Inside Golf June 2017

Au s t r a l i a ’ s

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Golf

M a g a z i ne

Issue 143 // JUNE 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

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www.insidegolf.com.au/opinion

Best Opinion (2015-16) Best Column (2011-12) Best Photojournalism (2006-07)

starters box

Share your (cover) story AustrAliA’s

Most-Read

Richard Fellner

Golf

Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

O

ne of the things I love most about the game of golf is the amazing variety of people that I meet on the course, and the fascinating, inspirational stories that they share. Just like snowflakes, no two golfers’ stories are the same; each one has its own unique character and style.

Indeed, the golf course is almost like a giant “melting pot” that brings people from all walks of life together; all sharing in the singular joy (or frustration) of hitting a little white ball across a grassy piece of land.

?

As the Editor of a major golf magazine, I enjoy reading and Could YOU—or someone you know— sharing some of these great be on a future cover of Inside Golf? stories each month, especially the ones of truly inspirational club members. The “Average Joe” (or people. And though we publish a “Josephine!”). lot of great stories in our “People” So whether there is a senior section, we are barely scratching the member who has dedicated surface. Every day across Australia, themselves to the club over the years, the great game of golf is enjoyed by a talented up-and-coming young star thousands and thousands of truly who simply can’t get enough of the amazing people, who all have some game, a member who has battled incredibly touching and inspiring the odds for the game they love, stories that go untold. or simply someone who you think Well, we want to hear these stories of inspirational people. All of them.

And we want to share them with the world.

Best of all, we want to find one exceptionally inspirational golfer’s story and put it on the cover!

You read that right. Inside Golf is giving you (or that special someone in your family or at your club) the chance to live the dream of being on the cover of a major golf magazine!

Let’s face it: even though we (and every other golf magazine on the planet) regularly feature the top touring professionals on our cover each month, we know that the game of golf is well and truly driven at the grassroots level by regular

personifies the game of golf itself, we want to hear their story. They don’t have to be a “Superman” or “Wonder Woman”; they just need to love golf, and be truly inspirational in some way.

And it doesn’t even have to be just one person. Maybe there is a pair of “inseparable” club members who volunteer their time for some noble cause at the club...or a trio of family members who dedicate their time to drive participation. The sky is the limit. If it’s an inspirational story, then it’s fair game!

So if you know of someone who fits the bill, here’s what to do: • Visit www.insidegolf.com.au/ competitions and click on the link to this story.

www.insidegolf.com.au Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 EDITORIAL: Group Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Chief Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Design & Layout: Stacey Fortescue, Rhys Martin, Rob Kirk Contributors: Larry Canning, Michael Court, Andrew Crockett, Denis Dale, Steven Jeffress, Karen Lunn, David Merriman, Richard Nizielski

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

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• Using the online form, nominate a person who you think deserves to have their story told, and share your reasons (in 400 words or less) why they are inspirational. (Don’t worry if your writing skills aren’t that great.

Just put it in your own simple words. We’re looking for a good story, not necessarily a good storyteller!)

• Over the next few months, the Inside Golf team will read each of the stories, select our favourites and share them with our readers (in print and online).

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• The most inspirational story, as deemed by readers and the Inside Golf staff, will get their photo on the cover of a future issue, along with their story, written by one of our staff writers.

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So go ahead, share a story with us.

Make us laugh. Make us cry. But most importantly, inspire us!

See you on the fairways (or maybe on the cover!)

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

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IN THIS ISSUE:

10 18 21 25 30 32 38 42 48 50 51 60 62 64 65 66 67

Australian PGA Championship to cap off Aussie summer of golf

cLUB NEWS IG BUSINESS GENERAL MANAGERS ON TOUR COVER STORY

Royal Melbourne Golf Club will host the 2019 Presidents Cup

US OPEN PREVIEW gear

PRESIDENTS CUP MELBOURNE BOUND

JUNIORS

PGA Tour tournament officials announced last month that the Presidents Cup will once again return to the prestigious Royal Melbourne Golf Club when the event takes centre stage in 2019.

The return to the State of Victoria, will mark the third time in the biennial event’s 25-year history.

RULES CLUB OF THE MONTH INSTRUCTION SENIOR AMATEURS

The Presidents Cup was previously held in Melbourne in 1998 and 2011, also at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club. No other international venue has hosted a Presidents Cup more than once. Melbourne also holds the distinction as the site of the lone International Team’s victory in 1998, which saw Peter Thomson’s International Team defeat Jack Nicklaus’ U.S. Team 20.5 to 11.5. In 2011, Fred Couples led the U.S. Team to a 19-15 win over Greg Norman and the Internationals.

19TH HOLE events YOUR SAY DEMO DAYS

GOLF DIRECTORY

www.insidegolf.com.au

Issue 44 //

Golf Travel LIFT-OUT: THE MURRAY RIVER AND THE SUNSHINE COAST

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“We’re thrilled to once again be returning to the prestigious and storied Royal Melbourne Golf Club,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Our history there speaks volumes about not only the course and its ability to host world-class competitions, but also the surrounding area in Melbourne as a destination for our fans and players. With so many great courses in the Sandbelt, we were not short on choice when it came to selecting a

championship-tested venue. Returning to such a storied course for this event, especially as both teams have been victorious there, is a special privilege and sets both teams up for an even playing field to break the tie.”

The oldest golf club in Australia, The Royal Melbourne Golf Club was founded in 1891 and moved to its current location in 1926, becoming the anchor of what is now known as the Sandbelt. The club has two courses, both ranked in the World’s Top 100, and designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie.

“Royal Melbourne is delighted to be chosen to host the 2019 Presidents Cup,” said David Thomas, Captain of Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

“It is a prestigious international tournament featuring many of the very best golfers in the world. Past encounters have invariably included many fine matches, with players from both teams displaying finely honed golfing skills and exhibiting outstanding sportsmanship in a team environment. Our Club looks forward to some excellent golf being played by both teams on our renowned Composite Course.”

Dates for the 2019 event will be announced at a future time. For more information, visit www.presidentscup.com.

City Golf Club Toowoomba – hosts of the QLD PGA Championship “play where the pro’s play”

The Australian PGA Championship will retain its traditional end-of-season place on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia schedule when it tees off from 30 November to 3 December.

Being played at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, the Australian PGA Championship will cap off an incredible year of golf in Australasia, yet will also be one of the first tournaments on the 2018 European Tour schedule with the tournament again co-sanctioned.

“The Australian PGA Championship has always been a favourite amongst the Australian players. It is a chance for our leading players to come home and celebrate the end of the season,” said Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia.

“Since moving to the Gold Coast, this festival atmosphere has been enhanced by a number of initiatives across the week including Cobra Puma Orange Crush Kids Day, Greg Norman Medal, the SONIQ Million Dollar Hole and live music.”

As the final event on the 2017 ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia schedule, the Order of Merit champion will also be decided. In recognition of their success in the 2017 the Order of Merit winner will be rewarded with starts in international tournaments in 2018 as well as the Von Nida Medal.

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June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Toowoomba

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Queensland Open dates set

USGA and R&A to review use of green-reading materials

The 2017 Isuzu Queensland Open is set to tee-off at The Brisbane Golf Club from 26-29 October.

The Championship is a part of an action-packed Australian summer of golf and forms part of the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

Golf’s governing bodies, The United States Golf Association and the R&A, issued a joint statement last month regarding the use of green-reading materials; notably the various sketchbooks and maps used by professional golfers on Tour.

Tournament director Luke Bates said Golf Queensland was pleased with this year’s dates and expected a strong field of competitors due to its placement on the professional golfing event calendar.

“The unique format allows both professionals and amateurs to compete against each other to join the list of champions,” Bates said.

“It is a strong stepping stone for golfers and the likes of Jason Day and Greg Norman have played in the Championship on their way to become the world’s number one golfer.

“Last year we had an amateur (Brett Coletta) win the championship, ironically when it was last at The Brisbane Golf Club in 1991 Stuart Appleby won as an amateur.”

The Isuzu Queensland Open Championship on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia is an important tournament for Tour Professionals in Australia.

“The tournament winner will enjoy the advantage of exemption onto the Tour until the end of 2018 while the whole field will benefit from the Official World Golf Ranking Points on offer,” Mr Bates said.

More: www.qldopen.com.au.

Steven Jeffress

An Emerald win for Jeffress Perfect golf conditions greeted players at the Emerald Golf Club last month for the first of six events played over two weeks as part of the Onsite Rental Group Mining Towns series. This is the second year that the Onsite Rental Group has come onboard as the Series Sponsor.

A total of 35 visiting Professionals from across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria teed it up in the Emerald Pro-Am, all vying for the first win of the Mining Town Series.

Experienced Professional (and monthly Inside Golf columnist) Steven Jeffress fired an impressive 5-under-par 65 to secure a two-shot victory at the Emerald Golf Club.

Jeffress had six birdies and just one bogey on his card for the round.

“I played really steady today and gave myself plenty of opportunities to make birdies; my only bogey coming at the 17th hole when I hit it into the bunker,” said Jeffress. “This is my second time up here for the Mining Towns Events, I am looking forward to the rest of the series”.

Professional Nelson Turner from the Gold Coast was out earlier in the day and set the early lead with a 3-under-par 67 but had to settle for second place in the end.

“This is the best finish I have had in a Pro-Am, so I am thrilled with my finish and really pleased with how I played today,” said Turner.

“The R&A and the USGA believe that a player’s ability to read greens is an essential part of the skill of putting,” the statement said. “Rule 14-3 limits the use of equipment and devices that might assist a player in their play, based on the principle that golf is a challenging game in which success should depend on the judgement, skills and abilities of the player. We are concerned about the rapid development of increasingly detailed materials that players are using to help with reading greens during a round. We are reviewing the use of these materials to assess whether any actions need to be taken to protect this important part of the game”.

The bodies have said that they expect to address this matter further in the coming months.

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

7

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World Cup of Golf donates $700,000 to The Handa Foundation

Vic Senior Open set through 2021 Yarrawonga Mulwala Resort and Black Bull Golf Club have signed on as joint host venues for the Shepparton BMW Victorian Senior Open through to 2021.

Following the success of the 2016 ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf at Kingston Heath Golf Club, tournament officials, joined by ISPS Handa patron and former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, presented a $700,000 donation from tournament proceeds to The Handa Foundation management team at the Handa Medical Center in Battambang, Cambodia.

Voted best Legends Tour Pro-Am in 2016, the Shepparton BMW Victorian Senior Open has become a highlight of the Legends Tour.

Playing three immaculately presented golf courses with hospitality second to none, the Senior Professionals on the Legends Tour look forward to this event and now they can mark it in their diaries for the next four years.

“We’re very happy to have locked in a fantastic venue for the Victorian Senior Open for the next four years,” said PGA Legends Tour Coordinator Andy Rogers.

“It’s always a highlight on the Legends Tour and Black Bull Golf Club, alongside Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort do a terrific job in hosting our Senior Professionals as well as showcasing the border region on the banks of the Murray River.”

Director of Golf at Black Bull Golf Club James McCully says the club is excited to extend their hosting agreement alongside the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort.

“To see the support that the Black Bull Golf Club has received from the Legends Tour for running the Shepparton BMW Victorian Senior Open we could not be happier with extending our agreement to jointly host this event with Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort till 2021,” McCully said.

Richard Hogg, CEO of the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, echoed McCully’s sentiments and is proud to showcase their first class facilities during the Victorian Senior Open.

“From a business perspective, this Legends event has been a financial success for both the club and our sponsors. The fact that we won the best Legends pro-am event Victoria in our first year was a bonus and testament to what we have to offer and the commitment we invested into this event,” Hogg said.

The 2017 event saw iconic Australian names such as Rodger Davis, Peter O’Malley and Terry Price compete for the title. Defending Champion Peter Senior is already looking forward to returning to the venues in an effort to go back-to-back in 2018.

Thorbjorn Olesen and Lucas Bjerregaard of Denmark (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

AUSTRALIA PIPPED AT GOLFSIXES Denmark are the first ever GolfSixes champions after a 3-1 victory over Australia in the final at the Centurion Club last month.

The European Tour was breaking new ground in St Albans, northwest of London, with 16 teams of two starting the weekend and battling it out first in a group stage and then a knockout over six holes in greensomes.

By Sunday evening only two teams remained and it was Thorbjørn Olesen and Lucas Bjerregaard who took home the trophy after a hard-fought win over Scott Hend and Sam Brazel in front of an excitable crowd.

Entrance music, pyrotechnics and a sprinkling of celebrity gave the event a whole new feel but it was world-class golf that proved to be the highlight, with Olesen claiming his second team win for Denmark in six months after his victory at the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf alongside Søren Kjeldsen.

A birdie on the third gave Australia a 1-0

lead in the final but Denmark then won the final three holes to make golfing history.

“Six holes is very intense match play, playing only six holes, and every shot really counts,” said Olesen. “If you get behind early on, it’s really tough. We managed to get it around a couple of times when we were down, but it’s been so much fun. We definitely both very much enjoyed it.”

Australia’s Hend shared his disappointment in his team’s second-place finish, and commended the Danes on their win.

“It’s a tad disappointing, but Denmark played well and putted the last few holes a little better than us, so they deserved the win,” said Hend.

Teammate Brazel heaped praise on the inaugural GolfSixes event.

“It’s been a great week for everybody,” said Brazel. “It’s great to see so many kids kicking around. It was awesome to be part of it. Centurion put a great event on. To the members, the guests, the fans, it’s been fantastic.”

“On behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours, it is an honour to not only make this contribution to The Handa Foundation, but to also be here and see, first hand, the meaningful impact that this foundation is having,” said Tournament Director Robyn Cooper. “The motto of the ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf has been to promote international goodwill through golf. Today, making this donation and being here to see its impact, is a fantastic example of how this event is delivering on this vision which was created more than 60 years ago.”

In 2012 Dr. Haruhisa Handa founded a new International NGO called The Handa Foundation, which has been registered in the United States, the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Cambodia.

It is a non-religious, non-political, not-for-profit organization with the mission of building sustainable hospitals, schools, farms and sports centres in Southeast Asia.

It receives funding from generous individuals and organizations, and is driven by Dr. Handa’s visionary leadership.

More information: www.thehandafoundation.org.

Demo the new Ping G range in your area, and get a perfect custom fit with your size and your colour.

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A boon for Burleigh

Dad close to son Cam’s record DES Smith narrowly missed equalling or bettering his son Cameron’s course record at his beloved Wantima Country Golf Club in Brisbane’s northern suburbs recently.

Hot on the heels of Cameron’s victory with partner Jonas Blixt in the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, dad took part in the club’s monthly medal (May 6) and was hotter than a Ghost pepper.

The four marker, who played off five from the men’s blue tees, fired a 65 off the stick for a nett 60.

His gross score (65) was one shot off Cameron’s current course record of 64.

For the record, Des won the club championship in 2012 while Cameron won the club championship in 2008 and again the following year.

The members of Burleigh Golf Club could not be happier, after enduring tough financial times since a new clubhouse build in 2007.

The cash injection from Retire Australia, who plan to build a 177-apartment ‘vertical village’, will allow the club to instantly be out of debt, leave it with a surplus and the luxury of capping

the membership size and annual fees. Recent membership uptake at Burleigh has been so strong that there is now a waiting list to join.

onboard SAPPHIRE PRINCESS

The Exotic Asia Golf Cruise will begin in Singapore for its journey through South East Asia on the luxurious Sapphire Princess. The quality of golf has long been recognized in Singapore and Thailand, while it is Vietnam that is the hot new golf destination. The golf will be amazing, with ten rounds all expertly hosted by P.G.A. Golf Professional Robert Stock in fascinating cities in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. A golf cruise of a lifetime.

KO SAMUI PHUKET PENANG

He still has six more holesin-one, however, to catch up to his son, Ian Triggs.

Opening day might be as close as three years away and for some of the members, that day cannot come soon enough. With dreams of relocating to a small retirement complex less than 500m from the clubhouse, this looks like a game-changer for Burleigh Golf Club.

(P.G.A. Golf Professional)

BANGKOK

Inside Golf would like to offer a “well done” to Charlie Triggs, who at 85 years old had his first hole-in-one at Bundaberg after 57 years of trying.

The planned development has gained support from more than 90% of eligible golf club members in a vote, with the club’s general Manager Ian Cottle stating “The prospect of retiring in a contemporary, purpose-built apartment in such close proximity to the course is understandably appealing.”

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Congrats to Triggs Sr.

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ATAS No. A10538 ABN 64 005 817 078

Burleigh Golf Club looks to be moving into envious economic territory, following a cash injection from leasing a prime 1.6 Hectare bit of land, adjoining their 10th fairway. The club is set for a lump sum and an ongoing annuity income, in return for a 99-year lease on the prized piece of land that is now proposed to be a vertically expansive retirement estate, managed by the publicly listed NZ company, Infratil.

He hasn’t contested the club championship since his 2009 victory.

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Davis returns to Roseville

Left to right. Angus McAllister, Cameron Davis, Sean Ryan, Callum Sharp, Eric Zhou, Andew Butler IT was like golf’s version of the Pied Piper when former club champion Cameron Davis returned to his old home club at Roseville in Sydney for an impromptu game there last month.

The rookie professional has been biding his time in Seattle, where he has based himself until the Mackenzie Tour hits off in Vancouver, Canada in the first week of June.

But Davis was back to work on a few things with his Aussie coach Khan Pullen before beginning an attack on the US that he hopes will see him earn a card on the Web.com Tour or, if he can hit the ground running, maybe a saloon passage onto the multi-million US PGA Tour.

Golf Rounds growing WHILE some golf clubs maintain that times are tough and it’s a battle to make ends meet, Golf Australia can take plenty of heart from recent figures released which indicated the number of golf competition rounds being played in Australia was continuing to grow.

And surprisingly, it is the fourth year in succession that competition rounds have been on the rise.

At least that’s what we’re told in the latest report released by the Australian Golf Industry Council in a summary of competition rounds being played and the reported number of singlehandicapped rounds reported to Golflink.

There were almost 300,000 more rounds played in the year ending December, 2016 than there were in 2015, with the 14,850,426 total representing a 2.1 per cent national increase.

Every state except for Tasmania and South Australia recorded increases, with Queensland topping the ‘hits’ with a 5.4 per cent surge.

The Northern Territory (3.2 per cent) and New South Wales (three per cent) also recorded impressive increases.

Obviously a result like this was just what AGIC chairman Stephen Pitt was hoping to hear.

But for the moment Roseville was his focus where he won his first club championship as a teenager.

Davis played with a couple of senior members of the club and took his place in the field behind the Masters pennant matches.

Play was slow so Cameron had plenty of time to give some of the club’s ‘overawed’ youngsters a few tales about life on tour and how to prepare for your golf game while waiting on each tee.

lot more than that when he makes his Canadian Tour debut.

Still the brief return to Sydney gave this extraordinary talent the opportunity to catch up with family and friends.

“All the members at Roseville were keen to find out what he’s been up to and how his game was progressing,” said club stalwart Tony McAlister.

“The youngsters were pretty awestruck when they got the chance to meet and talk with him . . . they were pretty excited.

Davis shot a par round off his plus-four handicap to finish with 32 points – and that was two shots shy of winning a ball.

“He’s such a terrific young man and one everyone at Roseville is keen to watch as he makes his way on tour in Canada and the US.

No doubt the popular young rookie professional will be hoping to win a

“He has gained a few more young fans following that visit too.”

“It’s great that we have seen sustained growth now for the four years in which AGIC has prepared this report,” said Pitt.

Overall there were 8,367,558 rounds played outside the five key metropolitan centres which equates to 56.3 per cent of all rounds played.

“And it’s a great tribute to the work the clubs have put in during that time and the enduring popularity of our sport.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see that the growth hasn’t been in one spurt because we are ideally working towards more sustainability and longterm improvement throughout the sport.”

More good news was that there was also a 0.5 per cent increase in the number of competition rounds played by women and a 2.5 per cent rise in men’s rounds.

“Overall that percentage of women’s rounds at 17.7 per cent is something we’d like to see improve,” Pitt said.

“We are delighted that more rounds were played by women, but we’d like to see it rise as a percentage of the overall picture.

Metropolitan golf also had positive news with Brisbane (6.8 per cent), Sydney (3.4 per cent) and Melbourne (1.4 per cent) behind a 1.2 per cent overall rise in the number of rounds played in our major cities.

Even better, though, was the impressive 2.8 per cent increase in the number of competition rounds being played in regional Australia.

THE BALLS THAT CHANGED THE BALL.

The AGIC report did reveal that, except for Queensland, all the states suffered through the winter months with some of the wettest winters on record a key factor through much of the country.

Yet a surge in rounds played in November and December were the keys to a 4.4 per cent boost in overall data for the final quarter of the year ending in December, 2016.

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

We are looking for interesting stories, quirky tidbits, club news or anything else worth sharing with other golfers.

If you or your club have an interesting story, drop us an email and let us know! ed@insidegolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

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PRESIDENTS BORN TO SERVE IF history is any indication then newly elected Golf Central Queensland president Daryl Myles is in for the long haul.

two secretaries, five junior coordinators and a number of management committee members worked as volunteers.

Myles last month took over the top job from retiring Ron Murphy, who spent 23 years as president, making him the district’s longestserving president.

Then there were the players who honed their skills in Central Queensland including Jason Day.

Prior to Murphy’s lengthy reign, Ken May spent 21 years in the position.

Yeppoon’s Adam Blyth is enjoying life as a touring professional as did Justin Maker who now works as a Queensland PGA official.

In his time in office, Murphy experienced and witnessed many changes to the game of golf and golf courses in Central Queensland and Australia.

He participated in the introduction of the GolfLink handicap system that included a new course rating system, which eventually changed to the current Slope course rating system.

He was there to witness the opening of The Town of 1770 golf course and Zilzie Bay golf course.

During his reign, Capricorn Country Club and Emu Park Golf Club extended their courses to 18-hole layouts.

Under Murphy’s leadership, just three treasurers,

Day started his career at Capricorn Country Club and reached world number one.

Rockhampton’s Craig Funch, too, is enjoying life a club professional and Yeppoon’s Boyd Watts won the Australian Junior Open Championship.

Other major events that took place were the amalgamation between the men and women in Central Queensland; the Lewis Best handicap system developed in Central Queensland and spreads throughout Queensland and the Australian Junior Aged Championships introduced at the Capricorn Resort by Don and Shelly Scott.

Happy retirement Ron and enjoy the long stint as president, Daryl.

NEW FACE AT BEERWAH THERE’S a new and somewhat familiar face in the pro shop at Beerwah Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast.

Former Victorian touring professional Vicky Uwland arrived recently and has been welcomed by award-winning head professional John Mellish and the club’s members.

Uwland turned professional in 2002 after a distinguished amateur career, winning the Australian Stroke Play Championships and being a member of the winning Espirito Santo Trophy.

Carbrook’s remarkable recovery

She played on the Ladies European Tour for many years.

Vicky’s career highlights include a T3 in the Ladies Portugal Open, T7 at the Ladies Irish Open and a runner-up finish at the ACTEW AGL Canberra Classic.

On the ALPG Tour, Vicky had four pro-am wins and in 2007 won the Club Car Series.

Prior to joining Beerwah Golf Club, Vicky expanded her teaching business at Victoria’s Colac Golf Club and before that she taught golf at 13th Beach in Victoria.

Some of the volunteers sit on a pontoon that floated on to Carbrook golf course.

CARBROOK golf course in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs is back in play, which is quite remarkable considering the damage inflicted when neighbouring Logan and Albert river systems burst their banks courtesy of Cyclone Debbie and inundated the golf course.

“I was proud when the club won GMAQ Club of the Year, but I’m even more proud now the way it has responded to this event.”

“The course was closed for 22 days, but is now open and from all reports in very good condition,” general manager Scott Wagstaff said.

It was four days before staff could return to survey the damage.

“The course is back to about 90 per cent, however, a couple of scars will remain due the lateness of the flood meaning the grass isn’t growing as quickly due to the cooler weather.”

Scott said it was a case of “many hands make light work” as more than 110 loyal club volunteers assisted the greens staff in the clean up.

“The silt has been removed and the debris that littered the course is mostly cleaned up,” he said.

“We are now preparing to host the Carbrook Classic, SEQDGA Open Championship and the Queensland Senior Men’s Amateur Championship.

It is remarkable because at the height of the flood the course had to be evacuated when half a metre of water covered the driveway.

“Our lush green course had been turned brown,” Wagstaff said.

“The only green spots were high areas untouched by the receding silty waters.

“Of the club’s 19 greens, 11 were affected and only two of the course’s 39 bunkers escaped the flood. Most require a complete renovation, which has already begun.”

Carbrook, well known for having sharks in its main dam, welcomed visitors.

Currently, the water in the dam remains murky and it’s unclear if the sharks are still around.

“When it clears up I will put some meat in and see what happens,” Wagstaff said.

Watch this space.

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club news

Surfer Slater hits Ocean Shores 11-times World Surfing Champion Kelly Slater was spotted playing the Blue Marker Challenge at Ocean Shores recently. Kelly— an avid golfer who plays off scratch—plays the annual Pebble Beach pro-am and is regularly on course with some of the world’s best golfers. Though he is based for much of the year in Florida, when he is not golfing in America, Slater takes his clubs on the surfing Tour and has played most of the premiere courses. The brutal conditions at Ocean Shores with 30 knot winds, slippery firm greens with pins in the corners was too hard for Slater and the rest of the field with the daily CCR blowing out to 77. The Blue marker at Ocean Shores is played the last Friday of each month and open to visitors.

www.insidegolf.com.au/news

Maleny secures 30-year lease Maleny Golf Club has marked another milestone with the official signing of a new 30-year lease agreement accommodating the entire 18-hole Graham Papworth- designed layout, enabling construction of the next three holes to get underway.

“This is an historic occasion for the club and we particularly want to thank Councillor Jenny McKay and Deputy Mayor Tim Dwyer for their efforts in marshalling Council’s support behind this significant, long-term, community project,” Dr Whitten said.

for construction of the second nine holes in three tranches as provided for in our staged construction schedule.”

The documents were formally signed by President Dr Max Whitten and Secretary Roly Nieper in the presence of local JP Judy Phipps.

“We are also pleased to advise that we have reached agreement with Council officers for delivery of the project financing required

Maleny Golf Club’s first nine holes were officially opened for play on June 30 2015.

This first stage of a planned 18-hole layout designed by Graham Papworth was built largely by volunteers from the club’s 400-strong membership at a cost of about $750,000. This included $450,000 from council’s Capital Works programme, plus donations of money and professional time.

Finalisation of the lease will also enable the club to quickly move ahead with plans to build a new maintenance facility.

More: www.malenygolfclub.com.au

Keperra’s special event for OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP EXCITEMENT is building at Keperra Country Golf Club in the lead-up to the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

That’s because the popular club, which boasts 27 championship holes and is home to the Keperra Bowl, has organised a par-3 competition to coincide with the second round of the Open Championship on Friday, July 21.

The club will design 18 unique par3 holes with a 1:30pm shotgun start, followed by a themed three-course meal and a keg of Guinness for the evening.

Kelly Slater at Ocean Shores pauses for a photo with a fan, Jess.

From left: Judy Phipps, Max Whitten and Roly Nieper signing the Lease Documents for the extended 30-year Lease.

Note: This event is an all exclusive and allows members to invite guests to join in the fun.

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Golfers head for Black Stump country THE “no vacancies” signs will go up this month at all accommodation houses (motels, pubs and caravan parks) in the Queensland town of Blackall.

More impressively, however, was the fact that their feats occurred within a few weeks of each other!

“Most visiting players have booked out the town’s motels and caravan parks, but we have also set up a camping area on the course,” club president Les Williams said.

69-year-old Smuk—a long-time member and low handicap golfer who has represented the club in A-Grade pennants, Seniors pennants and Super Seniors pennants—was first off the mark, firing a scratch score of 69 in the medal of medals.

So, what can first-time golfers to Blackall golf course expect?

“The course is dry,” Les said.

In doing so, he became the first member to shoot his age at the club in 45 years.

He also highlighted two of the layout’s danger holes.

“The fourth is a short par-5 over two lots of water and it doglegs right at the second water hazard with out of bounds coming into play if you don’t shape your ball around the corner,” he said.

“Hole 13 is a par-4, but it has hazards all the way down the left side until 100m from the green.

Then, there is out of bounds, water in front of the green and it narrows behind the green.”

For early birds, the club has arranged a fun two-person ambrose for Thursday, June 8.

On Friday, June 9, it’s a four-ball best-ball event with the 36-hole championship on June 10-11.

While getting a hole-in-one is every golfer’s dream, the ability to equal or better one’s age is arguably a more difficult and impressive feat (depending on one’s age, of course!)

So it’s no surprise that Joe Smuk and Colin Hargraves were the talk of Camden Golf Club recently, having each ‘shot their age’.

That’s because more than 170 golfers are about to converge on the town to contest the Queensland Men’s Sand Greens Championship at Blackall Golf Club from June 9-11.

“We also have two holes in particular that pose a danger – the fourth and 13th,” he said.

AGE BREAKERS ABOUND

A sand green at Blackall golf course.

What’s the secret to putting on sand greens.

“Hit it harder,” Les said.

So, where is Blackall, we hear you ask?

Well, it’s not exactly beyond the Black Stump, but it’s close to it.

Put it this way, if the state of Queensland was a dartboard and you hit the bullseye you would be extremely close.

Turn left out of Brisbane travel northwest for 960kms or travel 690kms west of Rockhampton and you are there.

At Blackall, the key to success is accuracy.

And what can first-time golfers to Blackall do in their leisure time?

“I have tried to make it a fair course,” Les said. “I think any capable golfer who hits it consistently down the middle could win.

There’s plenty to see and do around town, according to the delightful Alison McNall who runs the information centre.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if eight- to 10-under is the winning score.”

“We have the Black Stump, the Aquatic Centre with heated pool and spa, the steam-driven

wool-scour, the pioneer hall and an old Masonic lodge that has been turned into a tearoom,” she said.

“The information centre at Ram Park is interesting because it has displays like old tractors, an old school from Yalleroi and part of the old railway station.

“We also have two pubs – the Barcoo Hotel and the Union Hotel.”

According to Alison, Blackall is a popular destination for grey nomads.

“A lot of them come up from Victoria and South Australia and stay for three months to get away from the cold down south,” she said.

FOOTNOTE: The site of a black stump was used for surveying towns in Queensland in 1888. This is the spot where the saying, “anything west of here is beyond the Black Stump” originated.

Not to be outdone, Hargraves decided he wanted in on the action a short time later.

At the age of 79, Col finished ‘birdie, birdie’ to shoot 79 and achieve this remarkable milestone. His group members were fully aware of the need for him to finish with two birdies and were equally excited when he rolled in a 6-footer and a 10-footer on the final two holes.

Well done Col and Joe! Meanwhile, Yamba Golf Club’s Ian Brockwell returned to the age-breaker’s circle last month.

After breaking his age three times in 2015, the 85-year-old did it again in May, firing an 84 off the stick (45 stableford points) to win the B grade from Speed Jones (43 points) and Paul Edgar (39 points).

Ray Robinson returned 40 points to win the A grade on a countback from Kevin Lowe.

In C grade, Pete Sweetman won the day with 38 points – three ahead of Dennis Walpole, who edged out Vic Heron on a countback.

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‘Next generation’ synthetic grasses proving popular I t’s every golfer’s ultimate dream: a backyard putting/chipping green to sharpen the short game in the comfort of your own home.

Yet most golfers haven’t got the time for the required maintenance, mowing and upkeep of real grass/turf. So many budding golfers have turned to synthetic grass putting greens, which provide minimal maintenance and a long lifespan.

Early models of synthetic grasses, however, were horrible for golf. In most cases, these grasses came from other sports (like hockey and lawn bowls) and were simply applied to putting greens. This led to many problems.

The greens often started out very slick, and were suited to only putting; there was no way, for example, to stop lofted chip or pitch shots.

Within a short time, many of these greens became unplayable, running at 15+ on the Stimpmeter.

Times have changed. There are now “new generation” types of grasses that have been made specifically for golf, offering high performance without the pain of ongoing maintenance.

One company, Supreme Greens, has been at the forefront of synthetic grass development for golf in Australia. With over 25 years of continual development, they offer the serious golfer a high-quality playing surface, both for home, or the commercial application.

Supreme Greens offer these new synthetic grasses which are constructed with contaminant-free polymers (and thus no

nasty chemicals, making them perfectly safe for you, the family pets and kids.) Australian made, they are UV protected and heat stabilised to withstand the harsh Aussie climate. They are also long lasting, providing years of enjoyment.

These new grasses also utilise a precise formula for golf. Not only are they great for putting, but these greens also feature impact absorption properties, and can hold chip and pitch shots.

Supreme Greens offers a variety of solutions for synthetic grass installations. Whether you have a small backyard and are looking for a small DIY project over a weekend (their

3.6m x 7m green is popular) or looking for something more substantial (larger green, putt-putt course, par-3 hole, bunkers and teeing grounds etc), Supreme Greens can offer a solution for you. They are available Australia wide, and backed with a full warranty, by a family of Australian-owned businesses More information: www.SupremeGreens.com.au. (Be sure to download their FREE booklet, The Golf Green Report, which delves deeper into the world of synthetic grass for golf and shows how any golfer can own their very own backyard golf green). Or call Cameron on 0403 372 261. •

Adidas sells TaylorMade for $425M Adidas announced last month that it is selling its TaylorMade, Adams Golf and Ashworth golf brands to KPS Capital Partners, LP for US$425 million.

Despite some major names on the TaylorMade Tour roster – including Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy – the company (and retail golf in general) has suffered in recent times. In 2016, Adidas golf reported just $500 million in revenue, significantly down from $1.7 billion reported in 2012.

“TaylorMade is a leading global golf brand with an exceptionally strong market position. We would like to thank all TaylorMade employees for their many contributions to our company and wish them all the best for a successful future under their new ownership. At the same time, we welcome all adidas Golf employees who will be integrated into our adidas Heartbeat Sports Business Unit,” said Kasper Rorsted, CEO of adidas AG. “Within our long-term strategy ‘Creating the New’, our focus is clearly on our core competencies in footwear and apparel and on our two major brands adidas and Reebok.”

The sale of the adidas golf equipment businesses follows a similar move earlier this year by Nike, which announced it was exiting the golf equipment market to focus on apparel.

Adidas took over the TaylorMade brand in 1997 when it bought French equipment maker Salomon for $1.4 billion. The company bought Ashworth for $72.8 million in 2008 and Adams Golf in 2012 for $70 million.

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Vines introduces credit-based memberships

T

he Vines Golf and Country Club in Western Australia has introduced a new, modern and progressive Golf Membership structure; a credit-based Membership across all categories.

Having celebrated the first decade of the FedExCup last September with Rory McIlroy’s memorable charge to the championship, the PGA TOUR and FedEx Corp. have announced a longterm extension of the shipping giant’s sponsorship of the FedExCup season-long competition on the PGA TOUR.

It is designed to allow greater flexibility for players to suit their current lifestyle, commitments and financial ability, providing three tailor-made options, utilizing the popular credit based system, already adopted by other industries.

“Today’s golfer demands more flexibility to play our courses, and they have a broader range of time slots available to them to play, due to more home-based businesses, elastic work hours, and a growing number of shift workers,” says Mike Stanton, General Manager at the Novotel Vines Resort and Country Club.

“We have responded by allowing them to choose the best times, and prices, by managing their memberships this way. Why should you pay a premium for playing on a quiet Monday afternoon, instead of in a demand peak time such as Saturday or Sunday mornings?” he asked.

The credits-based membership structure isn’t new to Australian golf, with a handful of clubs having introduced the system in recent years. In essence, members earn or purchase a set number of credits which can be redeemed on a pay-as-you-play basis for a round of golf (at various rates, depending on time/day). At The Vines, charges in credits are as follows: 18-holes

9-holes

Off-Peak: Monday-Friday (all day) & Saturday/Sunday (after 11am) on both courses*

2 credits

1 credits

Peak: Weekend Members competitions and Saturday/Sunday (before 11am) on both courses

5 credits

3 credits

Reciprocal

3 credits

2 credits

FedEx extends sponsorship of the FedExCup

The Vines are currently offering the following membership packages:

Access to International and Domestic reciprocal clubs (credit charge applies).

Full Membership: ($3,000, plus joining fee) includes Unlimited credits for golf, Access to International and Domestic reciprocal clubs, Annual resort credit of $400, Second main meal free for any non-member dining with a member in the Members Bar, one dozen golf balls at cost plus GST from the Pro Shop, Free Leisure and Lifestyle membership for spouse/partner living at the same residential address, Free entry into Honour Board events and Member’s competition bookings 8-days in advance.

All memberships include use of the Lakes and Ellenbrook golf courses, fully-equipped gymnasium, four tennis courts (two floodlit), two squash courts, members swimming pool & BBQ area, access to members change rooms and lockers, access to the Member’s Bar, discounts across the resort including dining, day spa, pro shop & accommodation.

Flexi Membership: ($2,000, plus joining fee), Receive 200 credits for golf, Access to International & Domestic reciprocal clubs (credit charge applies), Additional credits can be purchased, Members competition bookings 8-days (weekday) and 5-days (weekend) in advance.

Casual Membership: ($1,000, plus joining fee) Receive 100 credits, Unlimited use of non-golfing resort facilities, Additional credits can be purchased, Member’s competition bookings 3-days in advance,

Founded in 1989, and offering world class golfing, home to many prestigious tournaments, and with hundreds of famous golf names having played its courses, the Vines offers 36 holes, with premium Members’ facilities, including Pro Shop, leisure and lessons from beginner to Pro. To launch this innovative Membership, for a limited time, the Club is offering 14 months membership for the price of 12 months with NO joining fee for a limited time.

For more information, contact The Vines Golf & Country Club on (08) 9297 3000 or email memberships@vines.com.au and visit www.vines.com.au •

“The FedEx relationship has been invaluable to the PGA TOUR on multiple fronts for more than 30 years, beginning with its sponsorship of the FedEx St. Jude Classic,” PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan said.

The PGA TOUR entered a new era in 2007 with the introduction of the FedExCup, a season-long points competition offering $35 million in bonus money and culminating with the PGA TOUR’s first-ever Playoff system. In 2016-17, at the conclusion of the Regular Season, the four Playoff events will offer $35 million in prize money, meaning a total of $70 million is on the line over the four weeks of FedExCup Playoff competition.

The 2016-17 PGA TOUR season consists of 43 events in 39 weeks that began last October and ends in August at the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina.

MORE ONLINE For the full story on the extension, including a points breakdown and a history of the FedEx Cup, see the entire article on www.insidegolf.com.au

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IG BUSINESS - general managers

www.insidegolf.com.au/general_managers

Resignations proving costly to the industry Aaron Muirhead

The Golf Business Forum will be returning to Melbourne in July 2018. A golf business event initially developed to deliver education and networking for managers and owners from the public golf sphere, the inaugural event in 2016 attracted all comers from Australian golf, including member-based clubs, vendors, local councils and national and international industry heavyweights.

National Director, Golf Management Australia eo@gma.org.au

I

n recent months, we have seen several highly-respected club general managers resign from their roles at golf clubs around the country.

The resignations of experienced administrators such as David Brand (Glenelg), Paul Hinton (Royal Sydney) and Stewart Fenton (Huntingdale and GMA President) each in their own circumstances typifies the reality that the role of a club manager is one that not only places a toll on their personal lives but also, because of the diversified nature of the business, requires clubs seeking suitably qualified replacements to locate the ideal candidate who can meet the board and member expectations. Those seeking to step into club management roles must be able to display the necessary personality traits and management abilities to administer the club.

The selected candidate must comply with myriad legislative compliance requirements, governance issues and in most cases, must have strong administration and accounting skills and often be experienced hospitality managers whilst also be great communicators.

No wonder psychometric testing is being used by many clubs looking to find the next superhero to be their club general manager.

Returning to the recently announced resignations, I believe I echo the sentiments of managers across the country in expressing the sadness I felt personally when hearing David, Paul and Stewart had resigned from their positions. As an industry facing increasing

Golf Business Forum to return

Organisers Guy Chapple and Andrew Davies are wasting no time in gathering speakers and content to meet the high watermark set by the 2016 event.

“We’ll be in a position to announce the broad agenda in the next few months,” said Davies. “The pressure is on to deliver, but we’ve got some exciting ideas. challenges we can ill afford to see such a wealth of experience being lost. The fact that management roles around the country are frequently advertised on the GMA website highlights the sad reality that our industry all too often has a high rate of turnover.

On behalf of GMA members, I would like to thank the aforementioned and all other managers that have moved on for one reason or another in recent times for your contribution and dedication to the golf industry. We wish you all well and hopefully we will see some of you back in the golf industry managing clubs again in the future.

Club Governance A new e-learning course, “Governance Fundamentals” will soon be made available

FREE FREIGHT

The Golf Management Australia Board members and others industry leaders are currently testing the program and providing feedback to Golf Australia. Areas covered are the board’s key roles and legal duties, common club governance models, types of board policies, the difference between board and operation committees, board succession and induction and board evaluation. This platform incorporates key governance principles from the Australian Sports Commission and applies scenarios from a golf club perspective and it will prove to be a valuable tool for clubs. •

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Sponsors from 2016 have been eager to get back on board. Platinum Partner MPower MSL and Foundation Partner Golf Australia lead the way once again and, according to Chapple, have been instrumental in ensuring the event maintains the quality the industry has come to expect. www.golfbusinessforum.com.au

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“We want to make sure that the content delivers not just tools and strategies integral to the success of those at the coalface of Aussie golf, but also some inspiration and conversation.

We all need a bit of positive thinking and delegates from last year have told us they came away full of ideas and energy for what lay ahead,” said Davies.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

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IG BUSINESS

www.insidegolf.com.au/golf-industry-news

GSM Golf breathing life into Peregian L

ast year will remain a forgettable one to the golfers situated in and around the Peregian area on the Sunshine

Coast.

Their much-loved golf course painted a dormant picture with a relatively bleak longterm outlook, especially following the demise of another premier course in the area.

Not only did this hinder their aspirations to play the game they loved, but ripped apart the fabric of the community given their reliance on the venue for social activity.

With so many houses lining the boundary of the golf course, property values were being diminished as pristine fairways and greens threatened to turn into overgrown bushland.

However, to Ian Denny and his team at Golf Services Management, Peregian showed long-term promise.

“There was clearly a community that was passionate about its golf facility and they seemed to be struggling with its closure” said Ian. “So we took a long-term view to entering into a lease arrangement with Aveo (the land owner) and just decided to get stuck in, implement the change from the previous private club model to a pay to play model and make it happen.”

Within days of committing to manage the troubled facility, GSM had formulated a strategy and got straight to work. The effort to re-open was incredibly elaborate, initially needing to re-hire staff, purchase new course

machinery, a full fleet of brand new golf carts, stock for the Pro Shop amongst a host of various stakeholder relationships that required ongoing attention.

Now, five months down the track, the facility is back to being a premier golf destination on the Sunshine Coast. The course is as good as its been according to feedback, the driving range is attracting new people to golf, a new head coach has already commenced successful clinics and programs, the brand-new PAR (sports) Bar has been launched, whilst a ‘Lifestyle Pass’ has also been popular, providing locals a more casual option to make Peregian their own.

These milestones certainly haven’t come without their setbacks, though, with a number of bumps along the road including a substantial damage bill for the storms that ravaged Sunshine Coast towns in March. Golf participation industry wide is also seemingly declining, another challenge for Ian and his team long-term - a challenge that they’ve taken on head first: “We promote no fussy dress standards or us-and-them mentality.

We are here to provide a great golf course, lovely bar and a relaxed atmosphere for everyone in the community and tourists alike. Furthermore, I’m pleased to announce that the restaurant will be open again in midJune thus completing the final step in being fully operational again.”

This impending news will please none more than the patient people of Peregian,

GSM Director Ian Denny. who now have their golf course and its wonderful facilities back and firing.

Peregian Golf Course and Driving Range is open to the public seven days a week and is available to anyone for casual / competition play, range use and PAR Bar access. For more information, visit the Peregian website at www.peregiangolf.com.au •

NT locks in PGA Championship dates The 2017 Northern Territory PGA Championship returns to Palmerston Golf Course in Darwin and will run from 31 August – 3 September.

Following the success of the inaugural tournament in 2016, the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia will make its way north for a $150,000 prize pool.

The Northern Territory PGA Championship will make a point of community activations designed to promote golf in the region including a Junior Golf Pro-Am, Ladies and Sponsors Clinics, as well as hospital and indigenous community visits from some of the country’s best golfers.

The tournament will be backed by the Northern Territory Government who again have thrown their support behind the event.

“Golf is one of Australia’s most popular activities and is played by people of all ages, status and backgrounds – it’s a huge business and securing this tournament is a big deal,” said Tony Sievers, Assistant Minister for Sports and Community Events in the Northern Territory.

In the lead up to tournament week, the Queensland and Northern Territory Division of the PGA of Australia will be running the ‘Path to Palmerston’ in an effort to integrate the entire golfing industry of the Northern Territory with the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia tournament.

The ‘Path to Palmerston’ allows the opportunity for every golf club within the Northern Territory to qualify their leading male and female player to compete in the official pro-am for the Northern Territory PGA Championship pro-am hosted on Wednesday 30 August.

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general managers

www.insidegolf.com.au/general_managers

Andy powers into GM role A sea change took Lowen and his family to Bargara, a coastal town in the Bundaberg region.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

W

ANTIMA Country Club in Brisbane’s northern suburbs lives up to its reputation as being a familyfriendly club and general manager Andy Lowen ensures his members and guests enjoy service with a smile.

“I was the general manager at the Bargara Golf Club for 13 months,” Lowen said.

“I think it was too early for a sea change because our hearts were in Brisbane so we came back and I got the job here at Wantima.”

Wantima also happens to be PGA Tour player Cameron Smith’s home club.

Lowen says he has an undying passion for growing and building the game but, like all other sports, it is challenging at times.

As a three-year-old, Smith starting honing his skills around Wantima where his father Des still plays and is a former club champion.

“We have 1200 members, but we are currently on a membership drive to bring more families, women and juniors to the club,” he said.

“It’s great to have people like Cameron come through the system at Wantima,” Lowen said.

“Wantima has always been a family-orientated club and I want to make sure that continues.

“Whenever he is back from playing the PGA Tour he comes out and plays in the comps and engages with the club’s juniors. It’s great for the club.”

“We are a friendly and welcoming club. The atmosphere is great and new members don’t feel on the outer because there are plenty of opportunities to join the social groups within the club.”

Wantima is a vibrant, busy club and welcomes visitors with open arms.

Lowen, who has been at the helm for 15 months, is a former professional and a self-confessed golf fanatic.

Born in the UK, Lowen arrived in Australia in 2001 and ironically landed a job as a teaching professional at Wantima CC under then professional Chris Graham.

Unfortunately, back problems forced him to quit and he became interested in other areas of the golf industry.

“I went to work for Golf World and ran the golf operations at St Lucia Golf Links for four years,” he said.

“It was a successful business and I was moved into head office as their national leader for buying and marketing for three years.

“It was great experience, but I wanted to get back into the club environment and had a brief stint as golf operations manager at Pelican Waters before taking on the GM’s role at Nudgee College Golf Club for six years.”

SIGN OF THE TIMES: Wantima Country Club general manager Andy Lowen in front of the gigantic Cameron Smith billboard close to busy South Pine Road at Brendale.

“For me, the best part of the job is the people at the club. I like seeing the members enjoying themselves.

“Of course, I’d like to be able to play more golf with the members, but due to my back issues it not always possible.”

Currently, Lowen is working closely with the club’s board and greenkeeping staff on a water management plan and on land tenure.

So, how is Lowen’s game at the moment?

“I hardly play and definitely wouldn’t back myself,” he laughed.

“We have challenges with water and land tenure, but that is being addressed,” Lowen said.

“But it’s important to socialise with the members and I take every opportunity to do that.”

“The board is great about addressing the big ticket items rather than nit-picking on smaller issues.

“We also have strategies to continue course improvements for the benefit of the members and visitors,” he said.

Away from the rigors of work, Lowen enjoys spending time with his wife Jo and young daughter Paige, watching soccer, particularly Arsenal, and rugby league.

“At the same time, we also want to make sure the members have other benefits like getting a good meal at the club rather than going to another venue,” he said.

“I also enjoy weight training and do it to keep myself strong, but my passion is golf and growing the game at Wantima,” Lowen said.

“We are constantly required to provide the levels of services demanded by, and deserved by, our members and their guests.

It’s a far cry from the cold nights he spent working 12-hour security shifts in England to supplement his income as a trainee pro at East Devon Golf Club.

“It’s important the club runs efficiently and for me to have a good relationship with the board, members and staff.

“It was extremely cold and easily the worst job I’ve ever had.” •

Win Your Way to Paradise in 2017 The Qantas Golf Club Challenge Series returns for 2017 and is your chance to play on some of Australia’s best and most exclusive courses. Take out top honours in any of our 14 one day qualifying events and you’ll enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to the final at the iconic Hamilton Island Golf Club^

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Book your place at qantasgolfclub.com/2017-challenge or call 1300 733 465’ The 2017 Qantas Golf Club Challenge Qualifying Events are subject to the tournament rules and regulations, of each event. To be eligible to qualify for the 2017 Qantas Golf Club Challenge Final both players in a team must have a Golf Australia handicap. Check individual qualifying event terms and conditions. To take part in a Qantas Golf Club event, participants must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member and 18 years of age or older unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The prize includes entry to the 2017 Qantas Golf Club Challenge Final to be held at Hamilton Island Golf Club, return Economy flights within Australia, 3 nights’ accommodation on Hamilton Island, 2 rounds of golf at Hamilton Island Golf Club, green fees, daily breakfast and lunch, dinner on the first night and last night, polo shirt and cap and airport transfers. To be eligible for the team prize of 200,000 Qantas Points (100,000 Qantas Points per team member) both team members must have a valid Golf Australia handicap and be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member. You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions.

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

23

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Email: support@fortegolf.com.au

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

on tour

From Canberra to Korea with Steven Jeffress

THE ALL NEW

ed@insidegolf.com.au

M

y next run of events saw me down in Canberra for three Pro-Ams. I must admit, I love Canberra. I think it’s easy to get around and the golf courses are generally great. Added to this I had a chance to stay with an old mate of mine, Pat Maher. I’ve known Pat for about 25 years as he moved to Port Macquarie as the assistant Pro in the mid 90’s. He is now the head professional at Royal Canberra.

The first event was at Yowani Country Club, which I consider one of the best tracks in Canberra. It’s really tight off the tee with quick greens, which plays into my hands.

Unfortunately, it didn’t this year and I shot even par to miss the money.

I don’t believe that the course was playing that easy, but it just goes to show you the depth we have in Australian golf.

Federal Golf Club was the following day and it’s a place that I hadn’t played. The course was in awesome condition and I played great, shooting 6-under-par, which finished 2nd. I got off to a great start; being 5-under through 7 holes helps. The final two days were at Gold Creek Country Club.

Mat Miller is the head professional and he has built the event up to 2 days, which is great. The first day I struggled on the greens. They were running at about 12 on the stimpmeter so they were lightning fast. I shot 3 over and had six three-putts. I have to go back a long way to remember the last time I had six three-putts in a round.

Needless to say, I was a long way back and needed a great round 2 just to win money. Well it didn’t happen, I shot a 1-over-par 73 and won a centre of a donut!

The Volvo China Open was my next event and I headed up on the Sunday before, as it’s a long trip. I wouldn’t normally head to an event that early but as I’m getting older, sitting down for hours upon hours really stiffens my back up. Getting there a day earlier means that I can get moving and I have one more day to feel normal again. I was travelling with a good mate, Michael Sim as he lives only about 15 minutes from me. I walked out the door at 6am and arrived at the hotel in China at 4am the next morning. Unfortunately we had to fly through Sydney, which adds almost half a day in travel but until I can afford my own jet, I’ll have to put up with it.

This was a big event for me. Not only was it a European Tour event, but also we were playing for around $3.8 million, so a good week can

financially keep you going for quite a while. But in saying that, it was always going to be hard for the Aussies up there. The guys in Europe have had a run of events and are a little more match hardened. Our last tour event was the New Zealand Open, which was about 6 weeks earlier. But there was no time for excuses, we had to put good numbers on the board.

Monday and Tuesday were fairly easy days where I spent a fair amount of time on the practice fairway and just playing 9 holes each day. I was in the late Pro-Am Wednesday so I didn’t want to tire myself out too early. I’m not sure exactly why they would put me in the Pro-Am. Sure, I’m a good player; sure I’m a nice guy and can give great days on the course… but there was one little problem: I don’t speak Chinese! And my playing partners didn’t speak English. So it was hard to give them a great day.

I was off late the first day and I was lucky enough to be paired with Sam Brazel, who I’ve known for a lot of years. The morning conditions were great and then about 12pm, the wind entered. It was nearly blowing the pins out of the holes! I played solid, turning in even but unfortunately had 4-over my back-9 to shoot 76. I was now in a position where I had to go low in round 2. The weather was perfect the next morning and I was 2-under through 3 but that’s where the charge ended. I signed for an even-par round to miss the cut by 4.

Hey, it happens, but it’s disappointing when it happens in a massive event and when you’re in China. When you miss a cut in China and you have to wait for your flight on Monday, it feels like you have to wait three weeks, even though it’s only two days. But I did make the most of my time, spending quite a few hours on the range and putting green, thinking

about fine-tuning the game for Korea the next week.

We arrived in Korea Monday afternoon and Michael has a good mate who picked us up and took us to dinner. He took us to a Korean BBQ and I have to say, for a guy who isn’t the biggest fan of Asian food, it was awesome.

Whenever you play events in Korea, sometimes you aren’t made to feel overly welcome. We headed to practice on Tuesday but weren’t shown a lot of love. There was only one hole cut on the putting green and we couldn’t really get on the range, as there was a training camp in progress. Normally during a tournament week you would have access to all the facilities and the course, but not in Korea! Our only chance to have a practice round was on Wednesday morning as they allocated times. In a funny twist, Michael was put in a group with three Korean guys that couldn’t speak English. The rest of the Aussies were all together, and it’s fair to say that we gave him a hard time about it.

Namseoul is an interesting course with really sloping greens that are really quick and tight fairways. For a member it cost $420 US to play a round! Anyway, I had rounds of 75 and 73 to miss the cut by 4. The golf was solid but the putter had just gone a little cold. But I know it will be back. So the wait for my Sunday night flight started and, like in China, it feels like three weeks. Maybe that’s the punishment for missing the cut.

So it was a disappointing couple of weeks but hey, it happens. Coming up over the next month I have the mining town Pro-Ams in Queensland and then back to Korea and Japan so it will be a busy month and time to put some results on the board. • www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

25

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on tour

Bravo to team Smith!

Crawford wins PNG Open Queenslander Cory Crawford has won the first Professional event of his career following a thrilling six-hole playoff against fellow Queenslander Brett Rankin at the SP Brewery PNG Open.

Gavin Kirkman CEO – PGA of Australia

I

f you didn’t already know the name Cameron Smith (and no, not the Melbourne Storm legend!) then you certainly do now!

He is the newest Aussie PGA TOUR winner after his win at the Zurich Classic alongside his teammate Jonas Blixt.

This young Queenslander has a prodigious talent and a putting stroke to be envied, but even better he has made the most of his opportunities.

Turning Pro in 2013, Cam honed his craft as an amateur and rookie Pro on his home tour; the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia. He then earned status on the Asian Tour in 2014 and quickly showed his talent. He finished 5th on the Order of Merit thanks to seven top-10 finishes but it was the CIMB Classic which really launched his career.

Finishing tied 5th in the PGA TOUR cosanctioned tournament, he parlayed that into a start the next week at the Sanderson Farms Championship before earning a number of sponsor invites onto the PGA TOUR in the 2014 / 2015 season.

Cam introduced himself to the world in June 2015 when he qualified for the U.S. Open and finished T4 in his Major debut. This secured his PGA TOUR card and he has forged his career in the U.S. since then.

On home soil, Cam has been close to breaking through for a win, last year finishing runner-up alongside Ashley Hall at the Emirates Australian Open after Jordan Spieth

Crawford checked in as clubhouse leader after 72 holes at 10-under par and faced an agonising wait for Brett Rankin to finish his round, who was also 10-under, in the group behind him.

Rankin had the chance to seal victory in regulation but was only able to make par on the 18th, forcing a playoff for the second year in a row at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club.

defeated the pair in a playoff. He also finished 5th at the European Tour co-sanctioned 2015 Australian PGA Championship in his home state.

It has been a meteoric rise for the 23-yearold, but one that comes as no surprise to anyone who has worked with or watched him.

But what I like most about Cameron Smith is how he has shown other young Australian Pros and elite amateurs that it is possible to live their dream of being a PGA TOUR winner.

With no direct qualifying school for the PGA TOUR, the pathway may be longer but with hard work, perseverance and talent it is possible. New South Welshman Brett Drewitt is another excellent example. Brett is in his rookie year on the PGA TOUR after working his way through the PGA TOUR China and Web. com Tour path.

In congratulating Cam I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge his coach, PGA Professional Grant Field. While golf may be an individual sport, it takes the work of a team for these talented players to realise their dreams. Cam and Grant have worked tirelessly together for years to build a swing, a well rounded game plan and determination to ensure Cam had the opportunity to win a PGA Tour event. So well done and congratulations to Team Smith!

I hope seeing an Aussie win on the PGA TOUR also inspires you to pick up a golf club.

A fun golfing experience doesn’t always need to be 18 holes out on the golf course. Head to the driving range, get a lesson from your PGA Pro, or even take your kids to play mini golf.

However you decide to experience the game just get out there and have fun! •

e

n

eeng

The pair could not be separated through five playoff holes on the par-3 18th. On their sixth trip, both Crawford and Rankin hit their tee shot approximately 40 feet from the flag, Rankin would eventually bogey, giving Crawford an easy par for his first victory on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

“It definitely means a lot considering I’ve had a really rough couple of years out here so it was good to get it all together in one week and obviously to get the win is fantastic,” said Crawford, who claimed AU$21,300 in prizemoney and full exemption on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia until the end of 2018.

“I haven’t won a lot of playoffs as an amateur but this was great. I mean six holes, it’s tough, it’s taxing and obviously on top of 72 holes, it’s quite hot here as well,” said Crawford.

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on tour

Kim captures Players in historic fashion S outh Korea’s Si Woo Kim played the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship like the veteran that he is.

Si Woo Kim on the 18th hole during the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship.

(Photo via Getty Images/ Chris Condon)

Yet in only his second PLAYERS Championship, Kim, who began the final round trailing the leaders by two shots, took the lead late on the front nine at TPC Sawgrass and then methodically worked his way around the back nine on one of the most-famous golf courses in the world, making par after par after par.

Nobody could catch Kim, and the fourth-year PGA TOUR pro cruised to his second career win, a threeshot triumph over England’s Ian Poulter and 54-hole co-leader Louis Oosthuizen.

At just 21 years old, Kim became the youngest PLAYERS champion in history.

With the victory comes a payday of US$1,890,000, a career-high payday, as well as a five-year PGA TOUR exemption. He joins K.J. Choi (2011) as the only Koreans to have won the PGA TOUR’s flagship tournament.

Kim, a native of Seoul, qualified for the PGA TOUR in 2013 as a 17-yearold and had to defer his membership until he turned 18. Once the calendar turned, Kim missed six consecutive cuts and had to go to the Web. com Tour, where he made 44 starts between 2014 and 2015. After winning once and finishing 10th on the money list in 2015, Kim moved to the PGA TOUR. A year ago, Kim broke through, winning the Wyndham Championship, becoming the eighth Korean-born player to win on the PGA TOUR. Kim finished 17th on the FedExCup a season ago, pocketing US $3,086,369.

This season has been a different story for Kim. In 18 previous starts, Kim’s best finish was a tie for 10th in Malaysia at the CIMB Classic in October 2016. He’s also missed seven cuts and showed no indication what would come as he played his four rounds at TPC Sawgrass. In his previous four TOUR appearances prior to THE PLAYERS, Kim withdrew from the Shell Houston Open, missed the cut at the Masters Tournament, tied for 22nd at the Valero Texas Open and then missed the cut in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a team event.

“I still cannot believe I’m the champion, and as the youngest champion for this championship, I’m very honoured to win,” said Kim, who began the tournament No. 74 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

He also improved from 111th in the FedExCup standings to No. 21.

“Usually, I’m very nervous, but last year I won a tournament, and that

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Because of that, I could hit aggressively and wasn’t that nervous.”

Kim made a birdie on his opening hole, serving notice that the leaders would have to contend with him.

He also birdied No. 7 and No. 9.

While Kim didn’t do anything spectacular on his final nine holes of the tournament, he minimised his mistakes and kept his closest pursuers at arm’s length.

Standing on the 18th tee, Kim held a three-shot advantage over Oosthuizen. Logically, all he had to do was keep his drive on the fairway and out of the water on the left and the trees on the right and he would win the tournament. Kim piped his drive down the middle of the fairway on the par-4 closing hole and then left his approach in front of the green. He deftly chipped to tap-in range and calmly made his ninth consecutive par followed by an understated celebration.

“I didn’t expect this because I hadn’t played that well from the beginning of the year,” said Kim. “To become the champion of this tournament, I still feel like I’m dreaming.”

It was another close call for Oosthuizen. Besides his PLAYERS Championship second-place showing, the South African has runner-up finishes in the 2012 Masters Tournament (lost in a playoff ) and at the 2015 Open Championship, six second-place TOUR showings overall. Sunday, Oosthuizen shot his second consecutive 1-over 73, a double-bogey at No. 4 and a bogey on No. 9 ultimately proving to be his undoing. Even when Oosthuizen eagled the par-5 11th hole, giving him momentary hope, he couldn’t capture any momentum, bogeying Nos. 13 and 14, ending any ideas he still harbored of winning for the first time in the United States.

“All in all, a good week. I would have liked to have pushed a little bit more at the end there,” assessed Oosthuizen after his round. “Being four behind with four holes to go is probably not ideal. Stupid bogeys on 13 and 14. But I had a good week, I played nicely, I wasn’t spot-on today but happy with a second.

“Si Woo did great today. Whenever he was in trouble, he got up and down with great play, both ball striking and he just outplayed everyone today,” Oosthuizen continued. “He didn’t really have to do a lot at the end there, just needed to stay in play and make pars. That’s what this golf course can do to you.

You can get ahead a few shots and the way the weather was today, the way it was so windy, it’s tough to make birdies at the end there.”

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Kim joins Spain’s Sergio Garcia as the second international player to win two PGA TOUR titles before age 22. Kim is also in select company, becoming only the second player in the modern PGA TOUR era (after 1916) to win two tournaments by three or more shots before the age of 22. Tiger Woods is the other.

Tying for fourth was Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello and 54-hole co-leader Kyle Stanley. Bello thrilled the crowd with the first double eagle at No. 16 in tournament history, and he followed that with a birdie at No. 17, allowing him to make a big jump up the leaderboard. Meanwhile Stanley had a bit of magic of his own—making his fourth consecutive birdie at the par-3 17th. The only other player to do that is Paul Azinger, in 1987.

Defending champion Jason Day tied for 60th with 2015 PLAYERS Champion Rickie Fowler. Adam Scott was the highest finisher among the Australian contingent, finishing T6 at -5.

(Story via PGA Tour) www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

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I’d love to have a beer with Tiger: Daly

T

RY as he might, John “Wild Thing” Daly could not get Tiger Woods to join him for a foaming libation after a round.

“I’m not a range rat. I just can’t be out there hitting balls that long.

“I don’t know how these guys do it, but to each his own and whatever makes you play your best golf.

The colourful 51-year-old revealed this on America’s Dan Patrick Show radio show recently after winning the 54-hole Insperity Invitational on the Champions Tour.

“I’m a streaky player and not a great putter every day.

It was Long John’s first victory in 13 years and he even received a congratulatory message from President Donald Trump.

“Luckily, I was a great putter for three days,” said Daly, referring to his latest victory.

During the radio interview, Daly said he asked Tiger to join him for a drink after the Target World Challenge pro-am.

Unfortunately, Australian fans are unlikely to see Daly again in this country after his early exit from the 2011 Australian Open at The Lakes.

“I tried to get him (Tiger) to sit down and have a beer with us,” Daly said.

Officials said Daly was “unprofessional” and told the American to stay away from future tournaments after he ran out of balls and walked off the course.

“He went out practising for three or four hours while me and my guys were sitting there drinking beer and having a good time.

Mind you, PGA chairman Craig Parry defended Daly, who dunked as many as seven balls in the water on the 11th hole.

“He came in and I said, ‘Tiger, sit down and have a beer or something with us.’

“He said, ‘If I had your talent I would be doing the same thing.’

At the time, Parry said it was wrong to judge Daly because “he had no more balls left”.

“I said ‘come on man, you are winning everything and I’m not winning anything’,” Daly laughed.

“That’s why he walked off,” Daly told the media in 2011.

Daly was asked how his talent compared to Tiger’s.

“I like John. I think when he comes out here he does try his best.

“We’re really close on that,” Daly said.

“But I think his feel around the greens when he was winning all those tournaments was a lot better than anybody’s.

“His focus and mentality is probably one of the strongest I’ve ever seen in a golfer.”

“You could almost say it was better than Nicklaus. Tiger was always one to two, three or four steps ahead of me in this game.

Daly compared his approach to the game to that of Fuzzy Zoeller, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and even Lanny Wadkins.

“I’m loose and fancy free,” Daly said.

“I am not going to go and hit 100 million balls.

“I’m going to play a lot of golf and practice when I play. I like to play and hit three or four golf shots on a hole.

“He’s a very pleasant guy. He doesn’t carry on, doesn’t swear.

“In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the right thing to do, but he had the right club and was trying to do what he thought was right.” •

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Katherine Kirk on the comeback trail Karen Lunn CEO – ALPG

A

fter almost three years in the golfing wilderness making swing changes and battling to make cuts, ALPG star and multiple LPGA tournament winner Katherine Kirk is back.

Having recently recorded her best finish on the LPGA Tour since 2014—an 11th place finish at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii— the Queenslander spoke to us from her home in Wichita, Kansas.

Kat, congratulations on a great finish at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii.

While 11th for a player of your calibre is probably nothing to celebrate, it must have been fun to be up there in contention again?

“Yes, I was really happy with the way I played in Hawaii. It had been a while since I put four good rounds together so it was nice to finally do that and also go low in the last round. Obviously, I would have liked to shoot under par in that 3rd round but I didn’t give myself enough makeable chances so I was pleased to improve on that Sunday.”

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June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

During the ALPG season this year and early LPGA events it seemed that your confidence was slowly returning with some solid rounds, highlighted by your opening round 65 at the Women’s Australian Open.

Is that how you felt about your game?

“I’ve been really confident with my ball striking over the past year and on the days that my proximity to the hole gets under 20 feet I usually post a good number so that’s been fun and encouraging.

The 65 at the Aussie Open was an example of that and I know if I can get more confidence with my short game then I should be able to contend more frequently.

Everything is pretty sound from a technical standpoint but I have a tendency to overthink and overanalyze so if I can be more childlike and trust what I’ve been doing in practice then more low rounds will come.”

You have made some swing changes over the past few years, can you tell us a little more about what you did and the reasoning behind the decision to make the changes.

“I’ve always swung in-to-out and played a draw and when my timing was good I would score well but when my timing was bad I would inevitably hit a big push or a hook that would get me into trouble.

My coach in Wichita, Josh Cook, believed that to reduce misses I would need to get more open at impact and improve face stability. We got the face more stable early on but my body has been a little slow to respond.

Josh and I worked with Jim Hardy for a while and made some progress but working with Dana Dahlquist since December 2015 has been the most beneficial.

Dana is known as a “sequence guru” and even though I perform some weird looking drills on the range my golf swing is getting better every week. Josh keeps an eye on things when I’m home and I visit Dana in California 3-4 times a year in addition to

sending video so I have great feedback and accountability.”

At the Queens Cup in Japan in December last year and during the ALPG season, you looked to be swinging the club really well and striking the ball beautifully. Is your swing now where you want it to be?

“I have made great progress with my full swing but I’m still working on getting more open at impact and still learning to use the ground better.

There’s also a speed component we’re working on. To elaborate, there are days when I’ve swung driver at 102mph but I can’t maintain that yet so I’m using the SuperSpeed Golf Training System to increase my clubhead speed.

cover story Speed is not the be-all-end-all but if I can hit an 8-iron instead of a 7-iron into a green then my chances of scoring well improve.”

Since your marriage to Tom in 2012, have your priorities and focus towards golf changed at all?

“Two of the biggest reasons the young guns have had so much success are (1) they’ve had access to better information at an earlier age, and (2) they have no scar tissue. You can see that across other sports too.

“The LPGA has a Priority List which determines our entry number into most tournaments and at the start of the year my number was 146.

“When I was single, golf was definitely my biggest priority and my schedule revolved around tournaments and preparation for tournaments.

Undoubtedly, the depth of talent has improved enormously in the last 5 years and to remain competitive doesn’t necessarily mean working longer hours but it means working smarter.

Following the “reshuffle”/”re-rank” after the Volunteers of America tournament in Dallas, thanks to my finish in Hawaii, I will likely remain in the Top 80 on the money list which means my new number will be around #90.

Being married has changed that quite a bit but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I actually have more balance in my life and feel blessed to be able to share everything with Tom.

The advantage we “veterans” have is years of experience and the fact we don’t have to learn too many new golf courses and we already know how to schedule our season.

This basically means I will get into every event between now and June 25 without having to potentially Monday qualify. It also helps me for the 2nd/final reshuffle.

My perspective changed from solely me to “him/us/me” and even though I still have goals on and off the course I also am focused on being a better wife and supporting Tom in his pursuits.”

With that being said, to remain competitive we still need to keep stats, know how to evaluate what to work on, and then implement a plan to improve.”

The standard on the LPGA Tour continues to improve each year, what do more seasoned players like yourself do to keep up with the young guns of the LPGA such as Lydia Ko and Ariya Jutanagarn?

Your finish in Hawaii means that you will go right to the pointy end of the re-rank, so is it correct to assume that you will get starts in most events now apart from perhaps a couple of the majors?

For simplicity sake, if your priority number is above #140 you often have to Monday qualify for an event and there are sometimes 60+ players competing for just two spots so it’s rather difficult.

I’ve had to do a few Monday qualifiers in the last 2 years so I’m really happy to avoid those this summer.

At this stage I will get in the KPGA Women’s PGA Championship and most likely the Ricoh British Open without issue but I will have to do a 36-hole qualifier for the US Women’s Open.

The Evian Championship goes off both world rankings and money list so solid play through the summer would get me a start in that event as well.”

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

“I have lots of goals and desires for the rest of the season. I look at goals in terms of the things I can control, and desires as things that I want to happen but can’t necessarily control. Since I can’t control how others play I would say I “desire” a win and top finish Top 40 on the money list.

Ultimately, my goals should help me attain my desire and the following are just a few examples of those: (1) spend a minimum of two hours on short game practice six days a week (2) spend a minimum of two hours on full swing drills six days a week (except tournament rounds) (3) play a “better-ball” game at least once a week in off-weeks (4) lift weights three days per week and do corrective exercises six days a week” • (Photos courtesy of ALPG/SMP Images.)

Katherine currently sits 55th on the LPGA Money list at the time of writing, and her Rolex Women’s World ranking has improved significantly from the high 200’s at the start of the year to 157, making her the ALPG’s 5th ranked player behind Minjee Lee (19) Su Oh (67) Karrie Webb (79) and Sarah Jane Smith (80).

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www.terrypricegolfschools.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

31

US Open preview

Heading for the Hills David Newbery

According to USGA executive director Mike Davis, Erin Hills has a good blend of long and short holes.

david@insidegolf.com.au

I

N the lead-up to last year’s US Open at Oakmont Country Club, Jordan Spieth said Oakmont was “the hardest test in all of golf”.

Well, we all know what happened.

The big-hitting Dustin Johnson conquered the mighty Oakmont and will undoubtedly be the overwhelming favourite going into this year’s championship at Erin Hills Golf Course (June 15-18) simply because the layout is 550 yards (503m) longer than Oakmont.

From the tips, Erin Hills, a public venue in Wisconsin, stretches to 7800 yards (7132m) making it the longest course in championship history.

It’s a par-72 (course rating 77.9) and the Slope rating is 145 (par at Oakmont was 70).

All four par-5s at Erin Hills will play in excess of 600 yards (548m) with the 18th 663 yards (606m).

Don’t bet against Johnson, or even some of the other big-hitters, not reaching the 18th in two.

In some ways, Erin Hills resembles Oakmont as it, too, is almost treeless save for half-adozen trees inside the perimeter.

That means the players won’t hear their caddies say, “your ball is in the trees”.

What the players already know is the wind is going to be the x-factor because Erin Hills is a sprawling, savannah-style layout.

During construction, the designers (Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry and Ron Whitten) didn’t shift tonnes of earth around.

They simply routed fairways through and over the natural topography.

“It has holes that move left to right and right to left, holes you can get aggressive on, holes where you have options,” he said.

“It should be a great test of golf and the golf course is absolutely going to hold its own.”

Perhaps that’s code for the winning score being around a couple under-par, as is tradition at US Opens.

The USGA’s philosophy has always been to identify the best players with past champions including Bob Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tiger Woods.

A public, walking-only course means the facility has caddies for hire and they are extremely knowledgeable.

No doubt, the players’ caddies will seek out as much information from them including the best line off each tee to reading the wind and the putting surfaces.

“I have always said the wind is the x-factor,” local caddie Eric Fritz said.

“You can have a wind out of the north straight down the property and the next day it could come out of a different direction.”

Justin Kordus, another local caddie, agreed: “In June when you have the volatility of the changing weather conditions it’s what causes it (wind) to swirl around.”

The local caddies say a player could be hitting a seven-iron one day and a five- or even a four-iron the next.

There are no trees to gauge the direction and strength of the wind.

An overhead view of the sprawling, savannah-style Erin Hills Golf Course.

Many tee boxes, especially on the par-4s, are elevated and players are hitting down to the fairways.

The greens, too, are elevated and that means the players are below the putting surfaces and can’t feel the wind.

“It’s deceptive,” said local caddie Brandon LaMarche. “One of the most important things is selecting the right club.

“It can be a two- or three-club wind out here and that’s going to affect the scores.”

Still, competitions and marketing director John Morrissett believes the course’s defences are well balanced.

“It doesn’t depend entirely on the wind – even in unusually calm weather the golf course can hold its own and even if we have fierce wind the golf course is not unplayable.”

The smallest green is the second at 350sq/m and the largest the seventh at 1012sq/m while the average fairway size is 39 acres, 15.7 hectares.

And when the players arrive for the 117th edition of the US Open there won’t be a single

divot in the fairways or a ball mark on the greens.

That’s because the owners closed the course on October 4 last year and won’t reopen it to the public until July 11 – three weeks after the championship.

SPIKENOTE 1: Erin Hills will be just the sixth public access course to host the championship along with Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Bethpage, Torrey Pines and Chambers Bay. SPIKENOTE 2: The course record is 66, jointly held by amateurs Ben Geyer and Mike Ignasiak.

ERIN HILLS SCORECARD Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Out

Yards 608 358 476 439 505 237 607 492 165 3887

Par 5 4 4 4 4 3 5 4 3 36

Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In Total

Yards 504 403 464 215 613 370 200 481 663 3913 7800

Par 4 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 5 36 72

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Cochlear congratulates all 48 players from 5 states who competed at the 24th Australian Deaf Golf Championships, Wollongong Golf Club - 23-25 April 2017 June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au 32DG cochlea_BASE_P001 1

10/05/2017 9:46 AM

US Open flashback

The Shark and Fuzzy’s white towel

Day to lead the Aussie charge

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

D

ID gamesmanship lead to Greg Norman’s first major heartbreak loss at the 1984 US Open?

It could have been a factor, according to Charlie Earp.

Coach Earp was on the Shark’s bag the year American prankster Fuzzy Zoeller tormented the Australian during the 18-hole playoff.

Charlie kindly rekindled the memories of the 1984 US Open for Inside Golf.

Charlie, how did you come to be on Greg’s bag at the ’84 US Open?

He always wanted me to caddie for him in a tournament and it happened to be a US Open at Winged Foot.

On the first day, I was a bit jumpy because we were playing with Jack Nicklaus.

We were walking down the fairway and Jack said, ‘Isn’t it good to get the first one (tee shot) out of the road’.

Let’s fast-forward to the 72nd hole. There was some drama, wasn’t there?

On 18 Greg hit a good drive and we had a little talk about what he was going to do. He decided to hit a six-iron.

I watched his six-iron shot and thought the way we’re going this could hit the grandstand and might bounce on the green.

I knew it was going to go right because he was too tight through the ball.

Anyway, all of a sudden this guy jumped up and grabbed the ball when it hit him and it bounced down into the long grass.

He didn’t have a good lie and chunked it out across the green to about 45 feet. As we walked across and he said, ‘see that spot there – I’ve got to hit it straight over that’.

Then he told me to bugger off.

Well, he hit it straight over the top of that spot and sank the putt for par.

Was that when Zoeller waved a white towel in mock surrender?

Fuzzy was a hole behind and thought Greg’s putt was for birdie and that’s when he pulled out the white towel.

When Fuzzy knocked his on the green I can remember Laura [Greg’s wife at the time] saying to me, ‘what can happen?’

I said ‘only three things: he can one-putt to win, two putt to be in a playoff or three putt and Greg wins’. He two putted and got in the playoff.

Tell us about the 18-hole playoff.

Before the playoff, Fuzzy gave Greg a toy telephone and told him to ring his mother. He said ‘you’re going to get a thrashing, you know that’.

They play the mental games.

It didn’t end well for Greg, did it?

Both Greg and Fuzzy birdied the first playoff hole and on the second hole Greg decided to use his driver for the first time instead of the two-iron we had been using.

When I pulled the iron out of the bag, Greg said ‘no, give me the driver’.

He carved it right, had to chip out and knocked it near the flag. Fuzzy was up the back of the green with a monstrous (20m) putt downhill and to the right, over a ridge and he canned it for birdie.

Greg said to Fuzzy, ‘what did you do that for’ and Fuzzy replied by saying he was only trying to get it close.

Greg made double-bogey and was three behind after two holes and four behind after four holes. After that, Greg just started rushing and lost his concentration. • FOOTNOTE: In the playoff, Norman shot a 75 and Zoeller a 67.

IF past US Open results count for anything then Jason Day stands out as having the best chance of lifting the trophy at Erin Hills on June 18.

In his six appearances, Day has finished in the top-10 in five of his six appearances.

In 2011, he was runner-up to Rory McIlroy and he tied for second with Phil Mickelson behind Justin Rose in 2013.

In 2014, he finished T4, 2015 T9 and last year tied for eighth.

Adam Scott has played the championship 15 times and has made nine cuts with his best finish a tie for fourth in 2015.

In his five US Open appearance, Marc Leishman has made just two cuts. Last year was his best result when he tied for 18th.

Still, it all means nought in the wash-up.

It all comes down for form, health, state of mind and oftentimes a hot putter.

For the record, only two Australians have won the US Open – David Graham in 1981 and Geoff Ogilvy in 2006.

Five Aussies have finished runner-up.

Greg Norman lost the playoff to Fuzzy Zoeller in 1984 and was second to Corey Pavin in 1995.

We have already mentioned Day’s two seconds.

In 2003, Stephen Leaney finished three shots behind Jim Furyk, Bruce Crampton was runner-up to Jack Nicklaus in 1972 and South African Gary Player edged out Kel Nagle (71-74) in the 1965 18-hole playoff.

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John ticks off 550th golf course “Wairakei is sensational,” John told Inside Golf. “I have it in my top-10 golf courses I have played in the world.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

O

CTOGENARIAN John Sellwood recently ticked off playing his 550th different golf course in 23 different countries and now he is focusing on reaching 600.

Well, why not?

To quote motivational speaker Zig Ziglar: “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.”

Anyway, John, 82, reached the 550th course milestone at Cape Kidnappers golf course in New Zealand.

To mark the occasion, John purchased a Cape Kidnappers golf shirt and had it screenprinted with the number 550.

He did the same when he completed “Project 500” at Millbrook Resort at Queenstown in New Zealand in 2014.

“It’s brilliant in every way. The clubhouse is just right, the staff very good, the parking and practice areas are good and the layout is excellent.

“It’s a parkland course that has tiger lines on every hole and lay-ups where it’s needed.”

John was also impressed with Paraparaumu Beach golf course.

“It’s a wonderful links courses and I had a good day playing there,” he said.

“I shot my age (81), had a ball. I sunk more putts that day than on the entire New Zealand trip. They all went in.”

John said he would continue to play different golf courses while he remained healthy and working in increments of 50 remained the motivation.

During this year’s golf tour of the land of the long white cloud, John played seven top-ranking golf courses including Cape Kidnappers, Wainui, Kinloch, Royal Wellington, Wairakei, Paraparaumu Beach and Formosa golf course.

“After that, I’ll see what happens,” the 16 handicapper said.

It seems New Zealand is one of John’s favourite golfing playgrounds.

For the record, John’s very first game of golf was at Clermont Golf Club in Central Queensland and he joined Townsville Golf Club as a member in 1952.

He visits regularly and has played most of the country’s top golf courses including Kauri Cliffs, Waitangi, Carrington Resort, Arrowtown, Chisholm Park, Oreti Sands, Ringa Ringa on Stewart Island and many more.

While Cape Kidnappers is well-renowned for its spectacular scenery, John enjoyed playing Wairakei golf course and gave it a glowing endorsement.

“I didn’t aim for any number at the start of this journey, but when it came up in conversation I thought ‘bugger it, I’ll see what I can do’.”

“I might be 82, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop travelling and playing golf at courses I haven’t yet played,” said John, who has been a member at Keperra CGC for 50 years.

“I enjoy travel immensely and I enjoy playing different golf courses. I want to play the new Ernie Els course at Langkawi in Malaysia.

John Sellwood show off his Cape Kidnappers golf shirt and trophy after playing his 500th golf course.

“I am still young enough to travel overseas, but when I’m old I will play courses I haven’t played in South Australia, Western Australian and the Hunter Valley.

“I’m going to keep going,” John said with enthusiasm. “I’m up over 550 now and I have no intention of stopping.”

John has travelled the world playing golf, but it’s the Gary Player-designed Ria Bintan golf course in Indonesia that remains his favourite.

“I rated Ria Bintan number one because of its playability,” he said.

“I look at a golf course for playability, not degree of difficulty.

“At Ria Bintan, you always have an alternative if there is trouble down one side of the hole.

“It means you still have a chance of making par.

“That’s why I like Ria Bintan and I am going back there before the end of my playing days.

“It’s close to Singapore and my wife likes visiting Singapore so that’s the plan.”

His other favourites, in no particular order, are New South Wales, Cape Wickham, Ocean Dunes, Royal Melbourne, Chateau Whistler (Canada), Stone Forest (China), Valderrama (Spain), Wairaki and Paraparaumu Beach (both NZ).

For the record, John has played golf in America, Austria, Canada, China, England, Fiji, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Vietnam and Australia, of course.

Along the way, he has witnessed gun and knife fights in PNG, escaped the fangs of a deadly rattlesnake in America and recovered after dehydrating and falling unconscious playing golf in the Middle East.

“Aside from my family, my only interest these days is travel, golf and woodworking,” John said.

He certainly is an experienced traveller, handy golfer but he is also a marvel on the lathe and constructs all sorts of interesting pieces including bookcases, golf clubs’ storage stands, wine racks, chairs and the like. •

Enjoy a free cart on us!

Play at either St Andrews Beach or Bay Views Golf Courses on Monday to Friday - our winter cart deal is now on!

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June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

NEW CLUB CAR Precedent SPECIAL EDITION Arriving Shortly

NEW CLUB CAR Precedents $

From:

7995

$

HIGHLAND

GOLF CARS

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8995

WE

From:

1300 90 60 80

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Unit 2 / 6 Cavendish Street Mittagong NSW 2575

It is recommended you call to inquire about advertised cars as specific products advertised here may have been sold.

USED CLUB CAR PRECEDENTS Most with new Trojan batteries

150 CARS IN STOCK

2006 - 2016 Models from $

3495

SOLD WITH S R

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1300 90 60 80

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Unit 2 / 6 Cavendish Street Mittagong NSW 2575

It is recommended you call to inquire about advertised cars as specific products advertised here may have been sold.

CHECK OUT THE

NEW 2017 STOCK of our ‘LION’ range of cars

Be quick & BEAT the PRICE RISE Limited Stock!

From 2 to 8 seaters available.

Great colour choices.

NEW TROJAN Batteries

Suitable for all makes and models; delivery arranged to almost anywhere in Australia!

6x6V or 6x8V or 4x12V for

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call us for a delivery quote

THE LION HAS ALL THIS:

-Trojan Batteries -Powerful AC Motor -Toyota Controller -Speedometer -Battery Meter -Rear View mirrors -Colour Coded Canopy -Full Light Kit -Foldable Windscreen -Onboard Charger -And for a limited time includes bonus Bag Cover, Ball and Club Washer and Esky

NEW Tilting Cart Trailers

Registered on Road. Buy your cart from us and we’ll discount further!!!!!!

Conditions Apply: Please call or email us for details.

$1895

new gear

>NEWGEAR Raymond Georgiou and Thomas Tocknell

E-Z-GO, the industry leader in Electric Golf and Utility vehicle design, partnered with Samsung SDI in an effort to develop a Lithium-ion golf vehicle that would change the game.

Research and development took place over a period of five years and after countless trials and thousands of rounds of golf – the E-Z-GO “ELiTE” is here and are ready to change the game.

The battery pack is available in a 60Ah, 90Ah or a 120Ah configuration, with the 60Ah packs suitable for almost all golf courses.

Choosing a suitable pack for the application will depend on the range and terrain.

The packs offer: Cost Saving Efficiency – The RXV Elite is up to 59% more efficient than competitor vehicles resulting in major savings on power bills.

Zero Maintenance - Unlike lead acid batteries, lithium batteries require no watering, terminal cleaning, post checks, tightening or associated maintenance. This also saves huge amount of time and money.

Five- Year, Unlimited Amp Hour Warranty - ELiTE Series vehicles are backed by an

The Golf Vehicle industry is set to see an unprecedented change brought about by huge advancements in battery technology.

E-Z-GO and Augusta Golf Cars are bringing innovation to the market with the release of the new Lithium Ion “ELiTE” and Lead Crystal Technology powered vehicles. In both cases an industryfirst, five-year unlimited Amp hour Warranty is provided with a further guarantee that two rounds of golf can be enjoyed every single day for those five years.

LC tec Series Vehicles

E-Z-GO ELiTE Series Vehicles

Lithium-ion is a proven technology that has been in use for many decades. Up until recently Lithium-ion was most well-known for use in the cellular telephone industry.

More recently, however, companies like Tesla have been using this form of power in motor vehicles.

www.insidegolf.com.au/gear

The Lead Crystal Technology Battery LCBM has extremely low sulfation and plate loss.

Ultra Light, Ultra high performance. industry-leading five-year, unlimited amp hour warranty, thereby avoiding costly battery replacements, amp hour limits and warranty disputes.

BMS - ELiTE Series vehicles are equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS).

The BMS controls the temperature, state of charge and efficiency of the batteries capturing required diagnostic and performance information for improved safety and efficiency.

Consistent Performance - Over time, lead acid batteries slowly degrade which affects the power and speed of the vehicle. Lithium batteries degrade very little, offering customers extremely reliable vehicles that will deliver consistent performance for the full five-year period and beyond.

Reduced Turf Compaction - At only 15% of the weight of traditional lead acid batteries, Lithium technology helps protect the Golf Course Turf from costly repairs.

ECO Friendly - ELiTE series vehicles operate with zero-emissions, less energy and a longer lifespan, which means a shorter time in the recycling process, helping to protect the world in which we live.

Lead Crystal Technology originally developed in the 50s by the US military has been commercialised by Betta Batteries with five exclusive patented technological innovations. Lead Crystal batteries were developed to overcome the fundamental flaws of Lead Acid, Gel and AGM batteries such as plate sulfation, active material loss, high water loss, acid pollution, short life cycle and poor transport safety.

Augusta Golf Cars and Betta Batteries International have partnered to provide a battery pack and a LCBM (Lead Crystal Battery Monitor) in order to circumvent the issues encountered when using Lead Acid batteries. Many hours of testing have proven the batteries to be robust, high performance, extremely efficient and able to deliver high capacities without performance degradation.

The batteries are constructed from 99.97% pure lead and use a unique electrolyte that is crystallised offering an extremely safe, non-hazardous sealed battery that requires zero maintenance,

Due to the chemistry of the battery they have extremely low self-discharge parameters resulting in a long shelf life and simplified logistics, have a very wide operating temperature range, are 99% recyclable and come with a standard three-year warranty with an additional two years offered if used in the Fleet environment with a LCMB. The LCBM is a state-of-the-art device capable of monitoring a number of parameters which are uploaded to the cloud. This information is available to the user via a web based application where the state of the vehicles battery voltage and current consumption, charge history, and the number of rounds played can be viewed. Any parameters that fall outside of pre-set criteria will trigger an email message to any number of recipients who can respond accordingly. The concept of repairing vehicles before they break now becomes a reality.

LC tec series RXV’s have proven to be 20% more efficient than competitor vehicles, require zero maintenance, come with a five-year unlimited amp hour warranty, are ecofriendly and provide consistent performance.

Making an informed buying decision Purchasing or leasing a fleet of golf vehicles can be a daunting task; as there are plenty of considerations to make when doing so. Whilst price, operational features and specifications have a heavy bearing on the decision making process – one of the most important factors is the ‘useful life of the vehicle’ and ultimately this is determined by ‘the useful life of the battery’.

The battery enables the vehicle to perform its task – which in most fleet cases is delivering 36 holes of golf on a single charge – ideally for the period over which the vehicle has been leased of financed.

Lease periods are often determined based on how long a course, or manufacturer believes the vehicles can be of use, before needing to be replaced. Up until now 36 and 48 months has been the norm.

However, advancements in battery technology have changed way we look at things.

Battery options like Elite Lithium and Lead Crystal Technology which offer five-year unlimited amp hour warranties and 36 holes of golf for five years, guaranteed with zero maintenance required – allow for a longer ‘useful life of the battery’ and therefore a longer ‘useful life of the vehicle’.

So how does a potential buyer determine the best deal when looking at the product offerings put on the table, especially when the deals are not the same, or comparable as in the past?

38

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

We believe that you should be analysing the “Total Cost of Ownership” over the estimated useful life of the fleet, rather than looking at the purchase price.

So what is “Total Cost of Ownership”?

Like with many assets – golf vehicles carry ‘after purchase costs’ such as the cost of use, the cost of maintenance and the cost of upgrading.

Quite often these ‘after purchase costs’ are quite substantial – and there is a large difference between the purchase price and the total life cycle cost, especially when ownership covers a relatively long period of time such as three to five years.

Shifting perspective to look at the Total Cost of Ownership rather than just the purchase price is ultimately going to be the basis for making the most informed decisions as a fleet owner.

If you would like to find out more about the Elite Lithium and Lead Crystal Technology Batteries and how they can lower your Total Cost Of Ownership – The Team at Augusta Golf Cars would be thrilled to help you.

For more information: Augusta Golf Cars Unit 8, 2 Link Drive, Yatala, QLD, 4207 (07) 3807 8895 www.ezgo.com.au info@ezgo.com.au

The Lightweight Samsung Battery Pack

E-Z-GO® has yet again revolutionized electric golf cars with its ELiTE™ Series vehicles, activated by Samsung SDI lithium technology. With high-efficiency, zero-maintenance battery power and an unprecedented five-year, unlimited-amp-hour warranty, ELiTE Series vehicles give you the lowest operating costs the industry has ever seen.

CONSISTENT PERFORMANCE

2

ROUNDS OF GOLF PER DAY GUARANTEED FOR 5 YEARS

ZERO MAINTENANCE

0

BATTERY CELL WATERING AND TERMINAL POST CLEANING

ENERGY EFFICIENT

59 52%

TURF PROTECTION LESS STRESS ON YOUR TURF

VS. CLUB CAR*

22 kg

LITHIUM BATTERIES

MORE EFFICIENT VS. YAMAHA*

148 kg

LEAD ACID BATTERIES

% MORE EFFICIENT

VS

59

MORE EFFICIENT VS. CLUB CAR*

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MORE EFFICIENT VS. YAMAHA*

59

MORE EFFICIENT VS. CLUB CAR*

52

MORE EFFICIENT VS. YAMAHA*

CONTACT AUGUSTA GOLF CARS FOR MORE INFO - WWW.EZGO.COM.AU

new gear

www.insidegolf.com.au/gear

WE TRIED IT!> Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

Bushnell PRO X2

Long-time readers of Inside Golf are well aware of our love for gadgets on the course. And when it comes to high-quality, ultra-cool gadgets in the distance-measuring category, few companies can compare with Bushnell.

Forte Golf Balls

For years, we have used (and loved) the industry-leading laser rangefinders from Bushnell. Sleek, compact and sturdy, the various rangefinders from Bushnell have always been held in high regard on the course.

And the latest unit, the Bushnell Pro X2 is no exception. In fact, we loved it so much that it’s quickly become a “keeper” in our golf bags.

Smaller and considerably lighter than previous models, the Pro X2 also benefits from one massive improvement: Speed.

This thing is FAST! That’s not to say that the older models were slow, but when compared to the lightning-fast performance of the Pro X2, we wonder how we ever got along without it!

This unit zeroes in on a flagstick in an instant, saving even more time in getting that all-important distance.

Accurate to a 1/2 yard (watch your playing partners’ expressions when you tell them that it’s “Ninety-seven POINT FIVE metres to the pin”!), the unit can give distances from 5-1,300 Yds; 450+ Yds to a Flagstick. There’s also the PinSeeker with JOLT Technology– once it’s locked on to your target, the unit vibrates, eliminating any doubt that you have zeroed in on the flagstick.

And The Putter Went…

PING

An inspiring and comprehensive look inside the family-owned company that revolutionized the way golf equipment was designed and manufactured.

The book chronicles PING’s heritage and its on-going efforts to advance golf technology for the benefit of golfers of all skill levels. It takes readers behind the scenes of a genuine American success story that began in the family garage of Karsten Solheim, a Norwegian immigrant and mechanical engineer who invented the PING putter in 1959.

The 530-page, 16-chapter book captures Karsten’s pioneering spirit and his amazing ability to solve problems through innovative solutions that set industry standards still in effect today. You’ll learn about the early obstacles the company faced and the Solheims’ determination to overcome them while staying true to the principles that still guide the family owned company today. Two chapters are devoted to the highly publicized and vigorously debated “square groove” controversy of the late 1980s, in more depth than ever reported.

Available at authorized PING retailers.

RRP: $150 40

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Of course, the Pro X2 has all of Bushnell Golf’s groundbreaking laser rangefinder innovations. Tour-trusted Slope-Switch Technology engages Bushnell Golf’s patented Slope Technology, which compensates for changes in elevation (like an elevated green, for example). Best of all, it turns off easily for a USGA-conforming device when needed (during competition play, etc). Finally, it’s also encased in a fully-waterproof metal housing, giving you peace of mind on those rainy days.

Overall, the Bushnell Pro X2 is a fantastic unit. If you’re in the market for a new laser rangefinder, make sure you test this one out!

“Smart Wheels” to be made in Melbourne Australian high-tech golf equipment designer and manufacturer Concourse Golf announced last month it will be relocating to Victoria, where it will develop and manufacture its new electric Smart Wheels.

Concourse Golf, manufacturer of the award-winning CMB3, will consolidate its operations by moving manufacturing from China and its head office from Sydney. The move will see Melbourne become the home to the research and development and production of the company’s new Smart Wheels, which convert its CBM3 push buggies into electric buggies by simply changing the wheels.

The first production units of the Smart Wheels will likely be completed in late 2017. With ongoing expansion of production capacity, the business expects to have created around 200 jobs by 2020.

Visiting the team at Concourse Golf in Dandenong, Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan and Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams congratulated the company on choosing Melbourne to establish its new Australian headquarters.

“We are delighted that Concourse Golf has chosen Melbourne to establish its Australian headquarters, creating nearly 200 local jobs and securing our reputation as the home of manufacturing,” Noonan said Concourse Golf Managing Director David MacKay cited The Andrews Labor Government’s Investment Attraction and Assistance Program (IAAP) in helping businesses like Concourse Golf set up shop in Victoria.

“With the support of the Andrews Government, it made sense to relocate to Melbourne and tap the world-class manufacturing base that exists in Victoria,” said Concourse Golf Managing Director David MacKay. “We are currently in the final stages of development of a patented system that will revolutionise golf buggies and the way the golfer uses them. We are proud that product will originate from Melbourne, Victoria and be sold globally,” Mr MacKay said.

The Concourse Golf Smart Wheels aim to change the electric golf buggy market.

The Smart Wheels are fully self-contained units, which include batteries, motors and control electronics – all housed within the wheels. The technology will not only change the way electric golf buggies operate, but can also be potentially applied to a range of other industries, including health and logistics.

More: www.concoursegolf.com. Or phone David MacKay. 0410 500 879

Golf ball technology has come a long way over the years. Once the tightly-held domain of a few large manufacturers, the golf ball industry has recently seen an influx of competitors introducing tour-quality, high-performance products at very competitive prices.

Despite being relatively unknown, Forte Golf, an Australian golf ball company, is one such company that is causing a bit of a shake-up in the industry. Recently launching a full line of four golf ball models, each with different characteristics, Forte is aiming to make serious inroads to the golf ball industry.

Inside Golf (with the help of a few volunteer testers) took the full line of Forte balls out for a few rounds last month.

First off was the Apex6 (starting from $66.99/dozen), billed as “the ultimate tour performance ball”. Designed for the advanced player, the ball features a six-layer construction, with each layer designed to maximise performance. From the highenergy core (designed for distance off the tee, with low spin) to individual layers responsible for energy transfer, greenside control and the like, these layers all work together to produce a ball that gives maximum performance for each club/shot, without sacrificing anything.

True to its billing, the Apex6 performed admirably in our tests, delivering a beautiful combination of ball speed, launch conditions, spin rate and soft feel. Off the tee, it flew straight as an arrow, with a solid, penetrating trajectory. Even on offcentre hits, any unintended sidespin was minimised, and we found ourselves hitting more fairways than usual (always a good sign!). It was also highly “workable” for any intended draw/fade shots. In addition, we loved how this ball felt around the greens. We saw plenty of spin/bite from our wedges, while the feel off the putter was in the “Goldilocks” zone (not too hard, not too soft.) We felt like we gained control without sacrificing distance, and vice versa. It’s the complete package.

Next up was the Tour Performance S (starting from $40.99 / dozen) an ultra-soft 3-piece ball, manufactured with a unique cast urethane formulation. Like the Apex6, this ball offered a lot of control, but with a slightly softer feel. The “soft” ball feel is all the rage right now, and the Tour Performance S fits nicely in this category, offering a tremendous amount of short game spin. It’s a great all-round ball that will likely appeal to a wide range of golfers.

“This ball loses absolutely nothing compared to its industry rivals,” said tester Paul Julian, an 8 handicapper at The Eastern Golf Club. “I certainly gained distance with this ball, and was pleasantly surprised with its performance.”

The SS3 Speed (starting from $24.99/dozen) is a 3-piece construction ball, coupled with an aerodynamically efficient 312 dimple design. Designed for golfers with 80mph+ swing speeds, the SS3 features a slightly larger core to reduce side spin (which translates to straighter and longer flight.) It felt slightly firmer off the clubface, but, oh man, did it fly! We found it to be a good, solid distance ball.

Finally, SS2 Soft (starting from $18.99/dozen) is a lowcompression, high-trajectory golf ball designed for golfers of swing speeds from 70mph to 110mph. A compression ratio of 45 means it feels ultra soft, while the 368 dimple pattern is designed to produce a higher ball flight with long distance.

“As an older golfer, with a slower swing speed, I found this ball to be wonderful; offering me much more control, and extra distance,” said tester John Corner, also from The Eastern Golf Club.

So if you’re looking for a new ball to add to your arsenal, be sure and give the Forte balls a test. You might be pleasantly surprised with just how good they are!

Phone: (07) 5511 4592 www.fortegolf.com.au, support@fortegolf.com.au

new gear

www.insidegolf.com.au/gear

>WINTER

WARMERS

Men’s Pro Jacket

Colours: Charcoal, MotorRed, Strong Blue.

Also available in Navy, Black.

Sizes: S – XXXL.

Golf Clothing Factory Outlet (GCFO) has all your Wet Weather Gear requirements this Winter. “The best brands at a fraction of the price” is their motto. With Wet Weather gear going through constant advancement, gone are the old days of wearing heavy, cumbersome golf clothing to keep you dry. Out with the old and in with the new – such as their Men’s Range from Calvin Klein – fourway stretch and Full rain protection with three-year warranty.

RRP $397.99

Top gear to play your best when the weather is the worst!

Cross Sportswear PRO SERIES Technical sportswear designed and developed in Sweden by two passionate golfers who were frustrated that there was no water-resistant rainwear that gave them full freedom of movement on the golf course.

Their vision was to develop a technology that enabled rainwear that breathed, was stretchy and at the same time be able handle Sweden’s harsh climate. The solution was FTX. An ultra-light membrane combined with different outer shell to provide optimal protection against wind and water while releasing body moisture in order to keep the body cool and dry during all 18 holes.

Extremely soft and low noise, lightweight and packable, timeless design with classic fit. 2 layer, 4-way stretch, 20.000 mm waterproofing, 20.000 g/m2/24h breathability. Available in Men’s and Women’s colours and sizes. Pro Series pants come in three lengths to ensure you get the right fit for you. www.wsports.com.au/pages/ cross-sportswear

WOMen’s Pro Pants

RRP: $339.99 Colours: Black, Navy, Charcoal.

Sizes: XS – XXL. 3 lengths - Regular, Short, Long

Men’s Pro Pants

Women’s Pro Jacket

Sizes: XS - XL. Colours: Zinc, Charcoal, Cerise, Navy, Black.

GCFO also have seasonal drops from Cutter & Buck, Cross and Sporte Leisure.

And don’t forget to layer up and hit the course with the latest range of Ladies Fashion Padded Vests and Jackets.

Drop in-store at 176 Boundary Road, Braeside (Victoria) or give Sally, Jeanette, Katharine or Jan a call on 03 9588 1779.

RRP $339.99

Mizuno Breath Thermo Mid Active Jacket

The only Gilet with the added warmth of Mizuno’s heat generating Breath Thermo yarn. Mizuno’s recommendation to keep your body warm and arms free on the coldest golfing days. Combine with the lightweight BT Mid Active Jacket for maximum warmth.

Almost too light and flexible to be a jacket – only possible through the use of Mizuno’s heat generating Breath Thermo yarn. Perfect for cold, clear conditions and thin enough to wear under a waterproof.

Heat Generating Technology: Mizuno’s revolutionary thermal fabric is ideally suited as an unrestrictive body layer for extreme winter sports. Exothermic properties allow Breath Thermo to absorb moisture released by the body and turn it into heat.

Colours: Black, Cobalt Materials: 100% Polyester Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

RRP $229.00

Mizuno’s revolutionary thermal fabric is ideally suited as an unrestrictive body layer for extreme winter sports. Exothermic properties allow Breath Thermo to absorb moisture released by the body and turn it into heat.

Colours: Castlerock, Navy Materials: 100% Polyester Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

RRP $149.00

Cutter & Buck offer their Weathertec Seaview Men’s Jackets with an amazing 20000 waterproof rating. These jackets sell-out quickly, as GCFO sells them at very competitive prices.

For the ladies, the range from Abacus starts with an Ultralight Full Waterproof Jacket that you hardly know you are wearing. These come with a long-lasting warranty.

Colours: Black, Navy, Charcoal.

Sizes: S - XXL. Three lengths Regular, Short, Long.

RRP $397.99

Mizuno Breath Thermo Micro Down Gilet

Golf Clothing Factory Outlet

www.golfclothingfactoryoutlet.com.au

Mizuno Pro Rain Jacket The ultimate wet weather jacket – engineered in association with Swiss fabric innovator Schoeller. Founded in 1868 Schoeller is a recognised leader in the production of stretchable, breathable waterproofing. The Mizuno Pro incorporates a highly pliable 3-way stretch, wipe dry 10,000mm water proofing with an intelligent membrane that adjusts heat retention based on the conditions.

The Mizuno Pro manufactured with Schoeller of Switzerland is guaranteed to keep you dry for 5 years. Both the Schoeller fabric and all other parts of the garment carry a 5-year guarantee.

The Mizuno Pro Rainwear is made specifically for performance on the golf course.

Colours: Black, Blue / White Materials: 100% Polyester Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

RRP $399.00

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

41

juniors

www.insidegolf.com.au/juniors

Speechley, Wikana shine in NSW

Y

CQ juniors excel

holes and beat their handicaps convincingly.

ET another in the long line of champion young golfers to come out of New South Wales surfaced in last month’s Jack Newton Junior Golf NSW All Schools Junior Championship played at the Forster-Tuncurry Golf Club on the North Coast of the state.

Still it was Girls Champion Wikana, at just 12-years-of-age who almost stole the show, proving what a bright future she has in the game of golf should she persevere with her talent.

After starting the second round with a share of the lead, the Year Seven ace quickly asserted her dominance, opening up a big lead on the front nine before running away with an eight-shot win.

At just 12-years of age Castle Hill High School Year Seven student Alyssa Wikana gave her rivals a golfing lesson, bolting away with the event, winning by an amazing nine shots in an event for pupils from Years Seven, Eight And Nine.

There were a number of girls who stood out in the Nett Division also, with Heather Garrett (Oxford Falls Grammar) winning in her first-ever major junior golf tournament, one shot clear of Year Seven Nett Champion Maddison McKee (McAuley Catholic College Grafton).

Likewise the boys’ championship produced another golfer to watch when Sutherland Shire Christian School’s Brock Speechley led from wire-to-wire to claim that title.

Almost 100 juniors played the tournament on the scenic Forster course, which borders the famous One-Mile Beach...and it was these two regular JNJG competitors who showed the benefit of those previous tournament experiences to prevail in the 36-hole events.

Speechley, a Year 9 CIS student, fired rounds of 72-70 (+10) on the par-66 layout to win the event by a commanding six shots.

Sharing second place at +16 was Keegan Phillips (Gorokan HS), Matthew Hicks (Champagnant Catholic College) and Jacob Dundas (West Wallsend HS).

Dundas was particularly impressive, with his rounds of 76-72 giving him the Boys Year Eight title.

Central Queensland juniors (left to right) Luke Cumberledge, Jayden Gardner, Ben Swaffield, Brad Cumberledge and Quinn Stover.

IN Central Queensland, Yeppoon Golf Club juniors Ben Swaffield and Quinn Stover teamed up to win the second annual Central Queensland junior fourball event at the Gracemere Lakes golf course.

Played as a Canadian Foursomes event, Ben and Quinn carded an 81 gross to win the challenging event in the 18-hole division.

Jasmine Driscoll (Blakehurst HS) shared the overnight lead and finished second, claiming the Year Eight Girls Division alongside Jasmine Vesper (Singleton HS), who was the Year Eight Girls Nett Champion.

Alyssa Wikana and Brock Speechley In the Boys Year Seven division, Lachlan Barr (Ulladulla HS) recorded rounds of 78-73 to hang on for a three-stroke victory.

The Nett Champion was Hugo Currie (Mater Dei Catholic College Wagga Wagga), with the 19 handicapper finishing the event at -9 to claim a one-shot win.

He defeated Year Seven Nett Champion Oliver Gilson (Callaghan College Waratah), Year Eight Nett Champion Jack Toyne (Gorokan HS) and Year Nine Nett Champion Will Flannigan (Marist College North Sydney) who all played sensational golf over the 36

Yeppoon’s Luke Cumberledge and Jayden Gardner returned a gross score of 80 to take out the 13-hole division while Sam Norris and Brad Cumberledge, also from Yeppoon, captured the nine-hole division with a score of 58 off the stick.

Maddison Butterfield (Melville HS) claimed the Girls Year Nine title with Rheannah Webb (Goulburn HS) picking up the Nett Division.

In the six-hole division, Gracemere Lakes Golf Club’s Cooper and Kobi Dawson were successful with a score of 44.

The overall wins for Speechley, Wikana, Currie and Garrett saw them take out the Jack Newton Shield, as the best-performed Junior Boy and Girl, in both scratch and nett divisions, for all junior golfers in the tournament for school students in those first three years of high school.

The tournament was well supported with junior representation from Yeppoon, Gladstone, Boyne Island, Emerald and Blackwater golf clubs.

YOUR BLUE MOUNTAINS PARMAKER OUTLET

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Phone: (07) 3264 1633 Email: admin@wantimacountryclub.com.au Web: www.wantimacountryclub.com.au 530 South Pine Road, Brendale, QLD 4500

42

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

explorer

scout

For Parmaker after-sales repairs, service & spares in the Blue Mountains Area (Blacktown to Lithgow & beyond) contact Mike Budden. We conduct warranty repairs on all models and have most walker and ride-on models available for demo.

Collection & delivery is available.

Sales • Repairs • Service • Spares Phone & Fax: 02 4751 8226 Email: wesden@dodo.com.au www.bluemountainsgolfbuggies.com

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rising stars

www.insidegolf.com.au/people

Young Becky one to watch

By Andrew Crockett

B

ecky Kay is a name you will be hearing more of in the coming years, if you don’t know her already. Playing off + 4 at Coolangatta Tweed, 18-yearold Becky already possesses a formidable amateur resume, soon to be bolstered by her 2017 Karrie Webb scholarship and time in America.

Becky has the sort of foolproof golf swing that would be the envy of any golf aficionado. A simple take-away and powerful

follow-through, Becky Kay launches the ball with impressive power for her 5’6” feminine frame and has the sort of fearless short game that we all aspire towards.

As soon as you see Becky Kay swing the golf club you know she is the real deal. Even from a couple of hundred yards away, if you saw her poetic swing you would know that this young lady is a scratch golfer. Aged 18 makes it even more impressive. But Becky has been on the golfing radar since she was 10 years old, having represented Australia eight times. In the last two years Becky has chalked up several notable results, including:

2017 Chosen to represent Australia in the Queen Sirikit in China (May) 2017 Karrie Webb scholarship holder 2017 1st Western Australian Stroke play 2017 1st South Australian Stroke play 2017 3rd RACV Golf Coast Challenge (Professional) 2017 2nd New South Wales amateur 2017 1st South Australian Junior 2016 2nd Victorian Amateur 2016 2nd Victorian stroke play Talking to Becky about her idols, she boldly says ‘Karrie Webb’ with no hesitation (and what Australian female golfer would?) Karrie is, after all, our most successful (ever) major golf champion.

Like many golfing prodigies, Becky is becoming a bit of a jet-setter, racking up the airline frequent flyer miles. Last month, she travelled to China to play the Queen Sirikit tournament, representing Australia. Later this year, in July, Becky will fly to America as part of the Karrie Webb Scholarship, playing Trump National and accompanying Karrie to the 2017 Women’s U.S. Open.

In discussion about the strengths in her game Becky acknowledges that her driving accuracy is number one and she currently is working hard on her strategic game and how to plot her way around new golf courses, knowing where to miss and learning how to get the most out of her game.

Playing golf with Karrie Webb, Minjee Lee, Katherine Kirk and Sarah-Jane Smith have been highlights for young Becky, but she even made her surfer boyfriend jealous in April when she teed it up with 11 times

44

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Becky Kay with surfing champion Kelly Slater.

World Surfing champion Kelly Slater. Invited to play the Blue Marker Challenge with Kelly, his good friend Kurt Munro and this correspondent, Becky matched it with the boys, teeing off the back tees. Slater (off scratch) and I (off 3) were no match for Becky, who shot the lowest round in the field.

So keep your eyes peeled for this young golf phenom, for she definitely has all the hallmarks of a future superstar! •

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tours

www.insidegolf.com.au/events

My amazing US Masters week Australian tour operator Great Events took a group of excited golfers on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the US Master recently.

Here’s an account of their amazing journey.

Jim Dawes

O

ur upbeat Great Events Host and Golf Professional, Kieran McMahon, greets us at the Atlanta Airport baggage carousel and escorts us to our luxury transport. We also meet our personal driver for the week, an Augusta native, Dawn. The conversation on the twohour run down to Augusta makes the trip go quickly. Kieran outlines the itinerary with some exciting “extras” to tease our golfing tastebuds whilst Dawn chips in with some interesting local stories plus the typical questions for downunder; “Y’all like vegemite” in her best southern accent. Dawn may be small in stature but she is certainly a large personality! A small period of silent anticipation lingers…. we are really going to the Masters!

We arrive at our house accommodation, in Azalea Drive (300m from Augusta National). I’m sharing the house with five of my best mates. A hot shower and we are soon wandering across the road to Azalea Hospitality House, which is included in our tour package with all food and beverage, live entertainment and great southern service.

It’s our meeting place for the week, where we pick up our Masters badges, and can mingle with many new friends.

Monday night at Azalea House is known as “Caddy night”. Many of the PGA Tour caddies roll up and share their stories of players they have “looped’ for. A couple of us are still keen to kick on into the night so Kieran suggests we check out the Augusta Country Club Dance Hall. We are soon led through a VIP side door past the hundreds of hopeful patrons waiting to get in!

Tuesday Practice round at The Masters, and thankfully the weather has turned out perfect. The beauty of the practice rounds early in the week is that patrons can take in a pocket camera to get some pics of the hallowed turf. Kieran gathered our group in front of the main scoreboard for a photo before escorting us through the entire 18 holes for the first time. This proved extremely valuable as Kieran was able to point out 46

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

many “secret” viewing spots where you get more bang for your buck later in the week. He also shows us some of the historical points of interest from past Masters.

Wednesday we were up early for both the practice round and the much-anticipated Par-3 tournament. After watching players practice on the main tournament course in the morning we moved over to the Par-3 area only to find that the weather warning had cancelled the Par-3 tournament for the first year in Masters history. We quickly found our courtesy vehicle and took the opportunity to catch up with British Open and PGA major winner John Daly down at the Hooters Bar. Staying so close to the Masters proved very convenient in this situation as we went back to our house to change and Kieran suggested a couple of afternoon beers at Azalea House followed by dinner at T-Bonz, another Masters and Augusta iconic venue.

Thursday we played golf on the very undulating and scenic Mt Vintage golf course. Set on beautiful historic farmland, the proshop and clubhouse are still the original buildings restored from the 1800s. The first of two rounds of the Great Events Aussie Green jacket began in earnest with the course playing a little longer after the Wednesday rain. The leading score in our Aussie group was an honest 28 points. We then transfer back to Azalea House to watch the TV coverage of the first day’s play.

Friday arrived at Augusta National gates about 8am, ready for the first players to tee off in their 2nd round. We enjoyed watching Adam Scott play well after an average Thursday. Picking up a seat in the front row on the 18th green, we saw Scotty’s birdie finish and also saw players on the cut line battling to make the weekend. This was a real highlight of our Friday. It was a shame to see Rod Pampling miss the cut but we had four Aussies playing the weekend and a jam-packed leaderboard including crowd favourite Sergio Garcia.

Saturday we enjoyed a morning game on the best course I have ever played, and the second best course I have ever seen. Kieran and Great Events had organised an upgrade for our 2nd round of golf to the monumental Champions Retreat, a private course just

15 minutes from our house. The course is a 27-hole gem with three separate and very different 9 holes, each designed by Nicklaus, Player and Palmer. Whilst Augusta National is something special, our day at Champions Retreat gave us a feel of what it is like to drive our ball through towering pines and putt on tournament fast greens. The service was impeccable with lunch and drinks served after golf whilst watching the coverage of the Masters 3rd round on a gigantic screen.

On another bright note my mate Phil won our own Aussie Green Jacket. He had a credible 58 stableford points over the two rounds. Playing golf during Masters week was a great way of breaking up such a big week. My mate Phil now has his eyes on a new set of clubs after using the quality rental sets that were available to us.

Sunday is finally here. The day we have dreamed about from when we were young kids watching The Masters final round coverage on TV back home. Sunday was an earlier start for our group as Kieran assembled us to take our Masters chairs to the gates and try to get a great position on the 18th Green. Despite the strict “no running” rule, and many other patrons with similar ideas, we managed to get our chairs exactly where Kieran prescribed when he briefed us earlier in the week. We had our chairs right in the front row, all seven of us ready for what could be a great finish. Back to Azalea House for some breakfast and a rest up before we go back to the course ready for the first tee times at 10am.

The leading groups do not hit off until 2.45pm Sunday, which is surprisingly late given the potential of a delay or even a playoff. But I guess the Augusta National Masters committee know what they are doing! Most of our group watched Adam Scott on the front nine. When he drove the green at the 3rd hole the atmosphere of a large Aussie contingent was amazing. We left Scotty on the 10th hole and folded back to watch the leaders who were starting to break away from the pack. Sitting at the 12th Tee and 11th Green was intriguing. All the years of talk about wind direction being witnessed firsthand. Amen corner was in full flight!

We waited for Sergio and Justin Rose to tee off 12 then we moved quickly greenside on thirteen to see an amazing turning point in the match. Sergio’s amazing up and down for par and Rose not taking advantage of his birdie chance meant the game was still on.

Kieran suggested skipping over to the 15th and 16th hole where drama was assured. The roar when Sergio made eagle was worth the entry fee alone. Security squeezed us into a no go zone right behind the tee shots on 16 (an Aussie accent will do wonders) ready to see both shots fired close to the flag. Now we are off to the top of the hill, back to our chairs on 18 ready to see the excitement unfold. By the time we get to the18th Green the crowd is thirty rows deep. We stroll down the readymade aisle to the front row much to the envy of the other 25,000 patrons. We see the scores unfold on the big manual scoreboards on 16 and 17 and know what is now at stake coming up the 18th. When Sergio holes that final putt our little group of seven looked like a team who had just won the Grand Final.

There were tears and hugs…it was amazing!

(We don’t even know Sergio).

The Great Events US Masters Tour was everything I had hoped for and more. It obviously helped that we witnessed such a great finish. However, without a proper host who has had experience over many years, I am sure the experience would have been very different. Speaking with other Aussie tour attendees at the airport the next day we heard some could not see the finale on the 18th green. I cannot recommend Great Events and Kieran McMahon highly enough. Great Events not only delivered an amazing trip but did it without me having to take out a second mortgage. It was great value for my money.

Great Events US Masters 2018 Tour still has places available. They have extended an early bird discount offer until June 30 2017 or until sold out! Numbers are restricted to give tour attendees a proper fully hosted tour. • Contact Kieran McMahon to discuss the tour: Kieran@golftothemax.com.au or Mobile 0408 633 377. www.greatevents.com.au

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rules

www.insidegolf.com.au/rules

WHAT’S THE RULE

Roads and Paths Frank Gal

National Rules Official – Golf NSW

W

hen do I get a drop?

This is a question frequently asked by players when they play in a competition or event away from their own course.

Relief without penalty is generally available under Rule 24-2 from artificially surfaced roads and paths since they are “obstructions” by definition (see page 39 of the Rules of Golf booklet).

However, a number of issues need to be clarified before we can say for certain that free relief is available from a path.

Firstly, a track or path formed by vehicle or buggy movement is not an obstruction, so free relief is not available.

Secondly, what constitutes artificial surfacing? Decision 24/9 tells us that “A road or path to which any foreign material, e.g. concrete, tar, gravel, wood chips, etc. has been added is artificially surfaced and thus an obstruction.”

Therefore, if the path is surfaced with material that wasn’t there before, it is regarded under the Rules as being artificially surfaced, even if the material is something natural such as gravel or wood chips. Note that this applies whether or not the path has a border constructed of wood, concrete or something similar.

Thirdly, always check the Local Rules on the score card for guidance when seeking relief from immovable obstructions such as surfaced roads and paths.

A Committee may declare any obstruction (including an artificially surfaced path) an integral part of the course. If it does so, there is no free relief and the options available are to play the ball as it lies or declare it unplayable.

The most famous example of this is on the Road Hole at the Old Course in St Andrews.

The road has always been an important element of the hole, and to allow free relief would eliminate one of its essential obstacles.

Incidentally, the provision that the Committee can declare any construction an integral part of the course, disallowing relief, was introduced in 1976 because of the R&A’s reluctance to give free relief from the Road on the Road Hole. Prior to this, such roads and paths were not obstructions and relief was allowed only under a Local Rule.

Finally, having established that a particular path is an obstruction because it is “artificially” surfaced and that there is no Local Rule declaring it as an integral part of the course, relief would still be denied if the following exception to Rule 24-2 were to apply.

Exception: A player may not take relief under this Rule if (a) interference by anything other than an immovable obstruction makes the stroke clearly impracticable or (b) interference by an immovable obstruction would occur only through use of a clearly unreasonable stroke or an unnecessarily

abnormal stance, swing or direction of play. (see page 97 of the Rules of Golf Booklet).

Examples of the application of the exceptions include: Decision 24-2b/16 Q. A player’s ball lies between two exposed tree roots. The ball is clearly unplayable due to the roots. An immovable obstruction is so located that it would interfere with the player’s backswing if the player could play the ball. The player claims he is entitled to relief, without penalty, under Rule 24-2b(i). Is the player correct?

A. No. See Exception under Rule 24-2b. The player must invoke Rule 28 (the Unplayable Ball Rule).

Decision 24-2b/18 Q. A right-handed player’s ball is in a poor lie. A nearby immovable obstruction would not interfere with a normal right-handed swing but it would interfere with a lefthanded swing. The player says he wishes to make his next stroke left-handed and, since the obstruction would interfere with such a stroke, he is entitled to proceed under Rule 24-2b. May the player invoke Rule 24-2b?

A. No. If the only reason for the player to use a left-handed stroke is to escape a poor lie, use of an abnormal (left-handed) stroke is clearly unreasonable and the player is not entitled to invoke Rule 24-2b - see Exception under Rule 24-2b.

However, there are situations where it would be justifiable for a right-handed player to get free relief if a left-handed stroke was interfered with by an immovable obstruction.

Roads and cart paths, like those found at the famous “Road Hole” at St Andrews have a specific set of rules for play.

Decision 24-2b/17 gives an example where it would be reasonable to play an abnormal stroke: Q. A right-handed player’s ball is so close to a boundary fence on the left of a hole that the player, in order to play towards the hole, must play left-handed. In making a left-handed stroke, the player’s backswing would be interfered with by an immovable obstruction. Is the player entitled to relief from the obstruction?

A. The player is entitled to relief since use of an abnormal (left-handed) stroke is reasonable in the circumstances - see Exception under Rule 24-2b.

The proper procedure is for the player to take relief for a left-handed stroke in accordance with Rule 24-2b(i).

The player may then use a normal righthanded swing for his next stroke…..

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clubs

Moore Park’s amazing Grade run Michael Court michael@insidegolf.com.au

I

The stars are aligning for the Fiji International golf tournament, with the news that in 2017 it will be cosanctioned by both the Asian and European Tours, alongside the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia. This will mean a far greater TV audience for the event, potentially bigger prize purses and no doubt even more star players travelling to Fiji to compete for the title.

T’S a record any golf club would be proud of.

And Moore Park’s success in the Golf NSW Metropolitan Grade competition in 2017 is nothing short of incredible...and also strikes a major blow for equality in golf clubs across the nation.

That’s because this club gives women the same rights as men...an innovative move which is obviously paying dividends where it matters most...on the course.

The Moore Park girls have thrived and made history when they won the Division One Pennant at this first attempt.

Powerful clubs and perennial winners like Concord, Monash, Killara, NSW, The Australian and Pymble were thrust aside as Moore Park continued its giant-killing run.

This inner-city club, with views of the city skyline, has now won the Pennant for six years in a row.

That’s right, in the past six years Moore Park have surged through the ranks, rising from Division Six to Division One, winning all the way and unearthing some star amateurs along the way.

Pathmanathan explained that one of the secrets behind this team’s success was the support received from the board and general membership at Moore Park, rated one of the busiest clubs in Australia.

No doubt being an “equal-access club” giving the women the same rights as the men, has been a huge adjunct to their success.

And during this amazing run Moore Park has remained unbeaten for the past three years in divisions three, two and one.

The Centennial Park Trust and Clublinks have also supported the team throughout the years.

Moore Park women’s team captain Elsie Pathmanathan described her team as “passionate, committed and hard-working” and admitted she was bursting with pride watching the women achieve this impressive result.

This year’s team consisted of one of the youngest women playing Grade in Sydney as well with 15-year-old Monica Johnson showing she was a player of the future with some extraordinary displays.

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.

Fiji set to impress

Then there was Lucie Quilliam, who went through undefeated in 2017.

Or Anna Booth, who has played all six years and also went through 2017 undefeated.

Nikki Haines and Janice Chong also deserve special mention as they have played for the club all six years during their phenomenal run.

Lucy Child and Kath Ritter’s contributions in 2017 have also been invaluable while Pathmanathan herself deserves special plaudits as she has also played all six years and has been a worthy and inspiring captain of the Grade team.

So what’s next for Moore Park’s Grade team?

How about a magnificent seven in a row, for starters. •

The dates for the tournament, August 17-20, are immediately at the end of the ‘major season’ with the USPGA finishing on August 13. Some of the world’s best players, like 2016 champion Brandt Snedeker and 2015 champion Matt Kuchar have chosen to make Fiji a bit of a wind down at the end of their busy year. You can feel that at the event with the players and their families getting into ‘island time’ at the Natadola Bay resort.

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is the venue and what a sight it is, with the coral coast as a backdrop, swaying palm trees and the delightful layout as directed by Fiji’s own, former World number 1, Vijay Singh. The Fiji International is becoming a favourite tournament amongst players, the tropical destination providing a holiday feel at a world-class event. For Australians, it is a tropical feel in the middle of winter and Fiji is becoming recognised as a fun golfing destination.

More information: www.fijiinternational.com

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

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

49

clubs

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Arundel Hills Country Club David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

I

T’S a big call, but one worth considering.

Last month a number of pennant players from a rival club described Arundel Hills Country Club as the “Augusta of the Gold Coast”.

Perhaps they made that judgement because the course is set in rolling hills and splendid bushland.

Its main appeal lies in its authenticity.

There is nothing fake about this wonderful Fred Bolton-designed layout.

In designing the course, Bolton didn’t shift tonnes of earth or forests of trees when he carved out this jewel.

From the first tee, the holes flow nicely through the undulating topography merging into a magnificent layout.

The risk-and-reward finishing hole at Arundel Hills.

The 375m par-4 third hole is another beauty.

“It’s about plotting your way around the golf course.”

The lake down the right is reachable off the tee, but the main danger is around the green protected by bunkers left, right and back and the lake virtually encircles the green.

The club’s general manager Marcus Sullivan agreed.

Okay, it doesn’t have an Amen Corner, but it does have a matching set of holes – the challenging uphill par-5 14th, the delightful eye-catching par-3 15th and the magnificent par-4 downhill 16th (arguably the signature hole).

Golf course superintendent Brent Robinson told Inside Golf eight lakes, 74 bunkers and heavily tree-lined fairways in many parts defended the golf course.

Negotiate your way around this corner of the layout and you just could sign a scorecard you’ll be proud of.

Currently, the greens are running at nine on the stimpmeter, but come winter they will be up around 11 or 12.

Still, long before you reach this section of the course you’ll be wowed by a number of excellent holes on the front nine including the short (290m black tees) par-4 sixth hole.

At full length, the course stretches to 6311m (black tees), 5986m (blue), 5673m (white) and 5218m (red).

Here, the fairway narrows to about 25m between two lakes at about average driving distance.

Of course, most players will want to take on the challenge but perhaps the smart play is to take an iron off the tee and a longer iron to reach the green guarded by water on the right.

50

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

One of the most daunting tee shots in golf is at the par-3 15th hole.

Then there are the well-defined greens (tif eagle grass) that average 600sq/m each in size.

So, what’s the one shot you need to be successful around this course?

“There are two,” Robinson said. “You have to fade the ball on the front nine and draw it on the back nine.

“It’s a real test of golf as it’s very much corridor golf. If you stray from the corridor, you have to take your medicine.

“It’s an exciting golf course that keeps golfers of all levels interested all the way around,” he said.

“Every day there are sections of the golf course that play differently.

“It’s definitely not an up-and-back layout.”

In other words, it’s a thinking golfer’s layout.

While some fairways are quite generous, don’t expect a wide-open paddock where you can spray the ball and still find it.

Golf is about a challenge and Arundel Hills definitely delivers.

Water comes into play on four holes on each nine, but these hazards do not suggest artificiality.

The par-3s are top-notch, but longer than average at 200m, 186m, 180m and 166m from the tiger tees but considerably shorter from the forward tees.

Still, a number of short par-4s including the 356m second, the 290m sixth, 325m 10th,

342m 11th355m 13th and 355m 17th balance these holes.

The four finishing holes are outstanding.

The 166m 15th is eye-catching and played from an elevated and tiered tee to a smallish green guarded by water in front and left and a bunker.

The 426m par-4 16th is one of the great challenges and comes with risk and reward.

Played from an elevated tee, a good drive will leave you with a mid- to long-iron to the green which is guarded by water in front and right.

The 355m 17th plays uphill to a green guarded by bunkers in front.

The 18th hole (494m par-5) requires thought especially if you get a good tee shot away.

Again it’s risk and reward. “Do I” or “don’t I” go for the green, which is protected by a lake down the left side of the fairway and skirts in front of the putting surface?

Arundel Hills is now laying down the gauntlet to all golfers to test themselves in the Gum Nutt Challenge played on the third Friday of each month off the green (back) tees. It’s a great experience and a proper test of golf.

clubs

The fairway on the par-4 sixth hole narrows to just 25m between two lakes before widening.

THE CLUBHOUSE No expense was spared when the expansive and luxurious clubhouse was built.

The colonial interior is styled in hardwood and the impressive locker rooms are somewhere that golfers are happy to linger before heading for the comfortable openstyle lounge area leading to the verandah overlooking the driving range and large putting green, chipping area and practice bunkers currently under construction.

“Irrespective of how you played, there’ll be a cold beer and a nice meal waiting for you at the end of the round,” Sullivan said.

He added that Arundel Hills was arguably the friendliest club on the Gold Coast.

“The members are friendly, knockabout people and they are successful in what they do.

“There is no pretentiousness. Everyone here has a great time and that’s what has attracted more than 90 new members in recent months.

“We are so close to Surfers Paradise, Robina and north to Brisbane’s south which is only 40 minutes away.”

Sullivan said there was a terrific culture within the club.

“There is no such thing as coming to management with an issue,” he said. “You have to bring a solution with it because that is our culture.”

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

Of course, visitors are welcome to play from dawn to dusk on every other day of the week.

“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 $89 per person in a shared cart.

“There is access to the restaurant and we continue to host weddings, functions and corporate events.

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

“We have a great team with the friendly Andrew Vanstone in the pro shop and Katie a smash hit in services.

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

“It’s about making people feel welcome and it’s a course that is affordable. “It’s a pleasure coming to work because while we are considered a white collar club it has a blue collar heart.

“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’.”

Water comes into play on eight holes at picturesque Arundel Hills golf course.

MEMBERSHIP

LIKES

The good news is all membership categories are now open.

This layout offers the perfect balance between playability and shot values;

For those seeking a seven-day membership it’s $49 per week, six-day is $39 per week and five-day is $29 per week. For an additional $10 per week, the club will include a golf cart.

The indigenous trees and impressive wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, goannas, kookaburras and water birdlife; and

Cadet and junior memberships too are available.

FUNCTIONS Arundel Hills Country Club is a popular wedding and functions venue and the club regularly hosts breakfast conferences for local businesses.

In August, the Queensland Golf Course Superintendents’ Association will hold its Annual General Meeting at the club.

“All the superintendents and suppliers will come here to play the golf course and have lunch before the AGM,” an excited Robinson said.

“The course will be at its best and I’m looking forward to receiving feedback from my peers.

“We are always looking for ways to improve so that we can give our members and guests the best experience possible.”

The friendly and helpful staff and value for money.

DISLIKES The distance from where I live (northwest of Brisbane) because I would love to play here more often. •

FACT FILE DISTANCES (FROM) Gold Coast Airport: 40km – 30 minutes Brisbane CBD: 67km – 47 minutes Arundel Hills Country Club 1 Arundel Place, Arundel, Qld 4214 Phone (07) 5573-9480 Pro shop (07) 5573-9444 Website www.ahcc.net.au Email info@ahcc.net.au Pro shop proshop@ahcc.net.au Membership membership@ahcc.net.au

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Cadet (5-12) $2 per week Junior (13-18) $14 per week

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1 Arundel Place, Arundel QLD 4214 Email. membership@ahcc.net.au | P. (07) 5573 9444 | Fax. (07) 5573 9440

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Use your imagination course your creative side will come into play and you will see the easiest shot. Your key thoughts are about set up, contact and where you want to land the ball.

David Merriman

Golf Professional, Australian PGA 0412 442 205

DRIVER Have you ever played a golf course for the first time and your playing partner says to you on the first tee “watch out for the water on the left”? Where does your ball go? Exactly – to the left and into the drink. Driving requires positive thinking and without it we speed up the swing, lose control and balance, and our ball goes in the wrong direction. When you step onto that tee, visualise that perfect drive you made when you last played golf, imagine the ball flight that you want to hit, step into the ball, focus on alignment and ball position, make sure your setup is good, your ball position is good, focus on your target and swing straight down the target line and finish the swing with good balance. Your key thoughts are to visualise the golf shot, have good set up, swing straight down the target line and have a balanced finish.

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ou’ve probably heard the joke about the golfers who play imagination golf.

Using your imagination is very much a part of the game and brings out our creative side. In this article I attempt to explain why your thought process is an important part of the game of golf.

PUTTING Putting is eighty percent feel and feel requires imagination. Your eyes are looking at the surface of the green from your ball to the hole. Your brain is doing some thinking and exploring what you see and gaining a better understanding to help you create a better result. The worst thing you can do is to mechanically make a stroke without letting your brain create the motion. Your brain will create fragmented thoughts and you will simply go through the motions of putting without feel. Run your eyes up and down the line from the ball to the hole two or three times to get a feel of how hard you have to hit the ball and let your brain decide how hard you should hit. The subconscious part of the brain creates the motion. Put simply, focus on the line you want your ball to start on and the speed that you want to hit it.

BUNKER SHOTS The secret to bunker shots is throwing the sand out of the bunker with the ball. When you set up for this shot, have a slightly open stance in relation to your target and your clubface should also be slightly open. Many of us rush this shot and either skull the ball or take too much sand stopping the club from moving freely through the sand. Your key thoughts are to have the ball in the middle of your divot. 50% of your divot is before the ball and 50% of the divot is after the ball.

TROUBLE SHOTS Here are a few examples of how to use your imagination for trouble shots.

- A bad lie on the fairway. The ball should be back in your stance or use a hybrid.

Make a big enough swing to throw the sand out of the bunker. For standard distance bunker shots a sand iron is good (54-56 degrees loft) but a lob wedge (58-60 degrees loft) is great for shorter bunker shots.

CHIPPING Chipping is all about set up and contact.

A great chip shot requires a great deal of imagination. For a chip shot your ball will be in the middle of your stance, your hands down the bottom of your grip, weight is slightly on your left side and your shaft will be pointing towards your left hip (righthanded player). You need to make solid contact with a chip shot and you can achieve

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this by brushing the grass under your ball when you make your shot which will give you good distance control. Now let’s be imaginative. Say your chip has to go over a mound in front of you on the green. Should you play the Mickelson high shot and go over the mound and land it near the pin or should you take less loft and run it like a putt over the mound? Your thoughts are focused on your skill set and what ability you have to achieve the harder shot. Use your imagination when trying out these shots. Enhance your creativity by practising a variety of different shots, high and low so when you are faced with this shot on the golf

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- Stuck behind trees. Don’t go for the tiny gap down the fairway. Let your ability decide what size gap you should chip out from. Just get that ball back into play!

- Buried lies in a bunker. Have the ball slightly back in your stance, take a deeper divot and bigger swing.

- Playing in windy conditions. Just move the ball slightly back in your stance and hit the ball better not harder. • David Merriman is an Australian PGA Tour Player and Teaching Professional.

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The Scoring Zone With Terry Price www.terrypricegolfschools.com.au

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ver the past year it has been wonderful to see the incredible improvement my students have enjoyed from tee to green.

All are hitting the ball magnificently but what really excites me are the benefits derived in their short game from the use of the TrackMan technology along with teaching skills learned from my time travelling on the European Tour with Brett Rumford.

We used to spend many hours in practice sessions assisting each other in preparation for tournaments and I am always delighted to share this experience with my students by applying his short game techniques coupled with the state-of-the-art TrackMan. Witnessing golfers’ development in chipping, pitching, bunkers and especially putting by implementing Brett’s solid short game fundamentals backed up by the verification process of TrackMan to youngsters, ladies and gentlemen of all ages and standards is truly amazing.

Just like Dustin Johnson, even at club level our school attendees are focussing on

the importance of the ‘scoring zone’ from 100m to the hole. Understanding the ball flight, i.e.: height and descent angle plus the advantages of learning how to control your spin are essential to your short game.

Within this 100 metre distance I can safely say that every golfer in the world is capable of improvement and ensuring proximity to the hole…all it takes is quality coaching and ongoing practice.

So, from striking the ball well with drivers and long irons our ‘One-Stop Shop’ approach makes for exciting times ahead for golfers in our programs whether they are on international tours or local club players.

By providing this service it is a joy to watch not only the Pros perform but amateurs progressing from a position of limited confidence to winning their club competitions.

Remember: Chip close and sink the putt… do this regularly in the Scoring Zone and watch your handicap drop.

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 Email: info@terrypricegolfschools.com.au

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“Video shoots can be intimidating, disruptive and costly,” O’Brien says. “We take the opposite approach. Our video shoots are fun, easy and cost-effective.

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Lessons I’ve learned from Mike Adams and Bioswing Dynamics (Part 1) Peter Croker www.keytofgolf.com

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ver the past 18 months, I’ve had the privilege to spend multiple days learning and watching Mike Adams, Dr Scott Lynn and Dr David Wright deliver golf instruction/coaching to both Golf Instructors and amateur golfers from beginner level to Tour Player standard and I have been so impressed with what I have witnessed and applied to my own swing and game, that I would like to share a few of the valuable lessons I have learned.

At the heart of BioSwing Dynamics is the system of measuring the individual student to determine what grip, stance width, posture, backswing path and plane, pivot action, power source, and more best suits their body type and movement. In other words – “Finding the Blueprint for every student’s best way to swing a golf club.”

One type “swing” does not fit all, and to find out your dominant power source and swing plane certainly makes learning and playing golf a whole lot easier and with much quicker results.

Over the next several Issues of Inside Golf, I’ll share with you some of the simple ways to determine your own best grip, stance width, body pivot, swing path through impact and into follow through, and more.

DETERMINING STANCE WIDTH Your “stance width” determines your ability to maintain balance from start to finish in your golf swing. Also the correct width of stance for a pitch, full swing for an iron, or for a driver has much to do with your control and power when striking the golf ball.

In the picture, you can see where the thumbs of both hands come to rest when swinging the arms up in front of you while in a golfer’s posture.

By altering the width of your stance in 3 cm intervals, and swinging the arms up in front

of you, allowing the arms to freely hinge at the elbow, you will find three specific stance widths where the thumbs come to rest at the same height. This “balanced” arm swing exercise shows the most efficient and balanced stance at specific distances apart.

In the pictures, Igor Vainshtein at 24/7-Golf tests different width stances to determine his best-balanced arm swing – the first stance width at 43 cm (17 inches) was “out of balance.” On the second test with a stance width of 36 cm (14 inches) his arms swung up to the same level in balance. This is Igor’s best stance width for an iron shot (full swing)

This test is simple and you can test yourself in front of a mirror to discover your best width stance for balance – you will find 3 different width stances that give you the “level thumbs” – the narrowest stance is your chipping and pitching stance width, the middle-distance stance width is best for your iron play, and the widest stance is for your driver.

They say that you cannot manage anything that you cannot measure. Let us start managing our own golf swing right from the start with a balanced measurement for our stance. •

The evolution of a golf coach Mike Adams with Students at Moonah Links

Peter Croker 0415292549 www.pushgolf.com

I

thought it might be of interest to share some insights into how a PGA Golf Coach/ Instructor becomes more skilled in his/her profession and how they are adapting to the advent of high-tech teaching and training aids to help their golfing students now and into the future.

To become a PGA Golf Coach/Instructor here in Australia, there is a 3-year apprenticeship with many other skills learned besides teaching of the game. One of the skills required by the Australian PGA is that Trainee Professionals must reach a high playing standard at each year of their apprenticeship. A golf coach who has the skills is more credible to the student when they can back up their advice with an able demonstration.

While a Trainee graduates to be qualified to teach/coach the game of golf, there is much learning to follow. As famous American PGA Professional, Bill Strausbaugh said “We who dare to teach, must never cease to learn.”

The Australian PGA Teaching Professional is highly regarded worldwide for the number of quality Tour Players who have come from Australia over the years. In my early days on Tour, Norman Von Nida, Eric Cremin, Alex 54

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Mercer, Brian Crafter, Charlie Earp, Richard Brain, and more were well-known coaches who helped both Tour Pros and amateurs build their skills. In those days, there were no video cameras, FlightScopes, or Balance Plates to measure the swing speed, swing path, clubface alignment at impact, or ground forces in play. Today with the use of the many high-tech tools, a PGA Golf Coach can help their student learn, at a much faster rate, the basics of a quality golf swing from putt, to chip, to pitch, to full swing.

Here in Australia, the PGA provide ongoing education for their Members, and especially today much of the latest and best information is available online. Educational Webinars are helping coaches keep pace with what the best coaches are doing worldwide.

High-tech teaching aids are certainly of great assistance, however, equally important, is the coach’s ability to define the cure for the student in a simple and effective way that leaves the student feeling that they can do what is being asked of them.

Also, there are special “Teach the Teacher” Schools and Seminars/Workshops arranged

by PGA members in association with the PGA.

This is where we gain much from learning from those who have more experience and are prepared to share their knowledge.

There is nothing better than having a faceto-face learning experience with a qualified Golf Coach/Educator. This is just as true for the Golf Coach as it is for his/her students and these events are staged on a regular basis by the PGA for the Members.

Mike Adams, the 2016 US PGA Teacher of the Year and recent inductee into the PGA Golf Teachers Hall of Fame, will be delivering such a “Teach the Teacher School” at Moonah Links, on the Mornington Peninsula from November 6 to 10, 2017.

Mike’s career started when he realised that his playing career was not advancing as well as the PGA Tour Players that he was advising on the practice tee during his time as a player on Tour. His interest in the coaching aspect of the game was a distraction on his own playing and Mike changed his career path from player to instructor/ coach and his journey started and at age 64 continues to this day.

I first met Mike Adams in 1994 at PGA National where Mike headed up the PGA National Golf Academy. He welcomed me there and was most interested in what we had developed under the name of Natural Golf (now PushGolf ). He invited us to deliver a School for his Teaching Staff and other Golf Coaches in the area. His willingness to be open to innovative ideas and ways to present golf instruction left a permanent impression on me and I am most grateful to have him as one of my most valued mentors.

Today Mike has joined forces with E.A. Tischler, Dr David Wright, Dr Scott Lynn to produce BioSwing Dynamics.

He is at the cutting edge in the use of high-tech teaching aids and uses them most effectively to show his students their measured progress. I am sure there will be many PGA Coaches attending this intensive BioSwing Dynamics and they in turn will return to their home venues to teach what they have gained from such an experience. •

fitness

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Make a better turn and help protect your back

Stretch tall wearing the CAB, keeping the buzzer silent to indicate your Core is engaged

Progress to arm movements

Nick Randall nickr@gravityfit.com

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ver the last few articles, we’ve looked at how you can take care of two of the most important aspects of your swing using the GravityFit TPro – ‘finding your best golf posture’ and ‘training your takeaway’. This month we’ll talk about developing the awareness and control of your lumbar core muscles (abdominals and lower back) that can help you rotate better and protect your lower back.

Anyone who plays golf on a regular basis doesn’t need to be told about the prevalence of low back pain in golfers. The one-sided, twisting and striking action of the golf swing is not something humans were designed to do. It’s an unnatural movement that puts stress on our spine and the surrounding tissues. If you combine the golf swing with an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, it’s a recipe for low back pain.

The solution that GravityFit has developed is called the Core Awareness Belt or CAB. This device tells you exactly when your lumbar core is working properly and when you have gotten lazy or tired and it’s switched off.

Then to bending movements

Until you are able to keep the buzzer silent while practising your swing.

It’s lightweight, portable and can be used with almost any activity, including the golf swing. A strong lumbar core is essential for maintaining good golf posture whilst rotating throughout the swing and for maintaining a healthy spine for golf into the future.

Here’s how it works; when you are properly activating your core muscles, your waist narrows and the CAB will then loosen. When aren’t using your core correctly the belt will tighten, giving you the feedback to get back into good posture again. Also, the low back is slightly curved when you are in good spinal posture and the pressure from the CAB will not be noticeable. If you slump into bad posture, the soft spikes at the back will remind you to activate your core again.

By attaching the Telme Pressure Buzzer you’ll also get an audible beeping alert, reminding you to activate your core muscles by standing tall.

Essentially, the CAB helps you maintain activation and improve strength of your lumbar core, so you know when the core fatigues or is no longer being properly activated.

The process for activating your core properly using the CAB is simple:

1 – Put on your CAB and Telme Pressure Buzzer.

2 – Stretch tall, and relax your shoulders down feeling as though you are drawing your spine out of your pelvis.

3 – Aim to breathe from your ribs, NOT from your belly.

4 – Feel the pressure release from the CAB and hear the Telme Buzzer fall silent.

5 – Start to walk slowly, aiming to maintain posture and core control.

6 – Start to engage in more complex movements, eventually building up to putting, chipping and full swings.

Even just walking with the CAB and increasing your holding endurance of the core muscles each time is a great way to improve your golf and your overall wellness whilst away from the course.

Developing the awareness and control of your core muscles using the GravityFit Core Awareness Belt can help you rotate better, swing more efficiently and protect your back. As your ability to hold the lumbar core muscles on improves, your core strengthens and you will naturally hold better golf posture, improve rotation and promote golfing longevity.

One of my clients, recent PGA Tour winner Jonas Blixt, has used it extensively in the rehabilitation of his back injury, now getting to the stage where he plays entire rounds of golf without the buzzer making a beep. I’ve seen and experienced firsthand how effective the CAB is in developing core awareness, control and endurance. I would love to see more of the recreational golfing population doing their backs and their swings a favour by using it too.

More: www.gravityfit.com/golf 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

Cam Smith and GravityFit IS the GravityFit TPro one of Cameron Smith’s secret weapons?

Smith, who won the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Swede Jonas Blixt, says he uses the TPro to train his body and arm connection in his swing.

“It basically guides me into the right position and I just repeat the movement I want to make – it’s really simple,” the 23-year-old Australian said.

So, what is the GravityFit Training System?

Well, according to GravityFit general manager Kirsty Richardson, the GravityFit system consists of unique training equipment, exercises and drills and is based on over 30 years of research and innovation. The training equipment including the TPro, the CAB and the Gravity Cap are designed to strengthen the deep muscles of your body for a more stable, solid and repeatable golf swing.

GravityFit’s Nick Randall has worked with Smith for more than three years.

I have been using GravityFit techniques and equipment with Cameron using all three tools - the TPro, CAB and Gravity Cap,” he said.

“It’s used to train posture, neck strength, shoulder stability and golf movement patterns.

“Cam has always battled his neck and shoulder posture. The GravityFit equipment and exercises have really helped us keep on top of these issues and helped him improve the consistency in his ball striking.”

Endorsed by Golf Australia and Golf New Zealand, the product is used by physiotherapists, coaches and exercise trainers across Australia, New Zealand, America and the United Kingdom.

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Upper body pulling strength for golf Richard Nizielski www.golffitsolutions.com

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ver the last several months, we have been looking at shoulder mobilisation and strengthening.

For the last article of this series I will review the importance of developing upper body pulling strength and the relevance to the golf swing.

Swinging the golf club generates centrifugal force, which wants to pull the club out of the hands. The faster the club moves the more force is generated. As we don’t let go of the club during the golf swing, that centrifugal force will want to pull the arms forward. As such, the upper back muscles will need to work against the force.

Developing good strength in these muscles will allow greater posture control and speed generation.

Here are few exercises that can be done to develop upper body pulling strength.

Lying Pull up For this exercise you will need a squat rack or Smith machine. Set the bar at around waist height.

Move under the bar and grasp the bar with an under hand grip, slightly wider than your shoulders.

Place your feet together and raise you hips to a position where your torso and legs are straight.

Bending your elbow, lift the weight up by your side bringing your elbow past your bottom ribs.

From the bottom position, pull yourself towards the bar, touching your chest on the bar. Make sure your elbows move past your ribs and the shoulder blade squeeze together

Hold at the top of the movement for a moment and return to the start position with control.

Cable or Power band Row

Return to the start position and repeat the movement.

Using a bench, assume a bent over, flat back position, with one knee and the adjacent hand on the bench for support.

Sitting tall take hold of the cable machine handles or the ends of the power band and extended the knees. Keep the shoulders down and back, activate the muscles between the shoulder blades and flex the elbows, drawing them past the bottom ribs.

Activate the muscles around the lower half of your shoulder blades and draw your

Hold at this position for a moment and with control1_4_final_A.pdf return to the start position.

1 14/10/2016 4:55:42 PM

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shoulders back and down.

Pull the shoulder blades down and back, engage the deep abdominals and the gluteus muscles.

There are many other pulling type exercises you can do. Whichever you exercises decide to do, always aim for good technique before adding more resistance (weight).

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

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Ashleigh makes it four for the Arnolds

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ronulla’s Ashleigh Arnold has made it four for the family at Cronulla Golf Club.

UPCOMING EVENTS 2017 Women’s Weekend Tournament an event for working women

The 26-year-old has added her name to those of her brothers, Jamie, Scott and Brett on the honour board at the Sutherland Shire Club after taking out the Ladies Championship in a hard-fought 36-hole final.

The 2017 Women’s Weekend Tournament will be held at The Vintage Golf Club on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August. It is open to female amateurs who hold a current GA or overseas equivalent handicap. It is played over two days, with shotgun starts both days. The format is 18-holes singles stableford on the first day and 18-Holes Best Ball Team Event V Par on the second day.

“It was an amazing feeling to win; it nearly slipped out of my fingers.”

“It was my first time playing a match play championship. It was tough; I only won by two holes.”

“A lot of people sent congratulations, Jamie messaged me. He was overseas at the time; he was really pleased.”

This event is the most popular participation event on the Golf NSW calendar attracting players from all across the state. The entry fee is $190 per player (online). Entries are taken in pairs.

“All of our names are on the honour board now,” she beamed.

The Arnolds have a long connection to the Cronulla club. Their father, Colin, has been the club professional for over 26 years.

Her brothers, Jamie and Scott, have made names for themselves on the Web.com and European Challenge Tours. Her other brother Brett remains closer to home, working as a builder.

For more information or to enter this event visit www.golfnsw.org.

Tee it up for the Men’s NSW Country Championship The Men’s NSW Country Championship will be held on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August at Goulburn Golf Club. The event is open to male amateurs who:

Despite the strong family connection to the sport and the Cronulla Club, Ashleigh only began playing seriously about six years ago after spending her teenage years playing competitive tennis. She credits her development in the sport to her dad, Colin, and long-time NSW State Coach, Alex Mercer.

“I played tennis competitively before I started playing. I came to the sport pretty late.”

“Dad gives me lessons, and I’ve had a few lessons with Alex as well. He calls me his number two girl,” Ashleigh laughed, “After his wife!”

Arnold, who works as a QantasLink flight attendant, is determined to see how far she can progress in the sport. Her job gives her plenty of flexibility to practice and play, and following her brothers into the play-for-pay ranks is definitely on her mind.

(a) hold a current GA handicap that does not exceed the limit of 9.4 at the time of entry; and (b) are Members of a Country Golf Club affiliated to Golf NSW; and (c) are a bona fide ACT or NSW resident outside the Sydney Metropolitan Area.

“The different hours I work help me get to practice, and I get to play comp a couple of times a week.”

“I do aspire to go down the pro golf route.

If I can shoot consistently under par, and maybe after I win a few tournaments,” she said.

When asked about defending her club title this year, Arnold was quick to reply.

“You have to defend your title. I want to win again. I can’t wait,” she smiled.

Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: Kim Hamilton, John Honeybrook, Antony Jay, Grant Lomas, Gerhard Niess, Andrew Tyler, and Stephen Young.

The Championship is played over 36-holes stroke play, 18-holes on the first day and 18-holes on the second day.

The Championship also incorporates the Inter-District Teams Challenge, between teams from District Golf Associations throughout NSW. Entries close on Sunday 30 July 2017. For further information or to enter this event visit www.golfnsw.org.

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58

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

27.4 for Men and 45.4 for Women

golf queensland

Amateur Mollis secures Qld Open spot

Clubs fight back from ravages of Cyclone Debbie

A

dam Mollis (Biloela Golf Club) has secured an amateur exemption into the 2017 Isuzu Queensland Open after claiming the 2017 City of Rockhampton Open.

Mollis, from the town of Blackwater over 800km North West of Brisbane, defeated 2016 Queensland Boys’ Amateur Champion Jay Mackenzie (Ballina Golf Club) on the 3rd playoff hole to secure the first regional exemption of the Isuzu Queensland Open. Over 200 players teed it up in the first of three regional qualifiers for the state championship.

Both players finished the 36-hole Championship on a total of 143 (1-under par).

“I played very solid today, bogey free. Had four birdies, made up and down from most places and was very pleased,” said Mollis.

“The way the greens were, you had to knock them close to give yourself a chance and it was nice to put through a bogey free round.”

“I’ve never played in a full PGA event before, being from a mining town we have our pro-ams come around each year, (and) played in a few of them. (I’m) looking forward to it (Isuzu Queensland Open).”

Mollis is hopeful of his chances drawing upon Brett Coletta’s outstanding amateur win last year, with plenty of practice expected between now and October.

“You never know how everyone else is going, as long as you’re hitting fairways and sinking putts, anything is possible.”

Mollis is a regular contender, taking out the Men’s Champion of Champions during the Queensland Men’s Amateur last August at Pacific Harbour.

The City of Rockhampton Open is the first of three regional qualifiers with the North Queensland Open Championship (Mackay Golf Club) held May 6-7 and the FNQ Open Championship to be held at Mossman Golf Club in early July.

The 2017 Isuzu Queensland Open will be played at The Brisbane Golf Club from 26 – 29 October. www.qldopen.com.au

Carbrook Golf Club

Bernie Pramberg

Q

ueensland golf clubs ravaged by the fallout from Cyclone Debbie have fought back strongly despite significant damage to courses, buildings and machinery.

Clubs impacted were located from Bowen, Proserpine and Collinsville in the north to Carbrook, Logan City, Mt Warren Park and Windaroo Lakes in the south. Others on the coast, including Mackay and Rockhampton, also felt the cyclone’s wrath which also extended inland to the mining region courses of Moranbah, Middlemount and Dysart.

Golf Queensland’s manager of Club Support and Development, David Webber, was on the ground in North Queensland as quickly as possible to assist with recovery plans.

“The worst hit district was virtually where the cyclone crossed the coast which impacted on Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville,’’ he said.

“A lot of the damage was caused by destructive winds which uprooted trees and created a lot of debris at Bowen and Collinsville where the clubhouse was also damaged.

“Proserpine was the worst hit with the course and pro shop flooded with damage to stock and carts. They were also without power for at least two weeks.’’

Although Bowen golfers were playing their course within

days of the damage others were not so fortunate. Proserpine planned to re-open their front nine holes on April 29 with the clean-up continuing on the remainder of the course.

Webber said the Department of Correctional Services had sent clients from Townsville to assist volunteers with the recovery at Bowen and Collinsville.

“The Department of Sport and Recreation has also been very good. They have a disaster assistance plan in place but when something major occurs, funds are obviously stretched.’’

Webber also said Golf Queensland had contracted a grant writing service to advise and assist clubs in applying for financial help.

“That service is accessible to all the clubs,’’ he said.

Mackay and Sarina sustained flooding to bunkers and fairways with debris on some greens. Rockhampton lost four holes in the cyclone’s aftermath but golfers could still easily access nine holes for uninterrupted play.

Damage to courses in the south-east focused on the Logan region where flooding was the major problem.

Logan City club professional Carl Evans used a “tinnie” to inspect his flooded course while Carbrook, Mt Warren Park and Windaroo Lakes were also inundated.

For a full report of clubs across NSW and Qld battling Cyclone Debbie, see www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=26373

Queensland Men’s & Women’s Stroke Play Championship 20 to 22 August 2017 Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club and Bribie Island Golf Club The Men’s & Women’s Queensland Stroke Play and Amateur is an Australian Ranking Event. It is for players of any age, and is played over 72-holes stroke play, with the leading 16 men & women qualifying for elimination match play.

Entries now open. www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

@GolfQueensland

www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

59

senior amateurs

www.insidegolf.com.au/events

VICTORIA Olsen leads the Victorian Senior Order of Merit

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

QUEENSLAND Toyne on top in the Queensland Order of Merit Indooroopilly golfer Steve Toyne heads the PresCare Senior Order of Merit as it nears the final events of the year. The Queensland competition runs from August 2016 finishing with the two major Queensland titles in July, 2017.

Currently Toyne has 1150 points made up of six wins and two seconds in the competition where each golfer counts his best eight performances. Toyne leads from Nudgee golfer Mario La Chiusa who has three wins from his eight starts for his total of 990 points. Timothy Deakin (865) and Joe McDermid (835) are also close up.

In the Super Senior section for golfers over the age of 65 Larry Pumpa from Virginia leads on 745 points from Rodney McNeven (Pacific) on 610 and Dick Kamen (Caloundra) on 558 There are still events remaining at Pacific Harbour, Carbrook, Coolangatta & Tweed Heads, Indooroopilly and Sanctuary Cove Golf Clubs before the season ends with the Gold Coast Senior Amateur from July 19-21 and the Queensland Senior Amateur Championship from July 31 to August 2.

Superb battle for Super Senior Pennant Michael Court

michael@insidegolf.com.au

Two teams with supreme golfing talents fought out the 16th NSW Super Senior Pennant last month.

Forster-Tuncurry and Belmont arrived at the highly-rated Newcastle golf course to do battle, with the odds probably more in favour of the Forster boys, who boasted eight players with a combined handicap of a mere 24.3.

While Belmont couldn’t match that, they did it where it counted when it came down to the numbers one and two players, with putters in their hands, duelling on the 18th green.

Steve Toyne – current leader of the Queensland Senior Order of Merit.

Mario La Chiusa – current second and the defending champion in the Queensland Order of Merit.

Royal Queensland Senior

The Royal Queensland PresCare QSOOM event attracted a good field with a total of 70 players (58 men and 12 women) competing. It was good to see a large field at one of the best golf courses in Queensland. It was extremely well presented, the weather was perfect for golf and there were some really great scores

The National’s Kym Olsen has opened a commanding lead in the 2017 Victorian Senior Order of Merit. Olsen has been in sensational form in recent events with a highlight being a record breaking win in the National Masters at his home club.

In that event he fired three consecutive rounds of under par to record a convincing win.

Approaching the half way point in the competition Olsen has amassed 2045 point s and he has a big lead over Gordon Claney on 1250 points who has also been in fine form with several wins. In third place is the defending champion Ian Frost on 1242.

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

Men Winner Scratch - Mario La Chiusa 71 Runner Up Scratch - Steve Toyne 73 Winner Nett - Mervyn Birt 39 points Runner Up Nett - David Reid 37 points

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

Ladies Winner Scratch - Gwen Clutterbuck 91 Winner Nett - Margaret Emerson 34 points

events here: www.golfqueensland.org.au

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.

First to achieve a result was Tuncurry’s Bob Angus 7/6 over Steve Pryor.

Then came Geoff Calvert winning 6/4 over Graeme Wood followed by Ian Smith defeating David Gardiner 5/3.

All of a sudden it looked like the current champions (Tuncurry) were edging closer to victory with three matches in.

Not to be denied, Belmont hit back with a win to Brian Garland over Warren Dormor 4/3. Big-hitting Brian Pearce from Belmont then chalked up a 3/1 win over Roger Duggan and suddenly Belmont were back in the hunt, although trailing three matches to two.

Belmont needed a player to step up to the plate and they got one in the form of Milan Travica.

Milan suffered an injury to his wrist some years ago and

converted from right hand to become a left-handed golfer, which turned out a great result.

He won his match with the wily Peter Chatillon at the 16th hole.

Both remaining matches went down to the wire with Belmont needing to halve both their matches to win the Pennant.

In the end it all came down to Leigh Brydson and a onemetre putt at the last to take the title.

He made it, and Belmont won the 2017 Pennant 4.3-3.5.

Both teams agreed 2018 could not come quickly enough as some of the golf played was of the highest quality.

FOOTNOTE: The Super Seniors AGM will now be held on July 7 at Asquith Golf Club in Sydney’s north. Top of the agenda will be changes to improve the Pennant.

More information on the Queensland Senior Order of Merit

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

Men’s Senior Amateur Championship Carbrook Golf Club from 31 July to 2 August The Senior Championships are proudly sponsored by

Senior Women’s and Mid Amateur Championship Maroochy River Golf Club from 23 to 27 July www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

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June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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senior amateurs

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Kym Olsen stormed to the overnight lead with a sensational six under par round of 66. He followed this with an even par round of 72 to record a 36-hole total of 6 under par 138 and seven-stroke win. Runner up was Rich River senior Ian Frost with a good score of 145.

Frost finished on one over par 145 and won runner-up honours on a count-back from local member Chris Tatt who took home the best gross prize in the 65+ category.

Kym Olsen – current leader of the Victorian Senior Order of Merit.

Gordon Claney and Paul Fink – winners at the 2017 Cranbourne Senior Amateur.

Alpine Senior Masters Gordon Claney recorded another win in the gross event by 6 shots from Ian Frost (Rich River). Claney fired back-to-back rounds of one under par 71 for a two-round total of 142.

Rutherglen’s Bill Black took out the nett championship with a two round nett total of 141. Torquay’s Ross Bottomley finished second just one shot adrift on 142.

Mornington Peninsula Seniors The Mornington Peninsula Senior Amateur was played in spectacular conditions at Portsea Golf Club. The still and sunny morning was a nice contrast to the extreme weather experienced at Flinders Golf Club the previous day that eventually led to the cancellation of round 1.

Kim Johnson from The National GC won the Men’s Gross Championship with a five over par score of 76. Stephen Valentine from Kew GC claimed the runner-up prize with a score of 79 on a countback.

In the Nett competition, Ignatius Duivenvoorden (Yarram GC) was a runaway winner, shooting 79 off the stick for a nett score of 65. Mark Dunstan (Spring Valley GC) had the next best score with a nett 70.

Eureka Seniors The Eureka Senior Amateur was played in sunny conditions at Buninyong Golf Club.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Lindner the leader in the SA Senior Order of Merit

In the nett section it was another local member Ian Corcoran finishing on top of the leaderboard. The Buninyong member off a handicap of 6 finished with a 36-hole nett total of 140 to win on a count-back from Pakenham’s John Hoare.

After four events in the ten event South Australian Senior Order of Merit competition Kooyonga senior Bruce Lindner holds a narrow lead.

Ballarat member Bob Cooper won the best nett prize in the 65+ category on a count-back from Hoare.

Lindner has totalled 333 points to lead Link Lady Bay senior Nigel Turner on 282 points and Norm Cordina (Tea Tree Gully) on 275.

Box Hill Seniors On a perfect morning for golf, 57 men and 15 women competed in the 2017 Box Hill Senior Amateur.

Doug Francis from Metropolitan Golf Club made the perfect start to his senior golf career by taking out the Men’s Gross Competition with a score of 73. Runner up Kym Olsen and third place Mick Streit both shot 75 but couldn’t quite chase down an in-form Doug Francis.

Christopher Clark (Gunnamatta Golf Club) played off a daily handicap of 8 and claimed the Men’s Nett Competition with a nett 70. Close behind him were Paul Williams and Chris Burt who both had nett 71.

Further information on the Victorian Senior Order of Merit is available on the Golf Victoria website www.golfvic.org.au

COMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS June 5 Pacific Harbour Seniors (QLD) June 8 Manly Seniors (NSW) Oatlands Seniors (NSW) June 9 June 18 Heathcote Seniors (VIC) June 19-22 * Australian Senior Amateur Matchplay at Coolangatta Tweed Heads June 19-20 Shepparton Senior Amateur June 19 Pymble Seniors (NSW) June 22-23 Tocumwal Seniors (VIC)

The competition ends with two national senior ranking events – the Grange-Kooyonga Senior Amateur from 31 August to September 1 and the South Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Tanunda Pines Golf Club from September 4-6.

Rank

Starts

Points

1

Bruce Lindner

Player

Kooyonga

Club

4

333

2

Nigel Turner

Links Lady Bay

4

282

3

Norm Cordina

Tea Tree Gully

3

275

4

Steve Ross

South Lakes

4

255

5

Eric Lane

Grange

4

221

More information on the South Australian Senior Order of Merit events: www.golfsa.com.au June 26 Coolangatta Tweed Heads Seniors (QLD) July 9-11 * Australia vs New Zealand for The Sanctuary Cove Trophy July 10-12 Coomealla Seniors (VIC) July 13 Sanctuary Cover Seniors (QLD) July 19-21 * Gold Coast Senior Classic Coffs Coast Seniors (NSW) July 27-28 July 30-31 Seaside Classic at Port Macquarie (NSW) July 31-Aug 2 * Queensland Senior Amateur Championship at Bribie Island * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

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www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

61

19th hole

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CHIPS AND SHANKS with David Newbery and Michael Court ed@insidegolf.com.au

WANT to know how to get your handicap down a bit quicker than slogging away with 28 stableford points every week?

Ask ‘former’ 36 handicapper Ho Sui, who plays out of Roseville in Sydney.

Ho had what we like to call a“day out”at his home club recently, with five pars and a solid return of 51 stableford points in the day’s competition.

His partner, former News Ltd and Fairfax journalist Garrett Jones and he returned 52 points to easily win the day’s two-ball competition.

While Garrett had to endure some goodnatured ribbing from his golfing mates for the one point he did give to the two-ball team, Ho found he had been ‘penalised’ a whopping 16.7 shots, reducing his 36.4 handicap to 19.7 in one fell swoop.

Now that’s what you call a handicapper slashing Ho’s day to remember.

The quick nine quiz THERE are 19 stableford points up for grabs on the front nine.

How many can you get?

with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

1. Is the US Open champion allowed to take the trophy home? (2 pts) 2. In US dollars, what is the prize purse for this year’s US Open – $10m, $10.5m, $11.5m or $12m? (2 pts) 3. What size (height) is the US Open trophy – 14, 17, 18 or 20 inches? (3 pts) 4. The original US Open trophy was destroyed in a fire. In what year was the current trophy presented – 1945, 1946, 1947 or 1948? (3 pts) 5. The Open has the Claret Jug and the PGA Championship the Wanamaker Trophy. What is the name of the US Open trophy? (2 pt) 6. Is the US Open trophy lid topped by a winged, male or female figure? (1 pt) 7. Can you solve the following anagram – All curves go? Clue: The American won the US Open in 2009. (3 pts) 8. In what year did Australian Geoff Ogilvy win the US Open? (3 pts) 9. Which country did the inaugural (1895) US Open winner represent – England, Scotland, Ireland or America? (2 pts) ANSWERS: (1). Yes, for one year; (2). $12 million; (3). 18 inches (45.72cm); (4). 1947; (5). The US Open Championship Trophy; (6). Female; (7). Lucas Glover; (8) 2006; (9). England (Horace Rawlins).

62

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

GOOD to know those Queenslanders can fire on the golf course as well as the footy field.

Former Manly-Warringah stalwart Paul Vautin, who still plays off a competitive six handicap and once played in a NSW Open championship, won the two-ball aggregate at his beloved Monash Country Club last month.

‘Fatty’s partner was none other than big Don McKinnon, the former Manly and North Sydney prop, who did his bit as well off a 12 handicap, as the pair finished with a 76 in the two-ball aggregate.

Fatty couldn’t get a look-in at the A Grade prize for the day though as professional Peter Criss, now off three at Monash, finished twounder par off the stick for 41 stableford points to win the A Grade competition on a countback.

At least that proves Queensland can’t win everything.

ADVERSE weather conditions at Walgett meant the 2017 Trimax Sand Greens Fourball Championship had to be cancelled this year.

A popular teams event every year, Golf NSW was left with no alternative but to abandon the event when the Walgett course became unplayable.

Sadly for event organisers and sponsor Trimax, it was the only outcome possible.

Hopefully next year’s Sand Greens event won’t be ‘bunkered’.

FRESH from recent reports that the worldrenowned golf course architect would upgrade Sydney’s Concord Golf Course comes further news that Tom Doak will also put his signature on Melbourne’s Yarra Yarra Golf Club.

This famous sandbelt course has hosted seven women’s Australian opens and been a happy hunting ground for the likes of Karrie Webb and Dame Laura Davies.

Club officials have decided that to “restore its lustre”, Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design company would oversee the course’s rebirth.

“The club’s committee is very keen to see the course returned to its former glory, so that we can ensure the relevance of Yarra Yarra into the future,” club president David Blake said.

“It is imperative that we have a challenging golf course of a standard that will attract and retain members.”

Yarra Yarra moved to its current East Bentleigh location in 1928, with the design and construction performed by Alex Russell, the Australian partner of the legendary Dr Alister MacKenzie, one of Doak’s chief inspirations.

While many original elements remain, the club’s committee said the layout no longer reflected the design, integrity and intent of Russell, with many of his subtleties hidden.

Doak, one of the game’s leading architects, has designed many highly-regarded layouts ranked in the World’s Top 100 including Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania, Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand and Pacific Dunes in the United States.

Concord will be the first significant redesign project that Tom and his US-based team have undertaken in New South Wales.

BRISBANE golfer John Sellwood didn’t know it but he once played golf under the watchful eye of the secret service.

He takes up the story.

“We (my wife and I) went to Pinehurst and played courses 2, 7 and 8,” John, a member at Keperra Country Golf Club, explained.

“The game of golf at course number 8 was arranged by the pro shop and he paired us with two local golfers.

“We had a very good game and on the 18th green one of the members said, ‘John, next time you come to America you must visit Washington and I will introduce you to the president’.

INSIDE GOLF REWIND! Inside Golf’s top stories from June, 2007 Cover story: We chatted with Geoff Ogilvy one year on from his U.S. Open Triumph.

Among the many great quotes from the well-spoken pro came this little gem about technology: “Club golf follows professional golf, and I’m not sure that’s always a good thing. It doesn’t make sense to me that a course be set up the way they set it up for us pros. Why should a 7 marker struggle to break 90? If that was the first golf you ever played on that sort of course, you’d never go back. You’d take up tennis instead.”

“I said, ‘okay Jim’ and he handed me his business card.

“It read, ‘Jim Baker, Secretary of the Navy’.

“I was shocked and asked him where the ‘suits and sunglasses’ were. He said ‘we played with one’.

“He then proceeded to his car and there were another two agents in the car.”

For the record, John never took up the offer to visit Washington to meet President Clinton.

During the same trip, John and his wife arrived at Pine Lakes Golf Club, known as “The Grandaddy”, where they were met in the car park by a long bagpiper in full regalia.

“He opened my car door and welcomed us,” John said.

“He then proceeded to pipe us to the pro shop for introduction to the club’s staff.

“We certainly were taken aback.”

Finally, during a trip to China, John played golf at Yalong Bay Hainan Island course and came across an 820-yard (750m) par-6 hole.

“I smashed a driver and three seven-woods to the front edge of the green and two-putted for a par,” John said.

“I was happy with that.”

UP at Beerwah Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast they welcomed a relatively new club captain.

Not long after taking on the role, Andrew Wills penned a heartfelt message on the club’s impressive website.

“I thought I would take this opportunity to describe what golf in general means to me,” he wrote.

“It means an expertly planned and executed draw shot under some nearby branches and over some distant ones, with the ball landing two or so feet away from the pin.

“Why and how I put the ball in trouble in the first place is beyond me.

“It means laughing at your mate as he covers himself with mud and water trying to make an impossible shot from the mud hole on the 16th.

“It means all the people I have met through my 42 years of playing the game, and all the happy conversations before, during and after the game.

“It means calling a penalty shot on yourself when no one else in the group has seen a thing and feeling good about it. I could mention my two holes in one, but maybe another day.”

Well said, Andrew and let’s hope you enjoy many happy years in the role.

Players at the upcoming US Open at Oakmont were aghast at the prospect of what was touted as the “longest par3 in tournament history”, the 288yard (263m) 8th hole. Speculation was rife that players wouldn’t be able to reach the par3 in regulation, yet Tiger Woods, during a practice round, was able to hit the green with a 3-wood. “It’s a driveable par-4,” Wood quipped.

Australian golf mourned the passing of Norman Von Nida, a giant of the game, who died peacefully at the age of 93 on May 20th.

Kooindah Waters celebrated their 1st birthday, with the “Craig Parry First Birthday Charity Golf Day”. The event was a massive success, with over $5500 raised for The Humour Foundation, which provides “clown doctors” for sick children.

Love-hate relationship THE world’s shortest love story … about golf.

I hate golf.

I hate golf.

I hate golf.

“Nice shot.”

I love golf.

19th hole

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Upon further review... you go”. Or maybe “Wow! After that tackle I’m feeling pretty detached…from my retina”.

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

I

’m still processing Lexi Thompson’s fourshot penalty, called in by some goose who no doubt was spruiking at the bar of his golf club about how he cost a 22-year-old kid a Major Championship. “Hey that was me who rang in. I was on National TV!” Yeah, you’re a hero mate.

Because my damaged middle-aged brain processes things about as quickly as it takes Phil Mickelson and his caddy to read a 20-footer, Lexi’s incident was still a little fresh when I stumbled onto a show on TV where a panel was discussing Sam Thaiday’s recent attempt to teach the kiddies how to treat a fellow professional footballer during a tackle.

Just two weeks earlier, Melbourne Storm and NZ International Jesse Bromwich suffered a “sickening” dislocation (not sure there is any other type of dislocation is there?) to his thumb, which saw bone breaking through the skin.

Sam figured it was all fair and square to grab Jess’s heavily bandaged thumb and test its range of flexibility by bending it backwards.

Due to lack of “conclusive” evidence, Sam was let off with a $1500 fine and no suspension.

The ensuing debate on the show was – ‘Has footy, and for that matter, contact sport become too soft?’. “It’s been happening in football for years”, someone said, “It just looks bad now because it’s picked up cameras.”

Imagine if we had access to the sound on all these nasty indiscretions as well. I’m sure it would be pretty polite banter like - “Your prostate seems fine, Sir”, “Aaah that’s a relief, thank you, Doctor Hopoate” or; “I’ll just get you to cough now, Willie... all good now, off

As my Rugby League experience lasted barely long enough to be tackled for the first time and realise how much it bloody hurts, I am extremely underqualified to offer an informed Rugby League cultured opinion.

But from a professional sportsman’s point of view I find it flat out disgraceful…. When someone intentionally re-injures a fellow competitor and jeopardises his ability to earn the money he has trained every day to justly earn, I reckon it’s cheating. And that word in professional sport… well readers, it really gets right under my Srixon Q-Stars!

I’ll take my naiveté one step further and offer up this incident I watched live at the ground. A test cricketer feathered an edge to the keeper and as it was Australia V India, no referrals to the third umpire were being used.

The batsman, keeper, bowler, commentators and two-and-a-half million viewers all knew he was out but he didn’t walk because the umpire missed it. Australia went on to secure a victory. The Indian team, who, incidentally, acted like spoilt brats, were no doubt being payed winning incentives on top of their contracted money. This means they were ripped off. Plus the player in question may have been dropped from the team after his dismissal and some young kid could have been offered a spot in the team and signed up for a kit bag full of cash. To me that’s cheating another professional out of his rightful earnings.

What’s more, I’ve heard former Aussie Captains condone the practice of cheating by “Not Walking”. When Adam Gilchrist famously bucked this crappy cricket culture, he was publically criticised by these Captains for potentially costing his team a victory.

A victory at what cost, guys? I’d like to think every decent-minded sport professional, who is fortunate enough to make a nice living out of something he loves, feels some kind of obligation to leave his particular game in

Winners are grinners!

good hands. To the kids watching, fostering an acceptance of cheating in that sport is just plain wrong, guys!

I’m sorry to get all serious, readers, but I feel pretty passionate about this and I would love some feedback…

Lexi Thompson was belted with a ridiculous penalty and wasn’t told she was being penalised four shots until her 13th hole on Sunday …when she happened to be three in front. She took it on the chin and fought back to a share for the lead. After ultimately losing the play-off, Lexi showed pure class by congratulating her opponent and graciously accepting her penance.

My editor, Richard, has guaranteed a brandnew set of clubs and a 10-year membership of any Royal Golf Club in Australia for the best response…. C’mon kids let’s start a forum!

Am I missing something or is golf the last bastion of integrity and respect in the world of professional sport?

(Editor’s note: after review of the video evidence, it was determined that the editor did NOT, in fact, guarantee any of the aforementioned offerings as put forth by Mr. Canning in the final paragraph. Umpire’s call: Out. However, we would still welcome all feedback by readers .)

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1 See 27-across

1 False moves (8)

4 Pieces of turf gouged out by golf clubs (6)

2 Joint winner with Jonas Blixt at the 2017 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, _______ Smith (7)

10 Recap (9) 11 Firmness or courage in trying circumstances (5) 12 Go from the 9th to the 10th hole (4) 13 Australian winner of The Open Championships in 1986 and 1993 (4,6) 15 Equipment needed to mark a scorecard, perhaps (6) 16 Gets ready to play, _______ up (7) 18 Winner of the 2014 Joburg Open, George _______ (7) 21 See 9-down 23 Smashing into little pieces (10) 25 Second-place getter at the 2017 RBC Heritage, ____ Donald (4)

3 Highest-finishing Aussie at the 2017 US Masters, ____ Scott (4) 5 Welsh pro who won the European Order of Merit in 1990 (3,7) 6 They take strokes but not in golf (7) 7 Hard, unyielding, inflexible (5) 8 A layer or level (4) 9 & 21 - across Winner of the 2017 US Masters (6,6) 14 The single round scoring record for all four majors (5-5) 16 NZ winner of the 2015 Greenbrier Classic, Danny ___ (3) 17 List of events arranged chronologically (8)

Pictured are Inside Golf competition winners Jame Hourigan (winner of a brand-new Callaway EPIC driver and fairways) and Phil Mason (who grabbed a luxurious trip to King Island).

27 & 1 - across Winner of the 1987 Australian PGA Championship (5,6)

There are heaps of prizes offered every month – with some available ONLY via our website and Facebook page.

29 Winner of the 2017 RBC Heritage, ______ Bryan (6)

For your chance to nab some of the great prizes on offer, check out our giveaways at: www.insidegolf.com.au/competitions, and www.facebook.com/insidegolf

30 Highest-finishing Aussie at the 2015 British Masters, Marcus ______ (6)

23 Backspin (5)

Answers: page 68

26 High-profile player (4)

28 Well-drilled (9)

19 Fruit that used to be regularly consumed at half-time in junior soccer (7) 20 Continent that has its own golf tour (6) 22 Challenges designed for golfers (7) 24 At “gimme” distance from the flag (4)

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

63

calendar

Join Peter Heiniger at the Masters

www.insidegolf.com.au/events

Eighth Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic The Mornington Peninsula will be on show to golfers from across the country for the Eighth Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic, 2 – 5 October 2017.

Handiskins

The Dunes, Moonah Links (Open), Eagle Ridge and Rosebud Country Club will be in pristine condition to excite the morning and afternoon fields for this 72-hole graded individual stableford tournament, open to men and women.

The 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.

Peter Heiniger will make you dream come true.

IF you have dreamt of going to the Masters at Augusta National, dream no more.

That’s because Noosa Springs PGA teaching professional Peter Heiniger has teamed up with Teed Up Golf Tours to take 24 golf enthusiasts to the 82nd Masters in next April.

Tour participants will also enjoy playing at some of the world’s best courses including Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Spanish Bay and Sage Valley.

Heiniger said he was excited about hosting a group of Aussie golf enthusiasts, but it was important to book early because securing accommodation could be difficult if it’s left too late.

“As those who have been to Augusta before will attest, a trip to the Masters is a pilgrimage that every golf tragic should make at least once in their lifetime,” he said.

“If a walk down Magnolia Lane, watching play at Amen Corner from your very own Masters green chair and being there to witness the presentation of the green jacket is on your bucket list, then this trip is definitely for you.”

This small luxury tour promises to be up there with life’s best golf experiences but it is strictly limited to a maximum of 24 guests.

Peter Heiniger will team up with Teed Up Golf’s Chrissy Hordern.

The company has been taking groups to the Masters for 16 years including corporate clients, couples, friends and family members. So, you’ll travel in style.

The tour includes premium accommodation at The Lodge, Pebble Beach and The Wilcox, Aiken plus five rounds of golf.

Then there the best four days at the Masters, including the Par-3 tournament and the final round, internal flights, coach transfers, golf competitions and prizes.

There’ll be a welcome and farewell dinner with complimentary drinks most nights.

The 2018 Masters and Pebble Beach Golf Tour is from March 29 to April 9, 2018.

For further information, call Peter Heiniger on 0477 183 654 or email peter@ heinigergolf.com.au or Chrissy Hordern on 0419 298 943 or email carrick.hordern@ bigpond.com 64

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Almost 300 golfers, including 100 ladies, experienced golf on the magnificent Mornington Peninsula when they played in last year’s Classic. So register now to play in this fun, friendly and great value tournament.

The Early Bird Entry Fee of $695 includes golf and carts on all 4 days, as well as 4 lunches and a souvenir polo shirt. Daily and overall prizes are included as well as the Welcome and the Presentation Dinners.

Entries are now open. Register now or find out more, by phoning the Marketing Manager, Pamela McDermott on 0439 396 617 or sending an email to info@golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au.

www.handiskins.com.au

Experience top championship play on the Moonah Links Open course during this year’s Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic.

WIN!

WIN: Free entry into the Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic

Inside Golf and Golf Mornington Peninsula are giving away ONE FREE ENTRY to this year’s Eighth Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic ($695 Value). Terms and conditions apply.

To enter, visit our competitions page at www.insidegolf.com.au Good Luck!

calendar JUNE 22nd OC Connections Charity Golf Day

WHEN: Sunday, 25 June WHERE: The Metropolitan Golf Club OC Connections, the disability services organisation, will hold its 22nd annual charity golf day at The Metropolitan GC in Melbourne. Each year since the 1960s, the Metropolitan has turned its course over to the OC Connections to stage its biggest annual fundraising event. The day features a morning and afternoon Ambrose event, with a BBQ lunch and exciting competitions on offer.

Tickets are just $160 each ($600 for a team of four).

More: www.occonnections.org/fundraising/golf-day/ or phone T: 03 9569 0603.

45th South Pacific Ladies Open Classic

WHEN: 8-11 October 2017 WHERE: Surfers Paradise Golf Club, Gold Coast, Qld The long-running South Pacific Ladies Open Classic, popular with local and interstate entrants, starts with a Mixed Foursomes on Sunday, October 8 followed by three stroke rounds for ladies in this Golf Australia and Golf Queensland-ranked event. Four divisions of Classic, Mid Amateur, Senior and Super Senior means everybody is welcome to compete for 54-hole and daily prizes.

More: www.surfersparadisegolfclub.com.au or enquires to surfersparadiseassociates@gmail.com.au

GOLF NSW JUNE CALENDAR OF EVENTS Men’s Vardon Events Date 04-Jun 09-11 Jun 10-Jun 11-Jun

Event Castle Hill Cup Cessnock Cup Cromer Bowl Pymble Cup

Venue Castle Hill CC Stonebridge GC Cromer GC Pymble GC

Women’s Jean Derrin Date 14-Jun 22-Jun 29-30 Jun

Event Carnarvon Cup & Salver Fern Bay Trophy The Australian Golf Club Medal

Venue Carnarvon GC Newcastle GC The Australian GC

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events Date 08-Jun 09-Jun 19-Jun

Event NSW SENIOR OPEN QUALIFYING EVENT - Manly Seniors Oatlands Seniors Pymble Seniors

Venue Manly GC Oatlands GC Pymble GC

For information on any of the above events, or for a full list of fixtures go to: www.golfnsw.org

Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers. Handiskins is a five-qualifying-round stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score.

Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough.

The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Wakehurst Golf Club Upper Clontarf Street, Seaforth NSW 22092 4th Qualifying Round 3rd June 2017 5th Qualifying Round 10th June 2017 Final 24th June 2017 Gailes Golf Club 299 Wilruna Street, Wacol QLD 4076 3rd Qualifying Round 8th July 2017 4th Qualifying Round 15th July 2017 5th Qualifying Round 22nd July 2017 Final 29th July 2017 Parkes Golf Club London Road, Parkes NSW 2870 2nd Qualifying Round 10th June 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 24th June 2017 4th Qualifying Round 8th July 2017 5th Qualifying Round 22nd July 2017 Final 20th August 2017 Cowra Golf Club Mees Road, Cowra NSW 2794 2nd Qualifying Round 17th June 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 8th July 2017 4th Qualifying Round 22nd July 2017 5th Qualifying Round 16th September 2017 Final 24th September 2017 Nudgee Golf Club 1207 Nudgee Road, Nudgee QLD 4014 2nd Qualifying Round 4th June 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 11th June 2017 4th Qualifying Round 18th June 2017 5th Qualifying Round 25th June 2017 Final 2nd July 2017 Northern Golf Club 97 Glenroy Road, Glenroy VIC 3046 1st Qualifying Round 17th June 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 8th July 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 12th August 2017 4th Qualifying Round 9th September 2017 5th Qualifying Round 21st October 2017 Final 9th December 2017 The Links Shell Cove Shellharbour Road, Shell Cove NSW 2529 1st Qualifying Round 17th June 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 24th June 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 8th July 2017 4th Qualifying Round 15th July 2017 5th Qualifying Round 22nd July 2017 Final 29th July 2017 Thurgoona Golf Club 1 Evesham Place, Thurgoona NSW 2640 1st Qualifying Round 24th June 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 8th July 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 22nd July 2017 4th Qualifying Round 29th July 2017 5th Qualifying Round 5th August 2017 Final 19th August 2017

your voice

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This month’s winner!

This month’s Prize: 1 dozen Volvik Vibe balls

A slow read

If the golf authorities are serious about reducing the time to play a round of golf, I feel that they should concentrate on what is happening on the greens. The time taken on each green, as each player marks his ball, prowls the line, makes the putt, misses, marks again and goes through the ritual for a second time (and possibly third), is excessive. It’s terrible at professional level, and has percolated down to club golf as we all copy what our heroes do.

The exaggerated procedure to avoid stepping on another player’s line is getting worse, and I question how necessary it is - given that at the end of the field there will have been about 60 other golfers and their caddies walking all over the greens. So what’s the problem with one more footprint?

My suggestion is to limit the marking of a ball on the green to once only for each player.

Additionally, once a player has started putting he should be compelled to putt out. I’m sure that these changes would save at least 1 minute per green, and take about 20 minutes off a round - and lessen the frustration on a Saturday morning as you watch from down the fairway as the group in front acts out the traditional pantomime.

I’d be interested in yours and your readers’ views.

As an aside, if these changes had been in place a month earlier, Lexi Thompson would have avoided a four-stroke penalty for totally unnecessarily marking a tap-in putt, and have another major on her CV. Doug Callow

The Un-Whitton rule?

It was good to see your article in the May issue on the golfing career of Ivo Whitton. He was one of Australia’s most accomplished golfers. He also did his bit for the administration of golf. Readers may have been rather puzzled by the rules incident on the short 14th hole during the final round of the 1912 Australian Open. Whitton had put his tee shot into thick ti-trees where he could not play a shot. Why did Whitton not simply declare his ball unplayable and take a drop under stroke-and-distance, or two club lengths to the side of the ball, or go back along the line to the hole?

The answer lies in the 1912 Rules of Golf. The term “Ball Unplayable” was not in the 1912 Rules, and the three dropping options above did not exist. The only option for Whitton was to use Rule #11 under “Rules for Play in Stroke Competitions”. The Rule stated: “A ball may be lifted from any place on the course under penalty of two strokes. A ball so lifted shall be teed and played behind the place where it lay; if this be impossible it shall be teed as near as possible to the place where it lay, but not nearer to the hole”. Note that the 1912 Rules allowed the ball to be teed.

To find out what actually happened, the best source is the contemporary newspaper reports, even though these are not completely consistent. In my search through the newspapers of the time I found a fairly detailed report, without biased opinion, in The Sun (Sydney) of Tuesday 17th September 1912, page 2.

If Whitton had taken the penalty of two strokes and walked back, presumably along a line directly away from the hole, he would have had to go a long way back to be clear of the trees. He would then have reached a “belt of scrub” and been faced with a blind shot over trees. In the gallery there were Match Committee members who told Whitton he could instead move to the side to tee his ball.

Whitton took the side option, played on and

finished five strokes ahead of the runners up.

After the event there was a great deal of fuss about whether Whitton had broken a rule for which the penalty was disqualification. To cut a long story short, the Match Committee, no doubt influenced by the fact that Whitton was advised by Match Committee members on the spot, decided not to disqualify him.

The result remained: Ivo Whitton won the 1912 Australian Open.

Was there really a need for all the fuss? The dispute was centred on whether or not it was “impossible” for Whitton to have taken his ball some distance behind the original lie and find a spot to play his next shot under penalty. Drawing up an effective rule is all about semantics. The rule must not involve any ambiguities. In the current Rules, where relief is taken by moving behind the original lie, the Rule makes it very clear what is meant by “behind”. For example take the current Rule #28(b) for an unplayable lie: “Drop the ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped …”. What is meant by “behind” in the 1912 Rule #11 is open to several interpretations.

Almost anywhere that is not nearer the hole is a perfectly reasonable and valid interpretation. Taking the 1912 Rule #11 literally, it would seem that Whitton did not break that Rule.

A specific Unplayable Ball rule, applicable to both match play and stroke play, was introduced into the Rules of Golf on 1st May 1921. The only relief allowed was stroke and distance.

Michael Sheret Australian Golf Heritage Society Note: AGHS runs a service where they will try to give an accurate answer to any question on golf history submitted to: website@ australiangolfheritage.org.au marked for the History Sub-Committee OR through www.australiangolfheritage.org.au.

More on Lexi...

In your recent item in starter’s box you call into question some rules of golf that are fundamental. The fundamentals include playing the course as you find it, and playing the ball as it lies. There are some variations to this to allow for local rules applying to animal or bird damage, GUR, staked trees and immovable obstructions where a player can seek relief with the approval of his marker.

This means, of course, that if your ball lands in a depression, an old divot, a sandy spot between tuffs of grass or behind a tree through the green, then you must play it as it lies. And every golfer knows that. And through the green means on the green. On the green there are many little depressions and a ball often settles in them. To move a ball 1/2 of one inch can improve your prospects of hitting a good putt. That is real easy to do and I think is done often without the

thought that it was a rules violation when a ball has been lifted and replaced anywhere through the green.

You have said that we have become the laughing stock of sport. It was sad the way it unfolded but it should have been handled in a way that said that this sport has integrity and that the infringement was an indication that rules are rules and without rules the sport will collapse. There are few, if any, rules of golf that are not there for a good reason. It is what makes it a sport above all others.

Because your publication is well read and your comments in starter’s box are the first off the mark, you could have done golf a service by explaining the ramifications of not replacing you ball where it was marked. There are many rules that can have some change but the fundamental “play the ball as it lies” is not in that category.

Colin Hough

I am writing about the Lexi Thompson ruling. I hope those who made the ruling are aware of the consequence. Thompson marked her ball half an inch, or 1 cm from where she should have. This means 2/3rd of the ball was in the correct place. If 10 mm is an error, warranting a two-shot penalty, what about 5 mm, or even 1 mm? Applying the same criteria the ball is in the wrong place, regardless of how far. Perhaps

it might be necessary for the caddy to take a photograph of the marked ball before it is lifted, and then a second when the ball has been replaced and compare images. It is not possible to replace a ball 100% of the time within 1 or 2 millimetres, surely ½ a ball width, or perhaps less than a ball width, should be considered as being in the correct place.

John S. Green

Have just read your article on Lexi and I cannot agree, have watched the incident many times and she did not replace her ball in the correct spot. I believe it was intentional. Also not one pro has talked about her actions, only that the penalty was too great.

I think that once you have teed off the next day then no further penalty can be assessed.

But all this hoo-ha about the four-shot penalty... just go back and look at the marking and

replacing, she was going to tap it in, then decided to mark, why ? Spike mark in her way?

Only she knows, but she never even stood back up, just marked then replaced in a different position.

So please no more, she committed the offence intentionally, in my view. Before the recent rule changes she would have been DQ for signing an incorrect card, so she was lucky to continue.

Kevin Burton

Having read your editorial in the May issue it seems that you would like to dumb our sport down to the level of 20/20 cricket by eliminating Rules that are intended to stop cheating.

As Phil Mickelson says, he knows plenty of guys that replace their ball 2-3 inches from the marker.

Presumably you condone this action and see no problem with it continuing.

Perhaps instead of decrying the Rule you could

research how many other times Lexi may have replaced in a wrong place to the disadvantage of competitors who were scrupulously honest.

This example may cause players who fudge to rethink their actions.

Protection exists already to stop trial for acts only visible on slow motion which this clearly was not.

George A Hogan

The paths of least resistance With the growth in popularity of golf cart usage, many, if not most, golf courses have installed hard surface pathways for the carts to travel along, obviously to protect the grassed surfaces.

As with many things in life, good intentioned change can often result in unforeseen consequences.

My club has proliferated concrete cart paths, and I would doubt any member has not experienced their golf ball hitting and ricocheting off a golf path at some time during normal play. As these paths could be defined as artificial surfaces (i.e. are not natural or normal golf course surfaces) interference by contact with the paths can often result in unfair consequences that are outside the normal skill and integrity of the game.

It is not uncommon for a full golf shot to hit a path and cause the ball to end up in a clearly far worse position than if the ball had not been deflected by the path. In addition, I have witnessed many instances where a recovery option from a moderately off line golf shot, has hit the concrete edge of a path and often resulted in an unfair result whereby the ball has been deflected into a further position of disadvantage.

Having highlighted the problem, my suggestion is that the Committee of a golf course with golf cart paths which can come into play

under normal playing conditions should give consideration to these distortions to our golf game, by introducing appropriate local rules.

The local rule should offer relief from concrete path interference by permitting replay of a shot from the original lie, or playing a replacement or provisional ball as appropriate, and at the discretion of the player.

It could be argued that the mown fairways are large enough to accommodate normal shot making, but in reality, any golfer is likely to hit a ball into areas outside the mown fairway boundary, and often into treed areas. More importantly, where golf paths have been constructed.

Ray Morrison

Ladies first I see that Muirfield (Scotland, not Sydney) are now going to allow female membership and will once again go on The Open rotation.

There have been several comments about ‘male only’ clubs and having to change their status.

However, I have never seen any mention of the Ladies only golf clubs of which there are several, being forced to admit men to their inner circle.

Ron Field www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

65

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66

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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67

golf directory

GOLF CLOTHING FACTORY OUTLET fINAL SUMMER CLEARANCE BUY 2 GET THE 3RD CLOTHING ITEM fREE SOME CLOTHING ExCLUSIONS APPLY

NEW ARRIVALS

- Nancy Lopez - Jo fit - Greg Norman - Dwyers Shorts - Sporte

UP TO 70% Off RRP* Tops Brands include: Calvin Klein Golf – Green Lamb – Dwyers & Co Cross – Hollas – Greg Norman – Nancy Lopez Callaway – Travis Mathew & more With a large and changing range of Men’s & Women’s Golf Polos, Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Skorts, Capris, Knitwear, Wet Weather gear & accessories etc you are sure to find something to enhance your game!

INSTORE SHOPPING ONLY

Trading 7 days a week ~ Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm, Closed Public Holidays

176 BOUNDARY ROAD, BRAESIDE VIC 3195 | (03) 9588 1779

www.golfclothingfactoryoutlet.com.au

QUALITY GOLF CLOTHING AT BARGAIN PRICES

InsideGolf

AustrAliA’s Most reAd Golf MAGAzine

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

www.insidegolf.com.au

TRUEMANS COTTAGES

Mornington Peninsula In the heart of Mornington Peninsula golf country, 3 spacious self contained houses accommodating groups of 2-12 people with Foxtel, Wifi and BBQ areas. Golf Packages tailored to suit.

Winter Special – 2 nights midweek with 2 rounds inc carts from $275p/p 4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM.

$485

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day FROM

FROM

3 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

$555

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

Vacancies available for Mornington Peninsula Classic P: (03) 5988 6540 | M: 0419 365 142 | www.truemanscottage.com.au

Crossword Answers All golfers stay for

$50 per night including cooked breakfast (twin share) week days only ...minimum group of 10.

Rounds of golf not included

Play • Horizons • Kooindah Waters (Wyong) • Pacific Dunes • Cypress Lakes • Nelson Bay • Tanilba Bay • Hawks Nest • The Vintage • Newcastle • Muree Golf Club

*WINTER SPECIAL*

Other packages alsO available

• 3 Games Golf - Horizons, Nelson Bay and Tanilba Bay • 3 x $20 Dinner Vouchers • 3 Cooked Breakfasts • 3 Nights Accomodation (twin share) • Total Cost per person $300 (Arriving Sunday, Monday or Tuesday)

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For reservations or additional information call Christine or Mike on

47 Meredith Ave, Lemon Tree Passage, NSW 2319

Phone (02) 4982 3300

www.lemontreemotel.com.au

June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Email: lemontreepassagemotel@idl.net.au

M I S S T E P S S C R E W

A C A U M E U R O E N C O R H A N O G E E S

For advertising call 1300 465 300

K A D M A M N S C I X E T Y T T H E R E L E

Y

T S R I S E E R G R E G I L L O E Z E E U E R I N O E P R A E R Y

D I A N W N O O O S N G A M G S C T A F R

V O A E R S R M A E N R C O L U R I S E A S

T S T V E R A N S I K E E

C A L E N D A R

golf directory

Benalla Golf Club

pp $215 From share n twi week mid

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

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

For nine and 18 holes - $18 weekdays - $22 weekends and public holidays*

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

120

$

• Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25 • Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale • Fully Licensed Clubhouse • Social Clubs & Corporate Days • No JoiNiNg Fees

Visitors pay only $25 to play in our competitions (Wed, Sat & Sun)

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah (only 20 minutes from the Coast) admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

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

FROM

4,490

Clearwater Noosa

US$

INFO NIGHTS - SYD 6 JUNE / MELB 7 JUNE - ADEL 8 JUNE / BRIS 14 JUNE Call or email to register

4,490 4,490 8,790 6,290

Your choice of resort and club courses.

• Noosa Springs • Twin Waters • Club Pelican • Coolum Golf & Spa • Mt Coolum • Noosa Golf Club • Maroochy River • Headland • Caloundra • Peregian Springs Some conditions apply

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2017

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golf directory

InsideGolf

Port Stephens Golfing Holidays Golf & Accommodation from only $70 per day

AustrAliA’s Most reAd Golf MAGAzine

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

www.insidegolf.com.au

ORANGE GOLF & STAY PACKAGE $255pp

9 16 Golf courses including Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others 9 Play any day & with any number of people 9 Golf & accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts

www.facebook.com/golfpsgh

T: 02 4984 9618 | M: 0428 820 477 | info@psgh.com.au | www.psgh.com.au

IS YOUR GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN? OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERIES?

Need new batteries?

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

Want to triple the life of your good batteries?

Increase the life of your batteries by up to three times by eliminating the main reasons the batteries fail, SULPHATION. If you eliminate the main reason your batteries fail, it must 30 DAY increase the life of SATISFACTION your batteries.

Play a round at Duntryleague and Wentworth Courses and stay 2 nights.

Includes a golf cart, green fees and twin share accommodation.

MELVIEW GREENS Serviced Apartments

GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

119 Ploughmans Lane (Opposite Wentworth Golf Course) Orange NSW PH (02) 6362 0955 or 1800 603 191 EMAIL welcome@melviewgreens.com.au

www.melviewgreens.com.au

SINGLE LENGTH IRONS

PW - 4 iron graphite shafts $549

Is this you?

• Wish all your irons were as easy to hit as your 7 iron?

• Despair when hitting longer irons?

• Frustrated with lack of consistency in your iron play?

• Longing for an easier way to play the game?

Benefits of Milford single-length irons?

• Simplicity • Comfort • Consistency • Confidence • Success • Enjoyment

ONE LENGTH HYBRIDS now available from $100

- all irons equal in length, weight and lie-angle - same set-up, stance, ball position and swing - single swing plane and tempo - through consistent ball striking The R&A has ruled - more accurate shots that these clubs - greater success = more enjoyment conform to the rules of golf IT’S TIME TO START ENJOYING YOUR GOLF MORE

Genuine All Inclusive:

• On Course accommodation all on ground level • Central to all Murray Courses • Self-serve, eat as much as you like buffet continental breakfast • Club Evening Dinner Vouchers • Group organisers free of charge (groups of 12 or more) • Golf each day at Cobram Barooga only • Non golfers deduct $30 per day • Single supplement now $40 extra per day • Upgrade to Spa Room or cooked breakfast only $7.50 per day!

• FREE Golf Prizes - min. group of 12 • WEEKENDS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS $10 extra per person per day • FREE Wifi

14950

pp/pn twin share 2 days 2 nights Mid Week

Normal price $225

Dates available from 12th June - 31st August 2017

Golfers

DON’T!

BOOK WITH US NOW! *FOR A

RING NOW 1800

SIMPLE SYSTEM THAT WORKS June 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

$

ARE YOU PAYING fOR YOUR MINIBUS HIRE?

For more information on Milford single length irons, including pricing of additional L, S and A wedges, please contact Fred Stewart on 0412 563 977, at fred@milfordgolf.com.au or Milford Golf on Facebook.

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www.batteryreviver.com.au

Patent # 7374839

PW - 4 iron stainless steel shafts $499

NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA

JOIN THE MOVE TO MILFORD SINGLE LENGTH IRONS

For more information, pricing and to order Phone 1300 852 433 or visit our website

For advertising call 1300 465 300

FREE

631 082

$

MINIBUS + TRAILER OR ORGANIzER fREE Of CHARGE INCLUDED IN OUR GENUINE ALL INCLUSIVE GOLf PACKAGE AT ONLY

75

pp per day min 4 share, 2 room apartment miN 3 DaYS, 2 NiGHTS *Min 12 golfers or more

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

$75

Individually Boxed White Only

FOR 3 DOZEN

Superceded Model

$38 Dozen

Ping G30 Driver Sale

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

Includes Cover & Wrench

Srixon Distance Balls 2017 Model

Model)

$325

Srixon Deluxe Cart Bag 2014 GREAT

14 Full Length Dividers QUALITY Full Length Rain Cover HUGE REDUCTION DUE TO SMALL SIZE PUTTER TUBE Red/Black/White or Black/White $229

$159

$349

$180 for 144 Individually Boxed Balls

Cooler Pocket

$16 DOZEN

New Loose (not boxed) Callaway Chrome Soft Superceded (2015) Urethane Cover Normally Red Box

$115

BRAND NEW

FOR 48 BALLS

White or Yellow Balls

Left Hand Only Specials Cleveland Smart Square Putter + Cover (Face Balanced) Callaway X-Hot Pro 9.5 Stiff Driver + Cover + Wrench

$79 $79

$299 SET of 3 Callaway XR Irons 4 - SW (8) Regular Steel $649 SET Ping G30 Hybrid 3 19° Regular or Stiff + Cover $129 Cleveland RTX 2.0 Wedges 46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°,

56°, 58°, 60°, 62° & 64° All Matching Tour Satin $59 EA

All Weather

CABRETTA Leather

Mens Left S, M, M-L, L, XL Mens Right Black Only Ladies Left S, M, L Ladies Right Black Only

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

$42

Callaway Left Hand Adjustable Sale Great Big Bertha 2015 Driver 10.5º Loft Kurokage 50grm $559 Regular Shaft Includes Wrench & Cover

$259

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

TaylorMade Cart Bag

Callaway Apex Forged Irons (Superceded)

Black/Blue, Black/Red, or Black/Charcoal 14 Dividers (Full Length) Oversize Putter Holder Cooler Pocket

Easy to use model 6, 7, 8, 9, Pitching, Gap and Sand Wedges (7 Irons) XP True Temper 95 R300 Regular Flex Shafts Wedge Lofts 45°, 50°, 55° Right or Left Hand

$199

$159

$599

Current Model

Mid Cavity 4 - PW (7 Irons) KBS Tour V 110 Stiff Flex Shafts

$699

$1050 Right Hand

$30

3.0 Thickness

Grips (not fitted) Tour Velvet Full Cord Golf Pride White Mens 10 grips for

$50

$39 Cleveland 588 TT 55° Graphite $39 Bridgestone 54° Zip Grooves

Cleveland RTX 2.0 56°-14° Bounce Tour Satin Wedge Flex $69

$17

Individually Boxed Doz

Srixon Z545 Driver Cleveland 588 Altitude Kurokage 60grm Regular or Stiff Shaft 10.5º Loft Adjustable Includes Cover & Wrench

$259

38¾” 19° Loft

$49 EA

Callaway Hex Diablo Superceded Sleeves Srixon Soft Feel Individually Boxed

Mens Left Hand Graphite Wide Sole Sand Wedge

$29 EA

Chippers (Approach Putters) $39 Iron Covers - Eagles & Birdies Set of 9 - Black Fits Right/Left $35 Callaway Black Towel

$19

TaylorMade White (2016) Adjustable M1 Cap

$20

Odyssey Jumbo Putter Grip $20

Pinnacle Gold Lady Individually Boxed

$29 EA

Precept Laddie X Mens Individually Boxed

Gap or Sand Wedge

Titleist Pro VI (2015) or Pro VIX (2015) and (2017)

Mens 3 Regular Steel

$39 EA

$89 Right Regular $45

TaylorMade AeroBurner 3 Piece Tough Cover

Ladies Graphite 5, Pitching,

$109 Right Stiff 9.5º Loft $99 Left Regular 10.5º Loft 14.5º HL Easy Driver

$239

Includes Cover

Cleveland Custom 588 Driver (Right or Left Hand) 9º Loft Matrix Ozik 6Q3 Stiff Shaft Only Includes Wrench + Cover

$349

$159

$149 $169

Ball Specials

Mens Graphite 3 or 4

AeroBurner

Cleveland 588MT 3 Regular Graphite

$50

Callaway HyperLite 5 2.5kg Black/White/Green

Hybrid/Irons (not Hybrids)

Long Iron Sale TaylorMade Driver TaylorMade RSI 1 Stiff 3 39.5” 17° Loft Callaway Apex Utility Stiff 39” 24° Loft Callaway XR Pro Stiff 3

TaylorMade Left Hand ATV 56° Original Model

TaylorMade Black/Green Purelite

$18 DOZ $28 DOZ $24 DOZ $12 DOZ $15 DOZ

$33 DOZ $33 DOZ Dunlop Loco Distance Sleeves of 3 x 5 = 15 Balls for $13 Top Flite D2 Feel Sleeves of 3 x 24 = 72 Balls for $72 Callaway Hex Chrome - Yellow Urethane Cover $23 DOZ Srixon Lady Soft Feel Superceded Individually $22 DOZ TaylorMade Tour Preferred or X (2016) Urethane $45 DOZ Callaway Super Soft Superceded Individually Boxed $26 DOZ Optima TS3 Green Box 3 Piece Individually $28 DOZ Optima HP Individually Boxed $18 DOZ Srixon Distance Individually Boxed $180 FOR 144 $26 DOZ Srixon Q-Star Individually Boxed Srixon Q-Star Individually Boxed $300 FOR 144 $600 FOR 432 TaylorMade Burner Soft Individually Boxed $156 FOR 144 Pinnacle Gold Mens Individually Boxed $28 DOZ Bridgestone E6 3 Piece Individually Boxed Nike Power Soft Distance Sleeves $27 DOZ Nike NDX Turbo Sleeves $45 FOR 3 DOZ $396 FOR 144 Z-Star Yellow Superceded (2015) Gold Box Callaway Super Soft Superceded Individually $150 FOR 72 Bridgestone B330 RXS Superceded Urethane TaylorMade Project (a) Superceded Urethane

Eagles & Birdies Stableford 3.5kg Srixon Deluxe Cart Bag 2016

Srixon Glove Deals

$40

Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

40” 19° Loft

TaylorMade Driver, Fairway + Hybrid Stiff

White or Black 5 Left Hand FOR

www.thegolffactory.com.au

TO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUBS

Superstroke Putter TaylorMade Sand Wedge Sale Carry Bags Grip (Blue Only) Burner Soft Balls Callaway X-Hot N14 54° $39 Superceded Models

Heads Right Hand 9°, 10.5° $499 & 12° Draw (SFT) Shafts - Regular, Stiff, Ladies & Soft Regular (Seniors) Left Hand 9° Regular or Stiff Only

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

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

Srixon Z-Star or Z-Star XV Gold or Silver Box Urethane Cover Tour Ball White Balls

ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE

Big Bertha Alpha 815 Hybrid 20º Fujukara Speeder Stiff Includes Cover

$149

Big Bertha Alpha 816 Fairway 16º Aldila Rogue Stiff Includes Cover & Wrench

$179

Black/Grey, Black/Green, or Straight Black

$249

$189

14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Hole Cooler Pocket

14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Holder Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket Black/Blue, Navy/White, & Straight Black

(2016 Model)

$259

$199

16 Dozen Lady Pinnacle (Superceded)

Callaway Hex Diablo Balls

White Balls Individually Boxed Great for Ball Competitions

Callaway Hybrids XR - 2015

Callaway Super Soft Balls

Soft Feel Durable Cover Sleeves (not individual)

5 - 25º Regular 3 - 19º Regular + Stiff

Low Compression (Superceded Model) Durable Cover

$176

LESS THAN $1 A BALL

FOR 192 BALLS

$18 Dozen

XR-Pro 16° Stiff

$169

$189 Includes Cover

$150

FOR 6DOZEN

FREE CART BAG OR MATCHING HYBRID

#

WHEN YOU PURCHASE A 7 PIECE SET

+

OFFER VALID JUNE 1 - JULY 31, 2017 OR WHILE STOCKS LAST*

#Free product valued from $209.99 RRP +7 Piece set must comprise products from one of the following categories: XR OS Irons/Hybrids, Steelhead XR Irons/Hybrids, Steelhead XR Pro Irons, XR 16 Drivers or XR 16 Fairways *Terms and Conditions Apply

CALLAWAYGOLF.COM.AU