Inside Golf April 2017

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Issue 141 // APRIL 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

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starters box

Rewriting the Rule Book Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

B

y now you will have heard that the USGA and the R&A are conducting a major revamp/ simplification of the Rules of Golf (for more, see page 10).

In a refreshing twist, the USGA and R&A are, amazingly, asking for feedback/suggestions from golfers regarding the rules. And while I’m under no illusion that the USGA or R&A are truly open to changing every rule, I do believe that the power of the masses (and media) can be very strong (just ask President Trump). So I’m hopeful that some real change can be made.

In essence, this is our chance as golfers to make a massive difference to the game we all love.

There are dozens of crazy rules currently in the book. It seems that every year there’s some ridiculous situation where a player on Tour gets penalised (or even disqualified) for some arcane ruling that, to the casual observer, seems ludicrous. Closer to home, in ‘Club land’, many rules are too confusing for the majority of players to understand/remember, while there are others that slow down the game.

For example: the Out of Bounds/ Stroke and distance rule (or SAD – a fitting acronym). Since the inception of the modern game, the SAD penalty for Out of Bounds/Lost Ball has been a topic of debate. It has been tweaked, adjusted, eliminated, reintroduced and revised more times than a Trump immigration ban. So it’s no wonder why, in response to the proposed rule changes, this one is the most talkedabout. In its simplest terms, it requires a player (in the case of OOB or lost ball) to return to the spot from where the shot was originally played, adding a penalty stroke, and re-hitting.

A (very long) report has been prepared by the USGA which explains the many reasons why SAD can’t be eliminated (www.goo.gl/gPt2pU).

One of their big concerns is the “lack of an obvious reference point for a

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ball that is lost”. In essence, the USGA is saying that a player/partner cannot be trusted to find a reasonable spot to drop the ball in relation to where it went OOB/lost.

What the USGA has failed to realise, however is that this is exactly what we do for a water hazard. We estimate the point where the ball entered/ crossed the hazard, and then follow a set of guidelines. So it seems painfully simple that we should treat OOB the same as a water hazard. Perhaps with a two-stroke penalty instead of one?

This “Irish Drop” is already in play at many courses across the world; applied as a local rule, even for comps. It speeds up play immensely, eliminates the provisional ball, and is a fair, simple and quick way to impose the penalty. So let’s just treat OOB as a hazard. There MUST be a way.

Taking this a step further, if we can treat OOB and a hazard the same, then why not treat ALL hazards exactly the same? Red stakes, Yellow stakes, even bunkers. There are some really smart people in the world, so surely there is a way to apply ONE rule for all hazards. Nearest point of relief, not nearer the hole, etc. For the odd situation/course where this is difficult, then just create a local rule.

Another contentious point is unrepaired divots in the fairway.

Many golfers believe that, if you hit a beautiful (and rare) shot into the fairway, you shouldn’t be punished if your ball ends up in a fresh divot, thus you should get a free drop. I’ll tend to disagree here. The fundamental rules of golf tell us to “Play the ball as it lies, play the course as you find it, and if you cannot do either, do what is fair.” So to take relief from a divot is contrary to the first two points, with the question of “what is fair” a point of contention. Regardless, a fact of golf is that we all get good bounces and bad bounces. That’s golf. (But maybe we can penalise players for not repairing their divots, or not raking the bunkers!

I know, I’m dreaming.)

Finally, I believe there are heaps of rules around technology that need to be cut. GPS/Laser Rangefinders, checking the wind/weather, etc. For the average golfer, even if we know the exact distance to the pin, ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind SALES: National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 4653 00 | F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 | E: sam@insidegolf.com.au QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 | E: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au NSW/ACT Sales: Megan Symington M: 0419 575 000 | E: megan@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 | E: jon@insidegolf.com.au

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speed, elevation/slope to the green and current phase of the moon, we will still likely chunk it into the water.

So just let us have our technology.

After all, we still need to actually play the shot.

And don’t get me started on the debate about the golf ball itself. That’s an entire conversation on its own.

And the USGA/R&A have dug their heels in and refused to address it. That said, I might suggest that this could be left to the professional tours. They already dictate what their players can wear (i.e. no shorts). So why not let them impose a distance-limited ball at a tournament or two? Just an idea.

What are your biggest pet peeves/ recommendations around the rules?

Tell the USGA! And be sure to email them to us and we will share them with the world.

See you on the fairways.

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Women (finally) welcome at Muirfield

cLUB NEWS IG BUSINESS

SCOTLAND’s Muirfield golf club voted last month to admit women members, scrapping the all-male policy that led to the historic Scottish links course being stripped of its eligibility to host Britain’s Open championship.

GENERAL MANAGERS ON TOUR COVER STORY women

Club captain Henry Fairweather announced that the necessary two-thirds majority had been reached, with 80.2 percent of members voting in favour of change.

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“We look forward to welcoming women as members who will enjoy, and benefit from, the great traditions and friendly spirit of this remarkable club,” he said.

SENIOR AMATEURS PUBLIC ACCESS FEATURE events

The R&A, the body that organizes The Open, declared Muirfield back on its list of eligible courses, having said last year it would not stage the tournament at a venue that did not admit female members.

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APRIL 2017

Leishman victorious at Arnold Palmer Invitational Warrnambool’s Marc Leishman was all smiles last month, grabbing his second PGA Tour victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

actually hit that putt earlier in the week and missed it low left, and I worked on that, so practice pays off,” he said.

Leishman fired rounds of 71, 66, 71, 69 to win by one shot from Americans Kevin Kisner and Charley Hoffman.

It was a special win for Leishman who had been playing good golf coming into the week.

“It’s such a special year to honour Mr. Palmer how they have,” Leishman said.

“Obviously, it’s sad not to have him up there on 18, but to play how I did and to win any tournament’s huge, but especially this one.

“I’ve been playing well all year. I got a new [Epic] Callaway driver in at the start of the year and it’s really been a game changer,” added Leishman.

“You get the extra year exemption and everything that comes along with that. It’s a Presidents Cup year, there’s a lot of reasons that I wanted to play good. My family is here; it’s just a special day and couldn’t have worked out any better.

An eagle at the 16th, thanks to sinking a huge 50-foot putt, gave Leishman the lead.

“The putter was pivotal all week. I’ve been putting well all year and it’s nice to be able to hole putts the last few days. That one on 16, I

“I’ve been driving it better than I ever have. So that’s been probably the biggest difference.”

PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman commended Leishman on his first victory since winning the Nedbank Golf Challenge and his second on the PGA TOUR after he won the Travelers Championship in 2012.

“On behalf of the PGA of Australia I’d like to congratulate Marc on becoming the first Australian Professional to win on the PGA TOUR this season,” Kirkman said.

Muirfield has had a male-only membership policy since the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which controls the course, was founded in 1744.

Women are allowed to play there, but an initial ballot to allow women members failed in May last year when only 64 percent voted in favour.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who had called the initial ballot “simply indefensible”, took to Twitter to express her approval.

“Well done, Muirfield - decision to admit women members emphatic & the right one. Look forward to seeing you host the Open again in future,” she said.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the R&A, agreed.

“Muirfield has a long and important history of hosting The Open and with today’s announcement that will continue... We very much look forward to taking the Championship back there in future,” he said.

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Luck takes top amateur spot

Felton wins NZ PGA Championship

NZ’s Pearce rallies to win Qld PGA

Perth’s Curtis Luck was on top of the world last month, claiming the status as the planet’s No.1 amateur.

Jarryd Felton won the Lawnmaster Horizon Golf NZ PGA Championship in a thrilling playoff against Victorian Josh Younger and New Zealand’s Ben Campbell.

KIWI Daniel Pearce almost blew it.

When the R&A released its rankings in mid March, the reigning US Amateur champ, the dominant amateur through 2016, had finally earned enough points to usurp American Maverick McNealy atop the rankings.

“Since I started playing really seriously when I was 14 or 15, it’s been my goal from there. So for five years I’ve been trying to reach that No.1 spot,” Luck said.

“It was pretty exciting for me and it was one goal for 2017 checked off the list, so I can now move on to the next one which is obviously playing and doing well at the Masters, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Asked if the status provided a confidence boost before his debut at the Masters, Luck kept his next goal clearly in focus.

“It’s great. I wouldn’t classify it as a confidence boost, it’s more just gratifying to be in that position and makes me more excited to get there (Augusta National) and compete as the No.1 amateur in the world.”

Luck, a member at Cottesloe Golf Club, became just the third Australian behind Scott Arnold and Brady Watt to hold the mantle since the WAGR system was introduced in 2007, although Melbourne’s Jin Jeong, representing Korea, was also briefly No.1 in 2010.

Felton, Campbell and Younger all finished 14-under 270 at the end of four rounds of stroke play to force a trip to the 18th tee for a playoff.

The West Australian drove wide from the tee but was able to quickly rally and make birdie to seal the win.

“I didn’t hit too good of a tee shot, I think I got pretty lucky actually. I capitalized and made the putt, I don’t think the Kiwi fans were too happy,” laughed Felton.

“I came into the week not feeling so confident but the more rounds I played around this course I started to grow in confidence and to win is a great feeling.

This is Felton’s second win on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, his first came in 2015 when he won the NSW PGA Championship in just his fifth start as a Professional.

The 21-year-old said this win is his biggest achievement to date in his young career.

Luck qualified for this month’s US Masters when he won the US Amateur in August, then backed it up with victory in the Asia-Pacific Amateur in October.

“It ranks pretty high this one, I’ve had a lot of things going on mentally the last few months so to win is really good.”

The five-time West Australian state team representative, coached by Craig Bishop, hasn’t confirmed his future plans, but is considering turning his back on starts at the US Open and Open Championship to turn professional after his start at Augusta National because he’d have to stay amateur to exercise those options.

The win gives Felton full exemption on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia for the remainder of 2017 and entirety of 2018, allowing him peace of mind for the rest of this season.

Campbell finished T2 with Josh Younger while Matthew Giles (NSW) was outright fourth.

The New Zealander, who took an eight-shot lead into the final round of the Queensland PGA Championship, defeated Canberra’s Matthew Millar in a three-hole playoff to claim the title at City Golf Club, Toowoomba.

Pearce (63-64-62-72) and Millar (65-66-66-64) finished with a 72-hole total of 261 – 19-under par.

Victoria’s Adam Burdett finished third a further three shots back.

Surprisingly, Pearce was the only player in the top 10 to record a score over 70. The next nine players all shot scores in the 60s.

It was a birdie and eagle barrage from the word go and the fans loved it.

Good on City Golf Club for giving golf fans something to cheer.

“I had a playoff in a pro-am back home (New Zealand) which I lost, so 50 percent now in my career is not too bad,” Pearce laughed.

“He (Millar) is a great golfer and he’s been playing some fantastic golf the last couple of years especially around Australia so to be up against him was always going to be tough, I knew he’d come out firing.

“It’s nice to beat a player of that quality.”

The victory gives Pearce exemption on the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia for the remainder of this season and 2018.

“I haven’t been exempt going in to a year before so it really helps,” he said.

“Winning is winning, it’s awesome for the confidence.

“Hopefully I can build on this and have a really good year and jump on to a main tour somewhere.”

There’ll be a short rest for the New Zealander who has status on the PGA Tour China which tees off its season at the Henan Open on May 9.

“I’ve got status up in China, so I’ll be playing PGA Tour of China when it starts around May and I’ll also be playing the remainder of this season in Australia.”

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

9

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R&A, USGA to modernise the Rules of Golf

PGA Professionals have eyes on paradise

impediments or touching the ground or water in a penalty area.

The online release of this preview begins a six-month feedback and evaluation period during which all golfers worldwide can learn about the proposed changes and provide input before they are finalised in 2018 and take effect on 1 January 2019.

While the Rules are revised every four years, this is the first fundamental review since 1984, and was established to ensure the Rules fit the needs of today’s game and the way it is played around the world.

Highlights of the proposed Rule changes include: • Elimination or reduction of “ball moved” penalties: There will be no penalty for accidentally moving a ball on the putting green or in searching for a ball; and a player is not responsible for causing a ball to move unless it is “virtually certain” that he or she did so.

• Relaxed putting green rules: There will be no penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits an unattended flagstick in the hole; players may putt without having the flagstick attended or removed. Players may repair spike marks and other damage made by shoes, animal damage and other damage on the putting green and there is no penalty for merely touching the line of putt.

• Relaxed rules for “penalty areas” (currently called “water hazards”): Red and yellow-marked penalty areas may cover areas of desert, jungle, lava rock, etc., in addition to areas of water; expanded use of red penalty areas where lateral relief is allowed; and there will be no penalty for moving loose

• Relaxed bunker rules: There will be no penalty for moving loose impediments in a bunker or for generally touching the sand with a hand or club. A limited set of restrictions (such as not grounding the club right next to the ball) is kept to preserve the challenge of playing from the sand; however, an extra relief option is added for an unplayable ball in a bunker, allowing the ball to be played from outside the bunker with a twostroke penalty.

• Relying on player integrity: A player’s “reasonable judgment” when estimating or measuring a spot, point, line, area or distance will be upheld, even if video evidence later shows it to be wrong; and elimination of announcement procedures when lifting a ball to identify it or to see if it is damaged.

• Pace-of-play support: Reduced time for searching for a lost ball (from five minutes to three); affirmative encouragement of “ready golf” in stroke play; recommending that players take no more than 40 seconds to play a stroke and other changes intended to help with pace of play.

• Simplified way of taking relief: A new procedure for taking relief by dropping a

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ball in and playing it from a specific relief area; relaxed procedures for dropping a ball, allowing the ball to be dropped from just above the ground or any growing thing or other object on the ground.

A series of materials have also been prepared online to explain the proposed Rule changes and provide background on the initiative.

Golfers are encouraged to review the proposed changes and submit feedback online at www.randa.org or www.usga.org/rules until 31 August 2017.

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With a list of former champions that boasts some of the PGA’s most respected Vocational PGA Professionals, the PGA Professionals Championship will be a sought-after title when it is contested at the picturesque and challenging Hamilton Island Golf Club.

Played from the 31st October – 2nd November, PGA Professionals from around the country will be looking to qualify for this prestigious Championship with 50 positions available at state qualifying tournaments.

Following the overwhelming success of the event since its move to Hamilton Island in 2012, the three-round tournament will be played for $55,000 in prizemoney.

However the biggest prize on offer is the opportunity to compete in the 2017 Australian PGA Championship co-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour. The leading two male Professionals will receive the exemption.

Six qualifying tournaments will be held around Australia over the coming months which will see both male and female PGA Professionals competing alongside each other.

While the men will be eyeing a place at the Australian PGA Championship, the women will be competing for a coveted position in the 2018 Oates Women’s Vic Open.

The winner of each qualifying tournament will also receive complimentary return airfares to Hamilton Island, plus an invite to their respective State PGA Championship on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

Playing alongside the 50 Professionals at Hamilton Island will be 52 amateurs who will compete for the title of Hamilton Island Amateur Golf Champion.

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April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Email: heathmont@travelrite.com.au www.travelrite.com.au

ATAS No. A10538 ABN 64 005 817 078

The R&A and the USGA have unveiled a preview of the proposed new Rules of Golf, as part of a joint initiative to modernise the Rules and make them easier to understand and apply.

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Black Bull charging ahead The official grand opening of the Black Bull Golf Course was held in January this year, alongside launching the brand-new, state-of-the-art Pro-Shop and Land Sales Office facilities. The architecturally designed building by “Cox Architects” is only metres from Lake Mulwala and boasts a large outdoor deck area, indoor café and a fully-stocked Pro-shop.

The Black Bull Golf Course sits in the heart of the Silverwoods – Golf & Lifestyle Development by Lotus Living.

“This is a monumental step forward for us and has been a huge team effort from all involved,” said Project Director, Daniel Smith.

Warringah safe for the moment GOLFERS all over Sydney were up in arms when it appeared one of Sydney’s busiest layouts, Warringah Golf Club would be closed and replaced with sporting fields.

Second only to Moore Park as the busiest public course in the state, Warringah has now been granted a two-year ’stay of proceedings’ after the club was granted a two-year lease on its present site.

With its lease due to expire this year there were suggestions Northern Beaches Council would “bulldoze” the course and create grounds for other sports such as soccer, rugby league, ruby union, cricket and netball.

James McCully (Director of McCully Golf ), added “2017 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet for the project with the luxury international four-star boutique Sebel hotel and serviced apartments – known as The Sebel Yarrawonga at Silverwoods.”

The official grand opening of the golf course also saw the preliminary opening of the “Bull Pen” a purposebuilt undercover driving range / sports bar facility. The ssoon-to-be-completed Bull Pen will double as an outdoor cinema and entertainment zone suited to the ideal weather conditions that Yarrawonga offers.

The opening of both facilities was attended by Australia’s top Senior PGA Professionals with round one of the Victorian Seniors Open being played the following day. It was Peter Senior’s first According to club president Scott Campbell the two-year extension was a positive step to give the club a bit of financial and trading surety.

Earlier, former Premier Mike Baird, who is the State Member for Manly, suggested no decision on Warringah’s future should be made while there was still an administrator running the council and it should wait until councillors were elected.

A discussion paper which reviews the nearby sports grounds at Nolan Reserve as well as the golf course is expected to be released for community feedback.

“Who knows when it will be finalised,” said Campbell.

“It was supposed to be November, but ever since the final decision got

club news

visit to the Murray area, and he could not believe the quality of golf course that Yarrawonga–Mulwala boasts.

The three-day event jointly hosted by Yarrawonga-Mulwala Golf Club Resort & Black Bull won tournament of the year for the Victorian Legends Southern division in 2016.

“The Victorian Seniors Open is a great way to promote our first class golfing facilities and the town of Yarrawonga,” said McCully.

THE BALLS THAT CHANGED THE BALL.

Along with the new facilities on offer, the challenge of the “Bull Ring”, and championship Thomson Perrettdesigned 18 holes, it continues to impress all who have played, and has stamped itself as a must-play when next travelling along the Murray River. moved to an elected body, it has stalled.”

According to reports in the Manly Daily, Northern Beaches Council administrator Dick Persson reversed a plan of management for District Park in October that would have allowed one body to manage the Warringah golf course, North Manly Bowling Club (next door to the course) and the Warringah recreation centre areas (mainly Nolan and Passmore Reserves).

That would have guaranteed another 20 years for the Warringah golf course.

It is believed the proposed sale of Warringah Golf Club’s clubhouse, which sits on the other side of busy Pittwater Road, had also fallen through, mainly because of the uncertain future surrounding the golf course.

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

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Bathurst solves water problems WATER – or lack of it – has been a perennial problem at Bathurst Golf Club.

And despite all the rain that has fallen in NSW in recent weeks, Bathurst general manager Brad Constable says precious little of it seemed to finish up on the golf course.

So the club pleaded for advice from Golf NSW and their suggestions have the course close to its very best as it geared up to host some of the best juniors and senior amateur golfers in the state at several major events.

“We’re a bit landlocked here and rely solely on what comes through the council pipes,” Constable told Inside Golf.

“Our water bill last year was about $80,000.

“So we got Golf NSW involved and the NSW [golf industry] council as well.

“We had already met with our local council

12

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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on numerous occasions trying to get them to change our [water] rates.

“Getting Golf NSW involved helped us bring events like the NSW Seniors and NSW Open qualifying here.

“We got a good result, really good.”

According to Constable, the course has improved significantly.

“The course is looking good now . . . we have the Jack Newton Juniors event which is the largest one in NSW plus the NSW seniors (amateur) title slated to be played here as well. We’ve poured water into the place because we want the facility to look its best for these blue ribbon events coming up. Also the rain we have had has been a godsend because it has pepped the place up a bit.

“In a round-about way it was a bonus having Golf NSW getting involved. Their policy advisor has been fantastic and was quite instrumental in what we’ve achieved here.”

Callala worth another visit THERE are few more attractive sites for a golf course on the New South Wales South Coast than Callala, just a 20km drive from Nowra.

So the news that this popular and interesting layout was recently converted to become an 18-hole course is bound to attract a few more back for another look and a leisurely round at this delightful country course where kangaroos are kings and wildlife abounds.

Don’t worry though, the many ‘roos’ that relax around Callala Country Golf Club are far more likely to be keeping an eye on the lorikeets, parrots and cockatoos that abound on Callala’s par-68 course than worry about a few golfers playing past them.

Callala can lay claim to being one of the South Coast’s undiscovered gems . . . it’s a challenging course which will appeal to all levels of golfers and give ‘hackers’ a pleasurable day out as well.

Bring your camera, though, because some of the native wildlife and vistas are quite breathtaking.

And while visitors are made feel welcome, membership is also open and costs a mere $200 a year with no joining fee or waiting list.

There are competitions every Saturday as well as veterans on Tuesday and ladies on Wednesdays.

Visitors rates are just $15 for nine holes and $20 for 18 holes at Callala.

More: 02 4446 5112 or email Callalagolf@ bigpond.com.

club news

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Sydney music venue turns to golf

New range, academy and FootGolf at Curlewis Innovation keeps on rolling out at Curlewis Golf Club. Work has commenced on the construction of a state-of-the-art driving range, golf academy and hospitality facility. Located at the western end of the renowned golf course, the multi-million-dollar amenity will feature 18 indoor/outdoor Driving Bays, new age golf simulators, golf fitting operations, conference facilities as well as an array of dining options.

Curlewis Golf Club Director, David Sharp said the project extended the club’s mantra of offering a facility for the whole community which focused on health, friendship, activity and fun.

“We are committed to the community.

Lyndsay and I made a pledge in July 2015 (when the members’ vote demonstrated their faith in us) that Curlewis would strive to reach its potential not only as a premier 18-hole golf course but as a top, accessible community facility as well,” he said.

A game changer for Victorian golf, the Curlewis facility won’t just be for golfers. Sports fans, families, corporates looking for an event with a difference as well as fun-loving people of all ages will be able to enjoy what’s on offer.

“All of us here at Curlewis - members and staff alike - are excited about what it will offer on a number of levels – it’s all about bringing people together and facilitating great down time.”

A vast deck area will overlook the adjoining Bellarine Rail Trail, a popular walking and cycling track which spans 35 kilometres of spectacular local countryside from Queenscliff all the way through to Geelong. Walkers and cyclists will be welcome to drop in for breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee and other refreshments.

MEANWHILE, in another Curlewis Golf Club first, the club has opened Southwest Victoria’s first FootGolf course.

FootGolf is a non-contact sport that is played on a regular golf course and combines soccer and golf. The game is played similarly to golf, with the exception that players use a soccer ball instead of a golf ball and the

ball is kicked rather than struck with a club, working towards a 53-centimetre cup.

Curlewis Golf Club Manager, Brenden Caligari said, “We are really excited about launching FootGolf in this region as it is a sport that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages and abilities and requires no special playing gear…. just a soccer ball and a pair of runners”.

Curlewis is the 15th FootGolf course in Australia and only the third in Victoria, after receiving accreditation from both FootGolf Australia and the Federation of International FootGolf.

A typical game of FootGolf over nine holes takes about 90 minutes to play for beginners and has proven no problems when intermingled with golfers, as the pace of play is excellent.

Cost for FootGolf at Curlewis Golf Club are $10 pp or $20 per group (of up to four people).

Ball hire is $5 per person – refundable on return… or players are welcome to bring their own ball. www.curlewisgolf.com.au

FIRST it was Brisbane and now Sydney will get a mini-golf bar following news that one of Sydney’s favourite live music venues will close down in April.

The Newton Social Club, formerly known as the Sando (Sandringham Hotel), plans to renovate the bar and reopen it as Holey Moley Sydney.

It will be a mini-golf bar similar to the successful Holey Moley bar in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane.

It appears lockout laws have forced the owner’s hand.

The venue announced the decision on Facebook.

“Three years since saving the venue from the hands of developers, it is with a heavy heart that Newtown Social Club announces it will be shutting its doors on April 23, 2017,” the post read.

Still, it’s good news for golfers and non-golfers alike, particularly the younger set.

The Victorian-based company Funlab that operates Holey Moley as well as Sky Zone trampoline centres and the Strike Bowling chain, says it will continue to support live music at the venue.

Funlab has long sought a relevant space in Sydney for some time.

They plan on providing the Newtown community an entertainment alternative where people can have fun together.

So, what can Sydney patrons look forward to?

Well, if it’s anything like Holey Moley in Brisbane, patrons can putt their way around two ninehole courses.

Its 18 themed holes turn traditional putt-putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth of amusing holes. They even have a throne made out of disused golf clubs and host adult and children’s “par-tees”.

The fully-equipped cocktail bar is called The Caddyshack.

Holey Moley Sydney is due to open in June.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

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Qld golf industry awards its finest

I

N case you missed it, the Queensland golf industry last month celebrated its “night of nights” – the annual Queensland Golf Industry Awards and PGA Trainee Graduation at Jupiters Gold Coast.

More than 230 guests were there to witness 29 gongs presented.

The industry recognised the outstanding achievements of individuals, golf clubs and companies from the Queensland/Northern Territory Division of the PGA, Golf Managers’ Association Queensland (GMAQ), Golf Queensland and the Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of Queensland (GCSAQ).

The PGA introduced three new awards: Twin Waters general manager Stephen Hutchison was named inaugural Qld PGA Manager of the Year while Steven Jeffress secured the MLC Nundah Community Leadership Award and Jason Day’s coach Colin Swatton claimed the Coach of the Year Award in recognition for an outstanding 2016.

Meanwhile, Brookwater GCC head professional John Collins was named Qld PGA Teaching Professional of the Year while Wynnum Golf Club’s head professional Matthew King was recognised for his untiring efforts within the industry taking out the Coca Cola Qld PGA Club Professional of the Year.

The GCSAQ recognised the talents of many of their dedicated superintendents across Queensland with Lakelands Golf Club’s Phil Soegaard taking out the Superintendents’ Achievement Award.

Carbrook Golf Club received the coveted GMAQ Golf Club of the Year Award for its achievements in the growth of its membership, which enabled the club to undergo significant improvements to the course and clubhouse.

The club also initiated their Junior Sharks Golf Program, which now has more than 100 children committed.

GMAQ Manager of the Year Mark Whiting of Ballina GSC (right) is congratulated by colleagues (left to right) GMAQ president and Nudgee GC general manager Aaron Muirhead, his wife Kim, Cameron Harvey (Club Business Solutions), Sharon Purnell (Mt Coolum GC general manager) and Carbrook GC general manager Scott Wagstaff. Golf course architect Richard Chamberlain (back) joined in the celebration.

Queensland PGA Club Professional of the Year Matthew King.

With the unofficial border of the awards stretching in to northern NSW, Mark Whiting (Ballina Golf and Sports Club) took out the MiClub GMAQ Manager of the Year after turning around the club from a significant financial deficit to surplus of more than $338,000 in 2016.

Finally, 17 PGA trainees graduated to full vocational PGA members, recognised for their dedication in achieving their goal of becoming the next generation of PGA professionals.

QUEENSLAND GOLF INDUSTRY AWARDS Qld PGA Club Professional of the Year: Matthew King, Wynnum GC Qld PGA Teaching Professional of the year: John Collins, Brookwater Qld PGA Coach of the Year Award: Col Swatton Qld PGA Manager of the Year: Steve Hutchison, Twin Waters Qld PGA Pro-Am Series Sunshine Swing OOM winner: Damien Jordan PGA Pro-Am Series Sunshine Swing Rookie of the Year: Dale BrandtRichards Qld PGA Trainee of the Year Award: Paul Griffiths Qld PGA Trainee OOM winner: Paul Griffiths Qld PGA Tournament of the Year: Barton/BMD Wynnum Pro-Am Qld PGA Metropolitan Tournament of the Year: City of Brisbane Pro-Am and Southport Pro-Am Qld PGA Legends Tournament of the Year: Sunshine Coast Masters Qld PGA Regional Tournament of the Year: Yamba Pro-Am Qld PGA Community Leadership Award: Steven Jeffres Qld Golf Industry Services to Golf: Carmel Smith and Tom Crothers Golf Qld Volunteer of the Year: Matt McCarthy, Rowes Bay GC Golf Qld Male Amateur Golfer of the Year: Charlie Dann Golf Qld Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year: Karis Davidson Golf Qld Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the Year: Jediah Morgan, Hattonvale Golf Qld Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year: Karis Davidson GMAQ Golf Club of the Year: Carbrook GC GMAQ Manager of the Year: Mark Whiting, Ballina GSC GMAQ Board Member of the Year: Ed Britnell, City GC GMAQ Employee of the Year: Janet Dinnes, Toowoomba GC PGA IGI Excellence in Golf Education Award: Chad Wilson Qld Golf Industry Supplier of the Year: Srixon Qld Golf Industry Junior Program of the Year: Pacific and Rowes Bay golf clubs Superintendents’ Achievement Award: Phil Soegaard, Lakelands GC Superintendents’ Apprentice of the Year: Christopher Zeal Superintendents’ Assistant Recognition Award: Garry Kunz, Byron Bay GC

Top night for NSW PGA Awards Life member of the PGA and former president Geoff Scott echoed those comments as he welcomed the trainees into their ranks.

Michael Court

michael@insidegolf.com.au

C

OMPLETING a golf traineeship has never been a piece of cake, and you could see the relief on the faces of 14 young men and women at Royal Sydney Golf Club last month.

“Your career is only limited by your dreams,” said Scott.

The industry heavyweights from NSW had gathered for the graduation of 18 young – and some not so young – into the professional ranks.

On a stellar night for the NSW arm of the industry, several major awards were handed out as well.

And given the chance to say a few words as they accepted their graduation certificates, most of them had a multitude of people to thank for getting them through a fairly stringent period of their lives.

Those who graduated were: Christopher Akers (Bankstown Golf Club), Robert Attwood (Stonecutters Ridge), Carly Beck (Bonville), Jason Butt (Wyong), Adam Demidjuk (Gordon), Lachlan Foulsham (Killara), Harrad Hayes (Shelly Beach), Chantal Hodson (NSW GC), Patrick Joseph (Toukley), Aaron Keevers (Wollongong), Rhett McIvor (Liverpool), Tamra Moore (Castle Cove), Tristan Morey (Asquith/Thornleigh Golf Centre), Jason Park (Riverside Oaks), Campbell Quirk (Elanora), Joshua Rindfleish 14

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“The members are always there to share their experiences and help wherever and whenever they can.”

Among those were: A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE: NSW graduates ready to party after receiving their certificates at Royal Sydney Golf Club.

(The Australian), Steven Slappendel (Muree), BJ Taylor (Port Kembla), Brett Walsh (Newcastle) and Joshua Whitehouse (Terrey Hills).

While some were already competing in tournaments overseas and couldn’t be present, most took the opportunity to include their families and celebrate the years of hardship that being a trainee often involved.

Support for the trainees from within the golfing ranks was evident with newlyappointed Australian PGA CEO Gavin

NSW/ACT PGA player of the year: Sam Brazel; NSW/ACT Coach of the Year: Jason Laws;

Kirkman pointing out the need for a unified industry to grow the game in this country.

NSW/PGA Teaching professional of the Year: Andrew Walkley (Armidale);

“My comment when people asked me how I intended to grow the game in this country was simple,” Kirkman said.

NSW/ACT PGA Manager of the Year: Steve Aisbett;

“More coaching and more lessons will get people enjoying their golf and wanting to play more golf.

“So the more coaching and more lessons we can give, the better off the game will be.

“If people play well, they will want to play more.”

NSW/ACT PGA Club Professional of the Year: Nicholas Robb (Cromer Golf Club).

Other winners were: NSW/ACT PGA Pro-Am of the Year: Shelly Beach; NSW/PGA Pro-Am of the Year: Port Macquarie; Legends Pro-Am of the Year: Mollymook.

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Kirkman new PGA CEO T he PGA of Australia announced last month that Gavin Kirkman has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.

Peter O’Malley, Chairman of the PGA Board highlighted this appointment as particularly noteworthy as Kirkman comes from within golfing’s and the organisation’s ranks. Gavin is a longserving PGA employee having been CEO of PGA Queensland from 2002 - 2007 and the PGA’s National Chief Membership Officer for the past six years.

“Gavin is a long-term, dedicated and highly regarded PGA executive who understands all aspects of the game and who we appointed as Interim Joint CEO in January this year with Stuart Hergt, PGA CFO, who is an integral part of the association and assumes his current role on the senior executive team with added responsibilities,” O’Malley said.

“Gavin and this new leadership team represents great continuity, industry knowledge and experience which is critical to delivering to the membership strong playing, employment and business outcomes.

“Gavin has a highly regarded reputation and is known throughout the industry for his focus on people and his passion for the game. He will be a champion of teamwork and partnership. His undoubted open style and capability in engaging with all the stakeholders in golf will be critical to the success of the game in Australia into the future.” O’Malley added.

Commenting on his appointment Gavin said, “It is an honour and privilege to lead the PGA, an organisation with a rich history and legacy dating back to 1911.

“Australian golf on the world stage is celebrating great success and we can be very proud of the achievements of our

current touring professionals who are making news every day.

“My intention is to continue to develop opportunities for these members and drive a tournament and event strategy that ensures confidence across government and commercial sectors in the best interests of our partners, our professionals and the game here and overseas,” Kirkman said.

“I am very excited to be in a position to truly make a difference by supporting and building programs for the unsung heroes of the game, the Vocational Professionals, who work tirelessly across the country and behind the scenes every day to keep this great game great. These members are small business owners, employees and trainees who are the face of the game and critical to growing participation through national collaborative programs, in providing education and in the day-to-day commerce of the industry,” he said.

“I am committed to building a culture at the PGA that engenders trust, progress and collaboration at every level.”

Gavin has great knowledge of the game and the industry. He has worked in golf since 1985 across all areas with the past 20 years in senior management roles covering facility and club management, event and commercial management, member services and development, government relations, governance and sports administration. Gavin’s past experience includes senior executive roles with globally recognised companies, Panasonic, Club Corp, Morgan Stanley and most recently, RACV. Gavin’s appointment comes following the successful completion by Brian Thorburn of his two three-year contracted terms earlier this year. •

Maroon Festival Amateur Golf Championship Coordinated by the PGA of Australia, the inaugural ‘Maroon Festival Amateur Golf Championship’ brings together one of Queensland’s most recognised sporting event being the Holden State of Origin, with the great game of golf.

The Maroon Festival is designed to bring together the Sunshine State to celebrate everything Queensland.

As part of the festival, the inaugural Maroon Festival Amateur Golf Championship will be played over 36 holes at two iconic golfing venues, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club and Indooroopilly Golf Club, culminating in a night to remember at Game One of the 2017 Holden State of Origin.

At a cost of $595 per person, entry to the Maroon Festival Amateur Golf Championship includes a ticket in Maroons Members section at Game One of Holden State of Origin, entry to a pre-game function in Brisbane’s CBD, gift pack including official Holden State of Origin merchandise, two rounds of golf including motorised cart and range balls, lunch each day and more than $5,000 in prizes.

“The response has been overwhelming with the field filling rapidly, and knowing that we will be offering those who participated each year a position in the subsequent year’s tournament, we recommend amateurs get in quick to avoid disappointment,” says PGA State Manager (QLD/NT Division) Broc Greenhalgh.

Playing in the event will also be current and former NRL players as well as a number of other sporting personalities making it a memorable experience for all sporting enthusiasts. For more, visit the ‘Play’ section of the PGA website – www.pga.org.au •

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GM Marcus Sullivan goes full circle “I’m here to drive the vision and the owners have bought in.

David Newbery

“Fiscally and culturally we are improving and the members are enjoying the lift in service as well.”

david@insidegolf.com.au

W

Sullivan said he was enjoying the new challenge.

HEN Marcus Sullivan started as a golf shop assistant at Arundel Hills Country Club 20 years ago, not even he could imagine he would return one day as the club’s general manager.

“It’s a pleasure coming to work because while we are considered a white collar club it has a blue collar heart,” he said. “The members are friendly, knockabout people and they are successful in what they do.

It’s been almost a year since Sullivan parked himself behind the GM’s desk and in that time he has overseen a number of major changes and improvements.

“There is no pretentiousness. Everyone here has a great time and that’s what has attracted some of the new members to come here.

“The new owners, Zhong Sheng Group, have spent over $500,000 in the first 10 months on the greens, golf carts, irrigation and greens mowers,” he said.

“Even though we are privately owned, we have an advisory committee that works closely with management and that’s been successful in pushing through any initiatives that we have but also getting a sounding board before we go to market with them to make sure it aligns to the members’ needs and wants.”

“It’s been well received by the members, which has grown by 76 to 438 in the past four months.”

Sullivan, who was born in Kempsey, has spent his entire working life in the golf industry.

One commitment the club has made to its members is Wednesdays and Saturdays are exclusively for them.

After graduating from Griffith University with a bachelor of business in resort management, he played golf professionally before moving into the administrative side of the game.

“Those days are for members and guests,” he said.

“Our guest rounds are through the roof and we are getting fantastic response with thousands of tour operator rounds coming back to the course.

“I realised it (professional golf ) wasn’t for me, but I’m glad I had a crack at it.”

Sullivan spent the next three years working at Emerald Lakes Golf Club.

“I was the corporate golf events and membership manager when I left to go to Colonial and Robina Woods, which is now Palmer Colonial and Palmer Gold Coast,” he said.

“I was there for six years and worked my way up to assistant general manager. Then I had an opportunity to take on a GM role at Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club at Bribie Island on the Sunshine Coast.”

A stint as director of golf at the Glades was followed by a role as GM at Gardiners Run in Victoria before being seconded to work as general manager at the Greg Norman-designed Sanctuary Lakes Club.

He’s not exactly your “I’ve been everywhere man”, but he has a golfing resume as long as your arm.

Marcus Sullivan is back where it all began.

“I have been around golf since I was six years old so you could say golf is in my blood and I absolutely love the industry,” he said.

“We welcome visitors and can offer a 4½ to 5-star product at 3½ to 4-star pricing,” Sullivan said. “We are not charging $150 a round. Our retail rate for visitors is $99 per person in a shared cart.

There’s access to the restaurant and we continue to host weddings, functions and corporate events.

Sullivan said since arriving at Arundel Hills the club was starting to get back its mojo.

“There’s been resurgence in these activities coming back to the club.

“We want to achieve a status as being recognised among the upper echelon of courses in Queensland, if not Australia,” he said.

“The golf course is in outstanding condition and with its topography it is arguably the best layout on the Gold Coast.

“We are setting ourselves some healthy benchmarks and we have a committed and professional team in all areas –finance, golf, hospitality and to the golf course.

Terry Price Golf Schools 1, 2, 3 or 5 day Golf Schools with current Tour Pro Terry Price After 30 years on Tour and playing with many of the games greatest players and learning from the worlds’ leading coaches such as Butch Harmon, David Leadbetter, David Pelz and Mac O’Grady, Terry is now sharing his experience with golfers of all ages and standards.

Join Terry at Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club to develop your current skills as he provides you with an effective and efficient ‘swing for a lifetime’.

“The course is well regarded in golfing circles and probably the most common comment from people is ‘it’s great to see Arundel back where it used to be’.

“It’s a great time to be in the golf industry.” •

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The grass is greener, says Troon David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

T

HE president of Troon Golf International Bruce Glasco believes the game of golf in Australia is heading in the right direction.

“We have had a couple of wonderful years turning around golf venues in Australia,” he said.

“I’m bullish that our operations in Australia will continue to grow.”

Currently the golf course management company administers six Australian golf facilities including Brookwater, Paradise Palms, Pacific Harbour (Queensland) and The Grange, Mollymook and Kooindah Waters (NSW).

“I can honestly say in the 19 years we have been in Australia I don’t think we have ever had the financial turnaround track record that we currently have with regards to being able to turnaround the business,” Glasco said.

“We have had an exceptional couple of years while working in some tough environments. That is the result of refining what we do across the world.”

In the past 27 years, Troon Golf has built its reputation on the quality and performance of its global portfolio in 31 countries and 38 American states.

They provide golf facilities with a turnkey service solution and with the comfort of best-practice and best-fit models.

Little wonder, Troon Golf’s profile continues to enjoy a rebound in Australia.

“We have had a marked impact on many facilities,” Glasco said.

“Speaking with various owners up and down the east coast of Australia, we have not had as many success stories as we currently do. It’s been an exceptional period for us.”

During his five-day visit, Florida-based Glasco visited Paradise Palms Country Club in Cairns and Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club on Bribie Island located between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Paradise Palms Country Club in Cairns has never looked better. INSET: Bruce Glasco. two or three of these disciplines, but generally it’s very hard to find someone with all of them.

“The ability to work with a management company can help that person develop and gain the expertise they need to be successful in areas they have not been trained or lack experience in.

“For example, many professionals at resorts in Queensland, and some in New South Wales, don’t have a strong background in food and beverage, but those at Victoria’s sandbelt clubs do because it’s a larger component of the business.

“Those are the things we help general managers develop.

We bring in the training modules to help them grow as an individual and run the business successfully.

“Troon Golf spends a tremendous amount of time to augment those weaknesses and make them well-rounded general managers.

“That has come through 27 years of experience of doing this, as we have.”

FOOTNOTE: Bruce Glasco has more than 25 years experience in the golf industry. Prior to joining Troon Golf, he specialised in operations at several of the world’s leading golf facilities including Pine Valley Golf Club, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club, the Kapalua Golf Club and Resort and the exclusive Maroon Creek Club. •

“The financial turnaround at these clubs has been excellent,” he continued.

“There is no doubt it (turnaround) has allowed the ownership groups to focus on what they do instead of worrying about something that was losing money at an alarming rate.

“Owners are able to focus on their own business with a much higher level of comfort knowing that the operation is starting to perform again.

“I think that is one of the great benefits we have been able to bring to the table.”

It seems Troon Golf’s all-round golf management experience is what attracts many golf facilities worldwide.

“What Troon Golf brings is an expertise in all disciplines,” Glasco explained.

“Your traditional golf operation is made up of a number of components including agronomy (turf grass), food and beverage, golf operations, memberships and attention to detail.

“While all of these components are intertwined in a successful business, all require a certain expertise in order to be successful.

“Many individual general managers possess great skills in

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Course that Jack built to go public

F

ROM July 1, Lakelands Golf Club on the Gold Coast will be a fully userpays public access golf facility.

Golf NSW has announced the appointment of 16 candidates from across metropolitan and regional NSW to the Golf NSW Advisory Committee for 2017.

The committee will meet at least three times a year and will assist Golf NSW to meet its strategic goals as well as provide input on behalf of affiliated clubs and districts regarding the promotion, marketing, & growth of the game across the State.

The owners, Japanese dessert manufacturer Chateraise Holdings, recently informed the members of the move.

Stuart Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Golf NSW, was thrilled to welcome the newly-appointed committee members onboard.

It means there will be more tee times available to golfers to play the Jack Nicklaus-designed signature golf course, especially on weekends.

“This is a talented and diverse group who are truly representative of our affiliated clubs and districts.”

“We are looking forward to working with them to help grow the sport across the entire State,” Mr Fraser said.

Lakelands Golf Club has set its midweek and weekends green fees at $115 and $135, including cart, respectively.

One of the first tasks for the Committee will be to assist the Board of Golf NSW with the formulation of the Golf NSW Strategic Plan 2018 – 2021.

The committee will remain in place until the 2017 Golf NSW Annual General Meeting in mid to late November.

The successful candidates are:

There will be a reduced rate for groups of four or more players – expected to be $100 per player.

CHANGE OF COURSE: Lakelands Golf Club is going in a new direction. so the golf course is perfect for golfers of all levels.

Lakelands is a wonderful layout and one of the joys of playing golf there is it’s not a taxing head-to-head battle where you have to pit your wits against the course designer – Jack Nicklaus.

In the design, Nicklaus provided five tee-box options so that players of varying skills can choose their own examination.

“That’s why Lakelands is so well received.”

From the black tees, the course stretches to 6489 metres and eases down to 4685m off the yellow tees. It’s 6142m off the blue, 5814m off the white and 5334m off the red tees.

It’s more a gentle stroll, or golf cart ride, on the golf course that is more pleasant and challenging than punishing.

“It’s a resort-style golf course that is friendly and inviting, but also challenging,” said golf operations manager Rowan Beste.

“With generous fairways, the tee shots aren’t too demanding

Meanwhile, Lakelands Golf Club, located at 100 Lakelands Drive (off Gooding Drive) at Merrimac, remains a popular wedding and function venue and last year was voted number one setting for such events on the Gold Coast.

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on tour

Melbourne and match play: building strong momentum with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

M

elbourne greeted me with some beautiful temperatures as it’s been so humid on the Gold Coast this year. Huntingdale was the host for the Victorian PGA and as normal it was in great condition. The event is a Pro-am format the first 2 days so Robbie Bennetts and I teamed up, hoping to be holding the silverware at the end of the week. Well I won’t bore you with all the details but neither Robbie nor I held up anything, as the golf was just above average. I shot rounds of 72, 72, 69 and 74 to finish in 27th position. Although the golf wasn’t spectacular, it was great to get back into the swing of tournament golf as it had been nearly two months since my last event, and there were some good signs with a couple of big events coming.

It was a short drive from Huntingdale down to 13th beach for the Victorian Open, my next event. As usual I stayed with some great friends of mine, Rex and Izzy who live in Geelong and are members at 13th beach.

They always go out of their way to make sure that I am rested and ready to play. But I must admit that the biggest advantage of staying with them is Izzy’s cooking, she’s amazing!

The course was in its usual awesome condition and the whole event has an amazing feel. I played solid but nothing great and opened with rounds of 68 and 69 to be 7-under through two rounds which had me safely making the cut but sitting about six shots back from the leader. A mate of mine Bob caddied for me on day 3 but things

didn’t go to plan. I turned 2-under first 9 but struggled around the back, shooting 3-over and missing the 3rd round cut by a shot. Because this event has male and female professionals playing they have to cut the field after day 3 to be able to fit everyone off the 1st tee on day 4. So I finished in 36th position, not great but still a check!

I flew from Melbourne to Perth on the Monday morning and after a 3am wake up and a flight delay, it would be fair to say I felt fairly average. My driver over the past three months or so has been misbehaving a little so I was keen to try a couple of new drivers that the companies seem to bring out every three months. I spent most of Monday afternoon on the range testing new

drivers but by Wednesday morning I started to realize that maybe it isn’t the driver?

Lawrie Montague, my mental coach, came out with me on Wednesday and we worked on some simple mental techniques and you know what, I started to drive it better. All of a sudden the new drivers went back in the locker and my driver started going straight.

I was off early the 1st round so deep down I knew that I needed to get off to a hot start.

Well, ask and you will receive! All of a sudden I was 3-under through 4 and leading the event. After a few more birdies and a few more bogeys I signed for a 4-under par 68, which had me smiling from ear to ear.

A midday start the next day meant that I knew that more good golf was needed as the course normally starts to get harder and

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on tour

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

Jason and I both made birdie the first time we played it but unfortunately I lipped out from 12 feet the second time around and Jason holed a 6-foot birdie putt to win. The energy around the last green was awesome but when I lost that match I felt as flat as tack.

Then I was told that my next match was in 9 minutes against Mat Miller. This was another match that wasn’t spectacular golf. We were playing for positions 5 to 8 and there is quite a money difference between those spots but to be honest I felt as flat as I’ve ever felt on a golf course. It was such a downer getting beat by Jason as I had the match in my hands, and a great chance to perhaps win a European Tour event. However, I ground it out and beat Matty on the 2nd playoff hole, which was a massive relief. This meant I couldn’t finish any worse than 6th now.

faster Friday afternoon. My game started off where it finished the first day and I was 7-under for the day with two holes to go. A bogey, par finish and I signed for a 6-underpar 66 which was a total of 11-under-par after two days and had me running 3rd going into the last day.

I was lucky enough in round 3 to be paired in the final group with Brett Rumford, who we all know is an amazing player, and David Bransdon, who I have known for around 30 years. It’s always awesome and nerve wracking in the final group of a major tournament, as you know that everyone will be watching.

You’re a hero if you play well and move forward but if you’ve had a terrible day, people think that you didn’t handle the pressure.

I played great around the first 9, shooting 3-under and found myself leading by 1.

Unfortunately on 10 and 11 I missed a couple of really short putts, which put Rumford back in the lead. What happened next is why golf is such an awesome game. After I missed the two-footer, my mate David came up, put his arm around me and said “c’mon mate get back in this thing”. The very next hole Brett’s Caddy—when I two-putted—came up and said “that’s better mate, keep it going”.

How good is that! Even in the heat of battle and with thousands of dollars up for grabs, my opponents still had time to give me encouragement. The putter started to behave itself again and I signed for a 2-under-par 70. This had me tied for 2nd but due to it now being matchplay, I got number 7 which was awesome. If you finished in the top 8 you were exempt through to the 2nd round of matchplay. Any time you get a leg up in this game, it’s a bonus!

My first match was against my old mate David Bransdon. To be honest we didn’t play that well but I managed to beat him 1-up. I remember putting my arm around him on the last and saying, “mate if there

Most of you will know Louis as a top 10 player and a major champion. I snuck in and had a quick shower and felt 100 percent compared to earlier when playing Matty. And I was excited about playing one of the game’s greats. Louis said to me before we teed off, “do you know there is only about 9 thousand euro difference between 5th and 6th, there’s not much point is there?” I was about to say to him “well if you give me the first 4 holes we finish quicker, I get the extra money and everyone’s happy!” But I didn’t and we had a great match. Unfortunately he beat me 1-up. So I finished in 6th spot, which was an awesome effort in a great field and European Tour event My next event is the New Zealand Open, which is played at Millbrook and the Hills Golf Course in beautiful Queenstown. It’s one of my favourite places to play so I am looking forward to keeping the momentum going. •

I had about 25 minutes before I was on the tee again, this time against Louis Oosthuizen.

was someone that I didn’t want to play and beat, it’s you.” My next match was against the local favorite Jason Scrivener. Jason is an awesome player who plays in Europe and a hell of a nice guy. He was 1-up through 3 and to be honest it wasn’t looking real good. Then on our 4th hole, I holed a great 20-footer for birdie and then followed it up with a 15-footer on the 5th. All of a sudden I was 1-up coming down the last. I drove it in the centre of the fairway but pulled my second just off the edge of the green. Jason was about 30-foot away so I knew if I could get up and down the match was mine.

Unfortunately I three-putted and we were off to the playoff hole. This was a 66-metre hole that had been specially designed for this event.

(Photos courtesy of the PGA of Australia)

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Cool DJ towers over his Masters rivals David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

W

ATCH out Jordan, Jason, Rory and Adam – Dustin Johnson is on the prowl and he’s looking for a green blazer.

Yes folks, it’s April and that means the Masters.

It’s when the dogwoods and azaleas are in stunning bloom and the best players on the planet line up for a tilt at winning the green jacket – the most coveted adornment in golf.

If form leading in to the April 6-9 showdown is a guide then Augusta National Golf Club officials will be sizing up a jacket to fit the broad shoulders of Johnson.

Having said that, the 32-year-old from South Carolina isn’t the favourite with the bookies – Jordan Spieth is.

Ubet has Spieth at $7.50 while Johnson is on the next line of betting at $8.50.

The bookies have done their homework.

In his last three Masters appearances, Spieth has not finished outside the top-two. He tied for second in 2014, won in 2015 and tied for second last year.

If that is any indication then the 23-year-old is the man to beat.

Still, Johnson has been firing on all cylinders since winning the US Open last year.

Following that victory, Johnson has won the WGCBridgestone Invitational, the BMW Championship and this year he was back in the winner’s circle claiming back-to-back wins at the Genesis Open and the WGC-Mexico Championship.

His game has no obvious weaknesses now that he has improved his touch and inconsistent putting.

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With his length and strength, he can easily account for Augusta National, which stretches to 6808m.

Johnson might have a huge advantage there, but power alone doesn’t guarantee victory. Augusta National’s greens can be a minefield so carrying a hot putter into the tournament is imperative.

His form at the Masters has been credible. In 2015, he finishing tied for sixth and last year tied for fourth behind Englishman Danny Willett.

“I think we are about to see Dustin Johnson clean up,” Peter Senior told me earlier this year. “He has been so unlucky in majors and finally made one (2016 US Open) so I think that will be just the start.”

Equal second favourite with the bookies at $8.50 is four-time major champion Rory McIlroy.

Should the Northern Irishman win the Masters, he will join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as a career grand slam winner.

Whenever the Masters comes around, the word “Tiger” comes up.

Can the man once feared by his rivals win his fifth green jacket?

Well, to win he has to play and that’s debatable after such a long layoff with recurring injuries.

Still, the bookies are taking no chances and have him at 67-1.

Former world number one Jason Day has had injury and illness concerns in recent times, but if he’s fully fit it could be a case of “beware the wounded lion”. (Note: At press time, Day revealed that his mother, Dening had been diagnosed with a terminal illness (Cancer) and had been given only 12 months to live. Day

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did not reveal whether he would still play the Masters, only that he wished to spend more time with his mother.)

Day is fourth favourite at 13-1 just ahead of rising star Hideki Matsuyama (15-1) and 2013 Masters champ Adam Scott 29-1.

Bookies suggest other top challengers will be Justin Thomas (26-1), Henrik Stenson (23-1), Justin Rose (31-1), Rickie Fowler (29-1), two-time champion Bubba Watson (41-1) and 2004-’06’10 champion Phil Mickelson all at 31-1.

Lefty might be 46, but don’t bet against him because he still drives the ball well and we all know how good his short game is.

Thomas, 23, is a relative newcomer on the PGA Tour, but he already has three victories this season.

He’s relatively long off the tee and after finishing tied 39th last year will fancy his chances.

So, what of Masters defending champion Danny Willett?

At 67-1, he’s not fancied by the bookies.

Last year was his most successful on tour winning the Masters, the Dubai Desert Classic, had a runner-up finish at the Italian Open and a third at the BMW. Then came the Ryder Cup, which started with controversy when his brother Peter stated in an article, “for the Americans to stand a chance of winning, they need their baying mob of imbeciles to caress their egos every step of the way”.

After that, poor old Danny boy never stood a chance and failed to contribute a point in his three outings.

Earlier this year, he entered the final round of the Maybank Championship in Malaysia with a three-stroke advantage over the field.

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Masters preview courtesy of a gutsy win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month.

Aussie amateur Curtis Luck makes his debut at the Masters qualifying as current US Amateur champion and Asia-Pacific amateur champion.

I can’t wait for the tournament to start and the excitement that comes with the Masters.

You can almost guarantee there will be drama around the famed Amen Corner (holes 11, 12 and 13) and on the back-nine on Sunday as the magnificent risk-reward aspect of the golf course permits great things to be achieved by the best players.

“I think we are about to see Dustin Johnson clean up. He has been so unlucky in majors and finally made one (2016 US Open) so I think that will be just the start.” – Peter Senior

In the final round, he was the only player in the top 29 positions to shoot over par and finished in a tie for fifth.

At the time of going to press, five Australians are in the field – Day, Scott, Rod Pampling, Marc Leishman and amateur Curtis Luck.

Day qualified as 2015 PGA champion, 2016 Players Championship winner, was among the top-12 in the 2016 Masters, among the first four in the 2016 PGA and is in the top50 in the world rankings.

In his six appearances at the Masters, Day has had three topfive finishes and four top-10 results.

Scott, too qualified through a number of categories, but he has a lifetime invitation courtesy of winning the Masters in 2013.

In 15 appearances, Scott has missed the cut twice, finished in the top-5 twice and top-10 four times.

Pampling’s invitation to the Masters came via winning the 2016 Shriners Hospital for Children Open on the PGA Tour.

In his three Masters appearances, he is yet to miss the cut.

Pamps tied for fifth in 2005, T16 in 2006 and T37 in 2007.

Leishman will go into the event firing on all cylinders; his entry

For those in contention coming down the stretch, you can guarantee the nerves will start to kick in.

I reckon, the players will be twitchier than the Australian Test captain Steve Smith when he’s at the crease.

Mind you, for most players the butterflies in the stomach start on day one during the trip down Magnolia Lane.

As three-time Masters champion Gary Player said, “The Masters is the only tournament I ever knew where you choke when you drive through the front gate.”

Predicting a Masters winner is nigh on impossible, but it’s hard to go past Spieth, Johnson, McIlroy, a fit Jason Day and Adam Scott but it would come as no surprise if Danny Willett enters Butler Cabin to assist Justin Thomas, Heideki Matsuyama, Rickie Fowler, Jon Rahm or even veteran Phil Mickelson into the Green Jacket.

CARD OF THE GOLF COURSE

Total par-72 – 7445 yards (6808m) Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Out Par 4 5 4 3 4 3 4 5 4 36 Yards 455 575 350 240 455 180 450 570 460 3735 Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In Par 4 4 3 5 4 5 3 4 4 36 Yards 495 505 155 510 440 530 170 440 465 3710

MASTERS ODDS AND FORM CHART

Player

Odds 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012

Jordan Spieth 7.5 T2 1 T2 DNP DNP Dustin Johnson 8.5 T4 T6 MC T13 DNP Rory McIlroy 8.5 T10 4 T8 T25 T40 Jason Day 13 T10 T28 T15 T8 MC Hideki Matsuyama 15 T7 5 MC DNP T54 Henrik Stenson 23 T24 T19 T14 T18 T40 Justin Thomas 26 T39 DNP DNP DNP DNP Adam Scott 29 T42 T38 T14 1 T8 Rickie Fowler 29 MC T12 T5 T38 T27 Phil Mickelson 31 MC T2 MC T54 T3 Justin Rose31 T10 T2 T14 T25 T8 Jon Rahm 34 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Bubba Watson 41 T37 T38 1 T50 1 Sergio Garcia 41 T34 T17 MC T8 T12 Marc Leishman 51 MC DNP MC T4 DNP Tyrrel Hatton 51 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Patrick Reed 51 T49 T22 MC DNP DNP Brandt Snedeker 51 T10 MC T37 T6 T19 Paul Casey 51 T20 T11 T10 DNP MC Thomas Pieters 61 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Louis Oosthuizen 67 T15 T19 25 MC 2 Tiger Woods 67 DNP T17 DNP T4 T40 Brooks Koepka 67 T21 T33 DNP DNP DNP Charl Schwartzel 67 MC T38 MC T25 T50 Matt Kuchar 67 T24 T46 T5 T8 T3 Gary Woodland 67 DNP MC T26 DNP WD Branden Grace 81 MC MC MC T18 DNP Jimmy Walker 81 T29 T38 T8 DNP DNP Danny Willett 81 1 T38 DNP DNP DNP Matthew Fitzpatrick 81 T7 DNP MC DNP DNP Lee Westwood 81 T2 T46 7 T8 T3 Zach Johnson 81 MC 1 T47 T6 T9 Alex Noren 101 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Daniel Berger 101 T10 DNP DNP DNP DNP 126 DNP T25 DNP DNP DNP JB Holmes Shane Lowry 26 T39 MC DNP DNP DNP Rafael Cabrera Bello 126 T17 DNP DNP DNP DNP Byeong Hun An 126 MC DNP DNP DNP DNP Rod Pampling 251 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP Curtis Luck 251 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP T = Tied – MC = Missed Cut – DNP = Did Not Play WD = Withdrew

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Masters preview

There are no bad ways to see the US Masters … however there are BETTER ways!

One of the most anticipated weeks in the golfing calendar is almost upon us and it takes place in a town that explodes with excitement in the first full week of April every year …

Augusta, Georgia.

GARY PLAYER OPENED THE WAY FOR INTERNATIONALS In 1961, South African Gary Player became the first nonAmerican to win the Masters when he kicked open the door to Augusta National for international players.

That victory, 27 years after the inaugural Masters, virtually opened the way for other non-Americans to compete for the Green Jacket.

Until then, Americans dominated the tournament mainly because international players were reluctant to travel.

Player wasn’t afraid to travel and in the mid-1950s his father wrote to co-founder Clifford Roberts to ask him how his son could earn an international invitation to play in the Masters.

“Pass the hat around your club,” was his answer according to Player.

Player won another two Green Jackets (1974-’78) before European players led the international invasion.

Spain’s Seve Ballesteros, who was mentored by Player, won the Masters in 1980 and 1983 followed by Germany’s Bernhard Langer (1985-’93), Scot Sandy Lyle (1988), England’s Nick Faldo (1989-’90-’96), Welshman Ian Woosnam (1991) and Spain’s Jose Maria Olazabel in 1994-’99.

In 2000, Fiji’s Vijay Singh won the prestigious event and Canadian Mike Weir became the first left-hander to wear the Green Jacket in 2003.

Other international winners include South Africans Trevor Immelman (2008) and Charl Schwartzel (2011), Argentinean Angel Cabrera (2009), Aussie Adam Scott (2013) and Englishman Danny Willett last year.

Player said his victory in 1961 gave encouragement for other “foreigners” to follow suit.

Known as the Black Knight, Player played the Masters 52 times – the first time in 1957 and the last in 2009.

He finished in the top-5 eight times and in the top-10 15 times.

Attending the US Masters is a pilgrimage that most avid golfers want to take at some point in their life and so the question is, what is the best way to experience one of the world’s greatest sporting events?

For a city that welcomes almost as many visitors as regular inhabitants one week per year, hotel accommodation can be tough to procure and for that reason, many people choose to stay in surrounding towns. There are some beautiful towns not far from Augusta, including over the state border in South Carolina, however during Masters Week the concept of ‘not far’ takes on a different spin when you consider the significant increase in traffic in and around Augusta. For what is a once in a lifetime experience for many, spending hours in traffic just means less time spent soaking up the experience - not just of Augusta National Golf Club and The Masters Tournament, but of the city of Augusta itself.

One option that is becoming increasingly popular is that of renting private residences, many of which are literally within a short walking distance of Augusta National. If you have a group of 3 or 4 or more, choosing a private residence not only provides large bedrooms, most with their own bathroom and TVs, but also great shared spaces for your group to socialize in, from large living rooms, to great BBQ areas, Jacuzzis and swimming pools. The Masters experience is often also very much about who you experience it with, and there is no better way to share the experience than in a large house with your friends and family a matter of a few hundred metres from the gates of the most beautiful golf course in the world If the idea of a house in Augusta interests you, or whether you still prefer to stay in a hotel, the team at Exclusive Sports can help you plan your Masters trip with various accommodation options right in the centre of all the Masters buzz and excitement. Their fully escorted packages are flexible so you can choose exactly how long you stay, which days you want to attend The Masters and which days you would like to play some games of golf yourself on some of the best private courses in Augusta and surrounding areas.

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John urges seniors to join strength Golfers aged 65 years and over play in the super seniors, however, they are eligible to win the overall order-of-merit prize.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

J

Golf clubs, too, see the merit of being involved.

“It’s an opportunity for clubs to get more people playing on their courses, usually on quieter days,” John said.

OHN Jayo’s chest swells with pride whenever there is mention of the PresCare Queensland Senior Order of Merit events.

The QSOOM season tees off in August and ends in July when the final putt drops at the conclusion of the Queensland Senior Amateur.

That’s because the series of events is close to his heart.

As QSOOM coordinator, John has worked tirelessly for the past 2½ years to ensure club golfers aged 55 and over get the opportunity to play golf competitively at different courses throughout southeast Queensland.

Still, golfers can join QSOOM at any time throughout the season.

This year, the men’s senior amateur is at Carbrook Golf Club from July 31 to August 2 and the women’s at Maroochy River Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast from July 23-27.

“We play about 30 events at different courses around Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine coasts and out to Toowoomba,” said John, who is also president at Redcliffe Golf Club.

This is where 450 points are up for grabs.

Last year more than 670 senior golfers took up the challenge and played in at least one QSOOM event and that number is expected to grow as more clubs join the calendar of events.

“That means the competition is open right up until the last event,” John said.

John, who plays off a tidy 10 handicap, told Inside Golf the golf bug bit when he joined Redcliffe Golf Club in 1980.

GAME ON: John Jayo arrives for another competitive round of golf.

Golf has been a constant in his life ever since and it is fitting he remains active in golf administration.

“PresCare sponsors our events because we encourage an active lifestyle by playing a sport and socialising with likeminded people, which is an added bonus,” John said.

“The thing I love about QSOOM events is that it gives you an opportunity to play good golf courses at reasonable rates and in a competitive environment,” he said.

“It’s okay to play different courses socially, but it’s nowhere near as much fun as playing competitively.

“The other thing I like is it’s played in a friendly environment.”

Oftentimes, it’s where new friendships are formed and it’s not uncommon for players from different clubs to rendezvous after a round to share a meal and tell stories.

Open to men and women, the events attract fields of between 50 and 100-plus.

A number of border-hoppers usually join the field and on the rare occasion, an overseas competitor plays.

John said the QSOOM series of events was similar to the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup where players accumulate points throughout the season.

“Not all events are equal, though,” he said.

Of course, golfers, like fishermen, have a habit of adding colour to their yarns and there’s always a little friendly banter if a storyteller adds extra metres to a tee shot or a birdie putt.

“For example, the 54-hole Queensland Senior Amateur is worth 450 points compared to an 18-hole event, which is worth 150 points.

It’s all good fun and one of the reasons why major sponsor PresCare jumped on board.

“The players can play in as many events (scratch and nett) as they like and we pick their best eight scores over the season.”

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Come in and see Brad Mcintosh master club fitter at Precision Golf. He will take you through a process of complete golf club fitting from driver through to wedges to ensure you get the best equipment for your golf swing regardless of your level.

“You could be coming 10th going into Queensland Senior Amateur and all of a sudden you could get enough points to win the order of merit. It keeps the interest right to the end.”

Following the Queensland Senior Amateur, a 10-strong team is selected to play against an equal number of senior professionals.

The highest-ranking Queenslander in the senior amateur and the nine highest-ranking players in the QSOOM play the pros for the Jack Brown Shield.

John says he loves the buzz, camaraderie and excited chatter among golfers at QSOOM events.

“Even if I have had a bad round and I’m feeling down in the dumps someone will thank me for what we are doing and tell me how great the event is and that just boosts my spirits,” he revealed.

“I think ‘wow, we can’t let this go and have to continue growing the events’.” • For more information, call Golf Queensland on (07) 3252-8155 or visit the website www.golfqueensland.org.au

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women

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A major success for the ALPG season Karen Lunn CEO – ALPG

I

n last month’s issue we reviewed the 2017 ALPG season so far, finishing up with Melissa Reid’s dramatic 3rd hole playoff victory over Solheim Cup teammate Sandra Gal at the Oates Vic Open.

From the beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula, the tour headed west to South Australia for the jewel in the crown of the ALPG Tour and Australian Women’s golf, the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open held at the magnificent Royal Adelaide Golf Club.

Once again this year a world-class field was assembled; including world number 1 Lydia Ko, number 2 Ariya Jutanagarn, ALPG and LPGA legend and Hall-of-famer Karrie Webb and our Rio Olympians Minjee Lee and Su Oh. 2017 was the second year that Royal Adelaide has played host to a Women’s Australian Open, in 1994 it was the venue which witnessed a young Swede—who would go on to be the finest player in history—by the name of Annika Sorenstam break through for her first professional victory.

As expected, as the week went on the testing Royal Adelaide layout once again proved to be a really tough test of golf for the players, and on a Sunday afternoon where the lead went back and forwards between several players it was eventually world number six, Ha Na Jang, who broke out of the pack in dramatic fashion with a back-nine of 33 to storm to victory. Jang’s spectacular

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April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

SarahJane Smith (Photo: Golf Australia) eagle at the par-5 17th hole, where she holed a putt from 15 metres, followed by a birdie at the 72nd hole after her approach shot finished just 60cm from the cup, sealed the deal and the animated Korean’s 4th LPGA title.

It was also a great showing from our ALPG members, with ten players making the halfway cut and Queenslander Sarah-Jane Smith securing her best ever Australian Open finish, a tie for 3rd place with West Australian Minjee Lee. The galleries were once again huge and congratulations must go to Golf Australia, the South Australian Government and the City of Adelaide whose foresight to bring the Australian Open to South Australia has

proven to be a stroke of genius and really taken the tournament to another level.

In 2018 the tournament will be played at Kooyonga Golf Club, another fantastic championship golf course nestled in undulating sand dunes just 15 minutes from the central business district of Adelaide.

With the ALPG major tournaments done and dusted for 2017 there was still the 2017 ALPG ClubCar Series to be decided, and our members headed back to Queensland for the Brisbane Invitation at the beautiful McLeod Country Golf Club.

In its third year, the event needed a bit of luck with two near washouts in 2015 and 2016, and under brilliant sunshine Queenslander Ellen Davies-Graham broke

through for her first professional victory shooting a superb 5-under-par 68 for a threeshot victory over the chasing pack at 2-underpar.

The ALPG then headed down the Pacific Highway into New South Wales for the final event of the 2016/17 tour, the BWAC Regional Employment Services Pro Am. The sleepy oceanside town of Yamba is one of the players’ favourite stops of the year and the testing layout is well worth the trip to play. Sydney’s Sarah Kemp walked away the winner after shooting a superb 4-under-par round of 69 to claim her eighth ALPG victory, and her first since her win at the Brisbane Invitational in 2015.

The 31-year-old obviously has a soft spot for the Yamba Golf and Country Club layout, having finished third and fifth in her previous two visits.

There were also another couple of battles being fought at Yamba, the 2017 ALPG ClubCar Series was also decided, with the impressive West Australian rookie Hannah Green taking out the first-place bonus cheque of $6500, Rebecca Artis was second taking home a cheque for $3500, Whitney Hillier finished in third place winning $2500, ALPG rookie Emily McLennan was fourth winning $1500 while Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh finished in 5th place winning $1000. A huge thanks must go to Kevin Gates and ClubCar for their continued support.

The other sub-plot unfolding was for what has been fondly nicknamed the “McYamba Cup” by the players. McLeod Country Golf Club and Yamba Golf Club had together come up with a bonus of $5000 for the leading player across both events. Brisbane Invitational winner Ellen Davies-Graham was delighted to

women

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Tee up your club for World Women’s Golf Day LADIES, get out those diaries and mark down Tuesday, June 6 because you don’t want to miss this.

Women’s Golf Day will see women across the globe get an opportunity to experience golf for the first time, or engage with women who currently play and are interested in passing on how they came to love this great game.

Hosted at golf courses and retail locations all around the world, Women’s Golf Day will be a four-hour experience happening globally.

Ha Na Jang take home the bonus money prior to starting a Physiotherapy degree on the sunshine coast the following week.

to play in our pro-ams, we really hope you enjoyed your experience of playing alongside our wonderful women professionals.

The final accolade for the season was the announcement of the 2016/17 ALPG Order of Merit winner, Queensland’s Sarah-Jane Smith, who continued her solid form from the LPGA Tour in 2016 into the ALPG Tour Season to take this honour for the first time in her career.

I would also like to wish all of our players heading overseas all the best for their 2017 campaigns, please keep an eye out for updates and stories on our website, www.alpg.com.au and our social media pages Facebook (ALPG Official), Twitter (@ ALPGTour) and Instagram (alpgtour).

I would like to say a huge thank you once again to all our event sponsors and partners for making all of our pro-ams and tournaments possible, and thanks also to all of the amateur players who came along

The ALPG’s focus now turns to our National Women’s Clinics, please click on the link below to find a clinic near you! www.alpg.com.au/clinics •

Europe has already embraced the concept and even in its early stages at least 23 clubs from the United Kingdom as well as others in Portugal, Spain, Germany and others have signed on.

The Americans love the concept, too, and at last count more than 105 clubs have relished the opportunity to be involved.

Now it’s our turn and your local golf club, with a bit of prompting, can easily be involved.

Practically every location that offers golf or golf-related products and services can host an event on Women’s Golf Day. The golf course format for the day will be two hours of golfing, which includes lessons or nine-hole play (suggested time: 4-6pm). Participants have the option of

two hours of lessons – one hour on the driving range and one hour chipping and putting, or two hours of play - a nine-hole ‘scramble’ or play their own ball as long as the round can be completed in two hours.

Then the women will be able to enjoy two hours of socialising (suggested time: 6-8pm). The socialising will include distribution of information regarding lessons, league play and ways to get involved in golf.

In some locations there will be speakers, women’s golf teams from the closest university or high school, corporate networking groups etc.

It should be a day to remember with women and girls rotating to try driving in the simulators or driving range and chipping and putting on the putting greens.

They’ll review basics like holding the club and set-up position; they will have a putting contest and a driving contest as well.

So who’s behind this amazing idea which could break down the barriers keeping so many women from trying golf for the first time? It’s easy to host an event, so get your club on board today.

For more information or to register, log onto www.womensgolfday.com

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31

juniors

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Junior championship with a difference

A first for Kwinana juniors

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T’S on again! For the third successive year, the Australian Junior Age Division Golf Championship will be played at Capricorn Resort in Yeppoon Central Queensland from is April 10-13.

Open to boys and girls, the three-day championship is played in seven divisions – six years and under, 7-8 years, 9-10, 11-12, 1314, 15-16 and 17-18.

Over the past three years, the championship has attracted juniors from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and this year organisers have received entries from New Zealand and India.

The brainchild of Don and Shelley Scott, the event provides juniors who do not fit into the elite category the opportunity to play in an aged championship.

It also gives juniors of all ages the opportunity to represent their country at a couple of major tournaments in America.

The top placed Australian player in each individual age group (male and female) qualifies to participate at the IJGA World Stars of Junior Golf and the West Coast AAU Junior Olympic Games.

“Our aim is to promote junior golf and give kids of all abilities the opportunity to represent Australia,” Don said.

“Last year we even had a number of fouryear-olds compete.

“We can cater for 220 players, but they must be members of a golf club.”

The beauty of the championship is juniors, depending on age and size, play on shortened layouts which is in line with most other golfing nations.

IT took close to six decades, but West Australia’s Kwinana Golf Club this year was able to field both a junior male and female pennant team.

Founded in 1959, Kwinana Golf Club has never fielded at junior girls pennant team and in 2016 the club was unable to fill a junior boys pennant team.

FLYING THE FLAG: This happy group of junior golfers represented Australian in America.

“All age groups up to and including 10 years play a 27-hole competition (nine holes each day),” Don explained.

“Juniors in the 11 to 18 years age groups play a 54-hole tournament – 18 holes each day.

“The kids six years and under are provided with motorised golf carts.

“A lot of the scores are around par or just under-par.”

“All distances are modified to suit the different age divisions.

There are prizes galore with trophies awarded to the top-5 placegetters.

“This allows the kids to hit greens in regulation and for the better players to shoot sub-par rounds.

“The younger kids play on a course that is around 1000 metres,” Don said.

“Our par-3s are around 60 metres and the par-5s around 220 metres.

“The whole idea of the modified distance for the different age groups allows the kids to have pars, birdies and the odd eagle.

Tournament ambassador Charlie Earp is a big fan of the Australian Junior Age Division Golf Championship.

“This tournament provides juniors with an excellent opportunity,” he said. • For more information, contact Don and Shelley Scott at shellcre@bigpond. net.au or visit www.facebook.com/ australianjunior

“This year we were able to field both junior teams mainly due to the efforts of the fantastic First Tee Program, which is run at Kwinana and encourages golf and life skills to children between 5-17 years of age,” the club administration assistant Tiffany Franklin said.

“Both our boys and girls teams played extremely well, stepping up to the challenge of pennant golf.

“The club received many complements on our juniors from other clubs.

“The Kwinana Golf Club is proud of our junior pennant teams and knows the future is in good hands with these young golfers.

“Seven of the players also had the opportunity to play a nine-hole matchplay event at the end of the State Junior Amateur open field at Gosnells Golf Club last month.”

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April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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juniors

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Junior ‘Bazooka’ turning heads at Nelson Bay

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where he enjoyed further success. He was undefeated in his seven games in the 2016 Newcastle A-Grade Pennants Competition and was the principal contributor in Nelson Bay reaching Division 2 final and winning promotion to Division 1 in 2017.

elson Bay Golf Club is continuing to develop talented young golfers through its junior development programme led by Club professionals Maurie and Warren Moses, and assisted by a team of volunteer members and sponsorship via The Brian & Warren Diemar Scholarship.

He was undefeated in the NDGA 2016 Junior Pennant, winning his three matches and finishing 3rd in the Overall Individual Category.

15-year-old Junior member Andrew Lange is the latest example of the programme’s success and the Club’s focus on Pennant Golf under the leadership of Pennant Golf Manager Paul “PK” Kennedy.

All in all, Andrew played 16 Match Play games in the B-Grade; A-Grade and Junior Pennant Series for 15 wins and 1 squared match—a truly remarkable record for the season.

Andrew, affectionately known as “Bazooka”, has enjoyed an amazing run of success at both Pennants Golf level and when representing the Newcastle District Golf Association.

Newcastle District Golf Association recognised his potential and selected Andrew to be part of the Junior Team to represent the District in the 2016 NSW Regional Championships at Magenta Shores Golf Club in August.

This culminated with Andrew being awarded the Nelson Bay Golf Club’s 2015/16 Male Pennant Player of the Year at the Club’s Opened Mixed Presentation Dinner recently.

Andrew’s list of achievements leading up to this award were quite impressive. In early August 2015, playing off a handicap of 19, he finished runner-up in the C-Grade Club Championships, losing by a single stroke in a three-hole playoff. Later in the month he qualified to play B-Grade Pennants by winning the Stableford Competition in Newcastle District Golf Association’s O.C. Colley Cup at Merewether Golf Club. He was undefeated in his six games in B-Grade Pennants with his handicap dropping from GA 14.7 to GA 9.8. In four games he never went past the 13th hole and the other two games were finished on the 16th hole.

Andrew spearheaded the team’s attack at No. 1 and beat the experienced Charlestown Captain 7&6 in the Semi-Final. After the

Following an excellent debut he was also chosen to represent NDGA Juniors against Lower North Coast DGA at Taree GC in October.

And when not representing the Club or the District, he was the No.1 player for Grossman High School, which was the winning School Team in the NDGA Schoolboys Championships held at Muree Golf Club.

teams finished deadlocked at 3 to 3, he won the “sudden death” contest on the first playoff hole.

He recorded another 7&6 win at No. 1 to complete the team’s 6-0 whitewash of

Newcastle in the NDGA B-Grade Pennant Final at Horizons Golf Club.

“Andrew is very respectful of his elders, and an absolute joy to manage, mentor, caddie for, and to play a round of golf with,” says Pennant Team Manager Paul Kennedy.

With such a successful B-Grade season behind him, it was no surprise when Andrew was selected in the Club’s A-Grade Pennant,

Nelson Bay Golf Club is understandably proud of Andrew, and they are happy he is a member of their wonderful club. •

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33

clubs

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Cranbourne Golf Club Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

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Captivating, welcoming and impeccably maintained, this popular Melbourne gem is on par with many of its nearby Sandbelt rivals.

hen you think of golf along the spectacular Melbourne Sandbelt, the usual “famous” clubs will immediately spring to mind, with names like Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath and the like taking top billing. Known for their pristine conditioning, strategic layouts and awe-inspiring beauty, the courses in this region represent the very best that Australia has to offer.

One course that isn’t part of the usual Sandbelt conversation (but could likely change in coming years) is the beautiful and majestic Cranbourne Golf Club, 40km southeast of Melbourne. While it is located a bit outside of the “traditional” Sandbelt area, Cranbourne Golf Club is an amazing facility that is every bit as enjoyable, challenging and beautiful as its famous Sandbelt neighbours.

Opened in 1954, Cranbourne Golf Club was designed by Sam Berriman, a noted golf course architect and Curator of Huntingdale Golf Club. Over the years, the club has held its own among Australia’s best layouts, with it currently sitting comfortably inside Australia’s top 100 courses. Australian golf legend Peter Thomson described the Cranbourne design as “A classic, with this great course being worthy of any major tournament.” The Club has hosted many Pro-Am events, as well as the Victorian Open in 2000 and 2001, while it was also named “Golf Club of The Year” in 2012 by Clubs Victoria.

Inside Golf had the pleasure of playing this sparkling, underrated gem last month, and 34

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

we were enthralled with the character and quality of the entire facility.

The warm and welcoming clubhouse and pro-shop set the stage at this friendly club.

The members and staff are quick to say G’day to all guests and visitors, and the overall vibe is positive. The clubhouse itself is a large, open and inviting facility, with a comfortable and bright Members Lounge that gets you in the mood for a fun day on the course. The practice facilities include a relatively new Driving Range and short game area, as well as a well-maintained practice putting green.

There is a great mix of holes throughout the layout. This is no more apparent than in your first three holes , which feature a short par5 (440m), a long and narrow par-4 (404m) and a medium-length, bunker-protected par-3 (158m). During the round, the wide, tree-lined fairways wind their way through the tranquil property, with a few water hazards, bunkers and a couple gentle doglegs thrown in for good measure. There are plenty of risk/reward opportunities for those who dare, while there are also lots of bail-out areas for those who prefer a safer route.

The course itself is simply spectacular.

During our round, the fairways and greens were in absolute mint condition, a product of painstaking maintenance and care by the ground staff. We can honestly say that it is one of the best conditioned courses in the Melbourne area.

Early on, we realised that you don’t need driver off the tee on every hole here, as good course management (and the ability to hit it straight) is key. Stray off the fairways and you will be faced with a “good news/bad news” situation: the good news is that most errant shots can be found, as the club has cleared

most of the rough and any meddlesome scrub. The bad news, however, is that you’ll likely need to “take your medicine” via a short punch shot out of the trees and (hopefully) into the fairway.

The greens are among the best-conditioned putting surfaces we’ve seen in recent times.

Quick, yet true, they are a pleasure to putt on, and feature some subtle breaks that can catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention. On one early hole in the round, for example, I found myself with what appeared to be a straightforward one-metre putt; our member/host for the day, Allen, looked at me and simply cautioned “Be careful!” Two (and nearly three) putts later, I made my way to the next tee, his warning etched into my brain for the remainder of the round.

There are many great holes throughout the course, with the par-3s being the notable

clubs

standouts. In addition to the 3rd as noted earlier, the 151m 8th is a real challenge, featuring an elevated, well-guarded green.

Many players opt to bail out on the short/left and then pitch up (and hope for a one-putt).

The 12th is a long par-3, playing nearly 200m into the wind. With bunkers all around a tight green, accuracy and distance are both the key to success. A par here feels like a birdie.

Finally, the course is suitably proud of their brand-new par-3 14th hole, designed by Ogilvy Clayton Cocking Mead Golf Course Design. Opened on March 18th, the hole plays anywhere from 135m from the back, to just 105m from the front tees. But don’t let the distances fool you into thinking the hole is a snack. On the contrary, some of the world’s best (and even most difficult) par3s feature short shots to the green. And the new 14th at Cranbourne is no exception. It is a truly lovely golf hole, and is proving to be a standout on the course, complementing

the layout in spectacular fashion. An added benefit is that the new hole location eliminates what had previously been the only long walk between holes on the course.

The three finishing holes, 16-18 are all extremely strong, and demand respect. So be sure to put on your “Game Face” prior to this trio, lest you find yourself wrecking a good score.

Overall, we loved our visit to Cranbourne Golf Club. It is a true “members course”; one that you can happily play every week of the year. If you’re looking for a club to join, then we recommend you give Cranbourne a serious look.

MEMBERSHIP Cranbourne is a private golf club, open to members and their guests. (There are, however, limited opportunities to play the course as a visitor during certain times in

the week; contact the Pro Shop on (03) 5991 3456 for further information.)

The club is in the midst of an aggressive membership drive which is sure to help boost its already healthy member numbers.

Members joining from other clubs will receive the “Red Carpet treatment” via a very creative offer: Cranbourne will cover the remainder of your current membership, up to 3 months, when you switch over to the club.

In addition, there is no joining fee to become a member and various payment methods are available.

then “pay as you play” after that via a “Points system”. It is a great Lifestyle type of Membership which will appeal to those who only play a limited amount of times per year, but enjoy 7-day Membership at a Premium quality course.

For more information about joining this friendly Club or any of these membership options, contact the club office directly and their welcoming team will gladly help you with any questions that you may have. •

FACT FILE

There are a variety of membership types on offer to cover everyone, including 7/6/5day memberships, Intermediate A/B/C, Intermediate Casual A/B, Seniors, Country, Juniors and Cadets.

Cranbourne Golf Club South Gippsland Hwy Cranbourne VIC 3977 Golf Club Office: (03) 5991 3400 Pro Shop: (03) 5991 3456

In addition, the club is offering an exciting, new ‘Flexi-Membership’, which requires a simple upfront payment of $1750, and

Email: info@cranbournegolf.com.au Web: www.cranbournegolf.com.au

‘We’re rolling out the Red Carpet!’

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www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

35

instruction

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The motion of chipping David Merriman

Golf Professional, Australian PGA 0412 442 205

W

e have all heard the saying “drive for show, putt for dough” referring to the importance of your short game – putting and chipping. Here is a great tip to help your chipping action become more consistent and easy. A chip shot that requires a smaller swing should feel the same as your putting motion. A chip shot that requires a longer swing will feel more like a golf swing.

Short shots: a short putting action about half a meter back from the ball would be the same motion as a chip shot half a meter back from the ball. The motion is mainly arms and shoulders; the hands don’t start to hinge until the golf club is approximately a meter back from the ball. The major difference is the ball position. Your ball position may be towards your left heel for putting whereas it is back towards the middle of your stance for chipping.

Long shots: your hands go further back for longer chip shots. As the club reaches waist height your golf swing is becoming more like a normal golf swing. The wrist is now starting to hinge and the toe of the club is now pointing up. It’s mainly a mirror image on the other side after you have hit the ball.

The major things to remember for chipping are: ball in the middle of your stance, weight slightly favouring the left side, shaft pointing towards your left hip,

These photos show a similar backswing for both putter and sand iron.

This photo shows address position. Ball middle, hands and weight forward, hands down grip. hands down the bottom on your grip for shorter chips and back up to the top of the grip for longer shots. Your focus is on solid contact and where you want the ball to land.

When practicing this shot make sure you use your eyes to look at the distance you want to hit the golf ball. This information is then processed by the brain and you subconsciously make a swing to hit the ball the right distance.

A common fault is spending too much time at the address position looking at the golf ball.

The brain doesn’t register how hard you need to hit the ball to get the distance. A good way to look at this is as if you were throwing the ball to the hole. Your focus would be on where you were going to land the ball and how far you need to throw it to get to that position. Your brain would be focussing on distance and end position and not on the ball.

This is where you need to be with your chip shot making your golf motion about contact and where you want the ball to travel.

For more information on how to play better golf contact your local PGA member or contact me at Lee and Peter Harrington’s, The Golf School, Palm Meadows Driving Range on the Gold Coast. • David is an Australian PGA Tour Player and Teaching Professional.

Contact David on 0412 44 2205. www.thegolfschool.com.au

This photo shows the swing becoming like a normal golf swing with the hands starting to hinge.

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The Power of Great Coaching With Terry Price www.terrypricegolfschools.com.au

I

remember as a kid growing up in Rockhampton, picking up my first clubs and experiencing the thrill of hitting that little white ball 100 metres.

Like many things in life it felt perfectly natural, just grip the shaft, lift it backwards and swing at the ball. As a 10 year-old nothing could be more simple…right???

I soon learnt there was much more to the game with various clubs doing different jobs, balls going straight, left, right, some high and others low, the frustration of playing in intense heat, rain and wind, etc.

However, I just loved the excitement and dedicated thousands of hours of my childhood and adolescence practicing with my brother John as we visually copied each other’s moves.

As I progressed as an amateur and early years as a Professional I was hearing people exclaim what a ‘great swing’ I had. Bearing in mind that in those days there were limited outlets for learning the game. No instruction videos, minimal content in magazines, coverage

on TV was rare and personal instruction opportunities were few and far between.

In fact shortly after turning Professional, I remember warming up on the practice area with Peter Senior before the first round of the British Open at Muirfield in 1987 and I said “who’s that guy with Nick Faldo?” An onlooker said “Oh, that’s David Leadbetter, his coach”.

Peter looked at me in amazement and I said “Wow, what’s a coach?!”

Four days later Faldo was crowned Open champion and that was a defining moment of my career. I started researching for the ultimate professional teachers in the game which was clearly the assistance needed if I wanted to play and compete in the worlds’ biggest tournaments.

Over the next 25 years I built close relationships with Leadbetter, Butch Harmon, David Pelz and Mac O’Grady, who, each with their individual coaching skills enabled me to play at the highest level and alongside some of golfs greatest players such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Seve, Monty and Adam Scott.

Many pundits say that I am close to having ‘the perfect swing’ which is a wonderful recognition and I would never have achieved

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Terry Price has been a PGA Tour player since 1986 playing in Australasia, Europe and USA. In 2012 he joined the European Seniors Tour and currently plays domestically in the Legends tournaments as well as hosting golf schools at Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club on the Gold Coast. www.terrypricegolfschools.com.au Tel: (07) 3535 0610

All the above is fantastic for the game and much can be learned, however, my advice along with many other Pros and low handicappers would be to seek the best possible coaching you can find if you

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instruction

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Improving shoulder rotation and mobility B

C

FRONT VIEW

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REAR VIEW

Richard Nizielski www.golffitsolutions.com

A

Stretching the upper Trapezius area

H

i everyone. In the last article, we looked at the myofacial release of the pectoral muscles and how that will help with shoulder mobility and function.

Please remember, if you are experiencing any pain in your shoulder joint, it is advisable to seek advice from an allied and medical health professional.

A properly functioning shoulder joint is highly mobile.

However, where there is tightness, weakness, or injury in the surrounding muscles and the structure of the joint, proper function will be compromised.

The trapezius muscles

Where the golf swing is concerned good shoulder joint mobility is important to achieving correct swing mechanics.

Structural damage aside, shoulder mobility is generally limited by muscle imbalances in the area. Where some of the muscles are shortened and tight, others are weak and lengthened. One common issue is limited external rotation of the joint. Where this is limited, swing faults such as ‘chicken wing’ are common as well as sequencing issues and an increased risk of elbow injury.

The Trapezius muscles form part of the neck and shoulders region. This muscle group attaches to the neck from the spine and the mid-back area.

To improve external rotation of the shoulder, here are two stretches you can do at home. a) Lying External rotation stretch Lie on the floor on your side. You may place a pillow under you head for support Place the lower arm at around 90 degrees from shoulder level with the elbow bent at 90 degrees with the palm facing towards the feet With the other hand, apply pressure at the wrist gently pushing the hand and forearm towards the floor in the direction of the head until a stretch is felt.

Hold this position for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

Release the stretch and repeat the stretch, rolling the body forward to increase the stretch. b) Arm bar stretch

Continuing with shoulder mobility and stability, in this section, let’s look at the Trapezius muscle, what it does and how it can affect the mechanics of the golf swing.

The Trapezius helps to move and stabilise the shoulder blade and is involved in actions, such as shrugging the shoulders, pulling the shoulders back and raising the arms above the head.

For most people, if there is any noticeable tightness it is generally in the upper section, between the neck and outer shoulder area. Conversely, any weakness in the lower Trapezius area will result in a decreased ability to maintain the shoulder blades against the ribs and overall pulling strength, a must for high-speed golf club control.

Self-massage of the upper Trapezius area

To work on the upper Trapezius area, where the shoulders and neck meet, place the spiky ball against a doorframe or upright post. Bend forwards at the waist so the spiky ball is applying pressure to the upper Trapezius. Work in small circles and across the muscle fibres focusing on the areas where soreness is present.

Hold the stretch for 30-90 seconds. c) Corner wall stretch Facing the corner of a wall, raise your arms and flex your elbows to 90 degrees Place the forearms on the wall and lean the body forwards.

The upper arms rotate backwards stretching the internal rotator muscles and the pectoral muscles.

Hold the stretch for 30-90 seconds.

Release the stretch and repeat if required.

This stretch can be also done standing in a doorway The three stretches describe here can be done any time of the day and before and after practicing or playing golf.

40

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

These stretches and the use of the spiky ball may be repeated several times in the same session and more than once per day. You can do both methods at the same time, or whichever suites you.

The lower trapezius pulls the shoulder blade downwards and in toward the spine.

Flex the elbow and rotate the dowel/club back and downwards.

Release the stretch and repeat if required.

Diagonal stretch: The side you want to stretch, place that hand behind your back and the other hand over the top (front) of your head. Gently pull your head diagonally forward so your chin moves downwards and forwards, at an angle.

Hold this position for 10 to 60 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.

The upper area shrugs the shoulders and tilts the head up or to the side. The middle section retracts the shoulder blade, bringing it closer to the spine.

Overall, the Trapezius muscle responds best to spiky ball self-massage.

Aim to keep the upper arm in line with the shoulder as best as possible.

Side stretch: The side you want to stretch, place that hand behind your back and the other hand over the top of your head. Gently pull your head to the side so your ear approaches the opposite shoulder. Hold this position for 10 to 60 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.

The Trapezius muscle is generally divided into three areas.

Using a piece of dowel, broomstick or golf club, hold it so the extended end is upwards (as shown).

With the other hand, take hold of the bottom and rotate the arm back.

Forward stretch: Place your opposite hand on the top of your head and gently pull your head forward and downwards, so your chin moves towards your neck. Hold this position for 10 to 60 seconds.

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

fitness

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Find your best golf posture – every time!

Nick Randall nickr@gravityfit.com

L

ots of people say how important posture and set up are in golf, but not many people offer a solution on how to achieve it.

The normal solution is to modify your existing set up; an instructor might tell you “more hip bend”, “head up”, “shoulders back”. The problem is that it’s really difficult to actually feel what the right position is without someone else giving you that feedback. The result is that all too often your best golf posture is attainable in a golf lesson, but really difficult to achieve on your own.

This can be frustrating; you can’t always ask for someone to watch you and it’s impractical to drag a mirror along to the driving range.

GravityFit have the exact solution for this, it’s called the Thoracic Pro (TPro) and it’s been designed specifically to help golfers get into their best golf posture every time.

There is some pretty complicated science behind how this works; “Gravity sensory information is specifically related to how the sensation of gravity is picked up by receptors in joint structures and leads to an increase in tone or springiness of the muscles of the trunk working more statically to provide proximal stability or a firm and flexible anchor for whole body movement”.

I’ll give you a summary that’s easy to understand. Essentially, in order to make sure we are in great posture every time, we need feedback. The most powerful feedback is called kinaesthetic feedback, or touch feedback. Essentially it gives the user a literal

The TPro is designed to develop good posture and stable shoulders during your rotation feel for what they are supposed to be doing.

The TPro provides this feel to your upper back and shoulder blades, which ensures you have just the right amount of curve in your spine and activation in your upper back muscles. The pressure from the green spikes in the middle tell you if your spine is in the correct position, the paddles on the side give awareness of your shoulder blade positioning and the green tubing provides a stimulus that strengthens the key stabiliser muscles in and around your shoulders and upper back.

This new technology is being used on a daily basis by the PGA Tour professionals I work with; Cameron Smith, Jonas Blixt, and Harris English, amongst others. The high

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GravityFit provide drills and exercises targeting improved strength, stability and consistency of your swing.

performance programs in Australia, New Zealand and Belgium along with US colleges and many other professional and amateur players also use it to regularly train their best golf posture. You shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that it’s only for elite players though; the beauty of this equipment is the intuitive simplicity of its application. I’m passionate about the high level players I work with using the TPro to help train their golf posture and I would love to see the general golfing public benefit from it too.

The application to golf posture has obvious carry over to smoother swings and sweeter strikes, but improving your posture also has an arguably more important benefit; helping to protect your spine and joints.

Osteoarthritis and spinal injuries are becoming more prevalent in modern society as we live longer and move less. Improving your posture means giving your spine and joints, especially shoulders and hips, the best possible chance to stay healthy. If they are being held in a better position, they will move more freely and with less discomfort.

Nick is a Strength and Conditioning Coach, Presenter, Rehab Expert and Massage Therapist contracted by PGA Tour Players and Golf Australia to provide his services in the United States and across the globe. He is also the GravityFit Golf Guy! 1300 142 146 nickr@gravityfit. com. www.gravityfit.com/golf

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new gear

www.insidegolf.com.au/gear

>NEW GEAR Gatorade G-Active

Gatorade has launched a new range of functional waters called G-Active. G-Active has no sugar and offers Gatoradelevel electrolytes which are the optimal level to hydrate you after a workout or run. It boasts no artificial colours, has natural flavours and also has the added benefit of Vitamin B. What’s different about G-Active is that it’s a water-based product with the added benefits of electrolytes and vitamins.

G-Active will be available in Lemon, Berry and Orange flavours. Now available in golf clubs across Australia.

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New Niblick Ortholite shoes The latest shoes from Niblick feature OrthoLite Open-Cell Foam Technology.

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Callaway Sure Out Wedge A Parmaker Scout Walker Inside Golf and Parmaker are giving away a Parmaker Scout Walker with battery and charger, delivered anywhere in Australia. A $995 value!

The Parmaker Scout is the strongest and most reliable walker on the market. Parmaker uses the latest materials and manufacturing techniques and all construction is carried out in their Mordialloc factory, making them resolutely ‘Australian-made’.

Renowned golf instructor Hank Haney has collaborated with Callaway engineers to create a new wedge that makes greenside shots – especially from sand and rough – incredibly easy to play.

It’s called Sure Out, with performance that’s led by the new Sure Out sole with enhanced camber and high bounce—designed to glide smoothly through sand and thick grass without the need to open the face.

“Sure Out allows you to simplify bunker shots by playing them with a square face,” says Hank. “For a lot of golfers that struggle with their short game, the Sure Out could be exactly the wedge they are looking for.”

The Sure Out sole is also designed to power smoothly through heavy grass, while the high degree of bounce helps eliminate fat shots for consistent distance control. Seventeen full-face grooves and an aggressive groove geometry helps you stop the ball fast even on off-centre hits.

Callaway’s Sure Out Wedges - in store from April 14th are equipped with a choice of two premium shafts, a highly responsive KBS 90 steel or a lightweight 65g graphite option from UST, and are available in two lofts: 58° and 64°. www.callawaygolf.com.au

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Features include comfortable speed control, solid, rubber wheels, reliable front wheel suspension and a storage compartment. The Scout also folds down easily for storage in the ‘boot’.

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42

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

new gear

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WE TRIED IT!>

Odyssey O-Works Putters

Tailors Mark In recent years, the golf course has become more than just a place to craft your game and catch up with friends. It’s become a place to express your style and individuality, both during your round and in the clubhouse over dinner and drinks after the game.

In men’s style, Tailors Mark has become one of the fastest-growing and innovative companies in Australia. They use technology to simplify the tailoring process, which means customers can measure, design,

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Niblick JT35 Club Package (JUNIOR RH) For 3-5 year-olds this set features a large driver, 7-iron, wedge, and a putter with a matching stand bag and head cover.

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Last month, we hit the greens with the latest offering from Odyssey: The O-Works Putter with Micro-hinge technology.

Odyssey regularly leads the way in innovation with their products, and the new “Micro-hinge” technology with this new O-Works line is no exception.

So what exactly is“Micro-hinge technology”?

Well, it consists of a stainless steel “Hinge Plate” backed by a soft thermoplastic elastomer inner layer. The “Hinge Plate” itself features a series of “microhinges”, tiny little forward-facing bumps (for lack of a better term) which are designed to gently flex and rebound at impact to impart forward spin.

Getting the ball to start rolling quickly is critical to good putting, as it eliminates the initial “scooting” of the ball at impact, which can affect the accuracy of your putt.

The first thing we noticed when putting with this new blade (we tested the #1 model/ shape) was the extremely soft sound and

GEAR NEWS Tour Edge Golf Partners With Axis Golf

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Package contains Driver, 3-wood, 21° & 24° hybrids, 5-iron to SW, and a stylish matching golf bag that includes 14 full-length dividers, an external putter holder, and a large cooler pocket. Add a soft feel mallet putter and matching head covers and this package pulls together everything needed. 460cc high launch driver gives you all the forgiveness and reward you need in a driver. Graphite shafts in the woods and hybrids are made light for more distance. Quality steel shafts in the irons are a strong consistent shaft for distance and accuracy. Available in men’s right hand. www.niblick.com.au

TOUR EDGE GOLF and AXIS GOLF have announced a new partnership which sees AXIS GOLF - which operates under THE BROSNAN GROUP umbrella - become the new exclusive distributor for all TOUR EDGE brands in the South Pacific region.

THE BROSNAN GROUP was established in 1977 by owner and managing director Denis Brosnan and has been a high profile fixture in the golf wholesale and retail landscape in the South Pacific region for over 40 years. Famous brands such as Callaway Golf, Adams Golf, Nike Golf and Lynx Golf to name a few have been under Denis’s expert direction over the years.

TOUR EDGE GOLF was established in 1986 by founder and president David Glod and is a top 10 worldwide golf club manufacturer headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company’s products are distributed in more than 40 countries around the world and the company sells golf clubs under the Exotics, Hot Launch and Bazooka brand names. Unlike

even softer feel. It took some time to get used to, but once we dialed it in, we became quickly enamored with the putter. The microhinges performed exactly as described, as the improved forward roll resulted in accurate, smooth putts.

Overall, it was a pleasure to putt with, and it is definitely one that we recommend you test out if you’re looking to improve your game on the green.

The O-Works lineup consists of four Odyssey blade shapes: #1, #1W, #2, #9 – and four mallet shapes #7, #7 Tank, 2-Ball, V-Line Fang CH and R-Line. Tank versions of the #1 and #7 are also available. Blades incorporate Odyssey’s new Versa-T alignment system to further enhance accuracy.

All models are available in left handed except the #2. Grip options include SuperStroke Slim 2.0 with CounterCore Technology, SuperStroke Pistol GT Tour with CounterCore Technology and SuperStroke Tank. www.CallawayGolf.com.au

most competitor brands, Tour Edge avoids the pay for play mentality of the PGA Tour – despite this several players still use Tour Edge products solely because of superior performance – and places its resources on producing superior quality products via innovative production methods and the use of superior materials in its Premium products. Tour Edge is the only golf club manufacturer in the world to provide a Lifetime Warranty on its products.

“We are delighted at the opportunity to represent such a significant and longstanding brand like TOUR EDGE in the South Pacific golf market and we look forward to a great relationship with David and his team. Having a combined 70 years of industry experience gives us a competitive advantage. The recent appointment of Australian John Craig as Global Executive Vice President at TOUR EDGE also raises the focus of Australia in the TOUR EDGE world and we look forward to taking advantage of John’s experience in Australia while he is at the helm of TOUR EDGE in the USA.” said Denis Brosnan.

“Denis and his team at THE BROSNAN GROUP are the perfect partner for TOUR EDGE GOLF in the South Pacific. They know the golf business inside out and I’m excited about the distribution network and expertise that they can offer.” said David Glod.

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

43

senior amateurs

www.insidegolf.com.au/events

QUEENSLAND SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

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

Wynnum Seniors

NATIONAL

The Wynnum PresCare QSOOM event attracted a goof field of 70 players (50 men and 20 women). The golf course was well presented on the day, especially considering the very dry weather we have had in the past few months.

New Zealand Senior Amateur The New Zealand Senior Amateur Championship was played at the Ohope International Golf Course and attracted a very strong field of New Zealand’s best senior golfers and a strong contingent of Australians.

The conditions were hot and humid but that did not seem to affect most players, as there were some great scores recorded on the day.

The winner was New Zealand golfer Brent Paterson who played sensational golf to finish the tournament seven-under-par and a six-stroke winning margin. Paterson closed with a pair of 67s after his opening round of 72.

Ladies Winner Scratch Cheryl Sternberg 84 Winner Nett Judy Logan 34 points Men Winner Scratch Joe McDermid 68 (ocb) Runner-up Scratch Tim Deakin 68 Winner Nett Ray Tunny 40 points Runner-up Nett Billy Jones 39 points (ocb)

The runner-up was Kiwi Andres Cloete with rounds of 72-68-72=212 while third place went to the defending champion John Batley who gave a solid defence of his title with rounds of 72–69-73=214.

Bribie Island Seniors

Kym Olsen was the leading Australian with rounds of 72-72-71=215 that saw him finish in a tie for fourth place with well-known New Zealander Michael Barltrop.

Australian Barry Tippett had rounds of 7270-75=217 to finish in sixth place in another very good performance.

Barry Tippett finished sixth in the 2017 New Zealand Seniors Championship.

David Gleeson (73-78-72=223) was the next of the Aussies just pipping Terry Small (76-7573=224) and Geoff Cranfield (74-76-74=224).

In a tie for 30th place were Stefan Albinski (77-76-73=226) and Steve Toyne (72-7579=226).

Jill Morrison came out on top in the women’s gross championship, edging local favourite Heather Harley by three points finishing with a two-round gross stableford total of 52 points to Harley’s 49 points

Gardiner’s Run Seniors The Gardiners Run Senior Amateur was won in devastating fashion by the current Australian Senior Amateur champion, Kym Olsen.

Kym Olsen has carded an opening round of 72 but blitzed the field in the second. The plus-2 marker from The National carded a 44

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The weather was much cooler than it has been for the last few events. With the forecast rain keeping away it resulted in great conditions for golf.

Some of the holes certainly had a wow factor and the real winner on the day was the course.

The majority of the field found the course a real challenge and many commented that they would like to come back and try again with hopefully better results.

Steve Toyne – winner of three successive events on the QSOOM. The winner was once again Steve Toyne (Nudgee) showing clearly he is the best senior golfer in Queensland. Toyne fired a round of 74 to win by three strokes from Warren Colefax.

Ian Frost (Rich River) capitalised on his overnight lead to claim victory at the Kooringal Senior Amateur whilst Jill Morrison (Midlands) has taken out the women’s championship.

In the women’s nett championship, Portsea’s Sue Mawhinney capped a fine event taking the nett crown with a two-round total of 70 stableford points from a daily handicap of 15. Local Debbie Gorin (Kooringal) finished runner-up on 66 points.

The 2017 Arundel Hills PresCare QSOOM event had a good field of 62 players (47 men and 15 women) competing. The course was in good condition with the new greens looking great.

The conditions were hot but the occasional breeze made it an enjoyable day. There were some good scores recorded on the day with victory going to leading Queensland player Steve Toyne.

Kooringal Seniors

Familiar face Paul Gooley of Chirnside Park secured the nett trophy with a two-round nett total of 142 from a daily handicap of five.

In the runner-up position was Kooringal local Grant Arnold on 143 just one stroke shy.

Arundel Hills Seniors

The Bribie Island PresCare QSOOM event attracted a large field of 93 players (75 men and 18 women). It is always a pleasure to play Bribie Island and the golf course was again presented in excellent condition.

VICTORIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

Frost put together two consistent rounds of 74 to finish on a 36-hole total of 148, one shot clear of the nearest competitors Kym Olsen (The National) and Rob Wallace (Midlands).

Ladies Winner Scratch Josie Ryan 79 Winner Nett Kathy Strudwick 40 points Men Winner Scratch Steve Toyne 75 Runner-up Scratch David Reid 76 (ocb) Winner Nett Russell Smith 40 points Runner-up Nett B ill Anderson 38 points Winner Super Senior Phillip Towle 81 Runner-up Super Senior Barry Brook 82

Sue Lush, Heather Harley, Kym Olsen, Keith Finkelde winners ar Gardiiner’s Run. sensational round of 5-under-par 67 for a total of 139 to win by 7 shots from runner-up Malcolm Barnes of Neangar Park.

Barnes finished on a total of 146 to claim second prize on a count-back from Rossdale’s Ken O’Brien.

In the nett section it was victory to Keith Finkelde of Latrobe. The 8 marker had a solid round of nett 65 for a total of 135, winning by 5 shots from Metropolitan’s John Kelly who took out second place on a count-back from Wayne Aigner of Sandhurst.

Heather Harley of Kooringal was the best in the women’s scratch stableford section. The 7 marker carded a 36-hole total of 56 scratch points to take the title by 2 points from round 1 leader Judy Langford of Wodonga.

Eastern member Sue Lush had a day out, posting a great score of 40 points for a total of 71 points to win the stableford section by a single point. Local member Christine Rodgers of Gardiners Run was runner-up on a count-back from fellow member Helen Drake.

Cranbourne Seniors Gordon Claney (Kingston Heath) has broken Gary Easte’s string of wins with a narrow victory in the 2017 Cranbourne Senior Amateur.

Claney fired the only sub-par round of the tournament with a very good 2-under 70 for a 36-hole total of 147, equalling the winning score from 2016.

Claney had a 5-shot win over Kym Olsen who posted rounds of 74 and 78 for the event.

Paul Fink (RACV Cape Schank) made the most of the ideal conditions to seize victory in the nett championship with rounds of 66 and 74 total of 140, placing him 3 strokes ahead of a very consistent Stephen Valentine (Kew) who finished with a total of 143.

The 36-hole gross prize for players over 65 years went to Peter Bence (Peninsula Kingswood) with rounds of 76-81, and the 36-hole nett prize for players on a daily handicap of 10 or more went to Bill Black (Rutherglen) with rounds of 73 and 80.

More: www.golfvic.org.au

Ladies Winner Scratch Cheryl Sternberg 84 Winner Nett Judy Logan 32 points Men Winner Scratch Steve Toyne 74 Runner-up Scratch Warren Colefax 77 Winner Nett David Hannah 34 points Runner-up Nett Paul Murray 31 points Winner Super Senior Richard Hanks 34 points Runner-up Super Senior Phillip Towle 29 points

Redcliffe Seniors The Redcliffe Seniors had a record field of 109 players (90 men and 19 women) competing.

While it was still very warm, the weather was cooler than in recent days so it resulted in good conditions for golf. As usual there were some very good scores.

The winner and making it a trifecta of recent wins was Nudgee gofer Steve Toyne who defeated Peter Dagan on a countback.

Ladies Winner Scratch Josie Ryan 80 (pictured) Winner Nett Nola McIntyre 34 points ocb Runner-up Nett Wendy O’Connell 34 points ocb Men Winner Scratch Steve Toyne 73 ocb (pictured) Runner-up Scratch Peter Dagan 73 Winner Nett Graham Jones 40 points Runner-up Nett Ray Harvey 39 points ocb Winner Super Senior Col Hallam 77 ocb Runner-up Super Senior Terry O’Keeffe 77 More: www.golfqueensland.org.au

senior amateurs

www.insidegolf.com.au/events

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

NSW SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT

South Lakes Seniors

Wollongong Seniors

The 2017 South Australian Senior Order of Merit got under way on Monday 6th of February, with the first round of a scheduled ten event season being held at South Lakes Golf Club in Goolwa located south of Adelaide on the Murray Mouth.

The 2017 Wollongong Seniors saw Rick Alison (Camden Lakeside) make a welcome return to seniors golf after a long break. This did him no harm as he played very good golf to take out the major prize with a score of 71 on the testing Wollongong layout.

Steady overnight and morning rain cleared to an overcast day with a moderate temperature and a mild southerly breeze.

The fairways were faultless and the greens holding making for perfect scoring conditions.

He defeated Chris Gordon (NSW), Sam Quagliata (Liverpool) and Noel Wood (Antill Park) who were tied on the runner-up score of 74.

Playing together, 2016 SA Senior Order of Merit winner Norm Cordina (Tea Tree Gully) was just pipped by Bruce Lindner (Kooyonga) for the honours – an excellent 68 to an almost equally excellent 69.

Concord Seniors The 2017 Concord Seniors attracted a large field of senior gofers, all keen to test themselves on this demanding championship layout. It was the local member Grant Wilson who handled it the best firing a round of 74 to edge out Magenta Shores golfer Richard Greville by a single stroke.

In the Super Seniors, 80 year old local Cyril Williams embarrassed his younger competitors by shooting his age to win from Gordon Whittaker (Mt Barker on 82).

Whittaker defeated Nigel Coles (The Vines of Reynella) on a countback.

In a five-way tie for third place were Ross Bockman (Long Reef ), Leigh Anthony (Waratah), Ken Brewer (Concord), Graham Beasley (Mollymook) and Neil Bartley (Port Kembla) all on 78.

Nett winners were Steve Ross (South Lakes) from Trevor Smith (Naracoorte) and Paul Roach (who made the long trip from Sandy Creek GC) from Gary Low (South Lakes) in Seniors and Super Seniors respectively.

This is the second year South Lakes have hosted this event and were pleased to have sponsorship from Motel Goolwa and Jack’s Place whose representative, Dagmar, made the presentations to the winners.

Seniors 68 Bruce Lindner (Kooyonga) 69 Norm Cordina (Tea Tree Gully) 73 Steve Ross (South Lakes) 74 Nigel Turner (Lady Bay), John Davey (Tea Tree Gully) 76 Trevor Smith (Naracoorte), Wayne Humphries (Glenelg) Super Seniors 80 Cyril Williams (South Lakes) 82 Gordon Whittaker (Mt Barker), Nigel Coles (The Vines) 83 Eric Lane (The Grange) 84 Gary Low (South Lakes), Laszlo Balaton (Victor Harbor), Russell Parkes (Victor Harbor)

Blackwood Seniors On a sunny hot Monday 85 South Australian senior golfers journeyed to picturesque Blackwood Golf Club in the Adelaide Hills.

The course was in great condition with the excellent greens running at 11-12’ presenting a challenge that many didn’t conquer.

A good field always assembles for the Blackwood round of the Senior Order of Merit with the long term organisers, Keith Parry-Jones and Chris Claxton securing good sponsorship and the associated rewards for those who perform on the day.

Kooyonga Senior, Bruce Lindner followed his recent win at South Lakes with the honours but his score of 76 reflects the challenges of the day. A highlight was a spectacular eagle on the par-5 seventh by slam-dunking his third shot against the pin played from deep in the right hand trees.

More: www.golfnsw.org

Bruce Lindner, Keith Parry-Jones and Steve Ross at the Blackwood Seniors.

South Lakes Senior Steve Ross and Trevor Smith from Naracoorte followed up their performances in round one of the Order of Merit with second and third places whilst in the Super Seniors, Eric Lane from The Grange and Paul Starrs from Flagstaff Hill filled the placings.

Perhaps reflecting the difficulties of the day, Blackwood members took home the Nett prizes in both Seniors and Super Seniors.

Senior Gross 76 Bruce Lindner (Kooyonga) 79 Steve Ross (South Lakes) 81 Trevor Smith (Naracoorte) 82 Chris Everett (Tea Tree Gully) Super Senior Gross 80 Eric Lane (The Grange) 82 Paul Starrs (Flagstaff Hill) 82 Russell Hewson (Mt Barker) 84 Richard Clark (Blackwood) More: www.golfsa.com.au

COMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS April 2-3

* Royal Perth Seniors (WA)

May 5

April 3

Indooroopilly Seniors (QLD)

May 8-11 Cobram-Barooga Seniors (VIC)

April 3

Tea Tree Gully Seniors (SA)

May 8

Cabramatta Seniors (NSW)

April 4-6 * The National Senior Masters (VIC)

May 8

Flagstaff Hill Seniors (SA)

April 5-7

May 12

Carbrook Seniors (QLD)

April 8 Jubilee Seniors at Bowral GC (NSW)

May 15-16

* NSW Senior Classic – The Australian & The Lades

April 10-12 NSW Veterans Championship – Richmond, Glenmore, Stonecutter’s Ridge

May 18

Pacific Seniors (QLD)

May 23

Mona Vale Seniors (NSW)

May 25-28

* NT Seniors Championship

* West Australian Seniors at Wanneroo (WA)

April 11-12 Eureka Seniors (Ballarat)

Box Hill Seniors (VIC)

May 11-12 Duntry League Seniors (NSW)

May 25-26 Hepburn Springs Seniors (VIC)

April17

Bonnie Doon Seniors (NSW)

April 22

Laidley Ladies Classic (QLD)

May 26

Pelican Waters (QLD)

May 2

Penrith Seniors (NSW)

May 39

Eastlakes Seniors (NSW)

May 4

Hills International Seniors (QLD)

* Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

Rick Allison winner of the 2017 Wollongong Seniors.

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

45

clubs

www.insidegolf.com.au/course-reviews

When golfers go to ‘water’

Volunteers heed the call at Shoalhaven Michael Court ???@insidegolf.com.au

G

Michael Court

michael@insidegolf.com.au

W

HAT do three million visitors do when they’ve had their ‘fill’ of wine tasting in the Hunter Valley?

They go and hit golf balls, of course – and Aqua Golf at Hunter Valley Gardens Village attracts up to a staggering 500,000 of these visitors each year! Many of these people have already enjoyed the wonderful restaurants and wineries and are looking to break up their day with a fun activity. Others are making their regular pilgrimage because they just love whacking golf balls into a lake.

Aqua Golf is basically a driving range into a 50,000sqm lake with floating nets and floating balls. And it’s not always the “experts” who win...with novice golfers just as often hitting a fluke shot and walking away with a prize (or two).

When PGA professional Kieran McMahon took over in 2005 he decided to make the floating nets bigger, and add more of them to the lake. With up to 30 cash and prizes won each day it has encouraged players to keep playing or come back for another go.

“I often refer to this place as the Las Vegas of golf”, says McMahon.

“Probably over 90 per cent of our players are non-golfers, with quite a few having never even seen golf before” “Corporate sessions, birthday parties, wedding groups, wine tours, bucks’ parties, hens’ days, you name it, Aqua Golf attracts them all,” says McMahon.

“International visitors are often blown away when they see Aqua Golf because they have never seen anything like it before.

“There is the odd Aqua Golf centre in Australia – but not many.

“The keen golfers can bring their own sticks and we are actually big enough here that you can hit drivers.

any inflation” McMahon jokes. In saying that, the value of the prizes has boomed. During the 80s locals would be chuffed winning a kilo of prawns. These days they can take home a Hot air balloon ride voucher or even a $1000 cash jackpot.

McMahon has done a marvellous job attracting youngsters from local schools to give Aqua Golf a shot as well.

Four local high schools enjoy an Aqua Golf hit and a round of putt-putt each week for sport, with up to 50 students from each school coming to play.

Half of them are teenage girls who would never entertain the idea of heading out to a golf course like the nearby Vintage or Cypress Lakes and playing “real” golf straight up. But they hit a few balls, they might win a prize and suddenly they are ‘snared’.

“I have also been going into primary schools and getting youngsters, mainly focusing on 10-12 years old and putting them through a two-week course to learn the basics of golf in the school grounds.” says McMahon. “Once the kids have some golf skills we invite them for an excursion to Aqua Golf to continue the fun.

“Often groups of kids who play other sports like cricket, netball, soccer or rugby league will book their end-of-season presentation BBQ at Aqua Golf. This is a great opportunity to have kids see golf.

“Parents often don’t know how to get their kids started in golf and this is a way to do that.”

McMahon recalled a Canadian coaching expert at one of their PGA seminars a few years ago suggesting that the figures showed about 83 per cent of successful elite golfers had played at least two sports up until the age of 15 and often many more sports as well up until the age of 12.

“They try Aqua Golf and away they go. It creates a ‘bridge’ from other sports.”

You might think such an attractive activity is expensive. In fact, Aqua Golf, offers incredible value for money.

“I often find myself saying to them ‘when you are famous in 10 years’ time don’t forget that this is where it all started; Aqua Golf,” he grins.

“A bucket of balls (approx. 35 balls) still costs about the same ($7 for one, $12 for two) as when Hunter Valley Aqua Golf first opened in 1979. “We have managed to avoid

www.golftothemax.com.au or Kieran@golftothemax.com.au

46

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Hunter Valley Aqua Golf is Open 7 days 9.30am – 4.30pm

OLFERS always love their home clubs . . . but it’s fair to say the members at Shoalhaven Golf Club on the NSW South Coast go above and beyond the call of duty.

If not for the volunteers, it’s doubtful if this club would even exist.

Yet it has gone far beyond that from the three holes, primarily built with volunteer labour, that opened in 1982.

That three soon became six holes, then progressed to nine holes, then 12, 15 and eventually they proudly unveiled an impressive 18-hole layout which opened in 2012.

President Rob Russell told Inside Golf he still marvelled at the efforts of up to 77 volunteers who frequently help them out.

“Some of them actually badger me for more work around the course,” he grins.

“I have an 82-year-old electrician, Ken who is pestering me for jobs and plays three days a week here.

“Then there’s also an 84-year-old carpenter, Huck, who is always looking for work and plays once a week.

“We’ve come a long way from getting out with Victa mowers and all sorts of things to get the course ready for play.

“Because of that history the place has really developed. We have four paid greenkeepers and that’s pretty much it.

“Last year we had 6200 recorded hours of volunteer work and there’s probably a lot of people who didn’t record their hours.

“It’s developed a great pride in the club and a great deal of self-belief among our proud members. It’s made it a friendly club as well.

“The bar is completely run by volunteers.

Others get out and mow the fairways and all the rough and occasionally the greens as well.

“We are building cart paths and some

are working on eradicating ants around the course. There’s plenty to do.”

The clubhouse at Shoalhaven is a quaint little building which was inherited from HMAS Albatross.

“They had to close to extend their runway and our clubhouse burnt down in 2001 and we got Albatross which we have extended a bit. It’s not the Taj Mahal but it serves the purpose. Our goal is to develop the golf course and that’s where 90 per cent of our money goes.”

Shoalhaven has 620 members of which 506 are full playing members.

Par for the course is 71 (with four par-fives) and the course record from the back tees is only two-under 69, although several have shot six or seven-under from the regular tees.

“It is a tough course with a 127 rating and we get a lot of low handicap golfers come and play it and rarely do they play to their handicap.

“We are pretty lucky as far as water is concerned. We have bores around the course and also get 45 per cent of water recycled from the sewerage works – so our water situation is pretty good.

“We have upgraded the irrigation system on the course too.

“We’re about 120m from the ocean – the closest hole is the 13th – and you can hear it all the time on the golf course.

“It’s really a hidden gem and we’re getting a lot of accolades, which is fantastic and unlike a lot of clubs, we are actually making money, which is something of a rarity these days.”

Hooked in just 28 days AH the vagaries of golf.

If I told you that I could introduce you to the game and in the space of 28 days you’d be breaking 100, you’d be hooked, right?

Well Kieran McMahon did just that with local Pokolbin restaurateur Patrick Boonsoong.

Kieran issued him with a 28-day PGA challenge – a man who had never picked up a golf club in his life but spent long hours running a Thai restaurant in the middle of the vineyards on the Roche estate he shares with Aqua Golf.

“I told him only last month I would set him a 28-day schedule and convinced him to come over for some lessons – and stick with it.

Most beginners are not able to commit

the time it takes to get over the initial hurdles golf can put up.

“I held him back from playing his first game until I thought he was ready to play,” says McMahon.

“Now he’s bought himself a new set of Callaway golf clubs and has joined up at The Vintage Golf Club.

“When he played his first game he actually broke 100 and off a 36 handicap he was well and truly hooked.

“There’s no looking back . . . so everyone’s a winner.”

And it all started with a few balls into the Aqua Golf ‘pond’ at Pokolbin.

Visit the website 28.pga.org.au and find a pro who you can challenge!

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Australia’s top public access feature

public access

courses Featuring fantastic golf and great value for money, Australia’s public access courses represent some of the best golf our country has to offer. Here are some of our favourites!

Headland Golf Club

QUEENSLAND

Headland Golf Club, situated on the eastern escarpment of Buderim Mountain and overlooking the holiday meccas of Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore, has long been rated one of the most challenging yet enjoyable courses on the Sunshine Coast.

Paradise Palms Paradise Palms is Far North Queensland’s premier golfing facility and destination.

Located at Kewarra Beach, just 15 minutes from the Cairns CBD and Airport, Paradise Palms is an 18-hole championship golf course which hosts one of Australia’s richest Pro Am events each June attracting up-and-coming PGA Professionals as well as Legends Tour players.

The course sits at the base of the Daintree escarpment with magnificent views of the rainforest from the golf course and the ocean from the first floor balconies.

In the 90’s Paradise Palms hosted the prestigious Skins Game with Greg Norman, Curtis Strange, Bernhard Langer and Isao Aoki.

Two years later it was home to the Daikyo Cup on the Japan and Australasian Tours and Ladies Daikyo Cup on the LPGA Tour.

The majestic Queenslander style clubhouse sits overlooking the 9th and 18th greens with an open air bar area that overlooks a water feature and the golf course in the distance.

The golf course has multiple tee options for golfers of all levels and is enjoyed by everyone that plays it from the youngest junior to the senior golfer.

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April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Paradise Palms

Headland Golf Club Open to the public seven days per week, Paradise Palms offers green fee specials on their website by direct booking or if you require accommodation and golf, a stay-andplay package can be tailored to the need of each and every golfer.

Their PGA Professionals are on hand to assist you in the golf shop and with PING or Titleist club fitting as well as an array of golf apparel and accessories to purchase as a memento of your visit to Paradise Palms.

A fleet of 80 Club Car Visage GPS golf carts provide the golfer with the latest in golf technology, plus new Titleist Hire Sets are available to hire from the golf shop.

Paradise Palms also boasts a resort located just 200m from the clubhouse with 84 resort style rooms or self contained apartments.

There are two swimming pools as well as a mini golf course that winds its way through a tropical setting.

For further information, contact the golf team on (07) 4059 9999.

Because of its undulating and tree-lined fairways and pure greens, the 6086m (from the championship tees) par-72 course is rarely beaten up, not even during the annual Sunshine Coast Men’s Open Amateur Championship. Played over 36 holes during Easter, a testament to the challenge of Headland is that last year the Easter tournament attracted a field which included 63 players with a handicap of 3 or better, and was completely booked out.

This combination of challenge and enjoyment is why it is such a popular golf course. Last year 60,000 rounds were recorded at Headland, 48,000 by members and 12,000 by visitors.

Headland readily welcomes visitors.

Weekly competitions are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursday and Saturdays, leaving Friday, Sunday and Monday open for visitors.

However, restricted tee times are also available on competition days and visitors with a GA handicap are welcome to play in most member events.

public access feature

Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley The 2015 Queensland Golf Club of the Year, Headland Golf Club’s visitors green fees are $52 for 18 holes and $32 for nine holes, with reduced rates for groups of 12 or more and for visitors playing in club competitions. The club also has special rates for regular players.

With unlimited golf included, a weekly green fee voucher is $120, while visitors staying on the Sunshine Coast for a month can play as often as they like for a fee of $280.

And in an innovative move, Headland and fellow Sunshine Coast club Caloundra have instigated a reciprocal arrangement entitling members to two complimentary rounds annually. This is certainly a bonus for members of each club around green renovation time.

For more information: Phone: (07) 5444 5800, email: proshop@headlandgolfclub.com.au, or visit www.headlandgolfclub.com.au.

Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley The Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley reopened in June 2016, with the golf course enjoying a great reception. The place has quickly developed a strong following of regular golfers and large numbers of visitors keen to test themselves on this famous course.

John Tolhurst the resident Pro and twotimes QLD Senior PGA Champions has been welcoming hundreds of golfers each week with up to 140 playing on one day alone recently. “Our weekly comp, the Copperhead, is attracting more and more back to the course. They get to compete each Thursday and every public holiday for the trophy and Holiday, Golf and Spa worth $500 prizes on offer,” he said.

To date the resort and course has hosted golfing groups from New Zealand, Sydney, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Sunshine

Coast and Mackay, with the stay-and-play packages proving very popular amongst these players. A large number of them had played the course when it was previously open and some are bringing relatives and younger players to experience Snake Gully and the famous 5th and 17th holes for the first time.

The Course has enjoyed a great growing season under their experienced and dedicated Course Superintendent Jeremy Parry, with the level of playing surfaces exceeding all expectation. The course was previously ranked number 1 in Qld and in the Top 25 courses in Australia; and the team are determined to push their course back into that elite company. It was the home course of World number 1 Jason Day and Adam Scott who studied at Kooralbyn International School.

The Golf Shop and Resort staff are receiving great feedback from players from all walks of

life and handicaps. The groups are having a great time off the course, kicking back and relaxing at the Pavilion, Ringtails Cafe or Lilies Restaurant after spending a few hours on the course.

“One of the most entertaining parts of any round here are our kangaroos which choose to enjoy our course,” says John. “Our guests are having a great time and the presence of the kangaroos just adds to the atmosphere.”

The refurbished resort which has 101 rooms, pool, hot springs, tennis courts, Aussie Muster show, Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, restaurants and much more, offers attractive stay and play packages and can customize any package for groups.

For more information call (07) 5544 6688 or the Golf Shop directly on (07) 5544 5919 or visit the new website on www.RamadaResortKooralbynValley.com.au

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Noosa Golf Club

Noosa Golf Club Enjoy the beauty of Noosa Golf Club’s 18-hole championship course in a natural bushland setting with an abundance of local wildlife at your side and just 15 minutes drive from famous Hastings Street. Families of kangaroos laze in the sun and koalas can be spotted snoozing in the trees.

The course is said to be very forgiving with 6000+ metres of easy walking and wide fairways. Still the course is no pushover and can be a challenge to golfers of all levels. Over the past 18 months, many course improvements have taken place, with fairways re-grassed, bunkers upgraded and new drainage works – all leading to the course being in great condition.

Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to play in competitions or you can play socially seven days a week. Available times vary

Peregian Golf Course and Driving Range

depending on the day. For those on holiday, green fee cards are available at reasonable prices.

Peregian Golf Course and Driving Range

Their golf professionals offer lessons from beginners to advanced and can help you with equipment hire. Looking for some retail therapy? You’re sure to find it in the pro shop which is stocked with an extensive range of clothing and equipment.

Newly reopened under the guidance of Golf Services Management, Peregian Golf Course and Driving Range is looking forward to a big year ahead.

Dine with mountain and fairway views at Legends Bistro, serving dinner from Tuesday to Friday and open every day for lunch.

Noosa Golf Club celebrates the camaraderie of golf with the best value green fees, membership and hire charges on the Coast.

For more information: Phone (07) 5447 1407, visit www.noosagolf.com.au, or Email admin@noosagolf.com.au.

The golf course has benefited from some recent renovation along with a handy downpour of early autumnal rain, allowing for course conditioning to be cherry ripe throughout the coming months. True greens, lush fairways and great conditioning form the foundations of a true Sunshine Coast Golf experience. Peregian also boasts a brand new fleet of carts along with highly attentive staff that are willing to go above and beyond for groups of any size.

Additionally, a new Sports Bar is available which will be open to all regular and casual

Redcliffe Golf club

golfers keen on enjoying a cold drink following their round of golf, lesson, clinic or even just after a hit at the public driving range.

A new teaching program has been launched by new head coach Craig Goodall and a brand new Competition schedule has also been launched, giving anyone a chance to get the most out of their golf.

Perfectly suited to locals and touring visitors alike, come and check out the newly reopened Peregian Golf Course and Driving Range next time you’re on the sunny Sunshine Coast.

For more info – call the Pro Shop on (07) 5471 5400 or head to www.peregiangolf.com.au

Destination Bribie Island Experience two of Queensland’s finest sandbelt courses on fabulous Bribie Island.

Only an hour from both Brisbane and the

The Championship Par 71 Slope rated 123 Blue Course is just 35 minutes from the Brisbane CBD Social Players welcome 7 days per week, though limited times are available on some days, bookings are advised!

Discounts for more than 4 players.

Air-conditioned clubhouse with bistro, bar and gaming machines. Function room available.

Fully stocked pro shop with a great range of the latest gear with two full-time PGA Professionals.

Special Deal

2 Players and a Motorised Cart (Monday and Tuesday subject to course availability)

$70

Present this coupon to the bar and receive a free pot of softdrink or beer for each player

Redcliffe Golf Club Handsworth Street, Clontarf Beach, Qld 4019 Clubhouse 07 32845485, Pro Shop (07) 3284 2957 52

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Membership is currently OPEN in all categories.

The Club runs a very successful Sub-Junior Program, catering for those youngsters yet to face the full 18 hole challenge. This program is held on a Saturday and is the envy of many clubs in the region.

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Fairways Golf and Beach Retreat Sunshine coast, cross the bridge to the Island and discover your dream play and stay golfing destination.

experience you will not soon forget and will leave you for the thirst to do it all again next year.

Fairways Golf and Beach Retreat is located directly next door and overlooking Bribie Island Golf Club. The mid-rise 50 apartment accommodation caters for all golfers, from small groups and couples through to larger groups. Fairways has everything to make your stay memorable including spacious and comfortable 3.5 star lodgings, fantastic views from the rooftop and BBQ area, heated swimming pool and even their own Putt-Putt golf course. They also have transport options to and from Pacific Harbour course, only 15 minutes away. So relax, focus on your golf and the essential festivities without the worry of driving. Come back from your round and enjoy a BBQ by the pool, on the roof-top or drop in next door to the Golf Club for dinner. A Play & Stay package at Fairways is a memorable life

Bribie Island Golf Club is a highly-rated, members-based golf course located in southeast Queensland. Built on the natural sand dunes of Bribie Island, the course is always presented in top condition.

The 18-hole championship layout (6203m) offers the opportunity to play a sandbelt-style course while enjoying the sub-tropical weather year-round. Each hole is uniquely different at Bribie Island – the fairways and greens thoughtfully framed by trees and bunkers.

The native bush-land and sandy lies off the fairways accentuate the need to position your golf ball on the well-manicured fairways and greens.

The 18th hole is a great finishing hole, which leads to the clubhouse and outdoor deck. The

Bribie Island Golf Club outdoor area is a popular gathering place for golfers after a round.

Consistently rated in Australia’s top-100 public access golf courses and recently rated in Australia’s top-10 most underrated golf courses, Bribie Island will not disappoint.

The Club is open every day while Café on 18 is open for lunch daily and dinner Tuesdays through Friday nights. Breakfast and Saturdays nights by arrangement, subject to numbers.

If you took up golf largely for the challenge then Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club belongs at the top of your “must-play” list.

The Ross Watson-designed championship golf course is a serious golfer’s dream. Watson describes the course as “risk and reward”, which works well for championship, resort and club golf. The bunkering at Pacific Harbour is a standout feature. Beach bunkers merge with lake edges with natural grasses, reed

and sedges. As well as wetlands, bunkering is the dominant feature, in many cases framed with native grass “eyebrows”. “We have over 70 bunkers so the key to success is you have to be straight off the tee,” said golf operations manager Zac Chipperfield.

“It’s a thinking golfer’s course. You can’t just stand up and hit driver on every hole. “You have to pick your lines and try to land your golf ball in the right areas of the fairways and greens.”

Most holes have a range of play options.

The short holes (par-3s) are exceptional with the 17th having the longest bunker in the Southern Hemisphere. “From the back tees the hole is 205 metres and the bunker on the right is 190 metres long,” Chipperfield said. Water is at every turn with reflective lakes, the ocean in the background and even the clubhouse is “floating” over a lake and aquatic driving range.

Portarlington golf club www.portarlingtongolf.com.au

Mount CooluM Golf Club

SUPER SPECIAL ✓ 18 Hole Championship Length

Receive

50% OFF Joining Fee - Save $300

Golf Course

✓ Air-conditioned Clubhouse offering spectacular views, with Bar, Bistro and gaming facilities

✓ PGA Professional on course with fully stocked Pro Shop including hire carts and equipment

Limited time only. Conditions apply.

New members only.

17 Lumeah Drive, Mount Coolum (off Suncoast Beach Drive)

Phone (07) 5446 1539 www.mtcoolumgolf.com

Golf memberships Join in May & receive 14 months for the price of 12 • Green fee players welcome • Clubhouse facilities Bistro Open 7 Days - TAB - KENO Use Port Phillip Ferries straight from the Melbourne CBD to Portarlington - just a relaxing bay cruise away

130 Hood road, portarlington, Victoria clubhouse: (03) 5259 2492 www.portarlingtongolf.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

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Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club Before or after a round golfers can enjoy casual dining at The Deck Bistro, which is open Monday – Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday 9am- late and Sunday’s 7am-6pm.

For more information: Fairways Golf and Beach Retreat call (07) 3400 2100 or

!

N I W

www.fairwaysretreat.com.au.

Bribie Island Golf Club: Call (07) 3408 1457 or visit www.bribiegolf.com.au.

Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club phone the Proshop on (07) 3410 4011 or visit www.pacificharbourgolf.com.au

A golf day for 8 at Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club Inside Golf and Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country club are offering an amazing prize to one lucky reader: A golf day for you and 7 mates!

Prize includes 8 rounds of golf, complimentary coffee in Arnie’s pre-round, $200 Arnie’s voucher post-round, and one 1 hour per-round lesson on the range with golf professional Matt Ballard.

Total value of the prize: over $1700.

To enter, visit www.sanctuarycovegolfclub.com.au/inside-golf-magazine-competition/

Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club

Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club The Palms golf course at Sanctuary Cove is open to the public for play 7 days a week and is designed to challenge all levels of play.

The Palms is considered a championship course rivalling some of the best golf courses in Australia. It has total length of 5904m off the championship tees, and has numerous water features and hazards. Tee placements have been designed to suit a variety of playing conditions and a diverse range of players.

Nestled within century–old Cabbage Palms, The Palms golf course is a return to the traditions of the game, with distinctive holes, deep greenside bunkers and boldly contoured greens requiring creative shot making.

Test yourself every Saturday on The Palms golf course, ranked inside the Top 50 in Australia, for your chance to win great prizes

including a Titleist golf bag and Titleist AP2 irons valued at $2,500. For $99 per person, you receive 18 holes on The Palms golf course including cart hire, GPS and the competition fee, a sleeve of Titleist Pro V1 golf balls as well as a chance to win great weekly prizes.

In addition, the new Palms Open Championship is an aggregate competition combining your five best scores from your rounds played in the Saturday Open Competition throughout the year. The Championship runs from 11 February until 25 November 2017.

The lucky winner of The Palms Open Championship will win a Titleist golf bag and set of Titleist AP2 irons professionally fit to your game. The total value of this prize is $2,500. To enter this competition, players must book their round via the Club’s website www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au

Scottish Links On Tasmania’s King Island A very special “Stay & Play” links on King Island overlooking the Great Southern Ocean – in the mould of Scotland’s great links RAnKed 4th On the LISt Of AuStRALIA’S BeSt PuBLIc cOuRSeS

Dedicated 6 bay driving range 40 Balls $7.00 and 80 Balls $12.00 Kangaroo Tours 7 Days a weeK

18 Hole Mini Golf Now Open

www.oceandunes.com.au (03) 6462 1633

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Green fees $50 for 18 holes $30 for 9 holes Junior green fees $25 for 18 holes $15 for 9 holes Social Golf Group bookings available 7 days Women’s competitions Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Men’s competitions Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Annual Tournament held over 8 days every October

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Redcliffe Golf Club Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club also offers an impressive leisure complex with many other facilities aside from golf, including two driving ranges, practice chipping and putting greens, five tennis courts, a state-of-the-art gymnasium with yoga room and a wide range of fitness classes, a 25m heated lap pool, sauna, spa, complete locker room facilities, the brandnew Arnie’s Café and Bar, function rooms and much more.

In addition, Sanctuary Cove is home to the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, a 5-star hotel resort located only minutes from the golf courses. The Village at Sanctuary Cove is also abundant with entertainment, dining and shops to suit all visitors.

For more information, phone (07) 5699 9000 email: info@scgcc.com.au or visit www.sanctuarycovegolfclub.com.au

Redcliffe Golf Club Redcliffe Golf Club is one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets.

Their picturesque 18-hole Championship Golf Course, located in the suburb of Clontarf, is just a 35-minute drive north of Brisbane.

Redcliffe offer a wide range of golf facilities and services. The Championship Par-71 Slope rated 123 Blue Course is very popular amongst all levels of golfers and is a soughtafter destination for many social clubs, be it midweek or weekend. The clubhouse has sweeping views across the course from the outdoor deck and is an ideal location for your next function or special event. The Redcliffe Golf Club welcomes the local community and tourists to experience a round of golf or a quiet drink overlooking the course.

The Redcliffe Golf Club is available to visiting and social players. Newcomers will

Wantima Country Club find that the course presents a challenge for any calibre of golfer. The club welcomes social players every day of the week, though limited times are available on some days.

Bookings are advised.

The Redcliffe Golf Club’s many features include a fully air-conditioned clubhouse, bar and deck overlooking the course, fully stocked pro shop with a great range of the latest gear, and full hire facilities for clubs, carts and buggies.

Membership is currently open in all categories. The club’s Sub-Junior Program, catering for those youngsters yet to face the full 18-hole challenge, operating on a Saturday and is the envy of many clubs in the region and is the pathway to becoming a junior member of the club.

Special: $70.00 includes two players and a motorised cart, all day Monday and Tuesday also after 12.00 midday on Thursday.

For more information: Phone (07) 3284 5485, email: info@redcliffegolf.com, or visit www.redcliffegolf.com

Wantima Country Club Home club of USPGA Tour Professional and Australian Open runner-up Cameron Smith, Wantima Country Club is conveniently located just 30 minutes north of the Brisbane CBD. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, modern air-conditioned clubhouse, function rooms, bistro, gaming, tennis courts and golf practice facilities.

The 5,566m par-70 layout has tree-lined, undulating, fully irrigated Blue Couch fairways and Bermuda 328 greens. All categories of membership are currently available including junior, family and corporate. Public are welcome 7 days per week, club competitions run 5 days per week but there is still plenty of availability

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Links Hope Island and Noosa Springs for corporate/charity days, social clubs and public access.

Wantima hosts a variety of events from corporate golf days to that perfect wedding.

The new chef can cater for your every need whether it is a golf and burger deal or a function with three-course meal. Grab a drink in the fully air-conditioned lounge bar or relax and enjoy the sport and pokies in the spike bar.

“Wantima continues to develop its course and facilities offering a great variety of options for members and visitors and making it the golf club of choice on Brisbane’s north side,” said Andy Lowen, Wantima Secretary Manager.

Mr Lowen said that visitors are loving the full experience at Wantima at an affordable price with golf, cart and food/drink packages available. Many have gone on to becoming full members of the club.

Public access availability has increased with more 9-hole, twilight, package deals and member guest options. Progressive works in recent times to mitigate flood risk has led to much more availability with public tee times.

An Inside Golf special will be running until

the end of June 2017; 18 holes with shared use of motorised cart and a burger in the clubhouse for $39.50 per person (regular cost $63). The deal is for Mon-Fri only and the burger must be consumed in the clubhouse on the day of play between the hours of 11.30am to 2.30pm. Conditions apply, subject to availability.

For more information phone; (07) 3264 1633 or visit www.wantimacountryclub.com.au

Links Hope Island and Noosa Springs Technically the two courses are chalk and cheese. One is a championship links layout with rolling fairways and pot bunkers; the other a traditional resort course with tree-lined fairways, sparkling lakes and delightful scenery.

What Links Hope Island and Noosa Springs have in common, though, is their undoubted quality. They’re both rated among the top resort courses in the country – and they’re getting better year by year.

Owned in the same interests, the two great golf courses – one at the north of the Gold Coast; the other walking distance from

Noosa’s famous Hastings St – offer a delightful experience for golfers of all levels.

tropical bushland, creating a tranquil setting to an enjoyable, yet challenging, round of golf.

The Peter Thomson-Mike Wolveridgedesigned Links Hope Island layout is only 23 years old – yet it’s already hosted a Johnnie Walker Classic and a Qantas Legends Golf Classic, and is on every golfer’s ‘bucket list’ of courses to play.

Both courses are complemented by superb clubhouse facilities, well-stocked pro shops and, should you wish (or need) it, some of the country’s highest-regarded teaching professionals.

Set in a 360ha residential resort community, Links Hope Island is a beautiful 6500m par 72 layout, with 128 bunkers and plenty of water to hold any player’s attention.

Local resident Peter Senior, who plays the course as often as anybody, declares it to be “one of the best championship links courses you’ll play.”

A 20-minute drive from Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes from Brisbane, Links Hope Island is centrally located for holiday-makers and residents of the south-east corner of Queensland.

Noosa Springs, too, is easily accessible to holiday-makers, being situated so close to iconic Noosa Heads.

Designed by Graham Papworth, the par-72 6180m course meanders its way through

For two courses of such fine quality, Links Hope Island and Noosa Springs are remarkably welcoming to visitors. Staff are friendly and obliging and visitors are greeted with warmth and hospitality. Staff and management are proud of their courses and keen to show them off.

Casual green fees (for 18 holes) are set at $140 for Links Hope Island and $120 for Noosa Springs.

Right now there is a special offer available that allows golfers to play both courses for just $199.

For more information: Links Hope Island on (07) 5530 9000 (www.linkshopeisland.com.au) or Noosa Springs on (07) 5440 3333 (www.noosasprings.com.au).

Gailes Golf Club Brisbane, Australia

with a shared motorised cart Your chance to play Gailes Golf Club, an Australian Open Golf Course: 18 holes for two in a shared motorised cart.

Normally $124 Terms & Conditions: • Each coupon is for 2 people, for an 18-hole social round of golf with shared motorised cart at Gailes Golf Club. • Not for play in club competitions. • Bookings essential & subject to availability. Ph: (07) 3271 2333 (please mention the coupon when you book) • Booking times: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fridays, after 12.30pm subject to availability. • Coupon must be presented to Proshop on the day you arrive to play • Dress Code Applies: Neat golf attire. • Valid from 1/4/17-30/6/17 • 24 hours’ notice for cancellations.

Contact GAILES GOLF CLUB on (07) 3271 1045 or email: office@gailesgolf.com.au Gailes Golf Club Inc. 299 Wilruna Street, Wacol, QLD 4076 56

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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McLeod Country Golf Club

Gailes Golf Club Gailes Golf Club, located just 20 minutes from the Brisbane CBD near the intersection of the Logan and Ipswich motorways, is an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all standards. With perfectly manicured fairways and subtle greens Gailes is both enjoyable and a challenge to golfers no matter their skill level or motivation. Tee times are available Sunday through Friday for social play although Sunday with booking essential to ensure you can join the Kangaroos meandering the perfectly manicured fairways.

Hundreds of kangaroos call the fairways home and are more than willing to share the secrets of the course with you as you make your way around the challenging layout.

Gailes Golf Club

The course is one of the best wet weather courses in South East Queensland thanks to the flowing terrain on which the course is situated. Open competitions are held Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and the second Friday of each month when the Dingo Hill Classic is held. The Classic pits golfers against the will of the greenkeeper who pushes the tees as

far back as possible whilst tucking pins in the hardest to reach places he can think up. It is quite the challenge for golfers and one which will have you wanting to come back for more.

Gailes Golf Club is the most accessible course to have hosted an Australian Open Championship and still presents itself as one of the grand old courses of Brisbane. It is without doubt one of the must play courses in Brisbane, whether it be a casual round with friends, as a corporate team building exercise or as a serious competitor looking to sharpen their skills at a true championship test of golf in one of their many competitions.

For further information or to make a booking contact the pro shop on (07) 3271 1045 or email proshop@gailesgolf.com.au

McLeod Country Golf Club McLeod Country Golf Club host one of the most diverse and challenging golf courses in SEQ. With the slope rating of 132, it offers any passionate golfer the opportunity play every shot in their bag of tricks.

PLAY BETTER PLAY BONVILLE www.bonvillegolf.com.au (02) 6653 4002

TAILORED GROUP GOLF PACKAGES LIKE NO OTHER 58

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

P ED HI AD NS GR PIO MEN EN AM R OM CH FO D W AN

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MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Eighth Annual Golf Classic 2 - 5 OctOber 2017

Moonah open The Dunes eagle RiDge

Moonah open

the dunes

eagle Ridge

Rosebud CountRy Club

Play 4 magnificent Mornington Peninsula Courses in this prestigious individual stableford tournament entry Fee includes: ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗

RosebuD CounTRy Club

Welcome Dinner Carts at all courses Daily lunches and much more........

◗ 4 days of golf ◗ Daily and overall prizes ◗ Presentation Dinner

Partner’s tickets available. Discounted Accommodation offers available.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW! THIS IS GOING TO BE A SELL-OUT TOURNAMENT!

Register your interest noW! details available at: Website www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au eMail info@golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au phone Pamela McDermott Marketing Manager Mornington Peninsula Golf Tourism on 0439 396 617

SAVE THE DATE www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

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public access feature Mount Coolum Golf Club

Mount Coolum Golf Club McLeod Country Golf Club is a par-71 course that keeps even the best golfers interested.

There are nine par-4s, five par-3s and four par5s throughout the course. The three hardest holes on the course include the par-4 370m 8th hole which requires a long drive and accurate second shot into a well-protected raised green with bunkers on either side. The next hardest

hole would be the following hole, the 9th. This 523m par-5 catches many players either short in the front bunkers or wet in the dam on their approach shot. The 18th is home to an uphill 179m par-3 that is well-protected by a two tiered green with bunkers down the left side.

McLeod also understand that golfers have limited spare time, and with this in mind they

have introduced a weekly 9-hole stableford competition that is open to any golfers with a current GolfLink number.

For more information: 61 Gertrude McLeod Crescent, Mount Ommaney QLD 4074.

Phone: (07) 3376 3666, or Email: enquiries@mcleodgolf.com.au

Just a short drive from the Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore is Mount Coolum Golf Club, which is one of the most picturesque settings to play golf.

Nestled at the foot of spectacular Mt Coolum with the rock providing a breathtaking backdrop on most tees and fairways, Mount Coolum is an extremely friendly and welcoming club.

So it isn’t surprising that more than 60,000 rounds are played here each year. An added bonus is the layout is relatively flat, which makes it a comfortable walk.

The front and back nine holes are very different in character.

The course consists of six par-5s, six par4s and six par 3s, however, on the back nine there are four par-5s and four-par-3s.

Golfers of all levels will enjoy the challenge along with the beauty and the abundance of natural flora and fauna.

Perhaps the biggest challenge is the water hazards that come into play on 12 holes.

Combine all this with the long, narrow fairways and you have a true test of golf on your hands.

The club’s general manager Sharon Purnell said the condition of the golf course was its best advertisement.

“We have members and visitors constantly commenting on how well the course is playing and how professional and friendly the staff is,” she said.

Ms Purnell said the golf club was located close to various resorts and accommodation houses and was the ideal place to hold a corporate event or trade day.

The club’s facilities include a fully-stocked pro shop with motorised carts, retail and hire equipment as well as the latest in men’s and women’s golf fashion.

Wantima Country Club ‘The Golf Club of choice on Brisbane’s Northside’ Ideally located 30 mins from CBD • 18 Hole Championship Course • Wedding & Function Venue • Corporate Golf & Conference Centre • Bistro and Gaming Facilities • Family Friendly Members Lounge • Social Clubs Welcome • Discount membership packages available Contact any of our friendly staff

INSIDE GOLF SPECIAL

18 holes with shared use of motorised cart and burger $39.50 pp (usually $63) Available Mon-Fri only. Subject to availability. Offer ends 30 June, 2017. Subject to conditions.

Burger must be consumed in the clubhouse on the day of play between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Phone: (07) 3264 1633 Email: admin@wantimacountryclub.com.au Web: www.wantimacountryclub.com.au 530 South Pine Road, Brendale, QLD 4500

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$110

*

*Conditions Apply. This offer valid Sunday to Thursday Only (Friday & Saturday $112.50).

Per person twin share - executive room. Note: A full buffet breakfast can be organised for group bookings of 20 or more.

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Club pro Stephen Jenkins is a AAA PGA professional and Level 3 coaching accredited.

The air-conditioned clubhouse has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with a large deck overlooking the course and spectacular Mount Coolum.

The Bistro is open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday and the bar facilities and gaming lounge is open seven days a week.

Golfers can relax on the balcony after a game and enjoy lunch with views over Australia’s second largest rock – Mt Coolum.

“It’s all part of one of life’s great golfing experiences.” Ms Purnell said.

The club’s philosophy is to ensure members, guests and visitors receive the highest level of service and experience when attending the club or on the course.

Mount Coolum GC has social play on Monday, Friday and Sunday and offer discounts to social bookings of 10 or more players. The club welcomes visitors and guests to play and enjoy golf in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

For more information: Lumeah Drive, Mt Coolum 4573, (07) 5446 3125, www.mtcoolumgolf.com

Brookwater Golf & Country Club Meandering its way through naturally undulating Australian bushland, Brookwater is a spectacular 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course with signature bunkering and superb use of natural waterways. The Greg Norman designed course is the green centrepiece of the Brookwater community, located 30 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD and 45 minutes from the Gold Coast.

Recent renovations, which included the strategic redesign of greens, fairways and

Brookwater Golf & Country Club bunkers, have improved the playability and sustainability of the course. The scope of works was also aimed at returning the course to its original design through widening playing corridors and resurfacing and renovating green complexes.

On the renovations, Greg Norman said “It’s always great to come back to one of my designs and have the opportunity to modernise it and restore it to its original form, so to be able to return to Brookwater was extremely gratifying”.

Whilst Brookwater remains a challenging course, the changes have made it one

that golfers will want to come back and experience more regularly.

To help navigate through the course changes, players will have access to Brookwater’s brand new fleet of carts have been equipped with GPS. The technology will enable golfer’s unprecedented insight in to each hole as they play it.

Upon the completion of your round, Brookwater Golf & Country Club offers a range of outstanding dining and entertaining options including function rooms, bar and restaurant. Their well stocked golf shop and onsite golf professional can also ensure you’re

equipped to get the most out of your game.

Whether you’re playing a social round or impressing clients with a unique corporate event, you will appreciate the experience and expertise of the Brookwater Team. They will be on hand to assist you at every step along the way to ensure the enjoyment of you and your guests.

For more information: Brookwater Golf & Country Club, 1 Tournament Drive, Brookwater, Qld 4300.

Phone: (07) 3814 5500, or visit www.brookwater.com.au.

Email: golfshop@brookwatergolf.com

PLAY NOOSA FOR $50 THEN GET 20% OFF THE SECOND ROUND.

Enjoy Noosa’s only Championship Golf Course set in a nature reserve and take advantage of one of our green fee discount offers. For all the details go to noosagolf.com.au or call us on 07 5447 1407 to make an enquiry. We are located at 46 Cooroy Noosa Rd, Tewantin, Queensland.

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have all passed through elite development programs at MLGA. Best of all, it is now available as a comfortable and fun accommodation option for golfers of all levels. Inside Golf has stayed at the Moonah Links Golf Academy on a number of occasions (including many “Boys golf weekends”), and we can attest that it is one of our favourite places to stay, as it has all of the amenities for a truly fun trip with the gang.

The Main House features a fully-equipped kitchen for self-catering—with multiple refrigerators, ovens, large BBQ area, full-set of cookware, plates and utensils...the works. This is ideal for those groups who like to cook large meals for the boys—from a BBQ cookup to more intricate Masterchef-inspired delicacies.

The large dining table lends itself well to group meals, where golfers can chat and share their stories of a great day on the course, or plan their strategies for the next day.

Moonah Links Resort

VICTORIA

course that offers some of the most amazing scenery around, and some of the bestconditioned greens in the area.

Moonah Links Resort One of the premier golf resorts in Victoria, Moonah Links Resort offers two world-class championship golf courses, each boasting superior course conditions which assure yearround playability.

The Open Course is a true test of golf.

Designed to host the Australian Open, the course is long, challenging and full of riskreward situations. It is a visually stunning

The Legends Course offers the perfect complement to the Open Course. While equally stunning in both design, scenery and conditioning, the Legends Course gives golfers of all levels a setting that is fun and challenging. Complementing the course facilities are a driving range and practice facilities designed to Australian Institute of Sport specifications and one of the foremost elite training facilities in world golf.

Moonah Links Golf Academy, located adjacent to the resort, is the perfect accommodation option for social groups of all sizes. Featuring a large Main House and two separate villas, the facility is an affordable option for large social groups, accommodating anywhere from 10 to 38 people.

The Moonah Links Golf Academy was a purpose-built golf training facility to embrace and improve some of Australia’s now worldclass players. Geoff Ogilvy, Mat Goggin and Jason Day are but a few of the names who

The meal done, golfers can catch the footy or the golf on Foxtel, or battle it out on the pool table, foosball or air hockey tables.

The Academy’s two villas—separate to the Main House—feature multiple rooms (twin and triple-share available), with a shared kitchenettes and refrigerators, as well as comfortable sitting rooms and patio areas.

There is also plenty of dedicated parking for groups of most sizes.

For a limited time, Moonah Links are offering a sensational deal for social groups. Make two bookings for your Social Group of 12 players or more between May 2017 and September 2018 and receive Green Fees for just $65pp including motorised carts! To book call (03) 5988 2080.

For more information: Phone (03) 5988 2049 or visit www.moonahlinks.com.au

• Membership available • Green Fees & Social Groups welcome • Corporate golf days

For more information visit:

www.gardinersrun.com.au

• Bar & Café open 7 days

Call now (03) 9739 7522 132 Victoria Road Lilydale 3140 | For more information contact Gardiners Run Golf Course | P (03) 9739 7522 E manager@gardinersrun.com.au 62

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Curlewis Golf Club

Curlewis Golf Club Curlewis Golf Club continues to reaffirm itself as a must-play course for Green Fee players of all standards. For years, the ‘emerald of The Bellarine’ has been a much revered ‘go to’ course for a top round outside the comfort zone of a home course for visitors and locals alike. Now, with a massive – and ongoing – suite of improvements to both course and Clubhouse, as well as a vibrant ambience exuding the mantra of ‘hip, green, fun”, Curlewis is a mandatory see, do and play.

Not only is Curlewis officially the fastestgrowing club in Australia with new members flocking to join (last count was more than 200 newbies since July 2015!) 2016 saw the club catapulted into the Top 50 Public Access courses in the nation. The Curlewis course itself is seductive yet deceptively challenging.

Watered year-round via an onsite, state-ofthe-art water reclamation plant, the lush

greens and undulating fairways are known to lull players into a false sense of security yet no one should take Curlewis for granted.

This par-72, links-style playground has gained tremendous respect for taking down even the most seasoned of golfers.

Golf Boards – a cool fusion between a golf cart, snowboard and Segway – has been an exciting addition for public access players.

Golf Boards are a unique, fun addition to a classic golf round and Curlewis remains one of the first and only golf clubs in Australia to have secured these hip transporters.

Curlewis Golf Club’s popular, highly respected PGA Pro, Steve Brodie and ProShop team welcomes players of all standards – whether it be holiday-makers wanting to finetune a particular aspect of their game or locals signing up for one of the many group clinic options which caters for all ages and abilities.

Carts and clubs are readily available to hire.

Upcoming DUNTRYLEAGUE Annual ORANGE Events DUNTRYLEAGUE SENIORS CUP

11-12 MAY 2017

NSW GOLf SENIOR ORDER Of MERIT TOURNAMENT - 36 HOLES SCRATCH/STABLEfORD • Open to Female and Male Competitors • 55 years of age and over • 18 & 36 Hole Events • Nearest to Pins • Great Prizes • Entry Fees: 1 Day $40 • Both Days: $70

CITY Of ORANGE GOLf CHAMPIONSHIP

30 Sept to 2 October 2017

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

Further information is available from Golf Orange Website www.golforange.com.au

ANNUAL VETERANS TOURNAMENT

2-5 OCTOBER 2017

This longstanding and popular Tournament includes three days of golf at Duntryleague and a Presentation dinner on the Wednesday night. Accommodation is available on site in our famous 14 room mansion.

Numbers are limited to 216 players.

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

LADIES OPEN TOURNAMENT

Portarlington Golf Club The refurbished clubhouse commands both attention and swelling visitation - and not just for golfers. With spectacular vistas spanning the You Yangs, Corio Bay and beyond, it’s vibrant and welcoming—a great place to relax and enjoy the full bar, coffee, snacks, lunch as well as offering top Bistro dining on Friday and Saturday nights.

A contemporary menu awaits – one which includes house-made cakes crafted by Head Chef Tara Thyer. Already a huge hit with members, the array of treats are drawing coffee and cake lovers from near and far.

A round at Curlewis won’t set you back a small fortune either – Midweek you can tee off for 18 at $43, Saturdays $55 and Sundays and Public Holidays $50. For pensioners and those under 18, substantial discounts apply.

For more information, phone: (03) 5251 1111, or visit www.curlewisgolf.com.au

at McLeod

STARTING FROM $65 PER PERSO N •

11-12 NOVEMBER 2017

(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.

26 NOVEMBER 2017

MERCEDES BENz DUNTRYLEAGUE CLASSIC

20-23 JANUARY 2018

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.

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 $310 which includes golf, welcome cocktail party, Monday BBQ and Gala presentation dinner. Magnificent local wines, beer and soft drinks are included for the welcome cocktail party and Gala dinner.

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

A bustling, friendly and welcoming club, there is a certain energy about Portarlington Golf Club which you won’t find elsewhere; so

Golf Day

23-27 OCTOBER 2017

STEVE CONRAN JUNIOR TOURNAMENT

Situated on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula just minutes from the town centre of Portarlington and the waterfront, no trip along the Great Ocean Road would be complete without a round or two at the Portarlington Golf Club. While it may not be on many Melbourne golfers’ radar, this gem of a club is cherished by those “in the know”.

Although it looks like the secret is getting out about the Club, with Port Phillip Ferries service from Melbourne CBD offering access for city golfers three times a day the course is more accessible than ever. Catching a ferry from the Melbourne City to golf offers one of the most unique experiences available in Australian golf and makes for a sensational day out.

Host your Corporate or Charity

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

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

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

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

94TH HAHN OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Portarlington Golf Club

TAYLOR MADE DINING AND BEVERAGE PACKAGES AVAILABLE

18 holes of golf including cart • Sausage sizzle lunch/breakfast AVAILABLE • Golf coordinator on the day • Private events rooms for presentation aft erwards • Catering for up to 160 players of all skill levels • 15mins from Br isbane CBD

Drinks Cart

61 Gertrude McLeod Crescent, Mount Ommaney Ph. 3376 3666 Email. sales.marketing@mcleodgolf.com.au mcleodgolf.com.au Find us on Facebook

www.duntryleague.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

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Gardiners Run it’s no wonder why their annual Pro-Am has been voted by the players of the PGA as the best regional Pro- Am Course of the year for multiple years.

The course itself is a treat, with lush, Santa Ana Couch fairways along the 5949m, par72, tree-lined Tony Cashmore design. The greens are in excellent condition all year round, and there are a pleasing variety of holes throughout the course, with our pick being the par-3 17th, which features a water carry over a serene pond to a well-guarded green.

There have also been recent works done to a selection of the course’s bunkers, making the holes more challenging and pleasing to the eye.

Carts are available for hire with excellent practice facilities. Green fee players are always welcome with great corporate and social golf packages on offer. The club’s annual events such as the signature Carnival of Golf, as well as the Award-winning Pro-Am held in February this year, attract golfers of all ages

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and experiences to this wonderful club.

The modern clubhouse offers something for everyone with ample entertainment, including TAB, Keno and Foxtel, as well as function areas and their award-winning bistro, which is open 7 days for both lunch and dinner (and trust us, the food at the clubhouse is delicious and offers good value for money).

Overall, we recommend a round (or many) at Portarlington. You won’t be disappointed.

Portarlington Golf Club is located at 30 Hood Road, Portarlington 3223. Phone the Pro Shop on (03) 5259 3361, or visit www.portarlingtongolf.com.au

Gardiners Run Located just 35 minutes east of the Melbourne CBD, Gardiners Run Golf Course provides golfers of all ages and abilities with an aesthetically stimulating yet highly playable layout, bar and catering facilities and one of the best clubhouse

St Andrews Beach views overlooking the 18th green. On the doorstep to the Yarra Valley, Gardiners Run has been architecturally crafted by Pacific Coast Design, taking full advantage of the gentle sloping contours of the countryside site terrain, to create a golf course that features golfing holes of individuality and character.

organise your next big event! Social group bookings are welcomed Sunday-Friday – they offer a discounted green fee rate for groups of 12 players or more. They can also organise some food options to satisfy your postround hunger. Give them a call to make your booking and see what everyone has been talking about.

The Club boasts a fully-equipped golf shop and you can warm up prior to your round with their state-of-the-art, worldclass practice facilities. Featuring a 90m wide mixed use (couch and synthetic) tee on their 250m long driving range, a short game pitching green and challenging yet sizeable putting green, the Gardiners Run Golf Course facilities will ensure that every golfer has an experience to savour. A central hub to all your needs, return after your round to enjoy food and drink on the alfresco deck, overlooking the signature 18th hole green.

For more information: Phone (03) 9739 7522 or visit www.gardinersrun.com.au

Is your company looking at having a corporate golf day? Let Gardiners Run

St Andrews Beach St Andrews Beach has been ranked the best course on the Australian Mainland; #5 overall behind Cape Wickham, Barnbougle Dunes & Barnbougle Lost Farm and Ocean Dunes.

The Tom Doak-designed layout is carved out of a piece of land that sprawls itself superbly across natural Gunnamatta Beach sand dunes. Elevated tees, pure fairways and natural bunkering allow for a golfing experience that must be experienced to be

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Kingston Links Golf Course believed - despite being highly playable for golfers of all levels. According to manager Adam Hayes, St Andrews Beach is: “A course you cannot play just once... There are no bad days on the course at St Andrews Beach.”

For the authentic St Andrews experience, competition rounds are offered to all players with an official handicap all year round including the monthly Doak Challenge Series events challenging players form the back markers if they choose to enter on the second Saturday of each month. Doak Challenge players will share in over $5,000 in prizes during 2017 with the Order of Merit concept giving regular entrants and monthly winners entry to the Series final and a chance at winning the major VIP golf prize valued at over $1,000.

For more information: Pro Shop on (03) 5988 6000 or email bookings@ standrewsbeachgolf.com.au or visit www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au

Kingston Links Golf Course Kingston Links Golf Course is a name that’s synonymous with public access golf in Melbourne, a reputation brought upon by its popular layout that continues to captivate the golfing minds of the masses.

The picturesque course features Santa Ana couch fairways with rolling mounds, undulating bent grass greens and an array of short and long holes set at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges all combining to provide an enjoyable round of golf.

Whether you’re after a casual hit with mates or a fully catered corporate golf event, Kingston Links ticks all the boxes.

Conveniently located amongst several arterial roads and featuring multiple spaces for groups of differing sizes, the venue is versatile and provides the ideal option for your next corporate golf day or function.

A large fleet of motorised carts are available for hire and the large clubhouse features

Bay Views Golf Course Pro Shop, Spike Bar, multiple function and corporate meeting areas all basking in an abundance of natural light. All players are catered for with superb green fee rates including the popular Super Tuesday offering massive savings on golf and carts, plus discounted afternoon golf seven days a week.

For more information: Ph (03) 9764 4222, email proshop@kingstonlinks.com.au, or visit www.kingstonlinks.com.au

Bay Views Golf Course

Under the direction of Golf Services Management, the newly-refurbished deck allows golfers to share a cold drink whilst enjoying breathtaking panoramic views across the Peninsula, which need to be seen to be believed.

Bay Views is also ideally suited to social or corporate groups; the licensed Pro Shop provides internal and external seating for over 60 people, whilst the ever-popular picnic and barbeque areas are available for self-catering including BYO alcohol for consumption in the designated area.

Bay Views also boasts a full fleet of golf carts and offers great rates year round, so be sure to book in before everyone else catches on.

Arguably the Mornington Peninsula’s best kept golfing secret, Bay Views has begun to earn a steady reputation for holidaying and local golfers alike. Starting to gain some genuine momentum for picturesque public access golf, the consistently good course conditioning has surprised many who have paid a visit.

For more information: Bay Views Golf Course, Elizabeth Drive, Rosebud VIC 3939.

(03) 5982 0514. www.bayviewsgolf.com.au

HEADLAND GOLF CLUB The Club of Choice on the Sunshine Coast

“Play the course that shaped Marc Leishman’s game”

SOCIAL GOLF AT HEADLAND GOLF CLUB: • 18 Holes $52 • 9 Holes $32 • Discounted Rates for Social Clubs and Groups of 12+ • Modern fleet of 26 carts available for hire

2015 Queensland Golf Club of the Year

Visitors welcome

|

Bookings essential

Golf Links Road, BUDERIM QLD 4556 | Pho Shop: (07) 5444 5944 proshop@headlandgolfclub.com.au | www.headlandgolfclub.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

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Warrnambool Golf Club

Warrnambool Golf Club Warrnambool is a classically-designed course laid out between and over a massive tertiary dune system. The course offers a unique combination of exposed holes with elevated tees together with those carved into natural ti-tree-lined dunes.

Located within 2km of the regional city’s CBD, it makes for an ideal destination for the dedicated golf tourist, social golfing groups or family holiday makers.

The influence of the ever-present wind cannot be understated and really adds to the challenge of a layout that offers variety from one round to the next. It is perhaps this aspect which shaped the game of Warrnambool’s most famous golfing export, Marc Leishman, to the level of success he now enjoys.

The course has received a good deal of attention over recent years and the installation of an integrated irrigation system, supplied with recycled water, has allowed

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the staff to present the course in immaculate condition.

In addition, the club has launched a unique moniker for a trio of their most challenging holes—starting from the short par-4 4th and ending on the slightly uphill dogleg 6th.

Borrowing from the location’s proximity to Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast—up to18 ships have found their resting place within 2km of the club—Warrnambool Golf Club has named this menacing trio of holes as “Shipwreck Bend”, with the warning that these holes can easily “wreck” a good round by players of any level.

Standing on the tee of the imposing 4th hole (complete with a ship’s anchor guarding the tee box), one must be sure to avoid the large waste bunker on the right side, lest you be faced with either a lost ball, or a very difficult approach shot. Similar hazards are apparent on both the 5th and 6th holes, as finding the fairways is paramount to success on these holes.

There are many holes along the course which offer risk/reward options, stunning

Anglesea Golf Club views and challenging golf. In fact, the quality of golf on this course goes beyond the typical “country course” feel, and the course would not feel out of place among many of Melbourne’s great golfing areas, notably the Mornington Peninsula. So if you’ve never played at Warrnambool, we recommend you be sure to add it to your list.

A well-stocked Pro Shop enables club professional Craig Bonney and his friendly staff to cater for all your equipment and apparel needs.

For more information: Phone the Pro shop on (03) 5562 8528; Club House (03) 5562 2108, email golf@wgcinc.com.au or visit www.wgcinc.com.au

Anglesea Golf Club The Anglesea Golf Course, situated on the Great Ocean Road, is an undulating 6074m Par-73 layout set in natural bushland. A feature of the course is the number of elevated greens that require plenty of

thought when selecting your club. Adding to the mix are 42 “sandbelt style” bunkers sprinkled throughout the course, eucalypt tree-lined fairways, and the ever-present resident population of around 300 Eastern Grey Kangaroos. These features all combine to produce a stimulating round of golf. The Club has just opened a 6-bay driving range with hire balls. One Bucket, 40 Balls, $7.00 and two Buckets for $12.00.

The Clubhouse bar and bistro are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Memberships are available for 7-Day, Junior and the 18-25yo categories, and social golfers/green-fee players are welcome every day. Green fees range from $30 (9 holes) to $50 (18 holes). Junior rates are $15/$25. Club, pull buggy & motorised cart hire available.

18-Hole Mini Golf now open.

For more information: Phone: (03) 5263 1582, Golf Bookings: (03) 5263 1951, email: info@angleseagolfclub.com.au or visit www.angleseagolfclub.com.au

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Simply A Great Golf Course

New name, New Clubhouse, Excellent Course Conditions

R O S E B U D

Premier Public Golf

Your Complete Golf And Practice Facility

Ranked 60th In Australia

Premium Golf Open To Everyone 7 Days A Week www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

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Golf on the Murray

MURRAY RIVER REGION Golf on the Murray Australia’s most significant river has inspired a recreational haven that seamlessly combines natural beauty and world-class golfing facilities, attracting professional and leisure players from across the globe.

The Murray River stretches almost three thousand kilometres between Victoria and New South Wales, from the Snowy Mountains to where it meets the sea at Encounter Bay. Dotted along the river, golf courses have been designed by some of the world’s legends and as a result offer a variety of challenges and experiences for golfers to savour.

Golf courses near Swan Hill offer scenic greens and fairways, highlighted by the premier championship golf course at the Murray Downs Resort. Large greens are

undulating, fast and complemented by perfectly-manicured and groomed fairways.

Further along in bustling Echuca-Moama you’ll find golf can be conveniently mixed with sightseeing. It was once the hub of Australia’s riverboat trade and paddlesteamers still grace the might waters. Nearby is the well-regarded Rich River Golf Club Resort with its two awardwinning 18 hole championship golf courses.

The West Course has traditional tree lined fairways with small tricky greens. The East Course, re-designed by Peter Thomson, has large greens, wide fairways and Thomson’s signature bunkers.

sandy river flats where numerous lakes and lagoons demand precision and the 56 bunker Lake Course requires pure skill.

In neighbouring Cobram-Barooga there are two championship courses waiting to be experienced at the Cobram Barooga Golf Club. The 18-hole Old Course features a clever design with narrow, tree-lined fairways sure to put any golfer to the test and the West Course has far wider fairways and larger greens with many more slopes.

Nestled on the riverbank is the impressive Tocumwal Golf Club with its Captains Course offering quick greens and gently undulating fairways, and the heavily-treed Presidents Course.

Midway between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury-Wodonga is an important gateway to great golfing. An impressive clubhouse makes the 18-hole Commercial Golf Resort in Albury a must visit for the golfing enthusiast.

Along the Murray River you will never be far from a golf club waiting for you to rise to the challenge.

Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort is Australia’s largest public access golfing complex with 45 holes. The Murray Course meanders through towering river gums and

Looking for the perfect gift for the golfer in your life? Purchase a Golf On The Murray gift card! The Gift Cards can be redeemed at your favourite Golf On The Murray Partner Club for

food and beverages, pro shop retail, on-site accommodation, memberships or even golf packages! Available online at www.golfonthemurray.com.au/gift-card

Thurgoona Country Club Resort Thurgoona Country Club Resort offers golfers a mature Championship golf course located only ten minutes from Albury NSW, an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne or a brief 60-minute flight from Sydney. Designed

by Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge, Thurgoona presents a fair but challenging layout to golfers of all abilities.

Beautifully covered Santa Ana couch fairways invite your approach to large bentgrass greens with subtle slopes, strategically placed bunkers and enough water to make even the most experienced golfer think twice. The 18-hole championship course plays to 6372m, par 72, for the men and 5480m, par 74, for the ladies. Thurgoona is a semi-private facility offering great

DO YOU HAVE YOUR 2018 SOCIAL GOLF GROUP CALENDAR LOCKED IN?

Play Moonah Links twice between May & September 2018 & pay just $65 including carts!* Call now to book 03 5988 2049 68

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

* Per Player Per round * MiniMuM of 12 Players Per grouP

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Thurgoona Country Club Resort membership packages as well as premium tee times for stay and play groups and lots of social golf availability for visitors. Regular competitions are held on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays with several special events throughout the year. Notable highlights include the Schweppes Classic Week of Golf held in October, the Murray Classic event in May and the Murray Masters event in December. In addition, November 2017 marks the first year of a three-year commitment by Thurgoona Country Club Resort to host the NSW Senior’s Open.

Just a short stroll from the clubhouse, the on-course accommodation borders the 18th fairway and features 26 rooms on two stories or a 3-bedroom apartment for those looking for a bit more space to unwind. The motel offers a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and conference facilities. The full-service club has a gym, bistro, TAB and several televisions to take in the game(s). For non-golfers, the close proximity to Albury and its great selection of shops, cafes and restaurants ensures there is

something for everyone on your next visit to Thurgoona Country Club Resort.

For more information: Thurgoona Country Club Resort. Phone: (02) 6043 1411, Pro Shop: (02) 6043 1902. Stay and Play: stayandplay@thurgoonaresort.com.au, www.thurgoonaresort.com.au

Murray Downs Golf and Country Club Murray Downs Golf and Country Club is golf at its absolute best. Widely acclaimed by golfers as the Murray River’s finest course, Murray Downs is also ranked the region’s Number 1 by leading golf and travel publications. In Victoria, it has won the Victorian PGA course of the Year. Nationally it’s in the Top 50 courses in Australia and it’s consistently voted one of the country’s best resort courses. It also happens to be a favourite of the Inside Golf team.

The 6197m course is in striking contrast to the spectacular surrounding Mallee plains.

It is both beautiful and challenging, with a

Murray Downs Golf and Country Club dramatic backdrop of river gums, artfully formed lakes and some very tricky signature holes, notably the par-3 5th, featuring a daunting carry over a lake, which follows the hole all the way to the green where bunkers guard the left side of the narrow target.

The course fairways are superbly tended and groomed, while the bent greens are generally large, undulating and very fast with thoughtful tee positions and pin placements.

The layout is easy-walking, but small hills, bumps and rolls break the landscape.

Tee times are available seven days a week, with services including golf carts, pro shop, equipment hire and a beverage cart for that welcome break.

Following your round, the balcony room features panoramic views of the course with floor to ceiling windows. The café is the best spot for a quick energy top-up any time of the day, while Fairways Bistro is food central at Murray Downs. The bistro offers a magnificent country-style lunch and an extensive dinner menu with specials changing regularly. The

18 HOLES OF GOLF WITH A SLEEVE OF TITLEIST PRO V1 GOLF BALLS ONLY

$99

Club is also host to three magnificent floodlit bowls rinks, supervised Junior lounge and adventure Playground (3 to 7 years), while the teen lounge gives older kids a place to play pool, Wii, Xbox, PlayStation and more.

Murray Downs’ on-course resort includes 50 individually air-conditioned and wellappointed family rooms and 2-bedroom units. If you love the independence and space of self-contained apartments, Murray Downs Resort is the perfect place for you, with its deluxe and super deluxe apartments, featuring fully-equipped kitchenettes with a continental or country style cooked breakfast which can be delivered to all rooms each morning.

The resort also offers a huge heated tropical pool, toddlers swimming pool, running track, spa, plus superbly maintained grass court tennis for non-golfers.

For more information: (03) 5033 1422, www.murraydownsgolf.com.au, www.facebook.com/murraydownsgolfclub

Test yourself on The Palms golf course ranked inside the Top 50 in Australia for your chance to win great prizes including a Titleist golf bag and Titleist AP2 irons valued at $2,500*.

PLUS THE CHANCE TO

WIN GREAT

PRIZES!

Special rate of $99 per person includes: • 18 holes on The Palms golf course with shared GPS Cart • Entry into The Palms Open Championship Competition • Sleeve of Titleist Pro V1 golf balls • Chance to win great weekly prizes The Palms Open Championship is an aggregate competition combining your five best scores from your rounds played in the Saturday Open Competition throughout the year. (From 11 February - 25 November 2017).

The lucky winner of The Palms Open Championship will win a Titleist golf bag and set of Titleist AP2 irons professionally fit to your game.

The total value of this prize is $2,500. *Conditions apply.

Book online via our website or phone 07 5699 9000 Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club Gleneagles Drive, Sanctuary Cove Email info@scgcc.com.au www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/sanctuarycovegolf

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

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Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort

Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort Nestled alongside the picturesque Murray River, an hour from Cobram Barooga, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort ticks all the boxes for modern, comfortable golf resort destinations.

The largest public access golf resort in the country, the resort features 45 holes– two 18-hole courses, the Lake and the Murray, and a short nine-hole Executive course—all set amongst beautiful natural landscape overlooking the Murray River and Lake Mulwala. While the Murray course is one of the better known layouts at the facility, all three courses offer something special to the keen golfer, and like other courses/ resorts in the area, the entire facility features a welcoming and warm atmosphere. Inside Golf have played a number of rounds here, and we have never been disappointed.

Before your round, take advantage of the state-of-the-art practice facilities with

driving range, hitting nets, putting greens and chipping area with bunker. There is also a pro shop open from dawn to dusk with competitively priced products and services.

Choose from nine different styles of accommodation overlooking the golf course or native bushland with something to suit all budgets and needs, from basic cabins to luxurious apartments and villas, each with cooking facilities, private bathrooms and a car parking space. All accommodation is self-contained, family-friendly and is only a short stroll from the clubhouse and pro shop.

Long or short stay guests can explore the spectacular surrounds, tempt their tastebuds with quality dining, workout in the gym, have a hit of tennis, take a dip in the solar-heated pool or simply relax in a brand-new plush 60seat movie theatre showing the latest releases.

For more information: Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort. Golf Club Rd, Mulwala NSW. Phone: (03) 5744 1911.

Website: www.yarragolf.com.au

Rich River Golf Club

Rich River Golf Club Rich River Golf Club is a mainstay for the Inside Golf team whenever we travel the Murray. The facility features two very impressive 18-hole championship courses, the East and the West. They’ve been developed over the years to become one of regional Australia’s premier golfing venues, where golfers love the rolling fairways, carefully tended greens and towering eucalyptus.

The West Course has traditional tree- lined fairways with tricky, small greens that take the serious player on a thought- provoking and challenging 6,183m journey. The East Course, which had a major transformation after a redesign by Peter Thomson in 1998, features large greens, wide fairways and those famous Thomson bunkers which really keep you thinking about your strokes. Course length is 6,131m.

Tee times are available seven days a week, with services including golf carts, pro shop,

equipment hire and a beverage cart for a quick refresher.

The 12th on the West is one of the most difficult holes on the course. A strong doglegright, it’s critical to hit the fairway in just the right spot (hint: Fairway metal or iron off the tee is often a good bet). Your second shot requires a good solid strike over Howard’s Lake to reach the green, which is gently sloped from front to back. A par on this hole is always a good score.

The 18th on the East course is a monster at 532m. Be sure to avoid the fairway bunker on the left from the tee, as well as the fairway bunkers on your second shot (80 meters short of the green). With water down the left of the fairway, and a green surrounded by bunkers, it’s a very challenging hole.

James Maiden Bistro is locally famous for the magnificent views of the golf course, and for the mouth-watering choices on the lunch and dinner menu. Premium Australian and New Zealand wines and local and imported beer

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public access feature feature too. You can also drop into the bistro for a continental or cooked breakfast, or for a quick snack from midday. Then there’s the Coffee Shop, where you can settle down on the terrace with an expertly-brewed espresso coffee and a sweet treat that’s been freshly prepared by the in-house pastry chef.

The Clubhouse has recently undergone some extensive renovations with stage one completed and stage two due to commence this year. This fresh and modern transformation is a must-see for those who have not visited Rich River in a while!

The deluxe accommodation has been attractively refurbished, with privacy and seclusion ensuring your own space to relax after golf. There’s a great choice of rooms too, for couples, families and small groups.

40 spacious and airy standard suites have a king split bed in the bedroom and single bed in the lounge room. The 22 deluxe rooms are rated 4-star, and feature a queen bed. If you’re travelling with a small group, a large and fully self- contained apartment can accommodate up to 7 people with 3 bedrooms, a welcoming lounge/dining area, 2 bathrooms and 3 toilets.

There are so many leisure options here: two outdoor pools, a spa, gym equipment, three bowling greens, three croquet courses and nine tennis courts.

For more information: (03) 5481 3333, www.richriver.com.au, golfpackages@richriver.com.au

Black Bull Golf Course The Black Bull Golf Course is located in the heart of the Silverwoods Golf & Lifestyle Development in Yarrawonga. Black Bull is a purpose-built Thomson Perrett Championship Course on the banks of Lake Mulwala and caters for all golfing abilities.

The large rolling Grand Prix couch fairways

Black Bull Golf Course are only bettered by the first class G2 bent greens and natural surrounds that you will experience when playing at the Black Bull.

Black Bull also has its own amen corner known as the “Bull Ring”. The first of the Bull Ring is Hole number 4, a 180m par-3 across water surrounded by bunkers both left and right. Hole 5 is a short par-4 with water all the way down the right side, with a fairway that sits on an angle ready to kick your ball towards the waiting landscape. Once you get past the tee shot, a difficult shot to a twotiered green awaits. Finally, Hole 6 is rated number one on the card for a reason as this 400m par-4 has water down the right side and a narrow passage to feed the drive past to avoid the 4 fairway bunkers waiting to trap the ball. Once you negotiate the tee shot a long approach into another two-tiered green wrapped by water awaits. Hole 6 faces due

West and you will more than likely be into a head wind, good luck!

Overseeing the “Bull Ring” is a life-sized bull known affectionately as “Charlie” who loves to take a selfie with the travelling golfer.

Black Bull’s reputation continues to grow with the well-known Accor’s Sebel luxury international hotel and serviced apartments joining forces with Silverwoods. The hotel will be sitting in a prime location within Silverwoods on the edge of Lake Mulwala known as The Point and will boast some of the best accommodation and food to be found along the river. The hotel will include a 300-seat conference facility, bar, bistro, gym, pool and other health amenities within the resort when due for proposed completion in 2018. Word is quickly spreading around town and to the wider regions that once the hotel is built, it will provide numerous

opportunities for personal and commercial use – like holidays, mini-breaks, functions, conferences, events and a wonderful place to stay when playing golf at Black Bull. All of this making Silverwoods Golf and Lifestyle Resort – including their magical Black Bull golf course a true destination place to either live or visit.

Spokesperson and ambassador for Black Bull and the Silverwoods development Mr Billy Brownless has said “I have not found a better place in Victoria to enjoy worldclass golf, water sports and lifestyle than Yarrawonga.”

So next time you are travelling along the Murray River be sure to add the Black Bull to the list as in a short time it has stamped itself as a must play when heading to Yarrawonga.

For more information: www.blackbullgc.com.au

BRIBIE ISLAND The Ultimate Golfing Destination

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Air Adventure

TASMANIA AND KING ISLAND Air Adventure Being home to Cape Wickham, Ocean Dunes, Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm, Tasmania now boast the four highest-ranked public access courses in Australia. All four courses are classic links style and showcase breathtaking scenery with ocean views a plenty. Through Air Adventure, golfers have the opportunity to tick off all four courses in just four days with flights directly from the courses to King Island – the ultimate bucket list trip. Flying on Air Adventure’s Deluxe Cessna Conquest aircraft which have twin turbines and pressurised cabins, you will fly from Melbourne to Barnbougle in just 45 minutes and then after two nights and two rounds will fly to King Island for two days to play Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes. Air Adventure’s ultimate fourday trip includes private charter flights, four rounds of golf, three nights’ accommodation

Ocean Dunes

and all on-ground transfers. King Island-only and Barnbougle-only trips are also available.

For more information go to golf.airadventure.com.au or contact golf@airadventure.com.au, 1800 033 160.

Ocean Dunes Nestled on the west coast of the island, just 4km outside of the central town of Currie, Ocean Dunes has everything that the passionate golfer could want, from spectacular ocean views to challenging worldclass golf. Covering 285 acres, incorporating rolling dunes and unsurpassed views along 2km of majestic coastline, the course features subtle, rolling greens set in picture-perfect, natural locations.

Meandering along the rocky coast, the opening holes are simply jaw-dropping. From the opening teeshot on the 500m par-5 first hole—which requires a well-placed drive over the dunes to a dog-leg fairway, to the

blind approach on the 280m par-4 second hole (again, over a dune), you’ll need to learn quickly to focus on your game (and not the awe-inspiring views). The following holes are no picnic, especially on a windy day. Both the 425m par-4 third and the amazing 130m par3 fourth require water carries, but if you keep your wits about you, you can safely navigate the course, and keep the ball dry!

You continue your journey along the front nine by continuing inward, winding through and around the dunes, (but the ocean views will stay with you throughout). With each hole you become more and more mesmerised by just how special this course really is.

The back-nine features even more of the raw beauty, and pure, rugged golf, starting with the par-3 tenth, a 210m brute which plays across 3 Rivers Bay. Among our favourite holes are the 13th and 14th, both at the highest points on the course. The 13th is a drivable par-four for the bigger hitters (310m) while the 14th is a short par-three (110m) from an

elevated tee. But don’t let the distance fool you – with some wind in your face, the hole could require a LOT more club than you think.

In truth, there are no weak holes at Ocean Dunes. All throughout the course, you are presented with a variety of risk/reward options, daunting tee shots, troublesome rough and well-protected greens. Firm and fast conditions are the name of the game here.

Multiple tee blocks are available for players of all standards to choose from, with between four and seven tee options on each hole. So whether you opt to take on the “teeth” of the course from the back tees, or simply choose the more “friendly” forward tees, there is something for golfers of every level/skillset, offering everyone a chance to not only try and tame the course, but to also have one heck of a fun time.

For more information phone (03) 6462 1633 or visit www.oceandunes.com.au.

COME AND MEET CHARLIE THE BULL DARE TO TAKE ON THE BLACK BULL 72

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

BlackBullGolfCourse

#charlieblackbull

For bookings contact the Pro Shop 03 5744 0044

blackbullgc.com.au

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NEW SOUTH WALES Bonville Golf Resort Bonville Golf Resort celebrates 25 years of operation in 2017. The property is renowned for offering a wonderful overall experience and are fantastic hosts whether it be for groups of mates or full blown tournaments.

Each year, the golf course, acknowledged as ‘Australia’s Most Beautiful Mainland Golf Course for 16 years running , holds a full calendar of events that entice golfers from all across the country. The Qantaslink Ladies Amateur Golf Classic has just wrapped up for the 21st consecutive year. Over 200 women make their way to Bonville for the two-day tournament which includes cocktail parties, à la carte food and beverage service and all the extras you would expect of a prestigious tournament. Women of all abilities play across four divisions in a 36-hole format with great prizes and fantastic sponsors. The tournament attracts players from Townsville to Victoria, Western Australia, the ACT and everywhere in between.

Golf NSW Men’s and Women’s Fourball State Championship Finals are a treat for golfers who find their way to Bonville each year by winning regional Golf NSW events. Players stay and play at the prestigious property for two-day tournaments where state champions are decided each year. Bonville has played host to Golf NSW state finals for the past six years and continues to welcome an array of competitors from all across the state.

Bonville Golf Resort Bonville plays host to the regional finals of the Holden Scramble and has done so for the past 20 years. The Holden Scramble is open to all amateur golfers, is the largest proamateur club teams event in Australia and is a perfect entry point for players looking to take the next step.

The Jack Newton Junior Champions Trophy arrives at Bonville each year in November where the state’s best junior golfers arrive to

challenge each other against the backdrop of the flooded gums. Competitors must win a Jack Newton event to qualify for the 72-hole stroke play classic. Bonville hosts 50 juniors as a part of their ‘grow the game’ strategy.

What makes tournament golf so special at Bonville is the attention to detail, the welcoming staff and the commitment to running quality events from start to finish. As

the US Masters plays out at Augusta National this month maybe it’s time you looked at taking your golf to the next level? Discover tournament golf at ‘Australia’s Augusta’, Bonville Golf Resort on the NSW North Coast.

For more information: Bonville Golf Resort, North Bonville Road, Bonville NSW 2450. Ph (02) 6653 4002, visit www.bonvillegolf.com.au or email info@bonvillegolf.com.au

Play Club Taree Golf Course – a Mid NorTh CoasT GeM

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Membership is certainly cost-effective at Woollahra GC on their Discounted Green Fee Scheme. After paying your annual subscription members benefit from discounted green fee rates. Members’ green fees are reduced to between $7 and $10 per nine-hole round.

Without a large lump sum commitment you only pay when you play which means no financial waste during times where you don’t have the chance to play as much golf as you would like.

Woollahra Golf Club is on O’Sullivan Rd, Rose Bay 2029. For bookings and the pro shop telephone (02) 9327 3683. For membership contact the club on (02) 9327 5404 or email office@woollahragolfclub.com.

Northbridge Golf Club Northbridge Golf Club ‘harbours’ one of the most famous par-3s in golf.

Woollahra Golf Club

Woollahra Golf Club It doesn’t take long to realise why Woollahra Golf Club is rated by many as one of the best nine-hole layouts in NSW. Maybe “living” next door to the famous Royal Sydney has rubbed off on them.

“It’s a terrific course for juniors and seniors as it’s a flat walk while still being a good test of golfing skills.”

With about 400 male members and about 200 female members, tee times are usually readily available at Woollahra.

A revamp of the clubhouse also makes Woollahra a great place to relax and talk about your round afterwards.

While their 18-hole weekend competitions are popular with everyone, the club also plays ninehole competitions for the time-poor golfers each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

After all, secretary manager Marc Manion admits you only have to look over the fence to see how the standard has been set as Woollahra’s highly-rated neighbour continues to host Australian Opens and set the bar high for eastern suburbs golfers in Sydney.

“The refurbishments have been a real hit with the members,” said Manion.

“We seriously feel our greens are as good as any private golf course in Sydney,” says Manion.

“Consequently Woollahra is now in pristine condition and looks as good, if not better, than it ever has.”

Seven-day membership includes GA membership so you get a handicap that enables you to play in open competitions all over the country. Members are also able to play social golf every day of the week.

“We have also put a lot of money into new irrigation works on our course and I’m delighted to say it has made a huge difference to our course.

Manion said there was a special discount for those wishing to join at the moment and you are urged to contact the club for further information.

NORTH TURRAMURRA GOLF COURSE • 18 hole championship course overlooking beautiful Ku-ring-gai National Park • Open to the public 7 days a week • Men’s competition days Wednesdays and Saturdays • Women’s competition days Thursdays and Saturdays • Golf tuition and junior coaching from experienced pro • Parking, pro shop and kiosk • Part of new $29 million sports precinct

And while it is a hole unlike any other in the state (it’s a steep down-hiller with stunning views of Sydney Harbour), the club is quickly making a name for itself in other areas.

Most of us have not even heard of FootGolf, yet at Northbridge it is proving the hit of the year at the club.

FootGolf is just one of the innovations this progressive club has introduced in recent months.

And the other refreshing change at Northridge is relaxing the dress code.

Quite simply the Northbridge club has adopted a relaxed dress code in keeping with the easy-going and relaxed atmosphere the club is keen to maintain and promote.

With the introduction of FootGolf late every afternoon, the club made a concerted decision to further relax their dress code in

NORTH TURRAMURRA GOLF COURSE

361A BOBBIN HEAD ROAD NORTH TURRAMURRA 02 9144 5110 elitegolfnsw.com.au

GORDON GOLF COURSE • • • • •

Picturesque 18 hole course in the heart of Gordon Open to the public 7 days a week Low cost memberships available Breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Bunker Golf tuition and junior coaching from experienced pro

2 LYNN RIDGE AVENUE GORDON 02 9498 1913 02 9498 1277 Pro shop gordongolfclub.com.au

Ku-ring-gai Council kmc.nsw.gov.au

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the club so that those who have finished playing can enter the club in shorts, t-shirts, even fancy dress if they so desire.

According to Northbridge secretarymanager Marko Delatovic, FootGolf ‘kicked off’ about four months ago – and this worldwide phenomenon, which is taking off all around the globe, is proving a marvellous innovation.

“The uptake and the interest has been remarkable and well exceeded expectations,” said Delatovic.

“We have partnered with FootGolf Australia to provide the facility to the highest standard.

“We were keen to get involved with FootGolf and feel it will inevitably happen across golf courses Australia-wide.

“We run it late in the afternoons and in such a fashion so as to not interfere with our regular golfing operations.

“There is very little maintenance required and involves very little input on the part of groundstaff.”

Northbridge is a busy golf club – and does have an ambiance and appeal that makes people want to return.

The club boasts about 650 golfing members and about 1000 social members as well.

The annual seven-day full playing membership is $1630 a year while other categories are readily available with six-day play (no Saturdays) for $1420 p.a.; midweek membership for $1200 p.a.; country and overseas membership for $470 p.a. and junior membership for a mere $195 p.a.

“We have more than 80 juniors on our books as we have a very strong junior program in place with free junior clinics run weekly or fortnightly by our junior co-ordinator Michael Pollack with assistance from the pro shop,” says Delatovic.

Northbridge Golf Club “We also have weekday deals for social players with unlimited golf after 3pm for $23 and after 2pm in non-daylight saving hours for $23.

“We also run a limited promotion on-line at times for $69 for two players for 18 holes with a cart, a drink and two balls.”

And while Northbridge has four newlydeveloped holes, the hole everybody still talks about – before and after playing it – it still that

marvellous fifth hole with its massive drop to the harbour behind the green.

choosing on a Saturday in what was exclusively the men’s competition,” says Delatovic.

Boasting some of the tightest and longest par threes in the game, it’s hardly surprising the course record at Northbridge is only fourunder par – yet golfers still enjoy the layout and continue to praise the greens and the condition of the course.

“This has resulted in the club having a very high proportion of full seven-day lady members compared to other clubs.

“As far as I know Northbridge was the first course to invite ladies to play at any time of their

For more information: www.northbridgegolfclub.com.au.

“We have a system in place that makes it very easy and user-friendly for ladies to take up golf and join as members.”

Stay And Play Packages from just $105pp twin share *Price quoted is for midweek packages and includes on-course accommodation, 18 holes of golf per day, continental breakfast each morning and a dinner voucher each night

Host venue for the NSW Men’s Senior Open Golf Championship

Stay and Play enquiries via email to stayandplay@thurgoonaresort.com.au; Pro Shop: 02 6043 1902

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Calderwood Valley Golf Course Nestled within the picturesque Illawarra Escarpment, Calderwood Valley Golf Course is the ultimate social golfer’s course. A highquality public layout with stunning scenery welcomes social players 7 days a week.

Set in a quiet rural location 20 minutes south of Wollongong, Calderwood offers a relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The course is always immaculately presented, featuring well-contoured fairways and true greens. The inclusion of recent course upgrades allows for a layout that caters to all levels of golfers.

The only distractions whilst playing Calderwood are the views of native fauna, the abundance of wildlife and crystal clear creeks winding throughout the course

Windsor Country Golf Club

Windsor Country Golf Club Playing golf at the 5887m Par-71 championship-quality Windsor CGC, in Sydney’s north west just a 50 minute drive from the CBD, has never been more attractive.

The progressive and passionate management team led by GM Rob McLean and with PGA Head Professional Wayne Kesby, making it easy for current, new and returning players to get onto the course and enjoy more golf, is what it’s all about.

Windsor CGC have just introduced a $99 Lifestyle membership category for 18-49 year olds, which appears to be exactly

what is needed to attract this age group of predominantly time poor players. At Windsor CGC there are now 9 different categories of membership addressing the needs of the modern golfer.

In addition to the membership offering, McLean and his team work hard to pre-empt the needs of the Social player and at some time every day of the week there is a special top value all-inclusive deal for play. Some of the best on offer right now are: Monday - after 11am, two players, shared cart $45; Tradies Special - Weekdays after 2pm, 9 holes with cart, one player $30 Extra player $15; Twilight golf (M-F during daylight saving)

9-hole open competition, $15 green fee + $5 comp fee. Kids 8-14 free green fee with any paying adult; Mon-Friday 2 x 18 holes, shared cart $59, 4 x 18 holes, shared cart $99; Sat after 1pm and Sunday after 11.30am 2 x 18 holes, shared cart $89.

There is something for everyone at Windsor CGC, especially a great golf course and welcoming clubhouse.

More information: McQuade Ave, South Windsor, Phone (02) 4577 4390, Proshop (02)4577 3718, www.windsorgolfclub.com.au or email admin@windsorgolfclub.com.au

Calderwood offers some of the best value golf deals available: $16 greens fees all day every Tuesday, $28pp with a shared cart every Wednesday, Twilight Golf every day from 2pm and senior weekday discounts.

Without competitions, Social Clubs are catered for 7 days a week. Midweek discounts for groups of 12 or more players.

A fleet of 30 carts is available, bookings are recommended.

Calderwood is known as the friendliest course on the South Coast. You will always receive a warm welcome and helpful service from the wonderful team.

Group bookings are available in advance until 2025.

For more information: Calderwood Valley Golf Course, phone (02) 4256 3055, email admin@calderwoodgolf.com.au or visit www.calderwoodgolf.com.au.

• Friendly, accessible & progressive - 6 kms north of Sydney CBD, Northbridge GC has an amazing outlook with views over Middle Harbour • Beautiful greens and lush fairways • Footgolf is played everyday after 4pm - everyone welcome bookings 0425 806917 • Corporate days our specialty - Footgolf or Golf • Full, 6 day, midweek, country, overseas and junior golfing membership categories available • Unlimited Social play after 3pm (2pm DS time) $23 • Women’s beginner, 5, 6 and 7-day membership packages available • Introduce your kids, neighbours, relatives to the great game of golf and have them join our active group of juniors - free clinics from an early age Northbridge Golf Club Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge NSW 2063 Office (02) 9958 6900 admin@northbridgegolfclub.com.au Golf & Lessons: (02) 9958 7517 Footgolf bookings: 0425 806917 76

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Calderwood Valley Golf Course

Liverpool Golf Club Despite the often challenging nature of their course, it’s still Liverpool Golf Club’s passion to provide golfers of all skill levels with a memorable and enjoyable experience at the course known as ‘the golfer’s golf course’.

A picturesque 18-hole par-72 Championship golf course, Liverpool is located in Hollywood Drive, Lansvale New South Wales. The course is unique in that it‘s been designed and built

on the peninsula formed by the Georges River and Prospect Creek, set on the banks of the Chipping Norton Lake. Quiet and secluded, you’ll enjoy the tranquil setting, so much so that you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re actually in the middle of Sydney.

The course makes for an excellent test of skills both for the professional and amateur golfer. With a length of over 6300 meters, water comes into play on 14 holes, so shot selection is important and you’ll be rewarded

Liverpool Golf Club for strategic shot placement along with many risk and reward opportunities.

Liverpool has also hosted many prestigious events, including the Australian PGA, the NSW Open in 2006 and 2007 and has been a qualifying venue for the Australian Open for the past 10 years.

Non members of the club can access discounted rates for social golf other purchases by becoming a Social Golf Affiliate. It costs just $6 per annum or

$10 for two years and opens the door to great pricing deals and other special only available to Social Golf Affiliates. There is no joining process and you can sign-up on the day.

For more information: For bookings call the pro Shop on (02) 9727 2422 or email brent@liverpoolgolf.com.au. Address: Hollywood Drive, Lansvale NSW 2166, Phone (02) 9728 7777, visit www.liverpoolgolf.com.au.

There’s something for everyone at Barnwell Park GC in Sydney’s inner west...

You can snap up a $99 membership deal until June 2017, play a round of golf using our new Golf Skate Caddy’s, dabble in our new hybrid sport ‘FootGolf’, or participate in our new Friday afternoon, 9 hole golf comp – including a Burger/Snitzel & Chips plus a Beer for only $33.50, from our sensational caterers at Carmens on the Park.

Whatever your interests may be, there is something for everyone at Barnwell Park Golf Course.

Lessons, junior & Ladies cLinics and a fuLLy stocked pro shop contact chris on (02) 9713 9019 and ask about the Srixon $1,150 Special (565/765 4-pW in Steel) available until 31 May ’17.

GOLF CLUB

551 Lyons road West, five dock, nsW, 2047 clubhouse: (02) 9713 1162 | proshop & all Bookings (02) 9713 9019 manager@barnwellparkgolfclub.com.au | baysidegolfshop@gmail.com

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Nelson Bay Golf Club

Moss Vale Golf Course (Dormie House)

Moss Vale GC (Dormie House) Moss Vale golf course is regarded as one of the prettiest and challenging courses in country NSW, and while you’re only 90 minutes’ drive from the Sydney CBD, you’ll feel like you’re a world away in the relaxed and peaceful Southern Highlands. The golf club was founded in 1902 and designed in its current location and layout by Carnegie Clark.

The 18-Hole Championship Golf Course is a par-71, 5805m (Men’s tees), and Par -73, 5300m (Women’s tees). A number of twists and turns, creek crossings and deceptive greens make the course a true test. The creek which runs through the course has to be crossed 12 times during the round. From the clubhouse, the Moss Vale layout appears hilly, but after the opening five holes, it levels out and heads into the quiet countryside.

Moss Vale GC has revamped its full-length driving range which is open to members and guests for lessons or a quick practice before tackling the course. Inside the Clubhouse you’ll find the newly completed Shotz Indoor Golf and Sports Bar with three simulators where guests can play any one of 100 different courses until 10pm.

Social groups and golfers are always welcome at Moss Vale GC. Aside from the excellent range of play and stay packages, Social golfers can play 18 holes for $35 ($30 for Dormie House guests) and $21 for 9 holes ($18 for Dormie guests).

The perfect place for a weekend away with friends, Dormie House provides a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Established in the early 1930s, Dormie House retains its period charm while providing all the amenities of a quality golf resort. The

intimate atmosphere and personal service make Dormie House the perfect retreat for couples and groups.

For more information: www.mossvalegolfclub.com.au, or email proshop@mossvalegolfclub.com.au. For Play & Stay packages on offer, call Dormie House direct on (02) 4868 1800, www.dormiehouse.com.au

Nelson Bay Golf Club Located just 2.5 hrs north of Sydney, Nelson Bay Golf Club is a favourite of Port Stephens locals and visitors. Nestled by the Tomaree National Park near the pristine waters of Port Stephens, the club is surrounded by native trees and fauna and has an abundance of wildlife.

Players will find an impressive 27-hole championship golf course on 175 acres of challenging tree-lined fairways. It is an idyllic setting and home to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, native birds and the occasional goanna.

It has a reputation for being one of the most public access-friendly courses in NSW and for good reason – it offers a variety of exciting challenges in an immaculate setting.

It has demanding par 3s, daring par 4s and long par 5s that can challenge the longest of hitters. The 22nd is particularly challenging at 535m. The serene lakes and deceiving bunkers make the 13th and 14th holes pretty to view but can be a punishment if not navigated well.

The club’s most picturesque hole, the 18th, is surrounded by blooming Christmas bush in the summer months and if there is a hole

Social GolferS are Welcome at liverpool Gc! tee timeS are available; All day Tuesdays & Fridays After 1pm Mondays & Thursdays Before 8am and after 10am on Wednesdays After 3pm Saturday & Sunday (Call to check availability - sometimes available 12-1pm) * Social Affiliate - Join LGC to gain access to social affiliate discounts - $6 per annum or $10 for 2 years

Social play rateS; Monday- Friday:

9 holes $32*/$36 18 holes $43*/ $48 2 player with cart package - 18 holes $64* / $136 4 player with cart package - 18 holes $120* / $272 Saturday-Sunday:

9 holes $33* / $38 18 holes $48* / $58 2 player with cart package - 18 holes $100* / $156

Liverpool Golf Club - Championship Course, Par 72/72 Slope 139, Host to the NSW Open (2005/2006) Liverpool Golf Club - Hollywood Drive, Lansvale NSW 2166 ~ Just 35 minutes from the CBD Phone (02) 9728 7777 | www.liverpoolgolf.com.au

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that could make anyone’s day with a holein-one it would be the 20th. It’s a hold-yourbreath tee shot straight down a tree-lined hill to a green at the base. With no traffic noise, the only distractions to your day will be the occasional bird call or native audience.

After a devastating fire on Father’s Day in September 2015 the brand-new clubhouse is on schedule to open in July. As much as this new building is the same footprint as the previous one, it has been well designed, has a much better use of space and it appears much larger. The new club has a fullystocked pro-shop underneath, with easy golf cart access and pathways. There is also an additional retail space available for lease.

The club itself is an open plan design with a big u-shaped bar in the middle, sports bar/ full gaming facilities, café/lounge, Bluewater Grill Restaurant, kids area and a function room that can seat up to 200 people with its own dedicated bar, balcony and landscaped courtyard. All areas have breathtaking views over the course and out to the headlands.

Accommodation is located next door and within walking distance of the club. This, combined with the new club facilities and the construction of an outdoor ceremony site on the course, makes Nelson Bay Golf Club an all-inclusive option for weddings as well as conferences, ticketed events and corporate golf days.

Membership at Nelson Bay Golf Club is currently available for a variety of playing categories as well as social only.

Beat the rush for membership before the new Clubhouse opens. New members who join before 30th April 2017 will receive 15 months’ membership for the price of 12 months ($850). The promotion will run until 31st May, but it must be noted that the extra

Barnwell Park Golf Club period of membership paid for will reduce accordingly.

“Kangaroo Encounters” are now available at Nelson Bay Golf Club where you can experience, photograph, enjoy and learn whilst walking amongst wild Eastern Grey Kangaroos and other unique Australian wildlife.

Located just 5 minutes from the CBD of Nelson Bay, the club is the perfect getaway for singles, couples or families.

For more information, call (02) 4981 1132 or got to www.nelsonbaygolf.com.

Barnwell Park Golf Club Lifelong friendships, a challenging golf layout and great food and drink…can life get any better than that?

run by Chris Willard, has a fleet of Golf Skate Caddys, which allows golfers to ‘surf the turf’ during a round.

There are water views from most holes, with 18 of them meandering around the beautiful Canada Bay.

And for those who have not been able to try out a Golf Skate Caddy yet, do yourself a favour and try this revolutionary new way of playing golf. It’s a personal golf standon board that is fun, fast and still a good workout as well as having less environmental impact on the course.

Yet the course has made the game even easier for everyone from youngsters through to pensioners: Council’s Bayside Golf Shop,

‘Barnie’ as the locals refer to the club and course, is the only public course in Sydney which has Golf Skate Caddys for hire.

It’s all ‘par for the course’ at one of Sydney’s most affordable golf courses, Barnwell Park at Five Dock in Sydney’s inner west.

Woollahra Golf Club • Definitely one of NSW’s finest 9 hole layouts in sensational condition • Revamped Clubhouse offers great food, great atmosphere and a welcoming community • Great value for money membership packages available.

Daily 9 hole comps allow the ‘time poor’ options on a challenging course.

• 10 minutes from the CBD! • Discount membership packages available now - call (02) 9327 5404 or email office@woollahragolfclub.com • Weekend & week day Social times available

Golf bookings & Lessons (02) 9327 3683 or proshop@woollahragolfclub.com O’Sullivan Road, Rose Bay 2039 www.woollahragolfclub.com

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

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public access feature

at North Turramurra incorporating golf as well as other field sports.

The advantage of this is that North Turramurra now has the kind of layout and superior features of a top-notch private course – but is accessible seven days a week to the public. The new layout is a par 68, over 5000m in length with a challenging first 10 holes, large new greens and bunkers.

North Turramurra Golf Course The course is also now offering ‘Foot Golf’ thanks to Sydney Foot Golf, which is attracting youngsters and families to Barnwell Park. For many it is the first time they have set ‘Foot’ on the course. Foot Golf is run on Wednesdays and Sundays from 4pm as well as negotiated social group bookings.

When the wind sweeps across Canada Bay it can play havoc with some golf shots yet, surprisingly, Barnwell Park measures just 3400m with a par of 61 (62 for women), meaning golf can be quick and usually painless as there are no mountains to climb between greens and tees.

There are some impressive membership specials at Barnwell Park too with women encouraged to join the Saturday competitions and social clubs and corporate days always welcome.

Book a group of 16 or more players at Barnwell Park and receive green fees, a halfway soft drink, a bacon and egg roll, plus a $70

group bar tab for a mere $36 per player. Not bad for a half day’s entertainment.

Book for 25 players or more and receive green fees, a half-way soft drink, a burger or schnitzel and chips, plus $100 group bar tab for only $41 per player.

And don’t forget about the first-class meals available at the Club from Carmen’s On The Park.

Social Clubs are also catered for at ‘Barnie’, with Sunday tee times available from first light until 9am, and Saturdays after 11.30am.

The Club is currently offering a $99 membership special which includes a $25 bar tab for membership until June 2017 (see advertisement in this feature), or you can e-mail: membership@barnwellparkgolfclub.com.au.

For more information contact the Barnwell Park clubhouse on telephone (02) 9713 1162; the pro shop on (02) 9713 9019; for food and beverage bookings telephone 0414 609 398.

WANT TO JOIN A SYDNEY GOLF CLUB FOR $99* PER YEAR? Lifestyle members can play in Open or Closed weekend club events*

For more information on membership e-mail: manager@barnwellparkgolfclub. com.au; for bookings, lessons, golfing equipment and all other enquiries contact the golf professional, Chris Willard on e-mail baysidegolfshop@gmail.com or visit www.barnwellparkgolfclub.com.au.

North Turramurra Golf Course Perched alongside the Ku-ring-gai National Park at the end of Bobbin Head Road, North Turramurra Golf Course offers spectacular elevated views and enjoyment for golfers of all abilities — from beginners to high achieving amateurs.

The golf course is now a championship 18-hole course designed by James Wilcher of Golf By Design. The course is part of a $29 million makeover by Ku-ring-gai Council, in a long-term plan to create a recreational hub

The other big part of North Turramurra’s charm is its natural environment, where at sunrise and sunset golfers may well find themselves teeing off with wallabies and goannas for company. Over 30 species of native animals and birds have been counted at North Turramurra and what makes this even more remarkable is that the course itself is less than 20km from central Sydney. There’s plenty of free parking at the course too, with an additional 200 spaces under construction.

With a full range of facilities including driving nets, putting and chipping practice greens and the services of a professional golf coach, North Turramurra is the ideal course for beginners to learn the art of golf or for experienced golfers to enjoy a new challenge.

Junior golf coaching is available during school terms and school holidays, with a focus on children aged 6-18 years. Children have fun in team-based activities designed to teach the fundamentals of chipping, driving and putting.

The course also caters for corporate and group bookings, and has a fully-stocked pro shop on site. A small kiosk offers pre or postgame snacks and drinks.

North Turramurra is open from dawn till dusk and caters to everyone’s needs.

For more information www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/northturramurragolf Or contact golf pro James on (02) 9144 5110.

• Brand NEW Clubhouse opening July 2017 • Book your wedding, conference, function or event in our function room with dedicated private bar • Enquire today for your next corporate golf day • Social golf available 7 days per week • Golfing and Social Memberships are available • Flexi Membership available • 9 hole beginners female group and coaching clinics • Golf cart, buggies and clubs for hire • Full stocked Pro Shop and tuition available • Junior coaching and competitions each school term • Bluewater Grill open 7 days • Kangaroo Encounters – book today for your guided tour • Raffles every Friday night from 5pm

*Terms and conditions apply - for full details visit the website

NelsoN Bay Golf CluB | DowliNG street, NelsoN Bay | (02) 4981 1132

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April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Fond farewell for rules man Clark

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t has always been about playing by the Rules for Rod Clark. Whatever the sport, whatever the game.

The R&A and the USGA have published their annual review of driving distance in golf.

Sadly, after a career that has spanned six versions of the Rules of Golf, Rod has decided to call it a day and retire. Not a bad tenure in a job that the man affectionately known around the office as ‘Kenny Rogers’ stumbled into.

Introduced last year, the review examines driving distance data from seven of the major professional golf tours, based on approximately 285,000 drives per year. Data from studies of male and female amateur golfers has also been included for the first time.

“I started out as an insurance clerk; I had a few jobs, different positions before this. I thought I might enjoy working at the Junior Foundation, but the President of the NSWGA had other ideas. I ended up running the Social Golf League. When it was eventually wound up, I ended up doing the Rules, “ he smiled.

Clark has been administering the Rules of our great game for over 20 years as Manager of Rules and Handicapping at Golf NSW. He’s been the voice of logic and the final arbiter for plenty of committee men and women who have faced a weekend competition rules dilemma. Mondays are always busy in Rod’s office at Golf NSW H.Q. “To me, it’s logical to have an awareness of the rules of the sport you are playing,” Clark said. “That’s a natural thing.”

“Any sport I’ve played or been involved in I’ve learnt the rules…Cricket, soccer. When you played, you would have to referee or umpire. You had to do your share,” he said.

Clark’s work with the Rulebook has allowed him to see many of Australia’s great players, as well as one or two global stars.

“I’ve officiated at Men’s and Women’s Australian Opens since 1998. I’ve seen them all, Peter Senior, Baddeley, Pampling, Karrie Webb, Laura Davies...”

R&A, USGA publish driving distance research

Key facts noted in the paper include: Between 2003 and the end of the 2016 season, average driving distance on five of the seven tours has increased by approximately 1.2%, around 0.2 yards per year. For the same time period, average driving distance on the other two tours studied decreased by approximately 1.5%.

Rod Clark has retired from Golf NSW Clark was the walking Rules Official at The Lakes Golf Club the day that John Daly famously walked off the course after losing seven balls in the water on the infamous par-5 11th hole.

“I had to have the presence of mind to say to him; John, you’ve still got someone’s card. Can you sign up to where you are up to,” Clark said. “He was all right in the heat of it all; he did what had to be done.”

club in Juniors, Eric Apperly Shield, Major Pennant, the Masters Pennant.”

These days Clark plays off a handicap of 12.9. It’s a mark he’s a tiny bit embarrassed about.

“I used to play off two in the 1970’s he grinned.” Age does weary you. The ability has gone backwards over the years.”

A 50-year member of North Ryde Golf Club, Clark has lived all his life around the Ryde/Putney area. His relationship with the Golf Club is one he cherishes.

Clark and his wife are planning a move North in retirement. Plenty of golf at Stockton is on the agenda. So too, a touch of fishing and long walks on the beach with his pet dog.

“I’ve done everything there, won the Junior Championship, Club Champs, Foursomes Champs. I’ve represented the

“Life has been pretty good. But I always reckoned I should’ve been a lawyer; I can argue anything,” Clark laughed. •

Looking at all of the players who are ranked for distance on the PGA TOUR and PGA European Tour, the amount by which players are “long” or “short” has not changed – for instance, since 2003 the 10 shortest players in that group are about 6% shorter than average, while the 10 longest players in the group are about 7% longer than average. The statistics are not skewed toward either longer or shorter players.

The average launch conditions on the PGA TOUR – clubhead speed, launch angle, ball speed and ball backspin – have been relatively stable since 2007. The 90th-percentile clubhead speed coupled with the average launch angle and spin rate are very close to the conditions that The R&A and the USGA, golf’s governing bodies, use to test golf balls under the Overall Distance Standard.

The 2016 report can be viewed at www.RandA.org and www.usga.org.

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golf queensland

Isuzu Qld Open Regional Qualifiers announced

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olf Queensland is pleased to announce three regional qualifiers in 2017 for the Isuzu Queensland Open.

Tournament Director Luke Bates said the regional qualifiers are an important part of the pathway to the Isuzu Queensland Open.

“This year exemptions will be provided to the winners of the North Queensland Open Championship (Mackay Golf Club) the City of Rockhampton Open Championship and the FNQ Open Championship which will be played at the Mossman Golf Club,” Bates said.

“This will be a great motivator for the region’s top golfers to focus on performing well at the FNQ Open Championship,” Metcalf said.

This year all players can enter the events via the Isuzu Queensland Open website or directly through the Club or District running the event. Players are encouraged to enter promptly as it is anticipated that field sizes will reach capacity prior to the closing date.

“Each Qualifying event will have the winner given an amateur exemption into the 2017 Isuzu Queensland Open which will be played at The Brisbane Golf Club.”

Each of the regional qualifiers are open events and offer a great opportunity for golfers located in south east Queensland to take a trip with mates and attempt to qualify for the Isuzu Queensland Open. In addition to great courses and friendly hospitality each event offers great value for money with the entry fee being $60 for 36 holes.

Golf North Queensland President Calvin Buckton said the District is thrilled to the have the qualifier exemption again in 2017.

City of Rockhampton Men’s Open 29 & 30 April Rockhampton Golf Club

“Last year the field increased from 86 to 190 with the addition of the qualifying exemption, with this year’s event in Mackay we are expecting a field of over 200 players,” he said.

Golf North Queensland Open 6 & 7 May Mackay Golf Club

The Far North Queensland Men’s District President Sean Metcalf said the addition of the Isuzu Queensland Open Exemption to the FNQ Open Championship was a coup for Far North Queensland.

Far North Queensland Golf Association Open 1 & 2 July Mossman Golf Club For further information visit www.qldopen.com.au

City Golf Club extends sponsorship

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olf Queensland is pleased to announce the City Golf Club has re-signed its sponsorship of two highly participated championships.

The City Golf Club will continue as the major sponsor of the Queensland Men’s Sand Green Championship and Queensland Men’s Country Week Championship.

“Golf Queensland is delighted that the City Golf Club has re-signed as a sponsor for the next three years,” said Golf Queensland CEO Lindsay Ellis.

“The City Golf Club has supported these tournaments since 2011 helping to ensure we can continue to showcase these events on the calendar.

“Golf Queensland is very appreciative of The City Golf Club’s support for regional golf,” Mr Ellis said.

The City Golf Club CEO Peter Constance said he was looking forward to continuing the partnership with Golf Queensland for another three years.

“The City Golf Club is once again

delighted to be in a position to support the game of golf in Queensland,” Mr Constance said.

“Our association with such time-honoured events on the Queensland golfing calendar is an honour.

“We trust that these tournaments will enable many golfers in the state to participate in a championship and enjoy the game and camaraderie on offer.”

Located in Toowoomba, City Golf Club’s magnificent 18-hole course is the host of the Coca Cola Queensland PGA Championship.

City Golf Club is a full-service golf club, offering bar and dining, entertainment, function centre, onsite motel, driving range and mini golf facilities.

The Queensland Men’s Sand Green Championship will be held 9-11 June at Blackall Golf Club, with the Queensland Men’s Country Week Championship being held 1418 August at Virginia, Redcliffe and Keperra Golf Clubs.

Entries are now open for the Queensland Men’s Sand Green Championship.

Qld Boys’ & Girls’ Amateur 27 - 30 June 2017 Bargara Golf Club, QLD The Boys’ and Girls’ Queensland Amateur is an Australian Ranking Event for boys and girls. It is for players under the age of 18 and is played over 72-holes stroke play. www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 82

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

@GolfQueensland

golf new south wales

Golf NSW state teams announced

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Bardwell Valley bounces back

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olf New South Wales has announced its state representative teams for 2017.

ardwell Valley Golf Club have enlisted the Golf NSW Club Support Service and Consultant Agronomist Martyn Black to assist them with their ongoing course management program.

The six-member boys’ and girls’ teams will contest the upcoming Australian Junior Amateur Championships and Interstate Series at Wollongong Golf Club, Port Kembla Golf Club and Riverside Oaks Golf Resort from 4-13 April.

Black visited the course in late January to get an idea of the problems faced first-hand before completing a comprehensive report for the club’s Board.

The men and women will contest the Australian Interstate Teams Championships at Melville Glades Golf Club and Royal Fremantle Golf Club from 9-12 May.

“We have a lot of talent in the junior girls ranks; they are seasoned players despite most of them only being teenagers,” Phillipson added.

Four boys, Jones Comerford, Harry Doig, Jye Pickin and Billy Watson, will be making their debut for NSW, while in the girls’ team, St. Michael’s Stephanie Kyriacou will represent the state for the first time.

“They might just surprise a few at how well they perform.”

New South Wales will be out to defend the girls’ team title, while the boys’ team will be out to claim the title in their own right after sharing the prize with South Australia in Tasmania last year.

Girls’ and women’s teams: Doey Choi (Concord GC) Amy Chu (The Australian GC) - Captain Girls’ Team Belinda Ji (Concord GC) Grace Kim (Avondale GC) Stephanie Kyriacou (St. Michael’s GC) Hannah Park (NSW GC)

In the men’s ranks, Canberra’s Joshua Armstrong and Forbes’ James Grierson will make their state debuts. Isaac Noh was also selected as a men’s team representative for the first time.

Graeme Phillipson, General Manager of Golf Golf NSW, was thrilled with the selections.

“It is always difficult to choose our teams, with the last couple of positions requiring a lot of thought before the selection panel came to a decision,” he said.

“At the same time, it is exciting that we have so much depth at the moment, particularly in the boys’ ranks.”

“The men’s team is strong and is a real chance to win back-to-back titles. It is great to see so many regional players in the team, with five out of the eight having Country origins.”

In a first for the state, the NSW girls’ and women’s squads are identical.

The 2017 NSW Teams are:

Like many smaller golf clubs, Bardwell Valley gets by with a solitary greenskeeper and a hearty band of volunteers. The course has its problems, in particular with invasive grasses in the greens and poor bunker drainage.

“The club’s greens have issues with couch invasion, and I’ll be liaising with them to implement a program which will improve the quality of their putting surfaces going forward, possibly getting some turf from a Buddy Club in the future,” Mr Black said.

“Also, Sean (Ford) the Superintendent works by himself. He needs help with hand watering on the hot summer afternoons.

“The membership here seem very passionate about the place, so it will also be about ensuring he (Sean) gets the help from volunteers when he needs it,” Mr Black added.

Boys’ team: Jones Comerford (Bonnie Doon / Dubbo GC) Harry Doig (NSW GC) Joshua Gadd (Concord GC) Jordan Garner (Castle Hill / Shelley Beach GC) Jye Pickin (Avondale / Charlestown GC) Captain Boys’ Team Billy Watson (Long Reef GC)

Club Superintendent Sean Ford was pleased with Black’s suggestion of a coordinated volunteer program to assist with his day-today duties.

Men’s team: Josh Armstrong (The Lakes / Gold Creek GC) Harrison Endycott (Avondale GC) James Grierson (Bonnie Doon / Forbes GC) Isaac Noh (The Australian GC) Dylan Perry (The Vintage GC) Travis Smyth (St Michael’s / Kiama GC) Blake Windred (The Australian / Charlestown GC) Kevin Yuan (The Australian GC)

Greg Hoare, Club General Manager stated that the initiatives proposed would benefit the club and provide some clear direction in the future. The efforts would need a well-coordinated band of volunteers to be successful.

“I need the help as I am a one man band.

One man on a golf course of 18 holes, it’s a lot of work. Driving the volunteer number is the key exactly,” Ford said.

Martyn Black, centre, and the team from Bardwell Valley Golf Club, Dan Williams, Sean Ford, and Greg Hoare.

“We have an excellent troupe of about 50 volunteers or so that work at different times and different tasks already, so if we are going to renovate a green and replace the turf, we’re going to need a group of 20 or so at one time to get that job done. We can organise that.

We’ve got great members,” he added.

Club President Dan Williams was the man behind the decision to call the Club Support service, and he was pleased with Black’s initial on-site assessment.

“We have needed to improve the condition of our greens for a while now, so I thought the free Club Support Service might have been able to assist us. I phoned Stuart Fraser (Golf NSW CEO), and he put us in contact with Martyn, who will report back to us.

“I’m sure the Board will agree with his recommendations, provided they’re not too expensive,” Mr Williams smiled.

“Martyn’s advice will help clarify the direction the club needs to go, my word, and if it weren’t for the volunteers, we wouldn’t be here today.

Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: Barry Overman, Phil McColl, Robert Strange, and Les Szkirpan.

2017 NSW MID-AMATEUR

CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR MEN AND WOMEN WHEN: May 14th – 16th, 2017 WHERE: Tocumwal Golf Club ENTRIES CLOSE: April 30th, 2017 NEW HANDICAP LIMIT: 12.4 for Men and 20.4 for Women NEW ELIGIBILITY: Open to players over 30 years of age – NO Upper Age Limit

RETURN LUXURY COACH SERVICE FROM SYDNEY FOR ONLY $40.00

For more information and to enter online, go to www.golfnsw.org/events

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Kim crowned NZ Champ

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im Burke has been crowned the New Zealand Women’s Senior Champion for 2017 after a stunning performance at Waihi Golf Club in the Bay of Plenty on the Country’s North Island.

The Magenta Shores golfer had to battle hard in every match, needing extra holes in her final three games before being able to lift the title.

Burke defeated New Zealander Robyn Fellow in the first round 5&4, Perth’s Sharon Dawson in the quarter-finals at 19th hole, Monash Country Club’s Jacqui Morgan in semi-finals at 19th, and Victorian Helen Pascoe in the final at 21st.

“I had a very tough draw,” Burke said. “I played a former NZ Champion in the first round and then had to face Sharon (Dawson) who was the defending champ, and who beat me in the finals of the Australian Senior in 2015.”

Handiskins

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: Balgowlah Golf Club Sydney Road, Balgowlah NSW 2093 5th Qualifying Round 1st April 2017 Final 9th April 2017 Southport Golf Club Slatyer Avenue, Southport QLD 4215 Final 1st April 2017 Heidelberg Golf Club 8 Main Road, Lower Plenty VIC 3093 4th Qualifying Round 1st April 2017 5th Qualifying Round 8th April 2017 Final 22nd April 2017 Massey Park Golf Club Ian Parade, Concord NSW 2137 2nd Qualifying Round 1st April 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 15th April 2017 4th Qualifying Round 22nd April 2017 5th Qualifying Round 29th April 2017 Final 6th May 2017 Shelly Beach Golf Club Shelly Beach Road, Shelly Beach NSW 2261 1st Qualifying Round 2nd April 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 9th April 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 30th April 2017 4th Qualifying Round 7th May 2017 5th Qualifying Round 14th May 2017 Final 21st May 2017 Cessnock Golf Club 26 Birkdale Blvd, Cessnock NSW 2325 1st Qualifying Round 8th April 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 22nd April 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 13th May 2017 4th Qualifying Round 27th May 2017 5th Qualifying Round 24th June 2017 Final 8th July 2017

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April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“I played the legendary Jacqui Morgan in the semi-final and then my Australian team mate in Helen Pascoe in the final.”

“I was three or four down after nine holes in every match but I won them all in suddendeath, the golfing gods were on my side,” she laughed.

Burke believes it was her decision to take part in the NSW Amateur Championship earlier this month in readiness for the Championship that gave her a competitive edge over her rivals.

“I played the NSW Amateur last month at Terrey Hills and Killara purely as my tournament preparation for this event.

“I hadn’t played them for years as I‘m not all that competitive against the younger girls anymore, but I thought playing with the young guns would be a good way of playing under pressure.

2017 New Zealand Senior Women’s Champion Kim Burke “It was a thrill to play the qualifying rounds with Somi Lee, the champion too,” she added.

Burke was part of a four-member squad that was chosen to represent Australia courtesy of her top four finish in last year’s

Australian Women’s Senior Championship.

“I am just so proud to be representing Australia and to become NZ Senior Champion against such a quality field feels wonderful,” she smiled.

Barrenjoey CALENDAR APRIL a hit with the ladies 2017 Mallacoota Challenge

Over 580 ladies have taken part in the 2017 Barrenjoey Peninsula Week of Golf (BWOG) and raised over $8500 for charity along the way.

Golfers had the opportunity to enjoy seven beautiful Northern Beaches Golf Courses – Bayview, Cromer, Long Reef, Manly, Mona Vale, Monash and Wakehurst. The tournament was very competitive, but players also enjoyed the camaraderie of the event.

In its 35th year, the BWOG is one of the largest and most popular women’s golf tournaments on the calendar. Representatives came from 50 clubs along with visitors from Shanghai in China and the Cotswolds in England. It has now grown to be the second-largest ladies tournament in the Southern Hemisphere and is also a Golf NSW Jean Derrin event.

This year’s ever-popular tournament raffle raised an amazing $8688 for the Manly Women’s Shelter.

The shot of the week no doubt belonged to Robyn Mason from Bayview Golf Club who scored a Hole-in-One at Mona Vale Golf Course in the Friday Team event.

Results for 2017: Division 1 Monday 18 Holes Scratch Winner Jacqui Morgan Monash 76 Nett Winner Colette Blacklock Ryde-Parramatta (h/c 8) 71 c/b Perpetual Trophy for 36 Holes - Division 2 Elizabeth Gregory Monash - 196 Winner the 36 Hole Perpetual Trophy (Stableford ) Division 3 Chris Binfield Mona Vale (h/c 25.7) 69c/b Scratch Winners of the Foursomes Perpetual Trophy Jacqui Morgan/ Jennifer Roberts Monash 86 c/b

When: 22nd-23rd April Where: Mallacoota GC (East Gippsland) Men and women with an official GolfLink handicap are invited to register to compete in the 5th annual staging of this popular 36-hole two day tournament. The Mallacoota Challenge is a two-ball aggregate team event which uses a modified point scoring format with handicap adjustments after round 1.

There are good prizes on offer for the successful teams with the winners award alone, valued at over $1000.

Additionally, there are a host of individual and daily awards to be won.

Entry fee is $50 per player which includes complimentary on course drinks and a closing BBQ. For Enquiries/Entries, contact: Alf Bowerman: 03 51580250; 0416006706; atbow@bigpond.com John Hillyer: 03 51580585; 0438580448; yungerup@bigpond.net.au

MAY

St George Charity Golf Day WHEN: Friday 12th May 2017, 8:00 am Shotgun Start WHERE: Beverley Park Golf Club Here is your chance to be part of the 16th St George Charity Golf Day. Golf Sponsorship: $1000, includes course and table advertising, 4 player entries 2 motorised carts, breakfast, refreshments, lunch and entertainment. Luncheon Sponsorship: $500 includes table advertising, lunch and entertainment for six persons. Team of 4: $800, 4 player entries 2 motorised carts, breakfast, refreshments, lunch and entertainment. Individual Receipts will be issued for $100 as a tax deductible donation.

Further enquiries can be made to: Garry Morris on 0458583220. garry@stgeorgefund.com.au

Charity Golf Classic for palliative care WHEN: May 28- June 1 WHERE: Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort Peninsula Home Hospice Charity Golf Classic includes three days of golf (4BBB Medley/Mixed Stableford, 4 person Ambrose Stroke), four nights accommodation in either suite or cabin (with a 5th night for free if desired), barbecue on arrival, wine tasting at Buller Wines, breakfasts, full use of resort facilities and culminates with a Silver Service Dinner with Trophy Presentation and Gala Auction.

The cost is $690 per golfer for suite accommodation and $590 per golfer for cabin.

Event limited to the first 100 registered players. Non-golfing partners welcome.

Sponsored by Callaway Golf and BMW Shepparton.

All money raised directly supports those who are living with a life threatening illness and choosing to receive palliative care in their home. All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. www.peninsulahospice.com.au/news or email kim@peninsulahospice.com.au, or phone Pat Randall on 0417 314 622.

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SAVE THE DATE: Eighth Annual

Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic

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lay 4 Top Courses on the magnificent Mornington Peninsula – Australia’s #1 golf destination by entering the Eighth Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic.

Once again, the Mornington Peninsula will be on show to golfers from across the country as they play in the 72-hole graded individual stableford tournament.

The courses in this year’s Classic will surely challenge and delight all golfers. The Dunes, Moonah Links (Open), Eagle Ridge and Rosebud Country Club will be in pristine condition to excite the morning and afternoon fields.

Mornington Peninsula, Australia’s #1 golf destination, is well known for the number of quality golf courses, ranging from coastal links to resort style layouts. To quote Peter Thomson, golfing legend and internationally renowned golf course architect: “For sheer variety, golf on the Mornington Peninsula is unmatched and for the traditional golfer’s welcome, it is hard to find better.”

Almost 300 golfers, including 100 ladies, experienced golf on the magnificent Mornington Peninsula when they played in last year’s Classic. So “Save the Date”, 2 – 5 October 2017, to play in this fun, friendly and great value tournament. The Entry Fee includes golf and carts on all 4 days, as well as 4 lunches.

Daily and overall prizes are included as well as the Welcome and the Presentation Dinners.

Pete H (GA 10.4, who has played in 5 previous Classics) reflects the overall sentiment of this tournament with his recent comment: “The challenge and the environment is why we come to play, as well as catching up with people from previous years”.

Entries will be open in late April, in the meantime register your interest or find out more, by phoning the Marketing Manager, Pamela McDermott on 0439 396 617 or sending an email to info@ golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au.

This is going to be a sell-out tournament, so lock in 2 - 5 October 2017 for the Eighth Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic.

Golfing Paradise in Cairns

The Dunes Golf Links is one of the many spectacular courses on the bill for this year’s Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic.

GOLF NSW APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS Men’s Vardon Events Date 01-Apr 09-Apr 09-Apr 15-Apr 15-16 Apr 15-16 Apr 15-16 Apr 17-Apr 22-Apr 28-30 Apr 29-Apr

Event Asquith Cup Jubilee Cup Magenta Shores Open Amateur Oxbro Cup Armidale Men’s Open Macquarie Cup Tamworth Easter Cup Toukley GC Richmond GC Batemans Bay Open Cabramatta Cup

Venue Asquith GC Bowral GC Magenta Shores G&CC Windsor CC Armidale GC Dubbo GC Tamworth GC Toukley GC Richmond GC Catalina CC Cabramatta GC

Women’s Jean Derrin From June 16-18 Paradise Palms will host its annual Pro-Am, the Cairns Classic. The threeday $50,000 Pro Am golf event kicks off on Friday June 16th with a Celebrity Pro-Am to be followed by two days of Professional and Amateur Golf tournaments.

Professionals will be playing for $50,000, split into two $25,000 events. One event for the Legends Tour and the other event for the Sunshine Tour players. This gives amateurs the best of both worlds, with them competing side by side in groups of four with one Sunshine Tour Player and one Legends Tour player in each group. The event is open to both male and female amateurs with Golf Australia handicaps.

The $465 entry fee includes play on the Saturday and Sunday, a players’ gift pack, lunch on each day, post golf finger food and drinks vouchers and the Sunday Gala dinner for one person. Amateur prizes are in excess

of $8,000 will both daily and overall prizes on offer.

There will also be two Hole in One prizes on offer on the Saturday and Sunday for the Amateur golfers sponsored by Club Car and Pacific Toyota.

Accommodation is also available on site with prices starting at $975 in a resort room for three nights with breakfast with breakfast and entry for one player. One and two bedroom apartments are also available on site from $1240 through to $1560 for three nights with breakfast and one entry fee.

Entry forms are available on line at www.cairnsclassic.com.au or at www.paradisepalms.com.au with payment due at the time of entry.

For accommodation package bookings please contact their events coordinator at events@paradisepalms.com.au or call 07 4059 9999.

Date 15-16 Apr

Event Armidale Women’s Open

Venue Armidale GC

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events Date 09-Apr

Event Jubilee Cup Seniors

10-12 Apr

NSWVGA Strokeplay Championships

17-Apr 23-24 Apr 23-28 Apr 26-27 Apr

Bonnie Doon Seniors (Stableford) Pambula Merimbula Senior Amateur Junee Week of Golf Tura Beach Senior Amateur Classic

Venue Bowral GC Richmond, Glenmore Heritage & Stonecutters Ridge GC’s Bonnie Doon GC Pambula Merimbula GC Junee GC Tura Beach GC

Pennants / Grade Date 02-Apr 02-Apr 07-Apr

Event Srixon Men's Major Metropolitan Pennant - FINALS Srixon Women's Major Metropolitan Pennant - FINALS Golf NSW Metropolitan Grade Competition - Round 7

Venue Terrey Hills GC Terrey Hills GC Various

www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

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Playing more golf equals longer life David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

GOLFERS have always known golf provides health benefits, but it’s been backed up by a University of Edinburgh study that claims people who play golf live longer.

According to the research, the game of golf helps prevent 40 major chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and colon and breast cancer.

Golf also has mental health benefits for people of all ages and can increase life expectancy by five years.

“Evidence suggests golfers live longer than non-golfers, enjoying improvements in cholesterol levels, body composition, wellness, self-esteem and self-worth,” said researcher Dr Andrew Murray.

“Given that the sport can be played by the very young to the very old, this demonstrates a wide variety of health benefits for people of all ages.”

Playing golf is also likely to improve cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic health.

Currently, more than 50 million people play golf which is approximately one per cent of the world’s population.

“Anyone can play golf, from the age of four to 104, and now there is six-hole golf and speed golf which is making it more accessible,” Dr Murray added.

“We have to get away from the idea golf’s only a rich man’s sport. Seventy-eight percent of golf courses across the world are available for the public to play on – not just members.”

Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the findings were also presented at the PGAs of Europe Annual Congress in Turkey recently.

A similar study by a team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports.

It compared more than 300,000 golfers to non-golfers and discovered a 40 per cent lower mortality rate among the golfers as a result of their higher weekly aerobic activity.

Professor Anders Ahlbom, who led the study, said he was not surprised by the result.

What Els could Ernie do?

QUESTION: If invited, would you play a round of golf with Donald Trump?

Be careful what you wish for because South African champion Ernie Els did and was vilified on social media and even friends (maybe exfriends now) after teeing it up with Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. Ernie, a four-time major winner, told Brian Costa from the Wall Street Journal some of his friends even needled him and called him a “suck-up”.

Well, the Big Easy hit them with his verbal driver allegedly telling them to #^@* off.

“I played with the President and you haven’t,” he retorted. “You can’t please everybody.”

For the record, Els and Trump have been mates for 20 years, but still the invitation came as a surprise.

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“A round of golf means being outside for four or five hours, walking at a fast pace for six to seven kilometres, something which is known to be good for the health,” he said.

“People play golf into old age and there are also positive social and psychological aspects to the game that can be of help.”

Apparently, the effect is greater for golfers from blue-collar professions than those from white-collar professions.

Furthermore, it’s believed golfers on a lower handicap have a better chance of living longer.

“Maintaining a low handicap involves playing a lot, so this supports the idea that it is largely the game itself that is good for health,” Prof Ahlbom said.

That’s debatable because there are many high handicappers who spend a similar amount of time playing golf as their fellow low markers.

Still, more research is underway to access if golf can decrease the risk of anxiety, depression and perhaps even dementia.

Meanwhile, Katie Clift, the spokesperson for the Cancer Council Queensland, said one third of all cancers were preventable through healthy lifestyle choices including getting active, eating well, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking and staying SunSmart.

When Les is more: Australia’s oldest golfer?

“More than 26,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Queensland – you can help reduce your risk of cancer by getting active.

The 102-year-old ‘Life Member’ of the club is a true inspiration to members and fellow golfers, proving that golf is indeed a sport for life. Even Greg Norman, who famously had a hit with Smith during the opening of Eastern’s 17th hole in the Yarra Valley, chimed in on the post via Instagram, stating “Please say hi for me and I hope I can swing the club as well at 102”

“Exercise can take place in many forms, including playing golf and walking, and is of great benefit to health and wellbeing.

“We encourage activity that involves walking and recommend that adults aim for 10,000 steps a day.

“For optimum health, Cancer Council recommends Queenslanders aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate exercise, or 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity every day.

EASTERN Golf Club’s Les Smith was the ‘talk of the town’ on social media last month, following the club’s posting of this photo of him on the links, enjoying his weekly round.

Anyway, I thought it was rather narrowminded of people to attack the Big Easy for playing golf with the democratically elected leader of the free world.

Perhaps Trump’s detractors would prefer to play golf with North Korea president Kim Jongun or Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe.

Have fun folks and just make sure you don’t win the game … because you won’t.

“For the young hotshots, it’s about the game of golf, but for us blokes it’s the companionship and the bit of fun, and the fact that we all play about the same.”

So the question remains: At 102, is Les truly “Australia’s Oldest Golfer?”

“It’s the most honourable game in the world.

There’s no other game where people take penalties on themselves. In every other game there are penalties imposed by an umpire or

Inside Golf is calling out to all senior golfers as old as (or older than) Les. Are you out there? If so, let us know. Send us an email or drop us a letter in the post. We’d love to hear from you!

Of course, Ernie is not the first PGA Tour player to play a round of golf with Trump and probably won’t be the last.

Apparently, the United States Golf Association has been criticised for its decision to hold the US Women’s Open at Trump National Golf Club.

Most importantly for Les, however, is that golf is also about simply being with your mates.

A true lover of the game, Les’ opinions on golf embody what the game is all about.

“Research suggests that being sedentary for long periods, is associated with increased risk of some cancers including bowel, endometrial, ovarian and prostate cancer.”

Late last year, Tiger Woods played a round with Trump and Jim Herman, too, enjoyed having a hit with the president.

somebody. Once, I was playing a round, and one of the boys got in the trees. I saw the ball fly out and I said ‘you got out of that well’, and he said ‘the ball rolled while I was in there’. What other sport do you see that? It’s a true sportsman’s game. I hope that never leaves the game.”

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS The Inside Golf Facebook page has been abuzz lately, with multiple readers walking away with great prizes!

Pictured are Desmond O’Neill , winner of the TaylorMade Metalwood competition, and David Lowe, who won a new Mizuno Driver.

For your chance to win great prizes (including many Facebook-only competitons that aren’t listed in our monthly magazine) then simply “like” our page at www.facebook.com/insidegolf

www.insidegolf.com.au/19thhole

Art draws on experience to break age OCTOGENERIAN Art Matthes recently played the round of his life, achieving a rare feat that is the dream of every aging golfer.

He scored pars on holes 8, 12, 14 and 16 and carded a nett par or better on every hole except the 15th.

At the ripe old age of 88, Art fired an 87 off the stick at Mount Coolum Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast to better his age – something that eludes most players.

Art, who has been a member of Mount Coolum Golf Club for more than 25 years, is a reliable golfer.

While scoring a hole-in-one is exciting, it is an accepted fact that shooting one’s age is more difficult and rarer than making an ace.

While it is infrequent, many golfers have been lucky enough to hit one lucky shot to score a hole-in-one while there are players who have achieved the feat many times.

However, golf is a game of persistence and shooting a score lower than your age requires a consistent performance throughout an entire round.

It represents a combination of good health, good fitness, a tidy golf game and of course a lot of luck … especially for mid- to highhandicappers.

It calls upon an amalgamation of golfing ability and of a player’s good fortune in fighting the clock of mortality.

Yet this is what Art exhibited recently when he signed his scorecard for an 87 and 43 stableford points.

The quick nine quiz THERE are 23 stableford points up for grabs on the front nine.

How many can you get?

with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

1. Can you name the Masters defending champion? (2 pts) 2. What is the entrance lane to Augusta National, home of the Masters, known as? (2 pts) 3. How many times did Englishman Nick Faldo win the Masters? (3 pts) 4. What is the name of the historical cabin at Augusta National where the US Masters winner is presented with the green jacket? (3 pts) 5. Which South African golfer won the 2008 Masters? (3 pts) 6. Only one Scotsman has won the Masters. Can you name that person?

(4 pts) 7. On the day before the Masters starts, players warm up with a competition.

What is the event? (2 pts) 8. True or false: The winner of the Masters is only allowed to keep the green jacket for 12 months. (1 pt)

He consistently scores in the mid 90s, but the closest he has come to shooting his age is a 91 in February and a 92 in December last year.

In his last 75 rounds, Art, who plays off 19.1, has not managed to break the 90 barrier.

Mind you, when he was 87 years old he did score 90 on a few occasions.

With his 89th birthday coming up next month, Art’s consistency around the course should provide him with more opportunities to shoot his age – again.

Price right to remember 1999 IN the lead-up to the World Cup of Golf in 1999, Australia had Greg Norman, Stuart Appleby, Steve Elkington, Craig Parry, Peter O’Malley, Peter Senior, Peter Lonard, Peter Fowler and Rodger Davis to choose from but it was the unlikely pairing of Terry Price and Paul Gow who got the nod.

Price remembers the tournament well.

Art Matthes (centre) receiving his No.1 200 Club shirt from Philip Doolan (left) and Darryl Crank (right) in recognition for his more than 200 Vets games for Mount Coolum Golf Club.

Crossword > 1

“Mark O’Meara was playing with a guy named Tiger somebody,” Price said tongue in cheek.

“Mark O’Meara had seven-over par in the final round, but he was having a great time waving to the crowd.

“Fortunately for him his partner (Tiger) had 21-under par for the week and they easily won the event.”

According to Price, O’Meara was over the moon and nothing could wipe the smile off his face for “helping” Tiger win the $US400,000 prize purse.

“At the time, Tiger Woods was the best player in the world and everyone was talking about him being the man (to beat).”

Still, Tiger did pick up an additional $US100,000 for winning the individual title and he won eight tournaments from 21 starts that year banking $US6.6m on the PGA Tour.

9. Whom did Adam Scott defeat in a playoff to win the 2013 Masters? (3 pts)

Spain (Santiago Luna and Miguel Angel Martin) finished second and Ireland (Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington) third.

ANSWERS: (1). Danny Willett; (2). Magnolia Lane; (3).

Three times; (4). Butler Cabin; (5). Trevor Immelman; (6). Sandy Lyle in 1988; (7). The par-3 competition; (8) True. The winner must return the jacket to the club after one year; (9). Angel Cabrera.

Australia (Price and Gow) finished 16th in the 32-strong field with a score of 573 – five-over par. For their efforts, Price and Gow collected five grand each.

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“We worked as hard as each other and finished with the same score.”

What stood out for Price was the performance of the winning American team.

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“It was at the Mines Resort and Golf Club in Malaysia when Paul Gow and I represented Australia at the World Cup of Golf,” Price recalls.

“In those days, you added your scores together and Gowie and I made a good account of ourselves.

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1 Highest finishing Australian at the 2011 British Open, _______ Green (7) 5 Winner of The Honda Classic in 2015, _______ Harrington (7) 9 Slightly wet (5) 10 Winner of the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open, Hideki _________ (9) 11 Missing the target (3,6) 12 Continent that’s home to K.J. Choi and Zhang Lian-wei (4) 14 Winner of the 2017 WGC Mexico Championship, ______ Johnson (6) 16 Club sometimes used for safety off the tee (3,4) 17 Brush up on (7) 19 Aussie winner of the 2017 NZ PGA Championship, Jarryd ______ (6) 23 Performs (4) 24 Course, esp by the sea, typically open and undulating (4,5) 27 One-on-one golf (9) 28 Exceed or excel in performance (5) 29 Playing companion (7) 30 Clubs used on a green (7)

1 Winner of the 2017 Perth Super 6, Brett _______ (7) 2 Most important (5) 3 Sanctioned (10) 4 Composed, quiet, and reserved (6) 5 Decorative design (7) 6 Renovate (2,2) 7 Highest-finishing Aussie at the 2017 Honda Classic (4,5) 8 Leave (2,4) 13 Winner of the 2017 NZPGA Senior Championship (3,7) 15 Member of the gallery (9) 16 Possess (3) 18 Normal, customary, or usual (7) 20 Those who don’t turn up to play (2-5) 21 Get ready to play by rehearsing a few shots (4,2) 22 Malfunction (4,2) 25 Saltpetre (5) 26 Travelling on too flat a trajectory (4) Answers: page 92 www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

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A World Super 6 indeed!

hole used the 18th green, which meant they had to wait until the match behind them (Adam Bland and Belgium’s Thomas Detry) finished the hole before they could have a crack. That match wound up all square as well. When Fox and Verman both parred the play-off hole (you need to concentrate on what I’m saying now, readers), they headed back to the tee, waited for the next group finishing off their 6-hole match to finish and then took a seat while Bland and Detry played off!

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

It was a world golfing first! And I’m not talking about Tiger Woods appearing on Married at First Sight, or Peter Fowler growing a fringe. It was golf’s first international attempt to change the classic 18-hole round and speed things up a bit.

I covered The World Super 6 Perth Tournament, and I reckon it was brilliant.

Understandably, there were a couple of potholes the Aussie PGA Tour guys will have to blue metal up. I was completely overcome with nonchalance when Brett Rumford made three birdies in a row from 15 through 17 on Saturday to move to 17-under. Coming down the 18th (well, not so much “down” as up and over that huge hill which resembles of a lovely couch-grasscovered Uluru) with a 5-shot lead didn’t seem to mean anything in terms of the tournament.

In a regular four-round event, Rummy would have a commanding lead to take into the last round and with his confidence up, successful experience in winning European Tour tournaments and a short game which resembles something religious, he was going to be almost impossible to reel in. But in this tourney, he was no better off than the other 7 seeded players coming into Sunday’s rounds of match play! I reckon I could have stumbled into the top-8 with that lead and one hole to play!!

Given all I needed to do was get my Srixon Z Star into the hole for something less than 9! (I’m not

They too couldn’t be separated after one hole so the whole cycle started again. By this point, that queue for a Kransky now looked like a much better option!

Like I said, this was the first event of its type on the big stage and I have no doubt our Aussie PGA Tour people will make the appropriate changes for 2018. suggesting I wouldn’t have used up at least 2 or 3 shots of that lead, though. ) There definitely needs to be a more significant reason to be the number 1 seed after three rounds. On the other hand, on the same afternoon we saw a ripping sudden-death playoff between 8 players for the final 5 spots.

Sunday’s match play began with a rather large glitch as well. The whole reason this event was created was to speed the game up but after the third and fourth matches had to go to extra time, there was a hold up on the purpose-built parthree tee just slightly smaller than the queue to the Kransky stand in the tented village.

The problem began in the third match when America’s Johannes Verman and Aussie Daniel Fox (interesting combination of names), finished all square after their 6-hole jaunt. The play-off

From a spectator’s point of view, which I always like to get involved in, it was a lot of fun. Now punters have a better understanding of where we need to be to see the action on Sunday and how it’s important to remember there are only 6 holes and none of them are very far from the clubhouse, you can position yourself in some pretty handy places. Plus the PGA-indorsed “Yenda Beer Outside Bar” was nothing short of magnificent. That is a mighty good drop, readers.

The Yenda Hell Unflitered Lager has become my new best mate…. Sorry Hearny!!

By the way, Brett Rumford is a ripping bloke who withstood the pressure of being the overwhelming local favourite and took his 5-shot strokeplay lead all the way through 24 holes of pressure-packed match play to claim his 6th European Tour Title!

Like I said, a brilliant week!

A pair of Jacks set to battle for Deaf Golf

McLeod from Bayview Golf Club in Sydney’s northern beaches won the world title at age 16 and by an impressive 13 strokes at the Japan 2012 World Championships. Oddly enough the other Jack from the Southern Golf Club in Melbourne wrestled the title from McLeod at the following 2014 World Championships at Traverse City, Michigan USA. Remarkably Besley came through unscathed and was the clubhouse leader after the first round when the Arctic polar vortex tore through the Jack Nicklaus-designed “Bear” course at Traverse City.

Neither of the Jacks won last year’s 2016 Championships title in Copenhagen, Denmark. Germany’s Allen John, who had his amateur status reinstated in 2015 after a few years on the pro tour, claimed the title. But that doesn’t mean their resolve to conquer again has diminished in any way. Wollongong 88

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

THERE could be a crocodile or two lurking during the playing of the $A157,000 South Pacific Export Radler PNG Open at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, according to the club’s general manager Scott Morrissey.

“We expect crocodiles to be watching the action,” he said in the lead-up to the May 4-7 tournament.

Morrissey told Inside Golf the golf course was in “fantastic condition” and would definitely challenge the players.

“The golfers can expect a great, tight driving golf course with small Queensland blue couch greens and no bunkers,” he added.

Morrissey said there would be a junior pro-am on Tuesday, May 2 followed by a pro-am on Wednesday, May 3 along with a $A10,000 chipping competition that evening.

The tournament’s defending champion is Brad Moules.

Last year he defeated Queensland pair Anthony Quayle and Aaron Wilkin on the second hole in a sudden-death playoff.

This is the 11th successive year South Pacific Brewery (SPB) has thrown its weight behind the PNG Open as naming rights sponsor.

SPB managing director Stan Joyce said the tournament was now one of the most successful sporting partnerships the brewery has had due to the confidence of the organising team.

“We have seen significant growth in the sport of golf over the years and are clearly proud of our association with the PNG Open as it promotes our brands and golf,” he said.

Geoff Read What are the odds of Australia’s top deaf golfers playing head-to-head in a keenlyanticipated contest this month? It is a contest like no other. Unique in the sense that these two golfers share the same first name, same disability, are in their twenties and between them won back-to-back World Deaf Golf Championship titles. Jack Besley from Victoria (GolfLink handicap +0.9) and NSW’s Jack McLeod (Golflink handicap +0.5) will battle it out for supremacy at the 24th Australian Deaf Golf Championships that will be held at Wollongong 23-25 April 2017.

Crocs to watch action in PNG

The Australian Deaf Golf Team to 2014 WDGC – Jack Besley (4th from right, back row) and Jack McLeod (1st from right, back row) is the qualifying event for the next World Deaf Golf championships that will be held at Dublin, Ireland in July next year and that is what the two young Jacks have set their eyes on.

Both Jacks were born profoundly deaf; McLeod has bilateral cochlear implants (both ears) and Besley wears powerful hearing aids.

Deafness is never a barrier when one sets out to achieve anything.

“Deaf people can do anything that hearing people can do …. except hear”, wrote Fred C. Schreiber a well-known American deaf leader. That statement can be proven by the examples of world-class deaf golfers such as USA’s Kevin Hall (currently playing some Web. Com & US Tour events) and Germany’s Allen John. There is nothing to deter the Jacks from doing the same and they derive immense satisfaction knowing youth and time are on their side.

In addition to the World and National Deaf Championships, both Jacks have been regular players in national and state amateur championships as well as playing in pro events such as NSW Open and Victorian Open.

Readers would be interested to know that golfers who register to play deaf national or

international events are asked to not to wear their hearing aids and/or cochlear implants when competing on the course. This is to ensure a level-playing field where no player may benefit from a competitive advantage of hearing wind, or even the sound of clubs hitting the ball. Conversely, one distinct advantage that deaf golfers do have over their hearing competitors is the weapon of silence when putting on greens.

The Wollongong meet is a national event and keenly contested by deaf and hard of hearing golfers from all over Australia.

The event is open to any golfer who has a minimum hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in the better ear. Players with cochlear implants can more than easily qualify to play.

Deaf Golf Australia has a proud track record of producing world champions in both the ladies and men’s events as well as team events. Linda Davis won the Ladies World Championships three times (2004, 2006, 2008) and Denver Magnusson won the Men’s in 2008. Currently, Deaf Golf Australia together with Golf Australia are finalising plans to put in a formal bid for the right to host the World Championships here in Australia in 2022. www.deafgolfaustralia.com.au

Royal Port Moresby Golf Club president Mark Stallard said the club was looking forward to hosting the event on the initiation from the PNG Golf Association.

“After staging an extremely successful 2016 PNG Open that witnessed a magnificent and enthralling threeway playoff involving an amateur, the team at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club certainly do know how to stage fantastic events,” he said.

Tournament director Ken Dunn said he expected a field of 120 players – 80 professionals and 40 amateurs.

“We are once again looking forward to hosting what is now the largest and most professionally run annual sporting event in Papua New Guinea,” he said.

“As always the professional golfers attending will be warmly welcomed at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club by members and those many enthusiastic supporters who come along.

“It is always a great four days of sport and entertainment.

“The local community is looking forward to welcoming the golfers and representatives of the Australian PGA.”

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This month’s winner!

On Discrimination This seems to be a hot topic at the moment, gender equality in golf. There are some very dedicated, passionate and intelligent people working through this issue and they seem to be making some positive changes.

This month’s Prize: 1 dozen Volvik S4 Tour balls, plus Volvik Tour cap

It’s not just old men ruining golf I have to jump in on the problem clubs are having getting and keeping new members.

A club I am no longer at turned away two social players who inadvertently turned up to play on a Saturday morning unaware that it was a comp day. The next week sitting around after the round somebody suggested we have a recruiting drive to try and get new members, to which I reminded everyone that we had a chance to get two new members the week before and we turned them away.

This is not the first time this had happened at this club and judging by the response I got it won’t be the last. I can’t think of a better way to get new members than by encouraging them to play in a comp with a couple of members who can sell the benefits of the club. Old men are not the problem with golf, as one of your letters suggested; it is a cultural problem right across the whole industry.

Andy Webber

Pro golf boring? No way Recently, I had the joy of watching (nearly) wall-to-wall golf on Fox 1 (Genesis Open – USPGA Tour), Fox 2 (Super 6 Perth TriSanctioned event) and the ABC (Australian Ladies Open). What a fabulous weekend of golf and of the contrasts of the modern pro game.

At one end of the spectrum you had the “flat bellys” on the PGA tour bombing it 300 yards on every tee shot being challenged by one of the truly great and interesting courses in LA (case in point being the par-3 6th with the bunker in the middle of the green, or the drivable par-four tenth which is reachable by all in the field but birdied by not that many).

But, when it boils down to it, it is just another 72 hole stroke event.

At the other end of remote control we had the Super 6 at Lake Karrinyup. Now this was compelling viewing. Head to head, fast-paced, sprint-style golf topped off with a 66 metre sudden-death knockout hole.

Absolutely entertaining viewing. It was obviously helped with local lad Rumford coming good, winning back his European card. Ron the Caddie playing a starring role and even the use of carts getting the players to their tee shots in an effort to speed up play. In fact – why don’t we do this all the time – but that may be a bridge too far.

Flick over to the ABC and you had the girls battling at Royal Adelaide – what a great course and what good golf. Topped off with

today’s most effervescent player, man or women, Ha Na Jang holing a bomb on 17th to win.

So what is the message here? Golf on TV needs to be engaging. The audience needs to feel part of the event. It needs to be “entertaining” and innovative. It needs to suit the modern lifestyle of the time-poor citizen.

It needs to look at the Big Bash Phenomenon.

Short, sharp, colourful and interesting. Why not have a shot clock – I mean really – who wants to see the pros mark their ball on a two-foot putt, line it up so the stripe is on the line, do Aimpoint and then knock it in? Why not mike the players? Why not have the carts on every hole conveying payers to their balls after their 300 yard drives – if that saves 3 minutes every round there is nearly an hour saved. Why not give it a try? There is nothing to lose.

There will always be tournaments for the purists (The Open, US Open, Masters…….) but it is now time to review what is on offer.

I am not sure if the Stadium hole at the Waste Management Open is really the way we should go – I prefer the following hole which is a risk/reward par-4 which is far more entertaining.

We are at such an interesting time in Australian and world golf. Let’s take this baby out and take it for a spin.

Golf is boring? I definitely beg to differ.

It is extremely important for all clubs to encourage more members so our clubs stay viable, and a lot can be done in this area, also the scales need to be balanced between genders. However I still witness unintentional discrimination by clubs by providing a ladies day where male members are not permitted to compete, Wednesday at my club, and a ladies completion separate to the main competition played on any given day, Saturday at my club.

There is no men’s day.

In order to counter this perhaps more could be done to eliminate this divide and incorporate all golfers into one competition every day.

Every golfer is given a handicap to ‘even’ the field and allow all golfers to compete; one of the beautiful things about golf is that men and women can compete against each other.

I know some female golfers that are far better

TOP SHOTS

golfers than I am (or am likely to be); they can drive a ball over 220m with pinpoint accuracy and I know some male golfers that are physically incapable of hitting the ball further than 150 meters. With this in mind, why, when we are all striving for equality, do clubs persist with ladies day and ladies tees, both genderbased and ignore the abilities of the golfer?

Why couldn’t every comp be open to every member and tees be ‘handicap’ based rather than gender based?

Clubs could still offer 5 day, 6 day or 7 day memberships and the ladies could be afforded the equality we are all striving for.

I don’t see how partial equality can be the solution.

Todd Raysmith Editor’s note: Thanks Todd. We’ve published a few articles on the push for handicap-based tees, and gender equality. See them on our website: www.insidegolf.com.au/opinion/ closing-the-gender-membership-gap/, and www.insidegolf.com.au/opinion/suited-to-atee-going-beyond-the-red-white-and-blue/

Buggy for ‘Sail’ During the crazy weather experienced in Sydney over the past month, a lot of golfers have taken to hoisting their umbrella to the buggy to seek shelter from either the sun or rain.

They however fail to understand that when the wind gets up and gusts at strength, the umbrella becomes a sail and will be blown away and cause your buggy to lay on its side like a shot horse, spilling its contents onto the green and (in my case) your playing partners hysterical with laughter. Players be warned!!!

David Rose

An Ace at 81 After 51 years of golf, 81-year old Audrey Smyly (pictured) celebrates her first hole in one in the Ladies Competition at Ipswich City Golf Club. Congratulations Audrey!

Greg Climpson

Aussie Golf Channel please I am semi-retired and really enjoy my sport and now golf in particular. When I have completed my work for the day (usually) about 12.00 to 12.30pm each day, if I don’t go and have a hit of golf in the afternoon, I turn the TV on and spend the afternoon watching Channel 78, The Racing Channel.

I never used to like horse racing, but now I am getting to really enjoy the racing and

other programs that they have.

It is a great pity that Golf Australia doesn’t have a dedicated Free-to-Air Golf Channel for the “Couch Potatoes” that can’t always get out and have a game of golf. The Oates Victorian Open was only televised on the ABC from 1.00 to 6.00 on the Saturday & Sunday, the same for the LPGA Women’s Open from Adelaide, whilst the last

tournament in Perth never even rated a mention on local TV stations.

If Golf Australia are fair dinkum about promoting the sport in Australia, they have to advertise their sport in a better fashion, as other sports will no doubt knock them off the front pages very quickly as AFL, NRL, NBA and Aus Netball just to name a few.

Ross Murrihy www.insidegolf.com.au | April 2017

89

demo dates PING

Location

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

New South Wales April 03 Randwick Golf Club ◊ * Monday Pennant Hills Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday April 04 Roseville Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 05 Highlands Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 07 April 08 Belmont Golf Club ◊ * Saturday Asquith Golf Club ◊ * Monday April 10 Thornleigh Golf Centre ◊ * Tuesday April 11 The Australian Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 12 Royal Sydney Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 13 April 18 Yass Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday Griffith Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 19 Coffs Harbour Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 20 Leeton Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 20 Wagga Wagga Country Club ◊ * Friday April 21 Bathurst Driving Range ◊ * Wednesday April 26 April 27 Dubbo Golf Club ◊ * Thursday Wentworth Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 28 Dural Driving Range ◊ * Saturday April 29 Queensland Victoria Park Driving Range ° * Tuesday April 04 Redcliffe Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 05 April 07 Virginia Golf Club ◊ * Friday Noosa Golf Club ° Tuesday April 11 April 11 Caloundra Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday Bribie Island Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 12 April 19 House of Golf Coffs Harbour ◊ * Wednesday April 19 Indooroopilly Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Oxley Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 20 Burleigh Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 21 Nudgee Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 21 April 26 Parkwood Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Middle Ridge Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday April 26 April 27 Sanctuary Cove ◊ * Thursday Mcleod Country Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 27 April 27 Golf Central Driving Range ◊ * Thursday Palm Meadows ° Friday April 28 Maroochy River Golf Club ° Friday April 28 Victoria April 01 Leongatha Golf Club ◊ * Saturday Warragul Country Club ◊ * Tuesday April 04 April 05 Melbourne Golf Academ ° Wednesday Victoria Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 06 Patterson River Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 07 April 08 National Golf Club - Cape Schanck ◊ * Saturday Yarra Bend Driving Range ° Thursday April 13 Wodonga Golf Club ◊ * Tuesday April 18 April 19 Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club ◊ * Wednesday Cobram Barooga Golf Club ◊ * Thursday April 20 Rich River Golf Resort ◊ * Friday April 21 Royal Melbourne Golf Club ◊ * Saturday April 22 Woodlands Golf Club ◊ * Saturday April 23 South Australia House of Golf Mildura ◊ * Thursday April 06 Alice Springs Golf Club ◊ * Saturday April 22 Flight Path Driving range ◊ * Sunday April 23 Darwin Golf Club ◊ * Sunday April 23 The Vines of Reynella ◊ * Thursday April 27 Mt Barker Golf Club ◊ * Friday April 28

WILSON STAFF Location

12 - 4pm 8am - 2pm 8am - 1pm 12 - 4pm 9am - 1pm 12 - 3pm 3 - 7.30pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 3pm 11am - 2pm 9am -2pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 11am - 4pm 10am - 3pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 4pm 5 - 7.30pm 12 - 4pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 1-4 10.30am - 2.30pm 2 - 6pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 12 - 4m 2 - 6pm 10.30am - 2.30pm 12 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 2 - 6.30pm 1 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 12.30 - 4pm 2 - 6pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 4pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 8pm 10am - 2pm 2.30 - 5pm 9.30am - 12.30pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm

www.wilson.com/en-au/golf/ | (03) 8586 6600 Day

New South Wales Tamworth Golf Club √ ** Monday Victoria Drumond Golf Camperdown √ Friday Royal Fremantle Golf Club ≠ ** Thursday Tocumwal Golf Club √ ** Wednesday Western Australia Royal Fremantle Golf Club √ ** Thursday

Date Time April 10

11am - 5pm

April 07 April 20 April 26

2 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

April 20

10am - 2pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. °Ping Demo day. ◊ Ping Fitting. » TaylorMade Demo Day. † TaylorMade Fitting. √ Wilson Staff Fitting Day. ≠ Wilson Staff Demo Day. Dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending.

CALLAWAY

Location

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

New South Wales / ACT Magenta Shores Golf Club √ * ** Paradise Golf Driving Range √ House Of Golf Mildura √ / ≠ Royal Hobart Golf Club √ * The Range At O’halloran Hill √ Drummond Golf Northmead ≠ Queensland Elanora Country Club Ltd Victoria Everglades Golf Club √ The Australian Golf Club √ ** The House Of Golf Malvern ≠ * Western Australia Thornleigh Golf Centre Pty Ltd √ South Australia Moore Park Golf House ≠

COBRA PUMA

Day

Date Time

Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Wednesday Saturday

April 05 April 06 April 06 April 07 April 12 April 29

Friday

April 07 9am - 2pm

Wednesday Wednesday Friday

April 12 7am - 12pm April 26 9am - 1pm April 28 9am - 1ppm

Tuesday

April 04 3 - 7pm

Thursday

April 20 4 - 7pm

cobragolf.com.au

Location

Day Date Time

New South Wales Bexley Golf Club Tuesday Golf Ladies First Thursday Carnavon Golf Club Friday Friday Port Macquarie Golf Club Queensland Gailes GC Friday Wednesday Bribie Island GC DG Ashmore Thursday Wednesday Ocean Shores CC Victoria Wednesday Devonport Golf Club MGA Wednesday DG Preston Monday Friday Rich River Melton Valley GC Friday Western Australia Saturday Carramar GC Peel Golf Centre Friday Melville Glades GC Saturday Maylands Peninsula GC Wednesday Kennedy Bay GC Friday Whaleback Golf Club Thursday

MIZUNO

Location

New South Wales / ACT Thornleigh Golf Centre * Northbridge G.C * Drummond Golf - Gosford * Royal Sydney G.C * ** Belmont GC - Golf Expo * Sharks Driving Range * Drummond Golf - Casula * Kurri G.C * Drummond Golf. Nth Mead. Golf Expo * Queensland Vic Park Bargara Golf Club * HOG Hervey Bay * Noosa Golf Club * Headland Golf Club * Wynumm * Wantima Country Club Tweed Heads Middle Ridge Pelican Waters * Palm Meadows Maroochy River * Victoria HG Mildura Royal Melbourne GC * ** MGA Driving Range Centenary Park GC * Heathmont Golf Park South Australia The Vines GC

April 04 April 20 April 21 April 21

10am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 2pm

April 07 April 19 April 20 April 26

11am - 4pm 9.30am - 12.30pm 2 - 5pm 8am - 12pm

April 05 April 05 April 10 April 17 April 21

12 - 4pm 4 - 7pm 11am - 3pm 9am - 2pm 12 - 4pm

April 01 April 07 April 08 April 12 April 21 March 30

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

mizuno.com.au

Day

Date Time

Tuesday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday

April 04 April 06 April 06 April 07 April 08 April 20 April 27 April 28 April 29

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

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

April 04 April 06 April 07 April 11 April 13 April 20 April 21 April 21 April 26 April 26 April 28 April 28

5 - 7.30pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 5pm 12 - 4pm 3 - 5pm 10.30am - 1.30pm 12 - 4pm 1.30 - 4.30pm 2 - 5pm

Thursday Saturday Thursday Friday Friday

April 06 April 08 April 13 April 21 April 28

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

Friday

April 07 3 - 7pm

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golf directory

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SIMPLE SYSTEM THAT WORKS 94

April 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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FOR 48 BALLS

Normally in Silver Box

TaylorMade Putter Bridgestone Sand Wedge Daddy Long Legs 2.0 Black/White, Oversize Head Face Balanced 35” or 38” Includes Cover

$199

West Coast Design 54° Loft Zip Grooves Wedge Flex Only Right Hand

$39

Ladies Callaway X-Hot Irons (6) + 2 Graphite Shafts 6, 7, 8, 9 Pitching & Sand Wedges

EASY TO USE Model

XR Irons

4 - SW (8) Right Only Regular Flex Graphite Only

$16 $778

2015 Model

DOZEN

$399

Eagles & Birdies Magnetic Pro (2016 14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Tube Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket Black/Charcoal $399 Black or Black/Red

4.5kg

Model)

$325

Callaway Super Soft Balls (2015)

CABRETTA Leather

Mens Left S, M, M-L, L, XL Mens Right S, M + XL Ladies Left Medium + Large Tour Quality 3 White Only

FOR $7 Postage Anywhere in Australia

$599

$109 $100 FINISH

56º Sand 60º Lob Dynamic Gold Wedge Flex

Srixon Distance Balls Callaway Graphite

Srixon Glove Deals

All Weather

Pin Acquisition Technology 6x Magnification +/- 1 Metre Accuracy $300 Blue Only

INCLUDED IN DEAL CALLAWAY XR 5 IRON & GAP WEDGE

$22 Fitted

Mens Standard Thickness White Only Full Cord

$6

Laser Range Finder Callaway 200

Right or Left Hand

$42

Low Compression Durable Cover

Individually Boxed White Balls x 144 = $312

$26 $33

DOZEN

“

I PUT THE NEW

CALLAWAY EPIC DRIVER

IN AT THE START OF THE YEAR AND IT’S REALLY BEEN A

GAME CHANGER.

I’VE BEEN DRIVING IT BETTER THAN I EVER HAVE. - MARC LEISHMAN

CALLAWAYGOLF.COM.AU