Inside Golf November 2016

Australia’s

Most-Read

Go l f

M a g a z i ne

Issue 136 // NOVEMBER 2016 www.insidegolf.com.au

> TOP TIPS

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SKILLS: Set up for success with chipping and bunker shots MENTAL: Why a golf course makes a great boardroom

tic d a mate an ralianld you e Auste Wor h to t , or thGolf! f OpenCup o

> WORLD CUP OF GOLF

Excitement builds for a world-class battle in Melbourne!

> SCHOOL’S IN!

The Australian Open:

OPEN MEMORIES from awe-inspiring champions > PLUS

We chat with 7-times Australian Open Champion Gary Player

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In Tom Doak’s ‘Confidential Guide’, a review of the architecture of the best courses in the world, the four par 3s at Yarra Yarra are rated seventh (the only course in this category in the Southern Hemisphere).

The 11th hole, described by Peter Thomson as a ‘national treasure’, is invariably in the experts’ collections of the best 18 holes in Australia

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starters box

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Time for (your) major support for our major events sponsors that golf is (as we all know) a vibrant, worthwhile investment, with plenty of ROI. Aussie golf needs big sponsorship dollars to survive (and thrive), and a large crowd can provide plenty of eyeballs seeing sponsors’ logos.

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

T

2) A crowd is drawn to a crowd. There is a standard rule in many restaurants or pubs that you fill the seats near the front window/door early—knowing that passers-by will be drawn to a place that looks popular/buzzing (and conversely will avoid a place that looks empty/dead in the front window).

Golf events are no different. We’ve all been to events where there is a buzz; a level of energy from the crowd that simply kicks things into another gear.

The Ryder Cup is a great example: the players feed off the fans’ energy, which in turn leads to the fans feeding off the players’ boosted energy, and so on in.

If we show some terrific fan support (and buzz) at these events, the top players will surely be keen to return in the future. And sponsors will also take more notice. And more fans will want to come to soak up the atmosphere.

It’s win-win-win. We all know that Australians are among the most sports-mad fans on the planet, so it’s time to kick it up a notch (or ten).

he 2016 summer of golf is here, and it is looking to be a cracker.

With the long-anticipated World Cup of Golf played at Kingston Heath, the Australian Open at Royal Sydney, and the Australian PGA Championship at RACV Royal Pines, Aussie golf fans are in for a real treat.

The World Cup of Golf will feature one of the best fields we’ve seen down under in quite a while. Just look through the field listed on page 21 this month, and you’ll surely agree that it is a star-studded combination of players that will doubtless result in some fantastic golf.

For Australian golfers and golf fans, I STRONGLY urge you to get tickets to one (or more) of these events. Not just to see some world-class golf, but because it is critical that we get huge crowds at these events. Here’s why: 1) As you know, golf as a sport has hit a global rough patch. One of the reasons is dwindling sponsorship money. Especially here in Australia, where there are a lot of sports (and in golf’s case, a lot of events within the sport itself) competing for a limited share of funds and sponsors.

If potential sponsors see empty seats and sparse crowds, it reinforces a message that golf is struggling. But by packing huge crowds into an event, we can make a statement to potential

IN THIS ISSUE:

06 10 16 18 20 22 26 28 30 32 34 38 51 56

NEWS cLUB NEWS GENERAL MANAGERS IG BUSINESS WORLD CUP OF GOLF AUSTRALIAN OPEN ON TOUR AMATEURS WOMEN TRAINEES JUNIORS clubs ACADEMIES FEATURE NEW GEAR

3) It will grow the game significantly, especially with juniors. At all three of these events, juniors 16 and under get in free with a paying adult. It’s the best-value weekend entertainment out there! And every time I go to these events, I see juniors getting inspired to play. Without fail, these future golfers will invariably grab dad’s umbrella, or a fallen tree branch, or

58 60 68 72 77 80 81

www.insidegolf.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Editor: Richard Fellner PO Box 360, Nunawading, Vic 3131 P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Chief Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Design & Layout: Stacey Fortescue, Rhys Martin, Rob Kirk

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whatever is at hand, and practice their swing beyond the ropes, dreaming of playing this great game. You cannot get this sort of inspiration anywhere else.

4) Finally, in Victoria, the World Cup may (sadly) be the LAST world-class quality field we see in Melbourne in quite a while, with the Australian Masters now a fading memory (and little to suggest it will reappear anytime soon). As the Australian Open unfortunately continues to stay locked in NSW, Melburnians will likely find ourselves without a major tournament—despite having arguably Australia’s best golf courses. (Though we can all at least look forward to the Oates Vic Open, one of the most unique tournaments in golf.)

With all that in mind, you can see why I believe it’s so important that we throw some major support to our major events. It’s in our hands to show the world just how supportive (and golf-obsessed) we all are, and how great our game truly is!

See you on the fairways (along the ropes!)

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

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TOP-5 ONLINE The five most-read opinion pieces on our website: Golf Month is here…now let’s all pitch in! www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=25678 Golden moments: Olympic Golf a major victory www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=25676 It’s time to get ‘real’ about Slope and indexing www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=25222 Suited to a tee: Going beyond the red, white and blue www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=24902 Tough tracks: Do we want David versus Goliath? www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=25180

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Past champs to battle at Royal Sydney Leishman

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modern who’s who of Australian golf will tee it up in the Emirates Australian Open at Royal Sydney Golf Club from November 17-20.

bound for Gold Coast

Aaron Baddeley, who spearheads a group of six past winners, will return to the club at which his career exploded with his victory as an amateur in 1999.

Marc Leishman has confirmed he will tee up at the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast from 1-4 December.

Remarkably, Baddeley, who won for the fourth time on the U.S. PGA Tour this season, has had seven top-10 finishes at the Australian Open, but hasn’t played since 2013 as he sought to maintain his American playing rights.

“I always look forward to going back to the Australian Open,” Baddeley said.

“I have so many special memories at this event, highlighted by my win as an amateur at Royal Sydney in ‘99.

“There truly is nothing like coming home and playing in front of an Aussie crowd!”

Another to have won the Stonehaven Cup around the famous Rose Bay layout is ageless Queenslander John Senden, while his good mate and dual champion Greg Chalmers is also back from Texas to compete.

“The chance to compete for the national championship is something we all cherish,” said Chalmers, the 1998 and 2011 champ who also won on the U.S. PGA Tour this season for the first time in his distinguished career.

Leishman will compete at the Australian PGA Championship alongside World Number 6 Adam Scott the week after the pair combine to represent Australia at the World Cup of Golf.

John Senden is one of six past Australian Open champions who will tee it up at Royal Sydney “These guys do a great job as ambassadors of Australian golf around the world each year and it’s great to see them continue to return to support their national championship,” Herden said.

The event will be telecast all four days on Channel 7.

“They’re added to Adam Scott (2009) and Jordan Spieth (2014) as other past champions in the field, so it’s building nicely and we’re eager to announce some more big names soon.”

The 2016 Emirates Australian Open will be played at the Royal Sydney Golf Club from November 17-20.

The Emirates Australian Open is a flagship tournament on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia. The winner will receive a minimum of 32 Official World Golf Ranking points.

“It’s one we’ll all be excited for, especially against such a great field that’s being built again this year.”

Senden said the host club held special memories after his 2006 victory.

“I’ll never forget winning the Aussie Open at Royal Sydney – it was a huge moment in my career and it’s something I’d love to repeat in November.”

Joining them will be another dual champion in Robert Allenby (1994, 2005) and fellow Victorians Geoff Ogilvy (2010) and Stephen Allan (2002).

Tournament director Trevor Herden said the addition of the past champions gave the field great depth and a lot of talking points.

Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek at www.ticketek.com or by calling 132 849.

Website: http://www.ausopengolf.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AusOpenGolf and #AusOpenGolf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusOpenGolf

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30 one-day tickets to the Emirates Australian Open Inside Golf and the Emirates Australian Open are giving away 15 pairs of one-day tickets to one of golf’s most prestigious events! Imagine walking down the fairways at Royal Sydney with a mate, while top players like Adam Scott and Jordan Spieth battle for glory!

There are two ways to enter: simply visit www.insidegolf.com.au/competitions, and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter. And/or, visit our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/InsideGolf and simply “Tag a Mate” who you’d like to take to the event!

This is the first time since 2014 and since the tournament has been co-sanctioned by the European Tour that both Leishman and Scott will compete for the Kirkwood Cup. They will join defending champion Nathan Holman at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

“I love Australia, I love the fans and I love the atmosphere of the Australian PGA Championship so I am excited to be heading back to Royal Pines,” said Leishman.

“I hope Scotty and I tee it up at Royal Pines as the World Cup champions and that we can celebrate with golf fans on the Gold Coast.”

Leishman is a strong supporter of Australian golf and the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and will play the Australian PGA Championship after a solid year in the U.S, where he recorded two top-10 finishes in his 2016 season highlighted by a T5 at the Northern Trust Open.

“Marc is always a favourite of the Gold Coast and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Australian PGA Championship this year,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.

“He has a wonderful game to watch on course and always makes time for his fans post round which makes him a huge hit.”

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Luck captures Asia-Pacific Amateur; Coletta books Open spot

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ustralia’s Curtis Luck, the world’s second-ranked amateur, overcame a seven-stroke deficit to secure a one-shot victory over compatriot Brett Coletta at the eighth Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship held at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in South Korea.

Former major winners Wayne Grady (U.S. PGA), Ian Baker-Finch (The Open), along with Rodger Davis, Peter Fowler, Michael Harwood, Michael Clayton and Peter Senior all feature regularly on the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour.

As runner-up, Coletta (75) earned a place in The Open Qualifying Series.

Following Antonio Murdaca’s victory in Melbourne two years ago, Australian players have now won the Championship twice to equal South Korea (2009, 2013), Japan (2010, 2011) and China (2012, 2015).

Junya Kameshiro (75), Japan’s top-ranked amateur, finished fifth at five under while Chinese Taipei’s Yu Chun-an (69), Thailand’s KK Limbhasut (73), Korea’s Lee Won-jun (73) and China’s Yuan Yechun (70) finished sixth to ninth, respectively. The defending champion, Jin Cheng from China, finished in a tie for 15th at six over par.

Luck, 20, was seven behind Coletta at the start of the final day and had to shoot his lowest score of the week to clinch the Championship in his second appearance, having made his debut in 2014.

“I’ve had an amazing year and this has topped it off,” said Luck who was part of the Australia team that won the World Amateur Team Championships in Mexico two weeks previous.

“I came here to try my best and win, but I wasn’t expecting to be standing here with the trophy at the end of the week. I’ve had a

SOME of Australian golf’s greatest legends are expected to take part in an inaugural E-ZGO PGA Legends Pro-Am event at Maleny Golf Club in the picturesque Sunshine Coast Hinterland later this year and organisers are now calling for sponsors to get behind the event.

The tournament, scheduled for December 17-18, is expected to attract a large number of the Legends players who will be visiting the region to play in the Sunshine Coast Masters.

Luck, who has already earned berths in the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open and The 146th Open at Royal Birkdale next year after winning the U.S. Amateur in August, carded a bogey-free 67 to finish on 12-under-par (276).

New Zealand’s Luke Toomey carded a bestof-the-day 66 to finish third at nine under, two ahead of Australia’s Cameron Davis (77), last year’s joint runner-up.

Legend golfers for Maleny

Brett Coletta (left) and Curtis Luck (right) at the 2016 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (Photo by AAC) pretty good year and a couple of big wins in the past couple of months.”

Playing in the penultimate group, Luck birdied Nos. 2, 11, 12 and 15 and was playing the par-five 18th when he realised Coletta had drawn level with him following a chip-in birdie on 17. Luck had hit his second shot into a bunker, but splashed out to 15 feet and drained a curling putt, following it up with an emotional fist pump.

“It was a pretty nerve-racking finish as I knew Brett could make birdie on 18, so fortunately for me he didn’t,” said Luck.

“That bunker shot was probably one of the most nervous shots I’ve ever had to play, and the putt just topped it off. I left myself a bit of a swinging putt, but I had a really good feel for it.”

Luck conceded that he felt for Coletta, who led after rounds two and three.

“Brett’s a really close friend of mine and I understand the opportunity he has just

Lakelands Golf Club

missed out on. I do feel a little guilty and sad, but I’m so competitive I couldn’t give up the chance to win an event like this.”

Coletta, 20, started the day at 14-under, but a birdie at three was followed by backto-back bogeys then double bogeys at nine and 11. He bounced back with birdies at 14 and 17 but was unable to convert a birdie putt on the last and force a playoff.

“It’s really hard to swallow, but you’ve got to look at the positives. I’ve had three good rounds at a tournament I’ve never played before,” said Coletta, last year’s U.S. Amateur stroke play medallist.

The ninth Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will be held at Royal Wellington Golf Club in New Zealand from October 26-29, 2017, while Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore has been selected as the host venue in 2018. www.AACgolf.com. •

Maleny Golf Club president and 2015 Queensland Sports Volunteer of the Year Dr Max Whitten said the tournament was looking to attract prize money of around $15,000 from a range of sponsors and become a regular event on the annual Legends Tour.

“This tournament will provide sponsors with a unique and exciting promotional opportunity to market their businesses and help create a truly premier community event which should appeal to both professional and amateur players, as well as spectators,” Dr Whitten said.

Maleny Golf Club is working with experienced sports event manager Brett Holdway from BH Sports Management to plan and promote the inaugural E-Z-GO PGA Pro-Am and establish it as a signature annual event for the Sunshine Coast Hinterland region.

“Approximately 70 tournaments operate throughout Australia and New Zealand with approximately AU$1 million in prizemoney on offer annually and I believe this proposed event in Maleny has great appeal and should be well supported,” Mr Holdway said.

For more information, contact Brett Holdway on 0409-654-993 or email: bhsportsmanagement@outlook.com

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Newton inducted to Sport Australia Hall of Fame

Snedeker spectacular in Fiji

A pair of Australia’s most promising young golfers, Hannah Green and Cameron Davis, took the professional plunge last month.

Jack Newton OAM was inducted into The Sport Australia Hall of Fame last month, as a General Member for Golf.

Davis, 21, won the 2015 Australian Amateur Championship, but had last summer ruined by a hand injury. Following rehab, he led his New South Wales team to a pulsating victory in the Interstate Series in Brisbane in May, then played with distinction in both Europe and North America, including a course record at Rowallan Castle in Scotland. Davis also churned out a sensational score of -17 in Mexico to spearhead Australia’s domination of the Eisenhower Trophy, leading his nation to a 19-shot triumph and the world team championship.

In a lifetime in golf, Newton has left an indelible mark. Newton turned professional in 1971, and won his first title at the Dutch Open in 1972. He recorded victories worldwide including wins on the USPGA Tour, the British Match Play and Australian Open crowns.

Newton twice came agonisingly close to winning a major title, falling by just one shot in an 18-hole playoff to Tom Watson at the 1975 British Open at Carnoustie and at the U.S. Masters in 1980 where he finished T2 behind Seve Ballesteros.

Newton’s on course ambitions changed forever when in 1983, at just 33, he had a nearfatal accident when he collided with a propeller of a plane he was about to board at Sydney airport, losing his right arm and eye.

After a long rehabilitation, Newton determined to take a new path, commencing a long and popular post as a television commentator, a newspaper reporter, golf course designer and as founder of the Jack Newton Junior Golf; which was established in 1986 to introduce young boys and girls to golf.

Through events such as the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic and other events, Newton continues to be a tireless fundraiser for diabetes and junior golf, having raised millions of dollars for both causes.

In 2007, Newton was awarded an OAM for services to golf.

Green, Davis enter pro ranks

W

orld Number 23 and Ryder Cup winning team member Brandt Snedeker continued his victory celebrations last month, claiming the 2016 Fiji International.

text his mate and 2015 Fiji International champion Matt Kuchar.

Starting the final round three shots clear of the field, Snedeker showed his dominance, firing rounds of 69, 65, 70, 68 to win the title by nine shots.

New Zealander Michael Hendry recorded an even-par round to finish outright second on 7-under the card.

A further shot back were Brad Shilton (NZ), Andrew Evans (NSW), Matthew Giles (NSW), and Anthony Houston (Vic).

Never under threat, Snedeker cruised to an easy victory at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, however the nerves were still present.

“There’s always going to be nerves but I did a great job calming down on the first tee, hitting two quality shots and then making the putt,” added Snedeker.

While Snedeker will celebrate by returning to his honeymoon destination in Fiji, he still planned on finding time to

“I don’t think he won by nine like I did this year so; I will make sure he knows that,” Snedeker said with a smile.

Rounding out the top-10 on 5-under the card were Jake Higginbottom (NSW), Daniel Fox (WA), Matthew Griffin (VIC), Inhoi Hur (KOR) and Ben Eccles (VIC).

Local hero Vijay Singh finished on 2-under the card and tied 21st.

“I’ve gone up in the rankings a little bit with some recent performances and been getting noticed a bit more for my golf in different places, so in terms of opportunities around the world, I think now is the best time,” Davis said.

Green, the six-time West Australian state team representative, made headlines with her runner-up finish to world No.1 Lydia Ko in the 2015 ISPS HANDA New Zealand Women’s Open. After finishing T11 alongside Karrie Webb in the Victorian Open, Green returned to New Zealand to play in the same group as Ko and finished T10. She then finished low amateur and T20 against the world’s best players at the LPGA Tour-sanctioned ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open before being leading Australian and T12 at the Ladies Masters.

“Doing well in those events showed me I was closer to making the transition than I’d previously thought, so it’s time,” said Green.

More: pga.org.au. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

9

club news

The Grange opens new state-of-the-art facilities

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transformation of The Grange; partnered with international golfing management leaders, Troon; appointed a new Golf Operations Manager, Scott McCaw; and now completed our clubhouse. We’ve leveraged our experience in transforming Dapto Leagues Club and are very pleased with what we have achieved so far. With Scott now on board, we look forward to making more announcements on the redesign of the course to ensure The Grange remains the most exciting golf attraction in the South Coast for generations to come.”

Brighton Lakes offering golf’s best of new and old

Dapto Leagues Club was also announced as a finalist in the 2016 Illawarra Business Awards Excellence in Customer Service category, while David Hiscox was announced as a finalist in the Business Leader category.

Daryl and Trevor tops in Central Queensland THE NSW South Coast’s leading golf and event facility, The Grange, has opened its new clubhouse, marking the completion of the second phase of its transformation. The completely refurbished facility features a brandnew golfer’s lounge, bar, cafe, brasserie, pro shop, gaming room, golfer amenities, function area, executive bridal suite and terrace.

Gary Tozer, Club President of Dapto Leagues Club and The Grange, said, “We are committed to delivering a state-of-the-art golf course and facilities for the benefit and enjoyment of the local community in Dapto and the Illawarra region. With a host of weddings and corporate events already locked in, our new events space has been well received by members and the community, so I’d encourage you to come down and see the new country club-style venue for yourself.”

David Hiscox, CEO of Dapto Leagues Club and The Grange, added, “Since January of this year, we have announced the $7 million

ROCKHAMPTON Golf Club’s Daryl Myles won his third Central Queensland men’s golf of the year title.

Rockhampton’s John Gunzler scored a comfortable win in the B grade and Baralaba captain Jim Bourke captured the C grade title.

For the first time, this year’s event was played as a gross only event.

MEANWHILE, in another first, the Men’s Central Queensland Open Championship was over 27 holes.

Played at Yeppoon Golf Club, local Trevor Tougher carded a fine 69 and followed up with 31 (four-under par) for a 100 total to take the title – eight shots clear of Rockhampton’s Dean Bunt.

Sean Appleton (126) won B grade and Yeppoon’s Michael Mulholland (138) took out the C grade.

Drawing on the past for the future: Shane Puckett, Hughie Gilchrist and Ray Wood.

SYDNEY’S newest golf course, Brighton Lakes at Moorebank in the city’s south west (formerly New Brighton Golf Club) is drawing on its rich history as the exciting $250 million development dramatically takes shape.

The Brighton Lakes Recreation and Golf Club, as it is officially known, has a magnificent 5000 sq/m $14 million three-storey building which caters for nearly 5000 Recreation Club members and about 500 golf club members.

It overlooks a huge lake and the exciting new Bob Harrison-designed water-feature par-71 5900m layout currently being built and expected to be completed by 2018.

Brighton Lakes is fortunate to be able to tap into a rich vein of club history in President Ray Wood, a member for 21 years, Hughie Gilchrist,

member for 49 years, Frank Jones, a member 76 years and Shane Puckett, the recentlyappointed PGA Club Professional who began his golf career at New Brighton as a junior in 1992.

Wood has been the driving force in the clubsaving joint real estate residential development with Mirvac which teed off in 2014, while Gilchrist and Jones have been active in voluntarily assisting with the organising and reviving of much of New Brighton’s Honour Boards and photographs across the club’s ground floor.

Puckett, while savouring the past when New Brighton once ruled as Sydney’s top pennant side in the ‘80s, is excited to be at the forefront of the world-class golf facility which is emerging around him and his enthusiastic staff and club members.

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Port Douglas beauty back to her best

first time, a successful venture attracting a wide cross-section of small businesses.

In an unusual hands-on move which provided a surprise major boost to the Bankstown clubhouse’s catering division’s lunch trade, Gulliver handdelivered promotional lunch vouchers door-to-door to the many small industries located near the course.

The promotion sparked a developing telephone lunch-order trade which has proved a winning boost on traditionally quiet week days.

Kitchingman and Gulliver both paid credit to a very supportive team for the successful year.

The picturesque Mirage Country Club.

MIRAGE Country Club at Port Douglas has received some much-needed love and attention via the Fullshare Group, who purchased the facility a short time ago.

The Melbourne-based company has poured much of its budget into the Thomson and Wolveridge-designed layout, which had been suffering in recent times, but is now once again looking her brilliant best.

“The golf course looks better than it’s looked this century,”Mirage Country Club general manager Peter Douglas said.

“The golf course now looks loved.

It’s defined, is cared for and is five-star.

“Superintendent Alec Ross and his team have put a lot of hard work into bringing the golf course back to life.

“The course is virtually unrecognisable from what it was 18 months ago,” Douglas added.

“All the invasive grasses have been eradicated and the greens are excellent.

“Alec is passionate, intelligent and budget conscious and he is the guy that has led the transformation of the golf course. “ The owners understand the complexity of the rebirth of the country club and golf course and want to bring the course back to what it was in the late-1980s and 1990s when it was home to the Skins Game and attracted the likes of Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus, John Daly, Ian Baker-Finch and others.

“The owners have spent a lot of money on the Sheraton Mirage Resort and they want the golf courses to reflect that investment.

“There will be 125 acres of resort and golf course that will be absolutely world-class.”

The Mirage Country Club has a brandnew fully-stocked pro shop and golfers can enjoy the gymnasium and fitness centre.

The front nine holes of the layout lies on the ocean edge with the Sheraton Hotel and majestic villas while the backnine stretches out under the mountain vista backdrop.

“She will always be stunning,” said Douglas, whose focus is on individual customer service.

“We ensure our guests receive the sort of service that the golfing fraternity demands and our service is undisputed.

“After golf, tennis, a swim or a work out in the world-class gym, golfers can relax on our new deck at the beautiful Oasis @ Mirage Bar.” For more information, call 07 4099-5537 or visit the website www.miragecountryclub.com.au

A MATERIAL

CHANGE IN FORGIVENESS AND DISTANCE

Pros share Howeston pro-am spoils THE popular Howeston pro-am, the 37th on the trot, didn’t produce an individual winner, but it did deliver two champions.

With 43 professional in the field, it was Nick Russell and Brad Burns who shared the spoils after carding 67s.

For Burns, it was his second Howeston victory after winning in 2008.

Both players finished one shot ahead of Stephen Woodhead while Dane McArdle and last year’s champion Chris Wood finished a further shot back in fourth place.

First year a winning promotion for Bankstown duo THE young management team at Sydney’s Bankstown Golf Club, General Manager Jason Kitchingman and Marketing and Promotions Manager Michelle Gulliver, can mark 2016 as a winning year and it’s just their first in their key roles.

Kitchingman in August celebrated his first anniversary as the Bankstown GM having previously been at North Ryde Golf Club, where he was Business Development Manager. Gulliver, formerly the House Manager at Bankstown, returned in February after maternity leave, to assume her new position.

Kitchingman, aged 41 has hit the ground running with Bankstown Golf Club’s achievements stacking up this year, despite Gulliver, aged 30, only working part time.

Several big Bankstown successes this year include the doubling of the Club Car cart fleet to 60, the building of a massive course maintenance equipment shed and the installation of a high technology teaching facility.

The golf cart numbers boost marries well with the club’s continually busy corporate golf days’ program which during the October to December averages six events a month.

In October Bankstown joined the popular push of many clubs by staging its first Legends PGA Tour Pro-Am, which proved hugely popular with golfers and sponsors alike.

Gulliver also ventured into new promotional territory when she organised for the club to be part of the South West Sydney Business Expo for the

“It’s always a pleasure returning to Howeston,” Burns said. “Lynn and Bill Weston are wonderful people and they do an outstanding job alongside their families to make the pro-am special.”

Those who think life on the proam circuit is an easy ride should think again.

After the Howeston pro-am presentation, Burns was on the road again.

“I would like to hang around this evening, but unfortunately I will spend the next six hours in a car as I am heading to play the South West Rocks pro-am tomorrow,” he revealed.

“This will no doubt be a tough drive, though definitely made a little easier when coming off a win.”

While on the subject of long drives, Steve Jones won the traditional Howeston pro-am long-drive competition with a 291m strike with Nick Russell (263m) next best.

Meanwhile, Betty Dibb from Howeston won a barbeque in the raffle and donated it back to the organisers.

“She said she didn’t have any use for it and donated it back to us for next year’s raffle,” said Howeston matriarch Lynn Weston.

What a wonderful gesture. We keep telling you how terrific those Howeston folk are.

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

11

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New faces, new approach at SANDHURST CLUB

The Eastern Golf Club opens final nine

THE Sandhurst Club in Melbourne has appointed Jody Addison the Director of Golf. Addison has extensive International experience including Royal Liverpool and Sunningdale in England, Bighorn in California and Kuredu in the Maldives.

He has caddied for Colin Montgomery, showing Monty the way around Royal Liverpool. He has coached many famous faces including Hugh Grant, Morgan Freeman, Darren Clarke, Sam Torrence and even Australian rugby legend Michael Lynagh.

THE Eastern Golf Club opened the final 9 holes of its 27-hole, Greg Norman designed, championship standard course last month, less than a year after Greg Norman officially opened the new course in October last year.

“The opening of the final nine holes is a great achievement for the entire team and sees the next phase of our development completed. The increased capacity will enable us to significantly reduce our current membership waiting lists, with only sevenday memberships experiencing a 1-2 year wait,” said General Manager, Benjamin Telley.

The Eastern Golf Club has also launched a range of new ‘golf’ destination experiences to fully showcase the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley, including ‘Stay and Play’ - priced from $439 per night and inclusive of accommodation in a one-bedroom cottage in Yering Gorge Cottages and 18 holes of golf for two guests; ‘Executive Golf Experience’ – make a lasting impression on your most valued corporate clients with packages priced from $175.00 per person for groups of 12 guests or more; and ‘Executive Retreat Experience’ - complement the Executive Golf Experience with overnight accommodation and a Yarra Valley inspired dinner in The Eastern Golf Club’s private boardroom.

“We are excited that the launch of these new experiences will encourage the continued emergence of the Yarra Valley as a premier golfing destination,” added Telley.

The club will open their separate 9-hole Par-3 course in February / March, 2017.

More: www.easterngolfclub.com.au and www.yeringgorgecottages.com.au

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Spring Valley gets SwingFit

female golf club membership figure of 21 per cent reported by Golf Australia in May 2015.

SPRING Valley Golf Club on the famed sandbelt in Melbourne’s southeast has joined a growing list of clubs instating Golf Australia’s SwingFit program in an effort to boost female membership.

“Spring Valley currently has 164 female members in comparison to 686 men, so we are always on the lookout for new female members and hopefully the SwingFit program helps us achieve that.

Run by PGA Professional and staff member Elissa Orr, Spring Valley’s SwingFit was run over six sessions leading into spring and gave new potential female members a taste of golf.

“There is no indication as yet regarding whether those who attended the SwingFit program will turn into full members for the club,” said Spring Valley’s Membership, Sales & Communications Officer Jonathan Healy.

“The SwingFit program was set up for beginners, so it’s important to have a pathway setup for those women.”

Spring Valley, which hosted four consecutive Victorian Opens from 2009 to 2012, reports females comprise around 20 per cent of its total members, which is just below the national

SwingFit gave those involved at Spring Valley both technical advice on the fundamentals of the golf swing and short game, with a combined fitness component.

“The focus of each lesson was to learn as much about the real ‘on course’ experience,” Healy said.

“All of these women are now involved in another clinic being run at the club and will be invited back to a 12-week clinic at the start of next year with an eye on them becoming new members of the club in July next year when the new membership year starts.

“The SwingFit program allows women to learn about golf and feel welcome and comfortable at a private golf club.”

Alongside Addison, Sandhurst has also employed Steve Sandilands as their Golf Services manager and together they are offering a new and fresh approach to this facet of the club. Steve was a scratch golfer by the age of 15 and won a scholarship to play college golf in Texas, later returning to Australia to become a PGA trainee at Palm Meadows in Queensland. Both were recruited for their international resort service experience, vast sports expertise and well developed people management skills.

Octogenarians battle at NEWCASTLE GOLF CLUB In the recent club championships at Newcastle Golf Club, two ladies, Bev Allen and Val Owen hotly contested the Third division match play final over 27 holes.

What makes this news so unique is that the ladies are both octogenarians, totalling 173 years, and have each been members of Newcastle Golf Club for 35 years, both winning many events.

Bev was victorious on the day winning the C grade championship on the 27th hole. Her last championship was in B grade in 1986.

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New pricing structure for LONSDALE GOLF CLUB

a 160-metre par-3. The driving range is now gone, however, there are still putting practice facilities available.”

LONSDALE Golf Club on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula has cut membership prices by 25 per cent amid its long-term course and housing redevelopment.

Full adult memberships have been reduced from $1380 to $1035 while green fees for every day of the week have been lowered from $40 to $30.

Membership for 18-24 year olds has also dropped by close to 25 per cent - from $466 to $350.

Lonsdale’s Marketing Manager Lynda Lister said the price cuts - which took effect on October 1 - are seen as compensation to members for any inconvenience caused.

“A 25 per cent reduction across the board represents significant incentive to continue to enjoy the club and facilities and means the club can give something back whilst there are minor disruptions,” she said.

“The new pricing structure makes Lonsdale one of the most competitive clubs on the Bellarine. This applies to green fees as well, where last year, Lonsdale was one of the most expensive courses to play 18 holes; we are now the most affordable.”

The club hopes the price drop will drive a membership increase of up to 15 per cent and is forecasting an ever greater spike in green fee golf.

“In terms of green fees, we plan to heavily promote our new offer and hope that the reduction in fees will lead to a 30 per centplus increase in green fee players,” Lister said.

The redeveloped 18-hole course isn’t expected to be completed for at least three years.

Lonsdale also has plans to build a new clubhouse closer to and overlooking Lake Victoria.

Many winners in Bankstown’s Legends Pro-Am SYDNEY’S Neil Kerry and Victoria’s John Martin shot two-over-par on a windy day to share the winning cash of about $3000 in Bankstown’s first Legends Tour Pro-Am in October, but there were plenty of winners.

Among the amateurs, the AM men’s event was won by Albert Kyaw (41 points) and the Ladies by Lisa Gourlay (36 points). The PM events went to Barry Ward (40 points) and Mary Anne Adams (35 points).

CITY Golf Club at Toowoomba on the Queensland Darling Downs will spend $4 million to extend its outdoor sport and recreation areas over the next six years.

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Members of the Virginia Golf Club senior team is all smiles after their famous victory.

Champion team to rebuild THE victorious Virginia Golf Club senior team is in a rebuilding phase after winning the southeast Queensland Mid-Week Seniors Club Challenge.

Three players from this year’s 10-member squad, which boasted players aged 60 to 73, have decided to retire from the team format.

But the big winner was Bankstown Golf Club, according to Kerry.

In the final showdown, Virginia defeated Gailes to take the title.

“This is our first visit to the Bankstown Golf Club and from the moment we arrived on Wednesday afternoon for a practice round until we departed on conclusion of the Pro-Am dinner on Friday evening, we were impressed,” Kerry said.

“We only had 10 players for the year and one of the players, Clyde Davies, was on holiday in Rockhampton and travelled down on four occasions to play,” said team spokesman Athol Gibson.

“The course was in superb condition and offered a challenging day, given the windy conditions.

“The Front Office and the Food and Beverage staff were extremely helpful, “The Bankstown hospitality and food was delightful. In our travels around the golf world, it is rare that we receive such a good spread of very healthy alternatives and it was a pleasure to experience this.

“The Legends Tour players look forward to returning to Bankstown in 2017.”

“It’s one of the biggest wins Virginia Golf Club has had in years and the team would like to thank the many proud members and supporters.

“We’ll have a new team next year as three players have retired but there shouldn’t be a shortage of interested members if the current interest is maintained.”

The 14 clubs that took part in the Inter-Club competition were Coolangatta and Tweed Heads, Nudgee, Brisbane, Gailes, Bribie Island, Woodford, Royal Queensland, Redcliffe, Lakelands, Carbrook, Wynnum, Redland Bay, Indooroopilly and Virginia.

The five-stage refurbishment plan includes extending the clubhouse and deck, a golf cart storage shed and an additional 155 car parks.

The club already has 320 car parking spaces.

Currently, City Golf Club has a ground floor area of 7343sq/m with another 1506sq/m planned.

A two-storey extension to the western end of the existing clubhouse building is part of the first stage. A new pro shop and clubhouse amenities will be located on the sub-floor level of the extension while the ground floor will include an extension to the gaming room and internal alterations to the bar.

Stage 2 will include a single story extension to the southern frontage of the existing clubhouse, a new deck and internal alterations to the halfway house and cafe.

Stage 3 will see an additional 91sq/m of floor space added to the eastern end of the clubhouse building.

A new member’s buggy storage area and function manager’s office will be located inside the sub-floor level while on the ground floor a new amenities area and alterations to the kitchen and kids room will be included.

The golf cart shed and additional car parking spaces will be completed in stages four and five.

NE

W

“The current course is a shorter version of the old one with three holes that have been changed,” Lister said. “The 16th has gone from a par-5 to a par-4, the 17th is now a shorter par-4 and the 18th has gone from a par-4 to

City GC plans $4m refurbishment

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www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

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club news

Former pro surfer wins Byron Bay golf event

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the club with expenses at events such as the Straddie Assault Annual Teams Competition.”

He added that the Surf Industry Challenge is intended to allow the many types of surf related companies in “the Bay” to get together socially and help raise money for those in need. Despite rainy conditions to start the day, the event was finished in fine weather and raised over $6,000 for the club.

The Byron Bay Boardriders wish to thank the Byron Bay Golf Club, Greg Stewart (the head pro) and all the green keeping staff. The course is in excellent condition, leading in to the Legends event in early December.

The event will be played again next year and will be bigger and better. To register your interest email Mark.Krackowizer@tig.com

Range upgrades at Sanctuary Lakes Club Danny Wills competed on the World Professional Surfing tour for over 20 years and at one point finished the year ranked # 2 in the world. A few years ago he was convinced to participate in a Byron Bay Boardriders (BBB) golf event. Danny is now a dedicated golfer and gets on the course several times a week.

A Quiksilver team led by Wills recently won not only the 4th Annual BBB Surf Industry Challenge but also the overall competition in the Smith Optics Byron Bay Boardriders Charity Golf Day at Byron Bay Golf Club. This was the first time the same team has won both categories of the event. Danny, fellow ex-professional surfer Craig Warton, Matt Crandell and David Tygh won the 4-ball Ambrose event from a field of 116 golfers with a gross of 59 and a net score of 52 1/8.

Event chairman Mark Krackowizer said “The event raises funds to support the BBB Junior Development Program and local Byron families having a rough time. Funds raised also help

Sanctuary Lakes Club in Melbourne’s west has staked its claim as having one of the best driving ranges in the city after the facility received its first upgrade in 15 years.

The practice range - which has long been one of the city’s largest at around 270m in length has renovated its building and the indoor hitting bays within it, upgraded its golf ball supply with brand-new TaylorMade balls and revamped its target greens.The golf range has a number of new targets that allow golfers to shoot for flags that replicate all of the par-three holes on the club’s course.

Sanctuary Lakes’ indoor range facilities have been expanded to now feature eight undercover hitting bays to complement its two separate grassed outdoor hitting areas.

The indoor teaching area improvement will enable head teaching professional Chris Andrews to undertake lessons throughout the year using the latest video swing analysis technology.

The club’s short game facility including its bunkers and chipping areas have also been enhanced.

Memorial Day for Annette at Port Macquarie

Last month, the annual Annette Tremayne Memorial Day was held at Port Macquarie Golf Club with all funds raised going to the Brest Cancer Foundation. There was a field of 82 players in the four-ball best ball event sponsored by Kel Tremayne. The event raised $1,934.00 for breast cancer. Winners of the four-ball event were Ian Browning and Steve McVicar with 46 points on a countback from Patricia Gunn and Julie Lidgard. Third place went to Saint St Eloi and Patrick Worne with 45 points.

Annette was a regular Saturday morning ladies golfer at Port Macquarie. In late 2013 she was diagnosed with cancer and she passed away in mid January 2014. Her husband Kel wanted to raise more awareness about cancer and raise funds for cancer research. In 2015 he commenced the Annette Tremayne Memorial Cancer Fund Raising day and the event is now an annual date.

Win a Victorian Open Pro-Am spot

Spots in the Oates Victorian Open golf Pro-Am in February at Thirteenth Beach Golf Club are like gold … highly valuable and very hard to come by.

But now, two lucky golfers will be able to tee it up with the best as the winners of the club’s 2017 Open Pro-am promotion.

To go into a draw to win a spot in the Pro-Am, simply make an online midweek golf booking at Thirteenth Beach this month (excl public holidays). The round must be played by the end of November. At the end of the competition two winners will be drawn and each gets a spot, for him/herself plus two others of their choice to make up a four-ball team with a professional.

The pro-am will be played on Tuesday, February 7, with a 7.45am shotgun on the Beach course. It includes lunch for your team afterwards and the chance to win great pro-am prizes.

So the more bookings that are made, the better the chance is to win what will certainly be an unforgettable experience playing on one of the highest ranked courses in the country. www.13thbeach.net to make bookings

$600m development planned for Moonah Links A water park, hotel, boutique residences, indoor go-karting track, spa resort, hot springs centre and golf academy are all on the cards for a bold $600 million development at Moonah Links Golf Course, the Mornington Peninsula Leader reported last month.

The property’s owners — a consortium of Chinese and Chinese-Australian business people who purchased the property for around $18 million last year— have presented their plans to the Minister for Tourism and Major events, John Eren. The plans include a boutique residential development and high-end hotel with 450 rooms and seven restaurants. A new Peninsula Golf Institute Academy would be connected with 12 large schools in China.

The head of Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism, Tracey Cooper, said the proposal was a development of state significance.

“It will be something that services Victorian, Australian and international visitors and also has an international student offering in the sporting arena,” she said.

SPREAD THE NEWS! Got a story that would fit in Inside Golf?

We are looking for interesting stories, quirky tidbits, club news or anything else worth sharing with other golfers. If you or your club have an interesting story, drop us an email and let us know! ed@insidegolf.com.au

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IG BUSINESS - general managers

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The critical importance of clear decision-making Aaron Muirhead National Director, Golf Management Australia eo@gma.org.au

• Clarity of purpose and values • Identifying and testing assumptions • Scenario planning • Industry briefings on trends and disruptive forces • Reflection, reviewing and further dialogue.

Many boards appear to be adopting a range of practices to improve decision-making and as a result, mitigate risks on the club. Each board may take different approaches and have varied focus depending on the individual clubs position.

Some of the practices include: • Establishing board plans and goals that outline an area of focus for value adding by the board • By developing a program of decision-making on key issues • Increased social time spent with board members and management to build the relationships of the decision making team (through breakfasts, lunches, dinners, conference attendances, site visits etc)

The powers of the Golf NSW Council have been transitioned after an historic vote of Councillors last month. This followed an earlier vote by the member clubs and districts that overwhelmingly voted in favour of the changes.

With the support of all parties in place, the Golf NSW Council ceased to exist on 7 October.

I

have been lucky enough that the Board of Directors at the Nudgee Golf Club have enabled me to undertake the Company Directors course through the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I am part way through the more than 40 hours’ reading, prior to the 5-day intensive classroom education later this month. The reading has certainly highlighted key aspects of what management and boards do on a day-to-day basis. One of these is decision-making that can either make or break a club. The readings outline how capable boards and management explore uncertainty rather than shying away from it or creating the illusion of control.

Some of the techniques that can assist in this are:

Powers of Golf NSW Council transitions to Clubs and Districts

The change will see Golf NSW member clubs & districts become the sole bodies with the power to vote on matters relating to the Organisation, including the election of the Golf NSW Board, changes to the Golf NSW Constitution and disposal of the organisation’s assets.

• Regular strategic briefings on the internal and external environment • Regular strategic plan reviews and updates • Regular scheduling of ‘discovery’ meetings on matters that may require decisions into the future. This might include reports from management, presentations from advisors along with extensive dialogue between the board and management • Use of online board portals for sharing of information on key strategic issues • Increased and targeted stakeholder engagement to maximise the strategic inputs to decision making • Specific focus on evaluating decision making effectiveness in board performance reviews I would recommend Club Managers to consider undertaking this course to improve your dealings with your board and ultimately your clubs governance and similarly would encourage board members to consider either doing the course or supporting your club manager to do the course. •

“Effective governance is critical to the future of Golf NSW and to the future of the sport. With these changes Golf NSW has embodied a “best practice” structure that will equip the Organisation for the future,” said Chairman John Robinson Due to the timing of this vote, the Golf NSW Annual General Meeting will be held on November 17, around three weeks later than previous years. A Board election will take place before this, with nine nominations to fill seven positions.

The changes were strongly supported by the Australian Sports Commission and the NSW Office of Sport.

As part of the new structure, the incoming Board of Golf NSW will appoint a 16-person Advisory Committee to represent all country and metropolitan stakeholders early in 2017. This committee will meet three times a year and will serve as a strategic ‘sounding board’ as Golf NSW moves forward and to ensure that the interests of all clubs and golfers across the State are represented.

In addition, from 2017 Golf NSW will stage an annual Golf Forum with presentations from keynote speakers and industry leaders, to keep clubs up to date with industry trends. It is anticipated that the Golf Forum will precede the Golf NSW AGM each year.

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

IG BUSINESS

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GCI drives ahead with new golf car, showroom

Public Golf Facilities Australia launches Public Golf Facilities Australia enjoyed a successful launch recently, with over 20 facilities expressing immediate interest in being involved in its inception.

“We were thrilled with the immediate uptake. It highlights to us that the need does exist to have an association present to focus on and improve the delivery of public golf play” said Public Golf Facilities Director Anthony Lawrence.

W

ITH more golf courses closing or merging than opening, the golf car fleet market may have reached its limit but that hasn’t stopped Golf Cars International (GCI) seeking new markets to grow its golf and utility vehicles business.

GCI – the company that imports and distributes reliable Club Car vehicles across Queensland, the Northern Rivers and the Pacific Islands – has introduced the Lion golf car to its portfolio and it has a brand-new showroom to display its products.

Now clients can do business in the comfort of GCI’s five-star, air-conditioned showroom at its 1200sq/m premises at 20 Kingston Drive, Helensvale on the Gold Coast.

Memorabilia, including a selection of wonderful photos of the late Arnold Palmer, adorn the showroom walls. There’s a comfortable lounge area and even a widescreen TV to watch the golf.

Major winners Ian Baker-Finch and Steve Elkington recognised GCI’s potential and have invested in the business. If that’s not an endorsement GCI is here to stay then what is?

“Clients can feel comfortable doing business with us knowing we will be here in 10-20 years’ times,” Jones said.

“We have 300-400 golf cars onsite and $1m in spare parts, which means clients don’t have to wait for anything. We also have a mobile service.

“We have the functionality, operational and logistics expertise and feel it’s time to transfer that into the retail market.”

For the record, CGI offers a more diverse product range with golf vehicles from $2000 to $40,000.

“There is something here for everyone,” Jones said.

“Club Car released their new utilities recently and it’s been a world-wide smash.

“We have created a nicer atmosphere for retail customers,” GCI sales manager Glen Jones said.

“It has 75 platforms so there is a vehicle for everything and if they don’t have it there is a custom solutions section and they will build it.”

To say GCI is a company with plenty of drive is an understatement.

Meanwhile, the Lion golf car is starting to gain traction in the market.

It, says Jones, is the perfect vehicle for golfers and golf clubs on a tight budget.

“It’s designed for the private and resort market and comes with everything – AC power, Toyota controller, eskies, club and ball washer, bottles, headlines, indicators and it does 40 kilometres per hour.

“From $7450 for a two-seater, the Lion is the best value golf car on the market and comes with a two-year warranty and has all the accessory options you can imagine.

“Recent research done by the AGIC showed that close to four million Australians are open to play, but don’t, with ‘not knowing where to begin’ being a common reason.

While fleet golf cars will remain GCI’s core business, the company is expanding into commercial and utility vehicles for resorts, hotels, sporting fields and golf courses, of course.

Public Golf Facilities Australia is looking for all public golf courses, driving ranges, mini golf, pitch and putt, and simulator venues to become members and help drive the discussion and make public golf more prominent.

For more information, call Golf Cars International on (07) 5529-9499, visit the website www.gcint.com.au or visit the showroom at 20 Kingston Drive, Helensvale.

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“There is a lot of focus on memberbased play and facilities, however the majority of golfers are playing at public venues” Lawrence added.

“Anyone who purchases a new Lion vehicle from GCI can be certain in the knowledge that their new vehicle will be backed by a large team of dedicated, skilled people,” Jones added.

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summer of golf

World-class field, venue on show at World Cup of Golf T

he eyes of world golf will be fixed firmly on Melbourne this month, as players from 28 countries will battle it out for glory in the entrancing and exciting World Cup of Golf.

Played at the renowned Kingston Heath Golf Club from November 23-27, the event will showcase one of the most exciting fields we’ve seen Down Under, with names like Rickie Fowler, Jimmy Walker, Danny Willett, Lee Westwood, Hideki Matsuyama, Graeme McDowell, Francesco Molinari, Jhonattan Vegas, Graham DeLaet and the currently red-hot Alex Noren joining many other world-class players taking centre stage.

Of course, most of the local fans will be barracking for the Aussie team of Adam Scott and Marc Leishman, with Australia a favourite to successfully defend the title that Jason Day and Adam Scott captured in 2013.

Leishman will be making his first World Cup of Golf appearance. Winner of the 2012 Travelers Championship on the PGA TOUR, Leishman has five other international victories, including his most recent at the 2015 Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa on the European Tour last December.

Leishman was voted Rookie of the Year in 2009 on the PGA TOUR after three top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish to Tiger Woods at the BMW Championship.

Scott and Leishman were teammates on the International Team in The Presidents Cup in 2013 and in 2015. The two were paired together in 2015 during the Saturday foursomes where they defeated Bubba Watson and J.B. Holmes 1-up. Leishman also defeated Jordan Spieth that year in singles play.

“I’m extremely excited about playing in the World Cup of Golf with Adam. I can’t wait to represent my country back home in Australia,” Leishman said.

Scott returns to Kingston Heath as a player with a successful history at the worldrenowned course, including a victory at the Australian Masters in 2012. A 13-time winner on the PGA TOUR, Scott is one of five players with multiple victories on TOUR this season with wins in back-to-back weeks at the Honda Classic and the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship.

Kingston Heath Golf Club should prove to be a fitting venue for the event. Inside Golf played the course last month in the lead-up to the event, and we can attest that it not only is a fantastic test of golf, but the current conditioning is pristine, with the greens running quick and true.

“It’s (Kingston Heath) probably in the top three, to be honest,” Leishman notes. “Along with Augusta National Golf Club and St. Andrews. Kingston Heath is not long, it’s a very fun golf course and you can shoot really low there. You’ll have a lot of wedges in your hand – you have to be really precise.”

Many believe that the 2016 World Cup of Golf will show the golf world what the recent Olympic golf format should have been, with the first and third days of the 72-hole teams competition played in a foursomes (alternate shot) format, while the second and final days are fourball (best ball) play.

First played in 1953 – the World Cup of Golf one of the oldest and most prestigious global golf team events in the world. This year marks the 58th staging of the event, and the fifth time in the tournament’s history that it will be played in Australia. Names such as Snead, Hogan, Nicklaus, Palmer, Trevino, Faldo, Ballesteros, Langer, Woods, Els and Day have all been able to call themselves World Champions.

The World Cup will be broadcast on the Seven Network, but fans in Melbourne will doubtless flock to the event in person, as there simply is no better way to watch the world’s top players than right up close.

Tickets and hospitality packages are available by visiting the World Cup of Golf website at www.WorldCupofGolf.com

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

summer of golf

“Tag a Mate” to win tickets to the World Cup of Golf

WIN!

Inside Golf and the World Cup of Golf are offering some amazing World Cup of Golf prizes for some lucky Inside Golf Readers The top prize – A World Cup of Golf Prize Pack: (2) Weekend passes (valued at $105 each) (2) World Cup of Golf Hats (2) sleeves of World Cup of Golf Branded balls (1) Peter Thomson Book VALUED AT: $350

In addition, we are offering 5 pairs of “Seasons passes” (Wed-Sunday Gen admission) valued at $180 per pass.

There are two ways to enter: simply visit www.insidegolf.com.au/competitions, and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter.

And/or, visit our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/InsideGolf and simply “Tag a Mate” whom you’d like to take to the event, while adding the hashtag #WorldCupofGolf.

(Open to Australian residents only. Prize is for tickets only; Winners are responsible for their own accommodation, travel and transfers, etc.

See Terms and conditions on our website)

Year Winning Country Players 1959 Australia Peter Thomson Kel Nagle 1972 Chinese Taipei Hsieh Min-Nan Lu Liang-Huan 1988 United States Ben Crenshaw Mark McCumber 2013 Australia Jason Day Adam Scott

World Cup of Golf Performance by nation: Champions

Runners-up

United States

24

10

The World Cup of Golf field includes:

Australia

5

5

South Africa

5

4

Two major championship winners from 2016.

Jimmy Walker (U.S. PGA Championship) and Danny Willett (The Masters)

Spain

4

7

Canada

3

2

England

2

6

Japan

2

4

Sweden

2

3

Ireland

2

2

Wales

2

1

Germany

2

1

Scotland

1

6

Argentina

1

5

Taiwan

1

2

Italy

1

1

New Zealand

0

2

Zimbabwe

0

2

Denmark

0

1

Philippines

0

1

World Cup of Golf 2016 Field

Player Country Partner Adam Scott AUS Marc Leishman Rickie Fowler USA Jimmy Walker Danny Willett ENG Lee Westwood Hideki Matsuyama JPN Ryo Ishikawa Russell Knox SCO Duncan Stewart Rafa Cabrera Bello ESP Jon Rahm Shane Lowry IRL Graeme McDowell Byeong Hun An KOR K.T. Kim Thongchai Jaidee THA Kiradech Aphibarnrat DEN Thorbjorn Olesen Soren Kjeldsen Danny Lee NZL Ryan Fox Alex Noren SWE David Lingmerth Francesco Molinari ITA Matteo Manassero Bernd Wiesberger AUT Martin Wiegele BEL Nicolas Colsaerts Thomas Pieters Joost Luiten NED Darius van Driel Jaco Van Zyl RSA George Coetzee Jamie Donaldson WAL Bradley Dredge Jhonattan Vegas VEN Julio Vegas Victor Dubuisson FRA Romain Langasque GER Stephan Jaeger Alex Cejka Ricardo Gouveia POR Jose-Filipe Lima CAN Graham DeLaet David Hearn Ashun Wu CHN Haotong Li Miguel Tabuena PHI Angelo Que TPE Chan Shih-chang Cheng Tsung Pan SSP Chawrasia IND S Chikarangappa Danny Chia MAS Nicholas Fung

Previous World Cup of Golf events in Australia:

DID YOU KNOW?

27 Olympians 18 past participants of either The Ryder Cup or The Presidents Cup 6 players from the 2016 Ryder Cup (Rickie Fowler, Jimmy Walker, Danny Willet, Lee Westwood, Rafa Cabrera Bello, and Thomas Pieters) 3 players in the top 10 and 17 of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking 3 past World Cup of Golf champions – Adam Scott, Francesco Molinari and Bradley Dredge

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2013 Winning Country: Australia Team: Jason Day & Adam Scott Individual: Jason Day Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2011 Winning Country: United States Team: Matt Kuchar & Gary Woodland Location: Haikou, Hainan Island, China 2009 Winning Country: Italy Team: Edoardo Molinari & Francesco Molinari Location: Shenzhen, China 2008 Winning Country: Sweden Team: Robert Karlsson & Henrik Stenson Location: Shenzhen, China 2007 Winning Country: Scotland Team: Colin Montgomerie & Marc Warren Location: Shenzhen, China 2006 Winning Country: Germany Team: Bernhard Langer & Marcel Siem Location: Saint James, Barbados 2005 Winning Country: Wales Team: Bradley Dredge & Stephen Dodd Location: Vilamoura, Portugal 2004 Winning Country: England Team: Paul Casey & Luke Donald Location: Seville, Spain 2003 Winning Country: South Africa Team: Trevor Immelman & Rory Sabbatini Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina, United States 2002 Winning Country: Japan Team: Toshi Izawa & Shigeki Maruyama Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 2001 Winning Country: South Africa Team: Ernie Els & Retief Goosen Location: Gotemba City, Japan 2000 Winning Country: United States Team: Tiger Woods & David Duval Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

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www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

21

OPEN MEMORIES from awe-inspiring champions

By Andrew Crockett

T

he Emirates Australian Open is one of the most historic tournaments in world golf, the fourth oldest tournament behind The British Open, The U.S. Open and the South African Open, it has a pedigree of champions akin to one of golf’s Majors.

Grand Slam champion Gary Player won the event seven times, Jack Nicklaus six and Greg Norman matched the iconic Australian Amateur legend Ivo Whitton with five titles.

Names like Gene Sarazen, Joe Kirkwood, Arnold Palmer, Kel Nagle, Peter Thomson Tom Watson, David Graham, Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth are etched into the Stonehaven Cup. As the tournament nears again, we take a look at some of the historic victories and have words from some of the most formidable of champions.

Australia has always had a tyranny of distance from the rest of the golfing world and if we think of Scotland as the home of golf, then geographically we cannot be further away, yet Australia has a serious and impressive golfing heritage that is anchored

by our National Open. The Australian PGA tournament has a history and legacy all of its own, but it never attracted the same calibre of players as The Australian Open. While the Australian Masters is a modern curiosity, it has 70 years of history lacking and in 2016 won’t be played at all.

The greatest of Australian golfers have always travelled abroad to test their mettle against the world’s best golfers … often they have returned home victorious. On their travels and during their successes, they have always reminded International golfers about our own tournaments. This is a trend that started with our very first adventurer Joe Kirkwood and it has followed through with Jim Ferrier, Norman Von Nida, Peter Thomson, Greg Norman and right through to Adam Scott and Jason Day with our Australian golfers reminding the world’s best that Australia has the history, the trophy … the Stonehaven Cup. We have all heard the story of Jack Nicklaus proclaiming the Australian Open as the 5th major and this is how it was. Nicklaus’s comments were made even more powerful by the fact that he cited them after his victory in 1971 in Tasmania, Australian golf was so prominent and successful at that time that Tasmania was on the itinerary. Still to this day both Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player cite The Australian Open as one of the big tournaments to win.

Jack Nicklaus at Lake Karrinyup in 1968.

Arnold Palmer at Royal Queensland in 1966.

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Gary Player at Royal Adelaide in 1962.

Peter Thomson at Kooyonga in 1972.

The following transcript was from January 2016.

So Jack sees me, he says, ‘You damn liar, you’re trying to put me off.’

JACK NICKLAUS: I think the Australian Open, we always thought was sort of the fifth major back in the time when we were playing. Gary won it seven times, and I won it six times. So we went to Australia a lot.

I don’t know how many… did Arnold win it?

GARY PLAYER: Yes, he did, in Queensland.

JACK NICKLAUS: I don’t think Arnold went as often as Gary and I did. We were playing at, was it Kooyoonga? Is that where you shot 63 the first round?

GARY PLAYER: I had two 62s (laughter).

JACK NICKLAUS: You shot 62. Then I shot, what, 63 the second round or something?

GARY PLAYER: I’m sorry if I interrupted.

JACK NICKLAUS: Oh, this is a good story. This is a cute story. If you’ve got time, it’s a story.

GARY PLAYER: You see, the Jewish people have got a great saying, (it’s all in a Yiddish accent from Mr. Player, but something like), “When you are winning, you are remembering.”But I shot 62 the first day. Jack shoots 66. We are going back to the hotel and he says, How the hell can I shoot 66 and be four behind?

But he says, Tomorrow, I’m going to get your little South African (butt).

So the next day I shoot 70, he shoots 63. He’s 129, I’m 132. I said, ‘now, wait a minute, let’s turn the shoe on the other foot. How can I shoot 132, it’s an average of two 66s and be three behind you? I said, ‘tomorrow, I’m going to get your big fat, American ass. And I shot 62.

But we didn’t have these scoreboards like they have now. So his caddie runs across and says, ‘Jack wants to know how you’re doing’. I said, ‘I’m 10-under.’

He says, ‘no, not for the tournament.

For today?’ I said, ‘I’m 10-under.

Greg Norman at The Lakes, 1980.

(Photos courtesy of Golf Australia)

“Norman Von Nida was a real beauty,” Player says. “I mean, he was travelling around the world inviting Anyway, the right man won players to come and play in Australia. (laughter).

What a marvellous ambassador he Q. All true? was for Australia! The reason I went to Australia was that when I won the JACK NICKLAUS: I don’t remember tournament in England, Von Nida what the question was (laughter). You came up to me and said, ‘Son, you asked something about international are going to be a great player one travel? I think the Tour has come day – we would love you to come along and put in some significant to Australia and play.’ He was always tournaments which basically has travelling around and getting people brought the world together for world to come and play in Australia. Everyone championships and things, where wanted to come to Australia and play the guys are playing more together. the Australian Open and I don’t know Travel has made it so that we can play what the hell has happened; I guess together and we don’t have to travel all that is just the way life goes, but in my over to do that. But it’s a different day.

Canadian Open used to be in there, too. mind it is still a great tournament.”

Q. I didn’t want to bring that up, but go ahead.

JACK NICKLAUS: We always looked at the Australian Open and Canadian Open as being the next couple. Outside of the four majors, that’s the way it generally used to be.

Back in the Joe Kirkwood and Norman Von Nida era, the travel was by boat and the Australian golfers brought the world’s best to compete. Joe Kirkwood brought Walter Hagen to Australia, by boat.

At the time Walter Hagen was like the Arnold Palmer of his era, swashbuckling, full of charisma and the biggest drawcard in world golf.

Gene Sarazen, the iconic Grand Slam champion was the first International victor of the Australian Open in 1936 at Metropolitan Golf Club … he travelled by boat. Sarazen set the trend that would be followed by fellow Grand Slam champions Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. It was the South African superstar, Gary Player, that made the tournament his own in the 1960s, he was invited to play his first event by enigmatic Australian Norman Von Nida … the invitation presented during the British Open in the late 1950s. Gary Player was converted on his first visit and still has a love affair with Australia to this day;

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“Australia has a lot of great golf courses, particularly in the sandbelt in Melbourne. You know, it used to take me forty hours to get to Australia from South Africa, we would stop in Mauritius and Cocos Island before Perth. You would land in the Cocos Islands and get off the plane and have a swim in the bloody ocean. You would have a beer and put a bit of ‘Sea & Ski’ on and lie in the sun for a while then you would hear a loud whistle and everybody would get dressed and get on the plane. It was a different world; it was a great time and I tell you what, there was great excitement in Australia at that time. Peter Thomson was winning the British Open regularly, all the top players were going to Australia: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Greg Norman. Everybody was going to Australia and playing in the Australian Open and the other tournaments there.”

Grand Slam champion and major golf champions are engraved all over The Stonehaven Cup and it is no wonder that the likes of Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth want to etch their name alongside the greats, prizemoney, after all, is not really what the best golfers on Earth are chasing … they are chasing history and The Australian Open has that is spades. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

23

SPIKELESS SPORT

Australian Open

www.insidegolf.com.au/people

Australian Open memories: We chat with Gary Player

By Andrew Crockett Mr Player, your scoring record of 264 still stands from the 1965 Australian Open at Kooyonga, Adelaide, where you beat your nemesis Jack Nicklaus. Can you think of any other records you hold that are over fifty years old?

Becoming the first pro not from the US to win the career Grand Slam on the Regular Tour. Last year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of my doing so and I still am the only one. But one of my favorite records is my seven Australian Open victories because it was over a nearly 20 year span. It is very hard to win consistently for a long time, and I always made sure I traveled the world to play in different countries promoting our wonderful game.

You are a seven-times Australian Open champion. Jack Nicklaus has 6 and both Greg Norman and Australian Amateur Ivo Whitton have 5. This may be a record that is never beaten… ever. How does that feel?

Records are made to be broken. I hope there is or will be another golfer out there that has the same passion and commitment that I have to travel around to different countries to compete in all sorts of tournaments. To be a world champion you simply have to win all over the world. Hell, I hope the top Australian pros feel strongly

enough to play in your National Open and beat my record.

In the last ten years, we have had some formidable golfers winning The Australian Open, including Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, Tim Clark, Geoff Ogilvy and Rory McIlroy. Do you tune in to the event each year to see if anyone will beat your scoring record?

I love keeping up with the golf world.

Sometimes it is difficult to watch the matches on TV because of my travel schedule and the time change when I am in South Africa. But I’m not concerned about the scoring record.

Just look at the equipment and condition of the courses the players are playing on today.

Quite frankly, I’m shocked it hasn’t already been broken.

You won many significant events in Australia. Your victory in the Ampol event in 1956 blessed you with £5000 prizemoney, five times what The British Open offered in the same year. Can you describe how vibrant Australian golf was at the time and what you loved about our country?

The most important part of that victory was it gave me enough money to marry my wife Vivienne. You see, golfers did not make much when I first turned professional. I was constantly saving and being very frugal.

Marrying Vivienne was the best decision I ever made, and we are going to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary in 2017! I think that qualifies as being really significant

Gary Player at the 1974 Australian Open. (photos courtesy of Black Knight International) How would you say that Norman Von Nida affected your life?

In 1956 after I won the Dunlop Tournament with a record score in England, Norman invited me to Australia to play some of your biggest events. He made all the arrangements and looked after me so well. What a gesture! This was big step in my future and lead to a great career in Australia and instilled in me the confidence to win overseas. Without Norman, I wouldn’t have made 30 trips to play in Australia.

Norman has done as much for Australian golf as anyone. He was a dear friend. I loved that man.

The Australian Open has been held in Sydney for the last ten years…and no longer rotates to Australia’s best courses.

Do you think this is a wise move by the golfing bodies, or should the tournament move around?

To me it’s like The Open Championship versus The Masters. The former is on a rota and the latter is always played in Augusta.

I personally like the rotation to different courses. But that’s not for me to decide and both systems can work equally well.

Kel Nagle left us in 2014, you had many great rounds with one of Australia’s most loved golfers. What would you say were Kel’s virtues, that the youth of today should aspire towards?

Kel and I had some fierce battles on the golf course, no more so than the 1965 U.S. Open when I completed the Grand Slam after beating him in a Monday 18-hole playoff. He was 15 years my senior, but we shared a common goal of wanting to win all over the world. What I admired most about him was his longevity. He was winning tournaments for nearly 30 years, which is incredible. He was gracious in victory and defeat. That’s the lesson young players should take from Kel Nagle, sportsmanship and to compete for as long as you can.

You are only five-foot 6 and weigh 150 pounds, yet you have won the Grand Slam, won tournaments all over the world, designed nearly 400 golf courses, have an

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Australian Open

www.insidegolf.com.au/people

You are exactly right. Many designers come under pressure from developers because they want their course to be able to host professional tournaments.

They have to make long holes with huge undulating greens. Not fun for an amateur or weekend golfer.

Nobody wants to spend six hours of their day struggling through an impossible course. Our philosophy at Gary Player Design has always been to build playable courses while taking environmental sensitivity into account.

No doubt it’s the way it should be.

You have never designed a golf course in Australia… the only continent missing from your resume as a golf course designer!

What would it mean to you to have this final feather in the cap?

Gary Player and Kel Nagle at the 1965 U.S. Open. incredible business portfolio and a wonderful family. What makes all that possible?

Hard work, positive attitude, determination and total dedication to accomplishing my goals. It all comes down to a simple phrase that applies to all facets of golf, business and life – The harder you practice, the luckier you get.

Can you describe how many hours’ practice you would do in the prime of your career?

My hands have hit more balls over the last 65 years than any man to ever pick up a golf club. I was never satisfied and would practice from sun up to sun down. If I was able to practice 24/7, believe me, I would have. Quite simply, I was an animal in my single-minded approach to becoming a champion.

You are one of the world’s most prolific golf course designers. Why is it that golf course designers try to make golf courses harder and harder, when there are a lot of golfers (probably the majority) who want to try and enjoy their golf?

Australia is such a golf rich continent that I would be privileged to leave my mark on from a design perspective. (Laughs) We have been close several times to various projects. Let me know if you know of anyone looking to build something really special.

What do you think of the modern golf swing and how the PGA trained professionals try to teach it? Was there more variety back in your day?

I believe the only man who truly knew the golf swing was Ben Hogan.

It wasn’t until about 10 years ago I really found his secret and by then it was too late for me. But we all have different swings that change over time. I never relied on teachers or swing coaches. In my opinion they create too many technical problems for professional players. Yes, amateurs that want to improve their score should have lessons from their local pro to be instructed how to take the club back properly, line up towards the target, etc. There is just as much variety in swings today as there was when I first started playing. Do what works best for you, practice hard and just go out and have fun. Get off the couch, turn off the TV, shut down your phone, and get some exercise.

Player follows own event on Twitter

HE might be 80 years old, but that hasn’t stopped the legendary Gary Player keeping pace with social media.

Last month, the nine-time major winner followed all the action from the 45th Gary Player Classic on Twitter.

Player also helps bankroll the event and he sends the three divisional winners a personal congratulatory note.

Played at its traditional home, Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane, the tournament attracted more than 200 players from around Australia and overseas.

This year Blake Proverbs (Pacific), Charles Pilon (Hills International) and Louis Dobbelaar (Brookwater) captured the 18-20 years, 16-17 years and 15 and under titles respectively to join former champions Greg Norman, Peter Senior, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Ian Baker-Finch and Cameron Smith on the honourboard.

Which golf swings do you like the most in the modern era, or are you more interested in work ethic and attitude?

Watch Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Adam Scott. They all have fundamentally sound swings, which is why they are so successful. Look at their hips. Look at their hands. Look at their heads. More importantly they are all fine young men with positive attitudes. Because it’s not just about their swing. It’s about your mental approach to the game. Attitude is a critical component to success in any walk of life.

The Gary Player Classic just finished its 45th tournament year.

Can you tell us what that means to you?

It is such a thrill for me to hear about the continued success of the Gary Player Classic. I always hoped that coming to play in Australia many years ago would inspire future generations in what is a talent rich golfing country. Several Major Champions including Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Ian Baker-Finch and Jason Day also call themselves Gary Player Classic Champions, which is very, very special to me and a small way of giving back to a country I admire so much. •

Gary Player at the 1970 Australian Open.

Dobbelaar trailed overnight leader Liam Kennewell (Glenelg) by six shots with eight holes to play and then reeled off five birdies over the closing nine holes, including a monster birdie putt on the 72nd hole, to force a playoff.

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Dobbelaar birdied the second extra hole to capture his first Gary Player Classic title.

CHAMPION TRIO: Blake Proverbs, Charles Pilon and Louis Dobbelaar show off the impressive Gary Player Classic trophies.

During the tournament, a number of rather special shots left the gallery open-mouthed.

In his final year of eligibility, Proverbs defended his title in emphatic style with a five-shot victory over Hyunsik Kong (Emerald Lakes).

Pilon has now won three years in a row and has run out of wrists to put his Adina watches on. (See footnote).

He is the first player to defend the 16-17 years championship since Jason Day in 2004 and 2005.

In round one, Steven Cox produced an albatross on the 18th hole while Jai Roots and Chase Duffy aced the 158m par-3 third hole on day one and day four respectively.

@theflindersgolfclub

FOOTNOTE: For more than 30 years, Bob Menzies (Adina Watches) has been providing the high-class timepieces for the winner and runner-up of each age division.

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

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on tour

www.insidegolf.com.au/author/steven-jeffress

Korean beds, jet-skis and Pro-Am success I arrived back at my house around 9.30 on Sunday night and re-packed ready for the trip down to Port Macquarie for their Pro-Am. I grew up in Port and haven’t played the ProAm for quite a few years. My Mum spends a lot of time in Sydney helping my sister Joanne look after her two kids. About a month ago, Jo had a baby girl, Sienna, so mum was having a couple of weeks back at home.

with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

I

t’s been a busy month for me, which started with a trip to Korea for their national Open. The Woo Jeong Hills Country Club layout is one of the toughest we play all year. The course is long and the average fairway width is about 15 yards wide with thick rough either sides. We booked into a new hotel in the city of Cheonan. It wasn’t a bad hotel, clean with plenty of room but the beds were like sleeping on a wooden floor. I sat on my bed to do some tax and I couldn’t feel my bum 10 minutes later. Korea is a place that I have had good results before so I felt confident leading into the week. I played solid the first two rounds shooting 74 and a 68 to be even par and on the cut line.

I needed a good weekend to move up the leaderboard.

I’ve played many times in Korea and normally am ready for the ridiculous pin placements but they went to a new level.

The pins were on slopes and in amazing positions. When I was handing my card in I asked nicely, “do you know Stevie Wonder and did he put the pins out?” My comment was not met with open arms! I shot 73 then 70 on the weekend to finish in a tie for 35th.

Not a bad week and once again positive signs that my game was returning.

The following week I had only one ProAm at Murwillumbah Golf Club. This is what I consider to be one of the best country courses that I play. It’s a great layout and the greens are always awesome. I managed to finish with a 3-under-par 68 and in a tie for 3rd. I played really solid and had plenty of chances. As I drove home I thought about the day and how I could have won with a little bit of luck. I had two left-handed shots which, with a lucky bounce either way, may have been clear shots at the green, but hey, that’s golf.

The Port Macquarie Golf Course is a hidden treasure and it’s an event that I hadn’t been able to win. There are a lot of distractions as I catch up with old friends and normally have one or two more drinks than I should. Well, this year I didn’t cut down on the beers but I played a whole lot better. I shot rounds of 68 and 67 to finally win the Pro-Am! I must

On Sunday night I flew to New Caledonia for the South Pacific Open. It’s a place that I have had mixed results. This year I was staying with Martin Dive at a house that was on the 15th hole. Jean-Michel and his wife Vaea, were some of the nicest people that I have met.

They welcomed us with open arms and I can guarantee that I wasn’t going to go hungry.

For those who know me you would have noticed that since my leg issue, I have put a couple of kgs on. Also you would know that I love food, especially cheese so I didn’t really need to be in a place where they had full tables of all different types every night. And Viva was a great cook and wouldn’t let Martin or I do anything, not even get our own beers!

Gee, life was tough. Jean-Michel had a couple of kayaks with all the fishing equipment attached so Marty and I headed out there a couple of times. I’m not a big fisherman but I do enjoy being out on the water.

Before I flew out, Jean-Michel took me out on his jet ski. We were dropped off at the marina in town and then took it along the coastline back to his house. When you see the country from a completely different angle, you realize how beautiful it is. Crystal clear water and awesome beaches. When I’m away I don’t normally do anything but see the golf course and hotel so I really enjoyed getting out on the water and using up the day before my evening flight back to Brisbane.

ASK STEVE “I very much enjoy reading Steve’s articles.......great to read what it’s like grinding out an income after injury, well done! Just one question: After recently competing in the SCDVC at Mt. Coolum G.C. could Steve pass on the trick to stay on those slick greens? I had a battle royale to master that and failed. Ruined a reasonable round of golf. Had a similar experience at Maroochy River GC too. Very frustrating, as I like to bomb/pitch to the greens rather than most Vets who dribble up.”

Graeme Meade Hello Graeme, Thanks for the question, mate, and reading the article.

I would say that this is one of the hardest things to do in Queensland. First of all you have to understand where you are playing and what the grass is like. I grew up in Port Macquarie where the fairways were kikuyu and bent greens, so stopping the ball was easy. In Queensland you normally play off couch grass, which means that the ball sits really tight and low to the ground on the fairway and the greens are grainy and hard. Basically it is really hard to

admit it was a great feeling as people always are barracking for me but I could never get over the line. I would also like to mention my two caddies over the couple of days. The second day I had a Kel Tremayne pull the bag.

Kel has caddied for me before and did a great job. The first day I had Tony Smith who owns the driving range in town. Now there are three rules if you’re thinking about caddying: 1, turn up, 2, keep up and 3, shut up! Now, considering that Tony turned up late, it’s not a great start! I asked him for a line about three holes in and all he said to me was “leave me out of this!” (Thanks mate, you’re rock solid!)

But I had a great time and once again the ProAm was run perfectly as it always is. I can’t wait to get back next year and defend my title. • stop on some greens in QLD. Even I have trouble and there are some chips that you just can’t stop. But there are a couple of things that you can try.

Firstly, your ball, if you are using a “hard” ball, stopping it is almost impossible, so look into trying a couple of different balls to see if they react any differently.

Secondly, sometimes the running shot is the right shot in QLD. Try to read the shot before you hit it. If you don’t have a reasonable amount of green, stopping a lofted shot will be tough.

As for technique, all I can suggest is to practice opening the face at address and holding it open through the entire shot, but more importantly impact. Now this could be dangerous, but one thing I have learned from great chippers is at impact the face of the club is exactly where they want it. For a low shot, a little shut but for a high spinning shot it needs to be open.

This may give you a little more spin.

I hope this works and helps, but just get out on the range/chipping area and experiment. It’s the best way to work out how to get that higher chip shot that may stop a little quicker.

Hope this has helped.

Steve

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Women’s Holden Scramble crowns 25,000th participant

J

eanette Major from Ferntree Gully in Melbourne’s outer east has been crowned the 25,000 women’s Holden Scramble participant at Churchill Waverley Golf and Bowls Club in Endeavour Hills.

An iconic part of the Australian golfing landscape, the Holden Scramble is Australia’s largest pro-amateur club teams event and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

“The success and longevity of the Women’s Holden Scramble is a testament to the clubs and facilities who run each event and have contributed to this successful history. To reach this milestone in the same year as our one millionth participant and the event’s 25th anniversary highlights the position the brand holds in the Australian golf industry,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.

“Through the ongoing support of Holden, the PGA has been able to grow the women’s section of the Holden Scramble and see more women participate in golf.”

As the 25,000 player, Major and her team of Cheryl Baxter, Annette Skacej and Vicki Brain, will receive return economy airfares to the naturally refreshing Sunshine Coast where they will be treated to three nights’ accommodation at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, a round of golf at Twin Waters Golf Club, a Day Spa package and lunch at the Ginger Factory.

Major was ecstatic when she learned that her entry was the lucky number and delighted to be sharing the milestone with her team.

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“I couldn’t quite believe it; I was speechless,” said Major.

“You don’t expect to come and play a local Holden Scramble event and win a holiday just for entering,” she laughed.

The women’s section of the Holden Scramble commenced in 2005 and since its inception has seen over 600 local events held across Australia and provides women with their own local competition.

The Holden Scramble has seen 42,000 women participate across its mixed events; 25,000 of those have teed it up in the women’s only section.

Earlier last month, the members of Churchill Park Golf Club and Waverley Golf Club voted to merge to secure the long-term future of both clubs and the Holden event marked a poignant moment as the two clubs become one.

Dave Joyce, the Head Professional at Churchill Waverley Golf and Bowls Club (Churchill Course), is pleased to see the Holden Scramble continue its evolution at local level as both clubs join forces.

This is the second landmark occasion for the Holden Scramble after Robert Osborne, from Ashmore in Queensland, became the One Millionth Holden Scramble Participant at Mt Warren Park Golf Club on the Gold Coast.

Simon McNamara, Sponsorship and Motorsport Manager at Holden, echoed Thorburn’s sentiments.

“Since the merger was announced there has been a buzz around the club and this event, our first official Holden Scramble event as Churchill Waverley Golf and Bowls Club, really signifies the start of a new chapter for both clubs,” said Joyce.

“Holden is supporting the growth of female participation in sport and Holden’s association with the Holden Scramble allows us to assist in creating a lasting legacy for women’s sport at the grassroots level and we’re excited to be celebrating this significant occasion with the PGA.”

“I’m really happy with the event and extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of such a milestone for Churchill Waverley Golf and Bowls Club.”

Thanks to Holden’s investment, registration numbers for the women’s section have increased nationally by an average of 20 per cent over the past two years.

Holden Scramble events are held across Australia, from every major city to regional hubs such as Broome, Kalgoorlie, Alice Springs, Cairns and Norfolk Island.

Local event winners go on to compete in Regional Finals with the winning team from each final progressing to the Holden Scramble Championship Final held at Twin Waters Golf Club in November.

Winners of the women’s regional finals will advance to be one of six teams in the women’s section of the Holden Scramble Championship Final at Twin Waters Golf Club in November.

The Championship Final is the golfing experience of a lifetime, with four days of golf, social activities and the opportunity to play with a Tour Professional. •

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ALPG welcomes all-comers at Magenta Shores National Clinic

Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

ALPG and former LPGA star Rachel Hetherington has been appointed as captain of the ALPG Team which will contest The Queens Cup presented by Kowa in Nagoya, Japan from 2nd-4th December.

T

he ALPG National Women’s Clinics have proven to be a great hit since the product was launched at Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney’s west two years ago, with women golfers from Bunbury in Western Australia all the way to the picturesque Long Reef Golf Club in Sydney’s northern beaches benefitting and learning from the experience and knowledge of ALPG’s female golf coaches.

While in 2016 the National Women’s Clinics have once again proven to be hugely successful, at the request of Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club we introduced a slightly refined model to be piloted whereby the club’s male members would also be welcome to attend.

The ALPG teaching professionals Rachel Hetherington, Shani Waugh, Annabel Rolley, Nicky Henderson, and Lee Harrington, along with local PGA professional Nat Whittington were the hosts for the day, and the feedback from both the women and the men who attended was fantastic. It was awesome to see all of the smiling faces at the end of the day.

If this model was going to be tested anywhere it absolutely made sense for us to do so at Magenta Shores. Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club is a magnificent resort about 90-minutes drive from Sydney and an hour from Newcastle. The course is of the highest order, a links-style layout which is a true test especially when the wind blows.

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Hetherington named captain of Team ALPG for “The Queens Cup”

While the layout and the resort are both five-star, it is the structure of the club which is equally as impressive.

more women into golf club governance, and how to get more women playing golf and joining golf clubs.

If you take a look at the club’s constitution you will see no reference to women, men, male or female members.

You see Magenta Shores is an equal opportunity club in every sense. I have had the pleasure of visiting Magenta Shores on a couple of occasions now and it is fantastic to see the camaraderie and respect which exists between the members regardless of their gender.

At the forum it was acknowledged that women in the golf industry face similar challenges as women in corporate Australia—the most prominent being the under-representation of women in leadership roles.

The Chair at Magenta Shores, Jodie Skellern, is a woman of great experience in the business world and is also as passionate a woman as you will meet when it comes to fairness, diversity and equality. She is a PhD candidate researching the gender gap in large law firms and its connection to participation in sport, and recently played host at a day-long forum (alongside Megan Symington from Inside Golf ) to a group of 30 women involved in golf club governance to discuss how to attract

Studies across a range of countries and businesses show that organisations where women and men collaborate to solve problems and make decisions outperform those who do not.

A sincere thanks to Jodie and all at Magenta Shores for once again pushing the boundaries in hosting our recent clinic. I hope that other golf clubs around Australia choose to take a leaf or two out of the model that Magenta Shores and many other golf clubs across Australia are choosing to adopt, where women and men can co-exist as members of a golf club with the same rights and privileges.

The 44-year-old will lead a team of nine players in the event, which will once again be contested between four of the world’s leading women’s golf tours: the LPGA of Japan, Korean LPGA, the Ladies European Tour (LET) and ALPG. “I’m excited and honoured to lead a wonderful group of our leading ALPG golfers in the upcoming Queens Cup,” said Hetherington.

“The opportunity to work with such an inspiring group of women is a highlight of my career and I look forward to returning to Japan and enjoying the wonderful camaraderie and Japanese hospitality.”

ALPG CEO Karen Lunn said: “The ALPG is delighted that one of the legends of Australian golf has accepted the role to captain our team at The Queens presented by Kowa. Rachel is always looking for opportunities to give back to our game, with her vast experience and a hugely successful LPGA career behind her, Rachel will no doubt be a great mentor and leader for our team and a wonderful ambassador for ALPG.” “The Queens presented by Kowa is a unique event with an innovative format and is sure to attract the attention of golf fans across the globe.”

The three-day event features 32 matches, with eight foursomes matches on day one, eight four ball matches on day two and 16 singles matches on day three.

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trainees

Birdie blitz zooms Zirov to Inside Golf matchplay title Robbie Hogan, who this year has won the NSW/ACT and Qld Trainees championships.

Zirov surprised himself by beating Order of Merit leader Trent Smith to earn his final spot.

Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

A

N amazing four-under-par burst in the first six holes at a windswept Australian Golf Club set up a runaway win for Sydney’s Eastlake Golf Club’s Marco Zirov in the final of the $4000 Inside Golf NSW/ACT PGA Trainees Matchplay championship.

Zirov overwhelmed his good mate Killara’s Lachlan Foulsham (only one-over-par after six holes, but four down in the match) with his early birdie blitz and wrapped up the final 9&7.

Revelling in the opportunity to play one of Australia’s finest courses – organised by The Australian Golf Club’s Head Professional Josh Rindfleish – and, with Zirov likely to shoot a super score, the finalists played out the 18 holes.

Zirov rose to the occasion, topping off a great day by shooting a 67—five under, while Foulsham finished six over; which was quality golf as they played off the back tees in a boisterous and unfriendly south-west wind.

The pair, who were playing the Australian Open-hosting course at Kensington for only their second time, are two of the most golf-experienced NSW/ACT PGA Trainees, with Zirov, aged 31, in his second year and Foulsham, 35, a third year.

Both had to upstage higher-rated players to reach the final. Foulsham upset title favourite

Zirov grabbed a one-up lead in the final with a tap-in birdie at the par-five first. Foulsham looked set to square the match at the 193m par-three fourth when he hit his tee shot to less than a metre from the hole. With Zirov’s tee shot in a bunker, Foulsham was on good terms with himself, but his opponent ruined that by holing out for birdie. Although Foulsham then hit his birdie putt “on exactly the line I picked”, it lipped out for a loss.

That seemed to be an early turning point.

Zirov admitted the bunker shot buoyed him and after needing only a lob wedge approach to clinch a short birdie putt on the course’s longest par-five, the 556m fifth, and holing a three-metre birdie putt on six, he suddenly was four-up.

Pars on seven, eight and nine – three of the toughest holes – into and across the swirling wind were good enough to put Zirov seven-up after nine. Pars at 10 and 11 proved enough to finish the match.

The pair agreed after the match that Zirov’s hole-winning par on seven was the second turning point in the match. Zirov was able find a gap in the tree canopy and hit the green from 156m.

Despite suffering a decisive loss, Foulsham showed admirable character in encouraging Zirov to keep playing to try to post a terrific score.

Winning drive: Marco Zirov launches a drive on his way to shooting 67, watched by Lachlan Foulsham “No-one likes losing, but it was a privilege to see a good mate playing so well and he deserved not only the matchplay win but to make his memorable 67,” Foulsham said.

With the wind and the tension easing, the more-relaxed pair enjoyed themselves on the back nine, particularly Zirov, who matched par on every hole except for a birdie on 12.

“It was such a privilege to win the Inside Golf Matchplay Championship, especially playing so well on such a superb course,” Zirov said.

“All PGA trainees should feel honoured that such a prestigious golf club as The Australian

would agree to us playing the final on their famous layout and I know Lachie and I will cherish the memories of today.

“Overall the result really flatters me as Lachie kept me up to the mark all day and hit it as well as me. It seemed I got all the scoring breaks, but I suppose that’s the thrill of matchplay.

“The PGA Trainees all appreciate Inside Golf sponsoring the event which gives us all such a buzz because we rarely get to play this version of the game.” www.pga.org.au •

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Chase, 8, passes pennant test David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

T

here is an old adage in sport, which says, “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”.

“He started playing Peewee Pennants last year and when McLeod were short a junior for the pennant team they asked if he would like to have a go,” Brooke said.

Well, when it comes to Chase Oberle, eight years old is certainly old enough.

Young Chase, at 1.3m tall (slightly taller than a regular driver), this year represent McLeod Country Golf Club in junior pennant and surprised everyone by going through the season undefeated.

“Because he was playing against older kids, we expected him to win a hole if he was lucky, but he went out there with the attitude ‘I can play and if I hit my best shots we’ll see what happens’ and he surprised everybody.

DRIVE TIME: Chase Oberle smacks his driver down the middle.

“He won his first game on forfeit so he was happy and then he squared the next match by winning the 18th hole with everyone watching.

youngster’s positive attitude convinced him he was ready to play against older kids.

“That was quite a surprise and then he won his other matches 2/1, 4/3, 9/8 and 4/2 – some on courses he hadn’t played before.

“When he came to play in our Peewee Pennants it didn’t take long to work out he was a talented player,” he said.

“We don’t have a heap of juniors so I asked his parents if they would consider letting him play,” he said. “I told them that if it got too much for him we’d withdraw him, but that never happened.

At first, Noel McCabe was reluctant to select Chase in the junior pennant team, but the

“He played a couple of 11 and 12-year-olds, but they weren’t as good as him.

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“That’s part of his success – he just loves the challenge.

A member at Brookwater, Chase joined McLeod at the suggestion of his grandmother.

So, how old is old enough to play junior pennant?

McLeod junior coordinator Noel McCabe said Chase won four matches, squared one and the opposition forfeited another.

So, what makes young Chase tick when it comes to golf and his other favourite sport, soccer?

“He takes golf seriously and cares if he doesn’t do well, but he doesn’t give up. It doesn’t worry him when he doesn’t hit it as far as other kids.”

Today, both players are ranked world number one.

For his efforts, he received the club’s junior pennant player of the year award.

hole it doesn’t matter because he knows there is another hole.

“Chase is passionate, has a never give up attitude and nothing gets him down,” said mum Brooke.

I haven’t heard that since New Zealand’s Lydia Ko turned professional at 16 or when Peter Senior suggested Jason Day, at 18, was good enough to join the play-for-pay ranks.

And he did it with only seven clubs in his bag – two drivers (one he uses as a threewood), a hybrid, a seven-iron, nine-iron, sand wedge and putter.

“He is probably the best eight-year-old I have ever seen.”

“When he won 9/8 he was disappointed the match ended and that he couldn’t play more than 10 holes. He just loves playing.

“Chase is suited to playing pennant because for him every hole is a new challenge so he just does his best and if he mucks up one

“While he is very competitive, half his fun is meeting new kids and that’s why he enjoys playing in the Golf Queensland nine-hole competitions.

“He loves playing the different courses organised by Golf Queensland and plays in most junior events on offer.

“We took him to the Australian Age Championship at Yeppoon and he qualified as the eight-year-old boy to go to Los Angeles, but we decided not to go.

“He just loves that competitive approach to golf and having fun with other kids.”

Coached by Gold Coast-based teaching professional Paul Williamson, Chase practises golf twice a week and plays on weekends.

Now that he has tasted pennant success, he might save up his pocket money and buy a full set of irons to go with his new driver.

“He wanted a new driver so he saved up and bought it,” mum Brooke said.

“He didn’t want to wait for his birthday so he said he would save up by doing any odd jobs.

“We are extremely proud of how well he did in pennants and I think he surprised everyone.

“He loved being a part of the McLeod team and especially when everyone asked how he went and then celebrated with a handshake or high-five.

“It was lovely to watch.” •

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Thirteenth Beach inaugural Junior Open

Ashley set for a bright FUTURE IN GOLF THINGS are falling nicely into place for 16-yearold Ashley Lau who added the Katherine Kirk Classic to her impressive golfing resume.

Ashley, who lives in Malaysia but has been studying at Hills International Academy on a 12-month scholarship, shot rounds of 70-70 and 67 at Maroochy River to beat a top field of junior golfers by nine shots.

Almost from the time she took up golf as a nine-year-old, Ashley has been plotting a course that will almost certainly lead to her becoming a professional within the next few years.

Winners are grinners: Val Rodrigues, left, (Thirteenth Beach) and Corey Wakeman (Berwick Montuna).

“I want to go to a golf college and get a scholarship,” she said. “If my golf keeps improving, I will turn pro one day.”

More than 50 budding juniors flocked to Thirteenth Beach recently for the club’s inaugural Junior Open.

Ashley’s five-under final round equalled the women’s course record set by last year’s champion Robyn Choi.

The boys’ stableford winner was James Yorke (handicap 32, Midlands GC) with 34 points over Taegen Dodds (hcp 30, Sanctuary Lakes) with 32.

In the under-15 division, Corey Wakeman (hcp 19, Berwick Montuna GC) won the nett event with a five-under-par 67 over Valentin Rodrigues (hcp 20, 13th Beach) on 70. Gross winners were Blair Mason (hcp 4.5, Cobden GC) with an excellent 75 followed by Jack Martin (hcp 9, Portarlington) on 81.

In the under-18s, the nett winner was Jasper Guthrie (hcp 12, Kew GC) on 69, pipping Leo Pollard (hcp 17, Box Hill GC) on 70. Gross winner was Lachie Bassett (hcp 3, Clifton Springs GC) with 72, a one-shot winner from James Daglas (hcp 3, Clifton Springs) on 73.

In the girls’ under-15 division, the nett winner was Kiandra Hughes (hcp 14, Sanctuary Lakes)

with an excellent 39 points. The gross winner was Georgia Sottile (hcp 15, Riverside GC) with 88.

In the under-18s, Holly Peacock (hcp 21, Curlewis GC) had the best nett score of 72 with Sophie Byrne (hcp 7, Ballarat GC) winning best gross score of 81.

The girls’ stableford event went to Angelina Hogan-Fox (hcp 36, Queens Park GC) with an excellent 39 points from Jessica Leigh (hcp 27, Sandringham GC) on 37.

Thirteenth Beach General Manager Craig Skimming said the club was delighted with the response to the inaugural Open. “The kids loved the Creek course and enjoyed the mixed gender format which is similar to that used in the highly successful Victorian Open at Thirteenth Beach.

“I’m sure this event can only grow in stature in future and certainly we’re delighted to be promoting golf at the junior level to help find our stars of the future.”

She landed the $42,000 scholarship to Hills International when she won the girls 1518 category in the International Junior Golf Championship in Kuala Lumpur last year, beating US junior champion Princess Mary Superal in a playoff.

The vastly experienced teenager, who learnt golf from her dad Cecil, played in this year’s Indonesian Ladies Open, Thailand Ladies Open, and she is a regular in events like the Junior World Championship.

“It is my first time playing this course and I am really happy with the win,” Ashley said.

“I am looking forward to heading back home to Malaysia now.”

Ashley’s remarkable effort was almost overshadowed by 13-year-old Tasmanian

Ashley Lau shows off the Katherine Kirk Classic trophy.

Hallie Meaburn, who holed out on the short 12th hole in the final round.

With her grandmother, legendary Tasmanian golfer Lindy Goggin, urging her on, Hallie shot rounds of 84-84 and 76 in a performance that hinted at a bright future.

Second place went to Min Kweon (Sanctuary Cove) who finished the tournament at even par with rounds of 73-68-75 (216) with Darcy Habgood (Toowoomba) a further shot back in third.

Best of the locals was Cassie Porter (Peregian Springs) with rounds of 73-76-74 for eighth and Danika Coyne (Maroochy River) who shot 79-74-74 for ninth.

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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junior news

www.insidegolf.com.au/juniors

Junior Sharks Program LAUNCHED AT CARBROOK

MALENY COURSE records fall to young guns

Golf coach Mark Scherlies will dedicate his time to junior golf.

CARBROOK Golf Club, located in between Brisbane and Logan, is famous for having sharks in its main dam.

So when it came to naming the club’s new junior program, which comes under the national MyGolf banner, it was easy.

It had to be the Junior Sharks Program.

The club’s general manager Scott Wagstaff said the program was “special” because it employed a junior coach specifically for the role of building its junior program.

“It’s a different approach, but we believe it’s one that will be successful,” he said.

“We have tried junior golf programs before but we have struggled to make it work long term as the program has inevitably had to fit around our club professionals and their workload which is obviously significant.

“That doesn’t always mean the best outcomes for the junior program, which can be demanding.

“We struggled to succeed in this area so we found a great coach in PGA member Mark Scherlies. He has plenty of experience with kids and more importantly is passionate about teaching kids the game of golf.”

Carbrook Golf Club has three schools within two kilometres so its junior program has huge potential for success.

Based around the school terms, the Junior Sharks Program offers eight-week programs on a number of different days including Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays currently.

The club is also offering a school holiday program for those kids wanting to spend a few days getting more intensive coaching.

It’s a bold and concerted effort to increase the number of young people playing golf at Carbrook and credit is due to the club for investing in its future. www.carbrookgolfclub.com.au/juniors

PERFECT spring weather greeted the players competing in the Glasshouse Mountains Zone Junior Golf Association Futures Tournament at Maleny Golf Club.

A field of 50 players took part in the three-, six-, nine- and 18-hole format.

Maleny Golf Club manager Richard Owen said the event was a success and records tumbled.

“It was particularly exciting to see both the men’s and women’s par-70 course records fall to two impressive young players of the future,” he said.

Caloundra Golf Club’s Sean Daines, 18, fired a 72 off the blue championship markers and 17-year-old Woodford Golf Club member Jessica Cook carded an 82 off the stick.

SPIKENOTE: Maleny is a small, scenic town 90 kilometres north of Brisbane on the Blackall Range overlooking the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

FOR THE RECORD: Sean Daines and Jessica Cook set the record straight at Maleny Golf Club.

SPREAD THE NEWS! Got a story that would fit in Inside Golf?

We are looking for interesting stories, quirky tidbits, club news or anything else worth sharing with other golfers. If you or your club have an interesting story, drop us an email and let us know! ed@insidegolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

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Windsor’s historic $99 membership for all under-50 golfers Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

JUST weeks after winning the Mandurah Amateur Open, Queensland’s Charlie Dann was back in the winners’ circle winning the prestigious Keperra Bowl at Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane.

S

YDNEY’S pace-setting Windsor Country Golf Club has launched an exciting new drive – a $99 Lifestyle Membership plus a Golf Australia handicap offer – and already it looks a winner.

Windsor’s innovative Board of Directors and Club Manager Rob McLean–in an Australian first – announced in October a new $99 Lifestyle Membership category, which will be open to all golfers aged from 18 to 49 years of age, including any of its current age-qualifying members.

The bold move is foremost an attempt to arrest the recent annual attrition of about 40 per cent of the younger-age-bracket members by trying to encourage them to continue playing competition and social golf at Windsor.

And even before the Annual Subscriptions were due in October, the Club had many inquiries about signing up for the new category, after announcing the details inhouse in September.

The new $99 Lifestyle Members will have to pay applicable green fees whenever they play and can take part in any Windsor open and closed events for the normal comp fees.

To play in weekend competitions a Lifestyle Member will pay $40 ($25 green fee and $15 comp fee); on Wednesday they will pay $30 ($15 and $15). To play socially weekends it will cost $20 for 9 holes and $38 for 18 and midweek the green fees will be $15 and $22.

However Lifestyle Members cannot represent the Club in interclub events or win Honour Board events or Championships (although welcome to play during these

Dann’s the man at Keperra Bowl

A new dawn beckons for more Windsor members times); they cannot vote in Club elections, but they can play and win competitions of the day, along with several open events including the prestigious Foundation Cup and Oxbro Cup events (Vardon listed).

“The dropout rate of members aged under 50 – who often have enjoyed special discount introductory membership offers, and now find time limitations or the upfront cost of membership a hurdle – is an industry-wide issue,” McLean said.

on beverage and food and can utilise the convenient members bar account top-up facility.

Any would-be Lifestyle Member, who lives within a 50 km radius of the Windsor 2756 post code, will have to attend a New Members interview at a set date within a month of their handicap being issued (unless they already hold a GA handicap).

Playing out of Pelican Waters Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast, Dann carded rounds of 66-66-66-71 (19 under-par).

The +3 marker finished three shots clear of Metropolitan Golf Club’s David Micheluzzi, who four-putted the twotier 18th green, and Zach Murray (Commonwealth).

“I had so much fun today,” Dann said.

“I had a three-shot lead going into the final round, but I wasn’t nervous when I teed off.

Alternatively, a New Member Information Pack along with an online video information session will be provided.

“I did get nervous through the middle of the round when I became cautious and started to worry about the score.”

Located in one of Sydney’s fastest-growing regions and only 25 minutes from the city’s official geographic centre – the historic, but energetic, club has a lot going for it.

The 24-year-old needn’t have worried as he birdied the long par-4 16th and trusted himself to get the job done on the final two holes.

“We currently have 1126 members which is a more than 10 per cent improvement on the situation from February 2014 when we had 924 members and lately we are receiving multiple membership inquiries every day.

It boasts a 5887m par-71 championship quality public course which has a Slope top rating of 128. This is a higher rating than almost all of its upmarket private and resort course rival clubs in the north-west area

Dann started the tournament slowly going out in a two-over par 38, but he rallied with five birdies and an eagle on the back nine and never looked back.

“The Board did a lot of research and methodical mathematics before deciding on the new $99 package and we believe it will have long-term benefits in capturing many new-age pay-as-you-play more flexible club members.”

While Windsor may be the first metropolitan club in Australia to introduce such a special Lifestyle Membership category for under-50 golfers, you can be sure it won’t be the last and in the current membership climate change, it will be interesting to see what the future holds.

The $99 signees also will enjoy fellow Windsor members’ pricing advantages

More: (02) 4577 4390, www.windsorgolfclub.com.au •

“While Windsor has experienced this just as much in recent years, we are not introducing this special offer in desperation; far from it, it’s very much more to adapt to the modern golfer’s needs”

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“It was quite amusing and the putts just kept going in and I had a 28 for the back nine holes,” he said.

At the trophy presentation, Dann complimented tournament officials, the superintendent and his staff.

“The golf course is in excellent condition and the best I’ve see it.”

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clubs and courses

COMPANY PROFILE:>

Morack Golf Course and Driving Range

Bay Views

Golf Services Management G

olf Services Management has successfully provided golf and associated administrative services to the industry for over 30 years.

Company principal Ian Denny completed his PGA traineeship at Victoria Golf Club in 1985, a year where he successfully applied for the Club Professional position at Amstel Golf Club to become the youngest club professional in Australia.

The evolution of more high quality public access golf courses has led to the industry undergoing a major change, with financial viability becoming a predominant issue. Having developed a strong understanding of all facets of golf operations and administration, Ian identified that there was a growing demand to bridge the gap between the traditional Club Professional and the larger multi- faceted management groups that operated within the industry.

The industry has evolved into a dynamic and highly competitive environment and a committed and enthusiastic management team is the key to success. The GSM management team, as well as being accomplished golfers, also possess a strong grass roots understanding of all aspects of the industry, as well as possessing extensive professional skills drawn from a wide range of management roles. The team have a proven ability to translate this knowledge into profitable venue operation and development in privately-owned, member based or municipal operations.

Their key objective is to promote and manage golf facilities that achieve an optimum return for stakeholders through a high rate of player revisitation, generated by innovative marketing and the provision of service levels to the highest standards.

A strength is the ability to offer a one-stop venue management service that includes a range of course maintenance options, from management and control of an in-house team through to working with a partner company capable of providing both maintenance and course development works to further enhance the product.

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The development of the GSM structure has been carefully controlled to allow for gradual and sustainable growth. Importantly the number of contracts entered into have been balanced to maintain a high degree of hands on management.

There is plenty of exciting times ahead for GSM with a growing number of enquiries from industry participants seeking a management team with a proven record of implementing sound business planning, streamlined operations, efficiency gains and innovative marketing and customer engagement.

GSM Golf Club With a growing trend of golfers choosing not to join private clubs the demand for official handicaps for players based out of public golf courses led to the establishment of the GSM Golf Club. It is a low cost membership satisfying transient golfers happy to pay each time they visit a course. Importantly GSM saw this style of membership for the casual player as a stepping stone towards them becoming a member at a private club when personal circumstance permitted. This new style of membership has changed the face of unaffiliated golf and added the dimension allowing players the diversity to play different courses and competitions. Since this GSM initiative was established, many more of these types of memberships have emerged offering the same sorts of services. www.gsmgolf.com.au

Amstel Golf Club- Ranfurlie Course The Amstel Golf Club has seen significant change in the 29 years that GSM has been involved, initially through Ian Denny’s position of club professional and now as its management company.

The club took a strategic direction many years ago embracing the opportunity to establish gaming into its operation. At the time it was chastised by the golfing community for making that move however the decision is the cornerstone to the club’s financial stability. The

result is a member subscription significantly cheaper than other courses in the area that are ranked considerably lower than Ranfurlie, 60 in Australia.

In 2003 Amstel opened the Ranfurlie Golf Course designed by Mike Clayton. Like many new courses pressure from timelines led to a premature opening and detrimental reviews. It gained a reputation for being too hard, particularly with long and deep rough swallowing the errant shot many of which were the result of the course being exposed to the elements.

With maturity the course has developed into a true (but fair) golf challenge and has been in fantastic condition for the last five years with legend couch fairways that are the envy of many. Trees are now developing with more being planted to lessen the impact of the elements and the rough is being cut back in many areas to make a more forgivable course in the Spring when it thickens up considerably.

With the majority of the members playing at Ranfurlie, a decision was made to further strengthen the Club’s balance sheet by selling the Park Course for development and subsequent to the sale the course closed in May 2016. The clubhouse remains and is now known as the Amstel Club and is the social hub for many residents of Cranbourne with a sports bar, TAB, gaming room, bistro and function centre.

The considerable funds gained from the sale have been locked away with any expenditure subject to member approval within the guidelines of a planning framework that allocates funding for venue improvements, secure future investments and opportunities for expansion of golf services for member benefit.

Ranfurlie has just opened a state-of-the-art teaching academy encompassing the latest technology and will be opening a driving range accessible by the general public early in 2017. www.ranfurlie.com.au

Amstel Golf Club- Ranfurlie Course

Morack Golf Course and Driving Range With ongoing improvements over recent years with particular emphasis on drainage and pathways the course is presenting better playing conditions throughout the year. The driving range surface has been extended, with new turf providing an aesthetically pleasing outlook. Installation of modern ball dispensing equipment provides easy access to highquality Srixon range balls and other range equipment such as hitting mats are regularly replaced to ensure a consistent high quality.

The course is a picturesque parkland course with gentle undulation to the fairways with a length of 5,304m and par 70 presenting an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels. For frequent golfers, there are multi-pass cards and season passes available from the pro shop and for those who are casual visitors green fee pricing provides great value.

The 20-bay driving range allows players, even those capable of gaining extra distance, to still hit every club in their bag. Highly qualified team of PGA professionals are ready to fix your game with their expertise magnified by state-of-the-art technology. For the regular users, range cards are available providing convenience and value.

The GSM staff at Morack pride themselves on providing a quality experience for its customers starting with a fully-stocked pro shop, housing all the major brands with the ability to cater for all levels, and ages of golfer.

The course has recently undergone a very comprehensive strategic review and with some exciting developments planned in the future GSM are looking forward to presenting customers with a higher level of golf experience. www.morackgolf.com.au

St Andrews Beach This highly acclaimed course began life as an exclusive member-only facility and although operating successfully, the global financial crisis placed the associated resort development in receivership forcing the

clubs and courses

St Andrews Beach

Kingston Links

closure of the course. GSM approached the receiver managers and proposed opening the facility as a ‘pay for play venue’ to build a business that would attract a purchaser and ensure ‘this simply great course’ remained a leading brand in the industry.

Golfers are serviced on-course from a wellstocked food and beverage cart and the small but practical temporary clubhouse provides players a place where they can have a hot or cold drink and relax, with the setting sun in the background.

The effort in building a business from a zero base and establishing an operating framework that consistently produces a commercial return for the stakeholders is testament to the skill of the GSM management team. The success of the business model has given the stakeholders confidence to commit further capital investment to improve the overall golf experience of the golfer. Improvements in the cart path system and the lodgement of building permits for the Clubhouse are the most recent investments.

For those players looking to make St Andrews Beach their home course there is the opportunity to join the Gunnamatta Club which provides an official handicap with golfer insurance as well as discounts on green fees.

St. Andrews Beach Golf Course is currently ranked 13th in Australia on the basis of its superb condition all year and collection of beautifully designed holes. The grounds team from Programmed Turnpoint who are responsible for the course maintenance are instrumental in maintaining this high ranking.

It is a very fair test from the white tees and golfers often come in saying they thoroughly enjoyed their experience because they scored so well. With the added comfort of a fleet of motorised carts, players will still have energy all the way to the final hole to make the most of their experience.

Self-contained two-bedroom apartments are available on course for the golfer looking to holiday on the Mornington Peninsula and St Andrews Beach provides a quiet, peaceful location close to wineries, restaurants and leading attractions. www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au

Bay Views (formerly Carrington / Rosebud Park) Bay Views Golf Course was added to the stable of GSM courses in 2014 and with the stability of a long-term lease GSM have made a sizable investment to upgrading and improving the facility. The golf course location on the slopes of Arthurs Seat provides unforgettable views of Port Phillip Bay, the coastlines of the Mornington Peninsula as well as the city skyline.

The golf course itself is a cleverly designed,

St. AndrewS BeAch

Simply a great golf course

fun test of golf that caters for all levels of players. The charming 5,268m layout has a diversity of holes that gives golfers a sense of delight due to their pleasing aesthetics and superb condition. With panoramic views, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a total beginner or a scratch golfer, Bay Views Golf Course will reward you with one of the most enjoyable rounds of golf you will ever have.

Investments in a new fleet of course machinery and the adoption of the latest turf technology has resulted in fairways and greens being rejuvenated with a rebuild of bunkers bringing the course condition to a quality exceeding that of comparatively priced courses.

A complete renovation and addition of a deck to the clubhouse in 2015, provides players a comfortable resting place after their round.

A fully-stocked pro shop contains all the major brands at competitive prices through its alliance with OnCourse Golf. A large cart fleet provides the opportunity to traverse the slopes with a minimum of effort.

Similar to all GSM venues a full range of green fee options are available with annual passes, multi game cards and pay as you play passes offering significant savings for the regular player. Casual green fees are competitively priced when taking into account the excellent course condition. www.bayviewsgolf.com.au

Kingston Links The most recent GSM acquisition, Kingston Links Golf Course is known as “the peoples course” and is the highest ranked public golf course in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

A championship golf course with lush Santa Ana fairways, undulating Bent greens, plenty of water with a spectacular backdrop of the Dandenong Ranges it measures 6,178 metres with a par rating of 72.

A large fleet of golf carts and a fantastic clubhouse makes it an ideal venue for corporate and group bookings. It provides excellent value to social and competition players 7 days a week with annual and seasonal passes providing value to the golfer looking to make Kingston Links their home course.

Adjoining this first class facility is a modern 40-bay driving range, a separate business operated by longstanding PGA member Paul Benbow.

Located in Rowville, alongside Eastlink within easy access of the Monash Freeway the course is easy to get to and very popular.

It’s the perfect place to squeeze in a round after work. www.kingstonlinks.com.au

BAy ViewS

Spectacular views great golf course

Come and be surprised www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au (03) 5988 5366

Official handicaps from $129

www.bayviewsgolf.com.au (03) 5981 2833 www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

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Grand Opening reveals Royal facelift F

OR three years, Royal Canberra, the face and benchmark of championship golf in the Nation’s capital, has been undergoing an extensive renovation and its acclaimed unique facelift will be revealed in a special public showing this month.

Designed by Melbourne course designers Ogilvy Clayton Cocking Mead Pty Ltd (OCCM), the new Westbourne Course will be revealed during an exhibition match featuring Australia’s 2006 U.S. Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy, former European tour winner Mike Clayton, the club’s prolific Club Champion and amateur tournament winner Andrew Tharle and TV and Radio personality Andrew Daddo.

For the first time since the Women’s Australian Open in 2013, Royal Canberra is opening its gates to the Canberra community to view the 7-hole exhibition match and the new-look magnificent Championship Westbourne Course on Sunday November 13.

Ogilvy, who spends the majority of his time in the States playing on the U.S. Tour is looking forward to getting back and playing the new course.

“I am especially excited to see the run of holes from the 13th. I think that these six new holes have a real chance to be included among the best groups of finishing holes in the country,” Ogilvy said.

The event will also showcase music and entertainment and there will be a barbecue, food and beverage outlets and Royal Canberra logoed merchandise. Mizuno, PING and Callaway will also be holding a demonstration day of their latest golf hardware from 12pm until 2pm.

Gates will open for the event at 12pm, with the exhibition match to start at 2pm. All entrants who register before 5pm on Friday, November 4 will go in the draw to win a Limited Edition club or putter to the value of $500.

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The new 14th hole The exhibition match is open to the public and admission for the event is free, however registrations are essential. To register visit www.royalcanberra.com.au.

EXCITING NEW VIEWS AND CHALLENGES The new course changes by OCCM improved upon the original routing by Commander John Harris, who designed the course on its current site in the early 1960s (the first Royal Canberra course was originally on the site which is now covered by Lake Burley Griffin).

According to Royal Canberra General Manager Andrew Casey, the scope of the renovation project went beyond just the hole redesign, and required a rigorous consultation process.

“The Master Plan design process commenced prior to 2013 and involved much consultation and design alterations to achieve a balance between member expectation, course strategy and the

sensitivity of the site within the Westbourne Woods,” Casey says.

“Due to the sensitive nature of the heritage-listed arboretum the Club has developed a comprehensive conservation and tree management plan to ensure that the diversity and health of the woods is maintained. It is such an integral part of the experience at Royal Canberra.

“The redevelopment of the course has been received exceptionally well by the members who are enjoying playing on a vastly improved golf course, both in turf quality and golf strategy. The old course was 55 years old so it is taking members some time to get used to reading the new greens,” Casey adds.

The new 13th plays in a similar location to the original hole, but is now visually improved, and marks the start of the most dramatic stretch of holes on the property.

Selected tree removal down the right has opened up wonderful views of the lake and the large tree right of the green. One of the most striking aspects of the 13th, however,

has nothing to do with how it plays, but rather how it looks. The area between the 10th and 12th greens and 11th and 13th tees has been converted from trees, rough and paths into a broad expanse of short grass and some scattered feature trees. It’s a far more elegant use of the space and a wonderful backdrop for the surrounding holes.

Perhaps the most interesting and visually appealing hole on the course is the new 14th. Inspired by Harris’ original concept which played across the edge of the lake, a number of large trees were removed in order to create the new tees and section of fairway along the right of the water. From the tee there are a multitude of options. These will vary depending on the pin position, the wind and one’s own skill. Some days, when the pin is tucked over the large left green side bunker, the optimal play will be wide to the right. Other days the strategy will be reversed - play left to open up the right pin.

Five tees were built to offer a wide range of options and allow all skill levels the chance to

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The 10th Hole at Royal Canberra take on multiple lines of play, including over the water.

From the tee, trees on the corner of Hole #15 have been replaced with bunkers. A short hazard into the hill creating some visual interest and helping as a sighter for the preferred line of play, and two blind bunkers around the corner to catch the very longest hitters. The real feature of the new 15th is the new creek which runs through the valley just forward of the 16th tee and in front of the new 15th green. This forces a decision from the fairway –lay up or go for it? To add further interest the green is large with a number of interesting pin positions which favour approach shots from different parts of the fairway.

The famous 16th is relatively unchanged.

A small green with a subtle tilt from back to

front was built on the same location as the old green and a bunker again guarding the left side. A new fairway bunker was built into the top of the rise on the right of the fairway – thereby guarding the preferred line into the green. This hole is a perfect example of utilising the ground contours to dramatic effect with the tee shot playing over the long valley to an elevated landing zone and then the second shot doing the same – playing over another valley to a high green. Framed by the tall Pine trees it’s easy to see how the course often gets compared with Augusta National in the U.S. The long 17th comes at the perfect time in the round, when a quality shot on a difficult hole might decide a match. Whilst the main tee is positioned in the same location, a new back tee has been added which adds another

The visually-improved 13th hole dimension to the hole. As a par-3 it stretches to almost 220m but also offers the unique opportunity to play as a wonderful short par4 for the women.

The green at the 18th was a trademark of the original Harris design and so the contours and concept were retained with the new green. The bunkering, however, was altered to improve the strategy and add another dimension to the tee shot and approach.

Green-side bunkers on the left encourage pitch shots made from the right…just where a new bunker has been added around 40 metres short of the green. True risk-reward golf. In addition a fairway bunker has been added on the left of the tee shot but this is really only in play for the very longest hitters.

For the majority of members the landing zone remains unchanged.

MEMBERSHIP AT ROYAL The club welcomes new member applications as well as local, interstate and international visitors for a variety of special golf days and organised events.

An exciting opportunity also exists to experience the new course and club life at Royal Canberra. In conjunction with the Grand Opening the club is offering a special promotional entrance fee for new members until December 31 only (details available on application). The club has also introduced a promotional young members entrance fee for those between the age of 28-45, which is for a limited time only.

Please contact the club’s Membership Manager, Mary-ann Zander at maryann@royalcanberra.com.au for further information on membership. •

Include Royal Canberra in your business strategy • At Royal Canberra we understand the importance of Corporate Golf, and the benefits combining leisure with business can provide.

• An opportunity to network, team-build or fundraise for charity, a golf day at Royal Canberra is a great way to impress clients and build business relationships.

• A Royal Golf Day includes: - Tailored 18 hole golf packages on one of Australia’s finest courses - Guidance in organising your event by our professional Royal Canberra team - Superb clubhouse facilities - Post golf presentations

- Tailored catering and beverages, from casual to 5 star dining - Assistance on the day, including score collation - On course signage - Latest fleet of Club Car carts with GPS technology

• Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the benchmark of championship golf in the Nation’s capital!

Enquiries can be made with pactrickm@royalcanberra.com.au

Royal Canberra Golf Club | Phone: (02) 6282 7000 | Website: www.royalcanberra.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

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The new-look Beverley Park C

elebrating 75 years of existence, Beverley Park Golf Club’s course and clubhouse have never undergone such a transformation as it has in recent times.

bigger golfing image and challenge after the rebuild. The course remains ideal for walking or by cart with the men’s course 5570 metres and the women’s 5343 metres.

Early indications from members, visitors and public is that the project has produced a course for all levels of golfers that will help drive the PARk forward for many years to come.

The golfing world refers to it as simply “The PARk”; a Par-70 eighteen hole public course situated fifteen minutes south of Sydney Airport, 15km from the Sydney CBD and accessible via all the major arterial roads.

Nestled in the heartland of the St. George District, Beverley Park Golf Club was a springboard for some of Australia’s finest golfers like Greg Norman OA, Bruce Crampton, Bruce Devlin and more recently Sarah Kemp. Crampton, a former local and two-times Club Champion, was a part of the Club’s dynasty of champions who went on to represent at State, National and International levels.

The Club also boasts the stability of its appointments of Head PGA Professionals, only five in its 75 year history – William Corry 1941-1947, Bill McWilliam OAM 1947 – 1979, David Honeysett 1979 – 1999, Brad Mitchell 1999 – 2010 and current professional Greg Green.

However, like a good shot we all like to remember on the old course, these champions and three of the professionals have well and truly moved on, and so has Beverley Park Golf Club’s course.

Course Redevelopment and Opening 2015 -16 The result of a local flood mitigation program—financially supported and initiated by the Federal, State and Local Governments at an overall cost of $2.2 million—initiated the introduction of water hazards to the course via the Beverley Park Diversion Channel. This project commenced stage one of the course master plan designed by renowned course architect James Wilcher of Golf by Design and, with supervision by club and Georges River Council representatives, Flemming Golf (the course builder) undertook reshaping the new layout to 30% of the course with a budget of $1.35 million.

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On Saturday 24th September, Federal Treasurer, Hon Scott Morrison, Hon Linda Burney, Federal Member for Barton, Mark Coure MP – State Member for Oatley and representing the Minister for Environment, Minister for Heritage the Hon Mark Speakman, Ms Gail Connolly – General Manager of Georges River Council joined emcee Paul Martell and over 250 players and representatives of Beverley Park Golf Club, Permanent Social Clubs, local residents and golfing media to open the new Beverley Park Golf Course layout.

President Frank Bates stated that the day marked a significant milestone in the history and continued development of Beverley Park Golf Club, a major asset of the recentlyformed Georges River Council and the community.

The new challenging layout has two par-5s, twelve par-4s and four par-3s. Major changes include the relocated first hole, a slight dogleg par-4 to a double green; the second, a par-3 surrounded by water and bunkers and the third, a challenging double dog-leg par-5. On the homeward stretch, the par-4, 16th hole with a creek in front and side of the green, the double green on the 17th Par-3 and the redesigned 18th hole.

Five of the new six holes involve water hazards with the inclusion of a creek

meandering through five fairways, lakes, additional greenside bunkers and the replanting of tree-lined fairways, all a real challenge for the golfer’s mental approach and their ability.

“There have been 8,000 native plants and 133 trees planted and new gardens with over 1200 shrubs and annuals planted. When they are established it will create a healthy eco-system,” said Daniel Metcalf, Course Superintendent since 2006.

“To be a part of this major construction and to be involved with the entire project from implementation through to practical completion has been invaluable. The experience of the processes involved for this sized project will no doubt be utilised in the everyday operation and maintenance of the Golf Course going forward,” added Metcalf, an integral part of the Construction Team.

Club Captain, Life Member and ninetimes Club Champion Warren Emmerick is, rightfully, pleased with the changes.

“Having played the PARk for the past 47 years and as Club Captain over the last 5 years, I can honestly state the new layout is in my opinion, the greatest course change the club has experienced and I am extremely proud to have been a part of it,” Emmerick said.

Beverley Park Golf Club now boasts an even

The Men‘s Par-70 (rated 69) and Ladies Par-72 (rated 74) layouts with well covered fairways and some of the best greens south of the Sydney Harbour Bridge provides a high-quality public course for all levels of golf. The PARk hosts competition events six days a week with Veterans on Monday, Ladies on Tuesday, Wednesday Open, Pro Comp Thursday, Corporate Friday, Member’s comps Saturday and Sunday, with plenty of times available throughout the week and weekend for public or social groups.

Ladies Captain and Director of Junior Development Patricia Wilson commented, “After the course rebuilding period and moving from the temporary course, I don’t think there is any member who wouldn’t be proud to invite new and old visitors to come and play our transformed course. It is a course that will encourage new golfers to join the club and participate in our introductory classes for men, ladies and junior golfers.”

The Club’s Head AAA PGA Professional Greg Green, a likeable local community man, has competitive pricing in his retail and is an excellent teacher of the game for beginners through to club champions. Greg’s comment after his first putts on the new greens: “Pure, you won’t find any better greens”.

President Frank Bates said, “Whilst the club had a significant financial loss during the project period, I praise the Board of Directors and all staff who have guided and worked the Club through incredible financial stress during the Project, I am lost for words in praising their resilience and professionalism.

“Any club undertaking major renovations that is disruptive to their memberships daily golf desires, should take into account the

clubs

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impact on member walkouts and subsequent loss of trade. It will be more than you budget for.

“With stage one now behind us the Club’s management will be promoting various programs and membership opportunities for the Community to take up or play golf and experience the healthy stimulation of the sport in a competitive or social environment.

We invite the public and members of other Clubs to experience golf and life at The PARk.” The Clubhouse and Restaurant Prior to embarking on the course redevelopment and recognising the disruption to normal trading, especially the loss of memberships and the knock-on effect to green fees and clubhouse trading, the Club’s Directors saw fit to transform and refurbish the clubhouse and restaurant to attract additional patronage.

With a redesign in some areas including bar,

gaming room, internal disable access, new carpet, lighting, paint and feature walls in the Beverley Restaurant and Bistro, The PARk clubhouse now provides an excellent pre and post golf and social venue.

The fully licensed clubhouse and its friendly ambience welcomes all visitors to The PARk, where you can enjoy a meal, try one of the twelve different beers on tap, select a wine from the expansive range of wines or a soft drink; all reasonably priced. The clubhouse also provides a range of gaming facilities, an ideal venue for your special golf event, family, corporate or charity function.

Head chef Yianni and his wife Helen and their staff from The Beverley restaurant and bistro are very friendly and obliging, providing a very good service and fare from their reasonably priced menu that caterers for the family 7 days a week.

“Beverley Park Golf Club is back in business.

We are very much a friendly and familyoriented club and have golfing memberships to suit various lifestyles and budgets. We are currently focused on membership recruitment and now is a perfect time to consider a membership at the PARk,” Bates adds.

Legend’s Pro-Am, Saturday 12 November Beverley Park Golf Club will host 60 Professionals from the Legends Tour, plus members and corporate partners on Saturday 12th November for this year’s Beverley Park Golf Club Legend’s Pro-Am. This is one of the great days on the Club’s calendar and is a perfect opportunity for the golfing public to follow and witness professionals, like Roger Davis, Mike Harwood, Tim Elliott, David Merriman and leader of the Order of Merit Darryl Purchase and their touring mates take on the new PARk layout. Competition Rounds commence

at 7.30am & 1.00pm. Restaurant and clubhouse will be open from 7 am and entry to the course is FREE. For further information contact Phill Bates AM on 0419 127 189 or the Club’s administration 95873424 Experience THE PARk, whether you’re a local, from Sydney area, country or interstate, the PARk is an ideal destination and venue for your golf and social enjoyment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Beverley Park Golf Club 87a Jubilee Ave Beverley Park NSW 2217 Phone: Pro Shop (02) 9588 5828 Functions - call Office Administration (02) 9587 3424 The Beverley Restaurant (02) 9588 5216 Website: www.bpgc.com.au email: bevgolf@bpgc.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

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Golfers flock back to Kooralbyn

A

FTER eight long years in the golfing wilderness, Kooralbyn Valley golf course is back.

Since opening earlier this year, small and large golfing groups have been returning to play one of golf’s great layouts.

“We are getting a tremendous response and are averaging around 70 players a day,” head professional John Tolhurst said.

“Last weekend the Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley was fully booked as golfers took advantage of our play-and-stay packages.

“We have a big group coming from Emerald Lakes, another from Toowoomba coming to play-and-stay and a group of 130 coming from River Lakes so the word is spreading that we are open again.”

The good news is the condition of the Kooralbyn Valley layout, once ranked one of Australia’s top-25 golf courses, is edging closer to its former glory.

“It’s going to take time and patience to get the course back to its very best, but that’s understandable when you consider the course was closed for many years,” Tolhurst said.

“Having said that, the greens are magnificent to putt on, the bunkers are excellent and the condition of the tee boxes and fairways are improving as each week passes.

“Golfers are so happy we have reopened,” Tolhurst added. “Every day there are golfers coming here and saying ‘thanks for getting the golf course open again’.”

Course superintendent Jeremy Parry and his team have worked around the clock to get the golf course into its current condition.

“The golf course is coming along nicely, the irrigation system is working very well so we

The picturesque and challenging par-3 17th hole at Kooralbyn Valley is a game changer. are in a good position going into the growing season,” Parry said.

for golfers it’s more about the challenge on a great golf course,” Tolhurst said.

“We are getting a lot of positive feedback.

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

“Everyone loves the layout and a lot of people rate it as their top-five favourite golf courses to play.”

Of course, the Copperhead Challenge event is another huge drawcard.

Played off the back tees every Thursday and public holidays, the event is one of the great challenges in golf.

It gives golfers of all levels the opportunity to challenge themselves to break their handicap. The winner receives a golf shirt, trophy and voucher for a free game of golf.

It’s a demanding assignment, but golfers love testing themselves on great layouts.

“Not many do break their handicap, but

There’s also a red tee box for men and women (5582m). For the men it’s a par70 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 101 rooms, offers golfers a number of attractive play-and-stay packages.

For information, call (07) 5544-6688 or golf shop 5544-5919 or visit the website www.ramadaresortkooralbynvalley. com.au •

Playoff decides Carbrook title SIXTEEN months after joining Carbrook Golf Club in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs, Richie McCullagh claimed the 54-hole men’s club championship – albeit in a playoff with defending champion Paul Morton.

Richie McCullagh Going into the final round, McCullagh (81-75) held a one-shot advantage over Morton (81-76), however, Sean Morris (78-75) was the tournament leader.

Morton fired a two-over par 73, McCullagh a 74 and Morris slipped out of contention with a 78.

In the playoff, McCullagh and Morton both parred the first hole and then bogeyed the ninth.

They went back to the first hole and McCullagh hit his ball in the trees while Morton was in the centre of the fairway.

McCullagh advanced his ball to just short of the green while Morton hit his ball to within six metres of the hole.

Incredibly, McCullagh holed his chip shot leaving Morton to hole his lengthy putt to continue to playoff.

He missed and McCullagh claimed the title.

In the B grade, Ron Carr was too strong for the field winning by 12 shots while in C grade Jake Birch came back from a three-shot deficit with two holes to play to finish birdie, par to win by one shot from Alan Frost.

The women’s championship turned out to be a mother/daughter affair.

Mum Deb Mackenroth finished on top when she defeated daughter Melissa Mason by a single stroke.

For the latest in Performance Golf and Active Wear

Luxurious Fabrics Mag Cool Moisture Control Available online now goodstartpolos.com 50

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in for the perfect swing L

et’s be honest, we all need a little help from time to time. Whether your A-game just needs a few minor tweaks—or your B- or C-games require complete overhaul—help is just a phone call away.

In Australia, there are golf schools and academies from east to west and from north to south. Golf schools are popular with all levels of golfers because you

can hone your skills under the strict supervision of some of the best teaching professionals. A golf school is the perfect environment to learn to drive the ball consistently well, play successful bunker shots, chip and putt. Hey, these expert teaching professionals will even teach you how to think your way around the course.

Unleash your potential with TrackMan at Bayview Golf Club BAYVIEW Golf Club on the Northern Beaches has invested and just completed a state-of-the-art Indoor Golf Performance Centre, featuring the world-famous TrackMan system.

It’s exciting news for members and any keen golfers who want to take advantage of this latest technology to support their passion for improving and enjoying their golf on and off the course.

TrackMan is the No 1 swing path and ball flight monitor device in the world. TrackMan gives hard data on your swing and resulting ball flight. The advantage for every golfer is that the numbers are generated and correct for you – your coach can then assist you with confidence to improve your technique or equipment with the advantage of getting instant results.

“Bayview Golf Club now increases its appeal to a larger audience of golfers by bringing the precision and convenience of modern technology,” says Club Professional Neil Rolfe.

The Performance Centre will be available 7 days a week for lessons on TrackMan, club fittings by certified PGA Professionals,

distance gapping sessions, and virtual golf rounds. Being a 7, 5 or 3 Day member of Bayview Golf Club now has the added advantage of practice sessions in TrackMan included in your membership entitlements.

Bayview members will be able to utilize the Performance centre at a reduced rate. 7 day members receive 2 complimentary sessions in the performance centre, while each 5 or 3 day member receives one complimentary session to try out this great new facility.

TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) certified Assistant PGA Professional Jenny Schulenburg will be conducting screenings with a local physiotherapist and will run 3-hour game improvement sessions. It’s a great new way to support each individual’s physical and technical needs to get the most enjoyment out of their game.

TPI Certification has given Jenny a deep understanding of how the body’s strengths and weaknesses affect the golf swing. With her knowledge she can quickly identify any physical restrictions that may be limiting a player’s swing and provide simple techniques to improve these limitations.

MoSS Vale Golf club iS a

Golfer’s Paradise

Jenny also heads up the ‘Swing into Golf ‘Program – the only ladies beginner program on the Northern beaches that includes coaching with a certified PGA professional twice a week.

Pricing for members and non-members in the golf simulator is: Junior members $5 per ½ hr, Members $25 per ½ hr or $40 per hr, Non-members $50 per ½ hr or $95 per hr.

Golf lesson $125 per hr with Neil or Jenny.

Twilight golf after 3pm is FREE for kids with any paying adult.

Bayview Golf Club PGA Professionals Jenny Schulenburg and Neil Rolfe

FOR MORE INFORMATION BAYVIEW GOLF CLUB 1825 Pittwater Rd Mona Vale 2103 Phone: 02 99993078 (pro shop) Website: www.bayviewgolfclub.com.au Email: proshop@bayviewgolfclub.com.au www.facebook.com/bayviewpro/

2 Day Golf School at MoSS Vale Golf club Receive expert tuition in all facets of the game, while staying on course at the beautiful Dormie House.

SUMMER Golf PaCkaGE $250 per night for 2 people includes daily: Breakfast, Accommodation, $50 credit towards dinner, 18 holes*

Package Includes: • 3 Nights accommodation • 3 Dinners • Professional Tuition

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

*Offer based on 2 persons per room in a standard room. Minimum 2 night stay, mid-week only.

Valid 1st December 2016 to 28th February 2017.

Dates: 23rd – 26th November 2016, 18th – 21st January 2017, 22nd – 25th February 2017, 8th – 11th March 2017

For bookings at these exclusive rates quote Inside Golf

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

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

Bookings through Dormie House phone: (02) 4868 1800

*Group sizes are limited to 8 people

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

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Concord quality on show at its Golf Performance and Club Fitting Centre Using video and Launch Monitor technology with twin cameras, your swing can be analysed to identify the effect swing changes will have on your game.

high-speed-camera-supported swing analysis, which will pinpoint the strengths and opportunities in their game. With ball flight projection and clubhead tracking, this allows in-depth examination of their swings.

CONCORD Golf Club has been the flag bearer of major championship golf events in Sydney’s inner west since being established 117 years ago, so it is fitting that it now is the pacesetter in golf training centres in the region.

The Golf Performance and Club Fitting Centre at Concord is a practically designed yet high-technology dedicated facility for beginners and advanced players and caters for golfers of all ages.

The high standards maintained at the top quality private club, which have been evident in its staging of 15 major professional men’s and women’s championships, are prominent in the Golf Performance and Club Fitting Centre at Concord.

At the course where Greg Norman won three NSW Opens, Ian Baker-Finch, Wayne

Grady and Craig Parry won Australian PGA titles, Peter Lonard won an ANZ Tour Championship and Laura Davies a women’s Australian Open, you should expect something special, and the GPCFC delivers.

Bringing high-tech training and golf simulation to the inner-west of Sydney, the GPCFC caters for golfers of all ages who aspire to improve their swing.

The professional staff on hand offer lessons to Concord members and non-members, utilising the latest training aids to benefit beginner-to-advanced golfers.

The facility incorporates advanced video analysis of players’ golf-swing dynamics and coaching while they hit balls in real time on the practice range and in a simulator environment.

Instantaneous feedback is given by the

1 FUNdamentals

5-8 years Term - 9 weeks 45 minute classes $220

2

PLAY 9-11 years 90 minute classes $340

3

TRAIN 12-14 years Term - 9 weeks 90 minute classes $340

HIGH 4 PERFORMANCE 15-17 years Term - 9 weeks 90 minute classes $340

Considered among the elite of coaching teams in Sydney, the coaching staff at Concord Golf Club—Adrian Welsford, Cherie Alison, Mark Alison and Ken Trimble—offer one-on-one training sessions for junior and mature golfers at all skill levels, as well as community based golfing programs, including golf development lessons for juniors and women beginners.

The GPCFC features undercover hitting bays for the practice range and an indoor SAM Putt Lab to allow practice in all weather conditions.

The facility is only accessible upon booking a golf lesson with one of Concord’s coaching professionals.

A GC2 Launch Monitor – Golf Training Simulator in the GPCFC studio is the perfect place for golf training with no outside distractions and expert one-on-one tuition with a PGA Professional, and is suitable for beginners to Tour Players.

Precision Golf your one stop shop to game improvement offers not only a team of 5 coaching professionals headed up by Ray Hawkins - a veteran of coaching both here and in the U.S - but also a Club Fitting team ensuring the right head and shaft combination to fit your game!

The GC2 launch monitor can measure and record backspin, sidespin, launch angle, total spin, swing speed, ball speed, total distance, carry distance and dispersion. This is done through an ultra-high-speed smart camera system that directly measures the movement of the dimple patterns on the surface of the ball in flight.

SAM Putt Lab is an analysis and golf training system based on accurate ultrasound measurements. The system analyses the 28 most important parameters of your putting stroke.

It displays the results in easy-to-understand graphical reports with suggestions for improvement.

Each GPFCF client will receive a video recording of their lesson and detailed reports to help improve their game – that’s Concord’s renowned championship quality shining through.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Concord Golf Club 190 Majors Bay Rd Concord NSW (Entry via Flavelle St) Phone: (02) 9743 6111 Website: www.concordgolfclub.com.au Email: info@concordgolfclub.com.au

Take advantage of our $99 1 hour introductory video analysis lesson

4 Large indoor bays with access to a variety of technologies - Flightscope (a state of the art measurement technology AND a superior Club Fit tool), Swing Catalyst, E6 Software, Swing guru and Swing byte allow the staff to tailor your session to fit your needs Lessons run from beginners through to professionals

For details & bookings T: 07 5596 0404 E: info@kdvsport.com KDV Sport, Corner of Chisholm & Nerang-Broadbeach Road Carrara QLD 4211 www.kdvsport.com

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Precision Golf is open 7 days a week for lessons, club fittings, individual and corporate entertainment and functions, as well as driving range practice sessions 7am-10pm Weekdays and 8am-6pm Weekends All Junior Golfers receive Junior Program wrist band & hat for skill & fitness grading as well as a free small bucket of balls daily throughout the term.

Visit www.precisiongolf.com.au Email ray@precisiongolf.com.au Call us (02) 9417 7704 or drop into 354 Eastern Valley Way Chatswood

KDV Sport a game changer for juniors on the Gold Coast Accredited and highly respected PGA professional and Junior Development Coach Joel Mercieca has developed a junior golf programme that supports physical growth and development to improve and maximise golfing technique and ability. This programme ensures fun is paramount while providing proven solid training blocks for maximum physical and golf improvement.

All golfers benefit at The Richard Mercer Golf Academy at The Vintage The Richard Mercer Golf Academy at the Hunter Valley’s Vintage Golf Club offers a state-of-theart facility, including an indoor/ outdoor hitting bay, video and FlightScope. Golf lessons and schools are available for all levels of golfer, from beginners/juniors through to Tour professionals.

A great way to maximise your game and enjoyment are one-, two- and three-day golf schools at The Academy (with accommodation packages at the 5-star Chateau Elan). Packages and lessons are tailored to each individual and his/her specific needs on the course.

The mission at KDV Sport is to provide junior golfers with the highest level of golf coaching and physical training possible based on proven techniques in the field of Long Term Athlete Development.

Based on the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) junior golf performance programme, this structured and detailed 4-phase programme develops students from 5-17 years : the Fundamental Phase ( 5-8 years), Play Phase ( 9-11 years), Training Phase ( 9-14 years ), and the High Performance Phase (15-17 years).

This programme is designed to take a student through the various training blocks to maximise physical and golfing ability and strives to develop tomorrow’s champions by implementing a world-class Long Term Athletic Development programme.

FOR MORE INFORMATION KDV Sport Nerang-Broadbeach Road Carrara Queensland 4211 Phone: 07 55960404 Website: www.kdvsport.com Email: joel@kdvsport.com ---Joel Mercieca

One student writes, “Just wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ for a really great three days working on my golf. It was really valuable for me being able to focus on my grip, setup and address, swing, etc for a full three days, rather than just a short lesson, which can only ever achieve so much. I’ll be at the range tomorrow practising and am keen to build everything I learnt into my game!! I enjoyed your company as well”.

Tuition ranges from $75.00 for ½ hour lesson, or $435.00 per person for a oneday golf school.

A member of the PGA of Australia since 1978, Richard played on the Australian,

European and Asian Tours (including qualifying and playing in the 1984 British Open at St. Andrews). Since leaving the Tour, Richard has been Head Golf Professional at several golf clubs throughout NSW and has designed and built golf courses in the Hunter Valley (Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club) and Harrington Waters. He is now the Head Teaching Professional at The Vintage Golf Club.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Richard Mercer Golf The Vintage Golf Club, Vintage Drive, Pokolbin NSW 2320 Phone: 0429 001 611 Website: www.richardmercergolf.com.au Email: rs.mercer@gmail.com

New, state of the art Golf Performance and Fitting Centre offering high-tech golf training from beginners to advanced players with golf simulator and putting lab has opened at Concord GC PGA Staff offer Golf lessons to both members and non-members The Golf Performance & Fitting Centre also has undercover hitting bays onto the driving range and an indoor putt lab to allow practice in all weather conditions For Lessons and Fittings please call the Golf Shop on (02) 9743 6111

Concord Golf Club 190 Majors Bay Rd Concord (Entry via Flavelle St) Phone: (02) 9743 6111 W: www.concordgolfclub.com.au E: info@concordgolfclub.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

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Boost your game with Thornleigh Golf Centre’s Top-Rated Coaching Team WHEN PGA pro Steve Aisbett designed and established his multi-million dollar Thornleigh Golf Centre in Sydney’s north west in 2012 he knew he needed Australia’s most comprehensive and best PGA coaching team to service the nation’s newest academy.

Clients at golf academies the world over come in all shapes, sizes, ages, gender and abilities and Aisbett has marshalled a top quality team of eight PGA coaches (the largest at any facility in Australia) to cater for them all.

From rank beginners to elite players, golfers of all levels can improve any part of their game – whether it be by way of oldschool traditional methods, problem-solving tips on swing corrections, the latest computerised TrackMan program, or short-game and putting tips, Thornleigh has the pro for you.

Headed by the masterly AAA- rated PGA trio of Aisbett (coaching for 33 years), Allan May (42 years) and Ian Passwell (49 years)—an amazing combined tally of 124 years’ experience as PGA coaches—the Thornleigh team has every age group and golf swing angle covered.

“You can’t beat experience, especially dealing with people who have limited movement, injuries or just senior years . . . we can relate to that,” Aisbett says.

The top-rated younger members of the TGC PGA team are: Peter Hayhoe, Jason Wood, Grant Kenny, Barry Morgan and Tristan Morey.

The Thornleigh Golf Centre coaching program offers a broad selection of lesson options, including individual and group lessons, clinics for beginners, ladies and juniors, and fun holiday programs for juniors. Importantly, all lessons are under cover, so it doesn’t matter what the weather is, the lesson will be on.

The TGC modern-as-a-minute driving range—which uses topgrade balls –has dedicated swing analysis rooms allowing the professionals to integrate video analysis with on-range practice to get the most out of your lesson.

The team at Thornleigh also make use of the high-tech TrackMan ball flight monitoring system.

“With all TrackMan lessons, you get to see the ball flight, which is imperative to learning. If you don’t get feedback from your

ball flight, you won’t learn. To really make some changes you need to see and understand the TrackMan numbers and see what they do to your ball flight, then you can transfer that to the course, and understand how to hit, say, that high draw over the trees to make that par-5 reachable,” Aisbett says.

Whether firing from the cool top deck to a mass of lasermeasured targets across the TGC practice range or using the ground floor automatic tees, which provide ball set-ups to whatever height you prefer, golf practice is fun at Thornleigh.

Uniquely, lessons at TGC are available until 9pm every day and all over the weekend – a service not available anywhere else in Australia.

And when your practice session ends there is a modern café which boasts that it has “the best coffee of any golf facility in Australia”. Along with a wide variety of drinks and delicious snacks it always has the latest edition of Inside Golf magazine and provides Foxtel Sport on a big TV. FOR MORE INFORMATION Thornleigh Golf Centre Brickpit Park, 142-178 Pennant Hills Rd (entry from Dartford Rd) Thornleigh Phone: (02) 9875 5445 Website: www.thornleighgolfcentre.com.au

UNLEASH your potential with TRACKMAN at Bayview Golf Club!

• Sensational new facility just opened at Bayview GC delighting members and golfers across the Northern Beaches • The Performance Centre is available 7 days a week for Trackman lessons, Club Fitting, distance gapping sessions and virtual golf rounds - all run by PGA professionals Neil Rolfe and Jen Schulenberg • Check out our membership opportunities - being a 7, 5 or 3 day member includes practice sessions with Trackman • Jenny also runs the highly successful ‘Swing into Golf’ beginners program for ladies (see website for details) • Twilight golf after 3pm is FREE for Kids playing with any paying adult

See you at Bayview!

Bayview Golf Club | 1825 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale Pro Shop: (02) 9999 3078 www.bayviewgolfclub.com.au proshop@bayviewgolfclub.com.au FB: bayviewpro

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Accuracy is key at Precision Golf Learn in style at the picturesque Moss Vale Golf Club Moss Vale Golf Club is regarded as one of the prettiest and challenging courses in country NSW and while you are only 90 minutes’ drive from the Sydney CBD, you will feel like you’re a world away in the relaxed and peaceful Southern Highlands.

The environment is the perfect location to work on all aspects of your golf game, especially during their 2-Day Golf School, where up to 8 friends can hone their skills while staying at the beautiful Dormie House on course.

Moss Vale Golf Club also has four Getaway Golf School packages scheduled in the coming months: 23-26 November, 18-21 January ’17, 22-25 Feb, and 8-11 March.

“It is always great to know that we are offering what golfers want,” says Michelle Muscat - Manager of Dormie House. “The number of groups that come to stay year after year, is really gratifying. It’s great to be able to see familiar faces and they just pick up where they left off last time.

“We aim to have something new to surprise them with. This year we have the Shotz Indoor Golf Simulators in the clubhouse, where guests can hone their game or challenge one another playing any of 100 different courses until 10pm.

Also the revamped full-length driving

range is proving really popular for lessons and a quick practice before embarking on 18 holes of golf.

Back at Dormie House, guests invariably gather for drinks, at the Sports Bar or in front of the fireplace, before enjoying a meal, in-house at the restaurant. The Golf School packages each include three dinners, three buffet breakfasts, Morning tea and Lunch on two days, as well as three nights’ accommodation and Golf tuition.

A flood-lit tennis court and billiards table cater for those guests wanting to mix up the activities. There are endless walks through the countryside or the option to explore the shops and antiques wandering through the beautiful villages nearby.

Dormie House in conjunction with Moss Vale Golf Club look forward to hosting your stay while offering advanced coaching service from their Certified PGA Professional Davyd Reeves.

Costs are: $699 p/p twin share or $799 single.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Dormie House - Moss Vale Golf Club Arthur Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577 Phone: (02) 4868 1800 Website: www.dormiehouse.com.au

Precision Golf has the most technologically advanced teaching, club fitting and indoor golf studio in Australia.

Advanced technology allows the team at Precision Golf to pinpoint problem areas in your game. They aim to then offer simple fixes for maximum results. They incorporate the newest and up-to-date technology for golf lessons, clubfitting and entertainment (from everyday use, to party and corporate bookings).

With the ultra-high-tech 3D swing analysis, Precision Golf provides you with the latest Worldwide Technology to improve your game. Their Flightscope 3D Launch monitor is the most accurate launch monitor in the world, not only helping you and your instructor analyse every aspect of your swing,

but as a clubfitting tool it also ensures that you’ll find the right clubs for your game.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Precision Golf Shop 101 354 Eastern Valley Way Chatswood, NSW, 2067 Phone: (02) 9417 7704 Website: www.precisiongolf.com.au Email: ray@precisiongolf.com.au Would you like to see your club or golf school included in a future Inside Golf feature? Then have your General Manager or Marketing Manager contact us for details.

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

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

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new gear

>NEW GEAR Cobra Golf KING F7 and KING F7 One-Length Irons

The KING F7 irons incorporate COBRA’s patented TECFLO technology to deliver a set that utilises advanced cavity construction to optimise the performance characteristics of each iron. A new PWRSHELL face introduces a thinner face and sole structure that increases the Sweet Zone and delivers distance, precision and forgiveness. TECHFLO along with a new Thin, Optimized and Personalized polymer medallion badge allows the CG to be moved lower to create even more distance and forgiveness. Additionally, CNC milling improves groove structures in these irons to deliver maximum spin and trajectory control.

A full hollow design with PWRSHELL face insert in the long irons (3-5) delivers low CG with a responsive face for easier to hit, highflying long irons. In the mid irons (6-7), a half hollow design combined with PWRSHELL technology delivers optimal CG for more precise, easy-to-hit clubs. The scoring irons (8-PW) utilize a traditional cavity back design with wedge spaced grooves for added spin and more control to attack the pins.

BOOK REVIEW The Peter Thomson Five BETTER known as a foreign correspondent, political editor and Walkley Award winner, “golf tragic” Tony Walker has penned The Peter Thomson Five – A Golfing Legend’s Greatest Triumphs.

The Peter Thomson Five is an excellent book that relives Thomson’s five remarkable Open Championship triumphs and reflects on a diverse career … amateur and professional golfer, course designer, journalist and commentator.

In the opening chapter of the book, Walker reveals Thomson’s first ever golf club was a left-handed hickory-shafted cleek (one iron).

It was 1942 and Thomson, 13, made the best of his antique club until it broke.

The alternative was an eclectic mix of hand-me-down right-handed clubs made up of cleeks, brassies, spoons and niblicks.

Thomson reversed his stance and was on his way, although when he played cricket he took his stance as a left-hander.

Early on, South African great Booby Locke took him under his wing or “exploited him as an exhibition partner”.

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The men’s KING F7 ONE LENGTH irons make their debut as COBRA’s first ever single-length iron set. Inspired by the brand’s relationship with rising PGA TOUR star, Bryson DeChambeau, KING F7 ONE utilizes a similar construction as the KING F7. However, the KING F7 ONE features constant length irons that have been reengineered for 7-iron length and weighting throughout the set. In fact, COBRA’s research shows that across the board players testing KING F7 ONE irons improved in accuracy, with tighter distance and dispersion variation from shot-to-shot.

RRP: $149pi steel RRP: $169pi graphite

But it was Norman von Nida that arguably had the biggest influence on Thomson’s career.

When Thomson was still in his teens, golf writer Don Lawrence quoted The Von. “That boy (Thomson) is the best golfer this country has had. He is better than Harry Williams, better than Jim Ferrier … and,” added von Nida, “he’s better than me.”

The book reveals how Thomson became a student of Ben Hogan’s unhurried methodical play, his Open duels with Locke, Gary Player, Hogan, et al.

Thomson won the first of his five Claret Jugs in 1954.

“It was a great year for me, the year I became only the third golfer in history to win the British Open and the Match Play championship in the same year,” Thomson revealed in the book.

“I was a made-man at last.”

Like Thomson, Walker doesn’t miss a beat with this book, which is littered with wonderful photographs spanning Thomson’s amazing journey.

www.insidegolf.com.au/gear

Powakaddy’s FW7s

The all new Powakaddy Freeway range of electric buggies is here, offering the ultimate in cutting-edge design. The top of the range FW7s is packed with technology, featuring a full colour 3.5” widescreen display, built in calorie counter, distance measurement function, a new powerful near silent 230 watt motor – all backed by a 3 year warranty. The FW7s comes standard with Downhill Braking (EBS), which provides 3 levels of progressive braking, and an Automatic Distance Function of 0–50 meters.

Powakaddy TOUCH

An exciting addition to the Powakaddy lineup is the TOUCH, with patented Touch ‘N’ Go technology. Fundamentally different, intuitive and simple to use, the Touch automatically changes pace when you change yours. The best way to use it is not to think – simply Touch ‘n’ Go. Rest your hand on the comfortable soft touch handle grip, start walking and the TOUCH will respond to your walking speed.

Completing the exciting line up is the entry level FW3, featuring great performance and reliability, and the FW5, with technological advancements including Digital Power Gauge, Battery Fuel Indicator and Automatic Distance Function.

With a focus on efficiency and style, every Powakaddy electric buggy features a high performance, low profile PowaFrame Chassis, the thinnest lithium battery on the market with 20% more staying power and cuttingedge technology that ensures your battery discharges less during each round of golf.

For sales enquiries contact ELK Golf: 03 9795 1743 www.powakaddy.com.au

For sales enquiries contact ELK Golf: 03 9795 1743 www.powakaddy.com.au

Milford SL-7 SingleLength Irons

available with graphite shafts in L, A and R flex and with stainless steel shafts in R and S flex.

New to the market in Australia, these irons have been specifically developed to simplify the game and make it more enjoyable for golfers of all abilities.

RRP: Set (4 iron-PW): $499 (steel) $549 (Graphite) Contact Fred Stewart on 0412 563 977 fred@milfordgolf.com.au

The SL-7 irons are all the same length, that of a 7-iron, and swing weight matched.

They enable you to have the same set-up, stance, ball position and swing plane for all irons. Grappling with uncomfortable, long shafted irons is a thing of the past.

The core set is 4-iron-PW, with LW, SW and GW also available. Milford SL-7 irons are

GEAR NEWS Baddeley signs with PING Four-time PGA Tour winner Aaron Baddeley, whose most recent victory came in July with a PING G LS Tec driver and G 3-wood, has signed an agreement to play PING equipment.

Baddeley, 35, had five top 10’s in the 2015-16 season and has amassed 43 top 10’s since turning pro in 2000. He has earned more than $19 million in prize money.

“Aaron has shown a great deal of talent over the years, he has a positive attitude, and he has a home in Scottsdale so we’ve gotten a chance to know him and his family,” Solheim said.

Baddeley said he is well-acquainted with PING clubs and the company’s tour reps. “I’m thrilled to be representing a brand that enjoys the reputation it does. I know from first-hand experience how good PING equipment is, and I’m excited to be part of the PING family.

This feels like a really good step in my career and I’m extremely motivated for the upcoming season to continue the success I enjoyed last season. With PING clubs I have a lot of confidence I can do that.”

As part of a multi-year agreement, Baddeley will wear a PING hat, carry a PING staff bag and play a minimum of 11 PING clubs, including a PING driver and PING putter. At the Safeway Open, in addition to the G LS Tec driver and G 3-wood, he’ll make his PING debut with iBlade irons and a PING prototype putter.

Financial terms and the length of the agreement were not disclosed.

new gear

www.insidegolf.com.au/gear

WE TRIED IT!>

this one felt “just right”. It was quick off the face, extremely workable and produced a sweet ball flight that simply zipped through the air. Similar to the Hot Metal, our mishits suffered very little in terms of distance and direction, but when we hit it pure...oh wow! Also, the shorter irons, from 8-GW, are more compact, allowing for extra precision in those all-important short game shots. Our approaches had heaps of control, and plenty of zip when the ball hit the greens. In short, these irons are spectacular.

Mizuno JPX900 Iron family Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

Finally, we tested the JPX900 Tour. This is the player’s club. The iron for those of you with the skills that the rest of us only dream about.

Irons for every level of player Last month, we tried (and loved!) the Mizuno JPX900 Driver, calling it one of the best drivers we’ve ever tested (it was so good, in fact, that we actually BOUGHT one and put it immediately in our bag as our new “Gamer”.

See our website for the review).

This month, the excitement (and quality) carries over as we review the family of irons: The JPX900 Tour, JPX900 Forged and the JPX900 Hot Metal. Each of these iron sets features different attributes, giving golfers of all levels something to choose from.

First off the tee (er, fairway) was the JPX900 Hot Metal, which features Mizuno’s newest

material, Chromoly 4140M. This versatile new material allows engineers to construct a thinner face (for big distance) but also remains soft and bendable in the hosel for precise lie angle adjustments (for better clubfitting and customisation.)

From the first hit, this club felt amazing.

There was plenty of pop off the face, and the ball simply took off. It felt almost impossible to mis-hit this iron, as even the shots from closer to the toe or heel still felt great. And the distances we achieved were truly epic.

This club absolutely LAUNCHES the ball. The Chromoly material feels soft when hit, with a pleasing “click” on impact. Overall, it’s a great distance iron, with plenty of

forgiveness. You’ll just have to get used to hitting the ball a really long way!

Next up was the JPX900 Forged. The use of Boron-infused steel results in a “soft-feeling” forged iron that lead to higher ball speeds (and distance). The club also boasts a “milled pocket”, which according to the engineers “enhances energy transfer over a wider impact area without compromising on feel”.

Regardless of all the tech-talk, to us mere mortals, this club is simply a standout. This is the set that could comfortably fit in most players’ bags, as it can benefit both the Tour player AND the average marker. Like Goldilocks testing out the three bears’ beds,

Powerful, solid and stable, this club is pure performance. With a satin finish, compact face and tapered sole, it produces crisp ballstriking, complete workability and precise control. It features a clean and slender look at address, amazing balance throughout the swing, and an ultra-satisfying sound at impact...the way a club is supposed to sound.

In the hands of an experienced golfer, the JPX900 Tour can feel like a magic wand, with pinpoint accuracy and intense trajectory control all within easy reach. It’s pure dynamite.

All told, the “family” of JPX900 irons were an absolute pleasure to hit. If you’re considering a new set of clubs, be sure to keep these in the mix. www.mizuno.com.au RRP: JPX900 HOT METAL: $199.00 per iron (4-LW, right and left-handed) JPX900 FORGED: $239.00 per iron (4-GW, right and left-handed) JPX900 TOUR: $239.00 per iron (3-PW, right-handed only)

WE TRIED IT!>

Concourse Golf CBM3 Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

It’s not a buggy – it’s a golf bag “mobiliser” Over the years, we’ve tried a variety of different types of golf buggies. And whether you call it a buggy, cart, trolley, trundle or any host of other names, they are all relatively similar in shape; with anything from two to four wheels, and a variety of collapsible configurations and features.

But at the end of the day, the one common aspect of these vehicles is that they are all standalone units; requiring extra space for storage, as well as additional set-up/packup steps before and after a round of golf.

And as we all know, space can be a premium, especially if you have a small car or limited storage space at home.

That’s why we were really keen to try out the new Concourse Golf “Compact Bag Mobiliser” (CBM), which may simply be the most compact “buggy-type device” we’ve ever seen.

We call it a “buggy-type device” because, to be honest, the CBM3 is unlike any golf buggy 58

November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

on the market. The most remarkable aspect of this device is that the frame stays attached to your bag, even when you pack it away in the car. After detaching the wheels (which come off as easy as anything, with a simple push of the buttons), the handle simply folds down and clicks into place, staying on your bag as you pop it into the car (though you could take the frame off quickly and easily, should you wish.)

On the course, it is a marvel of balance and smoothness. While I personally lay claim to having one of the heaviest golf bags in the industry (it’s always chock-full of different gear and gadgets), the CBM3 made it feel as light as a feather as I gently pushed it around a variety of courses.

Constructed of high-grade diecast aluminium, and weighing a little over 4kg, the CBM3 can fit onto just about any golf bag on the market (to test this, we even tried it out on an old 1940s-era golf bag during one of our Hickory Golf days, and it fit like a glove). Best of all, it takes hardly any time to set-up or pack-up, as it’s deadsimple to extend or retract. One of the nice features of the CBM3 is that all three wheels can be stored in their own bag (the

two main wheels cleverly click together for storage), which helps keep your car clean and tidy.

Design Award. If you’re looking for an ultracompact golf buggy (er, mobiliser!) then be sure to check this one out!

Overall, we really love the Concourse CBM3.

It is truly a “next generation” type of product, and worthy of their recent 2016 International

The CBM3 is now available online at www.concoursegolf.com or in selected retailers at a RRP of $495.00

ECAR Australasia Pty Ltd

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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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FREE Delivery within Mainland Australia – the free delivery of the Golfers Super Special is to the closest freight depot for collection in all mainland capital cities and most major towns. Exclusions are the Northern Territory, FNQ and all areas outside of Perth in Western Australia. Please call for freight costs for those areas.

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

NSW Dealers

ECAR Commercial Contact: Graham Janson Ph: 0488 166 993 Golf Carts Sydney Contact: Rhys Hillsdon Ph: 0401 974 952

VIC Dealers

Metallic Blue

WA Dealers

Ace Golf Cars 116 Hattam Street, Bendigo, VIC 3550 Contact: Craig Ph: (03) 4416 2303

Golf Car World 4/52 Hector Street Osbourne Park, WA 6017 Ph: (08) 9244 1727

Augusta Golf Cars - Melbourne 399 Lower Dandenong Road Dingley Village, VIC 3172 Ph: (03) 9558 1211

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

ECAR Australasia Pty Ltd

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instruction

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Set up for success with chipping and bunker shots

This photo shows Mandy setting up too far forward towards the target and her hips back towards her right foot. Incorrect.

David Merriman Golf Professional, Australian PGA 0412 44 2205

G

ood chip shots and bunker shots are very easily achieved when you have the correct set-up and good divot control. It may surprise you to learn there is very little difference between a standard chip shot and a bunker shot. As with many golf shots, perfecting the set-up will achieve great results.

When playing a standard chip shot the ball is in the middle of your stance and your weight is favouring your left hand side. The

Mandy demonstrates correct set up position which allows the club to come from inside down the line.

correct way to get your weight onto your left side is to push your hips slightly towards the target with your chin slightly behind your belly button at the address position. Your head is a fraction behind the golf ball and your hands are slightly in front with the shaft of the club pointing towards your left hip (for right handers). When playing the chip shot, the divot will start as you make contact with the golf ball, which means the divot starts in the middle of your stance.

Playing a bunker shot is very similar to a chip shot. The main difference being that the ball position should be off your left heel and not in the middle of your stance and your club face will be slightly open. Your stance will also be slightly more open to allow for the open club face. When playing this shot your divot should start in the same

place as your chip shot, in other words, the middle of your stance. Your club will hit the sand before the ball and means you need to make a bigger swing and longer follow through.

To make it simple, think of the ball being at the start of your divot in a chip shot and in the middle of your divot in a bunker shot.

If you practice making the divot in the same spot for each shot you will require very little change and develop more consistent shot making.

In the photo above, Mandy is demonstrating a common set-up error. To get her weight on her left side she moves her head forward instead of moving her hips towards the target line and keeping her head back. In this position her downswing will be

Cobram barooga Family

Golf TournamenT

In this photo the white line indicates the start of the divot for chip shots. The second ball to the right indicates where the ball should be for bunker shots. outside in or over the top coming into the ball and her divot will be going left of the target. The result will be a pulled slice and loss of power. By working on a proper set-up this will encourage the club to stay on plane and swing down the target creating more consistent ball flight.

For more information on how to play better golf contact your local PGA member or contact me at Royal Pines Golf Course on the Gold Coast.

A three-time winner of the Queensland PGA Legends championship held at Redland Bay Golf Club, David Merriman is an Australian PGA Tour Player and Teaching Professional at Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast. Contact him on 0412 44 22 05. www.davidmerrimangolf.com.au

Join us this summer at Cobram Barooga for the first Cobram Barooga Accommodation Group Family Golf Tournament. Enjoy a 2 day event at one of the Murray’s finest courses and have some fun with the whole family.

Plenty of other activities for the rest of the family to enjoy as well.

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd January 2017 Cost is $90pp For all enquires regards the tournament and accommodation please email:

cobrambarooga@gmail.com

El Sierra Motel 60

Barooga Country Inn

November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

River Gums Motor Inn

Cobram Colonial Motor Inn

instruction

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The Laser Aim Test for better putting

Glenn Whittle glenn@whittlegolf.com (02) 9541 4960

S

ince moving the Sydney Putting Studio to PureForm Golf in Alexandria I have been fortunate to spend a lot of time with clients using the new laser alignment technology. Although I have always known how important alignment is (especially on short putts), it has been reinforced just how important it is.

hole the higher your expectations are to hole the putt, and also the more important the read, aim, starting line and speed all are.

The laser aim test I have been using allows the player to align the putter face as they normally would, then I repeatedly remove the ball and the laser that sits above the hole reflects off the putter face back onto the black backboard seen in the photo.

I have been impressed with the results and feedback from a number of clients after only one or two sessions. A number of them have reported a 50% improvement from short range in their club competitions.

The simple fact is, the closer you get to the

There are also a number of lasers that you

can buy and use by attaching to the shaft of the putter to do some training at home, but from my experience self diagnosis is often dangerous.

Next time you are having a practice putt before a Club Comp, ask your friend to have a quick look and tell you whether they think you are aiming where you are intending. If they tell you that your alignment is way off, give me a call so we can work together to ensure that your consistency on short putts improves and your scores go down.

Another benefit of the indoor studio is I can use my Puttlab system to check the player’s stroke mechanics and prescribe a number of simple drills that they can do at home.

Glenn Whittle operates the Sydney Putting Studio every second Friday at PureForm Golf (62 O’Riordon St, Alexandria). Whether you need to find out if your putter is right for you, or you need help with your routine, set up or stroke mechanics, Glenn is the best person to see. For more information visit www. sydneyputtingstudio.com, email glenn@ whittlegolf.com.au or phone 0439165750 Glenn is operating the Sydney Putting Studio on the following Fridays from 7am to 1pm: November 4 &18 - December 2 &16.

PLAY NOOSA.

Noosa’s only 18-hole championship course set in a nature reserve.

Pay $50 for the first round and get 20% off your second round.

Call us on 07 5447 1407 or go to noosagolf.com.au

46 Cooroy Noosa Rd Tewantin Qld

NGC0019 InsideGolf_250mmx130mm Play Hastings 50_20.indd 2

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11/07/15 4:22 PM

junior instruction

brought to you

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Putting…it’s all in the ‘Y’ Jamie McCallum

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

I

f you’ve been following my tips over the past few months and practicing using some of the fun games provided, you will be hitting the ball well enough to reach the green.

Putting is the stroke technique used when the ball is on the green. The aim is to hit the ball so that it rolls along the ground and into the hole. For many golfers, this is the hardest part of the game. The good news is that many kids find this the easiest part as the stroke required is the simplest.

CLUB You use a special club called a putter when on the green. The putter is usually the shortest club and has a flat face.

GRIP The grip is similar as for the full swing with the thumbs facing down the grip, putter held in the fingers with a light strength grip.

STANCE & BALL POSITION Your feet should be shoulder width apart, with a slight bend in your knees and upper body bending forward slightly at the hips. The ball is positioned just forward of centre in your stance, your head slightly bent forward and your eyes over the ball. The shaft of the putter and your arms should make a Y shape. (Pic 1) CLUB ALIGNMENT AND AIM Many putters have a line on the top which helps you aim the putter when you place it behind the ball. The face or front of the putter must be facing towards your intended target.

1

2

SWING The swing for a putt is a smaller swing like a grandfather clock pendulum weight, going “back and forth”. As the swing is small your wrists don’t bend and you keep the Y shape throughout your stroke. (Pic 2 & 3) DISTANCE CONTROL Aside from hitting the ball in the right direction, the other critical element for good putting is hitting the ball the correct distance. You want to hit the ball hard enough so it makes it to the hole and hopefully in. However if you miss to either side of the hole, you want the ball to stop very close to the hole to make your next putt very simple. The correct speed of putts takes lots of practice.

UNDERSTANDING BREAK Greens on most golf courses are not flat. That means that the golf ball will move either to the right or the left as it rolls across the green towards the hole. This will mean that you need to adjust where you aim your putt. The more severe the

Play Club Taree Golf Course – a Mid NorTh CoasT GeM

slope, the more distance to the side of the hole you will need to aim your putt.

GAMES TO PLAY AND PRACTICE YOUR PUTTING A fantastic game you can play with your family and friends which tests and improves your putting is called “Through The Gates”. You can see how to play this by watching a video I made at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W0Jnj43lOc 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

SINGLE LENGTH IRONS

NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA Is this you?

$49

Benefits of Milford single-length irons?

$40

• Championship Golf Course

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Club Taree | 121 Wingham Road | Taree NSW 2430 P (02) 6539 4000 or 0417 417811 | F (02) 65394001 E: sison@clubtaree.com.au | W: www.clubtaree.com.au

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• Wish all your irons were as easy to hit as your 7 iron?

• Despair when hitting longer irons?

• Frustrated with lack of consistency in your iron play?

• Longing for an easier way to play the game?

JOIN THE MOVE TO MILFORD SINGLE LENGTH IRONS

(18 holes of golf, shared cart hire plus your choice of lunch & drink on our “Golf Menu” located at our Main Bar)

November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

3

PW - 4 iron stainless steel shafts $469 PW - 4 iron graphite shafts $499

• 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

fitness

The Pallof Press for strength and stability

rotation, which is being restricted, but rather preventing the torso from flexing as it rotates. This is crucial for maintaining posture during the golf swing and protecting the low back.

Richard Nizielski richard@golffitsolutions.com 0438 027 768

To perform this exercise:

T

he Mid-section of the body is the conduit for power to move from the lower body through to the upper body and ultimately to the club head. As we have mentioned before, this requires both strength and stability in the torso. The Pallof press exercise is one exercise, which will assist in developing a strong stable midsection.

First described by physical therapist John Pallof, this exercise is predominantly an anti-rotational exercise, which may seem the complete opposite to what is required for golf. However, it’s not so much the

1. Connect a single handle to the cable, and position the cable pulley at mid-chest to shoulder height.

2. Standing side on to the cable pulley, hold the handle with both hands and position yourself so you are away from the tower, so there is tension in the cable.

3. Stand in an athletic posture, with your feet positioned hip-width apart and knees slightly bent, holding the cable to the middle of your chest.

4. Engage the deep torso muscles and glute muscles.

5. Keeping the hips and shoulders in a

stable, neutral position, press the cable away from your chest, fully extending both arms.

Extending the arms out straight creates a greater rotation force that the hips and trunk must resist.

6. Hold the repetition for several seconds before returning to the starting position (Be sure the neck and shoulders are relaxed throughout the movement).

Once you have finished a set on one side, repeat the exercise facing the other direction.

the base rather than attempt to increase the weight too quickly.

Maintain a neutral posture (hips and shoulders parallel to the ground and spine upright) throughout the exercise. This exercise may also be modified using different stances, such as a lunge stance, staggered foot or lunge squat stance.

Whichever stance posture you use, be sure to aim for control and stability first, then add challenge by adding resistance.

Points to consider: It is possible to do this exercise with resistance bands. As with the cable machine, secure the band at mid-chest to shoulder. If needed, start this exercise with a wider base (i.e. the feet further than hip width apart) to get the feel of the stability required for the control needed and then narrow the stance from there. It is more preferable to narrow

Richard Nizielski is a Brisbane-based golf fitness expert and the Director of Golf Fit Solutions.

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

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63

mental game

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Taking care of business – why a golf course makes a great boardroom When I do an initial on-course assessment with clients, within two or three holes I pretty much know what I’m working with.

As a rule of thumb, I tend not to work with adults with a bad attitude, although there is the odd exception that understands that improving their character will improve their performance.

Nick Sutherland

nick@stateofmindhealth.com.au

F

or years, industry leaders, politicians and businessmen have all chosen to make deals that have helped shape the world out on the golf course and it got me thinking……why is this?

I once met a man who advised never to become friends with a person until you had played 18 holes with them, as then you will have a much greater insight into their true nature. Same goes for making deals I suppose – would you want to get into business with someone who is snapping clubs, hurling abuse or losing their temper?

I imagine not. By putting them under a magnifying glass, you will be in a much stronger position to know whom you are potentially working with.

Sport in general (but more specifically golf I believe) is the ultimate character revealer.

There was even a debate on the radio recently about the difference in attitude between tennis and golf stars of similar ages. Golf won out because there is a code of conduct that is passed down to kids who play the game; it turns out that the course is a better classroom than the court.

An example of this in action happened the other day – I was practicing on course and caught up to a group of three teenage boys.

One of them was screaming at the top of his lungs when he hit a poor shot and carrying on like he had just been shot. I walked up

So, take some time to think about how you would be perceived by others while you’re out playing. What kind of role model are you? How do your actions and behaviour make those around you feel? What are you passing on to those around you – are you causing a positive or negative ripple effect?

to them on the next tee and asked who was making all the commotion. Two of them looked embarrassed and the other tried to hide so there was no guessing who it was.

I asked him to look at his friends, how embarrassed they were, and then I told him to keep things in perspective. It’s just golf.

It’s not life and death, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t play well and it’s certainly not worth ruining a peaceful environment and making a clown of yourself.

I’m as competitive as the next bloke but I truly believe it’s more important to keep things in perspective and play in good spirits rather than being “that guy”.

I didn’t speak down to him or tell him he was an idiot; I just shared with him what was once shared with me. He clearly didn’t know how else to behave so I took the opportunity to educate him. To his credit, he listened and adjusted his attitude and I didn’t hear so much as a groan from him for the rest of the round.

Happy golfing.

Nick Sutherland is a psychotherapist and performance consultant based out of Moonah Links Golf Academy on the Mornington Peninsula. Nick specialises in helping golfers of all abilities to take their game to the next level by improving their mental performance.

Nick has worked with Olympic and World Championship winning athletes, AFL players, Hall of Fame triathletes and professional golfers to achieve their goals and he can help you too. For an free assessment and phone consultation call 0448 339 662 or email contact@nicksutherland.com.au

Back in the clubhouse I complimented him on his actions and he thanked me for taking the time to talk to him. He said his game improved on the back-9 and he left feeling like he enjoyed himself. The game of golf was the real teacher that day.

Australian Open...for kids The inaugural U.S. Kids Golf Australian Open Tournament is creating a storm of excitement across the globe as the world’s elite Junior golfers sign up to come to Australia.

“The tournament has attracted huge interest from Australians as well as from overseas,” says Kevin Wallis of U.S. Kids Golf Australia. “We’ve had entries from the U.S., Mexico, Malaysia, New Zealand and even Paraguay.”

To compete in the event, which will be held at Moore Park Golf on the 19th and 20th of January 2017, kids aged between 5 and 18 from over 52 countries have either been invited or can apply for entry based on their golfing achievements to date.

The event is expected to attract a field of 150 kids.

“Australia has never seen a junior golf tournament on this scale, and the fact that it will be an annual event is enormously exciting,” Wallis says.

“Ultimately we are about expanding the reach of junior golf at a grass roots level in Australia by giving kids the opportunity to learn the game in a fun and supportive environment. It’s a bonus that we can also offer an elite pathway that includes prestigious international events for those kids that are seeking a future in the game.”

The U.S. Kids Golf Australian Open will sit alongside other U.S. Kids Golf International Tournaments including the European Championship, The British Kids Championship, The Canadian Invitational and the Venice Open.

They all offer a pathway to the penultimate event in junior golf – the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships held at Pinehurst, USA, every August.

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Allan Bull: the ‘Yips Whisperer’ afflicted to varying degrees, there are quite few methods of “treating and modifying the condition”

Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

“For some right-handed players it simply involves placing less reliance on the right hand, by either learning to putt cross-handed (left hand low) or by adopting ‘The Claw’ grip,” Bull says.

A

LLAN Bull has been coaching at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney and internationally for more than 30 years, but when he began his PGA career he could never have imagined he would be helping people who suffer from the medical condition focal dystonia.

“Many others find relief by using longer putters and it seems the only solution for anyone who has The Yips in both hands.

When it appears beyond a medical facility and on a golf course, focal dystonia loses its fancy label and is widely known as The Yips – a neurological dysfunction which disrupts putting and can force even champion golfers to give up the game.

Bull is a highly respected PGA teaching professional who has coached many top players including Taiwan’s former world number one Yani Tseng, whose game he helped develop when he was the National Coach of Taiwan.

However, while he has no medical qualifications, Bull for many years has been widely recognised in golf as the best putting “doctor” – or a “Yips Whisperer” of sorts – not so much by curing The Yips, but finding ways to pacify the problem.

Bull makes no claims that he has “a cure for The Yips”. However, what he does maintain is that with many afflicted golfers – of all standards – there are ways to treat the condition.

Strangely, a common starting point that Bull has found with some clients, who have consulted him over the years to help them with “putting problems”, is to convince them and demonstrate that they actually are yipping.

“I’m disappointed that the anchoring ban was introduced to apply to club golfers because it has disrupted a lot of older golfers’ games”.

About 16 years ago researchers from the esteemed U.S. Mayo Clinic published a major study of The Yips and it revealed that between 33 and 48 per cent of better golfers had the problem and that it costs the average yipper 4.7 strokes per round.

Claw Grip can help: Allan Bull shows how to use the Claw Grip.

“Some golfers definitely are in serious denial that they have The Yips and have to be made to realise that is their problem,” Bull says.

“The Yips” simplistically manifest as involuntary wrist spasms that occur most commonly when golfers are trying to putt from within about 150 cm from the hole.

“They do not discriminate between amateur and professional golfers, but are more common with older golfers who play a lot and off low handicaps.

“The most common symptom associated with The Yips is an involuntary muscle jerk, although I have found some clients

The problem is not a modern phenomenon with the six-times British Open winner Harry Vardon writing early last century in his biography of “a tremble which would cause his right hand to jump involuntarily”.

Bull measures his success by being able to “just keep players in the game and enjoying their golf”. One of his most satisfying examples involved a long-term friend – a single-figure handicapper at The Lakes course in Sydney. He declared during one round – after yipping a three-metre putt off the green and into a lake – that it sadly would be his last game of golf.

Other famous players who suffered late in their careers were Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Johnny Miller and Tom Watson. Bernhard Langer had The Yips at age 18 and overcame the spasmodic problem long-term by eventually adopting the long putter.

“I was able to convince him there were several “anti-yip” methods we could try and I’m delighted to say today he is still playing off single figures, using ‘The Claw Grip’ method and averaging about 34 putts a round.” •

Bull, who has extensively researched The Yips, says once players accept that they are

Contact Allan Bull at: allan.bull@golfdirector.com.au

experience tremors, twitches, spasms or simply freeze over the putt.”

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Club pro joins Manly’s PGA stars with historic hickory win Bill Colhoun ed@insidegolf.com.au

P

GA professional Phil Baird added yet another unique entry into the long and colourful history of Sydney’s famous Manly Golf Club by winning the Australian Hickory Shaft Championship at Carnarvon in September.

Baird, the Director of Golf at Manly for the past 10 years, with his win became the fifth professional national championship winner in the club’s proud 113-year history.

He follows in the famous footsteps of four of Australia’s greatest professionals – Dan Soutar, Joe Kirkwood, Jim Ferrier and Ossie Pickworth – all of whom teed off their ultimate PGA golf careers at Manly, winning eight Australian Opens between them.

While Baird’s win in the 22nd staging of the Australian Golf Heritage Society’s 18-hole colourful period-dress championship pales in significance alongside the many titles won by Manly’s famous PGA quartet, it magnificently ties into the historic aura of the club.

The Australian Hickory Shaft Championship competitors this year had to use clubs made at least 88 years ago – which would have matched the weapons often used by Soutar, Kirkwood, Ferrier and Pickworth when they played at Manly early last century.

And Baird can stand tall in that the

five-over-par 77, that he shot to win the 2016 title by a shot from defending champion Darron Watt, an amateur from Wagga, compares well with the 307 four-rounds total it took Charlie Campbell to win the 1920 Australian Open at Royal Sydney.

Only three of the 28 players who teed it up at Carnarvon broke 80 with Baird on 77, Watt on 78 and Alan Grieve, the 2013 and 2014 champion, shooting 79, but five players were in contention for most of the round.

Grieve, the winner of the U.S. Hickory Championship in 2011 and the Australian title in 2012 and 2014, set a cracking pace with two birdies in the first five holes (at the third and the fifth) to be one-under after five.

However he fell back and after nine holes, only six shots covered the best seven scorers.

Baird and Grieve led on 38 by a shot from Watt and Lachie Wilson with Rob Downie and Richard Manning on 42, and a 30-years-plus Carnarvon member Stephen Fletcher on 44.

Watt parred the first five holes coming home to lead Baird by one, Wilson by two and Grieve, who double-bogeyed the 12th, by three.

was the winner with a net 70 score to win by five from Baird, Watt and Grieve.

It is fitting that the 50-year-old Baird is the Hickory champion, because he has been a passionate golf historian and memorabilia collector, since he began his PGA traineeship with Dave Mercer at Killara Golf Club 34 years ago.

He instituted the recovery and archiving of many historic items when elected to the Board of the PGA of Australia several years ago and has immersed himself in helping to preserve Manly’s colourful past. This has included unearthing and preserving the actual course record cards of 10-under 62 returned by Jim Ferrier (in 1936) and Jack Nicklaus (in 1971).

Baird was delighted during the renovation of Manly’s layout in 2012 to help identify Ossie Pickworth as the mysterious sculpture of a golfer on the course which now bears a suitable plaque. As the result of publicity over the find, Pickworth’s son Bill visited Manly and now a famous set of his father’s clubs grace the clubhouse.

However over the final four holes it was Baird, one of only two professionals in the field, who was steadiest with three pars and a bogey, against Watt’s three bogeys and a par.

Since seriously taking up Hickory golf about three years ago Baird has been compiling a mixed set of old clubs to suit his game with the expert assistance of Melbourne hickory clubs expert restorer Ross Baker.

In the handicap competition, Wilson a 12-handicap Wagga City clubmate of Watt’s,

A close friend of Australia’s former world champion Hickory golfer Perry Somers, the

Australian Hickory champion, Phil Baird (Photo: Steve Doorey, AGHS).

2010 and 2011 national titleholder now based in Germany, Baird hopes to play major hickory golf events in Europe and the U.S. in the next few years.

With his daughter Brianna this year attaining a U.S. college golf scholarship in UNOH, University of North Western Ohio, Baird is keen to co-ordinate a visit to see her with his playing in the U.S. Open Hickory Championship.

In that plan he has a Manly Golf Club precedent to follow in that both Manly legends Jim Ferrier and Joe Kirkwood, settled in the U.S. and became early PGA Tour stars. • More: www.australiangolfheritage.org.au

Juniors go for gold in Kalgoorlie

T

he Goldfields Golf Club of KalgoorlieBoulder has successfully presented the fifth annual STAR MART - Goldfields Junior Desert Open. A field of 78 players representing 19 different golf clubs (many of whom travelled from Perth and from as far as Port Hedland, Bunbury, Margaret River and Manjimup for the event), played 36 holes of stroke over the 4th & 5th of October.

The competition was played under sunny skies, with the wind being the only challenging element. However this did not affect the play and all players enjoyed the unique Graham Marsh-designed Kalgoorlie Golf Course which was presented in excellent condition.

The Gross Champion Girl, Sasha Hofman (Gosnells GC) with scores of 75+77= 152 and Gross Champion Boy, Connor McKinney (Joondalup CC) 70+78=148 were worthy recipients of the Kalgoorlie Gold Nuggets on offer.

Hofman was a three-stroke winner over Alysha Ahnanthakrishnan (Mt Lawley GC), on 155. Scoring in the Boys Open was hot on the first day; eventual Champion Connor McKinney (Joondalup CC) posted a 2-under 70 in the first round. McKinney was 5-under through 13 holes. However a double-bogey on 14 and a bogey on 17, kept the field in the event. Last year’s runner-up Kynan Holt (Goldfields GC) carded a first round 71 and a further stroke back was 2015 champion Connor Fewkes (Goldfields GC).

However, McKinney held his nerve in windy conditions to defeat Fewkes by 1 stroke. Two round totals: McKinney 70+78= 148, Fewkes 72+77=149.

Ruby Fry (Mt Lawley GC) 70+72=142 was the Girls Overall Nett Winner and Zac Caulfield (Joondalup CC) 63+69=132 was the Boy’s Overall Nett Winner.

Other results were; Boys 16 to 18 Gross: Connor Fewkes (Goldfields GC) 72+77=149, Jose De Sousa (Gosnells GC) 75+76=151 Nett: Ashton Godfrey (Royal Perth GC) 74+72=146, John Boulton (Lakelands CC) 77+71=148 Boys 14 & 15 Gross: Josh Greer (Joondalup CC) 73+77=150, Josh Herrero (MandurahCC) 78+81=159 Nett: Mitchell Gane (Goldfields GC) 62+81=143, Les Casserly (Royal Perth GC) 76+71=147 Boys 13 & Under Gross: Joe Teasedale (Royal Fremantle GC) 79+89=168, Tewi Webb (Gosnells GC) 82+87=169 Nett: Tommy McSkimming (MelvilleGlades GC) 74+71=145, Gary Abraham (Gosnells GC) 68+78=146 Girls 16 to 18 Gross: Allysha Ahnanthakrishnan (Mt Lawley GC) 76+79=155

Connor Fewkes Girls 14 & 15 Gross: Alice Chang (Mt Lawley GC) 74+87=161, Not Awarded Nett: Eve Cohen (Mt Lawley GC) 74+81=155, Ella Harris (Goldfields GC) 76+88=164 Girls 13 & Under Gross: Deryn Evans (Gosnells GC) 99+95=194, Jorja Hinson Tolchard (Gosnells GC) 105+99=204 Nett: Alexandra Clinch-Hoycard (Goldfields GC) 79+69=148, Taylah Hall (Bunbury GC) 80+79=159 The Goldfields Golf Club Junior Sub Committee would like to thank STAR MART, all players, parents, sponsors, volunteers and GolfWA for making this event a success.

Ella Harris www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

67

senior amateurs

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South Australian Senior Amateur Championship

SENIOR Amateur WRAP With Denis Dale

In another comprehensive display, Australia’s number one senior golfer, Greg Rhodes proved far too good for the field, winning by ten strokes with a 54 hole total of 223 at Victor Harbor Golf Club. After opening with rounds of 76 and 75 Rhodes improved in the final round with an even par 72 that included a back nine of three under par.

ed@insidegolf.com.au

NATIONAL

Grange/Kooyonga Senior Open

R

ound one at Grange West and the field of 87 seniors were greeted with a sunny day, mid-teens temperature and without the strong winds that were present earlier in the week. The course was presented in very good condition with championship pin positions on some very slick but true greens.

Australia’s leading senior golfer Greg Rhodes fired rounds of 74-73 to win by ten strokes, making it back-to-back titles as he had also won this same tournament in 2015.

NSW visitor Graham Beasley continued his run of good form firing a second round of 76

Greg Rhodes – winner of the 2016 Grange Kooyonga Classic and the 2016 South Australian Senior Amateur Championship. to follow his opening 81 to finish in a tie for second place with fellow NSW player Lester Peterson (80-77).

NSW senior Jacqui Morgan fired three consistent rounds of 81-77-79 to record a comfortable win in the Women’s Senior Amateur Championship and add another title to her vast cabinet of major titles. She defeated Juliet Hugo by seven strokes

Super senior Eric Lane also showed some of the younger players that age is not a barrier firing a lovely second round of 76.

The best nett went to popular Scone player, Ross Banks. The Banks’ had a double celebration with Lyn Banks winning the best

NSW

Magenta Shores Seniors The 2016 Magenta Shores Senior Amateur was played on a beautiful spring day. The course was in fine condition although the lack of water while a new large dam is constructed did mean the greens were very firm.

Newcastle Seniors The Newcastle Senior Amateur is a much anticipated event as it provides the opportunity to play on a championship course that is regularly rated inside Australia’s top twenty.

The 2016 winner was local member Steve Docherty on a countback from another local member Les Oliver. Both shot a respectable score of 75. Third place went to Geoff Shute from Dunheved on 76.

The Over 65’s was won by an “up and coming” old senior, Greg Stanford from Mona Vale with a score of 79.

The Nett event was won by Newcastle Club Captain Michael Coughlan with a great nett score of 68. The runner up was Michael Gray from Magenta Shores on 71.

Thanks to the naming rights Sponsor of the Day “Sparke Helmore”, with further thanks to associate sponsors Pin High clothing and Newcastle member David Dunlop for their assistance.

Wyong Seniors Wyong Golf Club presented a glorious day and a fabulous golf course given the recent rain.

The winner on the day was Toronto senior Michael Musgrave with a good round of 75.

Second place went to Wyong legend Jack Parker on 77 The Nett event was won by local Member Russell Bunn.

The Over 65’s was won by Long Reef’s Ross Bockman with a round of 79. Following a break recovering from illness it was good to see “Bocko” back, fit and firing well again.

2016 Shelly Beach Senior Amateur winner – Ken Brewer.

Second place at Shelly Beach was shared

by Ian Cowper from Bankstown and Mick Stephens from Eastlakes with rounds of 76.

Cowper won the senior handicap event with his nett round of 72.

Port Kembla Seniors A cool day with fluctuating winds didn’t deter a good field that enjoyed the Port Kembla Golf Club for this year’s senior amateur.

Third place went to Toronto visitor Michael Musgrave on 76 with Grange member Ward Hummerston taking home fourth prize with a round of 78.

The major net prizes also went to local golfers Norman Huntley and Paul Cable. Both recorded excellent net rounds of 68. The Over 65’s section went to Denis Dale (Twin Creeks) with a round of 78.

Prize winners 2016 Magenta Shores Senior Amateur – Michael Gray, Denis Dale, Gary Batman, Sam Quagliata.

Liverpool Seniors A large field of 70 senior golfers teed up for the playing of the 2016 Liverpool Senior Amateur.

Monash Senior Masters 2016 Port Kembla Seniors Winner and Runner Up - Neil Bartley and Rod McBride.

Australia has announced the Australian team to contest the 2016 Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur Championship to be played at the Alabang Country Club, Muntinlupa City, The Philippines in November.

Played over 54-holes stroke play, the championship comprises an individual event and a prestigious team event in conjunction.

The six-man team to contest the event in 2016 is Greg Rhodes (Vic), Gordon Claney (Vic), Steve Toyne (QLD), Ian Frost (Vic), Peter Hannah (QLD) and Stefan Albinski (NSW).

Victorians Greg Rhodes and Gordon Claney make the trip as clearly the top two senior golfers in Australia. Rhodes won the Australian Senior Amateur Championship in 2015 while Claney was the winner in 2014.

Brewer’s winning score was a five over par round of 77. This gave him a one stroke margin over Dale Tapper from Bayview and Douglas Cullam. One stroke further away on a score of 79 were Denis Dale (Twin Creeks), Rod Payne (Grange), Gary O’Brien (Port Kembla) and Denis Day (Penrith).

Other prize winners on the day included the well-known and very popular Monash member Tom Winter with a net score of 70 from his handicap of 84. www.golfnsw.org

QLD PresCare Senior Order

of Merit Update Gailes Seniors

Winner Men Scratch: Leigh Madsen 73 Runner Up Men Scratch: Danny Bates 75 Winner Men Nett: Ray Harvey 40 points Runner Up Men Nett: David Bowtell 35 points ocb Winner Ladies Nett: Helen Gray 35 points

Long Reef’s Geoff Cranfield won the 55-59 division with a round of 77 with Day easily winning the 60-69 division. Local member Peter McGregor won the Over 70’s section with a good round of 80.

Brewer returned a round of two over par 73 on the testing layout that was set up close to its hardest with the tees and pins in championship positions.

Australia’s Senior Asia Pacific Team Named

The day at Gailes Golf Club started out looking quite threatening but after a few sprinkles the players were presented with a typical beautiful Brisbane winter’s day.

The major handicap prize went to another Liverpool member Sang Jin with a net score of 70 from his handicap of 21.

The Shelly Beach course was in great condition with the fairways very good and the firm greens providing a stern but fair putting test.

November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Runner up was Liverpool senior Gary Batman with a round of 80. Batman finished a stroke ahead of local member Douglas Maiden and Sam Quagliata from Liverpool.

Quagliata certainly enjoyed his day that used a shotgun start - he commenced his round with a par, a birdie and then a hole in one!

The winner on a countback was local member Paul Barry who finished with a very good round of two over par 74. He defeated Penrith senior Denis Day who also finished with a round of 74.

Concord senior golfer Ken Brewer has been in excellent form recently and he continued this with a convincing win from a small field in the 2016 Shelly Beach Seniors.

68

The 2016 overall winner was Twin Creeks senior Denis Dale with his round of 77. Dale parred the opening nine but then dropped a few shots on some of the testing holes on the closing nine. He was the only golfer to finish with a score under 80.

The winner on the day with a round of one under par 71 was Port Kembla member Neil Bartley. He defeated fellow club member Rod McBride who had also recorded a good score of 73.

Shelly Beach Seniors

Brewer has now won the Cabramatta, Carnarvon and Shelly Beach senior events in the space of a few weeks.

NSW Senior David Gleeson and Queenslander Steve Toyne tied for second place on 233 ahead of another NSW senior Geoff Cranfield who finished fourth on 237.

nett in the SA Senior Women’s Championship.

Congratulations to Ross and Lyn Banks on achieving a very rare double victory.

Concord senior Ken Brewer continued his run of success with a one-stroke win in the 2016 Monash Senior Masters.

Keperra Seniors The 2016 Keperra Seniors was played on a wonderfully conditioned course and with a very pleasant day. The field of 76 enjoyed the course and the keen competition on one of Brisbane’s best.

Winner Men Scratch: Brett Kinninmont 74 ocb Runner Up Men Scratch: Peter Hannah 74 Winner Men Nett: Larry Pumpa 39 points ocb Runner Up Men Nett: Reg Spillane 39 points Winner Ladies Scratch: Di Paez 33 points Winner Ladies Nett: Cheryl Sternberg 84

Maroochy River Seniors The Maroochy River PresCare Seniors attracted a field of 58 players and they once again were presented with an excellent golf course. It was a little windy but all agreed the Maroochy River course is one to play again and again.

Winner Men Scratch: Ian Watkins 78 Runner Up Men Scratch: Paranjit Singh 80 ocb Winner Men Nett: Adrian Leach 38 points ocb Runner Up Men Nett: Eric Frew 38 points Winner Ladies Scratch: June Wills 89 Winner Ladies Nett: Elaine Sandow 33 points

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ardiners VIC GRun Seniors

O

ver 60 players made their way to Lilydale for the 2016 Gardiners Run Senior Amateur. Gentle winds and minimal rain were a relief as inclement weather had hit the course in recent days.

70 for a 36-hole total of 143. Trailing Allen was Stephen McConville, the 15 marker from Centenary Park in second position and Wayne Phillips (Gardiners Run) a further shot back on 145.

In the women’s section, Helen Pascoe (Buninyong) finished with 55 Scratch Stableford points to win by 7 points from Heather Harley (Kooringal on 48 points.

Bryce Birtwistle (Sandhurst) certainly enjoyed the softer course as he claimed the Senior Amateur title with a great round of two under par 70.

Birtwistle is a regular on the ‘Bachli Tour’ and commented on how much he liked the greens. “I was amazed at how good the greens were” Birtwistle stated.

Sue Lush (Eastern) claimed the women’s scratch event in a well-represented field. Sue fired a score of 25 scratch Stableford points which included an impressive birdie on the 11th.

In the men’s nett, it was Guy Krall who edged out three others on a countback with a net score of 69.

The 2017 Gardiners Run Senior Amateur will change format and dates, with the event to be played over 36 holes from Thursday 23Friday 24 February 2017.

Sandhurst Seniors It was a nail-biting finish in all sections in the second and final round of the 2016 Sandhurst Senior Amateur.

Gordon Claney (Kingston Heath) capitalised on his overnight share of the lead to take home the title by three shots from friendly rival Ian Frost (Rich River). In perfect conditions on the challenging Champions Course, Claney carded a 1 over 73 for a two round total of 147 to claim victory.

Howlong member Allen Brown had a narrow single shot win in the nett section.

The 10 marker carded rounds of nett 73 and

YOUR BLUE MOUNTAINS parmaker OUTLET

Major prize winners 2016 Lang Lang Senior Amateur – Guy Krall, Mario Dubusson-Perrine, Lee Andrews, Heather Harley.

Lang Lang Seniors Guy Krall (The National) and Heather Harley made the most of soft conditions and light winds to win their respective titles at the 2016 Lang Lang Senior Amateur.

A field of 63 took to the well-manicured course, located just outside the town of Koo Wee Rup. Krall fired four over par round of 74 to clinch the title by two shots from fellow National member, Tony Briers. Krall continues his consistent form featuring in the prizes at his last few events.

The final round of the 2016 Northern Senior Amateur saw 49 seniors tackle the popular Northern Golf Club layout. After 15 mm of rain fell overnight, players faced a damp layout but fortunately the weather improved into a mostly sunny morning.

After the first day’s play, pre-tournament favourites Helen Pascoe (Buninyong) and Ian Frost (Rich River) had established leads in the Men’s and Women’s Stroke Championships.

Pascoe had opened with a good round of 31 scratch Stableford points and Frost an impressive even par 72.

Frost would go on to successfully defend his 2015 championship after a final round 77.

This was enough to give the current Doug Bachli Senior Order of Merit champion a three-shot win. Rob Wallace finished runnerup after two solid rounds of 75 and 77.

In the Men’s nett event, Sandhurst member Wayne Aigner fired a strong nett final round of 69 to take the prize with a two round total of 143. Local Northern member Brian Smith finished runner-up just one shot away on 144.

Helen Pascoe was crowned the Women’s Northern Senior Amateur champion for 2016 with a fine two round total of 60 gross Stableford points. Local Northern member Colleen Potter finished runner-up.

In the Women’s nett event, Kooringal’s Heather Harley took out the top prize with a two round Stableford total of 60 points. Tina Cowie (Tambo Valley) finished runner-up with a total of 49 points.

Mario Dubuisson-Perrine (Cranbourne) carded the best nett score with a round of 69. Runner Up was Patterson River member Kerry Boehm who was a further shot back.

Heather Harley (Kooringal) easily won the scratch with a Stableford score of 21. Local member Lee Andrews produced the best handicap Stableford score with her round of 34 points.

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Bendigo Seniors Ian Frost continued on his winning way in claiming back-to-back Bendigo Senior Amateur titles. Favourable scoring conditions greeted the field with the Bendigo layout remaining soft with only a light breeze emerging as the day progressed.

After an opening round of 75 Frost showed his liking for the Bendigo course with a closing two under par round of 70 to win by two strokes. It was a case of history repeating, with overnight leader and 2015 Bendigo Senior Amateur runner-up Ken O’Brien (Rossdale) finishing second to Frost again after good rounds of 73-74.

In the Men’s nett championship, interstate visitor Matt Ferguson took a liking to the Bendigo layout finishing with a blistering two round nett total of 139. In second place was local James Dalton who finished runner-up on 144.

In the Women’s nett championship, Lyn Bennett (Gosnells) took top honours with a two-round total of 70 Stableford points defeating Kooringal’s Debbie Gorin.

Glenys Ferguson (Waneroo) ensured three of the four available major prizes were taken home by West Australian visitors. She won the Women’s Bendigo Senior Amateur crown with 55 gross Stableford points. Heather Harley (Kooringal) finished runner-up with 52 points. www.golfvic.org.au

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Major prize winners 2016 Bendigo Senior Amateur – Ian Frost, Lyn Bennett, Glenys Ferguson, Matt Ferguson.

Ian Frost - winner of the 2016 Bendigo Senior Amateur.

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golf new south wales

Lyle accepts NSW Open invite

J

arrod Lyle has accepted an invitation to play in this year’s NSW Open, 10-13 November at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club.

The big Victorian, who overcame his second bout of Leukaemia in 2013, is out to re-establish himself as one of the stars of Australian Golf, and is looking forward to the upcoming summer.

“I love playing at home and I’m excited about the upcoming Aussie summer of Golf,” Lyle said.

Lyle, who also dedicates a lot of his time to support children and families who are battling cancer, was excited to be added to the field of the NSW Open, a tournament he has very fond memories of.

“My first ever pro event was the NSW Open at Liverpool Golf Club back in 2004. I think I finished fourth. Peter Lonard won it that year,” he said.

Lyle returned to tournament golf in 2014 after recovering from his second bout with Leukaemia. Unfortunately the challenge

of getting back to the level required to compete on the PGA Tour turned out to be much harder than he realised. His medical exemption only got him into a certain number of events and the inability to play tournaments on a frequent basis all took its toll.

After missing the cut in his last event for the 2015/16 season, and with a young family at home, he’s made the decision to call time on his nine-year career in the United States.

Due to the complications of his medical exemption on the U.S. Tour, Lyle had to limit the number of events he played on home soil, making things difficult for the 35-year old to hang onto his Australasian playing privileges. He has a number of tournament invites lined up in the next few months however, and remains hopeful of getting a few more.

“I am extremely proud of my two web.com tournament wins over there. I loved my time in America, but being a bit older and wiser I’m starting to look at things differently,”

“I was a bit handcuffed by the medical exemption. I had to be careful and couldn’t play many events at home last year. I’m thankful for the invites and hopefully I will get starts in the big events.”

“I decided to take a step back and re-assess what’s important and watching my girls grow up is where it’s at,” he said.

Lyle is yet to win a major tournament on home soil, and he’s quick to acknowledge that it’s something he’d like to change.

“I still feel like I can win tournaments. I want to be a golfer. The enjoyment is definitely still there and I want to go out every day and shoot the lowest score I possibly can.

Tournament golf has been a huge part of my life as both an amateur and a professional.”

“I don’t think my career would be complete without a victory at home.

I’ve been close on a few occasions and would love it to be able to hold up a tournament trophy here in Australia,” he laughed. •

NSW Men’s Fourball Championship – State Final Craig Holland and Mark Cerone (Richmond) took out the 2016 Men’s NSW Fourball Championship – State Final at Bonville Golf Resort with a score of +10. The Richmond pair won narrowly by a point from the young pairing of Clinton Shah and Mark Ghattas from Beverley Park, with third place going to the Goulburn pairing of Charlie McDonald and Wayne Phelps.

Holland and Cerone blitzed the field on day one with an exceptional round of +11 to lead Shah and Ghattas by five points, who also had a great score of +6. The Richmond and Beverley Park pairs fought out the Championship throughout day two, the Goulburn pairing of McDonald and Phelps finishing extremely well on a +8 total to finish third for the Championship.

Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: Graham Bramham, Ted Buchan, Tom Champion, John Cusack, Jackie Cush, Daniel Racine, Jill Roach, and Terry Roche.

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Come and walk the fairways with the players

November 10th – 13th, 2016 Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club For more information, visit www.nswopen.com

golf queensland

Berenice graduates, and becomes an addict “I can honestly say I could not imagine a better program for learning to play golf.”

Tony Durkin ed@insidegolf.com.au

Within 12 months of becoming a member Berenice won the club award for the greatest reduction in ladies B grade handicap – from 38 to 27.

T

he recently-launched Queensland Golf Foundation has specifically targeted prospective women golfers in its aim to invest in future golfers and to grow the game throughout Queensland.

But that is not her only claim to fame.

She has already had a hole-in-one, on the 169-metre par-3 11th hole at Brisbane Golf Club.

And in Brisbane Golf Club member Berenice Holmes, the Foundation has not only unearthed a successful graduate of Golf Queensland’s Ladies Let’s Golf program, but someone who has become a self-confessed golf addict.

“What made it special was that I was playing in a mixed event with my husband.

He was just as excited as I was, and I think a little proud too,” she said.

Remarkably, another member of that Ladies Let’s Golf program who joined BGC, Leanne James, has also since scored a hole-in-one.

“I’m right into golf. I love it,” said Berenice who joined The Brisbane Golf Club two years ago after she completed the Ladies Let’s Golf program.

Currently 15 clubs in south-east Queensland have endorsed and are running Ladies Let’s Golf programs, with more keen to start the program. And for each $5000 raised through donations to the Queensland Golf Foundation, 150 additional spots in those programs will be provided.

“Everything about the game, and the club, is great. The friendly rivalry, the camaraderie, the facilities, the staff and the variety of the competitions we play all combine to make playing golf a terrific social activity.”

Five of the six graduates from the same program as Berenice have subsequently joined the Brisbane Golf Club, and each has become a golfing regular. But Berenice, who plays three to four times a week, suspects she is probably the most fanatical.

Golf Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer, Lindsay Ellis, says Berenice Holmes and her fellow graduates from The Brisbane Golf Club program are an excellent example of how the game can be grown when the resources are available.

Always being a sporty type, Berenice had previously played competitive netball, soccer and basketball but in more recent years became interested in golf after playing some social rounds with her husband Michael and son Ash, who are also BGC members.

“The aim of the Ladies Let’s Golf program is not just to inspire new golfers to get started in the game, but to encourage returning golfers to refresh their skills,” he said.

“A couple of years ago Michael noticed that his club had started a Ladies Let’s Golf program, and he encouraged me to join,” she recalled.

Berenice Holmes celebrating her hole-in-one on the 11th hole at The Brisbane Golf Club

“Five other ladies and I joined the program, went through the various levels under a few different coaches and graduated as golfers. Although very challenging, almost immediately I became hooked. I loved that I was learning about the game and becoming a better player.

“But just as importantly it was fun. The coaches, in particular Joe Janison and Virginia Irwin, were wonderful communicators and made the lessons enjoyable, and the lady members at Brisbane were very patient with us when they helped out.

Not a member yet?

“As Berenice has emphasised, Ladies Let’s Golf delivers golf instruction in a fun, creative, interactive and friendly environment. The emphasis on participation and fun rather than technique sets this program apart from others.”

The initial Ladies Let’s Golf program includes free introductory 60-minute sessions which incorporate two golf skill aspects, an opportunity to meet with other like-minded women and to enjoy a casual relaxed atmosphere over morning or

afternoon tea. All equipment including golf balls, golf clubs, coaching and refreshments is provided free of charge.

These are followed by the Ladies Let’s Golf program level 1, with sessions designed for a novice golfer with little or no experience. The course consists of four weeks of 60-minute group clinics where participants will learn the basic skills of the swing, chipping, putting and pitching. Each week will focus on an individual aspect in greater detail.

The cost of the level 1 tuition is $99, and includes balls, clubs, coaching and a merchandise pack. It is not necessary to have completed the free introductory course to participate in Ladies Let’s Golf level 1.

The Queensland Golf Foundation is the fundraising arm of Golf Queensland, the peak body for amateur golf in Queensland, and was born out of the need to focus on participation and development of golf throughout the state.

The Queensland Golf Foundation’s fundraising partner is the Australia Sports Foundation. Donations are tax deductible and can be made either directly via www.asf. org.au or www.qldgolffoundation.org.au.

Ladies Let’s Golf celebrated at High Tea The Qld Golf Foundation has been out and about raising money at the GOLFMONTH Ladies High Tea at Indooroopilly Golf Club. Over 80 ladies attended the annual event hosted by Greg ‘Hinksy’ Hinks, with guest local artist Vanessa Perske and Olympian Julie McDonald. The function was held in conjunction with GOLFMONTH in October to grow the game and encourage more women to get involved.

JOIN NOW! WWW.JUNIORGOLFQUEENSLAND.ORG.AU www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

71

events

www.insidegolf.com.au/events

All eyes on inaugural Australian Open Mini Golf title

S

YDNEY’S Thornleigh Golf Centre will be in the national golf spotlight early this month when it stages the biggest putting championship in the nation’s history: the first Australian Open Mini-Golf Championship, presented by Coca-Cola Amatil and boasting up to $20,000 in prizemoney.

DEFENDING champion Celina Yuan had almost given up hope of back-to-back South Pacific Open titles after flopping in high winds on day two.

After opening the 54-hole event with a par round of 72, Yuan fell six strokes behind overnight leader Isabelle Taylor, a 16-yearold Gold Coast junior, going into the final round.

To be staged on Sunday November 6 at Thornleigh’s $1 million 36-holes Mini Golf layout, it is open to all golfers amateur, professional, male, female, young and old.

However, Yuan, a 17-year-old from The Australian in Sydney, fashioned a birdie on the final hole when she sank a snaking putt from eight metres to snatch an unlikely victory.

Registration has been limited to the first 400 entries and the event will feature a seeded draw for the 30 top entrants. Another 120 players will qualify for the final after 72 holes of strokeplay at 1pm. The final field will be cut after 36 holes, with the top 50 players (plus ties) going through for the final 36 holes.

In Mini Golf even the professionals will not have it all their own way with Australia’s Mini Golf Hole-in-One world record holder Allan Cox, a long-marker amateur predicted to be a top contender. Cox has played the U.S. Mini Golf Tour and has aced every hole at Thornleigh in practice.

And one of the world’s best mini-golf putters is a Czech woman, Olivia Prokopova.

In 2013, aged 18 and still at school, she won the three Mini-Golf Majors— the United States Open, the Master’s and the world championships — for an unprecedented triple crown in miniature golf.

Organisers emphasise that any amateur golfer of any standard, age or gender who fancy they can putt well should enter. The entry fee is $50 but for that you can practise as much as you like during the week before the championship proper is decided on Sunday November 6, so it’s a week of fun.

Whatever your age or gender: Anyone can win at Mini Golf The Thornleigh Golf Centre justly lays claim to having the best Mini-Golf facility in the Southern Hemisphere with two 18-hole courses – Palms and Billabong providing a variety of sophisticated challenges.

Owner Steve Aisbett inspected America’s best Mini-Golf centres before hiring New Jersey’s Harris Miniature Golf Courses Inc, which has designed and built more than 800 courses worldwide over the past 50-plus years. Rated the world’s leading Mini-Golf facility builders, HMGC installed the 36-hole astro-turfed facility at a cost of more than $1 million in 2014.

Mini-Golf is played by putting on holes which wind their way alongside rivers, across bridges, around ponds, waterfalls, bunkers

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Celina rallies to defend title

and other odd-angle hazards, which proves to be a great leveller. Mini-Golf courses are tricky, with variations in the elevation and angles of the greens, making putting skills more important than a good golf swing and luck.

Thornleigh Golf Centre, since opening in 2012, has set the benchmark for golf practice ranges across Australia with eight PGA pros on staff for lessons and providing the most modern TrackMan-dedicated video booth available and club fitting. Now with the staging of the first $20,000 Australian Open Mini-Golf Championship it has raised the bar even higher.

More: 02 98755445. www.thornleighgolfcentre.com.au

Yuan (72-79-69) finished a stroke clear of Gold Coast pair Taylor (70-75-76) and Karis Davidson (71-77-73) for her second successive Open at the 44th staging of the event at Surfers Paradise Golf Club.

“I thought after Tuesday’s second round I’d lost it for sure,” Yuan said.

“But I didn’t feel any pressure in the final round. All I tried to do was to have my best round – so I was pleased with the way I finished.”

Yuan was a stroke off the pace set by Davidson going up the par-five last hole, but her telling birdie, when Davidson made a bogey six, was the difference.

Yuan’s parents are Chinese but she was born in Cabramatta in Sydney where she is completing year-12 of a correspondence course.

She will travel to China soon for a big women’s event there but the main target now is the Ladies European Tour qualifying school in Morocco in December.

events

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Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic a hit!

T

he Seventh Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic was a huge success over the week of 2 to 7 October.

Over 290 players travelled from around Australia as well as Singapore, Korea, USA and New Zealand to play the four tournament courses in this year’s Golf Classic – Portsea, Sorrento, Moonah Links (Legends) and St Andrews Beach. Over 165 golfers played in their first Classic and for many, it was their first visit to the Mornington Peninsula – Australia’s #1 golfing destination.

Groups of golfers from clubs such as Cronulla, Hawks Nest, Gold Creek, Wakehurst, Shoalhaven Heads, Darwin, Rich River, Pacific and Keperra joined with other golfers to play in the graded tournament.

The Classic was officially opened on Sunday 2 October at the Rosebud Country Club at the Welcome BBQ Dinner attended by over 295 people. Fifteen golfers also received their “5 Year Participation” awards.

The Overall Men’s winner was Tony Sadler (31.2 handicap) from Yowani Country Club, with a score of 143 points. The Men’s runnerup, with a score of 141 points, was Duncan Maddinson (17.9 handicap), from Shoalhaven Heads. The Overall Women’s winner was Lyn Mayne (16.7 handicap) from Broken Hill Golf and Country Club with a score of 129 points.

The Women’s runner-up was Anne Martin (28.7) from Wakehurst, with a score of 128 points.

Other results were: Cooper Maddinson

A Grade Men’s Winner

132 points

Shoalhaven Heads

Paul Clarke

A Grade Men’s Runner-Up

132 points

Warrnambool

Cheree Brown

A Grade Women’s Winner

122 points

Gailes

Darelle Angel

A Grade Women’s Runner-Up

120 points

East Ballina

Peter Frueh

B Grade Men’s Winner

134 points

Riversdale

Michael Waddington

B Grade Men’s Runner-Up

132 points

Keperra

Karen Tremewen

B GradeWomen’sWinner

126 points

Heritage

Sylvia Sylvester

B GradeWomen’s Runner-Up

116 points

Moss Vale

The full results can be viewed at www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au

Mitchell captures blind golf open title The Bankstown Golf Club was the backdrop for the NSW Blind Golf Open Championship played in September.

Stephen Mitchell with Phil Canty as his caddie added the title to his Queensland Open title that he won in July. Stephen is in the B2 sight category and on a handicap of 25. He shot a nett 69 on Day 1 and 81 on Day 2.

Overall men’s winner Tony Sadler (centre) with Ross Perrett and Adam Hayes

Overall Women’s winner Lyn Mayne (left) and Pam McDermott

The winners received their prizes at the Presentation Dinner on the final night at The National Golf Club - a truly gourmet dinner and a great night attended by over 330 golfers, partners and guests.

Springs, as well as sampling the great cafés.

Some golfers were also keen enough to play other courses such as Rosebud Country Club, The Dunes and Moonah Links (Open) courses.

Mornington Peninsula Golf Tourism, the organisers of the Classic, greatly appreciated the support and prizes provided by Kosmea, Drummond Golf (Frankston), PNP Golf and many other golfing product suppliers.

Mornington Peninsula Brewery, Prancing Horse Estate, Portsea Estate, Paringa Estate, Yabby Lake, Underground Winemakers and Ocean 8 winery all donated prizes as did many of the Mornington Peninsula restaurants including Max’s, Epicurean and Volpino.

The windy cool weather was certainly a challenge on the first three days however the last day was fine and sunny with only a gentle breeze. Many golfers commented it was the best Classic yet and they will be back next year with even more golfing mates.

So make sure you “Save the Date” for 1 - 6 October 2017 and don’t miss out on playing in the Eight Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic!

Many golfers managed to also take in the other nearby Peninsula attractions by visiting a number of the wineries, Peninsula Hot

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To register your interest in next year’s Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic, send an email to info@golfmorningtonpeninsula. com.au with all your contact details.

David Blyth (VIC) (handicap 54), with Gary McInnes as his caddie, shot a combined nett 176 to win the B1 championship. Gary Sargent from NSW (handicap 34), with his wife Eileen as his caddie, shot a combined nett of 173 to win the B2 title. The B3 title went to David Wheatley (VIC) (handicap 35) with Peter North as his caddie, shooting a nett 180 over two rounds.

The winner of the best gross award was Rod Mills (NSW) (B3 handicap 29) with his brother Mike as his caddie, scoring 116 on Day 1 and 112 on Day 2. Jenny Abela from NSW (B2 – handicap 54) won the Ladies nett title with Steve Doyle and Kevin Munce as her caddies.

Blind golf is open to people of all ages and is a perfect avenue for those club golfers who are experiencing some sight loss to stay involved in our great game.

Blind golf has 3 sight categories; B1, B2 and B3 which relate to how much sight a player has. B1 players are totally blind.

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73

events

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Women’s Country Meeting decided

T

he 2016 Women’s Country Meeting was held over three days in September this year, Monday 5 at Shelly Beach, Tuesday 6 at Wyong and Thursday 8 at Magenta Shores. Kim Burke of Magenta Shores won the major prize, the Mabel McKenzie Cup. Kim had scores of 82 at Shelly Beach and 84 at Wyong, a total of 166 shots to secure her win by six.

Division One 36-Hole Prize Winners: Runner up in the scratch was Jodie Rockcliff from Coolangatta & Tweed Heads GC, with a total of 172, rounds of 83 at Shelly Beach and 89 at Wyong. Overall Nett, Una Clift Bowl Winner was Lynette McMurray from Everglades GC with 153 nett on countback.

Robyn Winter from Horizons also had a total nett score of 153 to win the 36-hole Nett Runner Up prize.

Division Two 36-Hole Prize Winners: Division Two winner of the Rose Payten Bowl was Rosalie Annecchini of Shelly Beach.

Scores of 100 at Shelly Beach and 101 at Wyong, a total scratch score of 201 secured her win by 2 shots. The Una Clift Bowl winner for Division 2 was Maclean’s Kim Moore with 156 nett. Runner up nett winner was Kerry Kidd from Duntryleague with a total of 159 nett.

Foursomes: The foursomes component of

the event was played at Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club which proved to be tough for the 176 players who endured the difficult layout of the course.

The Vera Ranken trophy for the Division One 18-hole Foursomes was won by Wauchope’s pairing of Jane Horne and Jo Horton, shooting an 85 off the stick. Nett winners were Catherine Ayres and Molly Plunkett from MacLean GC with a nett score of 72. Runners up on 72 ½ were Shelly Beach pairing of Sue Galton and Suzanne Roberts-Noble.

Division 2 Foursomes winners were Kathy Dean and Gai Palmer from Shelly Beach with a score of 98. Nett winners were Susan Bell and Judy Fuller from Club Taree on 77 ½ nett and runners up, half a shot behind on nett 78 were Jean Lane and Anne O’Grady from Belmont GC.

The Women’s Country Meeting is open to all female amateur golfers who hold a current handicap and are members of a Golf NSW Country District Golf Club.

The history of the Women’s Country Meeting goes back to 1957 and the tournament has been held annually since then. Miss Mabel Mackenzie presented the trophy and was named after her at the express wish of the Executive Council, in appreciation of her many years of service to golf.

There are a number of prizes awarded, including daily (18-hole) scratch and nett winners, as well as the overall trophies for the 36-hole events.

For information and details contact Nicole Bessant, Event Coordinator on nicole.bessant@golfnsw.org or Golf NSW on (02) 9505 9105.

The 2017 Women’s Summer Foursomes is being held at Northbridge Golf Club on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 January 2017.

The tournament is open to female amateurs whose individual handicap does not exceed 32 at the date of entry.

The format of day 1 is 18-hole Scratch

Stroke Foursomes with the top four pairings qualifying for Match Play on Tuesday 17.

The Semi Finals will be played on Tuesday morning with the two remaining pairings playing the final on Tuesday afternoon.

Traditionally the Summer Foursomes is a strongly contested event with teams being

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represented from around the state. Last year’s event was held at Kareela Golf Club.

Entries are now open - $90 – Handicap Limit 32 individual. To enter, or for more information, log onto www.golfnsw.org .

Entries close Friday 23 December at 5pm.

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Lyle Apparel donates $1 from the sale of every belt to Challenge 74

The North Ryde team of Alison Stubbs, Vicki Cunliffe, Morag Irons and Lorraine Taylor had a total of 319 to win the Women’s Coronation Medal for 2016, played at Cumberland and Lynwood Country Clubs.

Only one shot behind and runners-up were Monash CC on a total of 320. Monash representatives were Donna McAleer, Rosemary Sills, Beverley Button and Isabella Garay.

Individual winners from Cumberland were Rosemary Candy from Kareela with a nett 69 to take out Nett Winner and Celina Yuan from The Australian taking out the scratch with a score of 71.

Lynwood individual winners were Isabella Garay from Monash CC winning the nett with a 74 and Lynwood’s Catherine Coates winning the scratch with an 80 off the stick.

Tee it up at 2017 Women’s Summer Foursomes

We have your Nexbelt!

RRP $38-$150

North Ryde win 2016 Women’s Coronation Medal

RRP $35

Shop online at www.lyleapparel.com.au

calendar

www.insidegolf.com.au/events

CALENDAR > NOVEMBER 2016 Hahn Golf 93rd Open Amateur Golf Championship When: November 5-6 Where: Duntryleaue, Orange, NSW Info: www.duntryleague.com.au/annualtournaments.htm These two days of Golf are not to be missed, so why not come for a practice on the Friday and make it a great long weekend with your mates! Cost: $75.00 Per Player Includes afternoon BBQ with salads Saturday & Sunday.

For more information contact Duntryleague on 02 6362 3466 or golf@duntryleague.com.au

DECEMBER Lions Moorabbin Annual Charity Golf Day

When: Monday 12 December 2016 Where: The Royal Melbourne Golf Club Info: www.moorabbin.vic.lions.org.au/RMGC-Golfday, or contact Gary McInnes on 0417 055 731.

The Lions Club of Moorabbin is holding their 41st Annual Charity Golf Day at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club on 12 December in support of beyondblue, Cancer Council Victoria and other local hospitals, charities and community groups.

The competition of the day will individual stableford with shotgun starts at 7.30am and 12.30pm on the renowned West Course. Following the golf will be the prize presentation and Charity Auction in the clubhouse.

GOLF NSW NOVEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Golf NSW Events Date 05-Nov-16

COMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS

06-Nov-16 06-Nov-16

November 3 Twin Creeks Seniors (NSW) November 7-8 Melbourne Senior Classic –

Spring Valley & Woodlands (VIC) November 7 Virginia Seniors (QLD) November 8-10 * ACT Senior Amateur Championship November 15-16 Eureka Senior Amateur - Midlands

& Buninyong (VIC) November 15 Bankstown Seniors (NSW) November 16-18 Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur –

Manila, The Philippines November 20-21 Mollymook Seniors (NSW) November 22-23 Warrnambool Seniors (VIC) November 24-25 Moyne Senior Classic – Port Fairy (VIC) November 25-27 * Tasmanian Senior Masters

(Royal Hobart) November 28 Long Reef Seniors (NSW) November 29 Cromer Seniors (NSW) November 29 North Lakes Seniors (QLD) December 9 Sorrento Senior Amateur (VIC) * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

Event NSW Mixed Foursomes Championship Men's NSW Foursomes Championship Women's NSW Foursomes Championship

07-Nov-16

NSW Open Qualifying

10-13 Nov-16

NSW Open NSW Women's Fourball Championship - STATE FINAL

22-23 Nov-16

Venue Campbelltown GC Campbelltown GC Campbelltown GC Glenmore Heritage, Long Reef, Liverpool & Federal GC’s Stonecutters Ridge GC Bonville Golf Resort

Men’s Vardon Events Date 04-06 Nov-16 05-Nov-16 05-06 Nov-16 12-Nov-16 19-Nov-16 26-Nov-16 26-Nov-16

Event Men's Federal Open Carnarvon Cup Duntryleague Cup Long Reef Medal Mona Vale Medal Lake Illawarra Cup (Port Kembla Open) Oatlands Cup

Venue Federal GC (ACT) Carnarvon GC Duntryleague GC Long Reef GC Mona Vale GC Port Kembla GC Oatlands GC

Women’s Jean Derrin Events Date 06-Nov-16 08-10 Nov-16 12-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 20-Nov-16

Event Kiama Ladies Open ACT Seniors Championship (National Order of Merit) - WOMEN Long Reef Salver Cabramatta Salver Concord Salver

Venue Kiama GC Gold Creek, Gungahlin Lakes & Federal GC’s (ACT) Long Reef GC Cabramatta GC Concord GC

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

JANUARY

Mercedes-Benz Duntryleague Classic When: January 14-17, 2017 Where: Duntryleaue, Orange, NSW Info: www.duntryleague.com.au/annualtournaments.htm Enjoy three rounds of golf at Duntryleague’s Championship Golf Course as well as a welcome cocktail party, wine tasting and presentation dinner. Open to all male and female golfers with an official handicap. Over $7000 worth of prizes to be won.

For more information please contact Duntryleague on 02 6362 3466 or golf@duntryleague.com.au

FEBRUARY 2017 BARRENJOEY WEEK OF GOLF

WHEN: 13 to 17 February 2017 WHERE: Northern Beaches - Bayview, Cromer, Long Reef,

Manly, Mona Vale, Monash and Wakehurst Barrenjoey Peninsula Week of Golf 2017 turns 35 this year. It is an exciting and unique ladies golf tournament, and one of the largest amateur women’s golfing tournaments in the Southern Hemisphere. Women with a current Australian or Overseas Golf Handicap, can play at seven stunning Northern Beaches golf courses. The tournament is also a Jean Derrin event.

The format begins on Monday and Tuesday with individual stroke for Divisions 1 & 2 and stableford for Division 3. On Thursday the Foursomes are held in four divisions. On the final day, Friday a four person Best Ball v Par event, with shotgun start, completes the tournament. Players can nominate to play on all four days or play in 1, 2 or 3 events.

Entries for this event open on 17 November. Entries online are - Any 3 or 4 days $90 (postal $100), any 1 or 2 days $60 (postal $70). Presentation will be held at Manly Golf Club on Thursday 16 February 2017 at 6pm, with a dinner to follow the presentations.

Entries close on 11 January 2017.

Full event details are available at www.barrenjoeyweekofgolf.com

When: Various

Handiskins

Where: Various

Info: www.handiskins.com.au

Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers. Handiskins is a five-qualifying-round stableford competition.

A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score.

Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough.

The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Nelson Bay Golf Club Dowling Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 Final 26th November 2016 Pacific Dunes Golf Club Championship Drive, Medowie NSW 2318 5th Qualifying Round 5th November 2016 Final 19th November 2016 Northern Golf Club 97 Glenroy Road, Glenroy VIC 3046 4th Qualifying Round 5th November 2016 5th Qualifying Round 3rd December 2016 Final 10th December 2016 Northbridge Golf Club Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge NSW 2063 Final 12th November 2016 Bribie Island Golf Club Links Court, Woorim QLD 4507 4th Qualifying Round 19th November 2016 5th Qualifying Round 26th November 2016 Final 10th December 2016

Rosebud Country Club 207 Boneo Road, Rosebud VIC 3939 4th Qualifying Round 5th November 2016 5th Qualifying Round 12th November 2016 Final 10th December 2016 Bayview Golf Club 1825 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale NSW 2103 Final 12th November 2016 Devilbend Golf Club Loders Road, Moorooduc VIC 3933 Final 5th November 2016 Burleigh Golf Club Cnr Albion & Bardon Avenue, Miami QLD 4220 5th Qualifying Round 5th November 2016 Final 12th November 2016 Lynwood Country Golf Club 253 Pitt Bottoms Road, Pitt Town NSW 2756 5th Qualifying Round 5th November 2016 Final 10th December 2016

Commercial Club Albury Golf Resort 530 North Street, Albury NSW 2640 5th Qualifying Round 5th November 2016 Final 19th November 2016 Berwick Montuna Golf Club 335 Beaconsfield-Emerald Road, Guys Hill VIC 3807 4th Qualifying Round 12th November 2016 5th Qualifying Round 19th November 2016 Final 4th December 2016 Macquarie Links International Golf Club Macquarie Links Drive, Macquarie Links NSW 2565 1st Qualifying Round 5th November 2016 2nd Qualifying Round 12th November 2016 3rd Qualifying Round 19th November 2016 4th Qualifying Round 26th November 2016 5th Qualifying Round 3rd December 2016 Final 17th December 2016

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

75

legends

www.insidegolf.com.au/people

Aussie fan remembers legend Arnie John told Inside Golf he couldn’t believe the raw power Palmer displayed off the tee.

“It was stunning and his warm-up routine never varied in all the years he played.

only by his legion of fans, but also his golfing contemporaries Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and others.

“He is a terrible loss to our great game, but what a legacy he has left the world.

“Personally, I was saddened to hear of his passing, but also pleased that I had the rare opportunity to meet such a great, modest man, who arguably did more than any other player to excite the world and, in turn, got everyone interested in the great game golf.

“Arnie was a great sportsman and fierce competitor, revered around the world, not

“The great course in the sky had better be ready for Mr Palmer.” •

“His putting stance, and the way he approached the game, remained the same right through his career.

Who said what!

“When people ask what’s driven me all these years, I always give the same answer.

It’s you.”

John “Tippers” Tiplady meets his idol Arnold Palmer at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club in the late 1980s.

A

VID golfer, keen Inside Golfer reader and former Hole-In-One Club of Queensland president John Tiplady will never forget his chance meeting with the late, great Arnold Palmer.

It was at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club when Palmer contested the Senior Masters tournament in the late 1980s.

“I walked around with Arnie when he played against Bobby Nichols, the 1964 US PGA champion,” John recalled.

“I told him it never failed me and how his approach to the game had been instrumental in reducing my handicap from 24 to 14 within a year of taking up the game.

“I think he might have been a little disappointed. Perhaps he was hoping I would say, ‘Well? I’m off scratch now’.

“Of course, that didn’t mean he had failed in his teachings. It meant I reached my potential.

“Arnie won despite the fact that his main involvement at the time was designing The Pines layout at Sanctuary Cove.”

“Reading and learning what he wrote and explained was instrumental in the improvement in my game and for that I am forever grateful.

John said he specifically went to watch Palmer play and even took along a book and video tape collection written and demonstrated by his idol.

“Anyway, Arnie generously autographed the golf instruction book titled Golf, My Game and Yours, which I believe is the Bible of golf books.

“He was amazed when I showed him the 8 Track Tape and the illustrated book of how to play the game and asked with a grin ‘where did you get this’,” John recalls.

“He was a true gentleman and took an interest in my game, but what impressed me was that he never spoke down to golf fans.

“I said I had had it for many years and still referred to it when I hit a slump.

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“He always made you feel comfortable and gave advice when asked, as an equal, not that he was of course.”

– Arnold Palmer “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.”

– Palmer “What other people may find in poetry, I find in the flight of a good drive.”

– Palmer “Putting is a fascinating, aggravating, wonderful, terrible and almost incomprehensible part of the game of golf.”

– Palmer “Arnold (Palmer) fell out of bed with charisma. He didn’t need to speak. He just had it.”

– Gary Player

Arnold was the folk hero of golf.

Not only was he the greatest personality the game has produced, he was King of the fairways every time he played.

We were only two weeks apart in age and great rivals. We certainly had some wonderful times together.

The last time we played was an exhibition at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney on November 24, 2004. The occasion was the centenary of the Australian Open and Bruce Devlin joined us for the nine-hole match on the eve of the tournament.

At last year’s Open Championship at St Andrews, we were rival captains in the four-hole Past Champions event and, although our team scores were the same, Arnold’s team won the charity donation by being the older team of the two.

“He (Palmer) did things the ordinary person did. That’s why they fell in love with him. They admired Jack Nicklaus and so many other sporting people but they actually loved him. They would stop his ball going out of bounds. They would throw themselves in the way of the ball and take pain to let Arnold win.”

St Andrews was a fitting final place for us both to meet.

– Commentator Peter Alliss

– Peter Thomson

Mary and I are terribly saddened by the news of his death, and our thoughts are very much with Kit, and his daughters and their families.

Bless you always, Arnold.

19th hole

www.insidegolf.com.au/19thhole

The land of the fray...and the home of the biff Game Hunt Society.”– AMERICAAAAN GOLF FAAANS! This was another one-sided fight with the FANS verbally belting Danny into absolute submission with grog-filled rants and retorts that INSIDE GOLF Readers don’t need to read.

Pete Willett clearly didn’t feel he was given as many toys as his younger brother when they were kids and did a marvellous job of ruining Danny’s first-ever Ryder Cup experience.

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

L

ike I often say, I’m always looking for a good stoush. That’s one that I’m not personally involved in, of course. I prefer a fracas I can watch from my lounge room chair and not from the floor looking up through a half-closed, navy-blue-coloured eye.

Maybe it’s the current “Trumpster versus Hillary” element that has the whole place in a state of constant angst, but America, particularly during the Ryder Cup, didn’t let me down last month with a bunch of terrific battles starting with the opening bout.

In the Red corner, wearing a ridiculously large visor and a shirt buttoned up so high he has to release the top button to blow his nose….BUBBAAAA WAAATTTSON! In the Blue corner, with the perfectly placed part in his hair and a name that screams “Unoriginal”….. DAVIS LOVE THE THIRRRRD! This fight had Davis in control right from round one. Love showing about as much “Love” for Bubba as my neighbours’ Rottweiler did the night I threw a lamb bone over the fence in an attempt to prevent it from eating any members of my family. Sadly it landed squarely on his forehead.

Davis decided to leave Bubbs off the team despite his world ranking of 7. Put another way, there were 9 Americans ranked behind Bubba who all got starts while Watson was left at home with his “Loved” Ones.

The final bout for this evening sees... In the Red corner, wearing thick curly hair and an even thicker Irish accent – RORRRRRY MCILROYYYYY! In the Red, White and Blue corner – dressed in, dare I say, cargo shorts and boating shoes, A SEEMINGLY HARMLESS FAAAAN! Courtesy of the PGA of America The points are in, and the winner in a unanimous decision is DAVIS LOVE THE THIRRRD! Our next bout...

In the Red corner, wearing a U.S. Ryder Cup uniform but with no sign of any golf clubs TIGERRRR WOOOODS! In the Blue corner, armed with a camera and the authority to embarrass any high-profile golfing legend he chooses - The OFFICIAL RYDER CUP PHOTOGRAPHERRR! This bout was probably a little disappointing as Tiger was knocked out in the first round after the former world champ inadvertently lined up for the team photo only to be reminded he was only there to drive around in a cart and use a walkie talkie.

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

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

Doctors were called in to make sure Tiger’s embarrassment was only a superficial injury and would not require surgery.

Our penultimate bout sees... In the red corner, wearing “I hate American golf fans” tattooed on his forehead courtesy of his thoughtful brother, an amateur journo who thought it would be a lot of fun to stir up and absolute hornet’s nest by penning an article on the eve of the Ryder Cup – DAAANNY WILLLETTTT! In the blue corner, (in the words of Danny’s brother - Pete), “Squeezed into cargo shorts and boating shoes - The obnoxious dads, with their shiny teeth, Lego man hair, medicated ex-wives, and resentful children.

The ‘get in the hole’ whilst high-fiving all the other members of the Dentists’ Big

This bout was closer than expected with the classy Henrik Stenson having a crack at quelling some of the American hostility during a practice round with a good natured invitation to a loud spectator to have a go at a putt that Rory McIlroy continued to miss.

The fan played it up a fair bit then proceeded to make the 15 foot downhiller, to the applause of the gallery and the European Players, claiming a $100 reward put up by Justin Rose.

Wow folks! That’s it for tonight. I hope you enjoyed all the contests as much as I did and hope to see you all again at next year’s Presidents Cup at the Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey. That’s right next to New York where the fans should be much more subdued?

That’s unless President Trump builds a wall around the entire east coast then sends the bill to the Willett family? •

Upcoming Annual Events DUNTRYLEAGUE ORANGE

HaHn Golf amateur CHampionsHip 5-6 november 2016 (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.

steve Conran Junior tournament 27 november 2016 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.

merCedes benz duntryleaGue ClassiC 15-17 January 2017 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.

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

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

www.duntryleague.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

77

19th hole

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Daviston Ladies celebrate 25 years

Rodger Davis on the move RODGER Davis has put his Gold Coast home on the market.

The former Australian Open winner is hoping to get more than $2.1m for the Burleigh Heads property, according to The Australian newspaper.

The four-bedroom, Mediterranean-style home includes a gourmet kitchen wine cellar and swimming pool.

The quick nine quiz THERE are 22 stableford points up for grabs on the front nine.

How many can you get?

Dale achieved the rare feat courtesy of a hole-in-one on the 176-metre third hole on the North Course.

This was just the start to Dale’s intriguing round.

The 10 marker had a “2” on the 11th hole; a “3” on holes 9 and 14; a “4” on holes 4, 6, 8 and 15; a “5” on holes 1, 2, 10, 16 and 17; a “6” on the 5th, 7th and 18th and a “7” on the 12th hole.

He won seven times on the European Tour and once on the Champions Tour in America (Toshiba Senior Classic).

Getting a “1” is the difficult, or lucky, part and then it’s gets a little easier.

Daviston RSL Ladies Social Golf Club past and present Presidents.(L to R): Judy Shanks, Dallas Sussex, Sandra Kunze, Sue Mallie, Rita Davis.

The club recently celebrated a reunion of past and present members, with five out of seven presidents attending, and a further 60 guests taking part. Many milestones and wonderful memories were shared on the day.

NUDGEE Golf Club member Dale Kurz joined an exclusive club with a difference when he signed his scorecard that carried the numbers 1 to 7 last month.

Davis, 65, had a long golf career winning 30 professional tournaments including the 1986 Australian Open.

Davis’ best finish in a major was a tie for second. He and Paul Azinger finished a shot behind Nick Faldo at the 1987 Open Championship at Muirfield.

Twenty five years ago, on May 31, 1991, three ladies decided to start a ladies social golf club. The word spread and more ladies joined. One lady started a handicap system and introduced others about how to play this great game. Thus the Daviston RSL Ladies Social Golf Club was born.

Ace Dale hits rare 1 to 7

Still, it’s is rare and Inside Golf wonders if anyone can claim scoring 1 to 8, 1 to 9 or even 1 to 10 on their scorecard.

If you have and can prove it, contact david@insidegolf.com.au

Ace Liz creates hole-in-one history

The membership is now numbering 33, and all members have genuine district club handicaps.

The ladies play all the courses throughout the Central Coast district, and once a month having A.B.C. grades.

This begs the question: Are there other Ladies Social Golf Clubs out there which have been operating as long as this one? Drop us a line and let us know!

‘Beef’ will eat to that HIS love of red meat is legendary.

with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

1. Who was the last Australian to win the Australian Open in successive years? (3 pts) 2. Who holds the record for the most Australian Open victories? (2 pt) 3. Can you solve the following anagram – A panel rains out? Clue: It’s a major Aussie event. (2 pts) 4. May a player’s caddie purposely stand between the player and the setting sun so that the sun’s glare is not in the player’s face while he is playing a stroke? (1 pt) 5. How many times has Robert Allenby won the Australian Open? (2 pts) 6. The Americans defeated Europe to win the 41st Ryder last month. Was the final score 17-11, 16-12, 15-13 or 15½-12½? (3 pts) 7. Who was the last amateur to win the Australian Open? (3 pts) 8. How many major titles did the late, great Arnold Palmer win? Was it 5, 6, 7 or 8? (3 pts) 9. Former LPGA star Rachel Hetherington will captain the Australian Ladies’ Professional Golf (ALPG) team to contest which event in Japan in December. Is it the Asian Cup, the Federation Cup, the Queens Cup or the World Cup? (3 pts) ANSWERS: (1). Peter Lonard; (2). Gary Player, 7; (3).

Australian Open; (4). No; (5). Twice – 1994 and 2005; (6). 17-11; (7). Aaron Baddeley in 1999; (8). Seven; (9) Queens Cup. 78

November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

English golfer Andrew Johnston has become a fan favourite after his fine fourth at the Open Championship at Royal Troon in July.

It didn’t take long for Arby’s (an American food chain) to offer him sponsorship.

Now the heavily bearded Johnston has 10 types of beef stamped on his wedge from Filet Mignon, T-bone, Porterhouse-skirt to Rib-eye and apparently has “Beef Head” tattooed on his left shoulder.

Mind you, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals want “Beef” to change his moniker.

They want Johnston to adopt a kinder, healthier vegan lifestyle offering to send him vegan steaks and burgers.

Good luck with that.

Publicity dries up

Liz Mellish celebrates her historic ace.

STAFF at Inside Golf have been somewhat astounded by the silence which greeted top golfers and sisters Sandra Crowe (Temora Golf Club) and Judy Finkle (Cootamundra Golf Club) club championships record.

MALENY Golf Club is celebrating the first hole-inone carded by a female member in competition since the nine-hole public course opened in July last year.

Memorial Hole-In-One Honourboard and joins fellow member John Oxenham who aced the par-3 fifth hole in March during a competition round.

Liz Mellish used her trusty 3-wood at the 140m par-3 third hole to score her first ace at the golf course, which is nestled in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland north of Brisbane.

Club president Dr Max Whitten said members were delighted to be celebrating yet another milestone in the club’s history.

Between them, they have won 51 club championships – Sandra with 26 and Judy with 25.

Like old journos who write about the biggest pumpkin or carrot, we waited for the claims and counterclaims of more championship success to come flooding in. Flooding in?

So overawed by Sandra and Judy’s feats, readers have forgotten to tell us their stories.

What a shame.

“It turned out to be the perfect shot,” Liz said.

“The ball landed just on the front of the green and my playing partners and I all watched in amazement as it continued to roll up to the hole and fall in. I’m so thrilled.”

Liz, 59, is the first female member of Maleny Golf Club to earn a place on the Terry Lee

“This is fantastic news for both our young club and for ladies golf here in Maleny and our congratulations go out to Liz,” Dr Whitten said.

“The club is a strong supporter and promoter of ladies golf and historic achievements such as this are all the more memorable at this early stage of our development.”

19th hole

www.insidegolf.com.au/19thhole

Seal the deal on Cornwall course

An almost sleeveless prize RECENTLY a handy golfer who carries a hot putter (let’s call him Graham) entered an event and won a sleeve of golf balls for finishing fourth in the event.

Mind you, Graham didn’t really need the golf balls as he is known as the king of finding lost golf balls.

If he loses a ball you can almost guarantee he’ll find two or three others, but not his own.

He was happy with that until he discovered the “sleeve” only contained one golf ball.

This yarn reminds me of the time a quartet shared a box of golf balls at a media event.

Mysteriously, two of the golf balls were “lost” … never to be seen again.

The quartet each received a sleeve of golf balls and when one of them went to the loo, his “mates” slipped three very old golf balls in his sleeve.

Well, not quite.

Graham never complained, but someone whispered in the organiser’s ear and “bingo” he was compensated.

Mind you, there was hell to pay the following week when they met for another round.

Crossword > 1

In overseas news, one of our readers from West Cornwall wrote in with this strange episode. The golf course manager at West Cornwall, Keith Kemp, has seen a lot over the years, but he has never seen a seal pup stranded on his course.

that the pup was approximately 5 weeks old and in good health, despite its ordeal. With expert and careful handling, the pup was transported back to the beach and gently released into its natural environment.

Early on a Sunday morning one of the new greenkeepers felt a need to ring his boss. “There is a strange sound coming from the sixth green,” he said. Assessing the situation and fearing the loss of one or more fingers with every attempt to move the pup, Keith decided to call the experts from the Maritime Animal Response Team, who arrived on the scene very quickly. They advised

West Cornwall is the oldest golf course in Cornwall, dating back to the 1800s. Its most famous member was the late Jim Barnes who was born and bred on the West Cornwall links.

He relocated to America, won the first U.S. PGA title (1916) and The U.S. Open and later returned to England to win The Open in 1925.

(Photo by Keith Kemp.)

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1 A golf hole with a sharp angle in the fairway (6) 5 Identifying labels (4) 10 A channel allowing liquid to get away (5) 11 A hole in three below par (9) 12 Winner of the FedEx Cup in 2016, Rory _______ (7) 13 This evening (7) 14 Flagpole which identifies a hole (3) 15 Wide of the mark (10) 18 Limited or confined (10) 20 Watch (3) 22 Never-ending (7) 23 Australian who won 20 Australasian golf titles between 1974 and 1986, Bob _______ (7) 25 To present formally at the start of a round (9) 26 American who tied for second at the 2016 Tour Championship, Ryan _____ (5) 27 Danny Willett is one (4) 28 South Korean winner of the 2009 US PGA (1,1,4)

2 An enthusiastic reception, especially spontaneous and sustained applause (7) 3 Winner of the 2007 Australian PGA Championship, Peter ______ (6) 4 Runner-up at the 2014 NSW Open, Josh _____ (5) 5 Strong, light and corrosion-resistant metallic element that’s used in the making of golf clubs (8) 6 State home of the famous Augusta National Golf Club (7) 7 FedEx Cup’s highest-finishing Aussie in 2016, ____ Scott (4) 8 Hazard (8) 9 So to speak (2,2,4) 14 Eccentric Swedish player, Jesper (8) 16 Golfing great, Jack ________ (8) 17 Make clear or prominent; highlight (5,3) 19 Clothing for a cool day on the course, perhaps (7) 20 Cut of meat (7) 21 Of pleasing appearance (6) 23 Shabby-looking, in worn clothes (5) 24 Winner of The Barclays in 2016, Patrick ____ (4)

Answers: page 83

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

79

your voice

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This month’s winner!

Discrimination... when 7 isn’t 7

This month’s Prize: Two Dozen Volvik golf balls

I belong to an old golf club on the Sunshine Coast. Due to family circumstances I wanted to change my Ladies 7-Day membership to a ‘5S’, but was unable.

The highs and lows of Australian handicapping I’m happy to lend a “sympathetic ear” to John Hobgin’s letter “Time To Correct Problems In Australian Handicapping”.

To anyone about to join an organisation that will facilitate their acquisition of an official GolfLink handicap; I offer this cautionary tale. If you go about it the wrong way you will write off your chances of being competitive in club competitions and corporate days for a minimum of two years….I know, I did.

In my case, I joined the RACV Golf Club, thereby gaining the ability to obtain an official handicap.

I was in a rush to get my official handicap as soon as possible so I quickly entered three competitions, had each card signed appropriately and I lodged them promptly. In my first three rounds I had a poor day at Cape Schanck (24 over par on rainy, blustery day), a reasonable day at Hidden Valley (14 over) and a good day at Cape Schanck (9-over, one of those “sink ‘em from anywhere” days on the greens). I waited in anticipation of a mid-teens handicap. I guess I reasoned that on average those cards reflected where I am (typically) as a golfer. I was performing to a level around 15.

Imagine my disbelief when my first official handicap arrives and it was 8.3!

I then set out on the long road back to “normalisation”. I was given my first handicap in 2014. Now, the best part of two years later, I am off 10.3. In all that time I have not managed to play to 10.3, let alone 8.3. I am a 15 handicapper, at best.

I have been completely non-competitive in every single club event and corporate event since obtaining an official handicap. If I keep going this way I may be out to a more accurate level in another two years. Yes, I appreciate that if I was able to play more competition rounds the normalisation might happen sooner, but, based on workloads and family commitments, I probably can’t play more regularly. I must admit it has been somewhat disheartening to stand on the first tee each time knowing I had little chance of competing with the field.

I thought the entire point of a handicapping system was to ensure that competitive golf could be played on a level playing field (pun intended) by players of all skill levels. That’s not what I have experienced.

Bottom line? Be careful what you wish for.

Mick O’Malley

TOP-5 ONLINE

The five most-read STORIES on our website:

How far do you REALLY walk during 18 holes? www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=8992 Golf Demo Days Australia www.insidegolf.com.au/demo-days-australia/ How to choose the right putter for your stroke www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=356 Let’s make it interesting: Popular golf side bets and formats www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=2002 Ryder Cup excitement to carry over to the World Cup of Golf www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=25577

JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Be part of Inside Golf’s community of vocal and loyal readers! Share your opinions on anything related to golf via our Facebook page, Twitter account or by email: 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 golf balls valued at $69.95 per doz (Your choice of white, yellow or orange.)

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November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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TOP SHOT

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I’ll explain: 7-day (male) members can play 7 days a week. Not so for Lady members; Wednesdays are the Men’s Competition day, so no Ladies are eligible on the timesheet.

6-day membership is Friday through to Sunday; again if you’re a lady golfer you cannot play Wednesday.

Years ago a ‘5S’ membership was available, meaning you could substitute Sunday for Wednesday. This makes sense to lady golf members.

This 5S is no longer available, due to a Board Decision to scrap it. Only 6-day and 7-day memberships are available. Don’t get me wrong, the financial difference is minimal so it can’t be due to the money.

Is this fair?

Rosalind Redjeb – via our website Editor’s note: Thanks Rosalind. You bring up a great point. And a “substitute” day is a good idea; more clubs should be implementing this sort of membership, not eliminating it.

I’m curious to know if any other women or clubs out there have a similar situation? Drop me an email and let me know (ed@insidegolf.com.au)

Why golf is (really) struggling Regarding your Golf Month article (Starter’s Box, October), I think you are ignoring one of the prime reasons why golf is struggling to attract new members. All you have to do is look at the spiralling costs to be a member of any golf club. There is the nomination fee.

There are the annual membership fees. There are green fees. There are competition fees.

There is the cost of hiring a cart. Playing a round of golf even if you are not a member is expensive.

I am retired and play competition golf three times a week. It costs me $1600pa just in competition fees. I walk around so I do not need a buggy, but many of the players I play with do. On top of that we have the annual membership fees, which are about $1200.

Add on top of that the cost of travelling to and from the golf course, the cost of equipment and it becomes an expense which many just cannot afford.

Many players, for whatever reason, cannot play every week, especially when the membership numbers far outweigh the available spots. Quite frankly, in many instances, it is just becoming too expensive.

Years ago we used to see the bar packed out with members enjoying a drink or three after the game. These days they just jump in their cars and go home.

Stuart Watkins, via email

Jan Watts of Palm Beach Golf Club sent us this photo of her partner playing with their Social Golf Club at Campbelltown Golf Club. Her partner’s ball missed the water but landed in the pontoon. Is this a oneshot wonder?

If you’ve got a “TOP SHOT” you’d like to share, email it to us at ed@insidegolf.com.au

Call it a Kookaburra In a round of our club championships, I smoked a drive off on a par-5, only to find the centre of the lake. I took a drop in the drop zone, and proceeded to put the next shot into the hole! An eagle, with a penalty shot and a lost ball. My second eagle ever. I’ll bet Tiger hasn’t done that before.

Mind you it didn’t help at all. I ran nowhere in the club championships. However that is no mean feat and quite a rare occurrence I would think?

John Campbell, via email

Olympic Golf was golden I have to disagree with your view on Olympic Golf. Apart from the U.S. PGA it is the only golf you can get on free-to-air TV. Being an old duffer I still record everything on my PVR and fast forward the boring bits. And the men’s golf at Rio was far from boring. I think there will be more top golfers at Tokyo as there will be no excuses about mossies, and I think a few of them were sorry they didn’t go to Rio to get their names in lights .

All we have to do now is get some decent commentators. Sorry 7 Network, but you should stick to footy John Mountjoy, via email Editor’s note: Not sure what you’re disagreeing with, John. I thought Olympic Golf was a smashing success. I only took issue with the (same-old) 72-hole stroke format, which has been widely criticised by many. Be sure to watch the World Cup of Golf this month, and you’ll see a format that, arguably, the Olympics SHOULD have adopted (and which may likely be a similar format to what they choose for Tokyo.)

demo dates PING

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

Location

Day Date Time

New South Wales November 02 Shortland Waters Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Kurri Kurri Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 03 Merewether Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 03 Hawks Nest Golf club ◊ * Friday November 04 November 05 Dural Driving Range (Drummond Nth Mead) ◊ / ° Saturday Thornleigh Golf Centre ◊ * Tuesday November 08 November 09 Bonnie Doon Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Moore Park Driving Range ◊ / ° Wednesday November 09 The Ridge Golf Complex ◊ * Thursday November 10 Morisset Country Club ◊ * Friday November 11 Oatlands Golf Club ◊ * Monday November 14 Pennant Hills Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 15 November 16 Wentworth Falls Country Club ◊ * Wednesday Cumberland Country Club ◊ * Thursday November 17 Elanora Country Club ◊ * Friday November 18 Duntryleague Golf Club ◊ * Monday November 21 Bathurst Driving Range ◊ * Tuesday November 22 November 23 Mudgee Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Dubbo Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 24 November 24 Forbes Golf Club ◊ * Thursday Cowra Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 25 Belmont Golf Club ◊ * Saturday November 26 November 29 Maitland Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday Roseville Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 30 South Australia November 05 Alice Springs Golf Club ◊ * Saturday Darwin Golf Club ◊ * Sunday November 06 Flight Path Driving Rang ◊ * Sunday November 06 November 10 House of Golf Mildura ◊ * Thursday Victoria November 02 Kingswood Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Melbourne Golf Academy ° Wednesday November 02 Traralgon Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 03 Mornington Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 04 Kingston Heath Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 09 November 09 Eastwood Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Victoria Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 10 November 10 Yarra Bend Driving Range ° Thursday Kew Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 11 Anglesea Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 11 Sorrento Golf Club ◊ * Saturday November 12 Commonwealth Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 15 Barwon Heads Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 16 Portarlington Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 18 November 19 Woodlands Golf Club ◊ * Saturday Metropolitan Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 23 Morack Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday November 23 November 25 Patterson River Golf Club ◊ * Friday Gisborne Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 29 Portsea Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 30 Western Australia November 03 Gosnells GC ◊ / ° * Thursday Lakelands G ◊ / ° * Friday November 04 November 09 Joondalup GC ◊ / ° * Wednesday Melville Glades GC ◊ / ° * Friday November 18 November 25 Marangaroo GC ◊ / ° * Friday South Australia November 05 Alice Springs Golf Club ◊ * Saturday Darwin Golf Club ◊ * Sunday November 06 Flight Path Driving Range ◊ * Sunday November 06 House of Golf Mildura ◊ * Thursday November 10 Queensland November 01 Victoria Park Driving Range ° * Tuesday Redcliffe Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 03 Pacific Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 04 November 08 Noosa Golf Club ° Tuesday November 10 Sanctuary Cove ◊ * ** Thursday Indooroopilly Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 10 Virginia Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 11 Caloundra Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday November 15 Parkwood International ◊ * Wednesday November 16 Bribie Island Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 16 HOG Ballina ◊ * Thursday November 17 Drummond Golf Underwood ◊ * Thursday November 17 November 18 Byron Bay ◊ * Friday Nudgee Golf Club ◊ * Friday November 18 Wantima Golf Club ° Saturday November 19 House of Golf Coffs Harbour ◊ * Wednesday November 23 Oxley Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday November 23 Mcleod Country Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 24 Golf Central ◊ * Thursday November 24 Coffs Harbour Golf Club ◊ * Thursday November 24 November 25 Ipswich Driving Range ◊ * Friday Palm Meadows Driving Range ° Friday November 25 Noosa Springs for Drummond Golf Maroochydore ° Tuesday November 29 November 30 Middle Ridge Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday

CALLAWAY

Location

9am - 2pm 8am - 11pm 1 - 4.30pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 4pm 3 - 7.30pm 9am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 12 - 4pm 1 - 5pm 8am - 2pm 10am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 2 - 6pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2am 12 - 4pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 12.30pm 2.30 - 5pm 3 - 8pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 4pm 8am - 12pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 10am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 12 - 4pm 1 - 5pm 2 - 6pm 10am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 10.30am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 12.30pm 2.30 - 5pm 3 - 8pm 5 - 7.30pm 12 - 3pm 9am - 1pm 9.30am - 12pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 1.30 - 4pm 3 - 6pm 9am - 1pm 2 - 6pm 1 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 12 - 4pm 9am - 3pm 2 - 6pm 12 - 4pm 9am - 12pm 3 - 7pm 9am - 2pm 12 - 4pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 9am - 12pm

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

New South Wales / ACT The Bonnie Doon Golf Club Ltd √ / ≠ Tamworth Golf Club √ Longyard Golf Club √ Armidale Golf Club √ Moree Golf Club √ Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club √ ** Moore Park Golf Club ≠ Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club Drummond Golf Northmead ≠ Queensland Burleigh Golf Club √ Victoria Park Golf Complex ≠ Pacific Golf Club √ Nudgee Golf Club Caboolture Golf Club Virginia Golf Club Oxley Golf Club ≠ Surfers Paradise Club √ South Australia Blackwood Golf Club √ ** Glenelg Golf Club √ * Victoria Morack Golf Course √ / ≠ Green Acres Golf Club √ Mansfield Golf Club √ Yarra Bend Golf Club √ / ≠ Brighton Golf Club ≠ Western Australia Joondalup Golf Resort Hartfield Golf Club

Day

Date Time

Wednesday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Thursday

November 02 November 07 November 08 November 08 November 09 November 16 November 17 November 18 November 24

9am - 4pm 2 - 6pm 8am - 12pm 2 - 6pm 12 - 5pm 8am - 12pm 4 - 7pm 3 - 6pm 4 - 7pm

Wednesday Tuesday Friday Friday Wednesday Friday Wednesday Thursday

November 02 November 08 November 11 November 11 November 16 November 18 November 23 November 24

10am - 1pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 10am - 1pm 11.30am - 3pm 12.30 - 2.30pm 1 - 4.00pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 4.30pm

Wednesday Thursday

November 16 4 - 7pm November 17 9am - 1pm

Wednesday Friday Monday Wednesday Friday

November 09 November 11 November 14 November 23 November 25

Wednesday Thursday

November 16 10am - 1pm November 24 10am - 1pm

4 - 7pm 11am - 7pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 3 - 7pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. °Ping Demo day. ◊ Ping Fitting. » TaylorMade Demo Day. † TaylorMade Fitting. √ Callaway Fitting Day. ≠ Callaway Demo Day. Dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending.

MIZUNO

Location

New South Wales / ACT Cumberland CC * Randwick GC * Port Macquarie GC * Dural Driving Range Golf Expo * ** Thornleigh Golf Centre * Drummond Golf - North Mead * Queanbeyan G.C * The Ridge G.C * Tamworth G.C * Belmont G.C * Moore Park G.C * Royal Sydney G.C * ** Queensland Vic Park * ** Yeppoon Golf Club * Noosa Golf Club Oxley * ** Nudgee Golf Club Virginia Golf Club Indooroopilly Golf Club Warwick * ** Pacific * ** Wantima Country Club Windaroo * ** Bargara Golf Club * Golf King mackay - Black spring GC Palm Meadows * ** Golf King Mackay - Moranbah Golf Club Drummond Maroochy - Noosa Springs Middle Ridge * ** Victoria MGA Driving Range Commonwealth GC * ** HG Mildura Long Island CC * ** Sunshine GC * Woodlands GC * ** Beaconhills GC * Western Australia Yokine Waneroo Wembley South Australia The Grange South Lakes GC

TAYLORMADE

mizuno.com.au

Day

Date Time

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

November 04 November 05 November 06 November 10 November 12 November 13 November 14 November 14 November 17 November 19 November 20 November 21

9am - 1pm 10am - 3am 1 - 5pm 10am - 4pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm

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

November 01 November 03 November 08 November 09 November 11 November 11 November 16 November 16 November 18 November 19 November 23 November 24 November 25 November 25 November 26 November 29 November 30

5.50 - 7.30pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 1pm 10am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 12pm 10am - 1pm 9am - 2pm 2.30 - 5.30pm 10am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 1.30 - 5.30pm 10am - 3pm 9am - 12pm 9am - 12pm

Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday Friday

November 02 November 10 November 10 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 25

4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 9pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 2 - 6pm

Monday Wednesday Saturday

November 07 8am - 12pm November 09 10am - 2pm November 19 10am - 2pm

Saturday Wednesday

November 05 9am - 5pm November 09 10am - 5pm

www.taylormadegolf.com.au | 1800 700 011

Location New South Wales/ACT House of Gold - Coffs Harbour (Driving Range) † * ** Tuncurry GC † * ** Northmead Drummond (Expo) † * ** St Michaels GC † * ** Goulburn GC † * ** Meribula GC † * ** Narooma GC † * ** Tura Beach GC † * ** Moruya GC † * ** Mudgee GC (Expo) † * ** Bathrust GC (Expo) † * ** Forbes GC † * ** Parkes GC † * ** Orange GC † * ** Belmont GC (Expo) † * ** Pymble GC † * ** Muirfeild GC † * ** Queensland Parwood GC † * Hope Island † * ** Pacific GC † * Golf Gurus » Golf Central » Emerald Lakes † * Gailes † * Wantima † * Victoria Park » Bribie Island † * Golf Central † * Victoria MGA » Heidelberg GC † * ** Settlers Run GC † * ** Sanctuary Lakes GC - Opening Day † * ** House Of Golf Mildura † * Whittlesea GC † * ** Gisbourne GC † * ** Rossdale GC † * ** Patterson River GC † * ** Woodlands GC » * ** Growling Frog GC † * ** Drummond Golf Niddrie † * Warragul GC † * ** Morack GC † * ** Tasmania Devonport GC † * ** Ulverstone GC † * ** Tasmania GC † * ** Mowbray GC † * ** Country Club of Tasmania † * **

COBRA PUMA Location

New South Wales / ACT Drummond Golf Northmead @ Dural Driving Range Bathurst GC Victoria Melbourne Golf Academy Sanctuary Lakes Driving Range House Of Golf Mildura Heidelberg GC Rich River Golf Resort Queensland Vic Park Palm Meadows Western Australia Joondalup Country Club Collier Park GC

Day

Date Time

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

November 02 November 03 November 05 November 12 November 14 November 15 November 16 November 17 November 18 November 21 November 22 November 23 November 24 November 25 November 26 November 28 November 30

1 - 5pm 10am - 3pm 9am - 4pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 2 - 7pm 1 - 6pm 12 - 5pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm

Wednesday Friday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

November 02 November 04 November 11 November 15 November 16 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 22 November 23 November 24

3 - 6pm 2 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 5 - 7.30pm 4 - 7pm 2 - 6pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 9.30am - 1pm 2 - 6.30pm

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

November 02 November 04 November 05 November 06 November 10 November 12 November 15 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 19 November 20 November 22 November 30

4 - 7pm 10am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 2pm 4 - 8pm 8am - 5pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 8am - 5pm 12 - 5pm 8am - 5pm 3 - 6pm

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

November 23 November 24 November 25 November 26 November 27

8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pm

cobragolf.com.au

Day Date Time Saturday Tuesday

November 05 November 22

10am - 2pm 9am - 4pm

Wednesday Sunday Thursday Friday Friday

November 02 November 06 November 10 November 18 November 18

4 - 7pm 12 - 5pm 3 - 8pm 3 - 7pm 9am - 2pm

Tuesday Friday

November 22 November 25

5.30 - 7.30pm 1 - 4pm

Wednesday Saturday

November 09 November 19

10.30am - 1pm 10.30am - 2.30pm

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

81

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

per person

$250

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 • Muree Golf Club

*SPRING 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)

82

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

November 2016 | www.insidegolf.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

118

$

*

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

BLUE MARKER CHALLENGE Played last Friday of each month.

Play to your handicap or better & receive a dozen Pro V’s.

Only 30 minutes south of Coolangatta and 15 minutes north of Byron Bay *Conditions apply

For advertising call 1300 465 300

$

30

*

Visitors

golf directory Saturday Golf & Breakfast Online Special Tee off on our South Course between 6.20 & 7.30am on a Saturday for 13 holes golf & then relax in our air conditioned club house with a

18 holes of golf followed by a hot meat pie and a cold pot of beer

$30 per player

Bacon & Egg Burger & Hot Drink

$30 per player

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.

Offers only available online. Visit our bookings site

www.nudgee.miclub.com.au/cms/public-bookings/

E: stay@boulevardnorth.com.au www.boulevardnorth.com.au

Need new batteries?

IS YOUR GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN?

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

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

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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 A G E R O R I G I R A S I A R L O O I A N

S S H T E

A S I T W E R E

E R E R E D G For advertising call 1300 465 300

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

$485

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day FROM

P A R N E V I K

T O I L B A T S A T O N A I A C C U L M T E D S S H E E E C E M D L Y E Y

FROM

A D A M

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

$555

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

83

golf directory

Benalla Golf Club

pp $215 From share n twi week mid

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

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

For nine and 18 holes - $18 weekdays - $22 weekends and public holidays*

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

• Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25 • Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale • Fully Licensed Clubhouse • Social Clubs & Corporate Days • No JoiNiNg Fees

Visitors pay only $25 to play in our competitions

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

(Wed, Sat & Sun)

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

U CHOOSE

Golf Holiday Professionally planned and tailored golf escapes for your enjoyment

Specialising in the best ‘Australia Wid e’ Play & Stay Go lf Packages

Clearwater Noosa

PACKAGES AVAILABLE

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 Every detail professionally arranged, leaving you nothing to do but arrive and have the time of your life!

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

We will tailor your package to suit any holiday plans or budget

Some conditions apply

M. 0418 713 620 sharon@uchoosegolf.com.au

www.uchoosegolf.com.au 84

November 2016 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

golf directory

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

www.facebook.com/golfpsgh

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

TRUEMANS COTTAGES

GOLF CLOTHING FACTORY OUTLET

fINAl WINTER ClEARANCE fINISHES 13TH NOVEMBER

UP TO 70% Off RRP*

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

Stay 7 nights play 5 rounds

from

Tops Brands include: Calvin Klein Golf – Green lamb – Dwyers & Co Cross – Hollas – Greg Norman – Nancy lopez Callaway – Travis Mathew & more

$650p/p

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

NEW STOCK ARRIVAlS NOVEMBER - Nancy lopez - Jo fit - Greg Norman - Dwyers Shorts - Sporte

INSTORE SHOPPING ONLY

With a large and changing range of Men’s & Women’s Golf Polos, Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Skorts, Capris, Knitwear, Wet Weather gear & accessories etc you are sure to find something to enhance your game!

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

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

www.golfclothingfactoryoutlet.com.au

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

QUALITY GOLF CLOTHING AT BARGAIN PRICES

75

$

Genuine All Inclusive:

Book your cruise now November 16th - Last Cabins 2017 Cruise Dates Now Open

• 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

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Summer Special FREE CART

at Cobram-Barooga Only *Conditions apply

Fully Inclusive 3D/2N Cruise Play & Stay Golf Tour

THE CART OFFER AVAILABLE: 1st December - 23rd December & 10th January - 17th February

Enjoy a Murray River Cruise with 36 Holes of Golf Non Golfer Itinerary Included, Perfect for Small Groups

From $695pp Includes cruise, meals, golf, carts and all transfers 03 5482 5244 murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2016

85

www.golfskatecaddy.com.au 1300 55 69 79

Demo Days scheduled in Canberra and Sydney during November & December - call 0419 575 000 for details or to organise a demo day at your Club!

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

2016 WEBSITE www.thegolffactory.com.au Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA. Postage and handling any quantity

Eagles & Birdies Stableford 3.5kg Superceded Urethane Cover $249 Tour Quality Balls (Sleeves of 3 in dozens) 14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Hole Cooler Pocket

$189

Black, Black/Blue, Black/Grey, Black/Green, Black/Red or Black/Orange

Bridgestone B330 Black Box, RXs or RX TaylorMade Project (a) Callaway Chrome Soft White or Truvis

(2016 Model)

TaylorMade Tour Preferred X

Cleveland RTX 588 2.0 Satin Wedge

Srixon Z-Star or Z-Star XV

Callaway Graphite XR Irons

Right 56º Sand 14º Bounce Left 52º Gap Left 60º Lob

Gold or Silver Box

5 - PW Regular Flex Graphite Right or Left Hand

$79

Dynamic Gold Wedge Flex Shaft

3 dozen for

$123

Urethane Tour Cover Ball

Srixon Soft Feel Balls Individually Boxed Green Box White Ball Pink Box White Ball Pink Box Pink Ball Green Box Yellow Ball

2015 Model

$264 for 12 Dozen Carton

MIXED CARTON AVAILABLE

Nike NDX Turbo Balls

3 Dozen for

$42

$22 Dozen

TaylorMade RSi 1 3 Iron

$129

17° Loft 39.5” Long Driving Iron Specifications Regular or Stiff Steel Shaft

$30 DOZ $33 DOZ $33 DOZ $42 DOZ $44 DOZ

Srixon Z-Star XV

OVERSIZE HEAD

Srixon 545 Driver Kurokage 60grm Regular or Stiff Shaft 10.5º Loft Adjustable Includes Cover & Wrench

$259

$660

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days Callaway Big Bertha Callaway Super Fairway 5 Wood Soft Balls (2015) 18º Loft Regular Flex Fubuki Shaft Fully Adjustable Includes Cover +Wrench

$269

$149

38 compression for moderate swing speeds Individually boxed White or Yellow

$28

TaylorMade Driver AeroBurner

Callaway Hex Diablo Balls

Right Stiff 9.5º Loft

Soft Feel Durable Cover Sleeves (not individual)

Left Regular 10.5º Loft Right Regular 14.5º HL Easy Driver

$239

Includes Cover

$18 Dozen

Srixon Deluxe Bags - 2015 Models Callaway Apex Pro Forged Irons Cart Full Length Dividers Full Length Rain Cover Putter Holder Cooler Pocket & Hood Black/Red/White or Black/White

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

$189 $239

$109 $169

Iron Covers - Black

Callaway Black Towel - Large Big Bertha 76cm x 51cm Connects to Bag

$35

Castle Bay 2 - SW (10) Right Hand Only

$49

$1050

$699 Right Hand Only

Callaway X-Hot N14 Eagles & Birdies

Eagles & Birdies 3 - SW (9) 3 Fairway 15º Loft Fits Right Graphite + Cover Regular Flex or Left Hand

$30

$19

Mid Cavity 4 - PW (7 Irons) KBS Tour V 110 Stiff Flex Shafts Superceded Models

Only

$99 $39

Sand Wedge 55º Loft Regular flex Steel Shaft

Augusta Bag $299 3.7kg

14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Tube Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket Red/Grey or Black/Orange 2015 Model

$199

Eagles & Birdies Magnetic Pro

Ball Sale Individually Boxed in Dozens Callaway X-Hot Pro Model

14 Full Length Dividers (2016 Model) Oversize Putter Tube $399 Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket Black/Charcoal Black or Black/Red

Pinnacle Distance Mens or Ladies

TaylorMade Purelite Stand Bag

TaylorMade Hybrid Aeroburner

Srixon Distance (Red Box) Precept Laddie X Mens TaylorMade Burner Soft (2016) Optima Soft Feel (Blue Box)

4.5kg

Black/Green only

$149

Callaway Eleven Metalwood 25º Loft X-Hot Regular Graphite Shaft Right Hand Includes Cover

$229

$119

Callaway Hex Chrome Ball

Ladies Callaway X-Hot Irons (6)

Urethane Cover Yellow only

Graphite Shafts

$23

6 - SW

$499

Easy to use

$39 Dozen

Game Improvement Models

$13 DOZ $13 DOZ $14 DOZ $15 DOZ $17 DOZ $18 DOZ

Maxfli Black Max Spin

$325

$369 Right Hand

Doz

19º Number 3 $189 Graphite Stiff Shaft Includes Cover or 22º Number 4 Senior Flex Shaft

$139

White or Black Left Hand

15º 3 Fairway Right or left 13.5º Strong 3 Fairway Right Hand 9.5º Adjustable Driver Right or Left

$149

588 MT Graphite 3 Irons

$50

Classic XL Graphite Fairway + Cover

$89

Altitude Graphite 3 Hybrid/Iron

$69

$40 5 FOR

+ $7 POSTAGE ANYWHERE IN AUSTRALIA

$79 $79 $79

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

Cleveland Sale Left Hand Only Specials

Srixon All Weather Gloves Mens Left S, M, M-L, L, XL Mens Right Black Only Ladies Left S, M, L Ladies Right Black Only

18º Hybrid Right Hand

$229 $39 EA $129 EA $129 TaylorMade Jetspeed 9.5 Stiff Driver + Cover Callaway X-Hot 5 Wood Regular + Cover $79 Cleveland Smart Square Putter + Cover $79 Ping K15 9.5 Stiff Driver + Cover $129 TaylorMade ATV 52° Gap Wedge or 56° Sand Wedge $69 EA Callaway X-Hot Pro 9.5 Stiff Driver + Cover $89 Cleveland Classic XL 3 Wood Regular + Cover $89 Callaway XR Irons 5 - PW (6) Regular Graphite $569 SET Callaway Mack Daddy 2 Forged 60° Lob Wedge $89 Cleveland MT Irons 5 - PW (6) Regular Steel $279 SET Callaway XR Irons 4 - SW (8) Regular Steel $649 SET Cleveland RTX 2.0 52° Gap or 60° Lob Wedge $79 EA Callaway Big Bertha Adjustable 10.5 Regular Driver Cleveland CG-16 Wedges 54°, 56° & 58° Loft Ping G30 19° or 22° Hybrid Regular + Cover

SIGNATURE SHAPE MEETS EXPLOSIVE PERFORMANCE.

THE NEW STEELHEAD XR IS PACKED WITH DISTANCE AND BUILT TO SCORE.

CALLAWAYGOLF.COM.AU ©2016 Callaway Golf Company. Callaway, the Chevron Device, Steelhead XR & 360 Face Cup are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Callaway Golf Company.