Inside Golf July 2016

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

Issue 132 // JuLY 2016 www.insidegolf.com.au

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It’s time to get ‘real’ about Slope and indexing Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

I

t’s a common occurrence for many of us when visiting a course: you walk off the 18th after your round thinking “Gosh, that course was a lot easier/harder than the Slope rating suggests.” Or maybe there are a few individual holes at your home club that seem to always play much easier/harder than the index on the scorecard.

You’re not alone. Every month I get countless emails about these sorts of situations. And it’s a significant gripe for many.

But the solution, I believe, is quite simple: Real data.

First, let’s look at Hole Indexing, which ranks a course’s holes from 1-18 based on difficulty.

Hole indexing for a course is determined in a variety of ways.

Traditionally it was a result of the course designer’s or committee’s collective opinion, stating “This hole seems the hardest, or plays the longest, so let’s make it the Number 1 index”, etc. Scorecards were then printed, the numbers etched in stone, and that was that.

The problem with this is that it’s opinion-based, and doesn’t always reflect reality. I know plenty of courses, for example, where the holes rated 1 or 2 feel/play easier than other holes. The reverse is also true – there are holes that may be rated 17 or 18 on the card, but play much harder.

While it seems a minor point, this essentially gives some players an advantage via extra (unnecessary) shots on certain holes, while withholding a needed shot by a middle/lower marker. And while some argue that this will “even out” on the flip side—via a shot given/ lost elsewhere—this isn’t necessarily true, especially in Par comps where an extra shot on an easy hole gives no benefit (unless you want to count a double-plus!)

Traditional indexing also doesn’t

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necessarily take into account how much different a hole plays in summer vs winter, etc, (which is definitely a factor in the southern states). Nor does it reflect the inevitable evolution/change over time to the course itself, advancements in technology, etc.

But the times are changing.

Indexing is slowly shifting to a more statistics-based model, where data is gathered over a certain period of time, and the holes are rated according to how players ACTUALLY score on them.

For clubs that have advanced/ electronic scorekeeping, the analysis of past round data can reveal, for example, the difference a hole plays from red/white/blue/black tees, in summer vs winter, with/against prevailing winds, etc.

There are many courses already doing this—The National in Victoria, and Mandurah in WA are two that spring to mind—which review and adjust the index of holes according to the ‘played-to’ stats.

Golf Australia has published guidelines/recommendations for this sort of process. Unfortunately, many courses/committees stick with the “status quo” and still use the old/ traditional version. (They usually cite reasons like “we don’t have the resources to analyse stats like this”).

But with the tens of thousands of rounds (on average) recorded annually for each club in GolfLink, surely the ‘powers that be’ can wave their magic wands and help these smaller clubs out?

Speaking of the ‘powers that be’... why not expand this process to adjust Slope?

I play many courses across Australia on a regular basis. And one thing I’ve noticed over the last couple of years is that the Slope ratings for many of these courses seem to be out of whack. The problem, I believe, is that the calculations for determining Slope aren’t necessarily relevant to all courses in Australia (our links-style courses play far differently to the pinseeking dartboards in the U.S.). They also don’t generally take real-world statistics into account.

Contributors: Bill Colhoun, Larry Canning, Henry Peters, Denis Dale, Karen Lunn, Brian Thorburn, Richard Nizielski, Steven Jeffress

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I have spoken to many people in the industry, from Course Architects to General Managers to Industry Professionals and the like. And very, very few of them can easily explain the intricacies of Slope without developing a nervous twitch.

In its most simple terms, the Slope rating system determines the level of difficulty of a course for a bogey golfer (versus a scratch golfer). It looks at obstacles/hazards at set distances down the fairway, the course topography, altitude, a ‘psychological factor’, etc. In truth, it’s a complex system that, at the end of the day, still relies on a rater’s opinion/interpretation, on any given day(s) during the visit.

So, instead of relying on an opinion, why don’t we simply look at the realworld stats by golfers who play the course every week?

If we want to compare the difficulty of a course between a “scratch” golfer and a “bogey” golfer, we could, for example, hop into GolfLink and compile the previous twelve month’s worth of rounds from a set group of low markers, and compare the data to an equal number of middle/high markers to determine how much more difficult the course ACTUALLY plays from each set of tees. Stroke/ Medal rounds could be given a higher weighting than Stableford and Par rounds, while the DSRs could also be factored in. You could even look at summer/winter slopes, etc.

I’m not saying that my example above is THE answer. But in this age of statistics, surely there is a better way that what we have?

As always, I welcome your thoughts.

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news

Wild weather batters NSW Clubs

Disaster relief for NSW communities Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Mike Baird last month activated disaster assistance for communities affected by NSW storms.

Assistance is/was being provided through the jointlyfunded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and is designed to help ease the financial burden that communities bear as a result of natural disasters.

BEFORE AND AFTER: One of Strathfield Golf Club’s (previously) renovated teeboxes before and after last month’s crippling storms.

G

olf Clubs across New South Wales copped a beating from Mother Nature last month, following a weekend of wild weather.

A brutal sub-cyclonic east-coast low hammered the eastern part of the state and spared no-one as it tore a path down the coast with 70-80 km/h winds uprooting trees and dumping massive amounts of rain along the way.

In the north of the state, Yamba Golf Club recorded 177mm in about 12 hours. While to the south, Moruya Golf Club recorded about 160mm in almost the same time.

Ocean Shores Country Club on the North Coast copped more than 300mm of rain between Friday night and Saturday morning. The club was used as an evacuation centre on Saturday night, with around 100 evacuees there at one stage.

Over 30 people ended up sleeping at the club for the night.

Mona Vale Golf Club was completely flooded by Sunday morning after 265mm fell in around 24 hours.

“I’ve been here for 14 years and it’s the highest I’ve seen the water level,” Mona Vale Golf Club General Manager Andy Hugill said. “You could row a boat from the 17th to the 9th.”

Georges River broke its banks on Sunday night, forcing even more water on to the already inundated course.

“No-one I’ve talked to has seen an event like it, unbelievable,” Club General Manager Jason Kitchingham said.

Wollongong Golf Club resembled a giant lake after in excess of 150mm of rain fell in 24 hours. The club’s biggest concern was the huge surf whipped up by the storm that continued to pound the coast, causing land erosion.

“It was a couple of full-on days of wind and rain, the course was pretty well under water,” Wollongong Golf Club Operations Manager Doug Sweeney said.

Stuart Fraser, CEO of Golf NSW, urged storm affected clubs across the State to seek assistance if their needs qualified.

“We recognise that many clubs have suffered considerable damage as a result of the torrential rain and subsequent inundation,” Fraser said.

Across Sydney the story was the same, with the deluge causing flooding and evacuations.

“While they may have some type of insurance or could possibly qualify for State grants to assist with rectification of damage, the NSW Golf Foundation may also be able to assist.

Liverpool Golf Club in South-West Sydney remained underwater and without power following the weekend.

Bankstown Golf Club, too, remained underwater after 270mm of rain fell on it in 24 hours. Worse still for the club, the

“The charter of the NSW Golf Foundation provides for these situations and while the resources of the Foundation are limited, any club that feels they may qualify can go to the Golf NSW website for further information.” •

Assistance is now available in the 37 local government areas of Bega, Blacktown, Byron, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, City of Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Eurobodalla, Fairfield, Hornsby, Inner West, Kiama, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Lismore, Liverpool, Maitland, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Randwick, Ryde, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, The Hills, Tweed, Waverley, Willoughby, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, Wollongong and Woollahra.

This assistance includes assistance to help eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged, and who meet an assets and income test; Assistance to help councils in the affected local government areas with the costs associated with cleaning up and restoring damaged public assets; Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit organisations; freight subsidies for primary producers; and Grants to not-for-profit organisations.

Premier Baird said this was the first tranche of natural disaster declarations and the NSW Government was working with other affected councils to identify impacts and make more declarations where appropriate.

“This assistance package will provide a much needed helping hand to affected families and businesses and also ensure funding is available to help local councils clean up and restore damaged infrastructure.”

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444. To apply for a concessional loan, grant or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

Information on this disaster assistance is available at disasterassist.gov.au and emergency.nsw.gov.au.

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news

Blizard wins rain-shortened Lanhai Open

A

ustralia’s Rohan Blizard had just hit his opening tee shot in the final round of PGA Tour China’s Lanhai Open when officials blew the horn halting play due to heavy rains and unplayable conditions. While the rain eventually subsided enough to get players back on the course for a short time, the rain soon returned, forcing officials to cancel the final round, giving Blizard, the 54-hole leader, the title.

Jeffress claims mining town series win INSIDE Golf columnist Steven Jeffress notched up his first win on the 2016 PGA Pro-Am Series Sunshine Swing last month, taking out the Onsite Rental Group Mining Town Series.

“Our intention is to always play 72 holes,” explained Ping An Bank China Tour – PGA TOUR China Series Executive Director Greg Carlson. “Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate today, and that much water in such a short period of time made it impossible to finish the final round. Lanhai International drains very well, but the consistent showers that started early and didn’t let up left parts of the course unplayable.”

Although failing to win any of the six individual Pro-Ams that make up the Mining Town Series, Jeffress wasn’t fazed heading into the final round at Moranbah. Jeffress completed the series with a four-under-par 68, to amass an 11-round total of 36 under par, holding off a fast-finishing Paul Hayden by one shot.

The fourth, sixth and 16th greens were especially problematic. Officials had hoped for a window where the rain would let up in the afternoon, giving half the field a chance to finish its round and opening the door for a Monday finish. But the rain continued to fall, and by 6 p.m., it was still coming down.

“The past two weeks have been a lot of fun. It has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride with my form, but it has been great to see what impact these events have for the people that live within the communities of the Mining Towns,” said Jeffress.

“The course was too saturated and just couldn’t hold any more water,” Carlson added. “When we called the end of play at 2:40 p.m., there was no choice but to cancel the fourth round and revert back to the third-round scores, making it a 54hole, official event.”

With the victory, Blizard moved into third on the Order of Merit, while it also gave the 32-year-old a boost in confidence moving forward.

It was a slow start to the series for Jeffress, who had previously played only one event in the Mining Towns region prior to this year’s series.

Rohan Blizard (Photo courtesy of PGA Tour China) “It’s a different feeling winning without having to play a final round,” said Blizard. “To me it hasn’t sunk in yet because I’ve only played three rounds.

But I’ll definitely take the win and feel good about it.”

“I was close [to winning] a couple of times last year, so it’s definitely nice to get it off my back, to win pretty early in the year. We still have more than half the season to play, so hopefully I’ll be able

to get into contention again during the second part of the year,” he added.

“I would definitely like to get another win out here, especially over 72 holes.

I think (Zecheng) Dou is playing especially well at the moment. He’s won twice already and now finished in the top five in three of his four tournaments.

He’s definitely going to be tough to catch throughout the rest of the season,” Blizard said. •

“There is a real art in playing well on these courses and something that I have really had to learn over the past two weeks.”

There is more to the Onsite Rental Group Mining Town Series than just playing golf, with the 35 professionals assisting with sponsor days, junior clinics and shootouts. The series is a great promotion of golf in regional Queensland and gives enjoyment to communities that have otherwise been struggling through the mining down turn.

The Sunshine Swing forms part of the PGA Pro-Am Series which comprises of 200 events Australia wide.

www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

7

news

Aussies fourth in Amateur World Cup

Lights, camera action at Yeppoon – be there THREE cheers for Yeppoon Golf Club for putting on a $70,000 golf tournament at a time when attracting sponsorship, especially in Central Queensland, is difficult.

Later this month (July 27-30), the club will host the JRT/ TAG Yeppoon Golf Classic for professionals and amateurs.

Tournament organiser and Yeppoon Golf Club professional Graham “Shep” Sheppard said the event was a coup for the region.

“It’s going to be four days of socialising and networking opportunities for everyone involved,” he said.

“With the downturn in the mining industry the economic climate has been tight, but we have been well supported by sponsors and are able to run a $70,000 tournament.

“It’s the biggest corporate event in Central Queensland.

“We are expecting 80 professionals including 10 women professionals, which is something different this year.

TEAM EFFORT: Representing Australia at the Amateur Golf World Cup were Jans Jebbink, Steve Rowley, Scott Wagstaff and Aaron Muirhead.

A

USTRALIA was always playing catch-up after a slow start at the 54-hole Amateur Golf World Cup played at Sheraton Deva in New Caledonia.

Nudgee Golf Club general manager Aaron Muirhead and board member Steve Rowley along with Carbrook Golf Club general manager Scott Wagstaff and board member Hans Jebbink made it to the championship after finishing winners and runners-up respectively at GMA (Queensland Division) qualifying event at Nudgee GC in Brisbane.

The team from Nudgee, Muirhead and Rowley, represented Australia in the major World Cup while the Carbrook Golf Club’s team, Wagstaff and Jebbink, played in the Invitational Event.

Ten countries – the USA, New Zealand, Mexico, Sweden, Japan, Italy, France, Spain, New Caledonia and Australia – took part in the Cup. The format included two practice rounds and three competition rounds – a two-ball event followed by two stableford rounds.

On day one, Rowley and Muirhead, playing alongside a strong Swedish team, finished the day in seventh position.

However, on day two, the Australian team spirit was much

better as they climbed two spots on the leaderboard after solid rounds by both Rowley and Muirhead.

On day three, the Aussies fired early, moving up to third place just ahead of France after nine holes but, alas, Rowley and Muirhead didn’t finish as strongly as they would have liked.

In the end, they finished fourth.

Japan won the World Cup with a score of 354 followed by New Caledonia (318), France (311), Australia (303), Mexico (303), Spain (295), Sweden (285), the USA (259), (New Zealand (248) and Italy (199).

“We are really pleased with our effort in finishing in fourth even though we would have like to be on the podium,” Muirhead lamented.

“I would really like to thank the organisers and the participants for making this a memorable event.”

Meanwhile, Scott Wagstaff played excellent golf over 36 holes to win the second round Invitational Event.

“I managed to put two good rounds together on a course where it was imperative to hit the fairway,” he said.

“The rough and fescue was really unforgiving but the course was a pleasure to play overall.” •

Lakelands Golf Club

“They will go head-to-head with the men and there’s a $5000 bonus for the women pros.

For the 300 amateurs, who will play a single stableford over four days, there is $7000 worth of prizes up for grabs as well as long drive and nearest the pin opportunities.

Lunch will be provided daily for the morning and afternoon fields.

Sheppard said numerous social functions would be associated with the event.

“These events are designed to allow participants, professionals, sponsors and partners to network and socialise throughout the championship,” he said.

“The championship concludes with a gala presentation dinner.”

“Shep” said the traditional 18-hole tree-lined layout would test the players.

“The golf course is in excellent condition and the greens are immaculate,” he said.

“I expect the winning score for the professionals to be between 15- and 18-under-par.

“The golf course is not overly long, but you have to hit it in the right places.”

More: (07) 4939-3664 or email proshop@ golfandevents.com.au

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Yering Meadows secures new owners

Legends to descend on Fiji The E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour will descend on Fiji in October for the Fiji Senior Championship and bring some of the Pacific’s best senior Professionals to Fiji’s shores.

The tournament, which is now in its second year, will be held in the week following the Fiji International at Natadola Bay and presents a great opportunity to enjoy two weeks of outstanding golf at one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

The 54-hole tournament, held from the 11 – 13 October, will see Professionals play the first round at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course with the following two rounds at Denarau Golf Course.

T

he Yering Meadows Golf Course in Melbourne’s famed Yarra Valley announced recently that it has successfully negotiated a competitive sale of its properties and will retain existing management.

After a 12-month sale process, the Yering Meadows management team was presented with an offer from new owner Yering Properties Pty Ltd, a company established for the purpose of acquiring the property. The principal of Yering Properties is Ms Ye Ling an Australian citizen and resident who along with her husband Mr Jiang Gou Liang are property investors and managers in Australia.

Yering Meadows General Manger David Sanders welcomed the new owners and said the transaction would bring a revitalised energy to the club and the property.

“The Club has endured a difficult 18 months, but we have now secured a mutually beneficial deal that will invigorate the club, clear debt and provide certainty of tenure. This fresh investment will see some progressive upgrades to our facilities and provide premium golfing experiences to our existing and new members,” Mr Sanders said.

Yering Properties spokesperson, Mr Russ Powell confirmed

that the initial plans for the property will include a range of accommodation options along with enhanced conference facilities. Additionally, consideration for a chapel and a spa are expected to form part of a master development plan for the property.

An inspiring field is set to impress the Pacific nation including defending champion Mike Harwood who will be just one of a number of Legend Professionals who will tee it up in the Senior Open.

Harwood has had a fantastic 12 months on the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour and from 23 starts this season has secured 10 top-5 finishes, including two victories.

Under the new investment, the existing Yering Meadows homestead will also be fully restored. Future development of the property will be undertaken in conjunction with the Club, its members and the local authorities and will respond to the continuing demand for such facilities in the Yarra Valley.

Krishna Singh, the brother of Major champion Vijay, has been instrumental in getting the Fiji Senior Championship up and running thanks to the support from his major sponsor, Vuksich & Borich. This year’s prize purse has also been bolstered to AU$50,000.

“This milestone transaction has allowed us to retain full management and operational control and will result in significant benefits for our members and stakeholders. We look forward to continuing to bring the best of the golfing world to the Yarra Valley and its growing reputation as a destination of choice for visitors,” Mr Sanders said.

Amateur packages are available and information can be found on the event overview page at www.pga.org.au.

PGA Professional Richard Ellis from Pacific Golf is the tournament promoter and can also assist with amateur package information.

Yering Meadows is located 45 minutes from Melbourne.

The 27-hole Ross Watson-designed course and clubhouse commands uninterrupted views of the Yarra Valley providing a range of premium guest amenities and experiences. www.yeringmeadows.com.au

The PGA of Australia welcomes new events on the E-ZGO PGA Legends Tour. Golf Clubs who are interested in running an E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour can contact Andy Rogers on 03 8320 1992 or arogers@pga.org.au for further information.

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IG BUSINESS

Ballarat’s Mt Xavier powers ahead

PROMOTIONS

Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

F

or the biggest metropolitan golf clubs around Australia, purchasing a brand-new mower is not even a blip on the radar. But at Mt Xavier Golf and Bowling Club in Ballarat, a brand-new mower is a symbol of survival. In late April, Mt Xavier unleashed a new Toro Australia greens mower valued at a tick under $40,000. Perhaps more significant than the purchase is the fact that Mt Xavier had previously never bought a brand-new piece of machinery in its history, which dates back to 1949.

“We were looking at getting another second-hand greens mower and chose to go down the track of a brand-new one,” Mt Xavier manager Stephen Jones said. According to Jones, the club had been using the same second-hand greens mower since the late 1980s.

“Early 2000s, there was some discussion whether the course would continue on or close down and amalgamate with one of the other clubs around Ballarat and, at the time, the committee chose to fight on and I suppose we’ve made a few improvements,” Jones remarked.

Jones - a former City of Ballarat Mayor - said the expansion of Mt Xavier’s golf cart fleet within the last six years has been instrumental in funding the club’s groundbreaking acquisition of a new mower. “We’re averaging a couple of hundred, at least, hires a month over a 12-month

FAIRWAYS

period and it’s really kicked our club on. Having the right equipment has, I suppose, enabled us to present our course in a better condition.”

Mt Xavier is also lobbying for $1.5 million from state and local government in accordance with the City of Ballarat’s Draft Lawn Bowls Strategy released in June 2015. The Draft Lawn Bowls Strategy calls for the club, local council and Victorian Government body, Sport and Recreation Victoria, to put up a total of $1.5 million for new clubrooms and a brand-new lawn bowling green.

Sport and Recreation Victoria said any funding for Mt Xavier could potentially fall under the Victorian Government’s $100 million Community Sports Infrastructure Fund but only once a master plan with recommendations had been submitted by either Mt Xavier, City of Ballarat or both.

Jones is optimistic Mt Xavier will secure the funding.

“We’re really looking forward to this strategy coming to fruition. It’s earmarked for 2020 that this will all take place. We’re pushing for it to happen before that if it possibly can, just for the simple fact our clubhouse needs upgrading. Our toilets have been the same ever since the inception of the club.”

“The total cost of the refurbishment was around $15,000, which entailed painting, carpeting and window coverings,” said Korumburra men’s captain, handicapper and life member Chris Clements.

The upgrades - which are the most major renovations to the clubhouse this century - have also enhanced the sweeping views from the clubhouse balcony to Korumburra’s township, Leongatha and further afield to Wilsons Promontory.

“We have made the most of this with extensive glass, basically two walls of windows and sliding doors leading out on to the balcony,” Clements said. “Previously, we had lined curtains. These were okay for protecting the interior when they were closed but then we had no views. The refurbishment has made a huge difference to the ambiance of the clubhouse and will hopefully

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Mt Xavier is also planning to install new irrigation, but has no timetable for when it could be affordable.

“We’ve had a couple of quotes and it’s just something that we can’t do at the minute but we’re looking out for government grants and trying to find alternate water supplies, if you like, other than out of Central Highlands Water. We’ve got a bore at the minute that’s not capable of supplying what we want for our tees and greens.”

“It’s probably one of the better courses in Ballarat during the winter, we don’t get flooded, but in the summer, the ground gets like concrete.” •

Korumburra gets clubrooms boost Victoria’s Korumburra Golf Club is aiming to increase sixfold the number of functions it hosts after a rare splurge of money to upgrade its clubrooms.

*

result in increased bookings for weddings, 21st celebrations and other group functions.”

to [Wilson’s] Prom. The hills are always green, even when it’s dry and brown.”

The club - a short drive west of Leongatha, in the South Gippsland Shire - has close to 250 members and a dedicated cohort of local volunteers.

Clements and his wife, Lee, have been volunteering at the club since the 1970s.

“The whole lounge area was completely repainted for minimal cost with paint kindly donated by one of our sponsors,” he said.

“The labour was carried out by a large group of club members on a volunteer basis. We do have commercial painters in the club who oversaw the operation. The entire lounge and foyer were completely re-carpeted, and this, together with the repaint, gave the clubhouse a real lift.”

“It’s a happy little club,” remarked Lee Clements, who has won Korumburra’s last seven women’s club championships in succession.

“We see over our 10th hole through

Lee is also the women’s handicapper, a previous women’s captain and said the focus on functions at the club had waned to the point that Korumburra was not hosting more than two per year.

“In the past, they probably used to have double that,” Lee said. “One [function] every second month would be fine, or every month really.

It’s a big room, it can seat about 150.”

Lee said the golf course has always assumed the club’s top priority spending while covering the cost of wages for the course superintendent, apprentice and bar staff had also delayed improvement to the clubhouse.

“Money is spent on the course first. There’s always new machinery when we need it. [We’ve] remodeled a couple of holes, line planted Santa Ana [fairways]. There’s a good volunteer base who help the fulltime curator and his apprentice.”

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IG BUSINESS Noosa Springs honoured by world’s biggest travel site NOOSA Springs Golf & Spa Resort has been selected for the 2016 Certificate of Excellence, reflecting the consistently excellent reviews it has earned on the world’s largest travel website, TripAdvisor.

The achievement recognises hospitality businesses that have earned great travel reviews on TripAdvisor over the past 12 months.

Noosa Springs executive general manager Mark Brady said he was thrilled Noosa Springs had been honoured by TripAdvisor.

“It’s really rewarding to be recognised by the people who matter most – our customers, patrons and guests,” Mr Brady said.

“It’s a recognition of our staff and the way they operate,” he said. “We pride ourselves on the quality of our facilities and the level of service we provide.”

To qualify for a Certification of Excellence, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort has been widely recognised for the quality of its facilities.

Its championship golf course has been rated in the top 20 resort courses in Australia, and in the top 25 public access courses.

Its restaurants and convention facilities have consistently won awards for catering and dining, and the spa is rated one of the best in Queensland.

Flexible solution to attract, retain golfers

Trainees champ spurred on by star jockey

GOLF management software developer MiClub recently launched Lifestyle Membership, an innovative, points-based membership module designed to give clubs the flexibility needed to adapt to today’s changing golf market.

With many players hesitant or unable to commit to the time or fee structures offered through traditional membership, the golf market is facing significant challenges.

Clubs are under pressure to attract and retain members who may not fit standard memberships.

Lifestyle Membership is a new membership category within the MiClub Golf product. A new member in this category is provided with a specified number of points.

Each time a Lifestyle Member books a tee time, points are deducted from the member’s account.

“This module will appeal to members who need to fit golf in around their lifestyles and may be unable to commit to play on a regular basis,” MiClub managing director Peter Maddison said.

“It will suit players with family commitments like children’s sport activities or those who have to work out of town frequently or for long periods of time.”

MiClub Lifestyle Membership module fully administers points deduction, refunds and top-ups automatically within MiClub golf time sheets.

Clubs can utilise the module in many ways, as an addition or a replacement of existing membership categories. They can create bundles, special offers, expiry dates and more.

Lifestyle or points membership is already an established and successful membership strategy in the UK. “Our market research has already shown us that Lifestyle Membership will be widely adopted, the feedback has been very positive with seven clubs pre-ordering already,” Maddison said.

“Lifestyle membership has the potential to have a significantly positive financial impact for Australian golf clubs.”

FOOTNOTE: MiClub, a specialist developer of golf management software, is a Perth-based company with offices in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

PRO-AM playing partners are rarely credited with helping to inspire a tournament win by pros, but Robbie Hogan didn’t hold back after he bolted away with the $41,000 Car Net Auctions NSW/ACT Trainee Championship at Riverside Oaks last month.

Hogan, a 20-year-old, second-year PGA Trainee with John Lewis at Toukley Golf Club on the NSW Central Coast, thought it was “awesome” when world-famous Melbourne-Cup-winning jockey Jim Cassidy offered to caddy for him in the tournament after the pair had enjoyed a fun day in the pro-am.

And Cassidy’s world-renowned ability to pick a winning mount and get them first past the post paid off big-time for Hogan, who said the vibes from the champion jockey’s constantly positive thinking gave him a terrific outlook all week.

That winning feeling came to the fore in the third round of the 72-hole event when Hogan shot a seven-under-par 65 on the testing Bungool course to join the leaders.

The 65, combined with opening efforts of 73 and 75, allowed Hogan to gallop to a three-shot win with a final 71 for a four under par total of 284.

It was a breakthrough win for Hogan, who has been a regular high finisher in the weekly trainee events and had two top-10 scores earlier this year at the big Rich River and the Victorian Trainees championships.

Hogan’s next title goal is the Inside Golf $2500 NSW-ACT Trainees Matchplay Championship, an event he did well in last year, winning two matches. He is planning to test his accuracy-based game when he finishes his traineeship next year on the Asian circuit.

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IG BUSINESS

Kooralbyn is back in business

T

HE greens are “coming along nicely”, the bunkers rejuvenated with bonewhite sand, the watering system is in place and now all attention is on returning the rest of the course to its former glory.

After lying dormant for many years, much to the disappointment of professional and amateur golfers alike, Kooralbyn Valley Golf Club reopened last month when it held its famous Copperhead Challenge played off the back tees.

Head professional John Tolhurst said the club was happy with the attention it received from a field that included a number of professionals including two-time Australian PGA champion Randall Vines.

“We didn’t have a big field, but it was a good day and many players said the golf course was better than they thought it would be,” he said.

“Everyone was pleased to see Kooralbyn reopen. The golf course is coming along nicely, but there is still a lot of work to do to bring it back to its pristine best.”

For those who have forgotten, Kooralbyn Valley golf course is a tough challenge off the back tees. It also has one of the very best layouts on the country and once ranked inside the top-25 courses in the country.

“Golfers of all levels loved coming here to play in the Copperhead Challenge every Thursday because it gave them an opportunity to challenge themselves to

The picturesque and challenging par-3 17th hole at Kooralbyn Valley is a game changer. break their handicap and win a dozen golf balls,” Tolhurst said.

In the first Copperhead Challenge last month, Kooralbyn pro shop assistant Nick Hughes, who plays off scratch, won the day with a 79 off the stick (nett 79).

“That’s how tough it was on the day, but that’s the challenge and what it’s about and why the event and golf course is so popular,” Tolhurst said.

“The Copperhead Challenge always attracted big fields because golfers want to challenge themselves. The same will happen again and people will come back.”

Off the blue tees the course stretches to 6393m, but off the white tees it’s 328m shorter at 6065m.

There’s also a red tee box for men and women (5582m). For the men it’s a par-70 and for women a par-74. The yellow tees (4758, par-70) are mainly for social players and beginners.

“Kooralbyn Valley caters for all levels of golfers,” Tolhurst said. “And they can choose to play off tee blocks that suit their ability.”

The refurbished hotel, which has 103 rooms, is open to play-and-stay guests with some attractive packages on offer. •

Experience tells at Yanchep Golf Estate Pro Am Michael Long won the 2016 Yanchep Golf Estate Sun City Pro-Am recently, topping a strong field of 39 professionals to take the title.

Long, 47, finished with a six-under-thecard 66, to win by one stroke from Daniel Fox on five-under 67.

WA’s Braden Becker and Victorian Tim Elliot finished tied for third, one stroke further back.

Long continued his winning form, having won the Victorian Open in February this year.

“I’m happy with the golf I’m playing in this Pro-Am swing,” Long said.

“I haven’t played this course for about 10 years and it’s a lot better than I remember it, with the changes to the layout,” he said.

Long’s 66 fell one stroke short of beating the course record of 65, set at last year’s ProAm by Busselton’s Brody Ninyette.

The professionals were joined by 78 amateurs for an assisted ambrose competition. The winning team comprised Greg Bryant, Ben Nichols and Rhys Britton, on nett 56.7.

“It was a great day,” said Bryant. “It’s great to get a chance to see up close how the pros do it. Just their course management is something to watch. Where we all reach for the driver, they’ll play an iron for position.”

It is the fifth year in a row that Yanchep Golf Estate, Peet Limited’s residential community neighbouring the course, has supported the event which is one of the most popular on the PGA’s May swing of Pro-Ams in WA. More: www.yanchepgolfestate.com.au.

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IG BUSINESS - general managers

From office junior to GM membership challenges, although the club is currently “bucking the trend”. david@insidegolf.com.au “When it comes to membership, obtaining and retaining them is always a key focus, but we are doing well in this area and our financial E have all heard the stories about the position is tracking along nicely,” Ms Purnell warehouse worker or cleaner who said. rose to become company CEO. “Our membership and social green fees have Well, Mt Coolum Golf Club general manager contributed to that.

Sharon Purnell had a similar path to the top.

“We have a working membership group She gained success by starting as an office whose aim is to retain members. junior and working her way up the ranks to general manager through hard work, self“I have been to a lot of GMA (Golf education and learning on the job.

Management Australia) conferences and membership is always a key topic. Another “I started working at Headland Golf Club priority is getting women and kids into golf.” when I was 17,” Ms Purnell told Inside Golf.

Well known in the industry, Ms Purnell has a “I went there straight from school and good rapport with other golf club managers. progressed from reception to office assistant and then assistant secretary manager.

“We all have a lot of respect for each other,” said Ms Purnell, who has been on the GMAQ “I spent 17-and-a-half years at Headland and executive committee for the past nine years. then went to Caloundra Golf Club as general manager.”

And when it comes to her work, “diversity” is the main attraction.

She spent four-and-a-half years at Caloundra before taking on the GM’s role at Mt Coolum “What I love about my job is every day is eight years ago. different,” she said.

“I have been in the golf industry for 30 years – For the record, Mt Coolum Golf Club has 14 it’s the only thing I know,” she said. staff, 800 members of which 600 are playing members.

“I’m grateful Caloundra Golf Club gave me the opportunity to be the club’s general Currently, Ms Purnell, who described manager. They took a punt on me and it’s a her management style as “firm but fair”, is good club.” working with the club’s board on a possible development that will allow the club to Ms Purnell, who has a diploma in club expand and grow. management, says she relishes working in the golf industry.

“We lease a parcel of land and have submitted plans to the council requesting it “It has its challenges and it can be a tough be rezoned,” she explained. gig sometimes, but it’s a good industry and I have met a lot of people and made a lot of “If approved, it would give us a new friendships.” clubhouse, new holes and a proper practice InsideGolfAd_PTSEvolution.pdf 1 4/6/15 4:05 PM area.

Like most clubs, Mt Coolum has had its

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Sharon Purnell

“It’s very exciting and if it goes through it would be just what Mt Coolum needs.

The good thing is the majority of members support it.”

For Ms Purnell, it’s just another challenge and one she enjoys.

“Sometimes people say ‘you’ve got the best job in the world’ and ‘you must play golf all the time’.

“They don’t understand what it takes to run a club. There’s always pressure to find new revenue streams.

“There are different legislations and acts you need to abide by, health and safety issues, environmental issues, water issues, interacting with members or I might be working on a big charity day and need to help the pro shop staff with that.”

A tidy golfer, Ms Purnell plays off a 17 handicap.

Mind you, a recent knee operation has limited her time on the fairways but she is back playing again.

“I do love playing golf and try to play once a week,” she said. “I also love to travel and have been on a couple of golf tours to Thailand and Tasmania.

“I am hoping to get a group of friends together to go to Vietnam to play golf.”

Away from the stress of running a golf club, Ms Purnell enjoys yoga, going to the movies, hanging out with friends and cooking.

“I do like cooking, especially pasta, but I won’t be on MasterChef any time soon,” she laughed.

I ask Ms Purnell what occupation she might have chosen had she not joined the golf industry 30 years ago.

“I was always interested in sport so maybe I would have gone into sports journalism,” she revealed.

Well, had you decided to go down that path you would have people saying what they are already suggesting, “Sharon, you have the best job in the world”.

And they’d be right. •

IG BUSINESS - general managers

July news from Golf Management Australia Aaron Muirhead National Director, Golf Management Australia

GMA Conference 2017 Preparation for the GMA National Conference, to be held from Monday 9th October to Thursday 12th October 2017 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, is proceeding, with the accommodation venue to be the InterContinental Hotel conveniently located adjacent to the Convention Centre. This conference will have a very different look and feel than recent conferences, so it will be definitely not one to miss.

Golf Participation The official 2015 Golf Australia Participation report is due to be released this month and it is anticipated that the report will be a good news story for golf. Initial observations show that competition rounds have increased by 1.9% nationally. The report will detail that memberships have declined nationally by 0.5%, however, Queensland has remained solid with 0.0% or no change.

The Metropolitan market for memberships grew nationally by 0.6% and regional market declined 1.3%. The full report will detail many other aspects regarding the state of our industry.

GMA Membership Golf Management Australia’s mission is “to represent Golf Club Management in Australia and through State Associations, provide professional development and support for members.” GMA enjoys strong working relationships with Golf Australia (GA) and the PGA and is a member of the Australian Golf Industry Council. The advent and use of the GMA Benchmarking Tool has equipped general managers to use this business intelligence as a resource of real industry data over opinion. Now regarded as the primary benchmarking tool for the Australian Golf Club Industry reports including the participation report, published annually

by Golf Australia, references data from the tool that accurately reflects the state of the industry.

Always a matter of concern is the level of turnover that occurs at management level throughout the golf industry. One of the most significant aspects of membership of GMA is the opportunity to network with peers throughout the country and often new members attest to the support they have experienced having joined GMA by being able to reach out to fellow managers. If you are a Golf Club Manager and are interested in joining GMA, please contact our Executive Officer, John Stamp on 0418 395 140 or via email eo@gma.org.au •

Meredith new GM for Callaway

Golf Business Forum event program available

allaway has announced an important new senior management role to oversee its continued growth in the South Pacific markets, with the appointment of golf industry expert, Matt Meredith, as General Manager.

The program for Australia’s largest ever gathering of golf facility owners, operators, industry leaders and business partners – Golf Business Forum 2016 – has been released.

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Matt, previously CEO of Sporte Leisure Australia, is a well-known and trusted figure within the golf industry and will lead the further development and growth of the Callaway and Odyssey brands in this strategically important region.

Commenting on the appointment, Neil Howie, President and Managing Director of Callaway EMEA, said: “In Matt, we have someone that possesses both a deep understanding of the global golf business and a clear vision for the Callaway and Odyssey brands.

“We have some exciting times ahead, and under Matt’s leadership, I am confident we will

undoubtedly reinforce the growing popularity of Callaway and Odyssey products among consumers and within the highest echelons of the game.”

Matt has a true passion for the game, playing his golf in Australia’s sandbelt region.

Professionally, he holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication and is currently undertaking an MBA at the Australian Institute of Business.

Matt commented: “I take up this new position at a perfect time, when both the Callaway and Odyssey brands are enjoying huge global momentum with both consumers and on the global professional tours.

“I recognise that Callaway has a fantastic business opportunity in the South Pacific Region and I have a great team around me to realise this. I can’t wait to get cracking…” www.callawaygolf.com.au

With keynotes from the CEOs of the world’s largest golf course owners’ associations, together with content-experts, successful operators, industry leaders and business partners from across Australia, the line-up is unmissable for anyone involved in the business of golf.

The two-day event is being held at the Melbourne Park Function Centre on 25-26 July 2016. The inaugural event has already attracted many registrations from around Australia representing a diverse range of golf businesses – including public golf courses, driving ranges, member-based clubs, golf facility management companies,

PGA professionals, local governments and state golf associations.

“We have been delighted with the industry response to registering for the Golf Business Forum 2016,” said event organiser Andrew Davies. “There is clear interest in the idea of driving golf business performance as well as tackling some of the challenges facing the wider industry.”

The Forum will also assist various industry stakeholders to improve their understanding of, and engagement with, the public golfer.

“The public golfer is the largest golfer population as it represents around two thirds of Australia’s 1.2 million active golfers,” Davies adds. “It’s time to bring everyone together to uncover the many opportunities that these golfers represent.”

More: www.golfbusinessforum.com.au

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IG BUSINESS – CEOs

Moving golf into the 21st century Karen Lunn CEO – ALPG

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hen news filtered through from The R&A Headquarters at St Andrews that Muirfield Golf Club would be removed from the roster to host The Open Championship for failing to allow women members, golfers and golf fans across the globe were divided in their opinions.

To admit women golfers as members, Muirfield—a privatelyowned links an hour outside the city of Edinburgh—needed twothirds of voters to back the move, which unfortunately fell short, with 64% voting for the resolution and 36% against it.

Personally I applaud the R&A for their actions. Beginning with their own decision to admit women members in 2014 they sent out a strong message that golf needs to get out of the dark ages and move into the 21st century. The recent announcement that The R&A and The Ladies Golf Union would amalgamate from 1st January 2017 is further proof that the powers that be realise the gender issues and barriers that women involved in the game of golf have had to face are no longer acceptable.

Many have expressed the opinion that if a majority of Muirfield’s members choose not to have women members at their club, they have every right to do so and that if any private club chooses to be ’men only’ or ‘women only’ then that is no-one else’s business.

What the R&A have done is to say “ok, that’s fine, but a club who chooses to run their business in this fashion will not be eligible to host The Open Championship in this modern era.” I would hope the same decision would be reached if a club which excluded male members wanted to host the Ricoh Women’s British Open!

During my playing career I spent a lot of time in the UK practicing and playing, and for an 18-yearold from a small country town in NSW, dealing with some of the archaic rules and regulations enforced by some clubs just blew me away.

Being told off on one of my first visits to practice that it was not acceptable to change one’s shoes in the car park, that golf wear is not acceptable in the clubhouse, that women were not allowed into the main bar and certain other areas that of the clubhouse were men only, etc, made me realise how lucky I had been to grow up where I did. These types of outof-date rules are hardly going to encourage women and girls to give golf a go.

In terms of participation, golf’s image as an upper class, stuffy, intimidating and oldfashioned sport continues to be a big issue across the globe and unfortunately here in Australia as well. Recent research has shown that the image of golf is one of the barriers that continues to discourage people from playing golf, especially women and girls.

Unfortunately, and embarrassingly there are still a few clubs in Australia who are stuck in the 1950s. Hopefully we will start to see these clubs gradually moving with the times and see a trend where the clubs which are most progressive, inclusive and open minded will be the ones who emerge as the most successful.

In Australia in recent years there has been a real push for inclusiveness and gender equity in the world of sport.

From my perspective, firstly as a player for almost 30 years and now an administrator, it is fantastic to see that attitudes are finally changing.

The game of Golf has a long and rich history. Let’s hope that its traditions don’t result in golf being left in the rear view mirror of the rest of the sporting world!

PGA Professionals a cut above Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

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ustralian PGA Professionals are considered some of the best in the world and can be found servicing the game worldwide.

When engaging a PGA Professional, your business and your club members benefit. Their advanced knowledge and skill, gained through rigorous industry training, education, game development, coaching and golf operations experience brings a high level of expertise and passion to the industry.

When Hank Haney, one of the world’s foremost authorities on the game of golf, and the man who guided Tiger Woods to 31 PGA TOUR titles and six Majors, addressed PGA Professionals two years ago he was full of praise for the quality of PGA Professionals being produced in Australia.

PGA Professionals can be found working in various roles including Head Professionals, Club Managers, Assistant Professionals, Teaching Professionals and Retail Assistants.

PGA Professionals have access to the most up-to-date training and education through the PGA to ensure they maintain the highest standard of industry knowledge. Every club, facility and golfer can benefit from working with a PGA Professional.

By employing a PGA Professional, clubs and facilities have access to a range of services and benefits, including Education and training, Events and programs, Marketing, media and licensed products, Business support, Supplier offers and discounts and Governance.

“I’ve said it before, no PGA does teaching better than the Australian PGA, they just have a lot of great teachers and the results keep coming,” Haney said at the time.

PGA Professionals continue to develop their career skills via the PGA’s ACE Program where they can specialise in Coaching, Game Development, Small Business and Management. Other professional development opportunities also exist for PGA Professionals to advance their industry knowledge through networking events and industry conferences.

The PGA of Australia is committed to promoting the high value and skills of a PGA Professional; believing they should be the first point of call for golf coaching, game development and retail management in the Australian golf industry. Involved across all areas of the industry,

If you would like to know more about employing a PGA Professional at your club or facility, please contact a PGA Member Services Coordinator in your state or contact the PGA of Australia National Office directly on 03 8320 1911 or info@pga.org.au.

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OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW The A to Z of Royal Troon Here is Inside Golf’s A to Z guide to the 138-year-old club and course ahead of The Open.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

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OR the ninth time in 93 years, the Open Championship returns to Royal Troon Golf Club from July 14-17.

Founded in 1878, Royal Troon is renowned as one of the greatest links courses.

The Old Course represents a stern golfing examination and, in particular, the inward half of Royal Troon is widely accepted as the most demanding of any golf course on the championship rota.

A is for Americans. The Yanks have a good record at Royal Troon having won the last six of the eight Open championships there.

They are Arnold Palmer (1962), Tom Weiskopf (’76), Tom Watson (’82), Mark Calcavecchia (’89), Justin Leonard (’97) and Todd Hamilton (2004). See E and L for other winners.

B is for bunkers. There are 94 bunkers on the course – 58 on the front nine, including 11 on the second hole, and 36 on the back nine.

Holes 10 and 13 don’t have any bunkers.

C is for Claret Jug. The trophy is 512mm tall and weights 2.45kgs. Many Open champions drink from the Jug. Ian BakerFinch, who won the Open at Royal Birkdale in 1991, drank red wine from the Jug. D is for disaster. In 1989, Greg Norman fired a final round 64 to get in the playoff with Mark Calcavecchia and Wayne Grady. On the final playoff hole, the Shark’s 284m drive found a

trap. He gambled, the ball smashed into the bunker’s face and limped into another. Norman thinned his next shot and the ball careered out of bounds. Calcavecchia took home the title.

E is for Englishman. The first and only Englishman to win the Open at Royal Troon is Arthur Havers, who edged out Walter Hagan by a shot in 1923.

F is for free ... as in accommodation.

An R&A initiative, the next generation of golf fans under the age of 25 attending the 145th Open at Royal Troon will be able to book free accommodation at The Open Camping Village. It will feature two-, fourand six-person pre-pitched tents along with inflatable camping beds.

G is for green fees. One round on the Championship Course (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) is £220 ($445) per golfer between April 18 and September 8. From September 12 to October 6 it’s £165 ($334). Maximum handicap – men 20, women 30.

H is for Hamilton ... as in Todd. Todd Hamilton, the quiet American, won the 2004 Open at Royal Troon when he defeated Ernie Els in a playoff. Until his win, Hamilton had made just one Open cut when he tied for 45th in 1996.

I is for Inclement ... as in weather. In July, the normal weather in Troon is 15.1°C with the warmest being 19.4°C and the coldest 10.8°C. The average rainfall in July is 20 days.

J is for Justin and Jesper. At Royal Troon in 1997, Jesper Parnevik held a two-shot lead after 54 holes and a five-shot lead over eventual winner Justin Leonard. The American fired a final round 65 relegating Swede Parnevik (73) to second place alongside Darren Clarke.

K is for knowledge. Arnold Palmer, winner of the Open at Troon in 1962, believes the skill of the straight drive is more important at Royal Troon than the strength needed for extra long drives. (See M and T).

L is for Locke ... as in Bobby. In 1950, the South African shot nine-under to become the second Open champion at Royal Troon. He took home £900.

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www.wsports.com.au

cover story W is for Watson and Weiskopf ... as in Tom. Watson (four-under par) and Weiskopf (12-under) won The Open at Royal Troon in 1982 and 1973 respectively.

X is for X (cross) it off your bucket list.

Play Royal Troon then hit the high street where there are many local shops and cafés.

Who knows, you might run into a famous resident, Colin Montgomerie.

Y is for yardage. Royal Troon is a par-71 layout stretching to 7208 yards (6591m). The shortest hole is the Postage Stamp eight at 123y (112m) and the longest is the par-5 sixth at 601y (550m).

M is for motto. Royal Troon Golf Club’s motto is Tam Arte Quam Marte, which is Latin for As much by skill as by strength.

N is for nearly (Aussie) men. Three Australians have finished runner-up in The Open at Royal Troon. Norman and Grady lost a playoff to Mark Calcavecchia in 1989 and Kel Nagle was second to Arnold Palmer in 1962.

O is for over par. Only one Open champion has finished over par at Royal Troon. In 1923, champion Arthur Havers hoisted the trophy after finishing seven-over-par.

P is for prizemoney. The Open at Royal Troon carries prizemoney of $A12.9m. The winner will take home more than $A2.3m.

Q is for qualifying. More than 2500 golfers play qualifiers across five continents over seven months for the chance to compete in the 156-man field at the Open Championship. Matt Jones, Rod Pampling and Nick Cullen will be at Royal Troon after qualifying via the Australian Open.

R is for rookie. No player making their debut at Royal Troon has won there although nine players have won the Open at their first

attempt – the last being Ben Curtis at Royal St George’s in 2003.

S is for shortest hole. Royal Troon boasts the shortest hole on the Open rota, the famous eighth hole known as the Postage Stamp because of its tiny green. This 123yard (112m) hole is where Gene Sarazen had a hole-in-one at age 73 during the 1973 Open and where West German amateur Hermann Tissies took a 15 in the 1950 British Open.

Z is Zach ... as in Johnson. The American will arrive at Royal Troon as the defending champion after edging out Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen in a playoff at St Andrews last year. •

V is for venue. Royal Troon has hosted The Open eight times in 1923, ’50, ’62, ’73, ’82, ’89, ’97 and 2004.

(Photos courtesy of The R&A)

R oyal Troon Scorecard (Taken from 2004 Open Championship) Hole

Name

Yards

Par

Hole

Name

Yards

Par

1

Seal

370

4

10

Sandhills

438

4

T is for tip on how to play Royal Troon.

“To win (The Open at Royal Troon) you have to drive it in the fairway,” 1962 champion Arnold Palmer said. “If you are consistently in the rough, forget it. The greens are small.

It’s not a tremendously long course. It’s more keeping the ball in the right spots all the time and hitting some good iron shots into the little greens.” Tip 2: this year’s winner Branden Grace.

2

Black Rock

391

4

11

The Railway

490

4

3

Gyaws

379

4

12

The Fox

431

4

4

Dunure

560

5

13

Burmah

472

4

5

Greenan

210

3

14

Alton

178

3

6

Turnberry

601

5

15

Crosbie

483

4

7

Tel-el-Kebir

405

4

16

Well

542

5

8

Postage Stamp

123

3

17

Rabbit

222

3

U is for under par. Mark Calcavecchia holds The Open record at Royal Troon with 13-under par winning total. That’s one better than Justin Leonard (1997), Tom Weiskopf (1973) and Arnold Palmer (1962).

9

The Monk

423

4

18

Craigend

457

4

Out

3462

36

In

3713

35

Total

7175

71

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on tour

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW Baltusrol packs a mighty punch David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

W

Players looking for a little par-5 relief where they can pinch a birdie or eagle will have to wait until they reach the 17th – the first of only two par-5s on the course.

HEN golf fans think of Baltusrol Golf Club, host of the US PGA Championship from July 28-31, they tend to associate it with the US Open.

Mind you, reaching the 650 yards (594m) 17th in two shots will take some muscle.

That’s because Baltusrol has hosted seven US Opens and just one PGA Championship in 2005.

At the 1993 US Open, John Daly became the first player in championship history to reach the 17th with two mighty blows.

So what can players and fans expect?

Will a US Open-style course – which is traditionally set up as golf’s toughest test to challenge a player’s shot-making ability, course management skills and composure under pressure – greet the players?

The answer is possibly yes because in 2005 Phil Mickelson won with a four-under par total and just nine players finished under par.

All you have to do is take a glance down the first fairway to realise that this is going to be a tough test of golf.

Yes, the opening fairway looks decidedly inviting but don’t be fooled because this is a challenging opening hole.

The hole plays as a par-5 for the members but it’s a par-4 for championship play. There is out of bounds down the left while new bunkering pinches the landing zone.

Of course, there is that smallish green 478 yards (437m) away that is tightly bunkered.

Welcome to Baltusrol.

The 378-yard (346m) second hole offers a breather where a birdie will keep players in touch.

After that the holes, especially the par4s, are unrelenting including the 503-yard (460m) par-4 third (index one).

The four par-3s are no pushover and measure between 199 yards (182m) and 230 yards (210m).

The 18th hole is another par-5.

At the time, it was considered almost impossible, but Long John thought otherwise and launched his 7-degree driver into the left half of the fairway.

He had 287 yards (262m) to the pin.

The hushed gallery watched as he pulled his one-iron from the bag and swung the club harder than he’d ever had before.

History tells us Daly’s 305-yard (279m) oneiron reached the unreachable with a few lucky bounces and the ball rolled 15 metres past the pin and settled just short of the right fringe.

“I shall always count Baltusrol among my favourite courses. It is certainly one of the finest in the world.”

– Jack Nicklaus Now fans can’t wait to see defending champion Jason Day and the other big guns tackle the par-70 course measuring 7462 yards (6823m).

The 18 at 553y (506m) is more manageable but miss the green in two and it will need some Mickelson short-game magic to make birdie or eagle. th

In 2005, Michelson’s approach came up short and in grass that covered the tops of his shoes.

“He executed the flop-shot perfectly and fist-pumped the air when the ball settled

MoSS Vale Golf club iS a

Golfer’s Paradise

Major winners at Baltusrol US PGA Championship 2005 Phil Mickelson US Open 1903 Willie Anderson 1915 Jerry Travers 1936 Tony Manero 1954 Ed Furgol 1967 Jack Nicklaus 1980 Jack Nicklaus 1993 Lee Janzen US Women’s Open 1961 Mickey Wright 1985 Kathy Baker

Photo Courtesy of The PGA of America. a metre from the hole and the birdie was a formality.

Lee Janzen, too, birdied the final hole to win the 1993 US Open at Baltusrol.

Of course, trying to forecast the winner of the PGA Championship is a lottery.

It will either be one of the best three or four players in the world or an outsider as so often happens with the PGA Championship.

Of the unexpected winners that come to mind include Keegan Bradley (2011), Shaun Micheel (2003), Rich Beem (2002), Mark Brooks (19960 and Wayne Grady (1990).

For the record, Englishman Jim Barnes won the first and second US PGA Championships in 1916 and 1919 (no event in 1917-’18).

Since then, Americans have dominated the championship except for the past 10 years.

Five Aussies have won the US PGA – Jim Ferrier (1947), David Graham (1979), Wayne Grady (1990), Steve Elkington (19950 and Jason Day (2015).

Other “foreigners” who have lifted the Wanamaker Trophy are: Gary Player (1962 and 1972), Zimbabwe’s Nick Price (1992 and 1994), Vijay Singh (1998 and 2004), Ireland’s Padraig Harrington (2008), South Korean YE Yang (2009), German Martin Kaymer (2010) and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (2012 and 2014).

Top contenders’ past PGA Championship results Player 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Jason Day Win T15 T8 MC MC Jordan Spieth 2nd MC MC DNP DNP Rory McIlroy 17 Win T8 Win T64 Bubba Watson T21 T64 MC T11 T26 Rickie Fowler T30 T3 T19 MC T51 Henrik Stenson T25 T3 3rd DNP DNP Adam Scott MC T15 T5 T11 7th Dustin Johnson T7 DNP T8 T48 MC Danny Willett T54 T30 T40 DNP DNP Justin Rose 4th T24 T33 T3 MC Branden Grace 3rd T46 MC MC DNP Sergio Garcia T54 T35 T61 MC T12 Patrick Reed T30 T58 DNP DNP DNP Louis Oosthuizen T30 T15 DNP T21 MC Hideki Matsuyama T37 T35 T19 DNP DNP Brooks Koepka T5 T15 T70 DNP DNP Brandt Snedeker T12 T13 T66 MC MC Phil Mickelson T18 2nd T72 T36 T19 Zach Johnson MC T69 T8 70 T59 Matt Kuchar T7 DNP T22 MC T19

OTHERS

Player Marc Leishman Lee Westwood Charl Schwartzel JB Holmes Paul Casey Jason Dufner

2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 MC T46 T12 T27 DNP T43 T15 T33 MC T8 T37 T15 MC T59 T12 24 T64 DNP DNP DNP T30 MC T33 MC T72 T68 WD Win T27 2nd

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on tour

Korean cows and outback rabbits

with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

I

had a short flight from the Volvo China Open to Korea for the Maekyung Open at Namseoul Golf Club in Korea. This week I was rooming with Michael Sim, and lucky for me he had a mate who lived there, Mr Kim. Mr Kim organized a private car to pick us up from the airport and then bought us dinner a few times.

The first night we let him order and we ended up eating cows intestine!

I’m pretty sure that I won’t be making that mistake again!

It is just under a million dollars to be a member at Namseoul but I’m not sure that I would pay that much!

The course is build through the hills about 25 minutes from Seoul. It has some amazing elevation changes and visually some awesome holes.

The 17th is a 200m par-3 that only plays about 160m due to a 40m drop.

The fairways are tight and for some reason they never have them cut short. The grass is so long that if you stand in the middle of a couple of fairways it feels like rough. So even when you hit a fairway, you don’t know how the ball is going to come out. Sometimes it flies and sometimes it comes out heavy.

And now to the best part of the course: the greens. The surfaces are great and the ball rolls really true.

But the only problem is nearly all the greens are on a slope from back to front and they have them running at about 12 on the stimp. In addition, the KGA officials seem to have little idea about setting a course up for a

tournament. An example of that was on the 16th hole I had a putt from 12 feet for birdie. I hit a good putt that stopped 2 inches short of the hole, then rolled six feet back towards me.

When you cut a hole on a slope you’re looking for trouble, but that’s Korea!

I shot 73, 68 to be in 8th position after two days. I didn’t feel like I played much different over the weekend and shot a pair of 76s to finish in 29th position. Not a bad finish but a little disappointing from where I was after two days.

I also had something happen to me that I haven’t had before on the golf course. A rules official came up to me and told me that we were playing too quick!

I didn’t take a caddy as Peter has a job now. He is now the Tournament coordinator for the NSW tour. He is really passionate about the PGA and will be great for him and his family so I hope he doesn’t feel bad for leaving me without a caddy! I had a young guy on the bag who is trying to become a golf pro and he did a really good job, but it’s always a little difficult due to the language barrier.

I flew from Korea overnight and landed Monday afternoon into the Gold Coast. Two quick loads of washing and I was back at the airport Tuesday morning to fly to Emerald for the mining town Pro-Ams. There were six events in this swing. We were playing Blackwater, Emerald, Tieri, Middlemount, Dysart and Moranbah.

They were each individual events but there was also an overall circuit prize where you had to add all the 11 rounds together. I love when they have events like this over a number of Pro-Ams as I feel it gives the better players a chance. It’s a lot easier to go out and have one great round but to be consistent over 11 is difficult.

It was the first time that I had played this swing so I was looking forward to seeing some new golf courses.

Over the couple of weeks I didn’t get a win but played solid, finishing from 2nd to 13th in all the events. I did win the overall circuit prize, finishing on 36-under-par for the 11 rounds.

There were some great little courses up there and considering that some of the courses are maintained by volunteers, the condition of them was great. The other great thing about the mining towns events were the people. Most of them were miners and all they want to do is have a great time, which most of them do! At each of the towns, accommodation is organized for you, which saves you a lot of money. And most of the time you can eat at the mining camps.

They have buffet food and once again most of the time it’s free! I can also say that I was glad when it was all over as my liver needed a break!

I was travelling with Ed Stedman and we had a short turnaround before our next event, so at about 7pm after the presentation at Moranbah, we jumped in the car and started the journey back to the Gold Coast. This is a 12-hour drive through the outback so you have to be careful and on the lookout for kangaroos, deer and some extra large cows!

Anyway at 6.30 the next morning we pulled into my driveway and I’m happy to report that there were no major incidents, although I think that the rabbit that tried to play chicken with us is in a better place now.

So my next trip away is to Fiji where I’m playing the Qantas teams Pro-Am and a couple of smaller events. It’s a place that is very special to me so I am looking forward to returning and seeing many friends that I have made there over the years and hopefully bringing back some Fiji dollars. • www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

23

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juniors

U.S. Kids Golf on target with Trans-Tasman Cup thriller

won the Trans Tasman Cup 6.5 points to 5.5 with the final match of the day between four nine-year-old boys providing the deciding result at the second last hole.

Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

T

HE top-quality U.S. Kids Golf program, a winner across Australia in attracting children aged from five to 14 to play golf, teed off with another huge drive by staging their first international Trans-Tasman Cup at Moore Park last month.

In a thrilling finish, featuring quality golf, two teams of 24 girls and boys, representing Australia and New Zealand competed in six age divisions from six and under to 14 years.

The event was over two days and played as nine and 18-holes two-ball matchplay aggregate team challenges off scratch, with special distance tees applying for all age groups.

With about 150 relatives, supporters and caddies following the action, New Zealand

Kids from Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales qualified by way of tournament performances for the Australian team.

The Kiwis team members also came from far and wide across their nation with golfers from Dunedin, Queenstown, Wellington and Auckland representing.

U.S. Kids Golf Australia founders Kevin Wallis (CEO), and his wife Danielle (Marketing Manager) were delighted with the success of the first U.S. Kids Golf Trans-Tasman Cup. The event also had an economic boost for Moore Park and Sydney tourism with 24 kids from New Zealand flying in with 65 parents, grandparents, family and supporters to provide a great atmosphere along with

an even larger local and interstate group of travellers.

“The kids formed some great friendships with both their fellow Australian team-mates and their Kiwi counterparts with many hugs and swapping of email addresses at the completion of the Cup on the second day,” Danielle reported.

“The speech delivered at the prize-giving by our captain Rhys Vella was full of good sportsmanship and respect. We love that the game of golf is teaching these kids how to also become great people as well as good golfers.

“Aussie girls Ruby Kavanagh and Charlotte Perkins won the Oakley nearest to the pin competition with great drives putting them 150cm and 170cm respectively out from the flag.

“The involvement of many U.S. Kids Golfsupporting PGA Club Professionals (from

Sydney and interstate) and media supporters in the Pro Kid event on Friday was a highlight.

They were able to give the kids the benefit of their knowledge of the game in a fun, yet competitive, environment.

“The family involvement was fantastic and the welcome for the kids at the two nations team parade and flag-raising ceremony, created some special unique proud memories for the golfers, mums, dads, grandparents, uncles, aunts and friends.

“Moore Park Golf again showed why it is leading the way in embracing junior golf, giving U.S. Kids Golf access to the course for this international event,” Kevin Wallis said.

“It was a great prelude event to the U.S. Kids Golf Australian Open which will be held in January and will see kids come to compete in Australia from all around the world.”

For more information: www.uskidsgolf.com.au

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juniors

Daughter’s a chip (and a Sweet-swinging kids are putt) off her famous Dad no easy-beats

O

NE of the members of the Australian Trans-Tasman Cup team attracted attention not only for her immaculate play, but also because of her internationally golf-famous father.

The young girl is the daughter of European Tour star Thomas Bjorn, who no doubt takes great pride in hearing of her golf proficiency.

Her mother, a non-golfer, enthusiastically caddies for the sweet-swinging youngster, who already has qualified to play at the U.S. Kids Golf World titles in the US this year.

The rising young star plays off a handicap of 32 having started off the limit at 45. She began playing golf at age three and her best score at a U.S. Kids event has been 37.

While obviously inheriting some of her father’s golf genes, her grandmother–a keen spectator in Sydney and an accomplished golfer—also is an inspiration. She often plays practice rounds with her grand-daughter and attends tournaments.

At Moore Park in the pre-Cup Pro-Kid event the youngster almost holed a 12m putt for birdie at the first hole and at the next, a par three, went close to a chip-in birdie and parred every hole she played.

Thomas Bjorn’s daughter and her grandmother at Moore Park

Melbourne PGA professional Sergio Abreu (Eastern Golf Club) with some of the talented young golfers

A

U.S. Kids Golf tournament is far from being a hit-or-miss event, as Inside Golf’s representatives in the five-hole Pro-Kid warm-up event on the Friday – Megan Symington and Bill Colhoun – (both A Grade handicap golfers) quickly discovered.

Symington, playing in a group of 11-yearold boys, was outdriven (200m plus) by Kiwi Steven Lieu and found all four youngsters playing par golf and hard to beat – two of them have been playing since age two. Lieu matched par over 18 holes in his Cup match on the Saturday.

Colhoun was glad his match only covered Moore Park’s first three holes; he struggled to keep up with the sweet-swinging kids’ precise play.

Accompanying three tiny girls (they were almost blown over in the strong winds) he had to hit all greens in regulation to par the first and third (shortened 120m par-4s) and the

70m par-3 second, just to match his partners, who narrowly missed several birdies.

But one nameless Sydney PGA club pro fared worse – he was the only player of his 10-yearold boys match to NOT hit the green at the 100m par-3 second. “Talk about being under pressure, the kids hit it great,” he said.

The Trans-Tasman Cup Australian team: Rory Mannion (Qld), Levi Geedink (NSW), Hunter Woodley-Page (WA), Zane Weinberg (NSW), Christian Rees (NSW), Noah Graham (NSW), Anthony Mannion (Qld), Jamie Smith (WA), Kai Komulainen (Qld), Michael Lenh (Qld), Justin Hammett (Qld), Jordan Ribarovski (NSW), Jay-Jay Hempstead (NSW), Owen Bogdan (Qld), Rhys Vella (NSW), Lyndon Frazer (NSW), Milia Komulainen (Qld), Isabella Leniartek (WA), Ruby Kavanagh (NSW), Sarah Hammett (Qld), Itsuki Oka (NSW), Sophia Perkins (NSW) Brielle Mapamao (NSW), Charlotte Perkins (NSW).

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juniors

A taste of Scotland for kids golf

S

cotland, the home of golf, is steeped in golfing heritage. Not only did the Scots invent the modern game, create The Rules of Golf and have hosted golf’s oldest and greatest tournament, The Open Championship, more often than any other country, they are now innovating a new way of introducing kids to the great game.

Based in Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland, Golphin is taking the world by storm with its new approach to kids’ golf equipment.

Founder and CEO, Calum McPherson comes from a family business that has manufactured golf clubs for over 50 years.

Frustrated by the difficulties in finding equipment that engaged his young children in the game Calum devised a solution.

“Golf is arguably the most difficult game for kids to learn. Today’s kids need instant success and feeling of achievement. To get them hooked we need to make it fun, rewarding and a game that they enjoy,” he says.

Calum and his team design and manufacture lightweight golf clubs based on the principles of aerospace technologies. McPherson worked with biomechanics scientists at Strathclyde University, to optimise weight to strength ratios for kids’ golf clubs. Golphin beginners clubs target kids aged 3 to 12 years and are 22% lighter with a 33% larger sweet spot than traditional kids clubs, making it easier to learn a balanced swing, get the ball airborne and have fun. This customer satisfaction approach, not surprisingly, leads to more kids wanting to play golf, more often.

Rarely do you find a manufacturing company, thinking about kids, their well-being and the common good of a sport. Duncan Weir, who heads up world golf development at The R&A of St Andrews says, “The high

quality and versatility of the Golphin GFK range is very impressive. It is certainly well geared for getting youngsters into golf and helping to address the undoubted participation issues the sport is currently facing.”

Ronan Rafferty, former European number 1 and Ryder Cup player says “To get kids playing golf, it’s got to be fun and it’s got to be a sport they play with their buddies.

Traditional golf clubs are too heavy and too difficult to swing with. The club swings the kids, rather than the kid swinging the club.

Golphin has solved this problem.”

Golphin has been recognised by many international organisations for its positive impact on kids’ participation in golf.

Winning numerous awards such as the HSBC Global Innovation Award and Golf Digest’s Best Junior Clubs 2016. Golphin

360º SWIVEL FRONT WHEEL 26

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

has also been exclusively selected by The R&A (as the supplier of kids’ golf clubs for The Open Championship PGA SwingZone coaching event), Titleist Performance Institute (as their Alliance Partner) and by IMG (as their global partner for junior golf development).

Golphin is continuing to invent new products. Golphin Advanced will be launched later this year to provide kids with a progression from beginners to winners. Progression is essential, kids get hooked and then you keep them in the game. Ladies beginners clubs will follow shortly after.

Golphin are presenting a fresh, innovative approach to junior golf. Clubs are available via their online store and at leading golf retailers. For more information and to order online, visit: www.golphin.com.au •

White wins Blind Golf Australian Stableford Championship Blind Golf Australia conducted its 2016 Australian Stableford Championships at the Adelaide Shores Golf Club in late May in what turned out to be extremely tough conditions.

87-year-old Royal Perth Golf Club veteran John White (B2 sight category – handicap 42) with his wife Gaye as his caddie put together 40 stableford points on the first day to lead consistent performer Rod Mills by five points and local Robert Curtin by six.

On the second day, players were hit by torrential storms leading to the abandonment of play. White was declared the champion with Rod Mills (B2 – handicap 30) as runner-up.

John and Gaye were presented with Pink Caps in honour of Darryl Evans from WA who died from cancer in 2014.

David Blyth from VIC with Gary McInnes as caddie won the B1 title, while Brian Gear from VIC with Garrett Sloan as caddie won the B2 title, and Robert Curtin from SA with Gus Bossenberry as caddie won the B3 title.

The next major blind golf event will be the inaugural Queensland Open at the Virginia GC at Banyo on 18 & 19 July.

Blind golf is open to people of all ages and is a perfect avenue for those club golfers who are experiencing some sight loss to stay involved in our great game. Blind golf has three sight categories; B1, B2 and B3 which relate to how much sight a player has. B1 players are totally blind.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, or playing blind golf or caddying, contact Gary McInnes on 0417 055 731. Or visit www.blindgolf.com.au or www.internationalblindgolf.com

people

Power Horan sets sights on international stage Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

O

ne of Cobra Puma Golf’s newest staff players, Tom Power Horan, is eyeing full international playing rights within the first 12 months of his professional career.

The 23-year-old turned pro in January after finishing ninth at the PGA Tour of Australasia’s Final Stage Qualifying School presented

by Cobra Puma Golf at Sandhurst Club in Melbourne.

Power Horan officially joined Cobra Puma Golf in January as a member of its Next Gen Squad, which affords him equipment support plus a monetary bonus to help pay the cost of competing in Australia and abroad.

The Melburnian’s next Australasian Tour start will be August’s inaugural $150,000 Northern Territory PGA Championship. He’s also hopeful of a place in October’s Fiji International and is setting his sights on the overseas tour schools of the European and Japan Tours in late 2016.

“There’s three stages [at European Tour Qualifying School], the first stage is in September and I’m looking into Japan [Tour] as well and then, at the end of the year, just to finish off the Aussie Tour and play well and keep my card there,” Power Horan says.

Power Horan—who grew up playing at Cheltenham Golf Club and has been a member at Royal Melbourne for more than six years—began using Cobra Puma golf equipment close to five years ago and says the company offered him vital equipment support throughout his late amateur career.

“Being able to work on my bag, getting the right set-up, for an amateur, it’s so good. That’s

one of the big advantages pros have over amateurs is being able to chop and change their bag, trying stuff without having to buy stuff all the time. That was very beneficial.”

“I always really liked Cobra’s drivers. I always thought the woods were really good. They didn’t make wedges at the start and then they started making wedges and they were really good. Pretty much all my bag now is Cobra.”

Power Horan’s rookie season has so far yielded some promising results.

He came ninth at the Holden NZ PGA Championship in March and followed two weeks later with his highest finish for early 2016 - a tie for eighth at the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship.

Power Horan says the biggest adjustment he’s needed to make as a rookie pro is preparing for consecutive tournaments.

“I had a stint of three in a row earlier in the year and I’ve just come back from having four in a row. I played a few pro tournaments before I turned [pro] so I sort of had half a clue.

I just think the fields are a little bit deeper, the cuts are a lot better.”

As a member of Cobra Puma’s Next Gen squad, Power Horan also has full use of Cobra Puma’s range of apparel, which he says tailors to both flamboyant dressers and those golfers who are searching for a more classic look.

“You don’t have to wear the loud stuff, they’ve got more options, there’s quite a lot of performance clothing and all their wet weather gear is really good. There’s definitely a lot of conservative clothing too, I suppose you could call it. It fits really well.”

Until recently, Power Horan had been juggling his golfing pursuits with study. In late May, he graduated from Monash University

with a Bachelor of Science (majoring in physiology) and says golf is now his only work priority.

“I’ll go play all the pro-ams in Queensland in July so I’ll do most of July away,” he says. “The next three months are to work on my game.

It’s full-time golf now so a bit more time to work on my game, no excuses really.”

What’s in the bag?

Driver: Cobra’s KING F6+ 3-Wood: KING F6 Fairway Driving Iron: KING Utility 4-9-Iron: Fly Z+ Forged Irons Wedges: KING 47, 51, 56 & 60-degree KING For more about Tom Power Horan, check out his blog on the web: http://powerhoran.wordpress.com/

www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

27

amateurs

2016 Holden Scramble venues announced

China too good on home soil

C

hina reclaimed the International Challenge after defeating Australia, when both teams travelled to the mountainous Panshan Golf Club, on the outskirts of Beijing in the Tianjin Province.

Now in its fifth year, the International Challenge adopted a new and unique team’s format and Australian team selection process, to take on the top three teams from the 2015 Buick China Golf Club League.

T

he 2016 Holden Scramble Regional Final and Women’s State Final venues have now been confirmed.

Throughout the month of October the Holden Scramble will see the qualifying teams from the nationwide local events attempt to win their way to the naturally refreshing Sunshine Coast in either one of six Ladies State Finals, or one of 24 Regional Finals. Each team will play with their PGA Club Professional or an “adopt-a-pro” to form a team of five.

In the event’s 25th year, the Regional Finals will be hosted at some of Australia’s premier golf courses such as Indooroopilly Golf Club, Bonville Golf Resort and Eynesbury Golf Club.

Each player to reach the next stage in October will receive a Regional Final representative polo shirt and tee gift, and the opportunity to play for an extensive prize table, which includes the golfing trip of a lifetime to the 25th Anniversary Holden Scramble Championship Final at Twin Waters Golf Club from 25-28 November.

Find an event and enter your team of four by visiting www.holdenscramble.com.au

Mixed Regional Finals STATE NSW NSW NSW NSW ACT ACT NSW NSW QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD SA SA TAS VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC WA WA WA

VENUE The Vintage Golf Club Macquarie Links International Golf Club Macquarie Links International Golf Club Riverside Oaks Golf Club Yowani Country Club Yowani Country Club Bonville Golf Resort Kooindah Waters Golf Club Paradise Palms Country Club Palmer Gold Coast Capricorn Resort Pelican Waters Golf Club Indooroopilly Golf Club PM Blackwood Golf Club PM Blackwood Golf Club Mowbray Golf Club Eynesbury Golf Club AM Eynesbury Golf Club PM Rich River Golf Club Sandhurst Club AM Sandhurst Club PM Mandurah Country Club - Metro Mandurah Country Club - Country A Mandurah Country Club - Country B

Ladies State Finals STATE TAS VIC WA QLD NSW SA

VENUE Mowbray Golf Club - Ladies Amstel Ranfurlie Golf Course - Ladies Mandurah Country Club - Ladies Indooroopilly Golf Club - Ladies Kooindah Waters Golf Club - Ladies Blackwood Golf Club - Ladies

SINGLE LENGTH IRONS

NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA Is this you?

DATE 4-Oct-16 10-Oct-16 11-Oct-16 12-Oct-16 13-Oct-16 14-Oct-16 17-Oct-16 24-Oct-16 9-Oct-16 16-Oct-16 16-Oct-16 23-Oct-16 24-Oct-16 28-Oct-16 28-Oct-16 13-Oct-16 11-Oct-16 11-Oct-16 18-Oct-16 26-Oct-16 26-Oct-16 23-Oct-16 23-Oct-16 24-Oct-16

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DATE 12-Oct-16 14-Oct 16 24-Oct-16 24-Oct-16 25-Oct-16 27-Oct-16

Played over 54 holes with a two man ambrose, 4BBB and singles matchplay format, representing Australia were the top6 finishers from the 2015 PGA Professionals Championship and six elite amateurs from across Australia selected by their respective state amateur associations based on their performance across 2015.

After a convincing loss in the Australian round at Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club in December 2015, the Chinese team used their local knowledge to jump to an early lead after the opening ambrose round, only losing one of the six matches of the day.

“Although we were on the back foot after the opening round, the results could have gone either way with majority of the matches going down the 17th or 18th holes. China just took their opportunities when needed to snatch victory,” said Darren Richards, Team Australia Captain.

With China extending their lead over the 4BBB second round, the Australians had to win 9.5 pts from the 12 matches on the final day to retain the International Challenge Cup, and although they fought hard they could only manage six wins.

“I was really pleased with the efforts of all our team members and how they rallied behind one another over the final round, but

“The standout performer from the Australian team was West Australian Professional Vernon Sexton-Finck, going undefeated across the three rounds was a fantastic achievement.”

“This event was an unbelievable experience for the whole team. The course, camaraderie, functions and sites that we saw will be something each of us will treasure for a lifetime. It is also fantastic to have an international event that sees PGA Professionals and Amateurs playing side by side representing Australia in this exciting format.”

Australian Team PGA Professionals Matthew Docking (NSW) Vernon Sexton-Finck (WA) Robert Kennedy (NSW) Chris Duke (SA) Glen Dick (NSW) Peter Harrington (Qld) Amateurs Shea Wools-Cobb (Qld) Andrew Tharle (ACT) William Heffernan (Vic) Greg Longmore (Tas) Patric Kroschel (SA) Cameron Jones (WA)

Traditional Golf Package

Championship Golf Package

2 x Nights Accommodation 1 x Round of Golf at Nelson Bay

2 x Nights Accommodation 1 x Round of Golf at Nelson Bay 1 x Round of Golf at Pacific Dunes

From: Twin Share - $230 per person Quad Share - $180 per person

PW - 4 iron stainless steel shafts $469

it was always going to be tough after the pair’s rounds,” added Richards.

From: Twin Share - $340 per person Quad Share - $305 per person

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

PW - 4 iron graphite shafts $499

Benefits of Milford single-length irons?

• Simplicity - all irons equal in length, weight and lie-angle • Comfort - same set-up, stance, ball position and swing • Consistency - single swing plane and tempo • Confidence - through consistent ball striking The R&A has ruled • Success - more accurate shots that these clubs • Enjoyment - greater success = more enjoyment conform to the rules of golf 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

SIMPLE SYSTEM THAT WORKS 28

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

THE LANDMARK NELSON BAY Reservations: (02) 4984 4633 | Freecall: 1800 200 755 Group Consultant: (02) 4984 8963 | Fax: (02) 4984 4677 Email: res@landmarknelsonbay.com.au | Groups Email: groups@landmarknelsonbay.com.au

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

amateurs

No Spieth, but ACGC final a feast

ACGC overall winners Dexter Labrooy and Stephen Fletcher.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

J

ORDAN Spieth didn’t make it to the Auto Club Golf Championship final at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, but the US Masters champion did leave an impression on the 200 players, guests and sponsors who attended the gala presentation dinner.

In the lead-up to the dinner, emceed by former Test cricket Wayne Bentley “Flipper” Phillips, all the chatter was about who won and lost the 36-hole final, who scored what and how and “if only”, but those conversations soon changed when guests spied the dinner menu.

The ACGC dinner was themed on an annual tradition at Augusta National Golf Club where the defending US Masters host’s dinner introduces food that represents their hometown or heritage.

This year, Spieth served a Texas barbecue. The lip-smacking cuisine didn’t disappoint past US Masters champions and it heartened the ACGC guests at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

Women’s division winner Renae Syme

So, what was on the menu?

Well, the entrée was a “Local Greens Salad” – heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, shaved red onion, balsamic vinaigrette and corn muffin.

Then the mouth-watering “Authentic Texas BBQ” of beef brisket, smoked chicken, pork ribs, BBQ baked beans, bacon and chive potato salad, sautéed spring beans, grilled zucchini and roasted yellow squash.

Then the dessert – a “Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie” served with vanilla ice cream.

All, of course, washed down with Canadian Club Dry and Jip Jip Rocks fine wines.

Earlier in the day, more than 150 players contested the second round of the 36-hole aggregate stableford final after qualifying through regional events around the country.

Some players took the championship final extremely seriously believing they were playing for a sheep station, while most were there to celebrate making the final, enjoy other players’ company and to play to the best of their ability.

Organiser Hayley Hunt from Champion Sports said it was a tightly contested tournament.

A grade winner Stewart Glatz

B grade winner Daniel Black

“We had golfers from every Australian state and territory,” Ms Hunt said.

For the record, Dexter Labrooy and Stephen Fletcher (Kooringal RACV) won the title with a combined 137 points edging out Nestor Chan and Sinan Bugdayli (Fairfield NRMA) on a countback.

The A grade men’s title was won by Stewart Glatz (McLaren Vale RAA) with 71 points.

In B grade, Daniel Black (Thurgoona NRMA) was successful with 72 points and in C grade Dexter Labrooy (Kooringal RACV) won with 73 points.

In the women’s division, Renae Syme Hillview (RAC) returned a respectable 61points to take the title.

The team from RAA South Australia won the state average championship.

For a full list of winners, photos and videos from the 2015/16 championship final, visit the ACGC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/autoclubgolfchampionship/.

Well, it all starts again with ACGC qualifying events across the country.

For more information on how to qualify for next year’s championship final, go to www.acgc.com.au •

d e r u o #1 col f l o G ball in

y a l p p u s d e e p s k i V l Vo t a h t r u o l o C a e s o o h C e y e r u o y s t i u s t s e b y l f l l a b e & see th 30

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

amateurs

A pair of aces (again!) in Sunraysia T he popular SHANE DOHERTY MEMORIAL Tri-State Masters has been run and won for another year, with a pair of hole-in-ones highlighting a massive week of golf.

The annual event is held during the third week of May, and is the ‘must-play’ tournament on the Sunraysia (Mildura) calendar, featuring some of the region’s top courses, as well as some exciting and fun optional non-golf activities on offer. In addition, this year’s tournament featured Hole-in-One prizes valued at $234,000 over the week of the event, which were available on all of the 21 par 3s over the three days of the tournament as well as the 4BBB and Ambrose days.

Following the traditional Opening Cocktail Party at the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club on the Sunday evening, the first round of the tournament kicked into high gear at Riverside Golf Club in Mildura on Monday.

Players were treated to some amazing golf, which was then followed by a BBQ and Trivia night in the Clubhouse in the evening.

On the Tuesday, the fun continued with a social round of 4BBB played at Mildura Golf Resort by some of the competitors, whilst others headed to Trentham Estate Winery for a Gourmet BBQ lunch. That evening featured social Lawn Bowls at the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club.

Wednesday was the second round of the tournament at Red Cliffs Golf Club. The previous year, two players scored holes-inone on this very course during the event’s second round, so anticipation was high this year for the ‘Golf Gods’ to shine favourably again. And though history did not repeat

itself this year (not yet, anyway), players still enjoyed some great golf, followed by a Country Roast and Comedy night.

On Thursday, however, the Golf Gods delivered!

After a morning river cruise with Wentworth Cruises, Thursday was a four-person Ambrose open to all Tri-State Masters Competitors, played at Coomealla Golf Club. David Bath from Kyneton Golf Club, who was unwell on Wednesday and didn’t want to let his Ambrose team down, proceeded to hit the perfect shot on the 7th, landing his ball on the green and into the hole for a glorious Hole-in-One. Bath won $10,000 cash for the feat, courtesy of Tankard Dental, and the achievement fostered great excitement in the clubhouse that evening, as well as during the “Italian night” at the Pizza Café.

But the Golf Gods weren’t finished!

The third and final round of the tournament

was played at Coomealla Golf Club, again with two shotgun starts in magnificent Sunraysia weather. The field was still buzzing from Thursday’s Hole-in-One, so when news began to filter through late in the afternoon that there had been another Ace, the excitement was palpable. With a perfect shot on the 7th hole of the course, Jenny Stephenson from Broken Hill Golf Club scored the rare “1” on her card, and earned herself a Yamaha Golf Cart for her effort.

Over the 24 years of the Tri-State Masters tournament, which started in 1993, there had been just seven Aces recorded: Gayle Wells from Mansfield (1997), John Scrivener from Commonwealth (2000), Shane Doherty (Founder and original Tournament Director) from Coomealla (2001), John Kew from Deniliquin (2002), Sue Brook from Bairnsdale (2004), Steven Spooner from Riverside (2006) and Robert Dehne from Mildura (2007). The next eight years featured a “drought” of aces,

until a massive “double” in 2015, where Mark Alvey (Mildura) and Peter Wight (Tocumwal) each recorded an ace during the second round of the tournament at Red Cliffs Golf Club.

Friday night saw the final Presentation Dinner at the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club and a great night and wonderful tournament was had by all 230 players and their non-playing partners.

The Tri-State Masters targets mid-range club golfers who are looking for a golf holiday in which they can combine golf and social interaction with other like-minded golfers from all over Australia and New Zealand. The trophies and prizes on offer are among the best in any amateur golf tournament in Australia.

For more information, Contact Kym Doherty on 0408310532 or email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

31

instruction - coaching tips

G

olf is a great game that can be played for a lifetime, but like most things in life, it is much easier to learn at a young age. The challenge is that it is becoming more and more difficult to keep kids interested in golf as there are so many other sports and activities that they can be involved in. I advocate kids being involved in many sports, and not specializing in one at an early age.

I believe that one of the most important things when kids are starting golf is to provide them with the correct equipment, this is why I am teaming up with Golphin.

From my own personal experience teaching junior golfers over the last decade, kids typically learn with clubs that are either too long or too heavy, making it difficult to swing the club with any speed and get the ball in the air.

Golphin clubs are 22% lighter with a 35% larger head than most junior clubs which makes it so much easier for the kids to get the ball in the air, making the game fun in the early stages.

When coaching kids, I make sure that I don’t get too technical, it is important to encourage them and to let them use a little imagination. I focus on the basics of the correct grip, posture and ball position.

GRIP

Teaching Professional - Albert Park Driving Range - (03) 9696 4653

There are a few different grips in golf (e.g. the interlock, overlap or baseball grip).

For kids, who have smaller hands, I always recommend the baseball grip. This grip is very simple and easy to use.

You first want them to hold the club at the top of the grip with their left hand (for a right-handed golfer), with their thumb pointing down the shaft. Then, get them to hold the bottom of the grip with their right hand, again with their thumb pointing down.

Next, have them slide their right hand up the grip until it just touches their left. Make sure that there’s no visible gap between the hands. And, don’t forget - you don’t want them to grip too tight. A tight grip will cause the child to tense the muscles in their arms and restrict motion so that they cannot swing effectively.

Transform Your Ride

2

POSTURE

Jamie McCallum

Getting the correct ball position is very important for juniors, it is something that many adults struggle with.

The ball position changes depending on the type of club being used, but for the purpose of this instruction, let’s look at the ball position when using a 7 iron. To start, get them to stand with their feet together (PIC A). Next, get them to take an equal step to the left, then right. The ball should be right in the middle of their stance, with their feet shoulder-width apart [PIC B].

BALL POSITION

RULE NO 1: Make it Fun!

It is very important to learn the correct golf posture at an early age. It helps dictate how the club swings around the body. To start off, get the child to stand tall and then bend forward from the hips. Their knees should only be slightly bent and the weight on the balls of their feet with their bums sticking out [PIC 1]. Their arms should hang down naturally from the shoulder. From here they can take the club and grip it, and will be in a good athletic position to swing the golf club [PIC2].

1

A

B

Jamie offers lessons to all ages and abilities. He is also responsible for the Albert Park Junior Golf Academy - running term clinics and school holiday programs. Jamie is a former Victorian state team captain and Australian team representative. He has been a member of the PGA since 1996 and was an Australian Tour player from 1996 to 2001. For lessons call: (03) 9696 4653. More information on Golphin: www.golphin.com.au, (03) 9021 2073 email: sales@golphin.com.au

Upcoming Annual Events DUNTRYLEAGUE ORANGE

CITY OF ORANGE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

1-3 OCTOBER 2016

ANNUAL VETERANS TOURNAMENT

4-6 OCTOBER 2016

Enjoy a long weekend of golf in NSW’s premier food and wine district and play on each of Orange’s magnificent golf courses - Duntryleague Golf Club, Orange Ex-Services Country Club and Wentworth Golf Club. The three courses are played over three days, with $6,000 worth of prizes to be won. This is a championship event not to missed! Entry Fee $95.

Further information is available from Golf Orange Website www.golforange.com.au This longstanding and popular Tournament includes three days of golf at Duntryleague and a Presentation dinner on the Wednesday night. Accommodation is available on site in our famous 14 room mansion.

Numbers are limited to 216 players.

Further information is available from our Tournament Director Tournament Director Beryl Pearce 0428 622 300 or beejaber@gmail.com

LADIES OPEN TOURNAMENT

24-28 OCTOBER 2016

HAHN GOLF AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

5-6 NOVEMBER 2016

STEVE CONRAN JUNIOR TOURNAMENT

27 NOVEMBER 2016

MERCEDES BENz DUNTRYLEAGUE CLASSIC

15-17 JANUARY 2017

The Ladies’ Open Tournament is a much anticipated Tournament on the Duntryleague calendar.

The Tournament will include golfing events each day and some great social events as well.

Accommodation is available on site in our famous 14 room mansion.

Further information is available from our Ladies Captain - Maria Crawford – 0427 618 164 - dandmcrawford@bigpond.com

(Golf NSW Vardon Event & Senior Event in conjunction) These two days of golf are not to be missed. Saturday and Sunday Championship with individual daily events in conjunction. Test yourself against some of the best players in Australia.

Accommodation is also available on site in our famous 14 room mansion.

Please contact the Golf Shop on (02) 6362 4072 for further enquiries.

A chance for up and coming juniors to experience one of Australia’s best regional courses.

The Tournament is a must in every junior’s golfing calendar. Parents can relax and enjoy the hospitality and beauty of Duntryleague or take the opportunity to enjoy all that Orange has to offer.

Accommodation is also available on site in our famous 14 room mansion.

Cool in the Heat, Dry in the Damp

32

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

- $159 + shipping - Delivered to your door, installed in minutes - Sizes to fit all major cart models - 30 day money back guarantee, 1 Year Warranty - ORDER ONLINE AT www.cooldrycovers.com or call us at 02 6045 8443 - Brought to you by Four Season Products Pty Ltd, a proudly Australian Company

This 54 hole Individual Stableford Tournament continues to grow and is limited to 180 players to ensure comfortable play for everyone. It is open to anyone with a Golf Australia handicap.

Duntryleague is one of the best regional golf courses in Australia and is constantly in the top 100 courses each year. Entry fees for the Tournament are excellent value at $299 which includes golf, welcome cocktail party, Monday BBQ and Gala presentation dinner. Magnificent local wines, beer and soft drinks are included for the welcome cocktail party and Gala dinner.

Only 3½ hours from Sydney Ph: (02) 6362 3466

www.duntryleague.com.au

instruction

Find the cause of the issue

Don’t mention the “S” word

Glenn Whittle

Richard Mercer

glenn@whittlegolf.com.au 0439 165 750

rs.mercer@gmail.com 0429 001 611

I

T

t is not uncommon to hear a golfer say they are “coming over the top”. This essentially means that the direction the club head is travelling in through impact zone (two feet prior to and two feet post impact) is “outside to inside” the target line. This normally results in a pull shot or a slice, depending on the clubface position at the point of compact (impact), and also the angle the club was travelling on during the downswing. (Now you know why golf is such a difficult game!)

From my experience, the only issue with this is that the golfer is usually focussing on (and thus only trying to fix) the problem, not the cause.

Here’s an example: a PGA Professional came in for a lesson at Barton Park last month. When I recorded his swing using a high-speed camera, I identified that his arms were getting too deep (too far behind his body) too early in his backswing, resulting in the ‘over the top’ (incorrect sequence) in the downswing.

he shank is the scariest shot one can think of as a golfer.

We’ve all seen them and we all dread them...With some simple understanding of the golf swing and the angles of your swing, you can eliminate the dreaded “S” word for good!

If you’re coming “over the top” in your swing, a PGA Professional can help you determine (and fix) the cause of the problem.

After we tried and tested several drills and compared to see which ones worked best for him, I was impressed with the rate of improvement and positive influence it had on his ball flight, in particular the height of the ball flight.

If you are shanking with all of your iron shots, this usually means that you are coming down too steeply and outside the intended target line, creating a slicing action. Look at your divots during practice. If your divot is aiming left of target, you are coming across the line of the ball, resulting in either a shank or a slice. If this is happens, try re-routing your downswing and make sure you come down behind the ball not across the ball and down.

A great practice drill is to put one golf ball outside of the ball you are hitting and keep hitting until you begin completely missing the outside ball. This helps keep your swing inside the line and on the correct plane.

The message here is: find a reputable PGA Coach that can help you identify the cause of the problem and ensure the limited time you have to practice is spent wisely.

The 2008 NSW PGA Teacher of the Year, Glenn Whittle is a Certified PGA Professional, Advanced Status – Coaching.

He is coaching at Barton Park Driving Range in Arncliffe.

If you would like to book a one-on-one private golf lesson with Glenn Whittle, visit www.whittlegolf.com.au and click on BOOK NOW

If you only shank with your short irons (9-iron, pitching or sand wedge), you are probably swinging the club back too flat on the takeaway (around your body). This brings you into the ball from too far on the inside, leading the shank into the ball. To correct, ensure sure you feel the club moving straight back. A good check is to stop the club at the halfway position on the backswing. If the club is behind your body, your position is incorrect. The clubhead should be in line with your body throughout the entire backswing.

A much better swing path by this PGA Professional was the result of proper analysis of the cause.

Richard Mercer is the director of the Richard Mercer Golf Academy at The Vintage in the Hunter Valley where he has been nominated NSW PGA Instructor of the Year five times.

For more golf tips or to book golf lessons and schools at the Richard Mercer Golf Academy at The Vintage in the Hunter Valley, visit my website www.richardmercergolf.com.

Cut out and present this ad and get

5 x 1hr lessons for the price of 5 x 1/2 hour lessons onlY miss $375 “Don’t it!”

Upfront payment - Offer valid till July 31, 2016 with 6 months from date of purchase to redeem the 5 lessons.

• Glenn Whittle is now coaching at Barton Park Golf Range (210 West Botany St, Arncliffe) Couch grass and real golf balls - daylight hours only • $75 1/2 hour lesson and $135 1 hour lesson • Every day except Tuesdays and Fridays • Playing lessons available in Sydney $250, 9 holes (Includes green fee and cart)

To book a lesson with Glenn visit www.whittlegolf.com.au and click on “BOOK NOW”

0439 165 750

Phone or email glenn@whittlegolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

33

clubs

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Bankstown Golf Club Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

D

espite scoring a tidy $14 million from a clever, well-planned, real estate development last year, Sydney’s Bankstown Golf Club’s high ranking isn’t due to any ‘multi-million dollar makeover’ of the 88-year-old course in Sydney’s southwest.

Instead, the Board of this down-to-earth Group One rated club, which boasts a very high quality course, has continued to stick to its core values of delivering a superior golf experience for members, visitors and corporate day guests while fostering the game with some brilliant membership offers.

Bankstown’s General Manager Jason Kitchingman summed it up well when asked what was the most attractive feature of becoming a member or playing golf socially at Bankstown.

“Obviously the quality of the course, the flexibility of our membership options (which can also be paid via instalments), a strong future with financial security, great staff and friendly members,” Kitchingman said.

“Our course is magnificent, with our greens staff doing an unbelievable job under the expert guidance of Course Superintendent David Somerville. One of our apprentices, Mitchell Gibbs, won the NSW Apprentice of the Year and now is competing for the National title, indicating the level of professionalism and their commitment to the course.

“Our members are proud of their course, and visitors are always impressed when they play at Bankstown Golf Club.

“We are located in an industrial area so it is quite surprising for golfers, who have not played at Bankstown to discover how beautiful the course is. It truly is an oasis in South West Sydney.”

And what are the club’s major selling points as a package to attract members or social players?

“Our Pro, Lee Hunt, is highly respected and has a fantastic reputation of providing quality products and training and does whatever he can to help members improve their golf.

“We also have a perfect location; we are just off the M5, 20 minutes from the Sydney CBD, Parramatta, and Sutherland Shire and still the course is quiet and a great place to relax.

“Bankstown offers a very high quality Division One course and commensurate service, however it is much more affordable than a lot of other Division One clubs in Sydney.”

This year the club’s playing membership has increased by more than 70 – or about 10 per cent – very healthy figures in the often parlous private golf club membership climate.

“An example of Bankstown’s enterprise is that the first 10 new members who join a playing category and mention this Inside Golf article will receive a golf tuition pack with our Pro, Lee Hunt, which is valued at $500,” Kitchingman says.

Bankstown’s Marketing and Promotions Manager Michelle Gulliver says the club has been “extremely successful this year with obtaining new members”.

“Between January and the end of May, we had attracted 52 new full-members and 19 Group One Club-members this year.

“Our membership structure (different levels of full membership) has been really well received and it is obvious that by listening to what golfers want will result in strong growth.

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July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“We are delighted to have found that a lot of our new members are coming from referrals from current members.”

Bankstown has about 900 members (including playing, social and house) in seven basic categories with about 300 7 daymembers; about 100 five-day; 155 Group One; 45 Corporate; 52 Intermediate/Junior/ cadet; 16 Tyro and 54 Sunday only (now closed) Gulliver said the most popular category for new members is the full-access Gold membership ($1750 per year, $30 comp fees) and the unique Group One Club.

“We also have seen a steep increase in social golf since we began offering special deals on various internet websites (Scoopon, Crazy Golf Deals, etc). The aim now is to convert them to becoming club members.

“Since the introduction of our Group One Club, we also get a lot more ‘frequent’ social golfers. If you show them the cost mathematics, it makes sense for them to join as a Group One Club member due to the heavily discounted green fees offered all year round,” she said.

“We had 71 join the GOC last year and we are on track to reach a similar target this year.

“Our membership has actually changed whereby men and women are now equal; including our Junior levels. They are offered the same membership categories with the same playing rights at the same price. We now offer 7-day membership and 5-day membership, each with three levels to provide flexibility and value for all; depending on the competition fee they wish to pay.

“For those playing every week, we have an all-inclusive option where you can play as much competition as they want and not have to pay anything more.

“On the other end of the spectrum, we have a full membership option that is only $1750, but the competition fee is $30; perfect for those who want to be able to access the course whenever they want but cannot commit to playing competition golf every weekend.

“We believe that all members should be able to access the course the same amount (one men’s only, and one women’s only

clubs

competition remain midweek), but have flexibility in how they wish to pay.”

Bankstown’s corporate membership is all customised depending on what the member wants. There are a variety of ‘extras’ that can be incorporated into a membership package, including Pro-Am sponsorship, social passes for clients and colleagues, advertising opportunities on the course and in the clubhouse.

“Corporate membership is also personalised and we are getting more companies buying memberships for their employees and social passes which is a great way to treat their staff and clients (what better environment to conduct business)”.

Meanwhile the Bankstown Board, while intent on investing most of the funds from the sale of the land to ensure the long term financial position of the club, is making good use of some of it with serious capital outlays.

This year they have built two massive new sheds to cater not only for course maintenance but also for a 100 per cent expansion of the electric carts fleet from 30 to 60.

Each year, the Board has access to a set amount of funds with any other purchases requiring members’ approval.

There are plans to improve member services, the clubhouse and the pro shop with an exciting Golf Academy project, focusing on juniors, on the drawing board.

has attracted golfers from all over Sydney.

The new Bankstown Golf Academy will give members and guests the chance to experience a state-of-the-art coaching facility with access under all conditions. A fullyenclosed coaching studio which opens to the practice range, will give members and guests protection from all the elements.

“Our peak corporate day season is from August-December and some of our clients include Warren Saunders, Canterbury Rugby League, Niemeyer Commercial Industrial Property, Southern Sheet and Coil and the NSW Glass and Glaziers Association. We also hold charity events such as the Crews Charity Golf event (in memory of Bill Crews, the Bankstown police office that was sadly killed in the line of duty),” says Gulliver.

Bankstown’s Head Professional Lee Hunt has invested heavily in the project; with the purchase of Trackman 4 and swing catalyst to give students the best experience available.

“Last year we held 15 Corporate days in our peak period, with growth expected in the next few years with the expansion of our cart fleet.”

A new short game area is also being built so that there will be no part of a golfer’s game that they can’t work on. Completion is due in July-August.

With the sale of their practice area, members now receive discounts at the nearby Milperra Driving range and the Group One Club members are given a $50 voucher for the driving range each year.

The club’s membership pool traditionally has been predominantly local area men aged in their 50s and 60s, but there has been a recent membership trend of younger men and women willing to travel further to join with their average age between 45-55.

Interestingly the unique Bankstown Group One Club member offer and its corporate clients

Kitchingman says a proud part of Bankstown’s high standing in the golf industry stems from how successful Bankstown golfers –male and female -- have been in Sydneywide interclub competitions.

“The club’s Major Pennants team had a successful year last year which has secured

them a spot in Division One again this year,” he says.

“The Men’s Super Senior Pennants (over 65) made the final in 2015, but narrowly missed out on the title and the club’s Ladies’ Silver Pennant side not only won the pennant in 2015, but was undefeated throughout the season.

“The Eric Apperly team boasts some fantastic young golfers who not only play golf beyond their years, but are mature, respectable and intelligent young men.

“Our Junior Golf Academy not only encourages our young golfers to perform well on the course, but be good sportsmen, fair, honest and decent young individuals,” Kitchingman said.

All in all Bankstown seems to be enjoying success in all of the aspects which are aspired to by well-operated top quality golf clubs. So be sure to put Bankstown Golf Club on your list of must-play golf courses this year. •

For more information Telephone: (02) 9773 0628 or visit Website: www.bankstowngolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

35

new gear

>NEW GEAR ‘Tricks’ Limited Edition TITANTOUR IGNITE

RRP $279.00

PUMA Golf unveils a Limited Edition, dual-coloured TITANTOUR IGNITE Tricks Golf Shoe, designed to encourage golfers to have fun, play bold and play loud.

PUMA’s two-coloured boot concept was originally inspired by Cameroonian Rigobert Song’s World Cup moment in 1998, when he decided, on a whim, to lace up two different coloured PUMA King boots. His right was yellow, his left red. As Song said, “you must be bold” to wear two different colours on each foot. And that’s exactly what PUMA Tricks represents.

Engineered with PUMA’s proprietary IGNITE foam, the TITANTOUR IGNITE Golf Shoes are designed to deliver responsive cushioning, optimal rebound, and superior step-in comfort through every shot. IGNITE Foam has a high support factor and high compression set that results in both superior cushioning and minimal deformation over time. This new foam technology is designed to make the shoe more responsive and release energy more efficiently throughout the swing, making IGNITE footwear extra comfortable.

MD3 Milled Wedges Line Extension The MD3 Milled Wedges have the versatility and selection for every shot, every course condition, and every swing. It’s the most complete wedge line that Callaway has ever created. By leveraging their W-Grind and S-Grind, the new milled Progressive Groove Optimization system that optimizes spin for each loft, and advanced shaping and design, you can specialize your wedges to your game and all the shots that you want to hit.

Legendary wedge designer Roger Cleveland received extensive input from Tour players, and he used their feedback to craft the toe profile, sole and grinds of MD3 Milled. And now there are even more custom options for shafts, grips, loft options and finishes. These wedges give you everything you need to get up and down from anywhere.

Callaway is bringing out new 50o and 52o lofts in the W Grind, with cambered soles for improved turf interaction and a controlled trajectory. Now you can flight the ball low and make aggressive swings with your gap wedge.

The 64o C Grind is designed so that you can be even more aggressive with your

The neo iON, Bushnell’s lightest and thinnest golf watch, has been redesigned to meet the ever-changing needs of golfers wanting wrist-mounted devices and comes pre-loaded with more than 35,000 courses in over 30 countries. In addition, it’s equipped with a new integrated step

A limited number of these one-of-a-kind TITANTOUR IGNITE Tricks shoes are now available.

Apex Black Irons

RRP Steel $250.00ea 36

RRP Graphite $285.00ea

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

RRP $249.95

Inside Golf is giving away a Bushnell Tour V3 Laser Rangefinder to one lucky reader!

When you combine all of these advanced technologies with the all black finish, you have a forged iron for all golfers with an unforgettable look. Available in 4-AW.

counter and charging clip design while boasting market-leading battery life.

The neo iON is an easy-to-use GPS rangefinder with instant yardage measurements in a simple, fashion-forward design and with no membership fees. The neo iON delivers even longer battery life than its predecessor, with a single charge lasting for more than three rounds of golf.

The unit features a shot distance calculator, pedometer, odometer and the ability to decipher up to four hazards per hole.

The neo iON Golf GPS Watch is capable of instantly recognizing courses. It features an auto-hole advance feature which automatically changes from one hole to the next. A new integrated step counter has been added allowing the golfer to track distance, speed, and total activity time throughout their round of golf.

www.cobragolf.com/pumagolf

The progressive design creates scoring performance from your long irons to your short irons. The high tech, multi-piece construction provides a combination of distance, feel and control that can suit any player.

And the extremely soft feel comes from quadruple net forging and mild carbon steel.

shotmaking. You can open up the face without the leading edge coming up, make fuller swings on approach shots, and go after any shot you face around the green.

Bushnell neo iON golf GPS rangefinder watch

In addition to the IGNITE foam, the shoes also features TITANTOUR’s signature technology, PWRCOOL powered by Outlast, which regulates foot temperature by utilizing phase change materials that absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal comfort.

The new Apex Black Irons are precision engineered with Callaway’s industry-leading, category-defining 360 Face Cup technology to give you exceptional, consistent ball speed across the face and playability in a forged players’ iron. And they’ve added a sleek allblack look with a Satin Black PVD finish and premium shaft options, with a vast ‘no upcharge’ list to customize your set.

RRP $219.99ea

WIN: Bushnell Tour V3

With its new ergonomic design and its awardwinning PinSeeker with JOLT Technology, the Tour V3 sets the standard for being the complete laser rangefinder package – design, performance and feel.

JOLT Technology eliminates all doubt by delivering short vibrating bursts to reinforce the laser has locked onto the flag. Features include: Accuracy within 1-yard, Range: 5 yards – 1,000 yards (300+ yards to a flag), 5x Magnification, Ergonomic design, 3-Volt Battery and

Premium Carry Case included. Rainproof Construction. 2 Year Warranty.

To enter the draw: Visit our website and sign up to receive our free monthly newsletter.

http://www.insidegolf.com.au/competitions/win-bushnell-tour-v3-laser-rangefinder/

G

OLF cars and buggies have come a long way over the years. Gone are the noisy and bulky three-wheeled, handle-steered, noisy cars of yesterday.

Today’s vehicles and carts are sleek, featurepacked machines that make getting your gear around the course simple and fun.

This month, we look at the top golf vehicles and buggies to help you get around the course, whether as a single purchase for an individual golfer, or for an entire fleet for a club/course.

First, here are a few general tips to buying a buggy or golf car: 1. Push, Electric or Petrol?

You have many more choices these days when it comes to cars and buggies. The pushbuggy – long the workhorse of the links – offers manual and battery-powered options that suit nearly any need. They are light and compact, and generally very affordable. Golf cars and ride-ons are also highly advanced, but before you buy one you should ask yourself a few questions.

How long, for example, will the unit/vehicle last on a single charge/fill? How and where will you source the power/petrol? Where will you plug it in to charge it? If petrol-powered, then consider the process (and costs) for filling it up.

2. Your course If you play most of your golf at one course, then remember that some clubs restrict the use of certain buggies/cars, so before you purchase anything, ring up the club and make sure that there are no potential problems. Even some push-buggies can be subject to restrictions (wide wheels/slicks are often preferred for protecting the greens, etc). Also, make sure that your vehicle/unit is suited to your course (whether it is hilly, or muddy in winter, etc).

3. Dealers and Warranties When buying anything that has a motor/ battery (etc) it is always best to go through a dealer (where possible) or a trusted retail outlet/ pro-shop. Ensure the unit comes with a warranty.

Also, before you buy, investigate the availability

and ease (and potential costs) of getting the vehicle serviced or repaired in the future.

4. Storage and transportation Today’s push-carts and battery-operated buggies are light, sleek and ultra compact, making transportation and storage a breeze.

As you get to the bigger units, however, things are a bit different. So while a club may have room for a fleet of large vehicles, a lone golfer purchasing a golf car should weigh a few options. Can you store the vehicle at your club?

Is there a place for it at home? Is it under cover/ protected and secure? How will you get it to/ from the course? What is the cost for a trailer?

Do you have room for a trailer at home?

5. Test drive the vehicle (for ride-ons) Treat a golf car as you would an automobile.

Always ask for a test drive, as there is no better way to evaluate the suitability of the vehicle.

Regardless of if it is a new or used vehicle, check that there is enough oomph to get up hills, and enough braking power to slow it down in a hurry.

Remember, the more research, time and care you take up front, the better your overall experience will be, and the longer your vehicle/unit will last.

That all said, let’s look at the top products on offer in Australia.

From buggies to motorised golf cars and fullservice utility/ fleet vehicles, we give you the comprehensive guide to the hottest “wheels” in town.

SEARCHING FOR THE BEST DRIVER?

Play your own ball, sit down between shots, and experience more freedom on the course It’s more than a golf buggy, the IM4 fits in the back of your car, and can be registered as a mobility scooter.

www.im4.com.au Call us on 1800 55 19 76 Email us at info@im4.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

37

MGI Coaster Quad Brake Tame the terrain with the MGI Coaster Quad Brake thanks to the controlled downhill speed braking system and park brake. The Coaster conveniently stops on command using the control distance function which can be set from 5 to 60 metres and will stop at your desired distance. A must for moderate to hilly courses, the Coaster also features the new Electronic Park Brake. Play on any steep incline and at the press of a button activates the Electronic Park brake for an absolute stop on any terrain.

or SLA battery for your new buggy (four options with different RRPs). The MGI Quad Series are the only four-wheel buggies with rotating front wheels and suspension, and are a reflection of what you demand out of your caddy – power, performance, style and innovative technology.

RRP $1,660 For Stockists: www.mgigolf.com 1300 644 523

Battery choice matters so choosing the right battery to suit where you play and how often is important. With the Quad Series you have the choice between a lithium

Bag Boy TriSwivel II

Hill Billy

With a 360° swivel of the front wheel, the Bag Boy TriSwivel II is the push cart for golfers who love effortless manoeuvrability.

The TriSwivel II push cart is compatible with a stand or cart bag via the upper bag bracket.

It also features an oversized deluxe scorecard holder, handle-mounted parking break, a lightweight weather-resistant aluminium frame and integrated beverage holder (which includes a golf ball storage), as well as a tee and pencil holder. It has high impact wheels with maintenance free tyres, an umbrella holder and an accessories storage bag. The easy 3-step fold makes the cart compact and is convenient for storage.

RRP $359 For Stockist: https://mgigolf.com/bag-boy/ 1300 644 523

The new Hill Billy is a lightweight, easyfolding lithium powered golf buggy which is currently selling throughout Europe with unprecedented levels of reliability. It is now available to Australian golfers.

Hill Billy comes standard with the unique plug-and-play lithium battery, which drops into place without any fiddly wires to connect, and is ready for play in just seconds.

The buggy is exceptionally light and strong, and it folds up and down quickly with the added benefit of a height-adjustable handle to suit players of varying heights. The Hill Billy even stands on its end, taking up the minimum of space for storage when not in use.

The new Hill Billy comes with a two-year warranty on the buggy, lithium battery and charger, backed by a nationwide Service Centre network for peace of mind.

RRP $999 (plus freight) www.elkgolf.com (03) 9795 1743

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED

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July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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1300 90 60 80 www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

41

Walkinshaw Swivel The first thing you notice when using the Walkinshaw Swivel Buggy is how easy it is to push.

Compared to some expensive folding buggies with fixed front wheels that require you to push down the handle to lift the buggy in order to turn, the unique swivelling front wheel of the Walkinshaw Swivel means you simply have the push it and it will go in the direction you want. This reduces fatigue significantly over the course of a round.

The Swivel also features a Scorecard holder that includes ball, tee and GPS storage as well as a large volume, quick access storage bag. And with a lightweight aluminium 3D Folding frame, the Swivel folds down in seconds to a super compact, easy to lift position using the one motion folding design system.

Walkinshaw Racer The Walkinshaw Racer 4.0 buggy features an easy 3-wheel push design and sturdy steel frame developed for Australian conditions by automotive engineers.

With a side seat and versatile Scorecard Holder storage compartment that allows easy access to your golf bag pockets, the Walkinshaw Racer buggy offers the one motion folding action, great colour story and a full range of accessories to suit.

RRP: $269 1800 656 968 www.wsports.com.au info@wsports.com.au

GolfBoard

Powered by an environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery, the GolfBoard is an easy-to-ride vehicle that adds a new level of fun and excitement for golfers of all ages, allowing users to ‘Surf the Earth’ in a way that feels similar to snowboarding, surfing, or skateboarding without course damage.

The GolfBoard is driven by gear boxes at the front and rear, rather than unreliable chains or belts. This enables greater safety, reliability and low maintenance.

Power is distributed evenly to all four wheels using industrial grade gear boxes. This never-before-seen-feature on a powered golf device ensures safety, smooth operation and low maintenance. Expect solid traction and low impact on the turf even on the steepest hills.

Control using the ergonomically designed thumb throttle allows smooth acceleration, deceleration and a smooth stop for a safe step off.

With a great range of colours and accessories do not miss this opportunity to change the way you navigate the fairways.

Using the highest grade industrial electric motors, drives and electrics the GolfBoard is built for long life and reliability. Select a gentle low speed at 8kph or a brisk top speed of 16kph.

RRP: $299 1800 656 968 www.wsports.com.au info@wsports.com.au

Its 100mmx270mm tyres are designed to be gentle on the turf whilst providing maximum traction. Expect less impact on the turf.

The GolfBoard uses the same lithium batteries featured in luxury electric motor vehicles and has a travel range of up to 20kms.

The LED battery indicator shows battery usage level in all conditions of play, and in high demand situations the board can be completely recharged in as little as 2 hours.

The GolfBoard is engineered to have the smallest possible impact on the turf. With approximately the same PSI as a golf cart but with only 25% of the footprint. The GolfBoard can reduce turf wear by up to 75%.

New PowaKaddy Freeway Range

The complete range is backed by a comprehensive twoyear warranty on the buggy and a five-year pro-rata Warranty on the Lithium Battery.

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

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

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

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

Contact: Peter Bridgewater 0419 780 038 www.golfboard.com.au peter@golfboard.com.au Made in the U.S.A.

The FW5 and FW7 models both come standard with a USB charging port plus Automatic Distance Function.

PowaKaddy is distributed and serviced in Australia by E.L.K Golf. www.powakaddy.com.au (03 ) 9795 1743

CUTTING EDGE DESIGN WITH GAME CHANGING TECHNOLOGY

With over 30 years of proven innovation we lead the way with cutting-edge designs fused with the latest technology.

Our passion with perfection, close attention to detail and rigorous testing mean we continue to set high standards in electric trolley innovation.

As the best-selling brand in over 50 countries worldwide, we strive to deliver the perfect combination of ‘best in class’ performance, reliability and user-friendly functionality at outstanding value.

The PowaKaddy Range Featuring Plug ‘n’ Play™ and the most advanced Lithium battery on the market.

For more information or to locate your nearest PowaKaddy stockist, call (03) 9795 1743 visit www.powakaddy.com.au or email us at info@powakaddy.com.au

OVER 30 YEARS OF INNOVATION At PowaKaddy we are always looking at ways to improve and perfect our products.

With over 30 years of proven innovation we lead the way with cutting-edge designs fused with the latest technology.

Our passion with perfection, close attention to detail and rigorous testing mean we continue to set high standards in electric trolley innovation.

Making the game more enjoyable is in our DNA and that ethos has seen PowaKaddy maintain its No1 position as brand leader in golf trolleys, golf bags and accessories for over 30 years.

As the best-selling brand in over 50 countries worldwide, we strive to deliver the perfect combination of ‘best in class’ performance, reliability and user-friendly functionality at outstanding value.

Performing to the best of your ability demands more than just skill. Our electric trolleys are designed to help you to conserve energy, avoid unnecessary injuries and transport your golfing gear with utmost ease.

Our latest range of Freeway trolleys are not only functional, appealing to the eye

42

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

but deliver outstanding performance.

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completely weatherproofed Inclusions: • Full lighting kit • e-Car cooler and basket • Custom 10” mag wheels • Washable seat covers • 10” high profile tyres • Split folding windscreen • Ball and club washer • Rear sweater basket • 2 x sand bottles • 2 x large wing mirrors • Front tidy basket • Fitted rain covers • 2 x umbrella holders • Fitted rear bag canopy Plus – Completely weatherproofed

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QLD DeaLers

CartsnParts Shop 14-340 Hope Island Road Hope Island, QLD 4212 Contact: Lee Turner Ph: (07) 5514 0379 ECAR Australasia Head Office Unit 7-42 Export Drive Molendinar – 4214 Contact: Phil McKinnon Ph: 0400 669 023

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Congratulations to all the team at ECAR on your ten year anniversary in the Australian market which is testament to your ongoing commitment to customer service excellence. Once again we are very pleased to announce you as the worthy recipient of our International Dealer of the Year award - Management & staff, LVTONG - New energy Electric Vehicle Technology

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2015 InternatIonal Dealer oF tHe Year www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

43

IM4 Buggy from Active Scooters Expertly crafted, the dedication to quality and attention to detail hasn’t gone unnoticed when it comes to the four-wheel IM4 buggy from Active Scooters, which has been described as the Rolls-Royce of single-person golf carts.

In a recent independent test on an undulating golf course in Brisbane, the single-seater was driven on hills, across rough terrain at speeds reaching 20khp and it performed beautifully thanks to the powerful 1300w motor.

Switch the vehicle to low gear and you can cruise along at a comfortable walking pace.

It’s also able to reverse in and out of tight spots with the simple flick of a switch and the integrated throttle/brake.

Active Scooters, a Brisbane-based company, has seen a spike in sales across Australia simply because golfers enjoy the fact they can move freely and independently from tee to green.

As one happy customer said, “I just want to get to my ball as quickly as possible so I can concentrate on my next shot without having to follow my partner’s ball down the fairway.

“I also love how I can sit down between shots.

“And after my round, the IM4 rolls into the back of my car with the aid of a couple of ramps.”

Every detail and feature allows the golfer a comfortable, smooth ride, courtesy of the independent suspension on the body and another on the leather seat.

There’s a conveniently located scorecard holder, an umbrella holder, a sand bucket and a drink holder and there’s the option of placing the golf bag on the front or rear. The vehicle is fun to drive and it’s extremely golf course friendly courtesy of the low impact turf tyres.

Another attraction for buyers are the 75Ah batteries, which have a range of 50 kilometres. That equates to more than eight rounds of golf before the batteries need recharging.

Includes two-year warranty on the frame and a 12-month warranty on everything else.

Available in Burgundy Red, Royal Blue, British Racing Green and Charcoal Grey.

1800-551-976 www.im4.com.au

Golf Skate Caddy The unique and exciting Golf Skate Caddy has turned heads and made headlines across the golf industry for over three years. But with the 2016 launch of the new model, the GSC-V2, it’s set to get tongues wagging even more.

Totally redesigned from the ground up it brings a new level of features not seen before on this type of vehicle: a new colour computer screen, new CPUs, a revolutionary handle with an in-built thumb accelerator, an included intelligent remote control, new automatic safety braking, a longer-range battery, upgraded suspension and more.

With its rapid learning curve of just 5-10 minutes anyone can start surfing the turf in no time, whilst experiencing an exhilarating ride no golf cart can deliver. Current and new customers are raving about the product, with comments like “I love the freedom”, “I love the core workout”, “My joints don’t hurt”, “Best fun I ever had”, “Easy to transport” and more.

It’s clear that Golf Skate Caddy has changed the way a person can play a game of golf without actually changing the game itself.

Simply Unbeatable

999

$

*

*Freight charges apply. Bag and golf clubs not included.

44

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

1300 55 69 79 www.golfskatecaddy.com.au

Celebrating 23 years as one of Europe’s leading electric buggies.

for quality and price A quality lithium powered buggy for just

Once you ride the Golf Skate Caddy, you’re hooked. And while it may seem targeted at younger players, more than 75% of sales are actually going to the “baby boomer” demographic, with 30% of sales to women.

So it’s evident that getting to a certain age does not mean you have to give up on the excitement of your game.

2 YEAR

WARRANTY

ON BUGGY, BATTERY & CHARGER

Distributed by:

• Designed and manufactured in the UK • Lightweight, stylish and simple to fold • Easy plug ‘n’ play lithium battery • Includes sand bottle and umbrella holder • Full range of accessories available For more information or to order, call and speak to one of our representatives on 03 9795 1743 or visit www.elkgolf.com

www.elkgolf.com

New Model YaMaha aC

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

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

It pulls well.”

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Golf City Driving Range

Ballarat

(03) 5334 2346

QLD

Northcoast Motorsport

Caloundra

(07) 5443 7800

VIC

Stihl Shop Mildura

Mildura

(03) 5022 2840

QLD

Yamaha Motor Platinum Dealer

VIC

Yamaha Carts Albury Wodonga

Wodonga

0408 590 439

Caloundra

(07) 5499 7805

VIC

Yamaha Golf Cars of Melbourne

Braeside

(03) 9587 5480

SA

Metropolitan Machinery PL

Cavan

(08) 8349 5499

WA

Yamaha Golf Cars WA

Osborne Park

(08) 9443 1117

Northcoast Motorsport QLD

Yamaha Motor Platinum Dealer Yamaha Golf Cars Brisbane

East Brisbane

1300 921 160

www.yamaha-motor.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

45

ECAR electric golf carts and utility vehicles

Club Car and Golf Cars International Pty Ltd Club Car is recognised globally as an industry leader for golf carts (fleet or private), transportation and hospitality vehicles, commercial utility vehicles, multi-passenger shuttle vehicles, plus rough-terrain and offroad utility vehicles.

ECAR is an internationally-recognised supplier of top-of-the-line electric utility vehicles and electric golf carts throughout Australia, Asia, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Zealand, the South Pacific Islands and Europe. Established in Queensland in 2005, ECAR’s commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability has seen them grow into one of the industry leaders for electric utility vehicles.

Golf Cars International offer a wide range of custom-designed vehicle solutions for various industry needs including mining, large scale events, tourism, manufacturing and agriculture, to name a few.

Because of an ongoing commitment to innovation, quality and customer satisfaction, Club Car has manufactured the #1 rated golf cars and utility vehicles, year after year. Since 1958, Club Car’s product portfolio has grown to include utility vehicles, multi-passenger

Their product portfolio has grown to include more than just energy-efficient golf buggies; it also includes top-quality industrial electric vehicles and specialised vehicles, including tour buses, fire trucks, ambulances, security cars, trucks and catering carts. Their wide range of motorised vehicles and golf buggies are based on high-quality German engineering and manufactured by LvTong, one of Asia’s premium golf car manufacturers.

shuttle vehicles, rough-terrain and off-road utility vehicles.

Club Car customers have access to premium after-sales service and support, plus a wide range of parts and accessories from both their head office and showroom on the Gold Coast, as well as their Hamilton Island Sales and Service Centre.

If you are looking for quality pre-owned golf cars or hire cars, they also have a large selection available, all conveniently located under the one roof at their new Gold Coast showroom: 20 Kingston Drive, Helensvale.

(07) 5529 9499 www.golfcarsinternational.com.au

ECAR also enjoys a reputation as one of the leading sources of environment-friendly and energy-saving electric utility vehicles.

All ECAR electric utility vehicles feature industry-leading USA and European brands, and their eCars, eTrucks, eBuses and other utility vehicles are backed by an outstanding warranty. In addition, their battery-powered

utility vehicles and golf buggies are environmentally-friendly, creating a lower carbon footprint which not only reduces gas emission, but also lessen costs and, most importantly, help save the planet.

For all enquiries regarding the ECAR Commercial range, call Graham Janson: M: 0488 166 993, grahamj@ezgo.com.au

The GolfBoard has proven to make golf more popular and courses more profitable: Attract New Players - Golf is a game that players quickly come to love, but is largely still undiscovered by a new generation of potential lifelong fans. GolfBoard appeals to the younger action sports crowd looking for adventure, excitement, and fun.

Increase Frequency Of Play - The avid player is GolfBoard’s biggest fan. With a GolfBoard you can complete a round in half the time, so you can play twice as often.

Differentiate Your Course - GolfBoarding is an entirely new sport that most every golfer is eager to try. A rental fleet of GolfBoards provides an unique new offering that will attract players from other courses and keep them coming back for more.

Guest & Media Buzz - Nothing generates more media attention and positive word of mouth than a new GolfBoard program. Your members and guests will help spread the word about just how much fun they had.

Increase Rounds Played - After years of declining popularity, GolfBoard has proven time and time again to put courses back on track for strong growth. Many early adopters of GolfBoard have seen over a 30% increase in rounds played.

Generate More Revenue - While the overall goal of GolfBoard is help courses attract new players, plus provide their members and guests a unique new way to enjoy the game, one of the greatest benefits is to a course’s bottom line.

Course Impact - Out of strict concern for minimizing turf injury, the GolfBoard has been engineered to make the smallest possible degree of turf impact. With approximately the same PSI as a golf cart (6lbs), but only 25% of the footprint, the GolfBoard can reduce turf wear by as much as 75%.

Contact: Peter Bridgewater 0419 780 038 46

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

peter@golfboard.com.au

www.golfboard.com.au

Ian Baker-Finch and the team at Golf Cars International would like to welcome RACV Royal Pines to the family.

We thank RACV for choosing the premier performance and reliability of Club Car as the new golf car of choice at Royal Pines and we are looking forward to a long and very rewarding relationship.

GOLF CARS INTERNATIONAL P/L 20 Kingston Drive, Helensvale QLD 4212 Phone: (07) 55 299 499 | Fax: (07) 55 299 544

www.golfcarsinternational.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

47

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July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Pro-Fit Parts

Johnson Controls batteries

Recently launched in Australia, Pro-Fit Parts are set to shake up the Australian golf industry by setting a new benchmark in the ordering of parts and accessories.

One in every three cars, trucks, buses, boats and RVs on the road today is powered by a Johnson Controls battery.

And now one of the three major golf car manufacturers is powered by Johnson Controls deep cycle batteries. When the electric Golf Car industry asked for a quality deep cycle battery, the world’s largest battery manufacturer made it happen. Johnson Controls manufacture a full portfolio of flooded lead acid batteries that cover an extensive range of vehicles including electric Golf Cars. Each battery is built to meet the specific needs of their global customer base of original equipment manufacturers including Club Car and the aftermarket golf car industry.

Pro-Fit is a one-stop-shop that offers golf cart owners a huge range of parts and accessories suitable for all major brands including E-Z-GO, Club Car, Yamaha and Cushman – among others. Their buying power has allowed them to purchase topquality parts at great prices.

The team at Pro-Fit guarantee that if they do not have a part available for one of the many vehicles that they carry stock for – they have the ability to get it in.

Not only do Pro-Fit Parts ship Australia-wide at the best possible rates – dealers are being set up at various locations including pro shops, golf cart dealers and golfing equipment stores.

You can even purchase parts and accessories online through their website.

Johnson Controls has more than 100 years of experience delivering batteries to meet customers’ evolving needs. As the world’s largest supplier of batteries, Johnson Controls produces more than 146 million batteries every year — one-third of the industry’s total output. Johnson Controls batteries power every type of passenger vehicle, heavy duty and light commercial trucks, motorcycles, golf cars, lawn and garden tractors, and marine RV applications.

Liam Owens, Parts and Accessories manager at Pro-Fit said that whilst it is a niche sector – there is a huge demand for parts and accessories.

“We have the largest range of parts and accessories in Australia, we have great prices, we have well trained staff, we have a great website and of course we have the after sales support needed to do this properly,” Mr Owens said.

“Having well trained staff that work with the Carts and their respective parts and accessories is a huge advantage – it allows us to get our clients the correct part the first time round” “If you do your shopping online – our secure website allows you to shop by vehicle brand – only parts associated with your brand will be brought up – so you can shop with confidence.”

The range of goods available through ProFit includes: mag wheels, tyres, windshields, electrical accessories, lift kits, light kits, weather enclosures, seating, covers and more. Some of these items are on a Launch special so contact them today. Dealer applications are welcome.

(07) 3170 3946 www.profitparts.com.au

Johnson Controls’ dedication to safety, quality and continuous improvement ensure the highest quality. Already proven as reliable energy for industrial applications like scissor lifts, or floor scrubbers, Johnson Controls golf car batteries are built to provide the deep cycle performance that an electric golf car needs. Benefits include: High-density active material and a specially formulated grid alloy that enables a Johnson Controls battery to withstand the stress of repetitive cycling, gang vents for convenient watering, heavyduty lead plate straps and tight internal cell grouping for vibration resistance.

As Johnson Controls’ largest stockist in Australia, R&J Batteries are the importers and distributors of the JCI golf car batteries including the 8-volt GC8 – T875 and the 6-volt GC2 – T105/T125. R&J now market and label Johnson Controls golf batteries under their own branding of HARD-CORE Industrial Batteries. R&J Batteries have 17 wholesale distribution centres across Australia plus a large dedicated network of resellers in every state and territory.

Contact them today to find your nearest stockist or to enquire about becoming a Hard-Core golf car battery distributor.

1300 769 282 www.rjbatt.com.au industrial@rjbatt.com.au

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL MAJOR BRANDS PARTS AND ACCESSORIES. SUPERIOR VALUE, FIT & FUNCTION 12 INCH STORM TROOPER MAG WHEELS

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CALL OUR HOTLINE ON 07 3170 3946 www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

49

Join the club!

A

NYTIME is a good time to join a golf club, but now is arguably one of the best times ever, with many golf clubs offering attractive membership packages.

or simply a group of like-minded golfers to share a great time, Club Membership is (and always has been) one of the best ways to enjoy golf in Australia.

From the enticing value-for-money ‘15 months for the price of 12’ offer, family, junior, Lifestyle, Flexi or equity membership, to the more traditional 5-day, 6-day or 7-day membership plans, there is truly something for everyone these days, as clubs are working hard to entice golfers to their fairways. More clubs are meeting the demands of the market and offering a greater degree of flexibility when it comes to membership packages.

Other benefits include Members-only tee times, access to electronic bookings, the ability to play unlimited golf on the golf course at no cost, play in mid-week, weekend and public holiday competitions, an official Golf Australia handicap, unlimited use of the practice facilities, golf at reciprocal clubs at a reduced fee, and the chance to play in events like the Holden Scramble and pro-ams.

There are many benefits to joining a club, whether you are looking for a highquality private course to hone your skills, a competitive setting for regular competition,

So if you’re looking to join a club, here are some of the top membership specials on offer around the country.

Wentworth Falls Country Club.

MOnthLy Direct Debit avaiLabLe tO FULL anD 6 Day MeMbership FULL MeMbership Open

2016/17

FULL MeMbership

$1,835

That’s Full Membership for just $35.30 per week – Pro Rata Rates – No Joining Fee. Phone (07) 5572 8266 50

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

6-Day MeMbership

$1,540

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/BurleighGolfClub www.burleighgolfclub.com.au

Pacific Golf Club.

QUEENSLAND

visitors are always welcome to come along and play.

is now on offer. There are also age-related discounts for under 40s.

Pacific Golf Club

The parkland-style golf course is in fantastic condition, being nestled in between the tributaries of Bulimba and Spring Creeks, which supply the golf course with an abundance of irrigation water. The club has opened its new 13th hole which sees it adding to the signature precinct of the golf course. Stunning new rock-faced ponds surround large greens, while contrasting against lush tree-lined fairways. The native gardens make it a beautiful haven for all types of birdlife and the waterways are homes to turtles and fish.

Pacific’s new six-month Membership covers the Summer or Winter period and is perfect for the sportsperson who plays a competitive alternative sport during the year, but wants to play golf in their off-season, without paying a full year’s membership fee.

The three-day “Lifestyle” membership offers the opportunity of midweek competition or social play without overtaking your weekends with the family. This is also a great membership opportunity for the beginner as they learn to build their golfing skills. All for a greatly reduced price.

Pacific currently has Membership open in a range of different categories for both men and women. Pacific has new threeday “Lifestyle” and six-month (Summer and Winter) memberships available as well as the normal Full and Ladies membership options.

7, 6, 5 & 3-Day memberships are available on one of Brisbane’s most affordable, picturesque and manicured golf courses

Pacific is offering special membership opportunities for new members and there are great payment options on offer. There are regular daily competitions for both men and women or social play times every day.

The fully-stocked pro shop caters for every need and the accredited golf professionals run regular Junior and Ladies clinics for beginners.

Pacific Golf Club is situated just 15 minutes south-east of the Brisbane CBD, and provides a challenging golfing experience for players of all levels. Easily accessible from all major routes travelling north or south, it makes for a great club to be a member of, or simple visit for that regular game of social golf. The club has a new major sponsor, Citisolar, and the association is bringing new life to the club. Citisolar is a 100% Australian owned and operated company specialising in solar energy and is now working with Pacific Golf Club to ensure a bright future for the club.

Pacific Golf Club has a magnificent 18hole championship golf course as well as an additional Par-3 nine which is perfect for the beginner or Junior just starting out. The main course is open for competition and social play across most days of the week and

The Monthly “Citisolar Black Snake Challenge” sees the golf course set to a black marker standard and challenges even the most fierce competitor. The more monthly rounds a person plays in, the better the chance to scoop the end-of-year prize. The main competition is a Stableford across 3 grades, so winning a prize is not just left to the top grade players.

Pacific Golf Club is open 7 days for lunch and Tuesday to Saturday for dinner and has a large gaming precinct in the Social part of the clubhouse. Social membership is only $5 for the year and you are able to enjoy all the facilities of the clubhouse - including special member’s prices on all food and beverage purchases at any time, day or night!

Pacific Golf Club 430 Pine Mountain Road, Carindale Qld 4152 (07) 3343 0888 www.pacificgolf.com.au info@pacificgolf.com.au

Mates Rates

JOIN WITH A FRIEND...

Purchase two 7 Day Memberships for just $1,600 (regular price $2,260) OR Purchase two 6 Day Memberships for just $1,200 (regular price $1,720)

• Great atmosphere and Great Golf at Forster Tuncurry • 2 Courses, 2 Club houses, Twice the Fun • No Joining Fees - Full membership from $55 per month • Country memberships available (50km radius applies) • Social playing and Junior membership specials • Variety Stay and Play packages available from Proshop

Forster Tuncurry Golf Club Strand Street, Forster 2428 | PH: (02) 6554 6799 www.forstertuncurrygolf.com.au admin@forstertuncurrygolf.com.au

and SAVE up to $660!

PLUS Join or renew your Membership before 30 June 2016 to go in the draw to win $1,000 Club Cash Conditions apply. Please see website or contact Club for details

CAMPBELLTOWN GOLF CLUB

Golf Course Drive, Glen Alpine NSW 2560 P (02) 4622 2900 W www.campbelltowngolfclub.com.au A division of Campbelltown Catholic Club

www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

51

Burleigh Golf Club.

Burleigh Golf Club Burleigh Golf Club on Queensland’s Gold Coast has been both proactive and imaginative when it comes to its membership offers.

Centrally located at Miami, the club offers a range of membership options including full, six-day, country, restricted, limited, youth, junior and cadet as well as a social membership, which is ideal for the nongolfers in the family.

There’s even a three-month membership offer for less than $5.50 a day for those visiting the Gold Coast for a few months.

What’s attractive about joining Burleigh Golf Club is it has no joining fee and offers new-comers monthly pro rata rates.

“Burleigh Golf Club understands that balancing finances in this challenging time can be difficult and so we offer a range of membership payment options including a monthly direct debit payment scheme,” said the club’s general manager Ian Cottle.

The semi-private members club offers an 18-hole championship course, full practice facilities, private members’ locker rooms and excellent clubhouse facilities.

The golf course caters for golfers of all standards and there are daily competitions.

When the members finish their round, they can relax in comfort in a modern clubhouse that offers a variety of meal options.

The Gumtrees Brasserie offers a full snack and a la carte menu and is open for lunch seven days a week and dinner Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Limited Membership is a $470 pay-as-youplay style structure and includes a green fee from $20 for 18 holes. It is an affordable entry price for those looking to become more serious about their golf.

Burleigh Golf Club Cnr Albion and Bardon Avenue, MIAMI QLD (07) 5572-8266 www.burleighgolfclub.com.au

RACV Royal Pines Resort.

RACV Royal Pines Resort There has never been a more exciting time to join Queensland’s Home of Championship Golf, RACV Royal Pines Resort. Opened in 1990, Royal Pines was originally designed

by Japanese course architect Tomojiro Maruyama. Set against a lush tropical background, just minutes from the beach to the east, and the hinterland to the west, the Gold Coast’s only 27-hole resort course has recently undergone a major redevelopment by one of the world’s most renowned and leading golf course architects, Graham Marsh. The redesign has seen every green, surrounds, landing area, and bunker replaced and redesigned to bring the course up to championship standards while also retaining the capacity to cater for golfers of all abilities.

No other golf membership can boast the prestigious honour of hosting Australia’s PGA Championship and Australian Ladies Masters.

Royal Pines is where the players come to play, and where avid golfers can experience a challenging layout, combined with a 5-star environment. With tight fairways, undulating greens and immaculately manicured swales,

Become a Member at The Home of Championship Golf.

each nine-hole course has its own distinctive challenges, requiring a unique skill set in order to have a successful round. Afterwards, enjoy a casual meal and cold beverage on Tee’s lower terrace, overlooking the championship course.

The world-class practice facilities are complemented by teaching expertise from Mark Gibson’s Exceptional Golf teaching professionals. A family friendly environment, there are clinics for every age and every level of experience.

Membership benefits include reciprocal access at other RACV resorts, exclusive tee times reserved for members only, online bookings, weekly member competitions as well as honour board events and member discounts on merchandise, range balls, golf tuition and tennis court hire. RACV Royal Pines membership offers unbeatable value for money. Choose between five day or seven day options to tailor your membership to your specific golfing needs. Presenting five different unlimited golf packages, memberships start at just $2,280 per year for five-day unlimited golf (Monday-Friday and

There has never been a more exciting time to join the Home of Championship Golf, RACV Royal Pines Resort, than now.

Members Privileges include: • Five day or seven day Membership options available • New Tournament course re-developed by Graham Marsh • Unlimited rounds of golf • Reserved tee times on Saturdays (7 day membership)* • Reciprocal access at other RACV Golf Clubs;** • Shared unlimited golf cart hire • Honour Board events and weekly competitions • Discounts on merchandise, range balls, golf tuition & more 12 Month Unlimited Access Memberships

7 Day 5 Day 7 Day 5 Day

Card Holders 1 1 2 2

Public (Non-Auto Club) $3,815 $3,050 $6,865 $5,490

Auto Club Members* $2,860 $2,280 $5,150 $4,100

For further details contact the Golf Shop on 5597 8733

Ross Street, Benowa, Gold Coast, Qld 4217 www.racv.com.au/royalpines Host of the Australian PGA Championship and the RACV Australian Ladies Masters.

52

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

*Conditions apply. Autoclub membership includes RACV, RACQ & NRMA.**Reciprocal golf course access is offered at Goldfields, Torquay and Cape Schanck Resorts, and also to Healesville Country Club for RACV Club Members. Course availability subject to the demands of tournaments and some large scale events.

Join Carnarvon Golf Club in JULY and get Caloundra Golf Club.

Sunday after 12pm) and $2,860 per year for seven-day unlimited golf, including shared use of a golf cart.

ACV Royal Pines Resort R Ross Street, Benowa, Queensland, 4217 Toll Free: 1800 886 880 Membership enquiries: (07) 5597 8733 or email david_hogben@racv.com.au

Caloundra Golf Club Aside from being a beautiful, oldfashioned parkland golf course, Caloundra Golf Club holds a unique position on the Sunshine Coast because it’s just a short distance from famed Kings Beach.

Opened in 1951 as a nine-hole layout and extended to 18 holes in 1966, the golf course is set in a tranquil and peaceful environment and offers a pleasant combination of ponds and well-established trees and interesting strategy decisions off the tees.

It’s here where visiting club golfers feel right at home as the golf course is very much a product of its natural surroundings.

Of course, the challenge of the traditional Australian bushland course is another reason why the club is popular with members and visitors alike.

The golf course is 5987m off the championship tees (5356m for women) and features a number of tight, tree-lined holes that make accuracy and the ability to shape the golf ball off the tee very important.

The layout is a balance between risk and reward.

You can smash a driver off the tee or hit a positional iron, go for the green in two heroic shots or throw a wedge to the superb greens. There are five par3s and they are a real test with none measuring less than 145m. If that is not enough, there is water on five holes and bunkers protect most greens.

Caloundra Golf Club, which can lay claim to producing former British Open champion Ian Baker-Finch, has produced numerous state and national champions.

Visitors are always welcome at Caloundra and social times are available most days. Motorised carts and golf equipment are available for hire.

The clubhouse, which overlooks the 18th green and fairway, incorporates a fully-equipped bar and dining room and also specialises in weddings, birthdays or any other celebration while the pro shop has an excellent range of clubs and accessories.

One of the attractions is each day at 4pm the Rainbow Lorikeets arrive and visitors are welcome to participate in the feeding activity.

Caloundra Golf Club 1 Charles Woodward Drive, Caloundra 4551 (07) 5491-1811 www.caloundragolfclub.com.au

Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club is now offering five levels of membership, a level to suit every lifestyle. With two championship golf courses and two exceptional clubhouses, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club offers a unique selection of membership options, with or without golf.

Equity Members enjoy full membership including unlimited golf on The Pines and The Palms golf courses along with access to The Country Club fitness centre, the exclusive clubhouse, and world class practice facilities. Your membership becomes a share and is your key to access first class golf, sport and leisure facilities. As an asset, your share can be dealt with in a way similar to any other investment.

Social Access Membership is restricted membership which includes unlimited access to the exclusive clubhouse for social activities and Members and Members’ guests only social events.

Corporate Access Membership can set your business apart from your competitors. Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club offers you the chance to build your relationships and entertain clients, or reward your staff with a perfectly executed corporate golf day.

Their range of packages suit all events and are easily adaptable to your individual needs and requirements.

A strictly limited number of memberships are now offered to those businesses seeking the very best in corporate entertaining for themselves and their guests.

Country Club Membership is a membership which provides access to over 45 aerobic classes per week, the latest gymnasium equipment, four air-conditioned training rooms including a cardio room, weight training room, secluded yoga studio and group fitness room, five floodlit tennis courts, a 25-metre heated pool with barbecue gazebo, private spas and saunas, specialised treatment rooms, their first-class Kidz Club, a coffee shop, and their highly trained professional staff.

Golf Access Membership is available for golfers up to the age of 32 as a pathway membership. This membership is an extension of the Club’s junior programme and provides younger golfers an opportunity to join this world-class facility. Golf Access Membership opens the door to experience this unique and rewarding lifestyle including access to both golf courses and The Country Club.

UP TO 14 MONTHS MEMBERSHIP FOR THE PRICE OF 12 MONTHS THAT’S UP TO 2 MONTHS ABSOLUTELY FREE WITH NO JOINING FEES!!!!

FULL 7 dAY MEMBERSHIP

$1740, plus $300 bar/dining fee. Total $2040.

(Comp fees only $15)

LAdIES MEMBERSHIP

$1180, plus $300 bar/dining fee. Total $1480.

(Comp fees only $12) No social green fees apply. Clubhouse discounts do apply.

Includes GA affiliation fees.

PLEASE NOTE: To be eligible for this offer you must quote reference number: IG2016 Some conditions do apply. This offer is not available with monthly or half-yearly payment options.

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.

Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club Phone (07) 5699 9000 info@scgcc.com.au www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au

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.

Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club.

65-95 Nottinghill Rd, Lidcombe NSW 2141 Phone (02) 9649 6255 | Pro Shop (02) 9649 2438

www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

53

Carbrook Golf Club.

Carbrook Golf Club Carbrook Golf Club is one of the most exciting and progressive clubs in the South East corner of Queensland. Yes, they have sharks in their main lake, however the reason that people keep coming back to this place is the quality of the golf course. With a modern irrigation system and unlimited water supply this course looks fantastic all year round. The greens are some of the best you will play on and the club continues to invest in its main attraction, the golf course, and the improvements over the last five years are quite amazing.

Carbrook is a club that prides itself on oldfashioned values such as friendly service, not being too precious about whether you have the right socks or your shirt is tucked in. They just want you to have a great experience and keep coming back. There must be something behind their massive membership increases in the last few years.

Carbrook Golf Club 653 Beenleigh -Redland Bay Road, Carbrook Queensland, (07) 3287 6499 www.carbrookgolfclub.com.au admin@carbrookgolfclub.com.au

Mount Coolum Golf Club Mount Coolum Golf Club is reversing the trend of declining membership and is increasing membership numbers substantially this year. This influx of members to the Club has come with the help of an innovative approach with its membership offerings, as well as opening its doors to a broader range of members and social golfers.

Feedback from members and studies from

Golf Queensland and Golf Australia have revealed that many golfers are time-poor, have growing family duties and other recreational commitments, and are generally financiallystrapped and don’t have the discretionary

Mount Coolum Golf Club.

income as they did a decade or so ago.

The club has reacted by increasing payment flexibility by adding a Direct Debit agreement for members to pay their fees quarterly.

This is in addition to customary options of payment up front, which keeps the fees at current rate if paid in full in advance, and a facility for members to make smaller prepayments of their fees throughout the year in order to minimise their renewal fee at subscription time.

They have tried to create a more modern membership structure than the traditional golf club model, by making it easier for members to pay their fees, and also creating new and unique membership categories: 40 round membership: This category is for people who can’t play at least every week and is perfect for the low-use member.

discounted fee increases before becoming a Full Member.

Pay as you Play Membership is for those wishing to try competition golf and possibly take up by older members playing once a month or less.

Social Playing Membership is targeted at beginners and facilitates social golf in a family unit so they can experience golf in a club environment.

For more information about these offers, contact the club directly.

Mt Coolum Golf Club 17 Lumeah Drive Mount Coolum (07) 5446 1539 www.mtcoolumgolf.com

info@mtcoolumgolf.com

The young adult golfer: this category is to encourage the younger generation with the implementation of a new membership fee structure for 18 to 29 years with heavily

Membership Open

Exceptional, low cost Membership options 6 month, 3 day and aged discount memberships available Premier Corporate Golf & Function Venue Located only 15 minutes south of Brisbane CBD

430 Pine Mountain Road, Carindale QLD 4152

|

Phone: 07 3343 0888

|

Email: gm@pacificgolf.com.au

www.pacificgolf.com.au 54

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Bulimba Golf Club.

Bulimba Golf Club Located on the Brisbane River and only 3km from Brisbane CBD, Bulimba Golf Club is a challenging nine-hole par-3 course. With dual tee positions offering 18 holes and small, raised greens, the club is perfect to test and hone the skill levels of all players.

With the recent addition of GolfLink and competitions six days a week, Bulimba Golf Club is the perfect place to keep your GA Handicap current without the costly fees that come with golf membership.

Competitions spanning 1680m with holes from 83m to 102m allow a golfer to play and finish inside three hours; perfect for the time-poor player who can’t always invest the best part of a full day needed to compete on larger courses.

While the nine-hole layout is ideal for practicing the short game, Bulimba Golf Club also offers a short wedge driving range with greens 60m and 90m and a PGA accredited professional on hand for coaching and clinics.

Social golf is available every day after the completion of members’ competition around 10am. Social green fees are $18 with discounts for concession cards and club hire available. A jumping castle to go along with the regular Sunday Session of live music and a wonderful tapas menu has seen Bulimba become a great family friendly spot and function venue in the Brisbane southeast.

Bulimba Golf Club is holding a Free Open Day on Saturday 16th July, opening the course from 10am-3pm for the public to experience the challenging nine holes.

Annual memberships are $275 for Weekday and $450 for Full.

Bulimba Golf Club Quay Street Bulimba, QLD 4171 (07) 3399 6524 golf@bulimbagolfclub.com admin@bulimbagolfclub.com.au www.bulimbagolfclub.com.au

Curlewis Golf Club.

VICTORIA Curlewis Golf Club With more than 120 new members flocking to sign up since July last year, Curlewis Golf Club, the ‘emerald’ of The Bellarine is literally firing on all cylinders and leaving others in its wake. An ongoing suite of initiatives, innovations and improvements has seen Curlewis well and truly cement its status as the fastest-growing club in Australia. It’s not rocket science to figure out why this is the case. Curlewis is giving members – and green fee players alike – exactly what they want on a number of levels.

First up, is the actual course itself. Having recently catapulted up ten places to a ranking of 78 in Australia’s Top 100 Courses, the much-loved Curlewis course itself is seductive yet deceptively challenging.

Watered year-round via an onsite, state-ofthe-art water reclamation plant, the large and true greens with undulating sandbelt-like

fairways are known to lull players into a false sense of security yet no one in their right mind should take Curlewis for granted.

This par-72, links-style playground commands respect and can take down even the most seasoned of golfers. Ongoing improvements to the course continue to delight all that step out to tackle these hallowed fairways.

Secondly, membership fees are incredibly affordable for the benefits you will receive in signing up with this much loved course and club cohort. A full annual membership will only set you back $1450 (monthly direct debit available) and a flexible range of membership categories ensure all golfers and lifestyles are accommodated.

“A Curlewis membership also comes with a Member Benefits card which entitles you to substantial discounts at several of the region’s leading wine and dine venues – Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Flying Brick Cider House and Leura Park Estate Vineyard,” said Brenden Caligari, Curlewis Club Manager.

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The Flinders Golf Club.

Popular and highly respected is the fulltime, in-house PGA Pro, Steve Brodie.

“Both Steve and the Curlewis Pro-Shop team welcomes players of all standards. A passionate, talented pennant cohort as well as an innovative Junior Development Program (complimentary for all Junior members) completes the membership picture here,” said Caligari.

“Additional recent innovations have included a weekly Group Golf Exercise Program with Fitness Professional Rob Posterino and Steve Brodie. These sessions have proved extremely popular with members and include cardiovascular fitness, general and core strength training as well as flexibility.”

The pioneer introduction of GolfBoards – a very cool fusion between a golf cart, snowboard and Segway – has been an exciting addition for members and public access players alike.

The totally refurbished clubhouse too, is commanding both attention and swelling

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visitation - and not just for golfers! With spectacular vistas spanning the You Yangs, Corio Bay and beyond, it’s both hip and welcoming - a great place to relax and enjoy the full bar, coffee, snacks, lunch as well as brilliant Bistro dinners on Friday and Saturday nights (note, don’t expect to arrive and automatically get a table for dinner, it’s always booked out and bustling!) A contemporary menu awaits – one which includes house-made cakes crafted by Head Chef Tara Thyer. Already a huge hit with members, the array of treats are drawing coffee and cake lovers from near and far.

“We encourage golfers of all standards to come and experience the Curlewis difference, we are proud to be making a significant difference to both the golfing and immediate community alike,” Mr Caligari said.

Curlewis Golf Club 1345 Portarlington Road, Curlewis (03) 5251 1111 www.curlewisgolf.com.au

The Flinders Golf Club In 1926 while designing Royal Melbourne, the great golf course architect Dr Alister MacKenzie was engaged to work on the layout at The Flinders Golf Club. He is quoted as saying the location was “equalled by only one other natural course, which is in California”. He was referring to Pebble Beach.

Perched on the cliff and with views of Bass Strait from every hole, The Flinders Golf Club is one of the most spectacular and underrated courses in Victoria.

With uninterrupted views across the golf course, Western Port Bay and Bass Strait, it provides a stunning backdrop for a special occasion or a casual gathering with friends.

Along with the traditional 5, 6 and 7 day golf memberships, The Flinders Golf Club is pleased to offer golfers the opportunity to become a member at one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most revered clubs with their new Flexible Membership.

But it’s not just the views that steal the show. Holes such as “The Coffin”, whilst measuring only 263m, create a true riskreward decision. Open to the prevailing wind blowing from Bass Strait, with two deep ravines punishing a poor shot, and a steeply sloping green perched close to the ocean, a par is far from guaranteed.

The Flexible Membership is ideal for the time poor or holiday golfer. This unique membership option allows members to acquire “playing units” which are then redeemed through both social and competition rounds. Their flexible members have 7 day playing rights, maintain an official Golf Australia handicap, have unlimited top up credit options and access to all club facilities, social events and activities.

The modern clubhouse also provides a memorable setting for a well-earned drink.

Public, Social and Corporate Golf bookings welcome.

Club Mandalay.

The Flinders Golf Club Bass Street, (P.O. Box 11) FLINDERS VIC 3929 (03) 5989 0583 www.flindersgolclub.com.au admin@flindersgolfclub.com.au

Club Mandalay Club Mandalay is the latest golf course to be added to an already impressive portfolio of courses designed by five times British Open Champion Peter Thomson and his architect firm Thomson Perrett. The course is located in Melbourne’s north just 20 minutes from the airport, off the Hume Highway in the new suburb of Beveridge.

The golf course is a little different to the traditional Thomson Perrett design, particularly in the bunkering. Their traditional rolling fairways and elevated greens feature prominently, but there is not a pot bunker to be seen. Instead, it features more ‘McKenzie style’ bunkering with intimidating white

sandy faces that glare at you as you strive to hit the perfect shot.

The par-72 course measures 6,285m off the back tees and offers stunning views and a golfing experience which will be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. The par-3s are all challenging but spectacular at Mandalay.

Especially the 173m 11th, which features a large dam on the right and hitting to an undulating green which is surrounded by bunkers. It’s a hole that can’t be taken lightly.

To complement the magnificent golf course is the brand-new state-of-the-art Clubhouse which features a restaurant, bar and café which is open to the public and is the perfect place to take in the superb views of the course whilst enjoying a beverage or a bite to eat after your round.

With a range of memberships available in a variety of categories to suit your lifestyle, Club Mandalay provides an experience you will be proud of and is a club you can call home. With a full 7-day membership only $1290 and monthly payment options available there is no better time to join.

Gardiners Run Golf Course.

Take advantage of their Discovery Membership—only $99 for two months— and enjoy access to club competitions providing you hold a current GolfLink handicap. This offer is only available until 30th September 2016.

friendly course that features golfing holes of individuality and character.

Club Mandalay 30 – 450 Mandalay Circuit, Beveridge, 4 Victoria 3753 (03) 9037 3700 www.clubmandalay.com.au member@clubmandalay.com.au

Featuring a 90m wide mixed use (couch and synthetic) tee on their 250m long driving range, a short game pitching green and challenging yet sizeable putting green, the facilities will ensure that every golfer has an experience to savour.

Gardiners Run Golf Course Located just 35 minutes east of the Melbourne CBD, Gardiners Run Golf Course provides golfers with an aesthetically stimulating yet highly playable layout, sure to impress players of all ages and abilities.

On the doorstep to the Yarra Valley, Gardiners Run Golf Course takes full advantage of the gentle sloping contours of the countryside terrain, to create a member

Warm up prior to your round with their state-of-the-art, world-class practice facilities or take a lesson from their PGA golf professional.

A central hub to all your needs, return after your round to enjoy refreshments or dining on the alfresco deck, overlooking the signature 18th hole green to round out your Gardiners Run Golf Course experience.

Make the most of Melbourne’s best value membership with a category that suits your needs: if you join in the month of July, you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12. 5-day membership: $1008*, 6-day membership: $1134* and 7-day

Mount CooluM Golf Club

LOCALS SPECIAL OFFER $0 Joining Fee For golfers transferring to Mount Coolum Golf Club

*Conditions Apply

Call the Club on 5446 1539 for further details Call the Pro Shop for Bookings and Tee Times (07) 5446 3125

17 Lumeah Drive, Mount Coolum (off Suncoast Beach Drive) Phone (07) 5446 1539 www.mtcoolumgolf.com

• 18 Hole Championship Course • Fully Equipped Pro Shop • Bar, Bistro & Gaming Lounge • Open 7 Days a week www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

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Ranfurlie Golf Course. membership: $1260* Discounts apply for members aged 18-30 and two Junior categories are also available starting from $126 for 24 months*. Gardiners Run also offers a number of Corporate Membership packages to get you out of the office and onto the golf course with your clients.

Or take a look at their new introductory membership offers for ladies and over 50s for only $370* for the year. (*conditions apply).

Gardiners Run Golf Course 132 Victoria Road, Lilydale Victoria 3140 (03) 9739 7522 www.gardinersrun.com.au manager@gardinersrun.com.au

Ranfurlie Golf Course Recognising many of the barriers restricting golfers from enjoying the benefits of joining

a traditional Club, Ranfurlie Golf Course has been at the forefront of innovative membership options for a number of years. Embracing the concept of flexible membership structures and payment plans, Ranfurlie provides current and prospective members the opportunity to choose an option to suit their lifestyle whilst offering modern, state-of-the-art course, practice and clubhouse facilities and incredible value for money.

In addition to traditional memberships providing access 7 days (Gold), 6 days Sunday – Friday (Silver) or midweek (Bronze), Ranfurlie recently introduced Provisional, Flexi and aged-based memberships. Starting from $500, these categories enable golfers to pay a significantly reduced annual fee plus a small green fee when playing a round, resulting in a much smaller upfront payment, and a financial commitment directly correlated to how often you play.

Access to traditional peak periods is also

WENTWORTH FALLS COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERSHIP

NEW MEMBERSHIP OFFER - NO JOINING FEE SOCIAL GOLF MEMBERSHIP - $99

LIMITED PLAYING MEMBERSHIP - $350

✓ 2 FREE games ✓ $20 green fees ✓ FREE use of practice facilities ✓ FREE social membership included ✓ Cart hire at membership rates

✓ 6 competition games at member rates ✓ All Other Copmetition games at visitor rates ✓ FREE social golf Monday-Friday ✓ FREE use of practice facilities ✓ GA Handicap + Golf Link Card ✓ Cart hire at member rates

INTRODUCTORY OFFER Every new member receives a FREE Golf Lesson and $50 in BAR credits

Ph (02) 4757 1202 • Brasserie (02) 4757 3330 • Pro Shop (02) 4757 1899 206-220 Blaxland Road, Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 www.wfcc.com.au July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

available, recognising the smaller windows of opportunity provided to play in today’s busy lifestyle. Club competition fees are even included in the annual subscription with additional daily competition fees optional.

Members of Ranfurlie enjoy a first class course recently rated number 60 in Australia featuring generous couch fairways, firm bent greens and a course layout requiring strategic course management in order to get the best out of your round. The Club is embarking on further upgrades providing a full length undercover driving range complete with a modern, fully-enclosed teaching room and a short game practice hole for members to work on the pitching, chipping and bunker play.

Ranfurlie is easily accessible from Melbourne’s eastern and south eastern suburbs as well as the Mornington Peninsula, and with annual subscriptions well below other comparable clubs in the area, golfers are now offered a golf membership truly unrivalled in value or quality.

Ranfurlie Golf Course 825 Cranbourne Frankston Road, Cranbourne, Victoria, 3977 (03) 9788 8288 www.ranfurlie.com.au ranfurlie@amstel.org.au

GSM Golf Club For golfers not yet ready for traditional forms of club membership due to time or cost restraints, or lack of experience, GSM Golf Club offers the perfect stepping stone with regular competition access, green fee discounts across a variety of courses in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, peace of mind in the form of player liability, equipment and injury insurance, plus regular exclusive retail and coaching specials through the GSM Golf Club network of venues. And for just $129, members enjoy benefits all the way through ‘til October 2017.

At the forefront of public access golf in Victoria, GSM Golf members can submit cards for handicapping on a daily basis or compete for prizes in daily, weekly or monthly competition events. Additional Open Day,

15 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 12 COMING 1 JULY ACROSS ALL MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

plus

FULL MEMBERSHIP ONLY $770

Wentworth Falls Country Club

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Kingston Links (GSM Golf Club).

P: (07) 3287 6499 carbrookgolfclub.com.au joinagolfclubandwin.com.au *terms and conditions apply

Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club. gala and invitational events ensure GSM Golf Club members always have a wide range of golfing opportunities across multiple venues including St Andrews Beach, Kingston Links and Morack Golf Course. Members also receive a free round of 18 holes at the spectacular Bay Views Golf Course.

For even greater value, golfers can join GSM Gold, providing over $400 in added value for just $189! In addition to all the benefits of GSM Golf Club membership, GSM Gold members enjoy one free motorised cart at each GSM venue, a 2017 Golf Course Guide, a $40 GSM retail voucher, half price private golf lesson and 12 complimentary competition entry fees per year!

In addition to obtaining an official Golf Australia handicap, golfers may choose to take out a regular player pass at one of the GSM operated venues, including 5 round, 10 round, 3 month or annual access passes providing unbeatable value at your favourite course!

More information: www.gsmgolf.com.au

NEW SOUTH WALES Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club is one of the Gold Coast’s and Northern Rivers’ premier Golf Clubs with a proud history.

From humble beginnings in 1926, it has grown to become one of Australia’s largest golfing complexes.

The club has hosted many tournaments, including the Queensland Open. Many great golfers have played its challenging courses, including Greg Norman (winner of the 1986 Qld Open), David Graham, Graham Marsh, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Bernhard Langer, Bobby Locke, Payne Stewart, Tom Kite and the great Norman Von Nida.

Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club realise you have a lot of choice when it

Campbelltown Golf Club. comes to selecting the perfect course to call home as you consider that all-important membership decision. However, with two Championship Golf Courses to choose from, it’s difficult to find a better golf experience anywhere.

Situated virtually on the Queensland / NSW border, an easy 25-minute drive from the Gold Coast or 30-minute drive from the heart of the Northern Rivers, it is a perfect location to meet friends and be entertained on their fabulous golf courses.

Their courses are ranked within the top 100 public access courses in Australia and are perfectly positioned within 101 hectares of nature reserve alongside the beautiful Tweed River. All 36 holes offer great golfing challenges, gently undulating to flat fairways guarded by groves of well-established trees and plenty of bunkers and water hazards to keep golfers honest.

They have a number of competitive membership options to choose from which present both great value and flexibility when

it comes to choosing how you like to play golf. Choose competition play or social golf.

Either way they have a course which can accommodate your needs so why have one course when you can choose two?

Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club Soorley Street, Tweed Heads South, NSW 2486 enquiries@cooltweedgolf.com.au http://cooltweedgolf.com.au/

Campbelltown Golf Club Located less than one hour from the Sydney CBD, Campbelltown Golf Club is one of Macarthur’s premium and most picturesque golf courses. In the heart of Glen Alpine, the 18-hole, par-70 championship course is fantastic for both the professional and social golfer. With a stunning lake, rolling hills and a challenging final hole, it is a great test for golfers at all levels.

The Club’s Pro Shop offers the most competitive prices on all brands of golf

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Carnarvon Golf Club. equipment and the best advice for all of your golfing needs. They also offer a fantastic junior golf training program that is fun and great value. Kids play for free at the Club every Sunday with a paying adult. This is a great way to introduce your children to the game of golf and have some family fun.

The best amateur golfers in NSW and ACT will be teeing off at Campbelltown Golf Club later this year, with the course playing host to the prestigious NSW Foursomes Championships 2016 on the weekend of the 5th and 6th of November.

It is expected to attract a top field of amateurs, including state representatives.

Open to male players with a GA handicap limit of 18.4, and 36.4 for women, it is played as foursomes stroke play over 18 holes. This will be the first time all three events (mixed foursomes, men’s foursomes and women’s foursomes) have been conducted over the same weekend, allowing the addition of a gala dinner to make it an event to remember. The field each day will comprise a total of 90 teams, or 180 players. The

event is being run in partnership between Golf NSW, Campbelltown City Council and Campbelltown Golf Club.

Take advantage of Campbelltown Golf Club’s fantastic “Mates Rates” Membership deal and bring a friend when joining as a Playing Member to save up to $660.

Purchase two 7-Day Memberships for just $1,600 (regular price $2,260), or two 6-Day Memberships for just $1,200 (regular price $1,720). (Conditions apply) Campbelltown Golf Club Golf Course Drive, Glen Alpine NSW 2560 (02) 4622 2900 www.campbelltowngolfclub.com.au proshop@campbelltowngolfclub.com.au

Carnarvon Golf Club Carnarvon Golf Club can confidently lay claim to offering the best-value seven-day membership package in Sydney, because the annual subscription is actually for 14 months.

Carnarvon Golf Club.

The 6170m par-72 traditional championship course has won wide acclaim in its 68-year history at its present site at Lidcombe. And so highly rated by Golf Australia is Carnarvon, it has been a venue for Australian Open qualifying tournaments for the past six years.

loss of only two days’ play after more than 220mm of heavy rain during last month’s storms.

And yet male golfers can currently join Carnarvon on a full seven-day annual membership for $2040, which not only includes a $300 clubhouse credit but also a bonus two months. And women pay just $1480 for their 14 months, also including the $300 clubhouse credit.

There also is a Country Membership available for $465 for those residing more than 150km from the course.

Since it was designed and built in 1948 at its current site by Arthur East, it has been admired and played by some of Australia’s greatest golfers.

Corporate memberships are available at $2040 and corporate days are hosted on Fridays and Mondays.

Located near the geographical heart of Sydney (just seven minutes from the Olympic Stadium) Carnarvon covers a beautifully rolling landscape that is easy walking.

Testament to the high quality of the course maintenance was demonstrated by the

Carnarvon truly is a golfer’s course and the nine categories of members can play in competitions five days a week.

Social players don’t miss out at Carnarvon either, with the special Monday and Friday discount deals of 18 holes for two players with a cart for $70.

Carnarvon always has embraced the wonderful traditions of golf and in September each year hosts the Australian Golf Heritage Society’s unique Australian Hickory Shaft Championship. This is a very colourful day, where men and women golfers not only use clubs more than 100

1 MEMBERSHIP, 2 CHaMPIonSHIP Golf CouRSES $2352.00 Riverside Oaks is now offering their NEW Platinum Membership

Members $20.00, Non Members $30.00 RESULTS 10th June 2016 WiNNER - J. Pitt Runner Up - J.L. Devlin Next Best - J. Van Geest N.T.P 3rd - A. Hawkins N.T.P 6th - N. Kazich N.T.P 12th - R. Ambrose Approach 11th - C. Halls Approach 17th - C. Fullarton

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Your annual Platinum membership gives you access to Sydney’s only venue with 2 championship golf courses & world class facilities.

GPS equipped motorised cart | Waterproof Driving Range | Luxury Accommodation Ladies, Junior & Corporate membership also available Email: info@iversideoaks.com.au | www.riversideoaks.com.au | Phone: 02 4560 3200

Howlong Golf Resort. years old but also don the golf fashions and paraphernalia of yesteryear.

Carnarvon Golf Club 65-95 Nottinghill Rd, Lidcombe NSW 2141 (02) 9649 6255 www.carnarvongolf.com.au

Howlong Golf Resort The Howlong Golf Resort is well known for their flexible and innovative golfing memberships. Located on the border of NSW and Victoria, just 20 minutes from Albury Wodonga and only 15 minutes from the famed Rutherglen Wine Region – Howlong Golf Resort is a fantastic choice when it comes to golf memberships.

The $99 Golf Remote Membership is an incredibly popular golfing membership Australia wide. The membership is perfect for those young golfers who are time poor and financially committed to their family. It is also popular for those winding down from golf. It

isn’t designed for golfers playing three times a week at their local club.

The Howlong Golf Resort have a simple membership process and are slowly balking away from archaic golfing membership and playing traditions – depending on your generation this is either looked favourably upon or not. Increasing playing numbers is of utmost importance to any golfing venue and the Howlong Golf Resort are doing a fantastic job of increasing playing numbers in a sport that has been on the decline for the past 15 years.

The offers do not stop once you sign up for a membership, the Howlong Golf Resort want you to come and visit. The Remote Golf Membership has a free night’s accommodation attached to it in a studio room of their Resort. Country hospitality shines through when you join with Howlong they don’t want you to sign up and be a number they want you to be an active member within your home club. Howlong is a fabulous place for a weekend away or a

Riverside Oaks. midweek getaway, with the Murray River just minutes away bring your fishing rod as well as your golf clubs.

Howlong Golf Resort 186 Golf Club Drive, Howlong NSW 2643 (02) 6026 5321 www.howlonggolf.com.au enquiries@howlonggolf.com.au

Riverside Oaks Riverside Oaks is set on 587 acres of natural bushland bordering the beautiful Hawkesbury River. Riverside Oaks’ two championship golf courses regularly feature in the list of top 100 public access golf courses in Australia. As the only 36-Hole golf resort in Sydney, it’s clear to see why it is quickly becoming a destination for golfers of every skill level.

Riverside Oaks has a new Platinum Membership option that allows golfers access to two pristine courses 7 days a week. This membership option includes the

use of a motorised GPS golf cart, discounts throughout the Resort and access to worldclass practice facilities. Riverside Oaks hosts various events throughout the year for its members.

Riverside Oaks’ two championship courses regularly play host to numerous professional and amateur tournaments. Set in the tranquil bushland, the original Gangurru Course is a favourite with both members and visitors alike. The new Bungool Course was designed around the magnificent Hawkesbury River by internationally renowned golf architect, Bob Harrison, and is a great challenge for golfers.

Riverside Oaks also has membership options available for Juniors, Ladies and Corporate as well as their popular Pay As You Play Membership.

Riverside Oaks Golf Resort 74 O’Briens Rd Cattai 2756 (02) 4560 3200 www.riversideoaks.com.au info@riversideoaks.com.au

4 players with carts for $200* *Must be a Group of 4

2016/17 Memberships Now Available Caloundra Golf Club 1 Charles Woodward Drive, CALOUNDRA QLD 4551 | Ph: (07) 5491 1811 admin@caloundragolf.com.au | www.caloundragolfclub.com

40% Discount on 18 Hole Green Fees For senior cArD HolDers reduCed to: $28 per person or $42 per person with shared Cart Monday to Friday

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Forster Tuncurry Golf Club.

Forster Tuncurry Golf Club When it comes to tailoring a golf club membership to your lifestyle – where there are even holiday memberships – the unique Forster Tuncurry Golf Club on the NSW Mid North Coast is hard to beat.

To tee off with what makes the Club so special, it offers its current 900-plus members and visitors two completely different courses to enjoy.

One is located in the centre of the seaside town of Forster and the other, a highly rated links-style layout, is a short drive away at Tuncurry.

All memberships are open with no joining fees and some of the offers include: Full membership from $55 monthly instalments.

Social playing members (no GA handicap) pay a reduced membership fee and discounted green fees.

Country membership available for regular visitors and holiday home owners (50km radius applies).

Junior membership is $25 with Sunday clinics and holiday camps.

Visitors can buy one or two week unlimited golf vouchers. A variety of stay-and-play packages are available through the Pro Shop.

Forster Tuncurry Golf Club Strand Street Forster 2428 (02) 6554 6799 www.forstertuncurrygolf.com.au

Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club, with a five-star resort setting and its highly rated private links layout, to outsiders might seem to be unattainable in terms of becoming a member. But, in fact, it is the opposite; its membership policy is very inclusive.

Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club.

Sixty per cent of the 600-plus members of the Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club, the only private golf club in the region, are Central Coast local residents.

However, as members, all golfers enjoy a very special golf experience with the beautiful Ross Watson-designed ocean-front course being widely acclaimed.

This is a progressive club offering special clinics for juniors, ladies and rookies and soon will be offering the very latest in teaching facilities, the world famous TrackMan.

Although only 10 years old, it was rated this year by a national golf magazine as NSW’s top resort course, the sixth best of all courses in NSW and number 23 in Australia.

The requirement to know or be nominated by a member of the Club is relaxed as a prerequisite to joining the Club. Membership is by application and an interview with one of the Club Captains assures that all members will enjoy the camaraderie of this modern club.

That puts it just behind time-honoured rating favourites as NSW Golf Club, Ellerston, The Australian and The Lakes and yet the Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club is far more accessible to join than all of those.

Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club is owned by the members with men and women having equal playing and voting rights, which always has been part of its membership appeal.

Membership categories (nine in total), cover a wide range from young juniors through to the seasoned golfer. Adapted to fit the needs of busy lifestyles, there’s a category for everyone. Junior and Intermediate age memberships have no joining fees.

With the Pacific Ocean on one side, Tuggerah Lakes on the other and Wyrrabalong National Park to the north, every hole at Magenta Shores offers the golfer a wonderful landscape with a variety of natural views to add to the enjoyment.

join today

Club Mandalay is the latest golf course designed by 5 times British Open Champion Peter Thomson and the team at Thomson Perrett and is located just 45 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD and only 20 minutes from Melbourne Airport.

Rated #60* in Australia’s Top 100 Golf Courses

Located in the suburb of Beveridge, just off the Hume Highway, the par 72 course measures 6285m and offers spectacular vistas, superb playing surfaces and is a must play for every golfer.

Discovery Membership From $99*

Club Mandalay, 430-450 Mandalay Circuit, Beveridge, VIC 3753 T 03 9037 3700 E info@clubmandalay.com.au clubmandalay.com.au

*Rating by AusGolf Top 100 Courses. Full terms and conditions available at clubmandalay.com.au

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MAN1083

For golf reservations or further information please contact our Club Professional James Pratt on 03 9037 3700 or visit clubmandalay.com.au Iconic Thomson Perrett Designed

CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLF COURSE

Wentworth Falls Country Club.

Another big attraction is that, as a sandbased course, golf continues, even in carts, when many Sydney and Central Coast courses are closed. The course is also available to Pullman Magenta Shores Resort guests and golf groups and members enjoy exclusive discounts on food, beverage and accommodation at the Resort.

Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club 1 Magenta Drive, Magenta 2261 (02) 4336 0100 membership@magentagolf.com.au www.magentagolf.com.au

Wentworth Falls Country Club Wentworth Falls Country Club is regarded as the one of the friendliest and best golf clubs in the Blue Mountains.

The club has recently introduced two new Membership Categories for those people who are struggling with their time or don’t know how to enter into Golf Membership.

Both categories represent sensational value.

For $99, a person can join as a Social Golf Member. Benefits include two free games of social golf, $20 social green

Windsor Country Golf Club. fees Monday to Friday (Represents a 50% discount), Free use of all practise facilities, cart hire at member prices, free golf lesson with PGA Professional Lang Doolan and $50.00 in bar credits.

The Club has also introduced a Limited Playing Membership. For a cost of $350, you will receive six competition games at member rates, all other competition rounds at visitor rates, free social golf Monday to Friday, free use of all practise facilities, GA handicap and GolfLink card, cart hire at member prices, free golf lesson with PGA professional Lang Doolan and $50.00 in bar credits.

Full Membership is also open. No joining fee and only $770.00 per year.

Wentworth Falls Country Club.

Wentworth Falls Country Club 206 Blaxland Rd, Wentworth Falls 2782 (02) 47 57 1202 www.wfcc.com.au info@wfcc.com.au

5 MEMBERSHIPS, 1 LIFESTYLE. GOLF ACCESS MEMBERSHIP

Windsor Country Golf Club When it comes to value-for-money and innovative introductory club-membership offers, the fast-growing Windsor Country Golf Club, in north-west Sydney, sets a cracking pace.

So confident is its management that any keen golfers who get to experience its exciting layout and friendly clubhouse once, will be back to play again, it currently is offering a seven-day limited trial membership for three months for just $99.

The offer which applies from July until September 30 2016, works out to be less than $10 a week.

There are eight different categories of memberships available at Windsor, scaling down from the seven-day unlimited golf deal of $99 to just $57 a year (full handicap and unlimited golf ) for cadets aged 8-12 years – all without joining fees.

In-between there are special full memberships for those aged over 65, Pensioners, Associates (women), Limited-7

Offering five levels of Membership, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club has a Membership to suit every lifestyle.

With two championship golf courses and two exceptional clubhouses, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club offers a unique selection of Membership options, with or without golf, including: -

Equity Membership Golf Access Membership Social Access Membership Corporate Access Membership Country Club Membership

Selected Memberships also include access to the The Country Club with a range of first class gym equipment, fitness classes and expert instructors, plus access to the 25m heated outdoor pool and 5 flood lit tennis courts.

Conditions apply for each Membership category.

NOW AVAILABLE

Contact our Sales Team for further information on 5699 9000 Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club Gleneagles Drive, Sanctuary Cove Email info@scgcc.com.au www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/sanctuarycovegolf

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Windsor Country Golf Club.

Day membership, Post Junior and Juniors (13-17 years of age). The Windsor membership year runs from October 1 to September 30, and pro rata discounts apply.

Windsor Country Golf Club McQuade Ave, South Windsor 2756 (02) 4577 4390 www.windsorgolfclub.com.au admin@windsorgolfclub.com.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Sun City Country Club Sun City Country Club is one of WA’s best layouts and it’s just getting better courtesy of a multi-million dollar redevelopment.The Mike Clayton and Geoff Ogilvy design team have completely redesigned nine of Sun City’s 18-hole layout, which feature some of their best architectural attributes – generous landing areas, clever bunkering and chipping

areas around the greens.

Rated in the top-100 in Australia, Sun City will undoubtedly improve its position in the years ahead.

A major highlight of any round at Sun City has always been the long sweeping breaks on greens, which seem to keep their line secret until just after impact of putter on ball.

Another unique fascination is the length of many of its holes. They demand good use of every club in the bag, including the longest irons.

Sun City Country Club. and access to a number of reciprocal clubs throughout Australia and overseas.

There are a number of Junior and Youth categories to cater to all ages with Sun City boasting a successful Junior Development Program. For those who don’t play golf, a social membership is also available to receive member discounts in the bar and restaurant.

Sun City’s current membership rates: 7-day membership: $2080, 6-day membership:

$1804, 5-day membership: $1516, fly-in fly-out membership: $1492, Country Member: $1120 and Junior Membership starting from $108.

Sun City Country Club 144 St Andrews Dr. Yanchep WA 6035 Enquiries: Jessica Tedesco on (08) 9561 1352 www.suncitycountryclub.com.au office@suncitycountryclub.com.au

Sun City Country Club also offers a range of membership categories to suit every player. Benefits of a membership with Sun City Country Club include; a registered Australian handicap after three rounds, several competitions during the week and on weekends, access for guests at a reduced rate, discounts on motorised cart hire, special member pricing within the bar and restaurant, the use of the clubhouse for private functions at reduced hire rates,

Sun City Country Club.

THREE MONTHS GOLF FOR JUST $99 Three month trial offer - just $99 for 7 day limited membership from July to 30th September 2016, conditions apply* *must have a current GA handicap elsewhere and / or not have been a WCGC member since October 2014

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64

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

| Golf coaching Sausage sizzle

events

It all happened at Kwinana GC R

ECENTLY it has been all action at West Australia’s Kwinana Golf Club.

Top guns target Inside Golf matchplay

The club, located 30 minutes south of Perth, hosted its first professional event, the Kwinana pro-am, in 20 years.

Callan O’Reilly from New South Wales took out the event with a six-under par score – three ahead of Kwinana’s Daniel Hoeve.

INSIDE Golf is again sponsoring the NSW/ACT PGA Trainee Matchplay Championship and this year the event has attracted a host of top players.

For the record, Nick O’Hern won the event 20 years ago.

Despite the inclement weather, there was great camaraderie and spirit among the players.

The winning amateur team was Lyn Pearson, Helen Edwards, and Lyn Garbin with a combined score of 98 points.

Lyn Pearson took out the best individual title with 43 points.

The day ended with a delicious three-course meal from local business Kent Street Deli.

A spokesperson for Kwinana Golf Club said the club was confident a PGA tournament would be a regular fixture in the golfing calendar.

MEANWHILE, the women’s pennant team won the Outer Suburban Pennant final for a second year in a row.

Prior to that, they spent 22 long years in the wilderness.

The competition came down to the last game where Kwinana had to either beat Melville Glades or draw.

Four of the seven games went down to the wire.

Eventually, the result was decided on the

Callan O’Reilly receives the pro-am winner’s cheque from major sponsor Mike Healy from McIntosh and Son. 18th hole with Kwinana winning 4½/2½.

Congratulations to the nucleus of the team – Kim Tee, Grada Humphries, Viv Buckingham, Judy Hutt, Sandra Turner, Bev Blake, Debra Cadwallender and Theresa Witte with the assistance of Claudie Harper, Robyn Jenkins, Lyn Garbin, Gloria Burns, Janet Simcock and Helen Edwards as fill ins throughout the season.

Sandra Turner was Kwinana’s standout pennant player winning her seven matches comfortably.

FINALLY, more than 100 players attended the Kwinana Golf Club Ladies Open Day recently.

The club, 30 minutes south of Perth, welcomed players from 20 different golf clubs – some as far away as Esperance and Kalgoorlie.

Kwinana Golf Club women’s pennant team won the Outer Suburban Pennant final for a second successive year.

Perfect weather conditions greeted the players who relished playing on a scenic golf course.

There were plenty of prizes up for grabs including novelties on every hole as well as a fun quiz, which took place while waiting for the field to finish their round.

“It made for a very enjoyable day, full of laughter and great spirit,” a spokesperson for the club said.

Retravision Rockingham provided the excellent prizes.

Kwinana Golf Club’s Sandra Turner and Annette Divirgilio (Royal Perth Golf Club) won the event with a fantastic score of 45 points.

The pair finished three points ahead of Rosemary Gielingh and Susanne Day, both from Mandurah Country Club. •

Leading the pack will be Toukley Golf Club’s star Trainee Robbie Hogan, who won the Car Net Auctions NSW/ACT PGA Trainee Championship title at Riverside Oaks in June with a super score of 284 – four under, firing rounds of 73 75 65 71.

And he will face up to at least two of the players who chased him home at Riverside Oaks, Ryde-Parramatta’s Trent Smith, who was second, and Eastlakes’ Marco Zirov, tied third.

Zirov has an excellent matchplay record to draw on based on his top showing in the Inside Golf NSW/ACT Matchplay Championship last year where he beat several higher ranked players and reached the semi-finals.

The trainees are not just playing for the$1000 prizemoney provided by Inside Golf, but also for all of the entry fees – so the total prizemoney, to be split among the semi-finalists, is expected to be more than $2500.

More information: (02) 8001 4001, www.pga.org.au

PEREGIAN SPRINGS GOLF CLUB Sunshine Coast Golf

Peregian SPringS golf Club Peregian Springs Drive Peregian Springs QLD 4573 Tel: (07) 5471 5471 Fax: (07) 5471 5444 email: info@psgc.com.au www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au

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www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

65

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

National

NATIONAL RANKINGS The current Australian Senior Ranking table has Victorian Greg Rhodes on top, a position he has held since November, 2015. Fellow Victorian Gordon Claney holds down second place ahead of Queensland’s number one senior Steve Toyne.

Toyne goes Wire-toWire in the NT Queensland senior Steve Toyne closed with a solid round of 76 to comfortably win the 2016 Northern Territory Senior Open played at the Darwin Golf Club. Toyne is one of Australia’s top ranked senior golfers and this win was an improvement on his third place in this same championship when played at the Alice Springs Golf Club in 2015.

Toyne also had the special honour of recording a wire-to-wire victory in a 72hole stroke event. His consistent rounds of 72-76-78-76 saw him win by 9 strokes from fellow Queenslander Peter Hannah with West Australian Mark Gatty another two strokes away in third place.

Local member Tom Harold was the leading NT player and he was awarded the Closed Championship trophy. Local player Keith Francis was the winner of the major handicap event.

Patterson River senior Brian Gray currently leads the Paul Lulofs Trophy for handicap results. Ken O’Brien sits in second place with Ignatius Duivenvoorden in third place.

VICTORIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

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July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

12 Events Best Events Ian Frost Bendigo 8 1602 Gordon Claney Kingston Heath 6 1335 Ken O’Brien Rossdale 9 1121 Alan Bullas Commonwealth 10 1055 Mark Abeyaratne Peninsula 8 1042 Name

Greg Rhodes leads the 2016 Australian Senior Ranking table AUSTRALIAN SENIOR RANKING Name

Events

Ave. Points

Victoria

7

130.93

2 Gordon Claney Victoria

7

104.93

3 Steve Toyne

Queensland

8

94.67

4 Ian Frost

Victoria

10

90.93

5 Peter Hannah

Queensland

10

83.90

1 Greg Rhodes

State

More: www.ausoom.com

VICTORIA

1 2 3 4 5

Club

Leongatha Senior Amateur Rossdale senior Ken O’Brien won the Leongatha Senior Amateur title on a countback after he fired a remarkable final round 73 in testing conditions full of strong wind gusts and rain showers. This gave him a 36-hole total of 151.

Defending champion Ian Frost is well on the way to a successful defence of the Doug Bachli Trophy awarded to the state’s leading senior golfer.

“I hit the ball well. I just hit a lot of greens.

I also had a lot of 3 putts,” mentioned O’Brien. Although he finished his round with three consecutive bogies his score was good enough to claim the title on a countback from Mark Abeyaratne (PeninsulaKingswood) who also finished with a 36-hole total of 151 after rounds of 75-76.

Frost defeated Alan Bullas and Gordon Claney in 2015 and holds a comfortable lead again with almost half the tournaments completed. Claney holds down second place with a group including Bullas not too far away.

Norman Wilson (Chirnside Park- Gardiners Run) took out the handicap event backing up his 67 nett first round with a nett 76 second round. A total of 143 gave Wilson a one-shot victory over Ignatius Duivenvoorden (Yarram).

Frost on track for Backto-Back

Steve Toyne - winner of the 2016 NT Senior Championship

Ian Frost – current leader of the 2016 Victorian “Doug Bachli” Senior Order of Merit.

L-R: Majella O’Connor, Norman Wilson, Judith Quinn, Ken O’Brien.

Judith Quinn (Mornington) won the women’s scratch Stableford event while Majella O’Connor (Ocean Grove) won the Stableford category.

Leongatha Golf Club was well received by the players. The course was in great condition highlighted by impressive fairways and true rolling greens.

Hepburn Springs Senior Amateur Ian Frost has added the Hepburn Senior Amateur Champion to his elaborate golfing resume. Frost carded rounds of 72 and 67 for a total of 139, 3 shots clear of runner-up Sands Torquay member David Mallett.

A second round count-back was required to determine the men’s nett champion, with John Hoare of Pakenham and Kooringal’s Grant Arnold both tied on nett 132. Hoare’s blistering round of 4 under nett par 62 trumped Arnold’s 65 to win the trophy.

Helen Pascoe of Buninyong is proving to be the player to beat in the women’s scratch section this year, with yet another title win.

Pascoe posted scratch scores of 31 and 30 points for a total of 61 points, 9 better than runner-up Heather Harley of Kooringal.

All the players were generous in giving thanks to the Hepburn Springs Golf Club, the committee members and the volunteers for their wonderful hospitality during the two day tournament.

More: www.golfvic.org.au

senior amateurs

NSW

Tied with the second best rounds were local Mona Vale member Mark Pearson and Peter Good from The Lakes with scores of 73.

Dale leads 2016 NSW Senior OOM As the year reaches its midpoint Twin Creeks senior Denis Dale holds a good lead in the 2016 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition.

Dale is attempting to record his tenth victory in this season-long competition. His current leading margin is likely to reduce as more golfers complete their “Best Fourteen” events the competition uses for calculating Order of Merit rankings.

Concord’s Ken Brewer is in second place with the very consistent senior recording eleven Top-10 places from his fourteen starts without managing a win. A victory is not far off for Brewer. Mona Vale’s Stefan Albinski is also very well positioned in third place with 1214 points from just 9 starts this year.

NSW SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT 14 Events Best Events Denis Dale Twin Creeks 16 1674 Ken Brewer Concord 14 1306 Stefan Albinski Mona Vale 9 1214 Graham Leake Links Shell Cove 14 768 Michael Musgrave Toronto 11 724 Name

1 2 3 4 5

Club

The Mona Vale Seniors One of the best events on the NSW Senior Order of Merit Competition is the annual Mona Vale Seniors and this year the course was again presented in exceptional condition and with perhaps the best greens played on this year.

The 2016 champion was Chris Hicks from Eastlakes with a great round of two under par 70. Hicks has been a top class golfer for many years and although he only plays a few senior events he has lost little of his golfing talent.

YOUR BLUE MOUNTAINS parmaker OUTLET

Bob Paton from Mona Vale was the overall handicap winner with a score of 70 from his handicap of 12.

QUEENSLAND

Hannah on top in PresCare Senior OOM The 2015/2016 PresCare Queensland Senior Order of Merit (QSOOM) calendar is reaching its climax with only five events left to be held. And with the restructure to this year’s calendar, the winners won’t be decided until the very last day.

The QSOOM will wrap up this year with the Queensland Women’s Senior Amateur and the Queensland Men’s Senior Amateur events to be held in the last week of July 2016.

Philip Howard – winner of the 2016 Manly Seniors.

The Manly Seniors The Manly golf course was presented in beautiful condition for the 2016 Manly Seniors. Manly had been the venue for the very successful 2015 Australian Senior Amateur Championships but this time the course proved the winner over a talented field. Only five golfers managed a score under 80.

Local Manly member Philip Howard was a clear winner with the 5-handicapper using his local knowledge to great effect in recording a wonderful round of 74 on the testing layout. This gave him his first NSW Senior Order of Merit title and a four stroke winning margin over Long Reef senior Geoff Cranfield who continued his recent good form with a round of 78.

Third place was shared by three golfers on 79 – Michael Musgrave (Toronto), Sam Quagliata (Liverpool) and Ken Brewer (Concord).

More: www.golfnsw.org

After their involvement with the QSOOM events for the last three years, PresCare is also sponsoring the Queensland Senior Amateur.

This championship will be played at Bribie Island Golf Club from July 25-27.

QUEENSLAND PRESCARE SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT Best 8 Name Club Events Events Peter Hannah Pelican Waters 11 1250 Timothy Deakin Mcleod 17 1190 Mario La Chiusa Nudgee 13 1125 Trevor Box Windaroo Lakes 8 1050 John Costello Nudgee 9 945

1 2 3 4 5

PresCare is one of the most established and technologically progressive aged care providers in Queensland. They offer excellence in all aspects of care, including specialities in the sub-acute, palliative and dementia fields.

Indooroopilly PresCare Seniors The Indooroopilly PresCare QSOOM event attracted a good quality field with a total of 45 players (36 men and 9 women) competing. As always the Indooroopilly

Peter Hannah – current leader of the 2016 Queensland Prescare Senior Order of Merit. course was in top condition and enjoyed by all the players.

Men Winner Scratch: Mario La Chiusa 73 ocb Runner Up Scratch: Steve Toyne 73 Winner Nett: Rod Lowe 41 points Runner Up Nett: Colin Hopkins 36 points ocb Ladies Winner Nett: Sue-Ellen Hopkins 34 points Runner Up Nett: Gwen Clutterbuck 33 points ocb

Caloundra PresCare Seniors The Caloundra PresCare QSOOM event saw a good field of 62 players competing.

Caloundra put on perfect weather and the course was excellent with the greens especially smooth and fast.

Winner Scratch: John Costello 74 Runner Up Scratch: Mario La Chiusa 76 Winner Nett: Tony Saxvik 43 points Runner Up Nett: Peter Robson 40 points Winner Super Seniors: Rodney McNeven 81 Runner Up Super Seniors: Daryl Norwood 83 More: www.golfqueensland.org.au

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golf new south wales

Toms and Crichton take out Mid Amateur

GOLF NSW – JULY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Golf NSW Events Date 18-Jul-16

Event Women’s Pewter Plate

Venue Castle Hill CC

Men’s Vardon Events Date 03-Jul-16 10-Jul-16

Event Muirfield Open Amateur Monash Masters

30-31-Jul-16

Seaside Classic

Venue Muirfield GC Monash CC Port Macquarie GC

Women’s Jean Derrin Date

18-Jul-16 21-Jul-16

Event Pambula Merimbula Open Mona Vale Silver Salver Ryde-Parramatta Cup and Salver Blue Water Classic Bayview Silver Salver

26-27-Jul-16

Seaside Classic

02-03-Jul-16 04-Jul-16

L

ogan Toms and Jan Crichton have been crowned the 2016 Srixon Men’s and Women’s Mid Amateur Champions after a thrilling finish to the Championships at Club Taree last month.

Toms, who represents Woolgoolga and Moore Park, posted an exceptional 54-hole total of 2-under par 208, to win by three shots from Gavin Fitzgerald of Moruya. Second round leader Daniel Nesbitt (Moore Park) took out third position with a 54-hole total of two-over-par 212.

Toms led after a first round 1-under par 69 but fell a shot back after a second round 2-over par 72. He was able to close the event out with a sensational final round of 3-under-par 67

Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: Phillip Bushy, James Coates, Douglas Cook, Paul Day, Tim Frazer, Henry Hicks, David Holzigal, Gary Hughes, Will Johnston, Mark Jones, Kevin Joyce, Lee Jun, Anna Lee, Jerry Maher, Stephen Maher, Ben McFadden, Greg Penn, Stephanie Seakins, Tony Summers, Les Szkirpan, Neil Vale, Gregory Wright, and Jill Young.

in an impressive performance.

The Men’s nett winner was Warwick Boys of Moore Park with a 54-hole total of 208 by four shots from Taree local Matthew Walz. It was no surprise that the Moore Park team of Toms, Nesbitt, and Boys took out the Club Teams event by a massive 15 shots with a total of 416 from their nearest rivals the Dunheved team of Dillyn Burazin, Dean Neill, and Jeffrey Barnes.

In the women’s championship Jan Crichton of Killara Golf Club, made a spectacular comeback from a disappointing first round of 82 to post the round of the tournament, a 3-over par 75 for a 13-over par total of 157 to take the title by two shots from Moore Park’s Lucie Quilliam. In third place was 2014 winner Gemma Dooley of Moore Park/ NSW.

12-Jul-16

Women’s Senior Order of Merit Events Date 12-Jul-16

Date 17-Jul-16

The Women’s nett winner was Ali Gatland of Monash, who came out on top with a great 36-hole nett total of 151. Runner up was Colette Blacklock of Ryde-Parramatta with 153 on a countback.

31-Jul-16

24-Jul-16

31-Jul-16

For your opportunity to compete in the prestigious 2016 NSW Open Golf Championship at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, come and try your luck in one of the 8 Regional Qualifying events for amateur golfers.

2016 NSW OPEN

For details of all Qualifying events and how to enter go to: www.golfnsw.org/nswopenevent-qualifying

GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

Venue Ryde-Parramatta GC

Event Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan Rd 1 Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan Rd 2 Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan Rd 3 Warren and Gibson Trophies Rd 1

Venue Various Various Various Various

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

GRAB YOUR CHANCE TO COMPETE IN THE

Event Ryde-Parramatta Cup and Salver

Pennants / Grade

Crichton was also lucky enough to win the Srixon Ball Challenge in the Women’s Championship, earning her a year’s supply of Srixon Golf Balls.

The Women’s Moore Park team of Lucie Quilliam, Meg Thorley and Susan McNally also took out the Club Teams event with a combined score of 311, winning by a shot from Killara Golf Club.

Venue PambulaMerimbula GC Mona Vale GC Ryde-Parramatta GC Shelly Beach GC Bayview GC Port Macquarie GC

Next Event: Gunnedah Golf Club on Saturday August 27th and Sunday August 28th

Defining Legends since 1931

68

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

golf queensland

Moreton Bay Region prepares for top talent

Qld Mixed Foursomes success for Edgar and Russell

Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Parks Recreation and Sport Spokesperson, Councillor Darren Grimwade with Golf Queensland’s Manager - Golf Operations, Luke Bates at Redcliffe Golf Club.

T

he Moreton Bay Region will become a second home to some of Australia’s top-ranked amateur golfers this year, with five major State golf championships to be held in the region.

Parks, Recreation and Sport Spokesman, Councillor Darren Grimwade, said Moreton Bay Regional Council would provide $8,000 to help Golf Queensland bring the five prestigious championship tournaments to some of the region’s best golf courses.

“We have some outstanding golf courses in the Moreton Bay Region and there’s great potential for growth in the golf-tourism sector,” Councillor Grimwade said.

“These championship tournaments will really showcase our region and what it has to offer to golfers from all over Australia.”

“A great example of this is the Queensland Country Stroke Play Championship, which will bring golfers from regional parts of the state to the beautiful bayside course at the Redcliffe Golf Club. It will most certainly be a really different setting to the country-side golf courses some of them are used to.”

“The Bribie Island Golf Club and the Pacific Harbour Golf Club at Banksia Beach will also feature in the Championship calendar.”

“Once these first class golfers have played in our region, I am certain they will want to come back for more.”

Golf Queensland’s Golf Operation Manager, Luke Bates, said the golf courses in the Moreton Bay Region were a perfect fit with the championships.

“We are thrilled to have the support of Moreton Bay Regional Council in delivering five key golf Championships,” Mr Bates said.

“The Bribie Island, Pacific Harbour and Redcliffe golf courses offer great variety to our competitors and each club takes great pride in presenting their courses in optimal condition.”

Events include the PresCare Queensland Men’s Senior Amateur Championship and Queensland Men’s and Women’s Stroke Play Championships. For a list of the five events held in the Moreton Bay Region, visit www.golfqueensland.org.au •

2016 Mixed Foursomes Champions Josh Edgar and DeeDee-Taylah Russell

D

eeDee-Taylah Russell (Emerald Lakes) and Josh Edgar (Surfers Paradise) have teamed up to win the 2016 Queensland Mixed Foursomes Championship held at McLeod Country Golf Club.

25 pairs teed up for the state title with the McLeod Golf Club providing a cracking day for 36-holes of golf.

The Russell and Edgar partnership took an early lead at the conclusion of the morning’s round with a score of 73. Fresh off the plane from college golf in the United States was last year’s returning runner-up duo of Nick Barney (Windaroo) and Nadine White (Pacific). The duo finished their first round two shots back, but were troubled by a two doubles on the back nine.

Russell and Edgar seemed to also find trouble in the afternoon with two doubles and four bogeys, but returned three birdies

to fire a three-over second round giving them a thirty-six hole score of 73-76 (149) and claim a three-shot victory for this year’s championship.

The Barney and White partnership were unable to bridge the gap in the afternoon recording scores of 75-77 (152) to earn their second-runner up title after last year’s defeat over Stacey White and Blake Proverbs by one shot.

The partnership of Roxann Blake and Craig Blake of Oxley took out the Nett event with a total of 151 followed by Sunshine Coast visitors Rory Turner and Danika Coyne one shot back with 152.

Golf Queensland would like to thank the McLeod Country Golf Club for presenting the course in fantastic condition once again.

Full results available at www.golfqueensland.org.au •

Queensland Men’s Country Week Date: 8 – 12 August 2016 Location: Redcliffe, Keperra and Virginia Golf Clubs Type: Stroke, Foursomes, Fourball Major Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor

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

69

19th hole

Just the stats...ma’am complete before he reaches the green on a 500m par-five? Or strokes gained by Bubba Watson for never having a golf lesson? What about the number of friends on Patrick Reed’s Facebook page? Money lost after your wife belts you over the noggin with a 9-iron?

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

T

he other morning, at some ridiculous hour, I was sitting in my lounge room with a Nespresso Apregio Lungo in my left hand, a remote in the other and a plate with a jam-covered crumpet on my lap.

How would we go on the E-Z-GO Australian PGA Legends Tour with our stats? Amount of body parts that move when attempting a two-foot putt. Time Lost trying to find your $1.50 tee on every hole.

Time saved by not hitting it hard enough to dislodge your $1.50 tee. Amount of hair lost during the final round. Strokes gained by not having sex for 7 years. Money gained by not actually playing. How many rounds it takes before you break wind unsuccessfully.

Number of occasions you fake a rotator cuff injury after seeing how far past your ball your amateur partner is. Chips hit per round without hitting someone standing on the other side of the green. Chips hit twice per round.

As well as trying to avoid a serious injury from a hot, slippery parcel of carbohydrates, I was attempting to watch the final round of the US Women’s PGA championship.

The Fox Sport channel was telling me I was watching it but unless Lydia Ko had suddenly experienced a growth spurt and changed to left-handed, I swear I was looking at Phil Mickelson trying to reel in someone I think named “Angus Berger” in the Fed Ex St Jude Classic.

Right after that, on comes a Web.com Tour event! Not a single sign of anyone resembling female the entire morning.

Rupert, if you’re reading this, please give the girls some coverage.

I don’t know the official statistics on how many women live on this planet but I’m taking a stab at roughly half the population!

Speaking of statistics, has anyone checked out the PGA Tour list of figures for… well pretty well anything? I recently did and trust me, it’s absolutely mind boggling. There are no less than 98 different categories on putting alone, from One-putt Percentage to Average putting distance of three putts when hitting the green in regulation during all third rounds.

What in God’s name do they do with such stuff? And surely there are more relevant and interesting issues to be recorded.

What about, how many smokes does it take John Daly to

How many holes it takes to forget the people’s names in your group. How many holes it takes to forget the group you are actually in. Times you lose your car during a three-round tournament. How many rounds you can get out of one glove. How many sandwiches a Senior Tour Player doesn’t pay for.

Then we could look at the LPGA Tour...

How old a Kiwi teenager can be before she is considered a veteran. Self-respect lost by a 6 foot 4 inch male golf pro after watching someone the same weight as their umbrella hit it 30 metres past where they were in the Pro-Am. Actually it doesn’t matter about the LPGA Tour because no one gets to watch it on TV! Come on Rupe…. Do the stats and give half the population a crack! •

Beverley Park celebrates 75 years Current and former members of Beverley Park Golf Club had reason to rejoice recently, as “The PARk” celebrated its 75th Year.

Celebrations for the milestone commenced with a Reunion Weekend during the final weekend of May. Doltone House Sylvania hosted the dinner on the Friday evening for 320 current and former members, sponsors, representatives from Port Macquarie, NSW, The Australian and The Lakes Golf Clubs, dignitaries and media.

The night was emceed by ABC golf and sports commentator Peter Wilkins with Paul Martell and Jane Scali adding to the entertainment.

During the night Wilkins provided guests with an overview of the club’s history and the standout quality of golfers that have emerged from the course including Bruce Crampton and Sarah Kemp.

Wilkins interviewed Club Captain and Life member, Warren Emmerick who reflected on his nine Club Championships and having chalked up 47 years of representing the club at Pennants and still competing in this arena. Steve Doran—in his effort in winning the Club championship in 2007, 2008 and 2009—and former Sun Match Play and Club Champions Rick Bonham received special mention.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better start to The PARk’s 75th Anniversary celebrations and it was due to an overall effort of the Board and Staff that contributed to the success of the weekend and we now look forward to the opening of the new course layout during September this year,” President Frank Bates said.

Golf followed on the Saturday and Sunday with Open 4B Medley teams events all day followed by barbecue functions and presentation of specially struck trophies for the 75th occasion.

STRATHFIELD GOLF CLUB - CENTENARY DRIVE STRATHFIELD

Intensive Golf Schools Join Richard at the Greg Norman-designed, 18 hole Championship golf course at the stunning Vintage Golf Club for a one, two or three day fun and intensive golf school. Located in the very heart of the Hunter Valley, you can look forward to: Includes * Up to 18 hours (3 days) or 6 hours (1 day) of premium golf tuition with Richard Mercer (on and off the course) * Video analysis of your swing with Dartfish and FlightScope * All schools are customised to your individual golf game * Golf at the Greg Norman-designed, 18 hole Championship course, The Vintage * Luxury accommodation packages available at either the Chateau Elan or Grand Mercure Apartments, both onsite at The Vintage Cost $435 including green fees per person (one day clinic) $670 including green fees per person (two day golf school) $905 including green fees per person (three day golf school) All golf schools have a minimum of two students. Private schools for one individual may be booked with a slight single surcharge of $150.00.

T | 0429 001 611 W | www.richardmercergolf.com E | rs.mercer@gmail.com The Vintage, Vintage Drive, Pokolbin NSW 2320

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July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Open Days MOnDay anD FriDay Only $32

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19th hole

Women’s 60-plus club a big hit T HEY meet regularly to play golf at different venues and are members of an exclusive club.

“They” are a happy band of women aged 60-plus who are members of the Senior Women Golfers’ Association of Victoria (SWGAV).

Formed in 1963, SWGAV has 280 members who meet eight times a year to play a round of golf, have fun and make friendships.

SWGAV captain Pamela Yardney said members ranged in age from 60 and into their 80s.

“It’s such a pleasure being club captain because we receive so many good compliments from the ladies,” she said.

“Even when it was cold and wet the girls still come in and say ‘it was a great day’.

“That’s what makes it so good and all the members get on really well. Everyone is happy.

“It doesn’t matter who I pair together on the time sheet, there is never a grumble. It’s just such a great, friendly club.”

Winning is secondary when it comes to the SWGAV members. More important is the camaraderie and the friendships formed.

Still, they do dish out prizes for winners, runners-up and nearest the pins.

“We normally have between 90 and 96 at our events,” Pamela said.

Mind you, in 1965 the club had 560 members representing 36 golf clubs.

At that time, women aged 50 and over could join.

In the mid-1960s, more than 200 would turn up to play and such large fields became difficult to manage so in 1971 the age of eligibility was raised to 55 and in 1986 it was lifted to 60.

It might be an exclusive club, but it’s inexpensive. Members pay just $30 for a

three-year membership.

On average, it costs $50 to play at golf courses such as Gardiners Run, Patterson River, Spring Valley, Churchill Park, Ringwood, Lang Lang, Waterford Valley and others.

The club’s vice-captain Jan Robertson told Inside Golf SWGAV was a non-profit organisation.

“Not only do we support women’s golf, we

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david@insidegolf.com.au

1. Can you name the Open Championship defending champion? (2 pts) 2. Who was the last player to win successive Open Championships? (3 pts) 3. True or false: Lee Trevino won the Open Championship twice. (2 pts)

Golf IGNITE es Sho

Do you let the anger get the better of you and tee another ball up and risk repeating the same error?

Or do you take a deep breath and walk down to the drop zone to ensure the safety of your second tee shot?

To enter, simply visit www.insidegolf.com. au/competitions and enter your answer.

Terms and conditions apply. Strictly ONE entry per person.

4. Can you solve the following anagram Ark car lender? Clue: He’s European and won the 2011 Open Championship. (3 pts) 5. Going on nationality, the USA has won the Open Championship 43 times but how many individual winners has America produced – 25, 28, 33 or 35? (3 Pts) 6. Who was the last African to win the US PGA Championship? (3 pts) 7. How many times did Jack Nicklaus win the US PGA Championship – 3, 4, 5 or 6? (2 pts) 8. Can you name the Australian who won the US PGA Championship when it was a matchplay event? (2 pts) 9. Englishman Jim Barnes won the 1919 US PGA Championship. How long did Europe have to wait before the continent’s next champion lifted the Wanamaker Trophy – 40, 50, 60 or 70 years (3 pts) : (1). Zach Johnson; (2). Padraig Harrington; (3). True – 1971 and 1972; (4). Darren Clarke; (5). 28; (6). Nick Price in 1994; (7). Five; (8). Jim Ferrier – 1947; (9). 70 years – Padraig Harrington won in 2007.

with David Newbery

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WpaiIrNof!Puma

THERE are 23 stableford points up for grabs on the front nine.

How many can you get?

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The quick nine quiz

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You are faced with the following tee shot.

An island green stands between you and taking out your local club championships.

Your first shot hits the bank and rolls back in to the water. Your lead is now down to 1!

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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:

also support junior girls through a yearly scholarship of $1000 for under 18 girls through Golf Victoria,” she said.

The next game is at Gardiners Run on August 1 followed by a round at Spring Valley on September 5, Patterson River on October and Waterford Valley on November 7. www.seniorwomengolfersvic.com

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ACROSS

1 Aussie winner of the Players Championship in 2016 (5,3) 5 Diggers? (6) 9 Regular, unvarying or mechanical course of action or round (7) 10 Long-hitting clubs (7) 11 Attacking as opposed to defensive (10) 12 Bogey on Augusta National’s Magnolia hole (4) 14 Those who play golf for a living (4) 16 Made changes according to conditions (8) 19 Strong, light and corrosion-resistant metallic element that’s used in the making of golf clubs (8) 21 Winner of 2016 Wells Fargo Championship, James ____ (4) 25 Winner of the 2013 NSW Open, ____ Price (4) 26 Third place getter at the 2016 Wells Fargo Championship (6,4) 29 Plus fours in a general sense (7) 30 Money-winners (7) 31 Strand of strong tissue attaching a muscle to a bone etc (6) 32 Sized up (8)

Answers: page 76

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DOWN

1 Winner of the 2016 Dean & Deluca Invitational, _____ Spieth (6) 2 Person who hits the ball a long way, but not in golf (7) 3 Sound nullified by marshals when players play shots (5) 4 Totally relaxed (2,4) 6 Winner of The Open Championship in 2013, ____ Mickelson (4) 7 Aussie who tied for second at the 2016 BMW Charity Pro-am on the Web.com tour (7) 8 Stops play temporarily for lightning, for instance (8) 10 Split up (6) 13 Young Aussie lady who finished second at the 2016 Kingsmill Championship (2,2) 15 Contents of a bunker (4) 17 In a line without bends or curves, possibly like the ideal drive (8) 18 Month in 2016 that features The Barclays (6) 20 Golf club that has a relatively narrow metal head (3,4) 22 Golfers who don’t hit the ball 17-down, say (7) 23 Drives (6) 24 Stopped (6) 27 Firmness or courage in trying circumstances (5) 28 Theoretically a golfer’s score before teeing off at the first (4) www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

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calendar

CALENDAR > 2016 Men’s & Women’s NSW Green Sands Championship

JULY Golf NSW Womens’ Pewter Plate WHEN: 18 July WHERE: Castle Hill Country Club

The event 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 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

WHEN: 20-21 August WHERE: Forbes Golf Club and Grenfell Country Club

2016 is the inaugural year for the NSW Green Sands Championship, a mixed event with one 18-hole round at both Forbes and Grenfell as well as a mixed Teams event (4 players per team). There will be several 36-hole and daily prizes for the event so it will be a great opportunity for golfers of all abilities to take on the challenge of both grass and sand greens.

The format will be Round 1 (Saturday 20 August) at Forbes GC followed by a Tournament Dinner at the club, with Round 2 (Sunday 21 August) concluding on the sand greens of Grenfell Country Club.

More: www.golfnsw.org.

SEPTEMBER

2016 Women’s Weekend Tournament

2016 Women’s Country Meeting

Open to female amateurs who hold a current GA or overseas equivalent handicap, the event is played over two days, with shotgun starts both days. The format is 18-holes singles stableford on the first day and 18-Holes Best Ball Team Event V Par on the second day.

The Women’s Country Meeting is open to female amateurs who hold a current GA or overseas equivalent handicap and are a member of a Golf NSW Country Golf Club. It is held over three days, the first two being stroke, the third foursomes.

WHEN: 5, 6 and 8 September WHERE: Shelly Beach, Wyong and Magenta Shores Golf Clubs

This event is the most popular participation event on the Golf NSW calendar attracting players from all across the state. The entry fee is $190 per player (online). Entries are taken in pairs.

Entries are now open – $50 per person per day via hard copy, or $40 online. $110 per person for three days via hard copy, or $100 online. To enter log onto www.golfnsw.org.

For more information or to enter this event visit www.golfnsw.org

Entries close Friday 19 August 2016 at 5:00pm.

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.

More: Nicole Bessant at Golf NSW on 9505 9105 or email nicole.bessant@golfnsw.org

OCTOBER

44th SOUTH PACIFIC LADIES OPEN CLASSIC This long running tournament popular with local and interstate entrants commences with a Mixed Foursomes on Sunday, October 9 followed by three stroke rounds for ladies in this Golf Australia and golf Queensland-ranked event. Four divisions of Classic, Mid Amateur, Senior and Super Senior means everybody is welcome to compete for 54-hole and daily prizes.

The South Pacific Ladies Open Classic has seen many famous players achieve greatness but it is also a venue for enthusiastic lady golfers who have the desire to win but do not want to go onto international fame. It is a friendly event for ladies to meet players from all parts of Australia and the Pacific.

Visit www.surfersparadisegolfclub.com.au for registration and conditions of play, or enquires to surfersparadiseassociates@gmail.com.au

Nelson Bay Golf Club Dowling Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 2nd Qualifying Round 23rd July 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 27th August 2016 4th Qualifying Round 10th September 2016 5th Qualifying Round 22nd October 2016 Final 26th November 2016

Parkes Golf Club London Road, Parkes NSW 2870 4th Qualifying Round 9th July 2016 5th Qualifying Round 16th July 2016 Final 14th August 2016

Wagga Wagga Country Club Plumpton Road, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 1st Qualifying Round 9th July 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 16th July 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 23rd July 2016 4th Qualifying Round 24th July 2016 5th Qualifying Round 31st July 2016 Final 7th August 2016

Mudgee Golf Club 21 Robertson Road, Mudgee NSW 2850 2nd Qualifying Round 2nd July 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 16th July 2016 4th Qualifying Round 13th August 2016 5th Qualifying Round 20th August 2016 Final 11th September 2016

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Stonebridge Golf Club 26 Birkdale Bvld, Cessnock NSW 2325 Final 16th July 2016 Wakehurst Golf Club (Ladies Competition) Upper Clontarf Street, Seaforth NSW 2092 Final 5th July 2016

Thurgoona Golf Club 1 Evesham Place, Thurgoona NSW 2640 2nd Qualifying Round 2nd July 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 16th July 2016 4th Qualifying Round 30th July 2016 5th Qualifying Round 6th August 2016 Final 20th August 2016

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The format is an 18-holes stroke handicap competition for teams of four players on GA handicaps from plus to 20.0, played over two courses which are determined by the previous year’s competition.

Each club entering the competition nominates the players to represent it and the courses on which each pair will compete.

Cowra Golf Club Mees Road, Cowra NSW 2794 3rd Qualifying Round 9th July 2016 4th Qualifying Round 20th August 2016 5th Qualifying Round 17th September 2016 Final 25th September 2016

The Link Shell Cove Corner Southern Cross Boulevarde & Shellharbour Road, Shell Cove NSW 2529 4th Qualifying Round 9th July 2016 5th Qualifying Round 16th July 2016 Final 23rd July 2016

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WHEN: Monday 12 September WHERE: Cumberland and Lynwood Country Clubs

WHEN: 9-12 October 2016 WHERE: Surfers Paradise Golf Club

AUGUST WHEN: 20-21 August WHERE: The Vintage Golf Club

2016 Women’s Coronation Medal

Shortland Waters Golf Club Vale Street, Shortland NSW 2287 1st Qualifying Round 16th July 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 23rd July 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 30th July 2016 4th Qualifying Round 6th August 2016 5th Qualifying Round 13th August 2016 Final 24th September 2016 Pacific Dunes Golf Club Championship Drive, Medowie NSW 2318 1st Qualifying Round 16th July 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 30th July 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 20th August 2016 4th Qualifying Round 1st October 2016 5th Qualifying Round 5th November 2016 Final 19th November 2016

COMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS July 11 Laidley seniors (QLD) July 12 Wyong Seniors (NSW) July 15-16 Coffs Coast Seniors (NSW) July 18-20 Coomealla Seniors (VIC) July 20-22 * Gold Coast Senior Classic July 25-27 * Queensland Senior Amateur

Championship at Bribie Island July 25 Cabramatta Seniors (NSW) July 30-31 Seaside Classic at

Port Macquarie (NSW) August 4 Monash Senior Masters (NSW) August 8 Carnarvon Seniors (NSW) August 8 Yarra Yarra Seniors (VIC) August 9 Beerwah Seniors (QLD) August 9 Kingston Heath Seniors (VIC) August 12 Victoria GC Seniors (VIC) August 15 Kooindah Waters Seniors (NSW) August 15 Gailes Seniors (QLD) August 15 Metropolitan Seniors (VIC) August 15 Mandurah Seniors (WA) August 16 Royal Melbourne Seniors (VIC) August 17 Commonwealth Seniors (VIC) August 22 Glenelg Seniors (SA) August 30 Palmer Gold Coast Seniors (QLD) September 1-2 * Kooyonga Grange Senior Classic * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

Editor’s note: we received an overwhelming number of positive responses regarding the David vs Goliath opinion piece (Page 5, June issue—also available on our website). Here are just a few of the comments from readers across the country:

David vs Goliath: David wins!

What a great editorial in this month’s Inside Golf. You have hit the nail on the head on so many issues.

Firstly on television coverage, it is rather rare to have golf shown on free to air television.

Why? I believe a lot of the problem lies with the telecast itself. So much time is taken up watching players walking the fairway, looking over putts, waiting to play and interviews which are of no interest to most people and always elicit the same noncommittal responses. It does nothing to attract viewers who may be interested in taking up the game. With so many players taking part more should be shown. Marquee groups are another waste: who would watch a football telecast if only three or four players were on show most of the time?

Secondly, watching professional golf should be a time to admire the ability of players not watch them being embarrassed by ridiculously difficult situations. It is far more interesting viewing to be able to appreciate the skill on display during play.

Will we ever entice people to “have a go” when professional players have so much difficulty? There is much more enjoyment watching a round of four or five under than watching more bunker play and searching for balls in long grass.

Letter of the Month

Thirdly, the mention of six-hour rounds for tournament play due to impossibly hard courses must be a put off for anyone considering golf as a sport and/or recreation.

Golf should be fun and enjoyable, if there is neither, how can we expect people to begin to play? There is no fun hitting balls into water, bunkers or long grass when you are there for an enjoyable round with good company.

Architects must be held responsible for a lot of problems as there are a lot of holes built to be extremely difficult or sadistically hard.

I appreciate that low markers may like these hazards but they are in a minority of golfers.

At the same time I feel they would rather play to or under par than to be trying their recovery skills too often. Normal players do not want to spend their day looking for balls or losing three or four every time they play, this adds to the cost and is a deterrent to possible new participants.

Once again congratulations on a very poignant editorial which should provoke a lot of serious and meaningful discussion.

Cliffton Carthew

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 great prize, like this month’s two dozen Volvik Vista IV golg balls valued at $69.95 per doz (Your choice of white, yellow or orange.)

Tricked-up-courses is not what sells the good side of the game, which should then get more people involved and playing. Golf would have to grow up a bit and get out of the 1940s. It might just have to see things differently and allow innovation and new ideas to get some traction. Pull the existing business models apart and rebuild them Your June editorial is a load of dribble. It sounds like you want every course to be of the same standard and condition when we know that is not possible. Plus how boring would that be?

Due to various reasons such as location, climates, micro climates, disease, different variety of grass (playing surfaces) all courses are different and that is the challenge of golf.

Adapting your game to the conditions is part of the challenge of the game. Other variables include whether it be windy or calm, slow or quick greens, wide or narrow fairways or a Links or Parklands course again add to the challenge.

Your negative comments on six hour rounds only give the game a bad reputation when golf is looking for positives to attract people to the game.

May I suggest you support the game of golf

or just open its eyes to the way in which things are actually being done. Just because the rules of golf prohibit a player from the sourcing of outside advice, it is not a rule the Golfing Industry should take to heart. It needs to breathe in some fresh air.

Dale A Van Every and your local PGA Professional and invest in some golf lessons to improve your game and shorten your rounds!!

Trevor Harrison Editor’s note: Thanks Trevor, but my own game (and home course) are fine. My weekly rounds are regularly under 4 hours, and I’m playing near to my 10 handicap (thanks in part to lessons I already get from my PGA pro). I think you missed the main point to my article, which is to help courses/clubs/committees to avoid buying in to the “Augusta Effect”. And yes, there are a variety of very challenging and difficult courses in Australia, and that’s great. I love it. But many of the unnecessarily difficult ones are also struggling to retain members (or stay open). I believe golf needs to “take its medicine” and be aware of these points, rather than put our collective head in the sand.

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!)

your voice Do we want “David versus Goliath”? Not for Club Golf Land!

I read your article with great interest and agree with what you have said. Leave this type of activity to the Professional circuit worldwide. As far as club land and social golf is concerned, let’s not make it harder. In fact let’s make it easier, as the harder it gets the less people will play. Our great game has an enormous opportunity to grow its ranks and enhance the possibilities of golf courses to stay in business. Today’s member and their guests play to enjoy the game and enjoy the company of fellow competitors in a healthy environment amongst like-minded people.

To make courses harder often involves changing the courses. And most of if not all courses have difficulty maintaining what they already have and do not have the funds to entertain creating difficult courses.

Golf for 95% of players is difficult enough without club management and Supervisors making tough conditions and placing pins in difficult positions. This also causes play to

I completely agree with your view on the direct correlation between a course with punishing rough and playing time increasing while enjoyment decreases. My friends and I annually complain about what we view as the “Master’s pin placements” that often occur after the Masters in April, possibly by over-enthusiastic greens maintenance teams.

However, I’ve certainly noticed that many tracks I’ve played on over the past few years have cut back the rough considerably and pace and enjoyment have both increased: The Dunes, The Growling Frog, Yarra Bend, Moonah Open, come to mind. I still feel I’m punished for my lack of accuracy by the lie in the rough but without losing my ball!

Spot on, Richard!

Golf is ceasing to be fun anymore on courses specifically designed for 5 markers and under.

Ten years ago at the club I am a member of, we had 130/140 ladies each Thursday, now we are lucky to get over 80! Last medal round, 52!

I always thought a well-designed course should be enjoyable for all - a challenge to the low marker and playable for those less able. Now we have bunkers that anyone under 5’5” can’t be seen in and greens that

I agree whole heartedly. Why do the USGA, PGA or Golf Club Committees in general, have to trick up a Golf Course just because they are hosting a major tournament? Okay, let the rough grow a little so the fairways can be contoured. However cut them to 4-5 cm, that still makes the shot difficult enough without being ridiculous.

So what if the top players in the field shoot 14 or 15 under par? Isn’t that the mark of their ability? Not everyone in the

I agree with your sentiments. Playing a silly tough course I find that I’m not really interested in playing there again. As for the pros, I’d honestly like to see them play the local courses I play from the tees I play from. If they tear it up then that just gives me an indication as to

slow down due time taken to play shots and putt, thereby increasing the time it takes to play 18 holes.

Our Handicap system with multiple tees now allows for those few golfers wishing to play tough courses the opportunity to do so. As the various tees have their own Slope Rating, clubs need to provide up to 4 tee markers per hole that then affords the player to tackle whichever tee suits his/her particular skill level.

Club land and social golf is a far cry from Pro Land and neither should be or can be treated the same.

Our need is to have 1,000,000 more people playing golf which would solve so many problems our game faces including saving many clubs from entering into financial difficulty and or closing their doors.

To do that we need to assist and encourage current and potential golfers, not frighten them off.

Graeme Mathers

As for the pros, if it was every week, I wouldn’t want to watch them landing a ball 30 feet right of the pin and then hearing Ian Baker-Finch say yet again, “and that’s a great shot; that’s exactly where you want to be”.

After all, I can do that. I’d generally much rather enjoy watching them showcasing their skills “shooting darts at pins” something I only manage occasionally that’s why they’re the pros right?

Having said that, the US Open is only once a year. It’s like the French Open, the Isle of Man, or the Tour de France; it’s a little bit different with some unexpected carnage, but the greater challenge clearly brings greater prestige.

LM

only reward a shot that is within a 20% accuracy range.

Golf courses are becoming obstacle courses, tricked up, frustrating to play and designers, course superintendents and club committees are doing nothing for promoting the sport.

However, if we complain, we are usually met with an attitude of if you don’t like it leave or find a nine-hole easy course.

As a 15.2 GA marker, I am getting very fed up and bowls is looking good Name withheld by request

field is going to have that score. So leave the course the way it was designed. Let the players show how good they are and reward them for the hours they put in on the practice ground honing their skills.

I’ll bet if the powers to be started doctoring cricket pitches and tennis courts in the same way as the USGA does to golf courses there would be an unholy outburst from the players in those sports.

Adrian Holton-Picard.

how good they are and I’d enjoy watching that.

I’d rather that than watching on a course that most of us won’t ever have access to, let alone play on. If they don’t tear it up, I’ll understand.

David Bailey

www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

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demo dates PING

Location

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

New South Wales July 01 New South Wales Golf Club ◊ * Friday The Australian Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday July 06 Paradise Golf Driving Range ◊ * Thursday July 07 Monash Country Club ◊ * Friday July 08 Drummond Golf Dee Why ◊ * Monday July 11 Pennant Hills Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday July 12 Roseville Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday July 13 Concord Golf Club ◊ * Thursday July 14 July 15 Mona Vale Golf Club ◊ * Friday Drummond Golf Shellharbour ◊ * Monday July 18 Killara Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday July 19 July 20 Magenta Shores Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Wyong Golf Club ◊ * Thursday July 21 Muirfield Golf Club ◊ * Friday July 22 Asquith Golf Club ◊ * Monday July 25 July 26 Maitland Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday The Vintage Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday July 27 July 28 Merewether Golf Club ◊ * Thursday Waratah Golf Club ◊ * Friday July 29 Queensland Maroochydore River Golf Club ° Friday July 01 Victoria Park Driving Range ° * Tuesday July 05 July 06 Wantima Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday July 07 Redcliffe Golf Club ◊ * Thursday Isis Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday July 13 1.30pm Bundaberg Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday July 13 July 14 Bargara Golf Club ◊ * Thursday 11.30am Drummond Golf Hervey Bay ◊ * Thursday July 14 House Of Golf Hervey Bay ◊ * Friday July 15 Noosa Golf Club ° Tuesday July 19 Golf World Kawana ◊ * Tuesday July 19 Keperra Golf Club ° Wednesday July 20 July 20 Parkwood International Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday July 22 Nudgee Golf Club ◊ * Friday Virginia Golf Club ◊ * Friday July 22 Grafton Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday July 27 July 27 Middle Ridge Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Goondiwindi Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday July 27 House of Golf Coffs Harbour ◊ * Thursday July 28 Coffs Harbour Golf Club ◊ * Thursday July 28 Golf Central ◊ * Thursday July 28 July 29 Gripped on Golf @ Twin Waters ◊ * Friday Palm Meadows ° Friday July 29 Western Australia July 08 Collier Pk G C ° / ◊ Friday Wembley G C ° / ◊ Thursday July 21 Gosnells G C ° Thursday July 28 South Australia July 07 South Lakes Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Drummond Golf Mile End ◊ * Friday July 08 Drummond Golf Enfield ◊ * Friday July 15 Drummond Golf Darlington ◊ * Thursday July 28 Victoria July 01 Riversdale Golf Club ◊ * Friday House of Golf - Geelong ◊ * Saturday July 02 Melbourne Golf Academy ° Wednesday July 06 Portarlington Golf Club ◊ * Friday July 08 Melbourne Golf Academy ◊ * Tuesday July 12 Yarra Bend Driving Range ° Thursday July 14 National Golf Club ◊ * Saturday July 16 Morack Golf Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday July 20 Patterson River Golf Club ◊ * Friday July 22

MIZUNO

Location

New South Wales / ACT Thornleigh Golf Centre * Coffs Harbour Driving Range * Carbrook * Bonville Golf Course * Moore Park G.C * Royal Sydney G.C * ** Liverpool G.C * The Lakes G.C * ** Queensland Bargara Golf Club * Tewantin Noosa * Golf Central * Mt Warren Park * Hope Island * Ballina * Vic Park * Palm Meadows * **

9am - 3pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 6pm 12 - 5pm 2 - 6pm 8am - 2pm 10am - 3pm 12 - 5pm 8am - 1pm 12 - 5pm 1.30 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 4pm 11am - 3pm 1 - 4.30pm 12 - 4pm 2 - 5pm 5 - 7.30pm 1 - 4pm 12 - 3pm 11.30am 2.30 - 5.30pm 8.30am 2 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 9.30am - 12pm 1 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 12 - 4pm 1 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 11.30am 2 - 5pm 3 - 6pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 12 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 12 - 4pm 4 - 7pm 9.30am - 1pm 10am - 12.30pm 2 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 3pm 3 - 6pm 10am - 2pm mizuno.com.au

Day

Date Time

Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

July 05 4 - 7pm July 13 1 - 6pm July 13 10am 1pm July 14 11am - 4pm July 26 4 - 7pm July 27 11am - 3pm July 28 9am - 1pm July 29 1 - 4pm

Thursday Tuesday Thursday Friday Friday Wednesday Tuesday Friday

July 07 10am - 2pm July 26 9.30am - 1pm July 28 4 - 7pm July 08 3 - 5pm July 15 2 - 5pm July 20 9am 12pm July 05 5.30 - 7.30pm July 29 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.

74

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

CALLAWAY

Location

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

New South Wales / ACT Elanora Country Club √ * ** Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club ≠ Morisset Country Club √ Golf Gurus √ * Surfers Paradise Golf Club √ Virginia Golf Club Queensland Royal Queensland Golf Club ** Victoria Park Golf Complex ≠ Pittwater Golf Centre ≠ West Beach Driving Range ≠ Victoria/Tasmania Drummond Golf Northmead Drummond Golf Woolloongabba √ Parkwood International √ Moore Park Golf Club ≠ Pymble Golf Club √ * ** Palm Meadows Driving Range ≠ Western Australia Cessnock Golf Ltd √ * Newcastle Golf Club √ * **

TAYLORMADE Location

Location

Date Time

Friday Friday Friday Friday Thursday Friday

July 08 10am - 3pm July 15 2 - 4.30pm July 15 12 - 4pm July 15 1 - 4pm July 21 1 - 4.30pm July 29 1 - 4pm

Friday Tuesday Thursday Thursday

July 01 July 12 July 28 July 28

1 - 4pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 2 - 6pm 4 - 7pm

Thursday Thursday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday

July 07 July 14 July 20 July 21 July 22 July 29

4 - 7pm 1 - 4pm 3 - 6pm 4 - 7pm 8am - 12pm 1 - 4.30pm

Friday Wednesday

July 01 12 - 4pm July 06 8am - 12pm

www.taylormadegolf.com.au | 1800 700 011

New South Wales/ACT Long Reef GC † * ** Oatlands GC † * ** Moore Park Driving Range † * ** Thornleigh Golf Centre † * ** Charlestown GC † * ** The Australian GC † * ** Royal Sydney GC † * ** NSW GC † * ** Lynwood CC † * ** Canterbury GC † * ** Elanora CC † * ** Everglades GC † * ** Queensland Royal Queensland GC † * ** Lismore GC † * Surfers Paradise GC † * Coolangatta GC † * Windaroo GC † * Goondiwindi GC » * Hope Island GC † * Emerald Lakes GC † * Warwick GC † * Grafton GC † * Victoria Park » * Golf Central † * Victoria Horsham GC † * 4pm Horsham GC † * MGA » Yarra Bend † Royal Melbourne † * ** Royal Melbourne † * **

COBRA PUMA

Day

Day

Date Time

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

July 01 July 04 July 05 July 06 July 07 July 13 July 14 July 15 July 16 July 20 July 22 July 29

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

July 01 July 05 July 07 July 08 July 13 July 14 July 15 July 20 July 21 July 25 July 26 July 28

Tuesday

July 05

10am -

Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Saturday

July 06 July 06 July 14 July 16 July 30

10am - 4pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 8pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm

9am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 4 - 7pm 3 - 7pm 12 - 4pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 3pm 7am - 11.30am 10am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 11am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 4.30pm 1 - 4pm 2 - 5pm 2.30 - 5pm 1 - 4.30pm 2 - 5pm 2 - 5.30pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 1pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 4 - 7pm

cobragolf.com.au

Day Date Time

New South Wales / ACT Bonniedoon GC Wednesday Victoria MGA Wednesday Albert Park Driving Range Wednesday Golf City Driving Range Ballarat Thursday Queensland Surfers Paradise GC Thursday Victoria Park Golf Complex Tuesday Palm Meadows GC Friday Western Australia Whaleback GC Thursday Bunbury GC (YGP Account) Friday Drummond Osborne Park - In-store Demo 7.30pm Northern Territory Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation Tuesday Alice Springs GC Wednesday South Australia Mount Gambier GC Friday

July 13

9am - 2pm

July 06 July 13 July 14

4 - 7pm 5 - 7pm 3 - 7pm

July 14 July 26 July 29

1 - 4pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 1 - 4pm

July 14 July 15 Thursday

4.30 - 7.30pm 12 - 4pm July 21 3.30 -

July 05 July 06

2 - 6pm 11am - 3pm

July 01

11am - 3pm

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)

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

• 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

GET ORGANISED WITH

Patented Softgrip Technology

*Conditions apply available Tuesday-Sunday only. Comp fees extra POA.

For bookings call (07) 4159 1180 info@shorelineapartments.com.au | www.bargaragolfclub.com.au

1300 738 557

www.kahmagolf.com

Aquarius R

E

S

O

R

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

T

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

$250

• 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

All golfers stay for

$50 per night including cooked breakfast (twin share) week days only ...minimum group of 10.

Rounds of golf not included

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

*WINTER SPECIAL*

Other packages alsO available

• 3 Games Golf - Horizons, Nelson Bay and Tanilba Bay • 3 x $20 Dinner Vouchers • 3 Cooked Breakfasts • 3 Nights Accomodation (twin share) • Total Cost per person $300 (Arriving Sunday, Monday or Tuesday)

For reservations or additional information call Christine or Mike on

47 Meredith Ave, Lemon Tree Passage, NSW 2319

Phone (02) 4982 3300

www.lemontreemotel.com.au

Email: lemontreepassagemotel@idl.net.au

To suit your individual needs

49

$

*

18 HOLES

On our championship course.

Includes Twin Share electric cart hire and lunch.

p/person

1 NiGHt PACKAGE DEALs

140

$

*

p/person

To book accomm call 02 6680 2222

• 1 night’s accommodation in twin share or double room • Continental Breakfast • 18 holes of Golf with shared electric cart at Ocean Shores Golf Club • Main Course Dinner at Coast Restaurant Ocean Shores Country Club

BLUE MARKER CHALLENGE Played last Friday of each month.

Play to your handicap or better & receive a dozen Pro V’s.

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

$

30

*

Visitors

*Conditions apply

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

75

golf directory

InsideGolf

Rivers Golf Tours

AustrAliA’s Most reAd Golf MAGAzine

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

www.insidegolf.com.au

EAT. STAY.PLAY WE TAKE CARE OF THE REST

Howeston Golf Course

16 Weekdays

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

$

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

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

Escorted Tours, Group Bookings Only

*prices include GST

Enquiries welcome $

Contact us or visit our website for more information.

Booking agents enquiries welcome

riversgolftours.com.au

Play anytime - No waiting Established 1972 • Full length 27-hole course • Excellent greens • Professional tuition available • Clubs for hire • Open seven days - BYO • Electric golf carts available

Where golf is only half the journey.

We are not a booking agency, we do tours.

If you book your tour with us your driver/tour guide is with you 24/7 and with our 10 day tour a visit to a winery is in each state.

For more information, pricing and to order

Phone 1300 852 433 or visit our website

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

4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM.

76

$485

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day FROM

FROM

3 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

$555

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

J A S O N D A O L O T R O U T I N E D G S A A G G R E S S N E E P R O S S A A T I T A N I U R W D G A R O N J U I I Z S G A R M E N T H O R T E N D O N

For advertising call 1300 465 300

Y

S P H R I L E S J U O H

A D R V E W F I T S T

D I I V I A D E M A H S O S T I N R O E E K E A R N E R V R A S S E S S

E S U R S P V E N E D S N C S E A R S E E D

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

Nudgee Golf Club

BLACK TEE CHALLENGE

Visitors pay only $25 to play in our competitions (Wed, Sat & Sun)

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

3rd Friday of each month “Bay Golf Day”

Members & Bay Golf Memberships $13 Visitors $23

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah (only 20 minutes from the Coast) admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

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

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)

Phone: (07) 3267 7744

• Fully Irrigated Greens & Fairways • Full Bar & Bistro Facilities • Abundant Wildlife including Kangaroos

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

Read Inside Golf FREE on iPads If you love your monthly fix of Inside Golf, but can’t always get your copy before they’re all snapped up, then we’ve got some great news: our new and improved Inside Golf Digital iPad app is now available on the App Store... and it’s absolutely FREE.

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Specialising in the best ‘Australia Wid e’ Play & Stay Go lf Packages

QLD Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Nth Qld, Burnett Region NSW Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Northern Rivers, South Coast & Entrance VIC & TAS Mornington & Bellarine, Hobart, Launceston WA. SA.& NZ.

QUALITY ACCOMMODATION, CONFIRMED TEE TIMES, YOUR CHOICE OF RESORT OR LOCAL COURSES

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Every detail professionally arranged, leaving you nothing to do but arrive and have the time of your life!

We will tailor your package to suit any holiday plans or budget

M. 0418 713 620 sharon@uchoosegolf.com.au

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www.uchoosegolf.com.au For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | July 2016

77

golf directory Play Gold Coasts finest Golf Courses then relax at Boulevard North in our north facing ocean view apartments at Broadbeach.

We would like to offer 10% discount from our advertised rate to Guests mentioning this add when making a reservation.

Discount not available with any other promotions, reservations need to be made direct to the resort on 07 5538 7666

E: stay@boulevardnorth.com.au www.boulevardnorth.com.au

TRUEMANS COTTAGES

from $125 per person per night (min 4 pp) * Big or small groups...we’ve got you covered!

• 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 *Conditions apply. Valid May-October 2016.

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

Winter Special – 2 nights midweek with 2 rounds inc carts from $275p/p Choose from: The Dunes, moonah Links, st Andrews, Cape schanck, flinders, or rosebud CC.

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

Clearwater Noosa

75

$

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

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

78

July 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

ll

Bu

ck

Bla

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

Grips (supply only) Mack Daddy 2 Odyssey Jumbo Putter Black

$20 $8 $8

Ping Std Rubber Tacki Mac Jumbo Golf pride Tour Velvet Cord White

$8

Callaway Forged Wedges SLATE

$139

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

3 15.5º Loft Right or Left Regular Flex Classic XL Includes Cover

$139

$89

$189 $239

TaylorMade Small Tour Bag Vinyl not Nylon

$8

$249

Ping G30 Sale BOTH STORES

ps

$109 $169 Pinnacle Balls Distance

2015 Models

$15

$39 Dozen

25º Loft X-Hot Regular Graphite Shaft Right Hand Includes Cover

$229

$119

Ladies Right Hand Specials Ping G30 7 wood & Cover Cleveland 588 Altitude Hybrid Iron 5, 6, Pitching Wedge, Gap Wedge or Sand Wedge TaylorMade Jetspeed 5 Hybrid 25º Cleveland 588 3 Hybrid 20.5º Callaway X2 Hot 13.5º Driver Tour Special Chipper (Approach Putter)

$2

each

Dozen

Callaway Eleven Metalwood

Urethane Cover White or Yellow

$24

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

Individually Boxed

Callaway Hex Chrome Ball

Callaway GPSync Bridgestone B330 Watch Balls (Urethane Cover) $349

$249

www.callawaydmd.com

$149 $39 EA $69 $79 $209 $39

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days Callaway Big Bertha Fairway Wood 3 - 15º Regular or Seniors

Moderate Swing Speed RX Red Box RXs Silver Box

5 - 18º Regular, Stiff or Lady

Fast Swing Black Box

Fubuki Shaft Fully Adjustable

$33 DOZEN

Graphite Regular Flex Shaft

Right Stiff 9.5º Loft

Includes Cover & Wrench

15º Loft

Right Regular 14.5º HL Easy Driver

$159 Includes Cover

Callaway Forrester 14 Way Bag

Individually Boxed

$239

Black/Yellow only Full length dividers Cooler pocket

Black/Green only

$149

$189

DOZEN

Includes Cover

TaylorMade Purelite Stand Bag

$25

Srixon All Weather Gloves (Black or White)

$15

Left Regular 10.5º Loft

$269

$159

7 - 21º Lady

TaylorMade Driver Precept Balls AeroBurner Laddie Mens Model

3 Fairway Wood

EACH

Mens or Ladies Models

$399

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

Ping I25

Srixon Deluxe Bags - 2015 Models Cart Full Length Dividers Full Length Rain Cover Putter Holder Cooler Pocket & Hood Black/Red/White or Black/White

www.thegolffactory.com.au

FINISH

52º Gap 56º Sand 60º Lob Dynamic Gold Wedge Flex

Srixon Black Gloves All Weather Durable

Cleveland Fairway

2016 WEBSITE

Mens Left Hand S, M, Med-Lar, Lar, XL Ladies Left Hand Small or Medium Current Model EACH

$10

Left Hand Only Special

$49 $279 $129 $129 EA $49 EA $239 $89

Wilson Staff Visor Putter Cleveland MT Irons 5-PW (6) Regular TaylorMade JetSpeed 3 Wood Stiff Ping G30 19º or 22º Hybrid Regular Cleveland CG-16 Wedges 52º, 54º, 56º + 58º TaylorMade AeroBurner 10.5º Regular Driver Callaway X-Hot Pro 9.5º Stiff Driver

Lady Precept TaylorMade Irons TaylorMade Balls TaylorMade Burner Soft Balls Graphite AeroBurner IQ+ Balls 2015 Models Burner Individually Boxed Project (a)

$15 doz $33 doz

Tour Preferred X or Standard

$44 doz

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

$259

Iron Covers

$17

Doz

Individually Boxed

Srixon Z-Star or Srixon Z-Star XV

$30

Doz

SUPERSEDED model

Not individually boxed URETHANE COVER TOUR BALL

Srixon Distance

Eagles & Birdies Black Only Fits Right or Left Hand

$59 3 - S.W

$35 Set of 9

$13

Individually Boxed Doz

Callaway X-Hot Pro Irons (not offset)

TaylorMade Beanie - Black

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

OSFM One Size Fits Most

$799

$549

$30

$16

Seniors Flex Left Regular Flex Right Regular Flex Left 5 to Sand (7 Irons)

Pearl Pink Only

$29

$769 $12

DOZEN

Srixon Soft Feel Balls Individually Boxed Green Box White Ball Pink Box White Ball Pink Box Pink Ball Green Box Yellow Ball

$240 for 12 Dozen Carton

2015 Model

MIXED CARTON AVAILABLE

$20 Dozen

Eagles & Birdies Augusta Bag 3.7kg 14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Tube Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket Red/Grey or Black/Orange

TaylorMade RSi2 Irons (not offset)

$299

$199 2015 Model

Optima TS+ Balls

$1043

4-PW (7 Irons)

$875 $20

KBS Tour 105 Stiff Shafts

Individually Boxed

Dozen

TRADE IN

ANY PUTTER ANY BRAND ANY CONDITION

REWARD

50

$

OR

Offer Valid June 15 - August 31st 2016 CALLAWAYGOLF.COM.AU * Terms and conditions apply.

OFF ANY