offer is unique and only available to members. The opportunity to join Avondale is one not to be missed - the 56th ranked course in Australia,

the clubhouse, the service levels and the facilities in general are all unsurpassed. But the most compelling reasons to join are the emotional ones that you can’t touch and on which you can’t possibly put a value. It’s the feeling you get every time you arrive, it’s the friendships you will make, it’s the tranquillity and relaxation you will experience, and it’s the sense of belonging. The course and facilities are what will initially attract you to the Club, but it’s the emotions that you will experience that will make you want to stay forever...” Inside Golf has interviewed a handful of relatively new members to reflect on what it’s like to join this friendly and unique upmarket golf club on Sydney’s Upper North Shore at Pymble. Their comments on why they joined Avondale and their experiences are quite revealing.

Ladies’ beginners program ‘absolutely best way to join’ CAROL GODDARD is a new member in 2016, graduating from Avondale’s very successful 12-months ladies’ Carol Goddard and Avondale beginners Club Pro Mark Paterson. program.

The offer is for a year of weekly lessons on playing golf and learning the nuances of the game for $1000, which is deducted from their membership fees if they join Avondale. The lessons consisted of a monthly group sessions from club professionals Mark and Ben and weekly on-course tuition and rules from a walker from the Ladies’ Committee while playing six, nine and building up to 12 holes over the course of that year. Goddard had the super incentive of joining her husband Stuart and daughters Sophie, Emily and Stephanie in playing at Avondale. Stuart plays off single figures, Sophie and Emily also are playing members and Stephanie, who has special needs, has a unique connection in that she attends Avondale weekly for golf lessons with Special Olympics.

go for a coffee instead, but eventually we became hooked and used to cry if it was raining, because we wanted to play. “Remarkably all of the 12 ladies in our 2014/15 group actually joined the club and we have become really good friends. We meet for social dinners and have a Christmas get-together each year. “Our beginners’ group ladies tend to play together a lot, not because we are cliquey, but just that we all feel comfortable, understand each other’s game and are always forgiving. “I’m off a 44 handicap but we are not playing a lot of 18-hole competitions, we mostly play 12 holes on Mondays and are just easing into the 18s.

Goddard played golf briefly with occasional lessons when she met Stuart, who was a member at Asquith, before having her children.

“I would like to say that doing the Ladies’ clinic at Avondale for a year was absolutely brilliant and personally was the best way to join the Club.

About 20 years later in 2014, she decided to get involved in golf by way of Avondale’s women’s beginners program.

“For a beginner it is a fabulous introduction to golf, the Avondale club and everyone in the club. I highly recommend it.”

“I found myself at the club almost daily as Sophie was practising, Emily was attending school golf lessons and Stephanie for Special Olympics. I decided to sign up for the beginners’ program along with a girlfriend, who was a non-playing member,” she said. “When it first started we used to pray that it would rain each Monday so that we could

Finally frustration-free and happy -- on and off course RAYMOND NOHRA, who joined in November, formerly was a frustrated member of three clubs in the past five years until he was advised by customers at his menswear shop in Crows Nest to join their club, Avondale.

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clubs and I’m glad they did because now I’m loving it . . . I just wish I was better at it.” Mooney probably should have come to golf a lot sooner as his wife Sue and her mother, father and brothers are long-term Avondale members, but he was busy as a keen skier, a sailor, a rower and a devoted daily runner. However, now in a regular routine with two lessons a week from Avondale Assistant PGA Pro Ben, he knows he is progressing and importantly has been bitten by the golf bug. His initial golf membership experiences in recent years were markedly different. After seriously taking up golf six years ago he joined Raymond Nohra has found Northbridge good golf and good mates. with friends but, after four years as his golf improved, he yearned to play a championship course.

more people on the golf course than I did in the 12 months as a member at my previous club.

At the same time he was a social member and lived near a club with a better course, but several enquiries about joining as a playing member were met with no response.

“Off the course Avondale is on its own – everyone, staff and members have been so friendly my wife and family love going to the club anytime. The welcoming lunch by Paul is a credit to him and the club as it sets a good friendly tone which has continued.

However his decision to check out Avondale – heightened after enjoying playing the course on an invitation day – solved all of his frustrations. “As soon as I made enquiries at Avondale it was completely different. The CEO Paul Paterson rang me back and invited me to lunch and a game of golf and within eight weeks I was a member,” Nohra said. “Since I joined it is the best thing I’ve ever done. I was a bit nervous to start as there are no timesheets so I just turned up for a game and the guy in the pro shop lined me up with a group and they were really welcoming. “In the first three months at Avondale I met

“In a couple of months at Avondale I not only made a lot of golf friends, my wife and I went to about eight dinners at the clubhouse and we especially enjoyed the friendly Friday night barbecues. Plus I’ve got a 14-year-old son and he is going to join as a junior.” “I had been impressed playing Avondale at an open day last year. The fairways and greens were fantastic and I thought the only course that I had played, which was as good, was The Australian.

MICHAEL MOONEY decided to finally take the golf plunge at Avondale in 2015. Despite having no realgolf experience and after Michael Mooney and his suffering a few wife Sue. health problems, he began with Avondale’s unique and popular “Learn to play golf in a week” program, which provides five group lessons over the course of a week and covers all aspects of the game. The week ends with a boutique beer tasting and a gourmet barbecue.

“Golfwise I’m really looking forward to taking advantage of the reciprocal playing rights at other clubs, particularly at Kingston Heath in Melbourne, where I travel to quite often.

“When I first set out to play at Avondale I was an almost absolute pure golf virgin. In all of my 66 years I believe I played only three rounds (if you could call them that) so I thought I might have left my run too late,” he said.

“Since I have told some of my golf mates, who are members at another Division One club, about the reciprocal playing rights at Avondale, four or five are thinking of joining here because of the interstate golf weekends options and international playing opportunities.”

“My first foray into the weekly beginners class (in January 2015) had to be delayed until November after I broke my arm very badly in a skiing accident. I then contracted pneumonia which put me back again until early this year.

‘Golf virgin’ seduced by club’s passion for enjoying the game

“Even though I had drifted in and out of the beginners classes, the Avondale staff persisted with me and kept encouraging me

“Ben assures me that I’m making progress and I feel like I am. I just wish there was more consistency in my game,” Mooney said. “Like skiing, when it’s just such a lovely feeling to get in a good turn, in golf it is similar when you hit a sweet shot as intended. “With Sue I’ve always enjoyed the social aspect of being a member at Avondale and have met some terrific guys. “Sue and I are looking forward to travelling to all of the terrific clubs around Australia and the world, with which Avondale has reciprocal playing rights. “As a beginner golfer at Avondale I really have been impressed with the people there. They have been very warm, welcoming and engaging and the club’s enthusiasm for the game is inspiring.” These three successful examples candidly illustrate that Avondale’s quietly wellorganised multi-faceted new-member strategies still are working well. They not only attract potential new members, but almost without fail entice them to become part of one of Sydney’s most fulfilling golf memberships. • For more information: Phone: (02) 9449 6455 or visit www.avondalegolfclub.com.au

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developments

Elegant new retirement residences taking shape in the Hills

onstruction is underway at Cranbrook Residences, an innovative luxury lifestyle development enjoying a prime position overlooking the championship golf course at Castle Hill Country Club.

More than 50 per cent of the designer apartments at Cranbrook Residences Bella Vista have already been sold, with local baby boomers giving the nod to the development’s high-end, holistic approach to retirement living – and its magnificent views over the award-winning par-72 golf course. Owned and operated by multi-awardwinning leader in aged care, Cranbrook Care, the new face of retirement living in The Hills District will deliver a luxurious home environment alongside attractive lifestyle benefits in response to retirees’ heightened expectations for independent seniors living. “As the first baby boomers hit 70, we’re noticing increasing demand for a new breed of elegant retirement living options,” explained Ms Kerry Mann, CEO of Cranbrook Care. “With the number of Australians aged over 65 to almost double to more than 6.4 million by 2035 , it’s vital we adapt to address the needs of a generation looking to enjoy a long and more active retirement. “As a result, selecting ideal locations for our developments is critical, with today’s retirees focused upon proximity to leisure activities and lifestyle services, as well as onsite recreation,” added Ms Mann. “Cranbrook Residences Bella Vista ticks all of the boxes, with panoramic windows overlooking the lush fairways of the world-class golf course, and 167 acres of open fairways adding to the natural, tranquil ambience of the entire development, while local parks, hospitals, churches, the Castle Hill shopping district

and future Norwest Train Station and Business Park are all just minutes away.” Equal footing is given to the provision of high-quality housing and the social and recreational needs of retirees at Cranbrook Residences Bella Vista, which is being built in two distinct stages. Stage One, which is well underway, includes construction of 24 low-maintenance, petfriendly, independent living apartments with emergency response monitoring, offered in a range of configurations from one to three-bedrooms, with prices starting from $575,000. Plans are in progress for the project’s state-of-the-art on-site wellness centre, Reflections, which will be home to a hair and beauty salon, gym, hydrotherapy pool and consulting suite for visiting doctors. “Stage Two, scheduled to commence later this year, will include a purpose-built cinema, library, fitness centre, arts and crafts room

and pontoon on the pond, while the contemporary Waterlily Café will occupy a prime position overlooking a central courtyard to encourage plenty of social interaction with residents, family and friends,” explained Ms Mann. For the daylight hours not spent on the golf course, landscaped outdoor entertaining areas, including BBQ facilities and The Green provide ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, while a children’s play area will keep grandchildren entertained for hours. For more information: call Joanne on (02) 9672 6866, www.cranbrookresidences.com.au, contact@cranbrookresidences.com.au •

More Than a World Class Golf Course Twin Creeks is the perfect place to mix business with pleasure. Whether you’re looking for exclusive golf membership, to host a corporate or social event or for a new dining experience, then let us show you why Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club is becoming Western Sydney’s ultimate venue. Corporate Golf & Conferences Contact Mariela Kalfic +61 2 9670 8867 marielak@twincreeks.com.au Weddings & Functions Contact Lauren Wilson +61 2 9670 8866 laurenw@twincreeks.com.au Membership Contact Karina Taylor +61 2 9670 8863 membership@twincreeks.com.au

May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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architecture

Northern unveils a trio of new holes Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

orthern Golf Club has unveiled its three brand-new holes and announced a vision for a drastically improved water supply and long-term master plan of its course and clubhouse. Members teed off Northern’s new Thomson Perrett-designed eighth, ninth and 10th holes on April 16. “Nine and 10 are brand-new holes, which are rated three and one,” said Northern General Manager Charles Potter. “Eight, which was a par-four, we’ve decided to make a par-five.” The eighth has been extended for men from 390m to a 465m par-five to give the new 5965m course a par of 72. The ninth has changed from a 484m par-five to a 385m par-four while the previous 400m par-four 10th has been stretched to 411m and is now Northern’s number one rated hole. The changes have also toughened the women’s par-72 layout and bumped its slope rating from 119 to 123 while the men’s slope has climbed from 123 to 126. “The members have had probably eight months of eight par-threes, from a par-72 down to a par-65 and 63 at times with many temporary greens. The new holes were out of play so we had to find three more holes,” Potter remarked. The overhaul has extended to the former ninth hole, which has been turned into Northern’s new practice range complete with

The new 10th at Northern.

Peter Thomson and Warren Duncan (from Thomson/Perrett) inspecting the works.

target greens while the club’s putting green and chipping area have been fully renovated.

our southwest corner. There’s a lot happening but there’s a lot more about to happen.”

Five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson - who grew up in Melbourne’s north - visited Northern in March to see Thomson Perrett’s changes taking shape.

In 2014, Moreland City Council bought a parcel of land from Northern bordering Glenroy Road, which had previously been used as the club’s practice fairway.

“The board has also decided to do a course master plan through Thomson Perrett,” Potter said. “It would be a 20-year master plan we’re looking at and clubhouse refit, that’s in its infancy. I think there’s been four or five different master plans over the last 30 years at Northern. We’re also in the throes of putting in an extra hole, a 19th hole, up in

Northern’s old practice range wasn’t long enough to allow the use of drivers and fairways woods. It also posed a safety risk to motorists in a built-up area and has since been turned into green space. Proceeds from the land sale have allowed Northern to more than double its water supply.

“We invested in a brand-new 10 megalitre dam that’s at the back of the 10th green and we also have another water resource dam inbetween the third and the 15th. That’s what’s being positioned right now. We’re now taking out the island that was there and making that a 10 megalitre dam. From 29 useable megalitres of water, this winter, we’ll have 60 megalitres worth of water.” Northern also installed a new irrigation system in early 2016. “That now means our watering system is 33 per cent more efficient and much easier to manage.” •

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

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• Membership available from just $25 per week. • Receive $100 extra bar credit if you mention this ad

architecture

‘Green Monster’ opens at Warrnambool Golf Club

ICTORIA’S Warrnambool Golf Club has been climbing up the Australian golf course rankings in recent times, and for good reason: years of hard work by the ground staff, as well as great organisation by the club’s management team, has seen it become a “must play” layout, and one of Inside Golf’s favourite courses along the Great Ocean Road region. The club recently worked its way into a financial position to make use of the valuable services of the Thomson Perrett design team. Thomson Perrett has made impressive changes to the 4th and 5th holes of the club, as well as the construction of a muchimproved 10th green complex. On the 4th and 5th hole, sand scaring was created to enhance the dune complex that the holes are laid over. The improvement in these holes then led to the club naming the run of holes 4, 5 and 6 as “Shipwreck Bend”, linking the course into the famed local Shipwreck Coast area.

A few months after this work was completed, Thomson Perrett started a design for new 10th green complex. The 10th was a very strong par-5 with a beautifully undulating tree-lined fairway, but it had a small green with limited pin positions. The new design included removing the scrub behind the green, dropping the green nearly two meters to create a better backing, increasing the size of the green, adding in a ridge through the green and the addition of the a small revetted bunker. Construction of the new complex commenced immediately following the club championships in October. A local contractor was used to start the deconstruction of the old green, and McMahons were used to construct and shape the new complex with the help of ground staff and David Flood from Thomson Perrett. The construction was completed in the first week of November and ground staff seeded the green and surrounds thereafter. The green was seeded with a New Zealand

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IT’S TIME TO START ENJOYING YOUR GOLF MORE For more information on Milford single-length irons, including pricing and the fantastic value offered with our introductory Foundation Club, contact Fred Stewart on 0412 563 977, at fred@milfordgolf.com.au or Milford Golf on facebook

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Browntop bent grass called Arrowtown; chosen for its ability to grow and thrive in cool climates with low fertiliser inputs and a resistance to weed infestation. The green has now been given a good grow-in period and was set to open last month. The hole is now a much stronger par-5, with a green complex and bunker that matches the long undulating tree-lined fairway. The hole has been enhanced greatly by the work that has been done and local golfers and members are growing excited (and nervous) about having to take on the newly-named “The Green Monster”. “Thomson Perrett has enjoyed an involvement with the Warrnambool Golf Club since 1989 and have forged many close friendships,” said Ross Perrett, Thomson Perrett Managing Director. “The Club’s philosophy of continual improvement is very positive and will ensure a sustainable future.” •

Lefty Trevor fires up in NZ AUSTRALIAN left-handed golfer Trevor Wesener, who plays out of Nambour Golf Club in Queensland, slipped across the ditch recently and returned a winner. Wesener took out the New Zealand Left Handed Golf Association’s Division 4 (handicaps 18.9 to 26.2) at the New Zealand national titles played at Ohope International Golf Club in the Bay of Plenty. He returned a winning score of 274 to finish 11 shots ahead of Kiwi Richard Davison and capped the trip off by also winning the best nett (134) for the final two rounds. The tournament, open to men and women, was played in four divisions as well as seniors and super seniors. With a score of 299, Martyn Price won the Bruce Poole Trophy for the best gross while the Bob Charles Trophy for the best nett went to Mark Western with a score of 273. The Australian team retained the Andrew Fenemor Cup. Meanwhile, the upcoming Australian national left-handed titles will be played at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from October 9-14. The 72-hole championship is open to men and women lefties. Played in three grades, the championship has a veterans’ section (55-69 years of age) and super seniors (70+ years). To download an entry form, go to www.lefthandedgolfaustralia.com International nominations are starting to flood in so be quick if you want to participate. For the record, right-handed partners and guests of lefties are welcome to enter in the daily stableford events.

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new gear

>NEW GEAR

Cobra Golf King Utility 3-Iron Cobra Golf introduces the KING Utility Iron, the brand’s first adjustable hollow body utility iron that offers multiple loft settings in a single club. The KING Utility Iron provides the feel and performance of an iron, combined with the forgiveness and slightly higher flight of a hybrid. The club’s 17-4 hollow body design and a new 455ss L-Cup Face, combined with its 67 gram tungsten weight strategically positioned low and back in the head, deliver optimal Centre of Gravity (CG) high MOI, increased speed and higher launch. A first for COBRA and a first for golf, the MyFly8 proprietary technology affords golfers an ability to fine-tune their designed launch conditions from a 3-iron at 21o down to a 2 iron at 18o. RRP RRP Available in RH only. Loft range: 18o, 18.5o, 18.5o draw, 19.5o, 19.5o draw, 21.5o, 21.5o draw and 22o.

TEE CLAW Play better golf from synthetic turf surfaces: With Tee Claw, golfers can use any sized tee from anywhere on a synthetic mat, replacing the old fixedposition rubber tube.

Find-A-Ball golf glasses Find-A-Ball golf glasses are designed to block out the majority of light, creating a clever way of locating your white or yellow balls easily. The specially tinted, UV coated lenses filter out foliage and grass, enabling the ball to stand out.

The Find-A-Ball glasses come complete with a moulded zip up case that can clip onto your bag and a cleaning cloth. www.golfscene.com.au 1300 852 433

Elastic lanyards bring additional value as it provides golfers with a visual aid for correct swing path and foot alignment, replacing bulky alignment rods. The Tee Claw delivers an easy, consistent and realistic transition from practice sessions to the course for golfers of all levels. The Tee Claw also grips real turf with ease and has endless uses as alignment and training aids. A variety of colours are available. Receive 20% off with code INSIDEGOLF20 www.golf2aus.com.au

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Bunkerstamp is a new and exclusive product to David Golf. It is a quick and unique way to deliver a message to golfers. It takes just a few seconds to create an impression, which under normal weather conditions will remain intact, with very little deterioration during the course of the day. Bunkerstamp is a light polymer rubber mould that when placed in a bunker or sand bin will leave a crisp custom message or logo behind for your golfers to view. Application is easy. Simply rake the area, place the mould into the sand, step on the mould to apply even pressure across the entire back of the mould. Then using the built-in rear handles, you lift the mould away from the sand, leaving a perfect image behind. Bunkerstamp is available in two sizes: 300mm x 450mm or 300mm x 600mm. 1300 790 890 davidgolf.com.au dge@davidgolf.com.au

May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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new gear

Garmin: Approach® G10, Approach® S20 and TruSwing™

The Approach G10 is a sleek, pocket-sized golf GPS device that fits almost anywhere. Compact, lightweight and user-friendly, the Approach G10 comes preloaded with data for more than 40,000 courses right out of the box, with no additional fees or subscriptions. The G10 measures precise distances to the front, back and middle of the green in large, easy to read numbering on a 1.3” sunlight readable display.

to Garmin Connect account for post-round analysis. Additionally, the S20 can be paired with the new TruSwing.

Stylish, sleek and lightweight, the Approach S20 GPS golf watch boasts the new AutoShot round analyser feature, which automatically records the location and distance of every shot and uploads it

RRP: Approach S20 - $299, TruSwing $229, Approach G10 $199 1800 235 822 www.garmin.com.au

OGIO Silencer OGIO Silencer features 14 individual compartments that allow for a variety of club configurations. Each compartment has a protective membrane at the top that centres and gently holds the club shaft. The compression-fit bottom securely holds the club grip and keeps it from moving and spinning. The result is incredible protection for your club shafts and heads combined with Silencing technology that greatly minimises the annoying sound of clanking clubs. Less clanks and less dings will extend the look of your new clubs!

Available in both stand and cart bag options.

Garmin’s TruSwing is the company’s first golf club sensor accessory. The small, lightweight and easy-to-use sensor measures the swing metrics golfers need to improve their game, providing the information they need to improve their swing within seconds.

WE TRIED IT!>

DeChambeau signs with Cobra Puma, Bridgestone

Golfers across Australia may recognise the name Volvik from the brand’s successful association with the RACV Ladies Masters. And while the brand may not yet be a household name for male golfers here in Australia, Volvik is one of the golf industry’s fastestgrowing names, and it has made significant in-roads into the world’s professional tours. Over 70 professionals from various men’s and ladies tours across the globe (Web.com Tour, Champions Tour, LPGA Tour, Symetra Tour and the LET) are using Volvik’s ultra highperformance colour golf balls. It has also turned heads at multiple PGA Shows in Orlando. Suffice to say, the company knows golf balls.

COBRA PUMA GOLF, a leader in golf equipment, apparel, accessories and footwear, has announced a long-term partnership with Bryson DeChambeau the 22-year-old phenomenon who last year became only the fifth golfer ever to win the NCAA Men’s Individual Championship and the U.S. Amateur in the same calendar year.

Last month, Inside Golf gave the 4-piece Vista iV golf ball a test-drive across multiple rounds, and we were quite impressed with their overall performance. The first thing we noticed is just how bright these balls are. We can comfortably say that they are among the most highly-visible balls we’ve ever tested. Whether it was sunny, overcast or in the evening’s fading light, the balls were extremely easy to see from a great distance. And that’s a good thing because these balls also happen to fly a really long way. We’re talking serious distance. The length is due in part to the ball’s dual core (a soft outer layer and a hard inner core), which help launch the ball off the tee. It is also extremely durable, courtesy of the Zirconium Z-III cover. But don’t think of this as a “Distance” ball. On the contrary, there is plenty of feel in this 95 compression ball. Around the greens, the Volvik shines (in colour as well as performance). We witnessed some amazing spin and workability in the short irons, and we found our approach shots consistently finding the pin (one shot from 110m even found the bottom of the cup!). Putting was a dream, with a soft and responsive feel off the putterface, and a satisfying “click” when struck. The ball played so well that our Editor even shot one of his best rounds in years! That’s probably not a coincidence.

Vista iV is available in Yellow, Orange and White.

RRP: Cart Bag: $399.95 Stand Bag: $359.95 1800 656 968 www.wsports.com.au ws.orders@wsports.com.au

GEAR NEWS

Volvik Vista iV golf balls

So if you’re looking for a golf ball that ticks all the boxes without sacrifice (and adds a bit of colour to your game), then we highly recommend you give the Volvik Vista iV a test drive of your own.

Contact your local Drummond Golf, House of Golf, Golf Box or Power Golf for more information

RRP $69.95 DOZ

DeChambeau will be wearing PUMA Golf apparel, accessories and footwear during all his on-course play, incorporating his signature Hogan Driver Cap and Red, White & Blue ensemble on Sundays, a nod to his alma mater – Southern Methodist University. Additionally, he will fill his COBRA staff bag with COBRA Golf equipment during tournament play. “I believe that I found the perfect partner in COBRA PUMA GOLF,” said DeChambeau. “The COBRA and PUMA brands complement my style, attitude and desire to be innovative, while allowing me to continue to be myself, and think outside the box. I’m really thrilled to be part of this cutting-edge and creative company.”

What’s in the Bag for DeChambeau: Driver: Cobra King F6+ Pro 7o 3-wood: Cobra King F6 14.2o Utility: KING Utility Iron 18.5o Irons: Cobra King Forged MB Custom irons (3, 5-PW, with KBS C-Taper Lite 115 X shafts) are all 37½ inches long. Each head weighs 280 grams and has a lie angle of 73.5 degrees. Wedges: Cobra King V Grind 50°, 55° and 60° Throughout the rest of the 2016 golf season, DeChambeau will be rocking footwear and apparel from PUMA Golf’s Autumn, Winter ’16 collection including the new family of IGNITE footwear. In addition, DeChambeau also announced he would be using a Bridgestone B330S golf ball. While an amateur, DeChambeau has been no stranger to golf’s biggest events, competing against the best players in the world around the globe. In November, DeChambeau tied for second at the Australian Masters after firing a closing 67. He followed that up in January by making the cut in all three of the European Tour events he played in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dubai. Last month he earned the Silver Cup honour for Low Amateur at the 2016 Masters. www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

new gear

WE TRIED IT!>

Single-person cart adds fun, freedom David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

HE calibre of golf I play doesn’t turns heads, but there was plenty of rubbernecking at Ashgrove Golf Club in Brisbane when I took the recently released single-person golf ride-on from Active Scooters for a test drive. Virtually every golfer within cooee wanted a closer look at the four-wheeled single-person golf cart that zips along at an impressive 20 kilometres per hour. That’s the top speed but if you switch the “vehicle” to low gear and you cruise along at 10kph. The first thing I noticed was the seat is nicely elevated making it easy to climb aboard or alight. I did find that the simple-to-use throttle required a little getting used to because as soon as you release the throttle the machine stops quite quickly.

to climb the steepest fairway without too much effort.

I found the ride comfortably smooth courtesy of an independent suspension on the body and another on the leather seat. Perhaps the biggest advantage with the single-person golf buggy is you can focus on your own game and go directly to your golf ball rather than worrying about your partner’s game. There’s a conveniently-located scorecard holder, an umbrella holder for rainy days, a sand bucket holder and a drink holder and there’s the option of placing the golf bag on the front or rear. There’s even a basket for an esky or other accessories. How often do I have to recharge the battery I hear you ask? Well, the 75Ah battery has a range of 50 kilometres before there is a need to recharge. That’s more than eight rounds of golf on a 6000m golf course.

But before I had reached the first green I had the handle of it and it was smooth sailing after that.

If you need more than 50kms to get around the course then there is definitely something wrong with your golf game.

With the simple flick of a switch, I was able to reverse in and out of tight spots and the powerful 1300w motor allows the machine

Oh, and the vehicle is golf course friendly. The turf tyres are low impact and that means the superintendent will be your best friend.

DRIVING GOLFERS: Active Scooters CEO John Messenger shows off the single-person “golf cart”. The UK-designed single-seater even fits in the back of a station wagon because the body is collapsible and the seat comes off. All that’s needed is a set of ramps to roll it in or out of the car. Melbourne’s Darren Money said he was delighted with his single-seater golf cart. “It’s fantastic and runs really well,” he said. “I’m very happy with it and I believe it’s the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of single ride-on carts. “I bought it because I don’t want to tow a trailer around. “I have a ute and a couple of aluminium ramps and can get it off the ute before most people get their golf bag and buggy set up and it takes up very little space in the garage.

YOUR BLUE MOUNTAINS parmaker OUTLET

“The other thing I like about it is I don’t have to recharge the battery after every round. And after a round of golf I’m still as fresh as a daisy.” The ride-on comes with a two-year warranty on the frame and a 12-month warranty on everything else. Available in four fashionable colours – red, blue, green and black – the single-seater golf cart is a lot of fun and, seriously, it turns heads. It’s available from Brisbane-based company Active Scooters, which distributes throughout Australia. • For more information, call 1800-554-827 or visit the website www.activescooters.com.au

For Parmaker after-sales repairs, service & spares in the Blue Mountains Area (Blacktown to Lithgow & beyond) contact Mike Budden. We conduct warranty repairs on all models and have most walker and ride-on models available for demo. Collection & delivery is available. Phone & fax: 02 4751 8226 Email: wesden@dodo.com.au www.bluemountainsgolfbuggies.com Sales • Repairs • Service • Spares

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May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

rules

What’s the Rule?

The role of the marker Frank Gal

Chairman of Rules Committee Golf NSW

marker has an important role to play in stroke play. However, many golfers assume that if the marker incorrectly says that a player may follow a certain procedure then the player should not be penalized because their marker said it was OK. The Rules define a marker as “one who is appointed by the Committee to record a competitor’s score in stroke play. He may be a fellow-competitor. He is not a referee.” The marker’s role is to record the correct scores for the player whose card they are marking. This does not make them the sole arbiter for any rulings involving the player. To record the scores correctly, the marker should question the player if in doubt in relation to the player’s score on a hole. The doubt may be about the number of strokes taken or possible penalties incurred by the player. It is not unusual for a marker to query a player’s score on completion of a hole if the marker feels that the score stated by the player is incorrect. If a player asks their marker for a ruling and it turns out to be incorrect, it simply means

they were both incorrect, and the player will be subject to any appropriate penalties. So, if anyone comments that a procedure agreed by a player and marker may be incorrect, the player is obligated to check the doubtful point with the Committee before putting in their scorecard. This is clearly spelled out in Decision 34-1b/1.5 as follows: Q. In stroke play, A, in ignorance of the Rules and with the concurrence of B, his marker, removed a stone from a water hazard when his ball lay in the hazard. Subsequently, A was advised by C, a fellow-competitor, that he (A) was in breach of Rule 13-4. A disagreed, failed to settle the doubtful point with the Committee at the end of the round and returned his score card without including a two-stroke penalty for a breach of Rule 13-4. After the competition had closed, C advised the Committee of the incident. Should A be disqualified? es. Rule 34-1b says in effect that a A. Y competitor must be disqualified after the competition has closed if he had returned a score, failing to include a penalty which, before the competition closed, he knew he had incurred. As C pointed out to A that he had proceeded incorrectly and A took no

action to check whether he had incurred a penalty before returning his card, A is deemed to have known that he had incurred a penalty. The responsibility of the marker to record the correct score should not be taken lightly. A marker should be disqualified for knowingly signing for an incorrect score and /or knowingly agreeing not to apply a Rule of Golf (see Decisions 1-3/6 and 6-6a/5). Fellow-competitors who are not markers also face a great responsibility if they witness a breach of the Rules in a competition. This is outlined in Decision 33-7/9 which advises that: “The responsibility for knowing the Rules lies with all players. In stroke play, the player and his marker have an explicit responsibility for the correctness of the player’s score card.

There may, however, be exceptional individual cases where, in order to protect the interests of every other player in the competition, it would be reasonable to expect a fellow-competitor or another competitor to bring to light a player’s breach of the Rules by notifying the player, his marker or the Committee. In such exceptional circumstances, it would be appropriate for the Committee to impose a penalty of disqualification under Rule 33-7 on a fellow-competitor or another competitor if it becomes apparent that he has failed to advise the player, his marker or the Committee of a Rules breach with the clear intention of allowing that player to return an incorrect score.” Photo: Thanks to Vytas Levickis and John Corner from The Eastern Golf Club

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

senior amateurs This gave the ADFGA an overall winning score of 13.5 matches to 10.5 matches and they reclaimed the title that the Golf Australia team had won in 2015.

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

NATIONAL

Golf Australia vs ADFGA Each year, a Golf Australia Senior Team contests a match against the Australian Defence Forces team. The event is played over two days, with foursomes and four-ball matches on day one, and singles matches on day two. This year the venue was once again The National Golf Club with all games played on the Ocean Course. Day one began with warm weather and just enough wind to make the players focus on every shot. As always The National was presented in wonderful condition. After the fourball and foursomes matches the scores were Golf Australia 6.5 points and the ADFGA 5.5 points giving the Golf Australia team a one-point lead. Day two saw twelve individual matches played in very strong winds coming from the opposite direction to day one. At times the winds gusted to almost gale force providing a real test for all the players. It was the younger and stronger ADF players who handled the tough conditions best winning the singles day by 8 matches to 4 matches.

NSW

Veterans Strokeplay Championship Twin Creeks golfer Denis Dale (71-7272=215) won the 2016 NSW Veteran’s Strokeplay Championship. He completed the 54-hole tournament played on three different courses with a par round of 72 on the Stonecutter’s Ridge course. Dale had led the defending champion Colin Kenning (Kiama 72-73-81=226) by one stroke after an opening round of 71 at the Richmond Golf Club. He increased it to a two-stroke lead after the second round when he recorded an even-par score of 72 at Penrith. With his par round on the final day at Stonecutter’s Ridge he had led all the way and eventually won the title by ten strokes. Dale did struggle early in his final round but finished strongly being four under par for the final ten holes. Second place went to Penrith senior David Limbach (75-77-73=225) who carded a final round 73 that saw him edge out Col Kenning for the runner-up prize. Limbach’s golf on the final day was exceptional and could easily have been much lower if the birdie putts had dropped. Kenning finished in third place in a very good attempt to make it a total of five NSW Vet’s Championships. His record of four titles is still a very impressive one. Dale received a replica of the Des Coady Shield for his win plus the winner’s prize. He also had the rare achievement of recording the best round on every day of the three-day competition. Each individual daily event also accumulated points for the 2016 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition. Dale received the maximum available points each day and now takes over the lead from Stefan Albinski in this year-long competition.

Pennant Hills Seniors A good field of 59 senior golfers were rewarded with a beautifully presented course 52

May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

2016 Golf Australia Seniors and the ADFGA teams at The National Golf Club.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Royal Perth Senior Amateur

West Australian Dennis Warburton was the winner of the inaugural Royal Perth Senior Open played over 36 holes on this traditional and challenging golf course. Royal Perth member John Banting held the overnight lead with his opening round of 74 while Warburton was a stroke behind with his score of 75. In a close finish Warburton’s rounds of 75-75 for a 36-hole total of 150 were just enough to edge out Banting (74-77=151) and Neville Delane (80-71-151) by a single stroke. Neville Delane had the round of the tournament with his closing 71 that saw him almost snatch a dramatic win. and an even better day for the playing of the 2016 Pennant Hills Seniors Cup. The overall winner was Concord senior Grant Wilson with an even par round of 71. The four-marker played some great golf and was a two shot winner from a group of three golfers on 73 - Richard Greville (Magenta Shores), Greg Wilson (Pennant Hills) and Denis Dale (Twin Creeks).

Gungahlin Lakes Seniors 50 senior men enjoyed another great day at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club. Local member Les Molloy was the winner with an excellent round of two-over-par 74. He defeated Gold Creek’s Bill Banks who finished with a score of 78 and Grange senior Ward Hummerston third on 79.

Royal Sydney Seniors A highlight of the NSW Senior Order of Merit competition every year is the Royal Sydney Invitational Senior Medal. The field is restricted to the Top 40 performers on the Order of Merit table from the previous year plus additional invitees. Royal Sydney was in wonderful condition although the rough was certainly more demanding than usual as the club begins the year-long preparation for the 2016 Australian Open to be played at this iconic course later this year.

For Golf Australia the two debutant women performed very well. Queenslander Josie Ryan finished with 2 points and Australia’s top-rated senior woman Jacqui Morgan earned1.5 points from their three matches. Bronwyn Mullins represented the ADFGA very well earning two valuable points for her team. Simon Bracegirdle was undefeated for the GA team while Rod Smylie matched this feat for the ADF.

West Australian Senior Amateur Championship Paul Chappell and Sharon Dawson were the winners of the 2016 WA Senior Amateur Championships played at Melville Glades Golf Club. After a blistering opening round of two-under-par 70, Chappell finished a comfortable 6-shot winner. His rounds of 7075-75 proved he is definitely a new senior golfer to watch when he travels to the eastern states for more senior tournaments. Chappell defeated Australia’s current number one ranked senior Victorian Greg Rhodes who was consistent with his rounds of 75-7576. West Australian John Banting was another stroke away in third place after his rounds of 76-75-76. and only bogies on the final four holes stopped a very impressive round. Runnerup went to the consistent Ken Brewer from Concord with his round of 79. Brewer also reported letting a few slip away late in his round. Next on “even par” 80 were Mark Pearson (Mona Vale), Peter Stephens (Concord) and Rick Allison (Camden Valley).

Bonnie Doon Seniors Denis Dale continued his recent string of victories in NSW Senior Order of Merit events with a win in the 2016 Bonnie Doon Senior Amateur Cup. This event is always played on Easter Monday and this year attracted a field of over 60 senior golfers. Rain threatened all day but did not arrive and the pleasant conditions made good scoring possible. Dale (Twin Creeks) was the defending champion having won in 2015. This year he had a par round of 71 on the testing layout to record a two-stroke winning margin over Steve Stanton (Bankstown) and Ken Brewer (Concord). St Michael’s senior Steve Gibson showed a return to his best form with a round of 74 to finish alone in fourth place. Dale has now won the last 5 NSW Senior Order of Merit events with his victories at Royal Sydney, Richmond, Penrith, Stonecutter’s Ridge and Bonnie Doon.

The formal dinner on Monday night featured several presentations from ADFGA members that highlighted the work they are currently doing in the national armed services. Brigadier Paul Nothard (A.M. CSC) gave a very interesting overview of his role in the armed services as part of his welcoming address. This was Chappell’s first Australian Senior Ranking title having recently reached the qualifying age of 55. As a senior Chappell has continued to win on the WA open amateur circuit with wins at the Rockingham Bowl and the Hartfield Open since turning 55. In the Women’s Championship Lake Karrinyup’s Sharon Dawson started the final round just one shot ahead of Alison Eather. Dawson, the current Australian and New Zealand Senior Amateur Champion, then came to the fore in difficult conditions. Her rounds of 86-79-82 gave her a six shot margin over Janine Northrop of Melville Glades in second with Eather (WA Golf Club) finishing third.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mt Osmond Seniors

The third Senior Order of Merit event in the South Australian season was played at a beautifully presented Mt Osmond course. The winner was Phil Smith from Tea Tree Gully with a good round of 77. He won by a single stroke from local member Andrew Long on 78. Nigel Turner was third with a 79. Long’s scratch score of 78 gave him a net score of 66 – a great round from the 12 handicapper. The Super Seniors was won by SA senior stalwart from The Vines, Nigel Coles with 80 on a count back from the ever consistent Chris Claxton from Blackwood.

Tea Tree Gully Seniors 58 players hit off in the Tea Tree Gully Masters on a wonderfully conditioned course. Local Tea Tree Gully member John Davey played well all day and his even par round of 71 gave him a comfortable fourstroke winning margin. He defeated another Tea Tree Gully member, the ever consistent Norm Cordina on 75. Cordina is the reigning SA Senior Order of Merit champion. In third place was another local Phil Smith on 78. The Super Seniors section was won by John Anderson from Flagstaff Hill and a stalwart of SA senior golf with a fine round of 76. He defeated Allan Cooper from Mt Osmond on 82.

In keeping with tradition the event was played from the championship tees – the same course setup as will be used for the Australian Open. In fact, with some very tight and demanding pins many players thought it may have been even harder than the setup the pros will find. Either way, it was a real challenge with most wishing they could add a little of Adam Scott’s or Rory McIlroy’s length off the tee. This year the course was the real winner with only two golfers managing to break 80. The winner was Twin Creeks senior Denis Dale with his round of 78. Dale played solidly

Once again it was a memorable experience for everyone who participated in this prestigious event. The golf course was sensational as was the hospitality shown by all the staff and members of The National Golf Club.

The handicap section saw Mark Griffiths from Grange victorious with 72 defeating Blackwood’s Keith Parry Jones on a countback.

Dave Limbach, Denis Dale and Col Kenning – top three in the NSW Veteran’s Strokeplay Championship.

The South Australian Senior season enjoys a winter a winter break before the action resumes at Glenelg Golf Club on 22nd August. This is the beginning of a run of events on top quality courses including Royal Adelaide, Grange and Kooyonga, before the South Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Victor Harbour from September 5 – 7.

senior amateurs

VICTORIA

Alpine Senior Masters John Kelly (Metropolitan) and Barry Webb (Yarrawonga) claimed the 2016 Alpine Senior Masters played at Bright Golf Club titles after the second and final round was abandoned because of the weather. The round one leader and therefore the tournament winner was Metropolitan member John Kelly who fired the best round with an even par 72. The 1979 Australian Amateur Champion, and former professional golfer mentioned that his short game was key to his win. “I holed a lot of 4-5 foot putts. I had a good stroke going” Kelly mentioned. Leading Victorian senior golfers Gordon Claney (Kingston Heath) and Ian Frost (Bendigo) finished in second and third places with rounds of 73 and 74. In the handicap section, it was Yarrawonga’s Barry Webb taking the honours after carding a fine net 67 in round one.

Mornington Peninsula Seniors Round one of the 36-hole Mornington Peninsula Senior Amateur was contested in perfect conditions at the picturesque coastal Flinders Golf Club. Leading after the first round was Ian Frost with a strong score of one over par 70. The Bendigo member had a two-stroke lead over Sandhurst senior Wayne Aigner on 72. Round two was played at Portsea Golf Club and again the field was presented with perfect weather and a beautiful course. Wayne Aigner played a solid second round to record a score of 77 and finish level with overnight leader Ian Frost who had a round of 79. Aigner has been a strong supporter of senior golf for many years and after winning on a countback commented, “It’s been a long

June Tickell and Wayne Aigner – champions at the 2016 Mornington Peninsula Seniors.

Helen Somogyi, Michael Ransom, Bryce Birtwistle & Helen Pascoe – winners at the 2016 Box Hill Seniors.

time between drinks”. Aigner’s last win came back in 2008. Taking out the men’s nett trophy was Tim Kirtley of Thirteenth Beach with a two-round nett score of 143, to win on a count-back from Chris Keeshan of Centenary Park. The women’s scratch Stableford section was tightly contested and won by June Tickell of Trafalgar. In her maiden senior event of the year, Tickell recorded 25 and 27 points for a total of 52 scratch points. She defeated Buninyong’s Helen Pascoe by one stroke.

Home ground advantage came into play in the nett competition, with both the winner and runner up coming from Box Hill. Club captain Michael Ransom with a handicap of 19, scored a nett 67 to narrowly beat fellow club member John Ford on nett 68. Kerry Boehm off a handicap of 7 came in third place with a nett 69. Helen Pascoe has wrapped up another win on the women’s seniors circuit scoring 34 scratch points and winning by 10 points. Back to back birdies on the 13th and 14th for the Buninyong golfer were highlights on Pascoe’s card. Louise Dawson was the runner up. In the Stableford competition, Helen Somogyi from Box Hill won the event with a score of 36 points followed closely by Jenny Chandler on 33 points.

Box Hill Senior Amateur On a fresh morning, 55 men and 16 women competed in the Box Hill Senior Amateur played over eighteen holes with the men competing in stroke and women playing Stableford. Bryce Birtwistle from Sandhurst shot a brilliant score of two under the card 69 to win the gross section by a convincing 3 shots. Birtwistle’s highlight of the round came in the form of a perfectly struck iron on the par 3 17th hole, landing past the pin and spinning back for an ace. Runner up John Kelly and third place Ken O’Brien shot 72 and 73 respectively.

Golf Victoria vs ADFGA Perfect autumn conditions greeted the Golf Victoria Senior team and the Australian Defence Force team (ADFGA) on the final day of the sixteenth match played between the two teams at Sorrento Golf Club. The ADFGA team is made up of players who are current members of the Australian

Services, whilst the Golf Victoria Senior team incorporates the current top ten players of the Doug Bachli Senior Order of Merit with an additional two captains picks. The Golf Victoria Senior Team was captained this year by senior advisory group chair Tony Hyde. Following a Ryder Cup format the first day saw fourball and foursome matches between the teams. At the end of these matches the contest was delicately poised at 6.5 points to 5.5 in favour of the Golf Victoria Seniors. The ADFGA team were quick out of the blocks on the second day winning the first two singles matches. Then the Golf Victoria Seniors hit back with wins to Barry Tippett and John Wheeler. Soon after Rod Smylie, Sam Harkis and Kurt Lampe completed a flurry of comfortable wins to the ADF team and they again had a two-match lead with five matches remaining. Guy Krall and Tony Greenwood could not be split halving their encounter before ADFGA player Bronwyn Mullins returned a tight 1up win over Ken O’Brien. The ADFGA team needed half a point from the remaining three matches. Golf Victoria’s Gordon Claney and Alan Bullas recorded fine wins meaning the overall result would come down to the last singles match. Fittingly, two of the country’s top ranked seniors in Ian Frost and Daryl Whitehead were left to fight it out. After eighteen holes the match could not be split and the halved result gave the ADFGA team the narrowest of overall win’s 12.5 points to 11.5 points. Undefeated players for the Golf Victoria Seniors included both Alan Bullas & Barry Tippett with Tippett in particular producing some outstanding golf to take home the Paul Lulofs Medal as the most outstanding player over the two days. Kurt Lampe produced some fine golf for the ADFGA team finishing as the only undefeated player.

A love of golf for Denis Brian O’Hare

brian@australianseniorgolfer.com.au

N a sunny Sydney afternoon, Denis Dale looked out over the 18th hole at the Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club with obvious affection. It was an affection felt not just for this particular hole on this particular course, though both are admirable, but probably for most holes on most golf courses everywhere. We were sitting on the Stonecutters clubhouse back balcony and Dale, a two-time Australian Senior Amateur Champion, was reflecting on a relationship with golf that goes back more than half a century. Inside, organisers of the 2016 NSW Veteran Golfers Association (NSWVGA) Strokeplay Championship were preparing to present Dale with his latest trophy before a packed celebration luncheon. Once again Dale would be in the limelight; be handed a winning trophy, asked to make a speech and have his photo taken. It has happened quite a bit to the now 68 year-old, ever since he began his love affair with golf as a youngster caddying for his father.

“I started as a cadet member when I was 10 years old at Cabramatta Golf Club, so that’s 58 years I have been playing golf,” he said. “I used to go and caddy for my dad when I was seven or eight and then I was allowed to play 9 holes when I was 10 and then I was a junior member when I was 14.” He was soon off a two handicap which he maintained for most of his golfing career until the new system sees him close to scratch. With a family and a teaching then education administration career he says he didn’t play in many open events or state titles originally. “I played Saturdays. So I wasn’t a representative golfer, I was a club golfer,” he said. All that changed when he turned 55 and discovered senior golf. He had his own computer and technology business by that time and had more time “to practice and play in multiple events.” “I was living in Queensland and in my first event I played the Queensland Seniors. I remember I broke par. I was 2 or 3 under the first round and I was leading with one to go but I didn’t win. I forget what I had but I didn’t win. That got me interested and since then I have played golf all over Australia, and actually internationally as well, in senior golf, so I have had a lot of fun.” The fun has included the two national senior amateur titles, a national matchplay

championship, topping the Australian Order of Merit a couple of times and winning the NSW Order of Merit nine times. Back on the Stonecutters balcony, Dale had just competed in and won his first ever “veteran golf” event, the three-day 54 hole state strokeplay championship, conducted this year at Stonecutters, as well as Richmond and Penrith golf clubs. The difference between “veteran golf” and “senior golf” can be a little confusing to the uninitiated, but basically whilst “veteran” events, particularly at a state or national level, have a very competitive low marker scratch component, they also cater for higher handicappers usually in three handicapped divisions. “Senior golf” is all about scratch scores and there are usually strict handicap entry requirements. The NSWVGA strokeplay event blurs the lines further now after Golf NSW recently awarded it State Senior Order of Merit status. That new status helped attract Dale and a number of other very low handicappers, generating its biggest field in its 24 event history since inception in 1993. Dale, from Twin Creeks Golf Club, had played three rounds of almost flawless golf to beat Penrith Golf Club member David Limbach with defending champion and four time winner Col Kenning, from Kiama Golf Club, third.

But for Dale golf is obviously not all about winning tournaments and giving victory speeches. “I actually play golf now occasionally on my own, and I love it,” he reflected. “I physically like being on the golf course. And I like being on the golf course on my own, in a bunker, mucking around, and if people come around and say I will join you for a few holes I just say no, keep going. I just like the atmosphere of being on the golf course. [Pointing over the Stonecutters finishing hole] Imagine being out there on your own, and you are playing two or three balls down the 18th. Could there be anything better …. that’s better than watching TV or going to a movie or anything isn’t it?” 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 www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

people

Christian’s high-tech approach to golf Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

career in the golf industry may have brought Cobra Puma Golf Australasia boss Christian Pegrum’s golf game to its knees, but his presence is lifting the company and the broader golf sector to a higher level of performance. The former electronics industry manager has brought a critical approach to business analysis since joining the ranks at Cobra Puma Golf in 2012. A national sales manager at global technology company, Belkin, Pegrum was working with major companies including JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys and Harvey Norman until he felt encouraged to change industries. “The GFC hit and people realised that they couldn’t spend money on items like they were, so it was a good time to change industries and move into an industry I felt I would love and enjoy and I enjoyed playing golf,” Pegrum said. A member at Sandhurst Club in Melbourne’s south-east since 2006, Pegrum has seen his handicap balloon from seven to double digits since 2012 as he has been shown and tried to master the many swings of golf. On a positive note, he’s brought a high degree of expertise to Cobra Puma Golf in assessing how its different products are performing at golf outlets and pro shops. “I saw a great opportunity for me to take some skill sets that I had in my previous roles and bring it into this role,” Pegrum said. “Numbers are critical to business. To be able to get as much detail as possible with as much ease as possible, with the least amount of manual work required is the ultimate goal. We’ve become a lot faster in the way that we can access information, the level of detail that we can drill down to and the ease at which we can do that.” Despite improvements in the way that golf industry stakeholders record performance, Pegrum sees major room for improvement. He estimates the golf industry is 15 years behind other

business sectors in terms of how brands and companies analyse reports and performance. “If I compare dealing with the likes of JB Hi-Fi or a Harvey Norman or The Good Guys, I could ask those customers for reports, detailed information on our brand performance, on their brand performance and we’d share that information with a view to help each other improve. I think the sporting industry as a whole is quite a way behind. I think because golf is a leisure sport, a leisure environment and people feel working in sport is a great opportunity, there’s not as much investment in up skilling, utilising technology, best practices from other industries and advancement. This is a great opportunity for us as a collective to grow.” Pegrum is also encouraging on-course pro shops to work

harder to compete with off-course golf stores. He points to a widening gap driven by more golfers spending their money away from the golf course, which Pegrum argues is reinforcing an inferiority complex within smaller pro shops. “If you went back not too long ago, retail was 50 per cent on-course and 50 per cent off-course. The trend’s moving very quickly to off-course retail. The biggest gap comes from those off-course retailers realising to adapt and implement best practice retail as a general rule and leveraging off what consumer electronics do or FMCG [fast-moving consumer goods] do and apply that to their business.” The golf pro tends to have a mentality of, ‘I can’t compete with those guys, they’re bigger than me’. We’re certainly trying to help the golf pro to understand how they can invest in their business and grow their business.” “Recently we have seen the parent bodies of golf (such as Golf Australia and the PGA) hire employees from other industries with a view to bring external views to golf, embracing best practice from other industries. This is a positive step in the right direction. We are also seeing our retail partners invest more in their systems, reporting tools and analytics. There is a great opportunity for golf to grow as an industry, and I am excited to be a part of that change to take this great game to the market in the best way possible.” •

Endycott honours mother’s memory

“Getting into the headspace I did then, well, without golf and the people I had around back then I would be a completely different person to who I am now.”

t was when his iPhone began running hot with messages of congratulations during a Golf NSW State Team training session that Harrison Endycott finally realised that his goal of making the Golf Australia National Squad had come to fruition.

“It was amazing the support and the friendship that I received. It gave me the drive to get on with life, move on, get better mentally and physically. It’s definitely what mum would’ve wanted.”

The elevation to the National Squad was a timely reward for Endycott’s stellar play since the start of the year, a period where the Avondale member won an impressive swag of four prestigious titles including the Lake Macquarie Amateur, the Avondale Medal, the Riversdale Cup, and the South Australian Amateur Classic.

Support, and friendship that came from a close circle of friends and family including his Coach Mark Paterson, and Paterson’s son, Ben.

“It feels awesome to make the Squad. I put in so much work leading up to the summer. It’s definitely a nice reward being added to the National Squad,” Endycott said.

“Mark is my godfather, and Ben had been through his own health problems and he fought through them. I look up to him. He was the guy that always got me back on track when it felt like life had punched me in the face. He’s like a brother to me.”

An honour also for the people that matter most in the 19 year-old’s life and blossoming golf career; his Dad Brian, Coach Mark Paterson and Endycott’s best mate, Paterson’s son, Ben. More importantly, however, it also honoured a commitment Endycott had made to his mother Dianne, who passed away four years ago after a long battle with ovarian cancer. “I lost my mum when I was 15 to cancer. I made it a goal of mine to represent my country before she passed away,” Endycott reflected. “It was a very, very tough time – I went through a very, very dark place back then.” Endycott’s mother had chosen to keep the severity of her condition away from her son as the heinous disease took its toll. “Mum had kept it from me for so long, I didn’t know it was life and death. She had known for a long time that her future 54

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wasn’t good. When I found out how bad it was, it was like a huge punch in the face for me.” With a loss of that magnitude in life, it was understandable for the then 15-year old to react emotionally in his own way. “I was very frustrated after mum died. I was rebellious at the time. I did get angry. No drugs or stupidity or anything like that, but I got up to a few things, and didn’t bother to show up at school quite a few times,” he said. It took a network of supporters and his dedication to the game combined with the thought that he could achieve something his late mother would’ve cherished that kept Endycott from going any further off the rails.

Through it all, Endycott’s father Brian has been a constant supporter, watching his son develop into an outstanding golfer. He couldn’t be any prouder of his son’s achievement. “Dad’s over the moon with how I’ve been playing, I’ve sacrificed a lot of time with him and in other areas of our life to get where I wanted to get to and he’s stoked that things are happening the way they have.” For Endycott, achieving the honour of wearing his country’s uniform to honour his late mum has made his selection particularly special. “This is for her. She’s definitely up there somewhere looking on. Hopefully she’s proud of me. Hopefully she’s helping a few of those golf balls back in the fairway when I hook one here and there,” Endycott smiled.

people

Goggin one of the greats

Lindy with husband Charlie and their son Mathew.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

HEN golf historians blow the dust off the record books and go in search of great Australian golfers they will undoubtedly stop at the letter G and ink in one of the greatest – Lindy Goggin. Born and raised in Launceston, Tasmania, the extraordinarily talented Lindy stretched a stellar amateur career across four decades. She enjoyed worldwide success, proudly representing her country with distinction in team events and national championships. A champion swimmer and water skier, Lindy took up golf aged 10 and her brilliant career took off after she won the 1967 Tasmanian amateur championship.

but I would now if I had my time over again and things are as they are now,” she said. “If I had turned pro it would have been a different lifestyle – totally.”

And, as they say, she was on her way. She went on to win a further 18 Tasmanian amateur titles – the last in 1991 at the age of 42.

What’s perplexing is Lindy didn’t play with the same confidence as her peers, which is something of an oddity, certainly a rarity, for a winner of so many tournaments.

One of Lindy’s most amazing Tasmanian amateur victories was in 1974 – just seven days after leaving hospital following the birth of son Mathew.

“Look, everybody said I was the best amateur golfer in Australia and I suppose the record speaks for itself, but I didn’t have the confidence in my ability that someone like Jane Lock or Jan Stephenson had,” she revealed.

“No wonder Mathew became a golfer,” Lindy laughed. “I actually checked myself out of hospital because I knew I had to play the following week. “My mother was president of the Golf Union at the time and Mathew was in a little basket beside her while she ran the state championship. “I was very fit when I had Mat so it was pretty easy,” said Lindy, who played and practiced right up until she gave birth. Titles and course records regularly fell into Lindy’s hands including three Australian amateur championships (1971, ’77 and ’80). She was runner-up twice in 1972 and 1980, won the national averages six times and represented Australia for 19 years between 1970 and 1988. She held course records from Brisbane to Perth including Indooroopilly, Lake Karringyup, Royal Melbourne, Royal Adelaide, Royal Hobart and Tasmania Golf Club. Her course record at Royal Hobart was a remarkable 65 – eightunder par. Lindy’s long game, honed on the fairways of the Lindisfarne club (now Tasmania Golf Club), was her strength. Pity her opponent when she pulled a fourwood from her bag and took aim at the flagstick.

“If I had Jane or Jan’s confidence, I probably would have won twice as much. Sweet-swinging Tasmanian Lindy Goggin was the mainstay of Australian women’s amateur golf. Inevitably, the ball would finish on the green and oftentimes near the cup. “The old course was unique because it had a lot of canyons,” Lindy explained. “We lived on the 15th hole which had this huge canyon and my father used to love watching me play fourwoods and fairways woods because I would have to hit over this canyon and if didn’t I was in the canyon. “So, I became a very strong long iron (2, 3, and 4 iron) and four-wood player.” In 1977, Lindy, perhaps unsurprisingly, embarrassed the professionals when she won the Australian Women’s PGA title by five strokes. “Jan Stephenson had just turned professional and it was the first ALPG event in Australia,” Lindy recalled. Lindy went on to captain the Australian team five times.

Stablehand Goggin mucked in PROFESSIONAL Mathew Goggin certainly wasn’t given a “saloon passage” growing up in Tasmania, according to his mother Lindy. Lindy and husband Charlie own a thoroughbred racehorse stud and young Mathew had to do his fair share of work around the stables before going off to practice his golf. “For him to play golf, he had to get up early and be at the stables at 6.30 every morning to muck out boxes,” Lindy told Inside Golf.

“That was his pocket money and then he went off to practice.” “He did that right up until he went overseas.” Lindy said Mathew did not intend to follow in his father’s footsteps, however, his sister Luella became Charlie’s right-hand woman. “She is a magician with horses,” Lindy said. “She can do anything and even breaks them in.”

“Yes, I was a good player and had the lowest handicap in the world but I felt I should have won a lot more.” The team won five Tasman Cups, three Espirito Santo world titles, three Commonwealth Series and Lindy was the leading player at the Queen Sirikit Cup in 1981 and ’82. “We had a nucleus of good players including Jane Lock, Edwina Kennedy, Jane Crafter, Sandy McCaw and Louise Briers. Around that time, Lindy played off +4, the lowest handicap in the world, and could have dramatically improved her career record in 1981 when she came within a whisker of winning the US women’s amateur. She defeated Rosie Jones in the semi-final after staging a back-nine fight back. Four down after 11 holes, Lindy won the next five holes to take the lead, lost the 16th, birdied the 17th to get the lead back and halved the 18th. “Rosie was on fire and I said to Charlie (husband), who was caddying for me, ‘I can’t best this girl’ but I kept going and ended up beating her,” she said. In the final, Lindy led Juli Inkster with two holes to play. The American birdied the final two holes from three and four metres respectively to win the title.

There is little doubt Lindy would have made a great success as a professional, but she decided to become a part-owner of a thoroughbred racehorse stud with husband Charlie … for many years the leading trainer in Tasmania. “Charlie followed my golf career for a long time, then Mathew came along and we put a lot of time into him,” she said. “I preferred watching him play rather than play myself. “Then horses took over and I helped Charlie when we had 60 horses in work.” A member at Royal Hobart Golf Club, Lindy seldom plays golf, preferring to spend time with her grandchildren. “I play tennis twice a week, dabble in golf and spend a lot of time with my grandchildren,” she said. “And I am helping my granddaughter get going in golf at the moment. “She is 12 and doing well.” Lindy told Inside Golf she was impressed with the talent possessed by today’s young players. “I’m gob-smacked by some of the scores these young kids are shooting,” she said. “The length the kids hit it blows me away.

“They were long putts, but Juli is an unbelievable player,” Lindy said. “She won again the following year and I reached the semi-final.”

“The kids are driven and told to go for it. Mathew told me to let Hallie (granddaughter) rip it because if you can’t hit it long you are wasting your time.

I ask Lindy if she regrets not turning professional after Inkster and Jones joined the play-for-pay ranks and won more than $15 million and $10m respectively.

“To be a good player today you have to be a big hitter, strong and have a good short game.”

“Not really because I wasn’t money driven,

FOOTNOTE: In 1993, Lindy Goggin was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to amateur golf. www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

instruction

The value of Trackman

o slice, or not to T slice? That is the question!

Allan May

www.thornleighgolfcentre.com.au

’ve been playing and coaching this great game for over 40 years and have seen many changes in technology with the equipment we use, the balls we play and the courses we play. But to me, the standout in technology that has improved our game is Trackman. As a Trackman trained instructor, Trackman has shown me why a player with a lesser swing speed can hit the ball farther than a player with a faster swing speed by simply getting the dynamics better through impact. I’ve seen players who hit drives with a negative attack angle degree and a swing path to the left gain up to 30 metres by changing to a positive attack angle and a swing path to the right. Although different dynamics I’ve seen the same improvements with iron shots. Don’t think that Trackman is all about mechanics and figures; it just tells you without any prejudice when you have achieved those perfect numbers and then you can relate that back to how it felt for your swing. The most common feedback I get from players when

Richard Mercer www.richardmercergolf.com

One of the most asked questions that I get as a Teaching Professional is “How am I going to fix my slice!?” There are a few fundamental things to look for that can cause this shot:

that happens is “so that’s the way it’s supposed to feel!” Until Trackman proved to me otherwise, I was coached to hit a fade, keeping the clubface open to my target line with a swing to the left, but now I understand that for me to hit a consistent fade the clubface is actually closed to your target line but open to that swing path, which is also going left. You don’t need to have a Trackman lesson every time you get coached, but it’s advisable to find out your current Trackman numbers and what you have to do to improve them, go and practise and maybe in a month come back and again check your numbers to make sure you’re still on track.

Personally I hadn’t won on the Legends Tour for five years, always second-guessing my swing thoughts and not trusting them when I needed to most. But with positive reinforcement from Trackman I was able to win three times last year knowing that my swing thoughts and mechanics were sound and that makes a big difference when you need to make those pressure shots. If you want to avail yourself to this truly great piece of technology and you are serious about improving your golf, then book a Trackman lesson today and you will immediately understand more about your swing tendencies, why you hit that odd wide shot that comes out of the blue and improve your feel for a better more consistent swing. •

heck your left hand grip – are •C you seeing 2 ½ or even 3 knuckles, not one or two? • E nsure your shoulders are square to the intended line, not aiming left of the target if you are a right handed golfer? • I s the club going outside of the intended line on the backswing? Check the direction of your backswing and ensure it starts back on a semi-circle direction moving slightly around behind your body rather than outside the line. •A re you rotating your shoulders enough (if you are a righthanded golfer, your left shoulder should turn until it gets under your chin).

A simple drill to help make this work is the “right foot behind left foot” drill. Swing the club back and through, keeping your right foot on the ground the whole time. This drill helps with the direction of your swing and helps correct your hand action as you hit the ball.

• Your downswing should follow the same direction as your backswing.

To see a video example and more golf tips, visit www.richardmercergolf.com

Finding consistent Tempo 1

Matt Cleverdon @cleverdongolf

n putting, I am often asked about developing consistency in the stroke when players are struggling with their putting. In order to improve your putting you need to control the speed. Two important factors in controlling speed are controlling the length and the tempo of the stroke. A great drill to help you work on these two elements is to place two tees a putter grip apart. (See pic 1) From there, swing back to the back tee (see pic 2 and 3) and strike the putt. Without looking at the result, repeat the process twice more. Once you have struck all three putts look at the result and see how successful you were at repeating the elements. If they finish within a putter grip, that is an elite standard and what you are aiming for. (See pic 4) With a little practice you will be surprised how quickly you find “your” tempo. This can be used prior to a round to find your tempo and trust for the round. 56

May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Matt Cleverdon is the Director of Instruction at Kingston Heath Golf Club. Matt was voted as the 2012 & 2015 Victorian Teaching Professional of the year and has been nominated for the award 6 times. He has coached players of all abilities including world number 1 amateurs and tour winners, most recently 2015 Australian Ladies Masters Champion. Matt also directs the 6 coaches at his International academy at Matt Cleverdon Golf, Chengdu China. www.mattcleverdon.com

fitness

Incorporating recovery into your training on the body while at the same time placing more focus on the technical aspects of their sport.

Richard Nizielski richard@golffitsolutions.com 0438 027 768

Even if you’re not a professional athlete, a similar approach can also be taken to ensure you are playing ache free and at your best.

f you’ve done any weight training in the gym or manual labour where repetitive heavy lifting is involved, then chances are within the next 24-48 hours you would have experienced sore muscles and or some restriction in movement. That soreness is the muscle going into a recovery phase and repairing damage to the small fibres inside the muscles, in preparation for the next bout of work.

For the sake of the article, let’s assume you regularly play golf at your club on Saturdays. If we were to plan the training week, it may be something like the following:

Nutrition, hydration and sleep all play a big part in our ability to recover from training and muscle ache.

Whilst the muscles you have trained will benefit from the work done it is quite possible that the ache and soreness will affect your golf game.

I will make a point here and say there is a difference between soreness from training and pain from injury. Any pain you believe to be associated with an injury should be looked at by a medical or allied health professional.

Two ways of lowering the affect are incorporating recovery into your training and having a better plan for your training week.

As well as including the above suggestions, planning your training so it has minimal effect on your golf is helpful.

Recovery should include: Developing an effective stretching routine, which covers all the muscles you have trained and the areas where you feel tightness.

Athletes commonly use planning and periodisation to ensure their body is at its peak fitness level at the most important events during the season.

Regularly use a recovery tools such as a foam roller, theraball, hot and cold hydrotherapy and massage to name a few.

So, an athlete will lower the intensity of the training and the amount of training they do in a session thereby lowering the stress

Sunday: Maybe a rest day (spent with the family) Monday: Fitness training in the gym – A full body training program (3 sets of each exercise) This will be a high intensity training session Tuesday: Cardio fitness training (Intervals – High intensity) This session will be high intensity, mainly targeting the cardiovascular system. Wednesday: Fitness training in the gym – A full body training program (consider doing one less set per exercise) The intensity and volume of this session have been reduced from that of the Monday session Thursday: Core control fitness and power development (med ball throws) Core control is focused on stability and the med ball throws a focused on the body creating a coordinated, strong, fast contraction with

plenty of rest between the exercises, with the emphasis on quality rather than quantity. Friday: Cardio fitness (Longer medium paced intervals, or long steady pace training – 20-40 minutes) Lowered level of intensity, which can be used as an active recovery session Saturday: Play golf Of course I have not included any golf practice you may do during the week in this example, but nonetheless you can see the aim of the example training week, is to reduce the amount of intensity and volume over the week and have the body fresh and ready to play golf on Saturday. Whatever you decide to put into your training for the week, if you keep in mind the principle of doing the high volume, high intensity training away from your golf game, you will give yourself the best opportunity to play better golf. •

Richard Nizielski is a Brisbane-based golf fitness expert and the Director of Golf Fit Solutions. A three-time Olympian and medallist in the sport of short track speed skating, Richard is a qualified sports and personal trainer designing individual fitness and nutrition programs for both professional and amateur golfers here in Australia and overseas. www.golffitsolutions.com

mental game

9 mental keys for Jordan Spieth to bounce back (which you can use too) Nick Sutherland

nick@stateofmindhealth.com.au

ollowing the U.S. Masters, a friend of mine asked me “How does Jordan Spieth recover from this?”

From what we’ve all heard and read, Jordan has a high level of emotional intelligence. And it is likely that he will adopt a number of “key things” to help him bounce back. The nine keys listed below can work for you, too, and also be applied in day-to-day life, whether you’re out on the course or struggling with something at home or at work. 1) ACCEPT that it happened. Take ownership of it and don’t blame anything or anyone else. When you learn to do this, you create the ability to implement change. Don’t beat yourself up and live in denial, pretending it wasn’t as bad as it was. You’re not fooling anyone and you can’t make changes if you aren’t working in the reality. 2) VALIDATE what you’re feeling. Its healthy to feel sad/disappointed or angry, just be sure to let it go as soon as possible. Learning to laugh at yourself and the situation is also very empowering. Don’t reject your feelings or try to hide

them. Many people mistake this for being strong when all it does is create internal unrest which becomes emotionally toxic and causes more damage. 3) REMAIN active and connected to people who are non judgmental, supportive and can give an objective point of view. Don’t isolate yourself and try to figure it all out yourself – its simply too hard and you won’t achieve anything more than making the situation worse. Reaching out can be hard, but lean into the discomfort and see the benefits. 4) LET GO of any expectations you had and, once things settle down, take the opportunity to set fresh goals. Don’t hold onto what you think should’ve happened; it will only serve to keep you stuck and leave you with a “victim” or “failure” mentality. 5) LEARN from the mistakes, chalk it up to experience and ask yourself what would someone that has achieved it do? Tiger for example – he wouldn’t have thought he needed to par the back-9, he would’ve stayed offensive and tried to win by 10. Don’t close your mind off to the amount of value this experience can give you. Times like these forge something within you - these challenges give you the tools needed to get to the next level.

6) FOCUS on the percentage of things you did well and allow the rest to highlight what you need to work on moving forward. The stats are a great indicator of what you can practice to improve your weaknesses. Don’t dwell on the minority and let the mistakes consume you. You need to allow the past to become your past and not lose sleep over it. 7) PERSPECTIVE is vital in emotional times so find some evidence to base your beliefs on rather than just how you feel in that moment. Ben Hogan went into the 1954 Masters final round leading by 1 then shot 75 and lost. If one of the greats can do it, it’s ok for you to. Rory collapsed in 2011 then won the next Major – its never as bad as it seems. Don’t make permanent decisions based on a temporary feeling. Firing someone or making drastic changes won’t help. In fact it will only make things worse and you will have to start from scratch. 8) LOOK FORWARD and become excited about the challenges and obstacles ahead. There will be an element of discomfort but that’s where you need to be – on the edge of your comfort zone. Don’t stay bitter and angry. Looking back isn’t going to lead you to a better place. Eyes forward and start moving toward your next goal.

9) TAKE an “explore and experiment” mindset when you start moving to your next goal. There is no one clear pathway so acknowledge that you may try some things that don’t work but tweak and change until you find the right mixture. Don’t become hell bent on making amendments or rectifying the situation because you will soon become consumed by it. Your time and energy are far too valuable to waste – you have better things to invest them in. Failure is only a mindset. With positive thinking and a good attitude, your scars will soon heal and you’ll be back on your feet doing what you’re supposed to be doing. You don’t want to get to your deathbed in perfect shape – its good to have a few scars and scratches. What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger if you allow it to. Nick Sutherland is a psychotherapist and performance consultant based on the Mornington Peninsula who specialises in helping golfers of all ability to take their game to the next level by improving their mental game. Nick has worked with Olympic and World Championship winning athletes, AFL players, Hall of Fame triathletes and professional golfers to achieve their goals and can help you too. For a free assessment, email him at contact@nicksutherland.com.au or visit www.nicksutherland.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

golf new south wales

Women’s Summer Kareela growing community spirit Meeting Kareela Golf Club has been named as a finalist in this year’s Clubs NSW - Clubs and Community Awards in the Disability, Welfare and Social Inclusion section for their efforts in employing an apprentice greenkeeper with a profound hearing impairment.

ocelyn Mackay has won her 16th Open Summer Cup by five strokes from defending champion Debbie Nunn in a keenly contested Summer Meeting held recently in the Southern Highlands. Mackay led all the way, carding rounds of 82 and 87 around the picturesque Bowral and Highlands layouts for a total of 169. The overall nett winner in Division I was Ineke Kelson of Randwick with a nett 154. Runner up was Geraldine Anderson of Wakehurst with a nett 155.

The Shire club took the step of filling the role and ensuring that the placement worked seamlessly with the help of employment provider Nova Employment. “It was the first time we’ve dealt with Nova. They’ve been really good. We advertised for an apprentice greenkeeper and Liam was one of the applicants. He got the job on his merits,” Dennis Skinner, General Manager of Kareela Golf Club said.

Moss Vale Golf Club’s Alexandra Nielsen took advantage of her local knowledge to take the Kathleen Armstrong Bowl in Division II which was conducted around the Highlands and Moss Vale Courses. Nielsen posted a total of 66 points over the two rounds to take the title by a point from Wakehurst Golf Club’s Janeen Macfarlane.

For 18-year old Liam Magee, landing an apprenticeship is a dream come true. There were a number of issues to be addressed before the club could put Liam on. Not the least of these was his inability to hear a golfer call out ‘Fore!’ if he was working alone on the golf course. The Club worked through the roadblocks and he’s become a valuable member of the staff.

The Foursomes event was played at Mt Broughton and Bowral Golf Clubs with Wakehurst’s Debbie Nunn and Sachiko Cathcart taking the Division I scratch with a score of 81 around the testing Mt Broughton layout. Nett winners in Division I were Barbara Bohdanowicz and Margaret Critchon from the Coast Golf Club with a fine nett 73. Wakehurst Golf Club managed the trifecta in the Division II foursomes event held at Bowral. Debbie Sate and Maureen Franklin were victorious with a nett score of 77 ½ from Jennifer Webb and Tanya Hoyle. Third place went to Christine Carolyn and Judy Gailey. The final event of the meeting was the popular Teams Vs Par event held at Moss Vale and Mt Broughton Golf Clubs. The team of Anne Bissaker (Killara), Jennifer Corrigan (Killara), Linda Reiss (Monash) and Nina Kiernan (Avondale) took the title at Moss Vale by a point on plus 14 from Wakehurst Golf Club’s Jennifer Webb, Jennifer

May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“He’s going really well, and really responded to working outside. He’s a real trooper putting in the effort, and is doing well at TAFE,” Mr Skinner smiled.

Vernooy, Lorraine Sullivan and Tanya Hoyle. At Mt Broughton, Ann Cameron, Anne Strange, Jann Reid and Jenny Knapman took the title by a shot with a solid score of plus 11. The team of Gail Earle (The Coast), Gwennyth Chance (The Coast), Karen White (The Coast) and Wendy Hamer (Moss Vale) grabbed the runners prize on a count back More: www.golfnsw.org

Unsurprisingly though, it isn’t the first time that Kareela have been nominated for a Clubs NSW Community Award. Their support of the nearby Bates Drive Public School, a facility which caters for children with mild to severe physical

and intellectual disabilities, has been recognised before with them being named as a finalist in a similar category back in 2014. “We hold a charity golf day for them every year. In the last six or seven years we’ve raised over $100,000.” “In order to win one of these awards, simply raising cash isn’t enough. You have to be more engaged with your community,” Mr Skinner said. Today, the members are proud of the club’s active role in the local community and how the sense of engagement rewards them. Mr Skinner is keen to build the relationship between the school and his members even more. “We’re looking at programs that put together the young and old – like getting some of our seniors together with kids from the school by building some waisthigh garden beds for the kids to come across and enjoy the sensory experience. Then our seniors that love gardening could come over and help the kids,” he added. It’s all part of the plan to keep Kareela Golf Club a key part of the local community, as it is to be a healthy golf club according to Mr Skinner. “There’s lots of things we’d like to do, but there’s not a lot of cash to throw around either.” “We’re kind of doing our best to remain a community hub in our area. That’s all,” Mr Skinner smiled.

Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: David Corben, Terry Godley, Jonathan Gravenor, Steven Lingwood, Randall Lorig, Jacqueline Moore, and Douglas Yeend.

golf queensland

Queensland Interstate Series teams announced Men’s Team: Anthony Quayle (Sanctuary Cove) Charlie Dann (Pelican Waters) Shae Wools-Cobb (Maroochy River) Blake Proverbs (Royal Queensland) Steven Cox (Wantima) Charlie Pilon (Hills) Doug Klein (Redcliffe) Mitchell Smith (Oxley) Coach: Tony Meyer

Golf Queensland has named its representative teams to compete in the Australian Men’s and Women’s Interstate Teams Matches from 9 – 13 May to be played on home soil. Queensland will host this year’s event with the Men’s to be played at The Brisbane Golf Club and the Women’s at Royal Queensland Golf Club. Queensland Head Coach, Tony Meyer said it is a fantastic opportunity for the Queensland teams to play in their home state,” Meyer said. “They will have multiple opportunities to play the courses before the event providing them with an ideal preparation for the Series.” This year’s team includes many new members following a number of the senior amateurs joining the professional ranks last year.

“Whether it is the first or fourth time a player has been recognised on the team, it is an honour to represent your state,” he said. “I get excited to travel away with these players every year and I’m sure the teams will enjoy the experience.” Both the Queensland Men’s and Women’s Teams will be hoping to improve on last year’s second and third placing respectively.

Women’s Team: Karis Davidson (Sanctuary Cove) Robyn Choi (Royal Pines) Kirsty Hodgkins (Redcliffe) Gennai Goodwin (Indooroopilly) Becky Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed) DeeDee-Taylah Russell (Emerald Lakes) Coach: Richard Woodhouse More: www.golfqueensland.org.au

MyGolf Camps go north The MyGolf Junior Camps kicked off for 2016 over the Easter School Holidays with three clubs hosting clinics. In conjunction with the Far North Queensland, North Queensland, and Central West Queensland Golf Association, Golf Queensland ran MyGolf Clinics at Mossman Golf Club (FNQ), Pioneer Valley Golf Club (NQ) and Blackall Golf Club (C/WEST). The MyGolf camps targets kids’ aged from 5 to 12 years-old that are starting out on their golfing journey and teaches them new golf skills through game-based learning. A series of PGA Golf Professionals including Lee and Pete Harrington (Blackall), Anton Booy and Daniel Gawley (Mossman), and Scott Simons (Pioneer Valley and Mossman) were on hand to teach the juniors golf skills in a fun environment. The professionals delivered a structured two or three-day program consisting of warm up games and activities, skills sessions on full swing, chipping and putting, and on-course play. Each day after completing a

Queensland Foursomes Champions decided

The Queensland Men’s and Women’s Foursomes Championships was once again strongly supported with a large field of nearly 170 competitors teeing off at Wynnum Golf Club last month. Scott Draper (Keperra) and Ashley Grosvenor (Keperra) won the 2016 Queensland Men’s Foursomes Championship by a commanding three strokes with scores of 70-67 for a total of 137. The QAS squad pairing of Shae Wools-Cobb (Maroochy River) and Charlie Dann (Pelican Waters) closed out their afternoon round with a 67 to join their morning score of 73 (total 140) to finish runners-up and three shots behind the winners. The Brisbane duo of Timothy Lukin and Cameron Powell combined well to shoot the day’s best round of 66 and take the first round lead, but their afternoon score of 74 (total 140) wasn’t enough to keep them on top, finishing in third place on a count back.

couple of skills sessions, the juniors hit the golf course to try out their new skills and play a few holes. “The clinics had outstanding success with all juniors, coaches and parents enjoying the camp,” Golf Queensland Development Officer Scott Simons said. “Over the three clinics we saw 62 juniors either pick up a club for the first time, or

continue to develop their skills in the game.” “All the MyGolfers had a great time and we look forward returning to the districts to run more MyGolf Camps next year.” The support of the local districts as well as local sponsorship and the golf clubs was instrumental to the success of the clinics and to be commended.

The Women’s Foursomes was won by the State Team pairing of Robyn Choi (Royal Pines) and Kirsty Hodgkins (Redcliffe). Despite trailing by two shots heading into the afternoon, the pair’s consistency of rounds of 73-74 (Total 147) was enough to win by one shot. It was the State Junior Girls pairing of Darcy Habgood (Toowoomba) and Lisa Edgar (Surfers Paradise) that set the hot pace in the morning through a promising score of 71, however this could not be maintained with the pair signing for an afternoon round of 77 (Total 148) falling just short. More: www.golfqueensland.org.au

Queensland Mixed Foursomes Championship Sunday 29th May 2016 McLeod Country Golf Club 36 Holes, Foursomes Entries Close: Wednesday 18th May 5pm www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

@GolfQueensland

www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

your voice

A hole in one...plastic bottle “The attached photo was the result of my tee shot on the 18th hole at Surfers Paradise Golf Club, witnessed by Surfers Paradise President Phil Murphy. We heard a loud bang when the ball landed just inside the hazard line. Amazingly, my ball was inside this plastic bottle, unplayable. Perfect entry through the plastic material.” Submitted by Simon Lewis

PHOTO of the Month ! 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

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 Ogio Cirrus golf bag (Retail value $349.95)!

We have on our course (as do a lot of other member courses) “Adopt a hole”. Very seldom do you see members care for this hole. Have we lost golf etiquette completely? Is there no way to educate golfers about the fundamentals of course care? I have played on some resort courses that don’t even give you a sand bucket,

but have the green staff fill and repair the fairways. Maybe this is the answer: increase the cost of playing by a couple of bucks, add a levy to the membership thus allowing an extra greens staff; let’s call him the Director of Divots. I suggested at my course that we spend a month of playing “tee up” (and we all know how much that game is hated) as punishment for not filling them in, but that went down almost as well as my suggestion that the motherin-law stay in a nearby motel. Maybe you or your readers may have many different suggestions? Terry Lawlor

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!)

May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Once again the issue of social golfers causing damage to the course was mentioned (Your Voice, March issue). If it is the social players that cause all the damage to a course, what explanation can be given for the existence of fresh, unrepaired divots, unraked bunkers and the like that happen to appear during the running of regular club competitions? It is about time that club members look among themselves to ensure proper course maintenance before looking beyond their own cohort. Phil Drever

March issue (Your Voice), in particular, those relating to dress standards. Living on a golf estate in Victoria, I also wonder how club management permits thongs, singlet tops and even bare-chested presentation on their course. Apparently, the mighty dollar has prevailed. Another pet aversion is the lack of control by dog owners who flaunt the club rules by allowing free range unrestricted usage of the fairways by their dogs. Interested on-looker.

Same same... Small club, but different? big heart

Isn’t it about time that golf clubs achieved a level of consistency? We now have a united across-the-board consistency with the Slope System. Love or hate it, from course to course, it works the same. We know what we are going to get. But how many times have you heard it: “What colour flag means what, mate?” Red = Front, Yellow = Middle, Blue =Back, or is that Red, White & Black, OR is that White, Blue & Black checked, OR Red is the front nine and white is the back nine. Would it be so hard to have some uniformity? The game is hard enough, why not assist us poor golfers—especially visiting ones—AND speed this game up a little? Then there are the tee markers; another integral part of the great game of golf that seems to be at the whim of the course super and/or committee or marketing team. Recently I have seen Red, White, Blue, Black and Gold. This is one part of golf courses that should be consistent and without question. I won’t even mention sprinkler measurements to front or middle. OH...just did! Michael Krilich

DSR and Tee Boxes

The big fix No matter how many times this subject seems to rear its ugly head, not too many people seem to take notice. How frustrating is it to stand on the tee, hit a beautiful drive to the fairway, walk up to your ball and find it sitting in the bottom of some inconsiderate player’s divot?

Golfer, heal Attire-ing debate the partner of a retired golfer I would like thyself Asto applaud the comments of “Auspaul” in the

In response to Richard’s column on varying starting tees for different levels of players (Starters Box, Going beyond the Red, White and Blue, March issue). I think this is a great idea for more reasons than Richard mentioned. If different grades used the different tees we would end up with different DSR for each grade. Blue tees for A grade, white tees for B grade and yellow tees for C grade. Course set up could be adjusted from the norm and as stated by Richard, thinking outside the box and breaking old habits to create something new can actually progress the sport. If I were a young C grader, for instance, the motivation to move to the next colour tee would be great. The older veteran golfer who struggles to hit long distances would again be competitive. I don’t think it would work if you got to choose which tee to hit from, I think handicap should determine that. Ambrose would be fun, 4 ball events more interesting and in single comps the crazy scores from high handicappers won’t affect low marker DSR. Neil Maddison

I am a tragic golf nut and enjoy your magazine each month. You tell a lot of great stories but I would like to share this one with you. I’m originally from Woodenbong, NSW, on the foot of the McPherson Ranges. I believe the club started in the early 1900s. In its heyday it had over 100 members from a population of 400. The club still continues today with nine greens and eighteen tees. The membership is fifteen men and six ladies. The club is run totally by voluntary labour with the fairways and greens mowed by two members and the bar by whoever is available. The local population welcome all visitors and have two major competitions each year, which attract up to 120 entries from Grafton to Brisbane. My reason for forwarding this letter is to show that the spirit of giving is still quite strong, and it is a shame that larger clubs have the attitude that “we pay our memberships so we do not have to contribute”. Thank you for your monthly magazine which is not only great, but free. Barry Cooper, Dubbo NSW

“Live” in the past Is there ever going to come a time when golf is covered “LIVE” in this country? While watching the painfully slow last round of the Ladies Australian Open, I became aware by checking my phone that the ABC coverage was at least three holes delayed. I stopped watching after discovering that, while the event was actually over, on TV the leader was just on the 16th tee. After watching the women I discovered another of my pet hates – over 4 hours to play a two-ball. They get all the distances from just about anywhere on each hole during their practice rounds. They are given a pin placement sheet before hitting off each day. They know just how far they can hit each club, so why so long? It’s no wonder a lot of club golfers seem to think that 4hrs 30min is a good time for a round of golf. Committees are always complaining about the pace of play but it seems that they contribute sometimes. At the club where I play they are letting the rough grow so that they can “shape” the fairways. The problem is we also have a lot of leaves and it can be impossible to find the ball when only just off the fairway. With some members thinking they can take as long as they like to look for the ball, play can be held up. Michael Mead

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

19th hole

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

don’t know about you, but as far as Masters tournaments go, I reckon this year was about as weird as it gets. And, I guess, entertaining in a strange, twisted sort of way; like if you enjoy watching The Bathurst 1000 in case some poor bloke flips his car over an unsuspecting Roo... or you can’t stand the thought of missing the latest beauty pageant for fear of missing the host attempting to apologise to an excited teenage model in front of millions of TV viewers, just after he’s realised he had whacked the crown on the wrong noggin. It began on the very first green when Ernie Els forgot he wasn’t playing Stableford. I’ve seen a lot of short putts missed in my day— usually by me—but all on one green like that? Never! It wasn’t as if The Big Easy was having a bad day and just wanted to get off the course… he still had 71 holes to go. Well, 35 anyway. You know you’ve had a lot of putts when you have to rely on the nearest official to count them up for you. The poor bloke clearly has the yips and his magnificent career will probably be cut short by that stupid decision handed down by the Royal and Arrogant Golf Club of St Andrews. You remember the banning of ‘anchoring’

by anyone who is physically forced to use the long putter, which these blokes decided was in the “Best interest of the game”? I reckon we should place all the officials responsible in a tinny, float it out to the edge of Niagara Falls and ask them what they think of their “No Anchoring Rule” now. I also struggled to watch Jason Day during his first round get it to 5-under in pursuit of his great rival Jordan Spieth, only to lose his concentration and step over that finest of lines that changes Augusta National from a thing of absolute beauty to just plain bloody nasty. A bit like when I arrived home from the club a bit late and a fraction too happy one night, to find my wife Sandra standing at the door with an anniversary present. I always manage to fight my way back, though, and it was great to see Jason do the same over the next two days. Speaking of extreme adverse conditions, what about Billy Horschel’s experience on Saturday’s third round? Horschel successfully negotiated the water hazard on the par-5 15th hole with a ripping long iron second shot, which trickled just over the back left of the green in good position to make a birdie. The resulting chip finished a couple of metres past the hole leaving himself a rare prospect at Augusta; a straight uphill putt for a precious “bird”. That was until it was his turn to putt and he replaced his ball after marking it. He and his loyal caddy were forced to watch as a

strong gust of wind began moving his ball slowly towards the very same water hazard he had defeated with a brilliant second shot just minutes earlier. Sure enough, hovering over it, coin in hand, waiting for it to stop, he could only watch as it trickled all the way back into the evil abyss. I’m not sure I’m in a good position to question a rule of golf in this particular column, but could this be another one in need of review?... Just saying. Finally, watching the world’s best golfing advertisement, Jordan Spieth, going through that hell on the 12th hole on Sunday, was nothing short of excruciating. His tee shot was nothing we haven’t seen before on this scary little hole where the margin for error is about as broad the smile on Sandra’s face that fateful night. The only thing more agonising was watching Spieth going through the ritual of personally fitting the green jacket over Danny Willett’s shoulders. As always, Jordan was classy and respectful but the look on his face wasn’t exactly one of jubilation for his colleague’s victory. There is talk of the damage Jordan Spieth’s confidence will take as a result of this collapse but I have no doubt he will use this frustration and disappointment to make sure it never happens again. On the other side, if you’ve been watching Danny Willett’s career graph in Europe, it’s no real surprise he is now a Major champ. As for poor old Ernie, I think he’d be the first bloke I’d call on to round up those R&A dudes and buy that tinny.

Know your game with COBRA PUMA GOLF are giving away a pair of PUMA IGNITE PREMIUM GOLF SHOES this month valued at $279. Simply ‘Know Your Game’ by answering the below question for your chance to WIN: You are on the 12th hole of the club championship. You have led the first 3 rounds comfortably, but currently you are only leading by 1 after starting the back-9 with two bogies. You have the following hole in front of you. Do you: A) attack the pin and go for glory? B) play it safe and go for the middle of the green? To enter, simply visit www.insidegolf.com. au/competitions and enter your answer. Terms and conditions apply. Strictly ONE entry per person. 62

May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

! N I Wpair of Puma

Golf E T I N G I Shoes

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

with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au 1. Name the tournament cut from Australia’s golfing calendar in 2016. (1 pt) 2. Which of these players did Tiger Woods not beat in a major playoff – Chris DiMarco, Bob May, Rocco Mediate or David Duval? (3pts) 3. How many Australians played in the 2016 US Masters at Augusta? (2 pts) 4. Can you solve the following anagram – Am surfs carer. Clue: He’s Australian and won the European Tour’s Maybank Championship Malaysia recently. (2 pts) 5. A and B are playing C and D in a foursomes match. A and C drive off at a hole at which B and D should have driven. The error is then discovered. What is the ruling? (3 pts) 6. True or false: Jason Day defeated South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen in the semi-final of the WGC Dell Match Play. (1 pt) 7. Seven-time major winner Sam Snead once told a US President to “stick your butt out, Mr President”. Was it John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Dwight Eisenhower or Harry Truman? (4 pts) 8. Which four-time major winner six-putted the first hole in the first round of the US Masters? (2 pt) 9. What nationality is world number seven female golfer Brooke M. Henderson? (3 pts) ANSWERS: (1). Australian Masters; (2). David Duval; (3). Five; (4). Marcus Fraser; (5). The side which drove first loses the hole; (6). False. He beat Rory McIlroy in the semi and Oosthuizen in the final; (7). Dwight Eisenhower; (8). Ernie Els; (9). Canadian.

A Masters to remember (or forget!)

19th hole

Chips and Shanks with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

Scott Laycock’s 1 to 7 TOURING professional Scott Laycock scored a rare feat at the Queensland PGA Championship at City Golf Club, Toowoomba. During his third round of one-over par 72, Laycock signed his scorecard that carried the numbers 1 to 7. For the record, he aced the par-3 15th hole. He had a “2” on the eighth hole; a “3” on holes 2, 4, 7 and 11; a “4” on holes 5, 9, 13, 14, 16 and 18; a “5” on holes 3, 6, 10 and 12; a “6” on the 17th and a “7” on the first hole. German David Klein won the tournament when he edged out Queensland’s Tim Hart in a playoff.

Hooray for wise old heads ISN’T is refreshing to see there’s still hope for “mature” golfers when it comes to winning important amateur tournaments? Normally, it’s teenagers who win everything, but last month two players in their 40s won the Queensland Men’s Foursomes Championship at Wynnum Golf Club.

Former tennis ace Scott Draper, 41, and Ashley Grosvenor, who turned 40 on May 3, carded rounds of 70-67 for a 137 total to win the tournament.

KEEP UP WITH US ONLINE! Catch the latest golf news online: www.insidegolf.com.au. Join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/insidegolf, keep up to the minute with our Twitter feed (@InsideGolf). Feedback? Drop us a line at ed@insidegolf.com.au

The Keperra Country Golf Club members finished three shots clear of youngsters and Queensland Academy of Sport squad members Shae Wools-Cobb (Maroochy River) and Charlie Dann (Pelican Waters). Brisbane’s Timothy Lukin and Cameron Powell finished third. Scott and Ashley’s success gives hope to golfers moving towards the senior ranks.

Ace number 31 for Player NINE-TIME major winner and seven-time Australian Open champion Gary Player was among the nine players to score a hole-inone during the Par-3 Contest in the lead-up to the US Masters. Player, who was grouped with Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson at Augusta, aced the seventh hole to take his hole-in-one tally in the event to four – the record.

Crossword > 1

In an illustrious career, Player, 80, has managed 31 aces. Others to score aces in this year’s Par3 Contest were England’s Andy Sullivan, Sweden’s David Lingmerth, Americans Rickie Fowler, Zach Johnson, Webb Simpson, Smylie Laufman, Justin Thomas and Jimmy Walker, who won the event.

Peter’s ‘tree-mendous’ shot

17 18

21 22

25 26

ACROSS

ROOT PROBLEM: Peter Hines prepares to extricate his golf ball from this “unfilled divot”. IN recent months, Sydney’s wild weather caused plenty of damage and even paid an unwelcome visit to Penrith Golf Club knocking over large trees in its path. Mind you, it didn’t stop Peter Hines from enjoying a round of golf at his beloved club despite having to negotiate his way around the odd fallen tree. When the PGA of Australia honorary life member did hit a wayward shot, which isn’t very often, near a fallen tree he didn’t hesitate to play from what resembles a gigantic divot. Inside Golf hears he played a “treemendous” recovery shot. For the record, the now retired Peter Hines spent 12 years as boss of PGA (New South Wales) before switching to tournament management, which included setting up state championships, opens and the PGA.

During his time with the PGA, Peter developed friendships with many players including the late Kel Nagle, Peter Senior, Ian Baker-Finch, Wayne Grady, Peter Lonard, Peter O’Malley and others. Greg Norman, too, recognised his skills and asked him to assist Monique Thompson (Great White Shark Enterprises) to run the Qantas VIP golf days in Sydney and Melbourne. In fact, the Shark penned a letter to Peter congratulating him on his honorary life membership presentation a few years ago. “Congratulations on your retirement and being inducted as an honorary life member of the PGA of Australia,” Norman wrote. “This is a distinguishing honour that is reserved for those few individuals that have spent a lifetime helping to promote and grow the game of golf in Australia.”

1 Winner of the 2016 WGC Dell Match Play (5,3) 5 This may be needed to correct a mistake on a scorecard (6) 9 Letter-guessing word game (7) 10 Take a risk playing a long shot, perhaps (2,3,2) 11 NZ winner of the 2013 Utah Championship (5,5) 12 Above par (4) 13 Body of people in one land (6) 15 Relaxed (8) 18 Maybe not a greenkeeper but a green thumb (8) 19 Stretch of land over which a tournament is held (6) 22 Not under or over par (4) 23 Low round by Greg Norman at the 1996 US Masters (5-5) 26 Played a round quickly, say (7) 27 Strictly correct in amount or value (7) 28 Aussie winner of the 2015 Kingsmill Championship on the LPGA tour, ______ Lee (6) 29 Slope (8)

DOWN

1 Winner of The Open in 2015, Zach _______ (7) 2 Feeling for what is appropriate (5) 3 The top ranking in golf (6,3) 4 Historical records (6) 6 Opening (4) 7 Highest placed Aussie at the 2016 Perth International, Jason _________ (9) 8 No longer playing professionally (7) 10 Doesn’t stop (4,2) 14 Club that may be used instead of a driver (5,4) 16 Aussie winner of the 2016 True Thailand Classic (5,4) 17 Not in the lead (6) 18 Great Australian amateur champion, Tony _______ (7) 20 Iron, for example (7) 21 Lethargy (6) 24 Lift up (5) 25 The grip of a spinning golf ball (4)

Answers: page 67 www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

calendar

Cullen inspires record hickory day roll-up Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

RECORD field of more than 30 golfers wearing traditional outfits gave the late PGA legend Dan Cullen a fitting golf send-off in the Australia Golf Heritage Society’s annual event named in his honour at Sydney’s Long Reef Golf Club in March. Cullen, who died on Australia Day, aged 101, would have been proud of the turnout and standard of golf displayed in the two-ball Ambrose event by the colourful of hickoryshaft devotees, who included his son Dan, a famous winner of the prized trophy when partnering his dad in 2005.

May 2-5 May 2 May 4 May 5 (QLD) May 10 May 13 May 16-17 May 16 May 24 May 26-29 Darwin GC May 26-27

The winners, cutting a dashing display with both their plus-four outfits and their golf, were a pair from The Lakes Golf Club; Tristan Perrett and Dr Michael Sheret, who, with a team handicap of 6.25 had a net 36.75 to win by 0.75 of a shot. Perrett, the current club champion at The Lakes, plays off a scratch handicap and Sheret, off 25. The pair played some amazing golf, combining for three birdies with Perrett, playing hickory golf for the first time, hitting the ball amazing distances. He reached both par fives, the 440m first hole and the 430m ninth with a driver and

a “Cleek”(roughly a modern-day two-iron) and constantly monstered the par fours. He almost had a par round on his own. If Perrett, a Vardon event winner last year, tees it up in the Australian Hickory Shaft Championship later this year he certainly would be a top contender, based on his Long Reef performance, which he said he enjoyed “immensely”. The runners-up suffered a handicap penalty of playing as a three-ball but the trio of PGA Life Member Tom Moore, Geoff Martin and Warwick Stanwell played superbly to match par. Leading scores (11 holes par 43): 36.75 Tristan Perrett and Michael Sheret (6.25); 37.5 Tom Moore, Geoff Martin, Warren Stanwick (5.5); 37.75 Tony Pickrell Martin Pickrell (7.25) ; 38.25 Steve Doorey, Ian Hamilton (8.75)

CALENDAR > MALLACOOTA 2B TEAM CHALLENGE

When: Sat 21st & Sun 22nd May Where: The Mallacoota Golf Club (East Gippsland VIC) Entry Fee: $50 pp The Mallacoota Challenge is a 2Ball Aggregate team event which features a modified points scoring system (5 points for an Eagle, 4 points for a Birdie, 3 points for a Par, 2 points for a Bogie, and 1 point awarded for a Dbl Bogie). The player’s total points for the round are added to his official daily handicap, which is then added to his partner’s points total to give the pair their team aggregate points score for

JULY

the day’s round. (The Mallacoota course has a slope rating of 120). A WOMEN’s event played under the same format over the two days is to be held in conjunction with the Men’s tournament. Complimentary on course refreshments available for players to enjoy as well as the traditional closing BBQ and many prizes to be won. Info: Carol Reinelt on 03 5158 0277 or Alf Bowerman, on 0416 006 706 or atbow@ bigpond.com

Golf NSW Womens’ Pewter Plate

The Golf NSW Women’s Pewter Plate will be held on Monday 18 July 2016 at Castle Hill Country Club. It is an 18-hole aggregate stableford competition for club teams of two competitors on GA Handicaps from 29.1 to 45.4. Each Club entering the competition 64

May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Cobram-Barooga Seniors (VIC) Penrith Seniors (NSW) Flagstaff Hill Seniors (SA) Hills International Seniors Strathfield Seniors (NSW) Mandurah Seniors (WA) Leongatha Seniors (VIC) Indooroopilly Seniors (QLD) Mona Vale Seniors (NSW) * Northern Territory Seniors at Hepburn Springs Seniors (VIC)

May 27 Pelican Waters Seniors (QLD) May 30 Caloundra Seniors (QLD) June 2 Manly Seniors (NSW) June 6 Pacific Harbour Seniors (QLD) June 10 Oatlands Seniors (NSW) June 19 Heathcote Seniors (VIC) June 20-22 * Australian Senior Amateur Matchplay at Coolangatta Tweed Heads June 20-21 Shepparton Senior Amateur June 20 Pymble Seniors (NSW) June 27 Coolangatta Tweed Heads Seniors (QLD) * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

Worthy winners: (from left) Tristan Perrett, Michael Sheret and Dan Cullen proudly display the Dan Cullen Trophy, named after the Patron of the Australian Golf Heritage Society (Photo: Steve Doorey, AGHS)

Despite the task of playing with wooden-shafted clubs which all were more than 100-years-old, two of the teams equalled the par score of 43 for the 11 holes played, off the stick, and Dan Cullen and his partner Mick Brooker, shot one over.

MAY

COMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS

nominates two players as representatives and The Pewter Plate is awarded to the team with the best aggregate stableford of the two scores. Entries close on Friday 8 July 2016. More: www.golfnsw.org.

Handiskins When: Various

Where: Various

Info: www.handiskins.com.au

Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers. Handiskins is a five-qualifying-round stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score. Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough. 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: Wakehurst Golf Club Upper Clontarf Street, Seaforth NSW 2092 5th Qualifying Round 7th May 2016 Final 28th May 2016 Shelly Beach Golf Club Shelly Beach Road, Shelly Beach NSW 2261 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 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 Penrith Golf Club 1939 The Northern Road, Penrith NSW 2750 1st Qualifying Round 7th May 2016

2nd Qualifying Round 14th May 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 21st May 2016 4th Qualifying Round 28th May 2016 5th Qualifying Round 4th June 2016 Final 11th June 2016 Stonebridge Golf Club 26 Birkdale Bvld, Cessnock NSW 2325 1st Qualifying Round 14th May 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 21st May 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 28th May 2016 4th Qualifying Round 18th June 2016 5th Qualifying Round 25th June 2016 Final 16th July 2016 Wakehurst Golf Club (Ladies Competition) Upper Clontarf Street, Seaforth NSW 2092 1st Qualifying Round 17th May 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 24th May 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 31st May 2016 4th Qualifying Round 7th June 2016 5th Qualifying Round 14th June 2016 Final 5th July 2016 Cowra Golf Club Mees Road, Cowra NSW 2794 1st Qualifying Round 21st May 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 18th June 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 9th July 2016 4th Qualifying Round 20th August 2016 5th Qualifying Round 17th September 2016 Final 25th September 2016 Parkes Golf Club London Road, Parkes NSW 2870 1st Qualifying Round 21st May 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 11th June 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 25th June 2016 4th Qualifying Round 9th July 2016 5th Qualifying Round 16th July 2016 Final 14th August 2016

demo dates PING

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

Location Day Date Time New South Wales The Australian Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 04 9am - 2pm Moore Park Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday May 04 4 - 7pm Avondale Golf Club ◊ * Thursday May 05 8am - 1pm Elanora Country Club ◊ * Friday May 06 8am - 1pm Pymble Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday May 10 9am - 2pm The Lakes Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 11 9am - 2pm St Michaels Golf Club ◊ * Thursday May 12 10am - 2pm Windsor Golf Club ◊ * Friday May 13 11am - 5pm May 16 12 - 5pm Federal Golf Club ◊ * Monday Queanbeyan Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday May 17 10am - 3pm Royal Canberra Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 18 8am - 12.30pm Drummond Golf - Fyshwick ◊ * Wednesday May 18 2.30 - 5pm Yowani Golf Club ◊ * Thursday May 19 10am - 2.30pm Marrickville Golf Club ◊ * Monday May 23 12 - 4pm May 26 12 - 4pm Gosford Golf Club ◊ * Thursday Shelly Beach Golf Club ◊ * Friday May 27 1 - 5pm Toukley Golf Club ◊ * Saturday May 28 9.30am - 1.30pm Golf Paradise Driving Range ◊ * Monday May 30 4 - 7pm Queensland Victoria Park Driving Range ° * Tuesday May 03 5 - 7.30pm Windaroo Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 04 3 - 5pm Royal Queensland ◊ * ** Friday May 06 1 - 5pm Brisbane Golf Club ◊ * Saturday May 07 9am - 1pm Ballina Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday May 10 2 - 5pm Noosa Tewantin Golf Club ° Tuesday May 10 9.30am - 12.30pm Yamba Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 11 9am - 12pm House of Golf Coffs Harbour ◊ * Wednesday May 11 3 - 6pm Bribie Island Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 11 11am - 3pm Coffs Harbour Golf Club ◊ * Thursday May 12 1 - 5pm Peregian Springs Golf Club ◊ * Thursday May 12 10am - 2pm Virginia Golf Club ◊ * Friday May 13 1 - 5pm Maroochydore River Golf Club ° Friday May 13 2 - 5pm Surfers Paradise Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday May 17 2 - 5pm Parkwood International Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 18 3 - 6pm May 18 1 - 4pm Wantima Country Club ◊ * Wednesday Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club ◊ * ** Thursday May 19 1 - 5pm Mcleod Country Golf Club ◊ * Thursday May 19 9am - 1pm Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club ◊ * Friday May 20 2 - 5pm Nudgee Golf Club ◊ * Friday May 20 12 - 4pm May 22 10am - 2pm Golf Central (Golf Expo) Sunday Burleigh Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 25 1 - 5pm Oxley Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 25 10am - 1pm Golf Central ◊ * Thursday May 26 4 - 7pm Redcliffe Golf Club ◊ * Thursday May 26 12 - 3pm Gripped On Golf@ Twin Waters Golf Club ◊ * Friday May 27 12 - 4pm May 27 1 - 5pm Palm Meadows ° Friday Western Australia May 05 4 - 7pm Wembley GC ° ◊ Thursday May 06 11am - 3pm Collier Park GC ° Friday Mt Lawley GC ° ◊ Wednesday May 11 9.30am - 1pm May 19 9.30am - 1pm Hartfield GC ° ◊ Thursday Wanneroo GC ° Wednesday May 25 9.30am - 1pm May 28 8am - 5pm Kalgoorlie GC ◊ Saturday Victoria Kingswood Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 04 10am - 2pm May 04 4 - 7pm Melbourne Golf Academy ° Wednesday Kew Golf Club ◊ * Friday May 06 9am - 3pm Barwon Heads Golf Club ◊ * Saturday May 07 10am - 2pm May 10 10am - 2pm Commonwealth Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday Kingston Heath Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 11 10am - 2pm Victoria Golf Club ◊ * Thursday May 12 10am - 1pm Yarra Bend Driving Range ° Thursday May 11 4 - 7pm Mornington Golf Club ◊ * Friday May 13 10am - 4pm Melbourne Golf Academy ◊ * Tuesday May 17 10am - 2pm Metropolitan Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday May 18 10am - 2pm Sandhurst Golf Club ◊ * Thursday May 19 10am - 2pm Warragul Country Club ◊ * Friday May 20 12 - 4pm National Golf Club - Long Island ◊ * Saturday May 21 10am - 2pm

MIZUNO

Location New South Wales / ACT Thornleigh Golf Centre * Royal Canberra G.C * ** Belconnen G.C * The Lakes G.C * ** Manly G.C * ** Drummond Golf - North Mead * Drummond Golf - Gosford * Terrey Hills G &CC * ** Royal Sydney G.C * ** Ryde Parramatta G.C * ** Belmont G.C * Mona Vale G.C * Northbridge G.C * Moore Park G.C * South Australia Barossa Valley * Golf World Adelaide * Victoria/Tasmania MGA Driving Range Kingston Heath * ** Traralgon GC * Morack GC * Long Island CC @ Mizuno Fitting Centre * ** The Eastern GC * ** Sunshine GC * Commonwealth GC * ** Western Australia Albany Golf Club Carramar Collier Park Marangaroo

mizuno.com.au

Day

Date Time

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

May 03 May 04 May 05 May 06 May 11 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 18 May 19 May 21 May 25 May 27 May 31

Saturday Friday

May 07 10am - 2pm May 13 10am - 2pm

Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Wednesday Friday Saturday

May 04 May 11 May 12 May 12 May 13 May 18 May 20 May 21

4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 6pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 2pm

Friday Saturday Friday Saturday

May 13 May 14 May 20 May 28

9am - 1pm 11am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 1pm

4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 3pm 1 - 4pm 8 - 11am 2 - 5pm 2 - 6pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 4pm 9am - 1pm 8 - 11am 4 - 7pm 1 - 4pm

* 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.

CALLAWAY

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

Location New South Wales / ACT Nelson Bay Golf Club Pro Shop √ Maitland Golf Club √ Belmont Golf Club ≠ Belmont Golf Club √ Merewether Gofl Club √ Drummond Golf Northmead ≠ Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Shop ≠ Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club √ Thurgoona Country Resort √ Commercial Golf Club √ Drummond Golf Albury √ * Cumberland Golf Club √ * Rich River Golf Resort √ ≠ Grafton Golf Club ≠ Pennant Hills Golf Club √ ≠ Mudgee Golf Club √ ≠ Paradise Golf Driving Range √ Moore Park Golf Club ≠ Bayview Golf Club √ Long Reef Golf Course ≠ The Royal Sydney Golf Club √ ** Thornleigh Golf Centre √ Toronto Golf Club √ Tamworth Golf Club Queensland Gailes Golf Club ≠ Victoria Park Golf Complex ≠ Drummond Golf Woolloongabba √ Parkwood International Golf Club ≠ Surfers Paradise Golf Club √ Tewantin Noosa Golf Club Palm Meadows Driving Range ≠ South Australia Victor Harbour Golf Club Drummond Golf Mile End Victoria/Tasmania Spring Valley Golf Club Inc. √ * Portarlington Golf Club √ * Drouin Golf Club √ * ** Anglesea Golf Club √ ≠ * ** Lonsdale Golf Club √ * Patterson River Golf Club √ * Barwon Heads Golf Club √ ** Wodonga Golf Club √ * The Metropolitan Golf Club √ * ** Kingston Heath Golf Club √ * ** Kingston Links Driving Range ≠ Warrnambool Golf Club √ The National Golf Club √ ≠ * Drummond Golf Burwood √ ≠ Keysborough Golf Club √ * ** Sandhurst Golf Club √ Western Australia Wanneroo Golf Club Wembley Golf Complex Gosnells Golf Club Marangaroo Golf Club Joondalup Golf Resort Collier Park Golf Course

TAYLORMADE

Location Queensland Jindalee † Surfers Paradise † Pacific GC † Emerald Lakes † Gladstone † Boonah † Drummond Underwood † Bribie Island † Keperra † Parkwood † Vic Park » Moree † Golf Central † Brookwater † Victoria MGA » Yarra Yarra GC † Drummond Golf Albury † Club Tech Golf Coburg † Anglesea Golf Club Drummond Golf Hoppers Crossing † Medway Golf Club † DG Ballarat † Yarra Yarra GC (Shoe & Putter day) New South Wales/ACT Asquith Golf Club † Bathurst Golf Club † Duntry League Golf Club † Orange Golf Club † Mudgee Golf Club † Cowra Golf Club † Moore Park Driving Range † Castle Hill Country Club † Thornleigh Driving Range † Nelsons Bay Golf Club † Yowani Country Club † Leeton Soldiers Club † Oatlands Golf Club † Wallacia Golf Club † Western Australia Kalgoorlie Golf Course † Collier Park Golf Course » Carramar Golf Club † Wembley Golf Course †

COBRA PUMA

Location New South Wales / ACT Mona Vale Golf Club Pete’s Golf Connection Par Tee Virtual Golf Victoria MGA Albert Park Driving Range Queensland Burleigh GC Headlands GC Ashgrove GC Victoria Park

Day

Date Time

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

May 02 May 03 May 04 May 04 May 05 May 05 May 06 May 09 May 10 May 10 May 10 May 12 May 14 May 16 May 17 May 18 May 19 May 19 May 20 May 25 May 26 May 26 May 27 May 30

11.30am - 4pm 11am - 4pm 9am - 12pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 4.30pm 4 - 7pm 2 - 4.30am 12 - 5pm 8 - 10am 11am - 1pm 2 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 11am - 2pm 8am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 6pm 4 - 7pm 12 - 4pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 2pm 12 - 6pm 12 - 5pm 12 - 4pm

Wednesday Tuesday Thursday Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Friday

May 04 May 10 May 12 May 18 May 29 May 24 May 27

10am - 1pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 1 - 4pm 3 - 6pm 1 - 4.30pm 10am - 12.30pm 1 - 4.30pm

Friday Thursday

May 06 11am - 3pm May 26 4 - 7pm

Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday Wednesday Thursday

May 04 May 04 May 05 May 05 May 06 May 06 May 11 May 11 May 12 May 18 May 18 May 19 May 20 May 20 May 25 May 26

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 8am - 12pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 3.30pm 11am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 3pm 12 - 4pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

Wednesday Friday Thursday Friday Wednesday Friday

May 04 May 06 May 12 May 13 May 18 May 27

10am - 1pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 3pm 10am - 1pm 10.30am - 2.30pm

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

Date Time

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

May 04 May 05 May 06 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 18 May 19 May 20 May 24 May 25 May 26 May 28

1 - 4pm 1 - 4pm 10am - 1pm 3 - 7pm 10am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 10am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 6pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 1 - 5pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Friday Saturday Friday Friday Saturday

May 04 May 05 May 06 May 07 May 13 May 14 May 20 May 27 May 28

4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 5pm 10am - 5pm 9am - 2pm 12 - 5pm 11am - 4pm 10am - 5pm 9am - 1pm

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

May 02 May 03 May 04 May 05 May 06 May 07 May 10 May 11 May 11 May 16 May 17 May 19 May 23 May 26

9am - 3pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 8am - 12pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 8pm 9am - 4pm 11am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 11am - 3pm

Saturday Friday Saturday Friday

May 07 May 13 May 14 May 20

10am - 4pm 12 - 4pm 9am - 1pm 12 - 4pm

cobragolf.com.au

Day Date Time Tuesday Thursday Friday

May 17 May 26 May 27

7 - 11am 2 - 4pm 2 - 6pm

Wednesday Wednesday

May 04 May 11

4 - 7pm 5 - 7pm

Thursday Thursday Thursday Tuesday

May 05 May 12 May 19 May 24

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

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

golf directory

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

Benalla Golf Club

pp $215 From share twin eek w mid

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

per person

$250

$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

May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

GET ORGANISED WITH

Patented Softgrip Technology

1300 738 557

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

All golfers stay for

From the inventors oF the CaddyraCk

www.kahmagolf.com

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GOLF > GREATRAvEL LIF

The To T AUSSIE T-OUT: GOLF anD serp courses , DesTi GETAW vice a grea T golfproviDers naTions AYS holiD for > TOP ay The va TIPS anD: lue of Tra how To fix ckman your > NEW slice! we Tes GEAR balls T-Drive ne anD Th w e acTivvolvik go > CLUB e scoo lf Ter The be OF THE auTiful MON anD spo TH ba rTs cl llina go ub lf

“I’m not g IvIng up! ” With tim exempt e running fights toion, aussie baouttt on his medic get back ler Jarr al od lyle on tour

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Email: lemontreepassagemotel@idl.net.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

Mos t-R ead

Issue 130 www.insi // MAY 2016 degolf.co M.Au

http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD

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WIN:

ONe Of 40 PrO GOlf IQ meNtal cOachING PrOGrams! (a value Of $495!)

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

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 Need new batteries?

IS YOUR GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN?

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

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

Want to triple the life of your good batteries? Increase the life of your batteries by up to three times by eliminating the main reasons the batteries fail, SULPHATION. If you eliminate the main reason your batteries fail, it must increase the life of your batteries. 30 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK Patent # 7374839

For more information, pricing and to order

Phone 1300 852 433 or visit our website

RARE HICKORY SHAFTED PUTTERS BY FAMOUS MAKERS, FORGAN, MILLS, GIBSON & OTHERS Your chance to own a piece of golfing history Left and Right Hand

$80 each

plus postage & packaging

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.

www.batteryreviver.com.au

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

AS SEEN ON TV: Find-A-Ball golf glasses

The Find-a-Ball glasses come complete with a moulded, zip up case that can clip onto your bag and a cleaning cloth. For more information, cost or to order visit our website www.golfscene.com.au or call us on 1300 852 433.

Find-a-Ball glasses are designed to block out the majority of light, creating a clever way of locating your white or yellow balls easily. The specially tinted, UV coated lenses filter out foliage and grass, enabling the ball to stand out.

MELVIEW GREENS

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

Crossword Answers E R A S E R I C E G O F O R I T O T I I E R O V E R S E E O O S E N E D N C E C O U R S E S T L T Y T H R E E U H A M P R E C I S E O N S N R A D I E N T For advertising call 1300 465 300

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

$485

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day FROM

G R E S H A M

A S O N D A Y E U N A N G M A N S B A T E V E A L K R S A T I O N L H N B A R D E N E R E H V E N S I X I B N U R R I E D O T I N J E E G

FROM

J O H N S O N

$555

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

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

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)

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

1300 465 300

US Masters 2017 3890

US$

3 Nights tue-fri 3 Nights weekend 6 Nights Tue-mon Golfers Tour*

Ph: (07) 5494 0630 Golf Shop (07) 5494 6611

Aquarius R

www.insidegolf.com.au

From

admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

• 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

3,890 US$ 4,290 US$ 7,790 US$ 5,590

To suit your individual needs

US$

18 HOLES

On our championship course. Includes Twin Share electric cart hire and lunch.

p/person

From

1 NiGHt PACKAGE DEALs

140

p/person

• 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

• Masters tickets • Hotel • Merchandise • Tour host *Play Torrey Pines & Aviara

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

*Conditions apply

www.thefanatics.com | 1300 326 284 May 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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

• 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/ Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega, and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort.

To book accomm call 02 6680 2222

MAGIC MERIMBULA

For advertising call 1300 465 300

Visitors

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

*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

from $125 per person per night (min 4 pp) *

BLACK TEE CHALLENGE

Big or small groups...we’ve got you covered!

3rd Friday of each month “Bay Golf Day”

• Stylish fully self-contained houses & apartments • East Beach, Moyne River, Central or South Beach • Packages tailored to your group • Reduced green fees for Port Fairy & Warrnambool Call us to help plan your next golfing adventure

Members & Bay Golf Memberships $13 Visitors $23

*Conditions apply. Valid May-October 2016.

InsideGolf

AustrAliA’s Most reAd Golf MAGAzine

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

Phone: (07) 3267 7744

www.insidegolf.com.au

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

$85 per person per day twin share

Bla

Your choice of resort and club courses. • Noosa Springs • Twin Waters • Club Pelican • Coolum Golf & Spa • Mt Coolum • Noosa Golf Club • Maroochy River • Headland • Caloundra • Peregian Springs Some conditions apply

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2016

The future of golf is here F E AT U R E S

• Dual 1000w brushless motors • 10 inch all-terrain tyres • 30ah lithium battery (2+ rounds of 18 holes) • Five volt weather-proof USB charger • Ergonomic mono handle • Storage compartment for four balls, a selection of tees and a sand divot pourer • Rear chill box capable of carrying three cans or two bottles of water • Quick release spring seat (cannot be used while moving) • Score card holder • Front drink holder • High wind resistant umbrella • Customised bespoke synthetic grass surface • Smooth ABS braking system • Two LED driving lights

www.golfskatecaddy.com.au

| 1300 55 69 79

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

Douglas Mizzi Palm Meadows Driving Range Gary Sanderson Rod Browning Megan Symington Darren Browning Marcus Breach Geoﬀ Htoon Busselton GC

0433 121 736 07 5594 5494 0424 177 006 0409 469 851 0419 575 000 0423 408 069 0423 204 987 0459 990 819 08 9753 1050

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

Ping G30 Sale BOTH STORES

Number 3 $229 19º Loft Regular Flex Right Includes Cover Hand

$119

LIGHTWEIGHT

$99

EACH

Iron Covers Eagles & Birdies Black Only Fits Right or Left Hand

$35

$59 3 - S.W

Set of 9

Eagles & Birdies Odyssey Jumbo Magnetic Pro Bag Putter Grips

$20

14 Full Length Dividers 6 Magnetic Pockets Putter Pit $349 Cooler Pocket Black/Orange

Black Only

$249

$22 Fitted

Srixon Distance

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

$30

Doz

Individually Boxed

$20

Individually Boxed

Dozen

Callaway X2 Hot

$250

$799

2 PACK

$144 For Both

Irons (6) Graphite Stiff 5 - PW Right Hand

$499

Ladies Only TaylorMade Jetspeed Model Driver 12º Loft Can be adjusted down to 10.5º or up to 13.5º Includes Cover & Wrench

$299

$99

Burner Individually Boxed

Not individually boxed Project (a) Tour Preferred X or Standard

URETHANE COVER TOUR BALL

$15 doz $33 doz $44 doz

3 - 15º Regular or Seniors

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

5 - 18º Regular, Stiff or Lady

$159

7 - 21º Lady Fubuki Shaft Fully Adjustable

Includes Cover & Wrench

Rescue Hybrid Fairway Metalwood Titanium Head Driver

$79 $89 $139

Including covers

Alpha Driver Stiff or Regular Fubuki Shaft 9º Loft Fully Adjustable Cover & Wrench

$259

Callaway X-Hot Pro Model 16º or 18º Hybrid Right Hand 15º 3 Fairway Right or left 13.5º Strong 3 Fairway Right Hand 9.5º Adjustable Driver Right or Left

$149

$79 $79 $79

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

Hex Chrome Plus

$29 doz $29 doz

Wedge

Hex Chrome White or Yellow

$24 doz

Original Model

HX Bite

$18doz

Right Hand Only

Rescue Hybrid Number 5 25º Loft Includes Cover

$179

$69

$89

3 Hybrid 19º Graphite with cover

$89

3 Fairway 15º Graphite with cover

$99

13.5º Loft Easy Driver with cover & wrench

$159

Eagles & Birdies Augusta Bag 3.7kg $299

$199 2015 Model

Left Hand Only Specials

Callaway Big Bertha

Cleveland Classic XL

4 Hybrid 22º Graphite with cover

14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Tube Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket Red/Grey or Black/Orange

$269

Optima TS+ Balls Callaway Hex Balls TaylorMade ATV

TaylorMade ATV HP Wedge Pack 52º Gap and 60º Lob Wedge Right Hand Only

SUPERSEDED model

Doz

Hex Black Tour

$13

Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

TaylorMade Balls Callaway X-Hot (Right Hand Regular) Srixon Z-Star XV 2015 Models Sand Wedge Lightweight Steel Shaft $39

Callaway Big Bertha Fairway Wood

Mens Left - Medium-Large or Large Mens Right - S, M, M-L, L, XL Ladies Left - Large Only Ladies Right - Small, Medium, Large

14 Full Length Dividers

www.thegolffactory.com.au

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

Ping I25 Hybrid Srixon Z-Star or

Srixon Black Gloves All Weather Durable

Cleveland 2.8kg Black Bag

2016 WEBSITE

Callaway Big Bertha 10.5 Regular Driver Cleveland CG-16 Wedges 52°, 54°, 56° & 58° Lofts - some Silver, some Black, Std Bounce Ping G30 19° Hybrid Regular TaylorMade Jetspeed 9.5 Stiff Driver Callaway X-Hot 5 Wood Regular or Seniors Cleveland Smart Square Putter Ping K15 9.5 Stiff Driver TaylorMade ATV 52° Gap Wedge or 56° Sand Wedge Callaway X-Hot Pro 9.5 Stiff Driver Cleveland Classic XL 3 Wood Regular TaylorMade Speedblades Stiff Irons (8) Callaway Mack Daddy 2 60° Lob Wedge Cleveland MT Irons 5 - PW (6) Regular TaylorMade RBZ II 19° Hybrid Regular

$229 $49 EA $129 $129 $79 $79 $129 $69 EA $99 $89 $599 $89 $279 $79

72 Srixon Soft Feel Balls

6 DOZEN FOR

60º Loft KBS Tour Shaft

$79 $129

$72

New (Loose) Balls (not boxed) Current Model Also available in 288 or 144 cartons Brand New Green Number Srixon Soft Feel

TaylorMade Nike Covert 2.0 Driver Burner Soft Balls Stiff Graphite only

Srixon Deluxe Bags - 2015 Models

$17

$189 $239

Adjustable driver Right hand only Includes cover & wrench

Doz

Individually Boxed

TaylorMade Beanie - Black OSFM One Size Fits Most

$30

$16

$369

$220

Cart Full Length Dividers Full Length Rain Cover Putter Holder Cooler Pocket & Hood Black/Red/White or Black/White

Carry with Pop Out Stand Lightweight Black Bag with either White, Yellow, Red or Blue Piping

$109 $169

Srixon 5 Wood

Bridgestone B330 Tour Balls

19º Loft Mens Right Hand Regular Flex Miyazaki Graphite Shaft Z-Star Includes Cover

Urethane Cover RXs Silver Box RX Red Box B330 Black Box for Fast Swing Speeds

$79

$33 $55

Dozen