Inside Golf August 2017

Australia’s

Issue 145 // AUGUST 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

> FATHER’S DAY FAVES Top golf gifts for Dad

> CLUB OF THE MONTH Nelson Bay surges back!

Most-Read

Golf

M aga z i n e

WI

N! A Yama Golf C ha ar Valued a $11,250 t

> TRAVEL LIFT-OUT

Golfing Treasures of the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and Newcastle

!

N I Wassi’vs e

a mFatherorte ize Sp Dayure Pr Leis Pack

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Who will reign at PLUS PREVIEW Quail Hollow? The Aussie connection S! ER ime T t AS g M ellin E v TH tra n O i T s K our L A h W ve Sa

NOW IS YOUR TIME TO CUSTOMISE

Choose your FREE Upgrade When you purchase a 10 piece set.

FREE Driver Upgrade to Optima TSX Black Adjustable Driver

EXCLUSIVE TO

FREE Grip Upgrade to Optima Full Cord Grips

FREE Optima Drive 2 Cart Bag

- OPTIMA TSX PREMIUM STOCKISTS Terms & Conditions apply. Promotion runs from 1 July – 30 Sept 2017.

Distributed by Walkinshaw Sports

Motocaddy After Sales – a whole new level of service.

motocaddy.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au/opinion

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

starters box

Lost in the Woods Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

W

e’ve received a few letters lately regarding the media’s poor treatment of Tiger Woods and his recent troubles with painkillers, etc (see this month’s Your Say page for a sample).

Readers may have noticed our lack of “coverage” regarding Tiger’s woes over the past few years. This has been a conscientious decision. We have always preferred to take the “High Road” at Inside Golf—and celebrate the positives of this great game— and thus we intentionally avoided publishing any of the negative points surrounding Tiger and his personal life.

But I feel it’s time to speak up about something that’s been nagging me recently.

The general media, I believe, has gone too far. Pictures and videos of Tiger during his recent run-in with the law, combined with the wholly negative commentary of many publications, have not only harmed Tiger, but the game of golf itself.

In the modern era, ‘Tiger’ and ‘Golf’ have been strictly intertwined.

Indeed, for a time Tiger WAS golf, and golf WAS Tiger.

Tiger has been golf’s single-greatest asset since he burst onto the scene, and has done more for boosting the game of golf than anyone of his generation. If you look at the impact he made during his heyday (prior to the extramarital controversy, etc), we would be hard-pressed to find anyone in the modern era who could compare to Tiger as both a competitor and ambassador for growing the game.

Many golf businesses (and even some of the golf media outlets themselves) owe their very existence to the rise of Tiger. It’s easy to forget that the game of golf was at a very shaky point in the pre-Tiger era. It was stagnant, sluggish and potentially living on borrowed time.

Tiger changed all that, creating excitement and zing to the game, which brought the youth into the fold. And the money began to flow in.

He single-handedly saved the game.

The media, however, are quick to forget these things. The media’s treatment of fallen stars in general— publishing mug shots, videos, etc—is, in my opinion, a disgusting travesty.

Not just for a golf star, but for anyone in the public eye (sports stars, actors, etc). It’s time to start letting people live their private lives...in private.

Many will argue that a public figure like Tiger should be treated differently. I disagree to a point.

Yes, public figures are role models, and they must take necessary steps to be responsible, etc. But I believe there’s a difference between an intent to break the law (or circumvent the rules), and an unintentional addiction, or personal/mental battle, etc. Athletes who, for example, take Performance Enhancing Drugs, or knowingly break a rule in their sport or community, should be punished severely. Absolutely. But a player who has unintentionally become addicted

EDITORIAL: Group Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au PO Box 363, Mount Evelyn, Vic, 3796 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

= ultimate golfing escape

At the end of the day, don’t treat them differently because they are in the public eye. Treat them the same because they are human.

See you on the fairways,

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

2 of Queensland’s most prestigious golf courses, Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort & Links Hope Island, are now offering unique packages that you can visit individually or combine to create

WIN

the ultimate golfing experience

SUNSHINE COAST

A Yamaha DR2 Quiet Tec (valued at $11,250.00) Inside Golf and Yamaha Golf Carts are offering one lucky reader the chance to win an amazing golf car of your very own!

GOLD COAST

After the introduction the EFI petrol golf car in 2012, Yamaha embarked on a major research to again make the best petrol golf car in the industry.

With the Yamaha Quiet Tec, Yamaha introduces a fully-independent rear suspension; a first in the golf car industry, giving golfers not only the best ride in the business, but also the most quiet petrol car available.

This fabulous prize comes with golf car bag cover, two sand bottles, club and ball washer, dress rims, and, best of all, will be in the colour of your choice!

Plus, we will even throw in a Yamaha Golf Bag to give to a mate! Simply enter their details into the entry form, and if you win the buggy, they will win the bag!

To enter, visit www.insidegolf.com.au/competitions (Entry closes September 30)

www.insidegolf.com.au Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220

to painkillers, or struggled to battle inner demons, etc, should be given support to help them overcome their problem. Help them heal. (That said, if a bit of publicity serves as a wakeup call to the individual, and leads to healing, then that’s fine, in my opinion. But let’s not bang-on about it ad infinitum. )

2 unique experiences + 2 world class golf courses

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

AUSTRALIA’S MOST-READ GOLF MAGAZINE

Links Drive, Noosa Heads, QLD 4567 P: 07 5440 3333 info@noosasprings.com.au www.noosasprings.com.au

It’s official: 42,812 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: October 2016 to March 2017

NSW/ACT Sales: Megan Symington M: 0419 575 000 | E: megan@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 | E: jon@insidegolf.com.au Australia/NZ Sales: Lisa Coleman E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au | M:0406 031 344 Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au

Distributed to over 425 golf clubs, social golf clubs, driving ranges and retailers Australia wide every month Cover Photos: Jason Day, Rickie Fowler: Dustin Satloff Photography; Jimmy Walker: Getty Images/David Cannon; Rory McIlroy: Getty Images/Streeter Lecka

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

5

Hope Island Road, Hope Island QLD 4212 P: 07 5530 9000 golfmail@linkshopeisland.com.au www.linkshopeisland.com.au

news

www.insidegolf.com.au/news

IN THIS ISSUE:

8 16 22 24 26 32 38 42 44 52 54 55 57 62 64 65 66 67

cLUB NEWS IG BUSINESS GENERAL MANAGERS ON TOUR COVER STORY women CLUBS gear FATHER’S DAY people JUNIORS SENIOR AMATEURS INSTRUCTION 19TH HOLE events YOUR SAY DEMO DAYS

GOLF DIRECTORY

Golf Travel LIFT-OUT: the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and Newcastle

Spieth SET TO defend Australian Open title

D

ual champion Jordan Spieth is coming back to defend his Emirates Australian Open title.

Macpherson, who won twice in 2015 on what was then the PGA TOUR China, forced a playoff before capturing the title on the third extra hole.

“I didn’t think I would have any chance of catching any of the leaders at the start of the day and I guess I was lucky enough to be at the right position at the right time,” Macpherson said.

The 23-year-old Texan won the Emirates Australian Open at The Australian in 2014 with a stellar 63 on the final day, and narrowly missed a playoff at the same venue in 2015 when he finished tied second with Adam Scott, a shot behind Matt Jones.

“I haven’t been making many putts during the week but I managed to hole many putts today and played really solid.

But he renewed his acquaintance with the Stonehaven Cup at Royal Sydney last November when he triumphed in a thrilling playoff against Ash Hall and Cam Smith.

Jordan Spieth (Photo: Golf Australia) Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt welcomed the news.

“I have really enjoyed my visits to Sydney and can’t wait to get back in November,’’ Spieth said.

“Jordan is one of the greatest players in today’s game and has proven to be exceptionally popular with audiences in Australia and around the globe,” Pitt said.

“I look back at the win in 2014 at The Australian, which is a great memory, and it definitely helped build momentum for a successful 2015.

“We are really delighted that he is coming back again and think that he will form part of a very formidable line-up we’re building for fans at The Australian.”

“After coming so close again in 2015, it was great to get the Stonehaven Cup back last year.”

The Emirates Australian Open is a flagship tournament on the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia.

The winner will receive a minimum of 32 Official World Golf Ranking points.

“The Emirates Australian Open seems to grow in stature among the world’s players every year and I really enjoy playing in front of the enthusiastic galleries in Sydney. It should be a great test again – I can’t wait.”

A blistering final-round 64 saw Bryden Macpherson claim his third victory in China after starting the final round of the Fragrant Hills Beijing Open six shots out of the lead.

A par at the par-3 17th proved enough for Macpherson to overcome Korea’s Rak Hyun Cho after both players found a bunker off the tee.

American Spieth, fresh off his 10th career US PGA Tour victory, is the first big name to commit to what promises to be an impressive field for the national championship at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney from November 23-26.

Seeking his third Australian title at a venue that he readily acknowledges helped propel him all the way to two major championships in 2015 and the world No.1 ranking, Spieth is eager to return.

BRYDEN on top in China

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

More: www.ausopengolf.com

“I told myself to stay patient as you never know what can happen. I was trying not to think too much of the scores when I played but I thought if I could get to eight or nine-under-par, I may have a chance.”

Victoria’s Deyen Lawson was also in fine form, finishing one shot out of the playoff after being in the mix all week.

Max McCardle also finished T6, followed

by Jack Munro (T15), Maverick Antcliff and Christopher Wood (T20), Mitchell Brown finished 5-under for the week and T26 with Kevin Yuan, Austin Batista and Peter Martin all 3-under and T33.

Corey Hale was 2-under and T39 with Gavin Flint (T49).

Golf Course Guide Ranked #9 in WA

Club Business Solutions represents a partnership between two highly proficient managers with a combined industry experience of over 40 years. With a background in providing strategic direction, training, management and leadership to quality facilities, the Club Business Solutions team is working with clubs for the betterment of the golf and sporting industries.

Having worked in all echelons of golf club activities, CBS Directors, Simon Parker and Cameron Harvey, have a very grounded approach to providing clear assessment and strategical advice to a wide range of Clubs. With a strong passion and involvement in the golf club sector, Club Business Solutions are equipped to provide exceptional consultancy services to the club and leisure industries.

ServiceS Provided:

Bunbury Golf Club ‘The Gateway to Golf in the South West’

Management Services Golf Operations including Golf Shop Retail Strategic Planning Golf Course & Clubhouse Operational Reviews Golf Course & Facility Reviews Membership Governance Special Project Management Management/Staff Training & Support Services

www.cbssolutions.com.au Simon Parker | M: 0477 999 529 | E: simon@cbssolutions.com.au Cameron J Harvey | M: 0414 292 147 | E: cameron@cbssolutions.com.au 6

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

www.bunburygolfclub.com.au - BOOK ONLINE & SAVE! Lucy Victoria Avenue Clifton Park WA 6233 08 9725 1231

news

www.insidegolf.com.au/news

Amateurs set for Golf 6’S format GOLF’S answer to Twenty20 cricket is coming to amateur golfers following the success of the professional versions earlier this year in Perth and on the European Tour.

Professional Michael Hansen, director of Signature Golf Tours, told Inside Golf the Gold Coast 6’s Amateur Golf Championship would take place at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from February 13-16.

The tournament will comprise 96 two-person teams and is open to men and women.

“The event is open to anyone with a handicap and teams can be mixed,” he said.

“The first two rounds are 4BBB stableford with the top 24 teams progressing to the fourball handicap 6’S matchplay, which will be played over six-hole rounds.

The top-24 players after 36 holes will be seeded into the matchplay round.

In the event of ties for the top-24 positions, they will be decided by a score countback based on the last 18, 9, 6, 3 and 1 holes.

In the knockout round, any matches not decided after the six-hole matchplay will be decided by playing a shootout hole.

There will be a consolation round for those who miss out of reaching the matchplay stage.

There will also be some great prizes up for grabs throughout the tournament.

For the tournament, Signature Golf Tours has partnered with Mantra Legends Hotel Surfers Paradise.

The $695 entry fee includes all golf, carts, welcome dinner and drinks at the welcome function, breakfasts, lunches and snacks, live entertainment at the welcome and presentation functions and a gift pack.

More: www.goldcoast6s.com.au or contact Michael Hansen on 0418 795 126 or email michael@signaturegolftours.com.au

Boys, Girls Championships take centre stage at Yarra Yarra The stage is set for an exciting 2017 Victorian Boys and Girls Championships, with the historic event returning to Yarra Yarra Golf Club for all four competition rounds from September 25-28.

Tournament Director Doug O’Keeffe is thrilled to see the event at Yarra Yarra for a second straight year, with some of the nation’s best young players again granted the chance to play four full rounds without a cut at one of Melbourne’s prestigious sandbelt clubs.

Katherine Kirk (Photo

by Gabriel Roux)

Kirk back on track

I

nside Golf’s June cover story, Katherine Kirk on the comeback trail, has proven to be prescient, with the Australian pro capturing her third LPGA Tour victory at last month’s inaugural Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic.

Kirk, who went 152 LPGA Tour starts between victories, birdied the 72nd hole to record a 2-under-par 70, finishing the tournament at 22-under par, the lowest four-round tournament total in her career.

“To make that putt (on 18) was huge,” said Kirk. “All wins are good. Winning out here is hard, and it’s gotten a lot harder out here since I first did it, that’s for sure. There is so much talent out here now and it makes it so much harder to win. I think I’m the 15th-oldest player on Tour, so if you’re looking at age it’s more in favour of the younger generation these days… but hard work pays off. I’m grateful for the

2018 Gold Coast 6’s Amateur Golf Championship

opportunity to still be playing, and I still love it.”

Kirk had an up-and-down Sunday with four bogeys offset by six birdies, and was able to hold off all challengers including Sei Young Kim and Pornanong Phatlum, who shot rounds of 9-under and 10-under respectively.

Kirk’s 22-under set a new career-low tournament score to par, besting her previous low of 19-under which she shot in her last victory at the 2010 Navistar LPGA Classic. The victory also earned her a spot in the field at last month’s U.S. Women’s Open .

Last season, Brittany Lang was the oldest player to capture a victory on the LPGA by winning the U.S. Women’s Open at the age of 30. Through 18 events in 2017, two players 35-or-older have wins – Cristie Kerr (39, LOTTE Championship Presented by HERSHEY) and Katherine Kirk (35, Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic).

“Yarra Yarra Golf Club has hosted an array of major tournaments in recent history. Having the sustained support of the club is a massive boost to these two Championships and we are very excited to continue the momentum from last year,” says O’Keeffe.

Yarra Yarra’s General Manager Peter Vlahandreas has been instrumental in building the event after the club became the exclusive host for the tournament in 2016.

“I’m sure the players of this event will have a great experience over the four days on the testing layout the course provides,” says Vlahandreas.

“Last year’s winners Konrad Ciupek and Alizza Hetherington now join some of Australian golf’s most decorated players who have enjoyed success in the Boys and Girls Championships and we look forward to seeing who emerges in 2017,” he added.

The tournament is Victoria’s oldest junior event with the Girls section first played in 1925 and the Boys Championship established in 1930.

“We have already had players express interest from overseas and interstate. With the guarantee of four rounds at one of the best courses in Australia it is bound to attract even more interest going forward,” O’Keeffe said.

More: www.golfvic.org.au

The OnsongSwing® is a revolutionary digital golf training aid that helps you focus your swing, strengthen your follow through and maximise club head acceleration.

Held at RACV Royal Pines Resort

13tH - 16tH FebRuARy 2018 Days 1 & 2 - 4BBB Stableford Qualifying rounds Day 3 - Top 24 teams from Qualifying rounds go into 4BBB Handicap.

Matchplay. 6 hole matches with the winners progressing to next round.

NTP playoff to decide all ties. Consolation 18 holes for those not qualifying for 6’s matchplay.

$247. 50 FREE SH

IPPING

Visit our online shop today!

Tournament package - $695.00 per person Accommodation packages from - $138.00 per room per night Transport package - $59.00 per person Michael Hansen, Director - Ph. 0418 795 126

* Displays club head acceleration and ball impact * Provides real-time audio feedback as you swing * Includes a benchmark library of your best swings * Features custom set-up to suit your swing dynamics

www.goldcoast6s.com.au Proudly supported by Signature Golf Tours, RACV Royal Pines Resort, Mantra Legends Hotel Surfers Paradise

W W W. ONS ONGS W I NG. C OM www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

7

club news

www.insidegolf.com.au/news

Mrs Norman returns ALL the big guns turned out for the 39th Women’s Open Championship at Rowes Bay Golf Club in Townsville.

There to greet the various winners were Townsville mayor Jenny Hill, Golf Queensland director Carmel Smith and Toini Norman (Greg’s mum).

Seaside Classic to hit the big 5-0

Inside Golf has received reports of con artists attempting to swindle Australian golf clubs via an email function-booking scam.

“The club is in its 50 year and we had the largest ever field for our Women’s Open Championship,” said Sue Duncan, the club’s promotions, marketing and sponsorship coordinator. th

Recently, a club in Sydney was targeted via the scam, but the savvy staff cottoned on to the con before any damage was done.

“It was a great achievement.”

Apparently, the scam begins via email, with a person pretending to be old and/or deaf, asking the club to pay someone on his behalf after he has paid you by credit card. The scam is that the credit card has been stolen and the account you are supposed to pay into is his own.

Rowes Bay’s Kris Hughes took out the title while Tara Jenkins won the A grade, Elaine Greenwood the B grade and Margaret Whelan the C grade.

Ms Smith presented senior champion Ev Hopkins and junior champion Kasey Sorohan with their respective trophies.

Townsville mayor Jenny Hill handed Kris Hughes the winner’s trophy and presented a bouquet of flowers to the club’s special guest Toini.

Mrs Norman was the club’s inaugural champion way back in 1969 when Greg was still in short pants.

Port Macquarie Golf Club will conduct its 50th Seaside Classic on the Saturday and Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend – 5th and 6th August. The Morgans CIMB Seaside Classic is 36 holes stroke and is a Vardon event as well as a Senior Order of Merit event. The size of the field is restricted and, if necessary, balloting out is based on handicap.

The first Seaside was played in July 1968 and was conducted over 27 holes in one day. The event attracted an outstanding field and that quality has continued through to the present day. Included in the field were former Australian Amateur Champions Harry Berwick, Barry Warren and Barry Baker, as well as Peter Headland, Dennis Donohue, Vic Bulgin and Monty Fairhall.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill (left) presents Women’s Open champion Kris Hughes with the spoils of victory.

During the first staging, 1968, a local electrical firm had been persuaded to put up a prize for a hole in one after the organizers had told them that it was one chance in a million of achieving. A transistor radio was

Get fit today 8

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

ALERT: Scammers targeting clubs

put up for a hole-in-one at the 7th hole. When the opening group got to the 7th hole in the first round, Des Lasker was second to play and he holed his tee shot (So much for one in a million!)

A number of players have won the Seaside Classic twice but no one has won it three times. Nathan Green won the Classic once, but he was twice beaten in a play-off.

This year the Week of Golf will commence on Sunday 30th August with a medley 4BBB stableford and conclude with the Morgans CIMB Seaside Classic on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August. The first day will see a medley 4BBB and the Junior Seaside Classic over 18 holes. Monday will be a medley stableford and the Ladies’ Seaside Classic will be played over 36 holes on the Tuesday and Wednesday. Men will play a 4BBB stableford on Thursday and Friday will be a medley 4BBB stableford.

More: www.portmacquariegolf.com.au

“We have been dealing with a person who was booking a function for an 80th birthday,” the club’s GM said. “He spent some weeks emailing about dates and menus and seating arrangements as you would expect. We asked him to pay a deposit for room hire. Finally he sent an email, asking if we could (as a favour) pre-pay his booked Jazz Band a sum of $3000, and then we could simply add the $3000 to our bill to him.

“Initially you tend to allow a little for a person’s age and unfamiliarity with emails and EFT, etc, especially as we had been dealing with this person for over a week. My function manager brought me the email and said ‘this just doesn’t sound right’ and his English is fractured now and it wasn’t before.”

WA ScamNet offers the following advice all businesses: Never pay money via wire transfer to help a customer access the goods or services you are selling; Be cautious when dealing with overseas or interstate orders – independently verify who you are dealing with before sending money or goods; Be sceptical if normal banking processes are not available; When accepting a credit card payment, check with the card issuer for authorisation to avoid accepting stolen credit card details.

turn to page 66 for a complete list of fitting days this month

club news

www.insidegolf.com.au/news

All NEW for Medway Over the past 6 months Medway Golf club has undergone a number of changes improving the facilities for their members and guests. The upgrade includes the recent opening of their new golf shop, where John Dixon, who has been the club pro for 28 years, is now a full time employee of the club. They also have a beautiful new deck overlooking the course and no longer outsource their catering. Medway employed a new chef, Michael Neagle, who brings a wealth of experience and a fresh new taste to Medway’s new look and feel. The course is in great condition

with members and guests commenting that they have never seen it better condition.

The Board have also introduced the “Medway Mates” Program to encourage casual golfers restricted access to play at the club either as 9-, 12- or 18-hole packages. This has allowed them to build a database of future potential members.

Medway have also introduced a Monday 12-hole comp for the time poor. It is great to hear of a club taking control of their business and pushing it forwards in a healthy direction.

Gordy tames th Bonville’s 17

‘Happy’ cops unhappy blow THIS year’s Happy/Donuts Golf Tour to Cambodia and Thailand for the “Thailand Masters” ended on a sour note when tour member Happy (John Hayward) was struck on the head by a golf ball at Black Mountain in Thailand.

Happy was unhappy because it meant a trip to hospital and ended his chances of winning the event.

Peter Shea (aka Donuts) takes up the story.

“The incident that stopped Happy in his tracks happened on the short, dogleg left par-4 16th hole at Black Mountain,” Donuts told Inside Golf.

“Happy was sizing up his wedge to the green when disaster struck.

“I was standing about four metres away and it sounded like the ball hitting a tree. Happy let out an almighty groan and dropped to the ground. Fortunately, the caddies had ice to keep our drinks cold so we quickly placed him in the recovery position and applied ice and dry towels to stem the bleeding.

“The caddie master was alerted and was on the scene quickly with another vehicle to transport him to the clubhouse for more treatment while waiting for the ambulance.

“The staff at Black Mountain provided great support throughout and also sent their HR representative to the hospital to get a full account of what took place,” Donuts said.

Fortunately, Happy is made of granite.

A CT scan cleared him of any fractures and possible brain trauma, but he did receive six stitches and a thumping headache.

“Happy was released on the proviso that we monitor his condition throughout the night before returning the next morning to get a clearance from the neurologist to fly home,” Donuts added.

The incident happened during the final (eighth) round and the field sportingly decided to score the round as a 15-hole event.

Michael Gallagher won the “Thailand Masters” – an invitation only tournament – with an eight-round 272 total (an average of 34 points per round).

Gordon Brauer had an ace on the 17th hole at Bonville Golf Resort.

BONVILLE’S Gordon Brauer scored his second hole-in-one at his home course when he hit the perfect shot on the challenging 17th hole.

Happy, off 13, finished runner-up with a score of 267 points with 11-marker Donuts third on 245.

From the tee, the 173m par-3 hole requires a well-judged shot over water and anyone who has played at Bonville will testify to dropping more than a few balls in the “drink”.

Despite the traumatic incident, there was a final round highlight when Mick Peet, a 23-marker from Mooloolaba Social Golf Club, aced the par-3 11th hole.

The green is flanked by two bunkers on the right-hand side and drops away on the lefthand side so it’s important to be accurate if you’re going to have any chance at making par.

The tournament was played at Nikanti, Sea Pine, Banyan, Springfield and Black Mountain golf courses.

As Brauer stepped up to the tee, he noticed the pin closer to the front of the green making it even more of a challenge.

For the record, the Happy/Donuts Golf Tour’s newsletter signs off with “every shot makes someone happy”.

He selected his trusty six-iron because he knew it was important to keep the ball in play as he was in contention to take out the hotly contested stableford event.

Hmmm … perhaps Happy will want to come up with a new rally cry.

Eat. Drink. Play.

At that stage, he was trailing the leader by two points.

His well-struck shot carried the water, landed like a butterfly with sore feet and dropped into the hole.

“I lined up my six-iron and after it came off the club I knew immediately it would carry the water nicely,” Brauer said.

“Then it just hit the green a couple of feet before the hole and never looked like missing.”

The five-pointer on the hole helped him score 39 stableford points and win the competition.

It was his second ace at Bonville after acing the par-3 third hole in 2003.

“Let’s hope it’s not another 14 years before I get another one,” he said.

fetched ON THE FAIRWAY

with fetched Pick up or delivery? The choice is yours with Fetched.

Food, drinks and golf gear at your fingertips.

Golf Clubs:

Sign up now for a discount rate at fetched.co/insidegolf and use the promo code IG2017. www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

9

club news

www.insidegolf.com.au/news

Bathurst celebrates th 100 for Francie Bathurst Golf Club opened the Francie Morris Room on Saturday the 8th July, to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of the most longserving and dedicated female members, Francie Morris.

With best wishes being read out

by The Queen, The Prime Minister and The Governor General, 170 people celebrated the unique milestone.

Francie joined the Bathurst Golf Club in 1952 and dedicated over 20 years on the Ladies Committee.

She has been a life member since 1995 and spent countless years organising and helping with catering and the floorshow for the very popular Ladies Bathurst Open tournament.

Still a Tuesday regular (ladies day) to this day playing cards with her dear friends, she only handed in her driver’s licence last year at the age of 99.

The clubhouse has had 6 major renovations in the past 78 years and the last one, with the Francie Morris Room, was completed in March this year. The room is a private 30-40-seat function and training room and the club believed it was only fitting to dedicate it to this wonderful lady.

Camel hits speed hump on course A FLEETFOOTED circus camel led Northern Territory police on a wild goose chase through peak-hour traffic and across fairways on the RAAF Darwin golf course recently.

The camel escaped from Circus Royale.

Police duty superintendent Rob Burgoyne told the ABC it was a “strange” call to receive.

“It caused a bit of traffic mayhem as it ran down a few streets,” he said.

“It then ended up on the golf course where circus personnel were able to secure it on the ninth green.

“Obviously, it didn’t quite make it to the 19th (hole).

“At least they managed to catch it before it caused any problems.”

Apparently, it’s not the first time animals have caused havoc in Darwin.

In the past, commuters have had to dodge crocodiles and cattle.

Upgrade begins at Bunbury A highly anticipated Clubhouse upgrade has commenced at Bunbury Golf Club, giving members reason to celebrate. The three-stage, two-year project is anticipated to be fully funded by the members of the club, although the Club is actively seeking grants from various bodies to assist with the financing of the project.

Stage one involves upgrades to the Men’s and Women’s change rooms facilities, and creating administration offices and a meeting room. A ‘Hall of Fame’, featuring Club Trophies,

Honour Boards and history of the Club will also be created. Stage Two will involve upgrading the bar area, extending the kitchen facilities, creating more window space and upgrading the windows. Stage Three will be the creation of a decking area surrounding the east/north/west side of the Clubhouse with views over the 1st tee, 9th and 18th greens plus the magnificent views of the Leschenault Estuary.

The Club envisages the upgrade will increase the potential for hosting functions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthday and other miscellaneous celebrations and events.

Pamps wishes juniors well JUNIORS galore, many with plus handicaps, showed up for the Sunshine Coast and South Burnett District Golf Association and Sunshine Coast Burnett and District Women’s Golf Rod Pampling and Katherine Kirk Junior Classic at Bribie Island Golf Club recently.

Pelican Waters Golf Club’s Bailey Arnott, who plays off +2, took out the Boys Open and Closed Championship and Caboolture Golf Club’s Justice Bosio captured the Girls Closed Championship.

She’s 13 years old and plays off a handicap of 1.7.

Lisa Edgar, a state player, from Emerald Lakes won the Girls Open title.

Secretary of the SC&SBDGA Terry Ward said 94 players took part in the prestigious event, which has been held since 1989.

“There were 31 clubs represented – 14 district clubs and 17 outside clubs,” he said.

“Rodney Pampling telephoned from the USA at 10.30am to wish the juniors a great day.

“That was a great effort on his behalf.”

California Dreaming Golf Cruise with ROBERT STOCK onboard GRAND PRINCESS

Discover some of the legendary golf courses in the world as you cruise along the California coast, visiting San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego and Ensenada in Mexico aboard the magnificent Grand Princess. Enjoy confirmed tee times at nine outstanding courses including the spectacular Pebble Beach Course home of the 2019 US Open, Torrey Pines host to the 2008 US Open and TPC Harding Park venue for the USPGA 2020 and President’s Cup 2025.

Play & Stay at the legendary Pebble Beach golf course

SAN FRANCISCO CA LIF MONTEREY OR NIA PEBBLE BEACH

SANTA BARBARA LOS ANGELES SAN DIEGO PACIFIC OCEAN

26 Apr – 10 May, 2018

ENSENADA MEXICO

1800 033 436 10

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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

ATAS No. A10538 ABN 64 005 817 078

As we say, it’s the golf of your dreams … don’t dream it, do it!

www.insidegolf.com.au/news

Chilled Indooroopilly win again

club news

Ian the king of age breakers IS octogenarian Ian Grimsey getting better with age?

Well, it seems so if the 84-year-old’s results are anything to go by.

Ian, who plays out of the Tamborine Mountain Golf Club on the Scenic Rim of southeast Queensland, shoots or betters his age around 80 per cent of the time.

Over the past two-and-a-half years he has shot his age 82 times in 104 competition rounds from both the veterans tees (Slope 114) and the championship tees (Slope 116).

Just last month, Ian fired a 71 off the stick – one-over par – to beat his age by an incredible 13 strokes.

In 2015, aged 82, Ian played 32 rounds and shot or bettered his age 22 times and averaged 81.81.

Last year, Ian, at 83, played 38 rounds and shot his age 32 times, averaging 79.71.

Indooroopilly women’s Division 1 pennant team from left to right: Di Holtam (team manager), Yvonne Geis, Marie Phillips, Lyndal Plant (captain), Issy Simpson, Mia Martin, Philly Taylor and Jo-Anne Atkin.

INSET: Gennai Goodwin.

INDOOROOPILLY Golf Club women’s pennant team captain Lyndal Plant says there is no need for an inquiry after the club won its fourth successive Brisbane and District Ladies’ Golf Association Division 1 pennant.

Ms Plant told Inside Golf the team had a combination of “secret weapons” including one called the “chill pill”.

“It’s not an actual pill we pop so there is no need for drug testing or anything like that,” she joked.

“It’s one of the fun things we made up.

“When we are on the golf course we say to each other ‘let’s take a chill pill’.”

That calms the players and reminds them not to stress about the job in hand.

The “experience” comes from Ms Plant, former state team captain JoAnne Atkin, current club champion Marie Phillips and Mia Martin, who has vast matchplay experience, Philly Taylor and Yvonne Geis.

Well, until someone proves otherwise let’s stick our neck out and say it is.

Stand back, Tony and wait for the flood of emails from other sharpshooters around the nation.

“We get tremendous support, not only from the club, but the passionate members and club professionals,” Ms Plant, a former state schools representative, said.

“We are fortunate enough to have coaching sessions provided by the professionals when we prepare for the pennant season.

“We also have a team and club gettogether beforehand where, in a lighthearted way, we go through what might be some of our secret weapons.”

Indooroopilly is already planning strategies for next season after edging out The Brisbane Golf Club last month.

Of course, it takes teamwork, skill and talent to win a Division 1 pennant and Indooroopilly has all of those ingredients.

“We won’t let too much out of the bag, but we will be coming up with another secret weapon during our pre-season,” Ms Plant said.

The blend of youth and experience has been the key to Indooroopilly’s overall success.

“At the moment we are focussed on a little champagne-sipping before the end of the overall pennant season.”

“Stability is always a big challenge for a pennant team and we have managed to keep stability,” Ms Plant said.

For the record, Indooroopilly finished the season with 10 points (23 games) courtesy of five victories and one loss.

“We currently have state player Gennai Goodwin and Issy Simpson, who is a state junior representative.”

He’s just getting better with age and the club’s vice-president Tony Cole wants to know if this is a record for an amateur in Australia.

Team manager Di Holtam, too, plays an important role.

One of the nice things about this team is they are not pretentious, but they do take the game seriously.

“We hope to maintain that stability next year.

So far this year, Ian has played 27 rounds and has broken his age 21 times.

Their only loss was against The Brisbane Golf Club, who finished with 10 points (18 games). McLeod finished third (8/16.5) followed by Redcliffe (6/14), Pacific (5/15), Royal Qld (3/9.5) and Nudgee (0/9).

There is no stopping Ian Grimley .

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 | August 2017

11

club news

www.insidegolf.com.au/news

Ladies Country Week a success in Rockhampton MORE than 400 ladies, from 60 clubs, played in the Ladies Country Week, hosted

by Rockhampton and Yeppoon golf clubs earlier this winter. The overall prize was won

by Trudi Petri, (from Rockhampton) shooting 75, 75. In accepting her prize Trudi wore her 1987 Queensland team jacket.

Curlewis set to cap 7-Day Membership

The concept of membership capping is a refreshing change from the current state of stagnation in Australian golf, and represents an exciting prospect for the club and the Geelong region.

An ongoing spate of initiatives, innovations and upgrades has resulted in new members flocking to join the ‘emerald’ of The Bellarine. Innovations have included ongoing course improvements, a transformed club house facility serving up great lunches and bistro dinners on Friday and Saturday nights, a dynamic Junior Development Program (complimentary for all Junior members) as well as a suite of Women’s Beginner Clinics.

The introduction of GolfBoards – a cool fusion between a golf cart, snowboard and Segway – has also been an exciting addition for members 12

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Riverside Oaks is hosting the 2017 NSW /ACT PGA Trainee Championships this September for its 4th year.

The PGA Trainee Program has evolved to be one of the world’s most recognised golf related training programs. Greg Norman, John Senden, Nick O’Hern, Peter Lonard and Rod Pampling are all former members of the PGA Trainee Program.

The NSW /ACT PGA Trainee Championships

Rockhampton Golf Club also just finished their closed championships (4 rounds of graded gross stroke competition) with the A-grade won by Vince Gregson, who shot 303 for the 3 rounds.

In an unprecedented move in the club’s history, Victoria’s Curlewis Golf Club has announced that capping of 7-Day Memberships is imminent. This follows Curlewis extending its status as the fastestgrowing golf club in Australia with the number of new members over 200 since July 2015 when local business identities, David and Lyndsay Sharp took over the reins via member majority vote.

Riverside Oaks to host NSW/ ACT PGA Trainee Championships

and public access players alike. FootGolf, (a combination of soccer and golf) has provided yet another dimension to what Curlewis Golf Club has on offer.

Club Manager, Brenden Caligari said member satisfaction underpinned the decision for capping membership.

“Our foremost priority is member satisfaction - it is critical that all 7-Day Members are able to play in Curlewis competition whenever they want so this consideration has been at the forefront of dialog in order to best serve our great club cohort,” Mr Caligari said.

The Coffs Coast turned on the sunshine for 144 golfers who made their way to Bonville to contest the prestigious amateur event. The multi format competition is played out across two divisions where division 1 contested two rounds of stroke play.

“If you are a lapsed member – or have been considering joining our cherished golf club, I wouldn’t waste any time.”

Zugajev shot even-par rounds of 72 each day, cementing the second day’s score with 14 pars, 2 birdies and narrowly missing a putt for birdie on the 18th, which would have put him 1-under the card for the day.

“Featuring 18 driving bays, state-of-the-art simulators, indoor and outdoor facilities, it is safe to say the Curlewis Driving Range will be a game changer for Victorian golf and we want Members to enjoy a suite of advantages.”

More: www.curlewisgolf.com.au

The 2017 Championships will run over four consecutive days from Tuesday 5th September – Friday 8th September. Everyone is welcome to come and walk the course with the PGA Trainees and watch these talented golfers play and maybe even pick up some tips along the way.

To kick off this great tournament, there will be a Pro-Am on Monday 4th September. This gives golf enthusiasts the opportunity to play a round of golf with the upcoming stars of the PGA on Riverside Oaks’ new championship golf course “Bungool”.

Gio captures Bonville Cup

Local sharp shooter Gio Zugajev has finished in the winner’s circle at the Men’s Bonville Cup, fending off challengers from both New South Wales and Queensland in the 36-hole competition held across two days.

Mr Caligari went on to say that existing Curlewis Members would receive additional benefits once the new Driving Range facility opened later this year.

is a national competition designed to allow Trainee PGA Golf Professionals to experience the atmosphere of a major tournament. Trainees throughout Australia will compete in this competition for over $40,000 in prize money.

“Over the two-day period I just played really solid. I hit greens and kept the ball on the fairway. When the pressure was on, I managed to make some clutch up and downs which kept the momentum going,” said Zugajev.

“It’s really nice to win a tournament at your home course and brilliant to showcase Bonville to our visitors.”

Gross Runner-up winner Thomas Heaton, a member at The Australian golf club finished with rounds of 72 and 76, a feat that at just 15 years of age makes this Golf Australia Junior development player a real future star on the Australian golfing scene.

Nett winner Scott Sims of Windsor, NSW had a score of 141 Nett, and Nett Runnerup Gavin Landon of Coolangatta / Tweed had a score of 144 Nett.

Division 2 played an aggregate Stableford across 36 holes. John Deluca of Beaudesert, QLD posted solid rounds to finish in the top position with an aggregate 72 points for the competition. The Division 2 runner-up position was hotly contested with Andrew McCrae of Oatlands, NSW finishing with 70 points, just a point ahead of second and third Runners-up Murray Sharp (Coolangatta / Tweed) and Jared Hatfield (Wynnum, QLD) who both finished with 69 points, Murray Sharp winning on a countback.

club news

www.insidegolf.com.au/news

Gailes members fall silent NORMALLY full of repartee, the members at Gailes Golf Club in Brisbane were rather solemn after their round on Saturday, July 8.

That’s because the club’s head professional Matt Docking gave them a touch up in the weekly Beat the Pro challenge.

Golfers flock to The Vines’ new ‘credits’ plan

The members pay an additional $2 to enter the Beat the Pro comp and if their nett score is successful, share in the prize pool.

Well, 137 members took their chances and came up empty when Docking, playing off +2, shot four-under par (38 points).

As Minder’s Arthur Daly would say, “that’s a nice little earner”.

“That was nice,” Docking said. “We put the winnings towards helping the trainees and it also goes to staff training and that sort of thing.

“We don’t actually keep the pot.”

Since the Beat the Pro challenge, Docking has seen a spike in the number of lessons he’s providing members.

“From a personal point of view, Beat the Pro has been very good in terms of my teaching,” he said.

“It has increased the number of lessons I do and the better I play the more lessons I seem to get.”

That makes sense.

Docking is a two-time PGA Club Professional champion having won the title in 2014 and 2015 and was runner-up last year.

“I also enjoy the banter it’s created in the shop between us (pros) and the members,” he said.

“It’s great. They come in and hang a bit on us, but they went a bit quiet after last Saturday.”

Western Australia’s The Vines Resort and Country Club is enjoying a resounding success of its new credit-based Membership scheme, with over 100 new members signing up since the scheme was launched.

With this change in golfers’ circumstances and the changing demographic of the surrounding area, The Vines sought a new model that balanced a members’ value for money with a time-poor lifestyle.

The credit-based membership opened to public in mid-April after the Club identified inflexibility as a key reason for declining memberships. The Club replaced the existing membership structure with three categories: Full Membership, Flexi Membership and Casual Membership.

“Being a resort course we allow public play.

We needed a membership structure that would encourage people to join The Vines as a member,” added Scott.

“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,” explained Scott Meiklejohn, Club Manager.

“Members are able to choose the times and prices that suit their needs. If you are able to play on a quiet Monday afternoon, you will use less points than if you want to play in a demand peak time such as Saturday or Sunday mornings,” Scott explained.

While Full Membership ($3000) has unlimited golf booking access, the club has calculated

the points for games in peak and off-peak times for the Flexi and Casual members. Flexi members ($2000) start their membership with 200 credits, while Casual ($1000) have 100 credits. Additional blocks of credits can also be purchased when required. All memberships include use of the Lakes and Ellenbrook golf courses, fully, equipped gymnasium, four tennis courts (two flood lit), 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 and accommodation.

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

GravityFit TPro for a more accurate, consistent and powerful swing Develop better posture in your setup for a more accurate swing.

Improve dynamic rotation for a more consistent swing.

Build body strength and stability for a more powerful swing.

Workout from within for a better game of golf

“I use the TPro to train my body and arm connection in my swing. It basically guides me into the right position and I just repeat the movement I want to make, it’s really simple” Cameron Smith Australian Professional Golfer - PGA Tour

Used by:

Purchase your TPro today by visiting gravityfit.com/golf

15% OFF Code: InsideGolf The TPro forms part of the GravityFit System Unique training equipment, exercises and drills based on 30 years of science.

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

13

club news

www.insidegolf.com.au/news

Mt Osmond Golf Club celebrates 90 years

Mount Coolum opens the door MOUNT Coolum Golf Club on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is encouraging young adult golfers to remain in the game through a number of initiatives.

Too often young people exit the game once they enter adulthood, but Mt Coolum is finding ways to help them transition from junior to senior ranks.

Golf operations manager Nathanial Fuller said the club was limiting the barriers for young adults to continue playing golf, especially after they had gained the skills and enjoyment of the sport through junior programs.

South Australia Governor Sir Tom Bridges drives the first ball at the opening of Mount Osmond on 16th July 1927.

South Australia’s Mount Osmond Golf Club reached a significant milestone last month, celebrating its 90th birthday.

The event was commemorated on Sunday 16th July 2017 – 90 years to the day of the first shot played on the course—with current Governor of South Australia the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC teeing off from the 1st before a large crowd.

The club features a rich history; The first Club President of the Mount Osmond Country Club Ltd was Mr E.W.Holden - later to become Sir Edward of Holden car fame. Sir Donald Bradman acted as the Hon Secretary of the Club in the 1940s and he even won the Men’s Championship in 1935 and 1949.

Women have always been considered equal

14

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

members with no distinction between shareholders. Notably the first Women’s President, Lady Holden, was made a Life Member, with eleven of the club’s 25 Life Members being women.

Today, around 1000 members enjoy the superb playing and leisure facilities at the club. They are growing the sport with 20+ juniors attending the weekly MyGolf Clinics along with women’s and mixed clinics for novice and intermediate players. Mt Osmond Club Professional, Ian Pritchard, won SA Golf Industry’s Club Professional of the Year for three consecutive years 2014, 2015 and 2016. In 2015 he was joint PGA National Club Professional of the Year. General Manager, Mark Tan also took out SA’s GMA Excellence in Golf Club Management Award in 2016.

“Many reports and records show a heavy decline in numbers from 18- to 30-year olds in the sport as financial, work, family and other interests affect their desire and availability to play,” he said.

“Mount Coolum is endeavouring to keep these golfers in the sport through adolescence and adulthood.

“Developing an intermediate membership category, as many clubs have done, helps younger golfers move from a junior membership without the financial burden of a full membership.

“Mount Coolum is providing further opportunities for young golfers by encouraging them to play in golf competitions and tournaments by including an intermediate category for players aged 18-24 and they can continue to play in the junior open event.

“This will allow players no longer in the junior grades to still play in the event and continue their camaraderie with other junior and intermediate golfers.

“It also provides a forum for these golfers to play in high-level competitions and events

without being thrown in the deep end against older and more elite players.

“Acting as a double-edged sword of benefit, Mount Coolum Golf Club hopes that these young adults can act as role models for juniors coming through the program, especially junior golfers who have had recognition and success at other junior (or even senior) events.”

Fuller said studies have shown family is the main reason why children take up golf.

“While it is traditional that a parent may encourage their child to take up golf, younger siblings of current juniors and young adults could be motivated to take up or continue with the sport if their older brother or sister continues in the game after progressing from the standard junior programs,” he said.

To find out more, contact Mount Coolum Golf Club.

New caterers, champs at Marysville Marysville Community Golf & Bowls Club have announced that caterers Chris and Barbara Muir, will now be running the restaurant side of the Golf & Bowls Club. The restaurant, called Terra Cotta, serves lunch Wed-Sun and dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. They also do afternoon teas.

In other news, the club was happy to report that both the Men and Women’s pennant teams took top Pennant honours this year, with the women moving up to Division 1 for the first time ever. Getting to Division 1, let alone winning it, has long been an ambition of Liz Amos, life member of the club who played in the winning team.

Ryder Cup Luxury Golf River Cruise

Paris & Normandy

23 September to 3 October 2018 On Luxury all inclusive Uniworld river ship the S.S Joie de Vivre For full itinerary refer www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC12 · Attend Ryder Cup in Paris & stay, 3 nights post Ryder Cup and 8 day cruise, at luxury golf resort/hotel in Chantilly · 10 nights with 5 golf games playing 2 of top 6 in France · Visit Normandy Beaches and Monet’s Garden plus much much more

From

A$10,700 pp

Nancy and Greg, your tour hosts and golf enthusiasts

Seabourn Auckland to Sydney Jan 2018 18 nights – 9 games

www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC4

A$9,000/ cabin reduced price

Mississippi River Memphis to New Orleans April 2018 14 nights – 7 Games

www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC9

Only 3 cabins to sell

Silversea

Includes Return Europe may 2018 15 nights – 6 to 9 games Air Fare

Monaco to Venice www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC10

Uniworld

Oceania

SEADREAM YACHT

Paris & Normandy

Around UK & Ireland

ROME TO BARCELONA

www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC11

www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC6

www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC7

JUNE 2018 13 nights – 8 games

September 2018 14 nights – 10 games

TRENDSETTER TRAVEL - The Luxury Golf Cruise Experts david@trendsettertravel.com.au ph: 02 9428 5900

www.trendsettertravel.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2018 14 nights – UP TO 10 games

IG BUSINESS

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

INSIDE GOLF NEWS

Inside Golf to sponsor 2017 GMA Conference

Inside Golf Social Media going viral

A

ustralia’s Most-Read Golf Publication is not only “scoring birdies” in print, but we are also enjoying some amazing success in the online arena.

Inside Golf’s rapidly-growing and highly-active online and social media platforms are currently enjoying unprecedented success, with skyrocketing growth, industryleading readership, and online/email click-through rates well above the industry average.

Due to increased focus on the platforms by the Inside Golf team, the Inside Golf Facebook page has increased by 500% in the last 12 months, growing to over 11,000 loyal followers. Most importantly, these followers are proving to be extremely active, with one of the most energetic response rates of any page in the industry. As a result, campaigns and giveaways on the page are enjoying hundreds of thousands of views, shares and likes.

One recent campaign, the Callaway Golf EPIC giveaway, was shared with over 386,000 golfers!

“This traffic represents tremendous value for Inside Golf’s many clients and advertisers,” says Sam Arthur, Publisher. “Through giveaways and geo-targeted promotions, we have assisted our larger-brand clients to generate some great cut-through and heightened e-commerce results, while our smaller-brand clients have

Inside Golf is proud and honoured to be a sponsor of the 2017 GMA Conference.

seen some fantastic digital traction and website traffic.

“We now offer our larger clients a Facebook back-end promotion with our printed ads, where we can run Facebook campaigns and get you instant digital results. This is a great way for golf clubs to push out golf day packages, play & stay deals and to promote upcoming events.”

The online digital boom for Inside Golf has resulted in some great results for advertisers and clients.

“Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club have recently run two digital giveaways with Inside Golf and the results have been fantastic,” says Juliette Hauff, Member Services – Marketing, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club. “Not only did Inside Golf support with shared digital promotion resulting in great reach and interaction, they also supported heavily pre and post campaign.”

Sean Kennedy, Club Manager at McLeod Country Golf Club, echoes those sentiments.

“Being able to reach directly to the demographic you are trying to reach in your market place is always difficult to find, but running the promotion through Inside Golf gave this opportunity to McLeod,” Kennedy says. “We put up for grabs a Mini Golf day and the response we received was fantastic. In just over a week we had over 18,000 impressions and over

As a long-time supporter of GMA—providing content and coverage in our monthly print and online platforms for many years—Inside Golf is pleased to further that support during this monumental event in Australian golf.

300 entries in to the competition. The lucky winner was Nigel who got to bring 19 of his mates to McLeod for a round of golf with cart. Everyone involved had a great day. It was also great for McLeod to have so many new faces come to the golf course for the first time.”

In addition, the Inside Golf online/ email database has shot up to over 17,000 active golfers. Like our Social Media platforms, our email community is extremely active: Recent Inside Golf email campaigns have enjoyed a whopping 40% open rate, and a 18% clickthrough rate, around double the industry average of 22% and 4.7% respectively.

For advertisers and partners, the results speak for themselves.

A recent Teed-Up Golf Tours campaign recently generated over 4,200 leads for the client, while an Air Adventure / King Island giveaway saw over 2,600 leads generated.

More: www.insidegolf.com.au

“We are incredibly proud to be a part of this highly-important event in the Australian Golf industry,” says Sam Arthur, Publisher of Inside Golf. “With the entire industry currently undergoing a dramatic shift— as golfers’ needs and habits are rapidly changing—we feel that now is a critical time for us to help managers and their clubs to not only survive the current challenges in the industry, but also thrive well into the future. We believe that The GMA Conference is the perfect platform for that.”

GMA President Andrew Gay welcomed Inside Golf’s sponsorship of the event.

“GMA are proud to have Inside Golf, Australia’s Most Read Golf Magazine, involved in our upcoming conference. Their support of the golf industry and of GMA in these interesting times is vital in helping Managers succeed in their challenging and ever changing roles,” said Gay.

“This year we have been overwhelmed by the number of sponsors and exhibitors that are keen to be involved and the exhibition space will give all delegates an opportunity of exploring what is being offered within the industry. The theme this year, “Now is the time to be different”, symbolises the reality that the golf industry must adapt to the changes in society,” he added.

The sponsorship of this event continues Inside Golf’s long tradition of helping to grow the game of golf at both grassroots and industry levels. The magazine annually supports and publicises a diverse variety of events for charities, junior golf, women’s golf and events for blind/deaf/disabled golfers, and was also recently the title sponsor of the PGA of Australia’s NSW/ACT Trainee Match Play Championship. Inside Golf also sponsors the QLD GMA Interstate Bursary program each year, and is a media sponsor of the QLD PGA Sunshine Tour.

The GMA conference is open to non-members of the GMA. More information: http://conference.gma.org.au

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Eighth Annual Golf Classic 2-5 OctOber 2017 the Dunes

Moonah Links - oPen

eagLe RiDge

RosebuD CountRy CLub

This fun, friendly and great value individual stableford Tournament showcases Australia’s #1 golf destination, the Mornington Peninsula Register NOW! Experience Tournament Play on these 4 Top Mornington Peninsula Courses.

Graded Championship for Men and Women

entry Fee only $755 Includes golf, carts, 4 lunches, Welcome and Presentation Dinners, polo shirt, prizes!

DON’T MIss OuT! 16

www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au Discounted info@golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au Pamela McDermott, Marketing Manager on 0439 396 617

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Accommodation Available Platinum Sponsor:

Goes Where No Driver Has Gone Before.

The new G400 driver’s streamlined shape advances aerodynamics and stability to our highest levels ever.

A speed-inducing forged face and MOI-raising tungsten sole weight deliver greater distance and fairway-finding forgiveness.

Forged Face Tungsten Sole Weight With a combined MOI over 9,000 and the deepest CG location in golf, there’s no more forgiving driver available.

Engineered to increase face flexing and deliver a powerful sound and feel, the forged face is precision machined to produce hotter ball speeds across the entire face.

ALTA CB (Counter-Balanced) Shaft

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

The premium copper shaft paint transitions to black as you address the ball to reduce distractions.

IG BUSINESS

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

Course maintenance – a considered approach Justin Trott, General Manager Golf Division, Programmed Turnpoint

C

ourse maintenance is the single biggest expenditure item for almost every club in operation, here and overseas. Despite there being several specialist companies who make it their business to maintain golf courses, nationally, less than 5% of Clubs currently outsource their course maintenance. One might say that this is not necessarily surprising since the core business of any golf club arguably is to maintain the golf course for the benefit of their members.

This may well have been the case many years ago when the industry had waiting lists as long as your arm. With a glut of eager golfers waiting many years before obtaining their full 7-day playing membership, clubs were comforted by their waiting lists and therefore future guaranteed revenue streams. Why consider paying a contractor to do the same job when the club could take care of things in the comfort that there was always going to be plenty in the kitty. If standards dropped, just spend more on staff, materials and equipment to get the job done.

The golfing landscape has changed. The core business of the modern-day golf club has now become one of survival and strategic planning whilst club administrators and boards charged with their management juggle the complexities of an extremely competitive marketplace. Pressures on revenue items through reduced green fees and membership takings on the one hand, and increased course maintenance costs through equipment, chemical and labour rates for which are ever on the rise from one year to the next, on the other.

After years of declining member numbers and various financial struggles, Melbourne’s Yering Meadows Golf Club was last month placed into administration.

The skill sets vary markedly from one club to another just as the courses themselves differ in their offering to discerning golfers.

Committees and Boards at times can be very strong in some areas of the business while weak and ill-equipped in others; only to have these skill sets change at the next election.

Does a club tie up their limited resources in micro-managing their expenditure or are they better off using these limited resources to build a stronger customer base and improve the golfing experience so that they can increase revenue? The three pillars of any major decision–Time, Cost and Quality–are equally important when determining a club’s capability to ensure all of its resources are being utilised to deliver maximum benefit.

Just as businesses outsource their IT or other elements of their operations, golf clubs need to consider the option of outsourcing their maintenance to ensure they are getting the best value for their dollar. Even if clubs choose not to pursue or investigate outsourcing maintenance, the business aspect of club management needs to at least ensure they are optimising their resources. Apart from offering fixed budgeting maintenance solutions - including all the human resource and Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) costs - outsourcing can allow clubs to reallocate precious capital expenditure into operation expenditure by getting their maintenance

Golf now

49.50

$

7 days, everyday

18

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Yering Meadows placed into administration

*

contractor to bear these instead, i.e. by making the contractor invest and maintain all the equipment necessary to maintain the course. These, along with all staffing issues and day-to-day agronomic decision making necessary to ensure the course is always looking at its best, then becomes the contractor’s risk. Further efficiencies can be achieved through the contractor.

Savings can be passed onto the Club as they can access specialist equipment which the contractor already maintains and uses across multiple courses; along with the pooling of intellectual property IP gained through the collective experiences of their superintendents. Quite often, this alone enables clubs to save significantly as it offers a cheaper and more effective solution, as compared to the oft-proposed, never-ending, expensive chemical option.

Contract maintenance isn’t for everybody - that’s a given; but clubs need to manage the business of running the club. This requires an unemotional assessment of their operating position along with a full and frank evaluation of their finite resource allocation. Like any business, a club’s longterm survival lies in recognising its strengths and weaknesses. Acknowledging these, and being able to change as required, will ultimately benefit the Club and its paying members.

More: www.programmed.com.au

In a letter to members, the Board noted that the Club would be unable to meet its financial commitments for the remainder of the year, forcing the move.

“The Club will surrender the lease under which it operated the facility and Mr Jiang [the owner] has set up a new management company (Yering Meadows Golf Club Members Pty Ltd) to take over the running of the business,” the letter said. “This company will purchase the remaining assets of the Club for the sum of $600,000 which was agreed to by the voting members at the Special General Meeting held on Thursday 6th July 2017 by a majority of 178 votes.

The new company will recognize all the account balances held by members with the Club and also prepaid lessons and cart fees already paid by members to the Pro shop.

“A license has been granted by the owner and his new management company to the newly formed Yering Meadows Members Association to manage and conduct all the golfing events on behalf of the association members. It will recognize all of the members playing rights.”

The club, previously the Croydon Golf Club, moved to the current site in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley in 2008, before being purchased last year by Yering Properties Pty Ltd. The club has faced mounting debt and dwindling membership, as well as increased competition from “new” neighbouring clubs, notably Gardiners Run and The Eastern Golf Club.

N

O

N O V A TI

RAKE IT OUT

Get unparalleled performance from bunkers, thick and wet rough, tight lies and hardpan – these innovative PnP Golf RAKE wedges are game changers!

PnP Golf’s patented ‘Dual Bounce Rail’ design and advanced ‘On-set Leading Edge’ glides through sand and combs through rough like no other wedge – with more acceleration and less effort.

All PnP Golf Clubs conform to USGA and R&A Golf Regulations.

IN

with patented PnP Golf Innovations

I AN DES IGN

AUSTR

AL

GET IT RIGHT ON THE GREEN

Why do they work so well?

Sand and rough: The gap between these two bounces provides an avenue for the sand/rough to pass through, thus more acceleration with less effort. You will also have more control, as the rails assist to stabilise the club-head’s intended direction through the sand and rough.

Lob, Sand or Gap

Tight lies and hardpan: With these lies the initial entry of the rails makes it easier (than a blunt bounce) to break through the surface and in effect lowers the club’s leading edge to deliver better contact and ball flight.

The ‘Dual Bounce Rail’ design is exclusive to PnP Golf RAKE wedges.

Visit www.pnpgolf.com

$169 ea I Any 2 Rakes $299 pair I Lob, Sand & Gap $429 set

ALIGNMENT: THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT TO A SUCCESSFUL PUTT!

Interchangeable weights

SAM PuttLab studies revealed that in a test against their own putter, over half of the participants* (all first time users of the SX1 Putter with 4 to 28 handicaps) significantly improved their alignment.

SAM PuttLab – the authority on putter testing and putter performance data. * Test based on 99 participants. 33 in Australia, 33 in USA and 33 in Sweden.

DEADLY ON THE GREEN

SX1 PROVEN RESULTS* Average improvement

Highest improvement

16.5% 67%

The SX1 Putter features the exclusive Point n Putt visual alignment system. This ‘One Step Alignment Process’ eliminates many common set-up flaws to improve alignment - the most important element to a successful putt.

POINT n PUTT It’s easier to point than square!

Accurate alignment is simply achieved by pointing through the golf ball down along the target line. This ensures the putter face is 90º to your intended putting line.

Once you become familiar with it, we guarantee you won’t go back to lining up with the putter face.

$198 POINT n PUTT

POINT n PUTT Free shipping on all orders.

Purchase online: www.pnpgolf.com or call: (02) 6239 3462 30 day money back guarantee! Head Office: 5 Kembla St, Fyshwick ACT 2609

Extra weights purchased separately

IG BUSINESS

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

Gold Coast courses now fully public

The Royal Sydney Golf Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Solomons as the club’s new general manager.

PALMER Colonial and Palmer Gold Coast, formerly known as Robina Woods have introduced a new business model that benefits the golfing public.

Michael joins Royal Sydney following 11 years as the CEO and Secretary at The Queen’s Club, Sydney. He also held prior positions with both the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Sydney Inter-Continental Hotel.

Palmer Leisure Australia executive manager Simon Russ told Inside Golf the highly-rated Gold Coast courses were now fully public access facilities.

“We have a new golf rate structure where we offer 18 holes of golf on either course for $49.50 walking or $65 with a golf cart,” he said.

Palmer Golf is currently putting together an events calendar that will include the Monster Black Tee Challenge Series.

It’ll cost $75 to enter the challenge.

Aside from the green fee, golfers will receive a sandwich and those who break their handicap will win a dozen Srixon Z-Star golf balls.

From the championship tees, the Marsh/ Watson-designed Palmer Gold Coast is a par-71 measuring 6078 metres while Palmer Colonial stretches to 6424 metres (par-72).

“The event will be played on the last Friday of every month and alternate between Palmer Colonial and Palmer Gold Coast at Robina,” Russ said.

“The winners will contest a final after 12 months.”

Solomons new GM at Royal Sydney

Palmer Gold Coast is consistently-ranked in the top-30 resort courses in the country.

terrace as well as the Fairway and the Lakeview functions rooms.

Palmer Colonial meanders its way through 39 hectares of towering eucalyptus, picturesque lakes and serene waterways.

Palmer Gold Coast can easily accommodate golfing groups up to 144 players.

Both venues have ideal practice facilities with the driving range at Colonial floodlit for golfers’ convenience.

“We have ladies events and we are going to start big-hole golf,” Russ added.

Weddings, functions and corporate golf days are popular at both facilities.

At Palmer Gold Coast, there is a club bar and bistro, which includes alfresco dining on the

Palmer Colonial’s stunning Queenslanderstyle clubhouse welcomes both golfers and visitors alike.

Wide, breeze-catching verandas surround the building, offering panoramic views over the golf course and the Gold Coast Hinterland.

To book your next round of golf or function, visit www.palmergolf.com.au or email info@palmergolf.com.au or call (07) 5593-2777 or (07) 5593-1511.

Michael’s qualifications include a Diploma of Business (Hotel Management), and a Master of Business Administration. He is one of three Australians to be awarded a Level 5 Honours Diploma in Wines & Spirits from the London Wine School, and has won Australia’s Wine List of the Year Award on three occasions for Best Club Restaurant Wine List.

Royal Sydney President Graeme Bailey said Michael’s extensive industry experience will be invaluable in his role as General Manager at Royal Sydney.

“We are confident that Michael will be a huge asset to Royal Sydney, both in terms of his people management skills and his Food & Beverage expertise,” Mr Bailey said.

“He has an impressive academic CV and should be an excellent cultural fit with the Club and our membership.”

Solomons will formally join Royal Sydney in October 2017.

Group Offer!

Call our events team to book in your group of 12+ players and mention this ad to receive the following: - Discounted Green Fees - Voucher for Post-Golf Prizes - 2 Drinks Per Player

! r e n e e r g is s s a r g e Where th

40 Kooindah Boulevard, Wyong, NSW 2259 | (02) 4351 0700 | www.kooindahwatersolf.com.au 20

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

IG BUSINESS

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

Women in Golf conference contributes to the change debate

X-Golf in the swing in Adelaide

The second Women in Golf Governance Forum was held at Castle Hill Country Club on 11 July with some lively debate from the more than 40 participants representing 28 Clubs from Sydney metro and regional NSW. Participants exchanged ideas and experiences on matters including getting more women involved in golf club governance; developing a thriving sport through golf clubs and getting more people playing golf and joining golf clubs.

X-GOLF Marion brings the latest in golf technology and entertainment to Adelaide.

The first X-Golf venue in South Australia, and one of the largest in Australia is owned and operated by local golfers Nick and Jo Brazil.

Having been introduced to the model in Melbourne, where X-Golf now operates at 6 venues throughout the South Eastern suburbs, the team at Marion have embarked on a pioneering venture to introduce the Adelaide market to the fun and games on show.

A true golfers’ playground with a diverse range of products and features, X-Golf Marion is well worth the visit and is only 20 minutes drive from Adelaide CBD. On site at 838-842 Marion Rd, X-Golf offers five state-of-the-art X-Golf Simulators, board room, lounge space, pool table, bar, seven large screen televisions, and a friendly crew

Participants acknowledged progress in some clubs made since last year’s forum, including the election or appointment of female board members; proposed constitution changes to allow female members the right to vote; and support for International Women’s Day of Golf celebrations.

Some great lessons from innovative programs being trialled by clubs were also exchanged.

Consistent advice was that clubs should first have a clear vision for their future, and then review their constitutions and by-laws to ensure they enable its achievement.

of 7 servicing the in-store features on offer such as: Christmas parties, Birthday functions and social events, Fundraisers and sports club nights, Kids parties, X-League midweek competitions, Weekend pairs events, Coaching and clinics, Membership and training programs, Junior school holiday promotions and Beginner and introductory courses.

Participants discussed the continued trends in golf participation and golf club membership recently reported by Golf Australia and Golf NSW. There was frustration at the lack of leadership and support provided by Golf NSW to create awareness and momentum for increased golf participation. The absence of a state-wide social media campaign like the UK’s “Get Into Golf;” or initiatives such as the USA’s “Girls Golf;” and the International Women’s Day of Golf, were lamented. Participants asked Golf NSW to respond to these concerns, and to the peak body’s perceived lack of support for women’s golf– including why there is no NSW Open for the ALPG or a mixed event like the Vic Open.

The events and promotions team at Marion is headed up by Jasmine Hannaford and Emma Vandersteen, with a functions, corporate break out, and team-building background, the girls will have your team enjoying the best in golf simulation fun combined with a space allowing for important meetings, presentations, or a product launch.

More: 08 8377 0883 or email Marion@xgolf.com.au

100 REBATE

$

*

Parmaker Explorer

POWERFUL & RELIABLE

Includes rebate, reverse & large seat as standard & freight anywhere in Australia.

EXCLUDES batteries and chargers (no wheels-off facility).

ON YOUR OLD BUGGY

RESPONSIVE HANDLING

COMFORTABLE & SUPPORTIVE SEAT

LIGHT, HIGH TECH FRAME

28 DAY

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

WALKER & 3 WHEEL MODELS ALSO AVAILABLE Visit parmaker.com to find more about the complete range of Parmaker buggies, walkers and accessories.

UP TO

REVERSE GEAR AS STANDARD

5YR

WARRANTY

BUY ONLINE AT PARMAKER.COM/BUGGY-SHOP

100%

AUSTRALIAN MADE

03 9580 7166

parmaker.com

COURSEFRIENDLY TYRES

*Rebate refers to the trade-in of an old electric golf buggy for $100 discount.

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

21

IG BUSINESS - general managers

www.insidegolf.com.au/general_managers

PGA professionals in the community Gavin Kirkman CEO – PGA of Australia

O

ne of the best parts of working for the PGA of Australia is meeting our Members; I am constantly impressed by the calibre of men and women who make up our Association.

I particularly like hearing stories about the great work PGA Professionals are doing within the industry and wanted to take this opportunity to share a few of these with you.

A trait I commonly see amongst our Membership is their generosity and one such individual caught my attention last month. Brad Alton, the PGA Professional at Eynesbury Golf, coordinated a charity event upon learning that one of his members had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and would be leaving behind him a family of three young girls. Brad enlisted the help of his fellow PGA Professionals with Mark Jackson (Melton Valley), James Pratt (Club Mandalay), Marty Walsh and Russell Kelly (Kooringal), Brett Scothern (Medway), Heath Bensted (Northern), Geoff Ross (Sunshine), Scott McDermott (Settlers Run), David Tapping (Albert Park Driving Range) and the PGA itself all making contributions toward the charitable efforts. While I know that the money was greatly appreciated by the family, the sense of community and care created by Brad at Eynesbury Golf was just as significant for the family as they endure this tough time.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Gary Burmester on a wonderful

Seven and Australian Golf sign long-term partnership Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from 30 November to 3 December and will welcome the European Tour to Australia for the co-sanctioned tournament.

career where he dedicated the past 35 years to servicing the golfers and community at Mt Warren Park Golf Club in Queensland.

His lifelong commitment to the club is a testament to his passion for the game. As Gary moves into a well-earned retirement, Dave Delahunty will take the reins. After signing a nine-year agreement about 12 months ago, Dave was brought into the business and transitioned into the sole business owner. I thank both Gary and Dave for their contribution to their Association; this year Mt Warren Park Golf Club is staging three PGA events including an open match, Trainee event and Ladbrokes PGA Legends Tour Pro-Am, as well as numerous Holden Scramble events.

At the other end of his career is Matthew Olson who came to be a PGA Professional via the PGA IGI and Professional Year pathway.

Recently Matthew was appointed the Assistant Manager at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, a promotion from his previous position of Director of Golf. Having graduated in 2010 Matthew’s career has been on a fast track and is a testament to his determination and drive; congratulations Matthew! It is excellent to see the job opportunities pursued by modern PGA Professionals expanding into the management field.

Also thinking outside of the square is Luke Ryan and his wife Ellie who run the Pro Shop at Gunnedah Golf Club in New South Wales. They are attracting additional clients to their Club, and introducing golf to a new demographic, by installing a sports and fitness store below their Pro Shop. Well done Luke and Ellie, what a wonderful concept! •

With both tournaments broadcast live for five hours each round, the deal ensures Australian golf fans can access live golf free to air.

Australian golf’s premier events will be broadcast by the Seven Network this summer and beyond.

Seven and the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia confirmed a new long-term agreement to broadcast the Emirates Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship.

The Emirates Australian Open, hosted

by The Australian Golf Club in Sydney from 23-26 November, has in recent years enjoyed excellent ratings and attendance by attracting some of the world’s best players including dual champion Jordan Spieth.

The following week, the Australian PGA Championship will be played at RACV

Seven’s Head of Sport Saul Shtein said: “We take great pride in our long association with the Emirates Australian Open, as one of the great sports events in Australia. The Australian PGA Championship is also a time-honoured tournament in world golf and with its cosanctioned deal, our broadcast will reach around the world, continuing to enhance Seven’s reputation as the network of the biggest events in golf.”

PGA of Australia and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia CEO Gavin Kirkman said: “Australian golf has found a wonderful home and partner in Channel 7. We have seen some enthralling finishes to ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia tournaments in recent years including the marathon seven-hole playoff at the 2015 Australian PGA Championship and of course Jordan Spieth winning a second Stonehaven Cup when he prevailed at the Emirates Australian Open last year. I am sure that this year’s tournaments will produce as many memorable moments and, thanks to Channel 7, sports fans can witness them all.”

Create Create Your Your Own Own Dream Dream Holiday Holiday Online!

Online!

GOLD GOLD COAST COAST   SUNSHINE SUNSHINE COAST COAST   QUEENSTOWN, QUEENSTOWN, N.Z. N.Z.

INSTANT INSTANT ONLINE ONLINE QUOTES 24/7 QUOTES 24/7 HOT DEALS

HOT DEALS DISCOUNTED DISCOUNTED GREEN GREEN FEES FEES

Golf Golf Tours Tours 22

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Visit us today at: Visit us today at:

www.abovepargolf.com.au www.abovepargolf.com.au

Call Michael now on 1300 798 552 or 0415 046 426 Call Michael now on 1300 798 552 or 0415 046 426 Email: enquiries@abovepargolf.com.au Email: enquiries@abovepargolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au/general_managers

IG BUSINESS - general managers

Kim takes on new role with gusto David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

F

ORMER touring professional Kim Felton is relishing his new role as State Manager of the West Australian Division of the PGA of Australia.

“I love the job,” Felton said. “It’s interesting and I am enjoying it.

“The year in the job has gone quickly and I have learned a lot and I’m still learning.

“I’ve gone from inside the ropes to now helping other PGA members with their careers – not only the playing side but the vocational side.

“Hopefully my experience and knowledge gained from 17 years of tour life can help other PGA members (trainees and players) through challenging times.

“We have just gone through our busy period (May-June) so it’s been hectic but great fun.”

Felton moved into the role when his predecessor Josh Madden returned to Queensland to manage Toowoomba Golf Club.

to Queensland and thought it was a great opportunity to throw my hat in the ring.

he said. “I certainly found that out by being on this side of the fence, but I knew what’s involved because my wife Gemma works in sports management.

“I wasn’t expecting too much but in the end the PGA and Gavin Kirkman ended up backing me and giving me this fantastic opportunity that I am so grateful for,” said the former Web.com Tour winner.

“Getting the players to understand what goes into an $11,000 pro-am is a priority.

“They have an obligation to give back to clubs hosting events and need to entertain in a way that is not just about them playing for money.

“For me, it was the fork in the road. I was looking to moving into one thing and this opportunity came up and I haven’t looked back.”

“Of course, the PGA members do a great job in club roles and so do most tour members, who must appreciate what is being offered by the PGA, the clubs and their PGA members (club pros).”

Mind you, the 42-year-old is the first to admit it’s been a huge learning curve moving into an administrative role.

Still, the man who spent close to two decades on tour winning numerous state titles and finished a creditable fourth behind Peter Senior in the Australian Open in 2012 isn’t backwards in coming forward when he needs advice.

Felton said the prizemoney for the WA MayJune tournaments, including the WA PGA Championship, rose to $350,000.

With a number of new events “on the horizon”, that figure is expected to grow.

“I have had business mentors prior to this role and now the team (other state managers) have probably turned into my mentors,” he said.

“The feedback from the players has been super positive,” Felton said.

“I can call them to ask how they go about things and the guidance they give is invaluable. They have so much experience and are always willing to help.

WA PGA boss Kim Felton is enjoying his new role outside the ropes.

“I have also learned a lot from Gavin Kirkman when he was Chief Membership Officer before becoming CEO. His advice and help was fantastic.”

“We are always trying to give them everything they deserve as members of a great association.”

“They started a golf division and I was looking to move into a management role there,” he said.

Felton says while covering the vast state of WA is challenging his goal is to service the state’s 250 PGA members face-to-face.

Scheduling and seeking new pro-am events for the PGA members too takes up much of his time.

“Anyway, I was playing in Broome last year when I heard Josh Madden was moving back

“I would love to spend time with all 250 PGA members in WA,” he said.

“As a player you don’t realise what’s involved in getting a pro-am up and running,”

Prior to landing the position, Felton, who was managing OptiGolf WA, was hoping to move into a role with Melbourne-based TLA, a sports management group his wife Gemma works with.

“The WA PGA Championship in Kalgoorlie and the Road to the Outback Challenge that was created was a success and a highlight.”

Work commitments and a young family (daughter Ivy, 3,) mean Felton has little time to play golf competitively although he did make a rare appearance at the Broome proam finishing 11th out of 26.

“It was the only event I played since last year. I’m too old and rusty now,” he laughed.

“Hopefully, one day I will enjoy going out and being competitive, but it’s not a high priority.” •

AFFORDABLE GOLF MEMBERSHIPS YOUTH

Cadet (5-12) $2 per week

Junior (13-18) $14 per week

UNDER 30

Colt (19-23) $19 per week

Under 30 $29 per week

OVER 30

5 DAY from $29 per week

6 DAY from $39 per week 7 DAY from $49 per week

1 Arundel Place, Arundel QLD 4214 Email. membership@ahcc.net.au | P. (07) 5573 9444 | Fax. (07) 5573 9440

www.ahcc.net.au www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

23

on tour

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

Big in Japan with Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

I

flew into Brisbane from the mining towns and had 10 hours at home before heading back to the airport to fly to Korea for the Korean Open. The Korean Open is played at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club and is always a test. It’s a strong course with tight fairways and undulating greens. But it’s not normally the course that is the main test, but how the Korean tour set it up that make it a real challenge. For some reason, the officials love putting pins on the side of tiers and slopes on the greens. I’m not whingeing or complaining as I have had some great results in Korea but I’m not sure why they try to ruin a good golf course. Whenever I go there I just shake my head and laugh. When I finished on Sunday I asked the official why they still had Stevie Wonder putting pins out. The official just smiled and said “things are done a little different for the Korean Open”.

I wasn’t going well in the opening round.

Standing on the 13th tee I was 3-over for the day and looking like blowing myself out of the tournament on the first day. But I suddenly found something. I have no idea what I found, but I rattled off five birdies in my last six holes to shoot 2-under. It felt like I had won lotto.

A 76 on day 2 saw me make the cut but I was a long way back in the field. A pair of 1-overs on the weekend saw me move up into a tied 30th finish. It shows you how tough they set the course up when you have 2-over for the last 36 holes and move up nearly 30 spots.

I had a short, two-hour flight to Japan Monday morning where I had two challenge events in back-to-back weeks. The ISPS Handa Cup at Susono golf club in Shizuoka was my first event. Both of the challenge events were played over three days, which meant the cut was after 2 days. I thought

this was a great track as it was a little old school. It was really tight with a lot of OOB so you had to hit it straight and wedge it close. We played the first day in pouring rain.

I shot 72, even-par and a fairly solid start.

Day 2 was abandoned due to a thick blanket of fog. The game was great on the last day but unfortunately the putts didn’t fall and 1-under was all I could manage. This had me tied 38th for a very small paycheque.

We headed back to Narita for the second event, which was being played at a new course, The Royal Golf Club. It was comfortably the longest course I have ever played, 8143 yards long! It had a 705-yard, par-5. I’ve never hit a good drive and had my ball sitting next to a 400-yard dot on the fairway. The 17th hole was a par-3, where it was 260 yards to carry the water short of the green. I could keep going on but I think you get the picture. My two rounds of 75 and 76, meant that I had the last day off. Obviously it was disappointing but it’s a fact of what I do, sometimes you get courses that just don’t suit you. Hitting drivers and 3-woods into par-3’s is probably not playing into my game’s strength.

After a week back at home working on my game, I headed back to Japan for another challenge event and a Monday qualifying for the Sega Sammy, one of the biggest events on the Japanese tour. I was meeting one of my good mates, Aaron Townsend, who had been in Japan for about a month. The challenge event was played at Akita Golf club and was played over two rounds, which meant that the cut was after day 1. One day cuts make the game very cutthroat. You don’t have any time to recover if you start poorly or you have one of those days and things don’t go to plan. I started slow and was 2-over after 9 holes, which wasn’t ideal. I played great around the back-9 with my only slip-up being a three-putt on 17. I managed to get back to even par and thought that would give me a good chance to shoot a low score on day 2. But unfortunately there wasn’t a day 2 for me. The cut was 1-under which was really low considering the golf

course. Aaron also had even so it was an early exit for both of us. The next day we jumped in the car and had a 9-hour drive to Niseko, where we were staying for a couple of days.

Aaron’s caddy lives there so we had some free accommodation. Niseko area is a ski resort area but it also has some great golf courses which are in awesome condition during summer. The qualifying event was only an hour’s drive from Niseko, so we headed down on Sunday for a practice round. The Sega Sammy qualifying was at the actual tournament course, the North Country Club, Hokkaido. It’s a course that I had played in past years so it’s always nice going back to a course that you know and feel comfortable with.

Once again I was very happy with the way I played. I shot a 3-under-par 69 and now had to sit in the clubhouse and wait to see if it would be good enough. Well, the end result

was I missed out on a count back. Yes, I said count back. Most tours have a play off if you’re tied in qualifying event but Japan do it a little differently. But that wasn’t the end of the sad story. I was sitting in the clubhouse trying to book flights home, and found a fairly cheap flight from Sapporo to Tokyo. I then was asked a question from one of the officials and when I went back into the bookings page, it had timed out. So I went back in and suddenly the flight that I had been trying to book was sold out! So the other flight I had to book cost me about $500 more and left me with a very tight timeline for my international connection. Gee, I love travelling sometimes!

The next month is fairly quiet for me with just a couple of Pro-Ams up in Queensland.

After what feels like a really busy couple of months, I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks back at home and getting back on top of my game. •

OPEN

7 days

Day and • 56 undercover hitting bays, automated tee-up • Two 18 hole mini golf courses Night • 8 qualified PGA golf professionals • Beginners, groups & junior clinics • TrackMan technology • Birthday parties • Corporate functions • Bunker Cafe • Club fittings

Brickpit Park, 142-178 Pennant Hills Rd, (entry from Dartford Rd) Thornleigh | All enquiries: (02) 9875 5445 www.thornleighgolfcentre.com.au 24

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Luxury Mediterranean Golf Cruise Monaco to Venice 15 to 30 May 2018 On 382 guest Luxury Inclusive Silver Whisper For full itinerary refer www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC10 · Up to 9 game golf option at the best courses in French Riviera, Corsica, Malta and Italy · Visit iconic ports such as Portofino, Sorrento, Palermo, Taormina and Dubrovnik · All suites are a minimum of 27sqm – with separate shower and bath · US$300 per suite shipboard credit · Includes Free Return Air Ticket to Europe

From

A$9,950 pp

Adrienne and David, your tour hosts, golf enthusiasts and cruise travel experts

Seabourn Auckland to Sydney Jan 2018 18 nights – 9 games

www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC4

A$9,000/ cabin reduced price

Mississippi River Memphis to New Orleans April 2018 14 nights – 7 Games

www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC9

Only 3 cabins to sell

Uniworld Paris & Normandy JUNE 2018 13 nights – 8 games

www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC11

Oceania

SEADREAM YACHT

UNIWORLD – RYDER CUP

Around UK & Ireland

ROME TO BARCELONA

Paris & Normandy

www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC6

www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC7

www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC12

September 2018 14 nights – 10 games

SEPTEMBER 2018 14 nights – UP TO 10 games

TRENDSETTER TRAVEL - The Luxury Golf Cruise Experts david@trendsettertravel.com.au ph: 02 9428 5900

www.trendsettertravel.com.au

September 2018 10 nights – 5 games

cover story

PGA Championship Preview

Who will reign at Quail Hollow?

I

n the middle of the fairway on his 72nd hole of the 2016 PGA Championship— Jimmy Walker’s 36th hole of the day due to weather-related issues that plagued the tournament all week—Walker heard a roar from the crowd. Australian Jason Day had just made an eagle on his final hole to post a 13-under score. Walker stood watching, sitting at 14-under. All he needed was a par to win his long-awaited first major championship.

“So, yeah, we were standing down there waiting to go because I was going to wait for the green to clear,” Walker said of his vantage point watching Day’s eagle. After the crowd quieted down, Walker’s caddie, Andy Sanders, turned to his man and said, “That doesn’t change anything we’re trying to do.”

Translation: Walker was still going to go for the par-5 green in two, even though all he needed was a par.

Walker’s approach shot came up short and left him “in a little bit of a pickle” because of how tricky the third-shot chip would be. “I couldn’t have hit it in a worse spot,” Walker admitted.

Yet when Walker found his ball, he acknowledged, “It could have been a worse lie. It could have been sitting down or at the

bottom of the grass. But it had enough fluff under it where I could get under it and get on the green, no problem.”

That’s what Walker did, leaving him two putts for the victory.

“Honestly, I was actually pretty calm about all of it. It was just simple,” Walker recalled. “I knew what I had to do.”

One of the first players Walker met adjacent to the 18th green after winning the title was Day. “We kind of did our celebration,” Walker said of his hug with Sanders and subsequent hug and kiss with his wife, Erin, and their two children. Then as he walked off the green, there was Day waiting, despite the disappointment associated with a secondplace finish.

That week, both the Walkers and Days traveled to New Jersey by bus/motor home.

“So we’re literally parked right next to each other all week. [Jason] and his family are great people, and our kids play together all the time. “I saw Ellie and Dash (the Days’ son), and just, you know, we kind of had our little moment there. I ended up texting him later that night.”

KOORALBYN VALLEY GOLF COURSE QUEENSLAND’S MOST CHALLENGING LAYOUT

Copperhead Challenge

Every Thursday & Public Holiday (Except Christmas Day)

Guaranteed Prize for Each Weekly Challenger!!

1. Trophy, shirt, holiday & unlimited golf voucher (worth up to $500) 2. 2-5 nett and gross winners will get $100 holiday voucher + extra $40, $30, $20 and $10 golf voucher each 3. $100 holiday voucher if you break handicap, win the longest drive (16th Hole) or nearest the pin (all par 3 holes) 4. $10 golf voucher guaranteed for each challenger if you do not win any of the above when you handover the cross signed scorecard Annual Champion of Champions nett and gross winners’ prize will also include FREE Competition Fee for Copperhead for the rest of their life Country Membership 7 Day Play (inc. Brisbane and Gold Coast) -$480 annual fee

Former Home Course of Jason Day and Adam Scott Previous Tour Pro Greg Norman Golf (07) 5544 5919 Resort (07) 5544 6688 26

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Stay and Play Package from $99 per person twin share* 2 Day Unlimited Golf Package from $149 per person twin share* *Terms & Conditions Apply

www.ramadaresortkooralbynvalley.com.au

cover story The contents of the text?

“Man, I really appreciate you making eagle on the last hole. It sure made my job a lot harder, [and] I learned a lot more about myself and golf.” “[Day] totally took it the way I meant it,” Walker said of the text. “If he had gone and made a five or a six (on the 18th hole), it would have been super blah coming down. I would have enjoyed the walk a lot more, but I wouldn’t have learned anything.”

So can he learn enough in 2017 to allow him to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy again, becoming the first player to successfully defend his PGA Championship title since Tiger Woods in 2006 and 2007?

That’s a big question mark— mainly because of health issues Walker has faced all season.

Despite Walker winning his first major title and capturing his sixth PGA Tour win in less than three years—a U.S. Presidents Cup team spot in 2015 and playing for the U.S. in the Ryder Cup in 2014 and 2016, mixed

in—Walker suddenly had health challenges.

Not long after that victory at Baltusrol, he didn’t exactly look like one of the best players in the world.

Blame it on Lyme disease.

Although it’s not a certainty when and where it happened, Walker assumes he was bitten by a tick on a hunting trip he took in Texas in late-November. What ensued was months and months of flu-like symptoms and associated fatigue, not a good combination for anybody, least of all a professional athlete. “I just couldn’t figure out what was happening. It’s not a great feeling, and you don’t want to talk about how draggy you feel and how tired you are all the time,” Walker explained.

“I was just in a bad spot, and finally I just said, ‘Something is really wrong. We need to get this figured out.’”

In 1975, doctors, puzzled by a cluster of patient health issues, discovered the disease, carried by deer ticks, originating in a pair of Connecticut towns—Lyme and Old Lyme— hence the name. While Connecticut is a fair distance from Texas, after numerous blood tests with no definitive diagnosis, a friend suggested that doctors test Walker for Lyme.

“She thought that’s what it was,” Walker added. “But nobody in South Texas wanted to do the test. It’s like, that’s not happening here.”

May), so I decided to shut it down until I was done (with the treatments),” Walker said of his four-week hiatus from play before the U.S. Open in mid-June.

When asked if he’s 100 percent, Walker was realistic. “I don’t think so yet. It’s still early to tell.” When asked if he could successfully defend his PGA Championship playing at, say, 80 percent, Walker said, “I’d like to think that when you’re playing, when you’re winning, you’ve got everything going. So it’s hard to say. I mean, my goal right now is just to get healthy.”

Regardless of how he feels, and for the record he anticipates another month will only help, Walker plans on being at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, the week of August 14-20. This year’s tournament is at a place with which Walker is quite familiar. Quail Hollow is the long-time home of the PGA Tour’s Wells Fargo Championship, and Walker has played in the tournament—always held in the spring—eight times with pretty spotty results. He’s missed the cut five times, and his best finish was a tie for 22nd in 2013. He did not play in Charlotte in 2015 or 2016.

On the Wednesday of the 2017 Masters Tournament, exactly a year after he had won the 2016 Par-3 Contest at Augusta National Golf Club, Walker found out the reason he had felt so poorly for five months was because you can, in fact, get Lyme disease while living in Texas.

One questions is how different will the course be during the hot, humid month of August in North Carolina. Also, greeting the players will be new green complexes from the last time they played the course built with entirely new Bermudagrass putting surfaces, or, more specifically, Champion Ultradwarf Bermudagrass from Texas, the new preferred grass. The new greens replaced the bentgrass greens that the course previously used. However, it was not resistant to the sometimes cold weather that descended on the Tar Heel State. The Bermudagrass poses a much stronger defense to Mother Nature.

“We did a really heavy dose of antibiotics, and they made [me] very sun sensitive. My hands were really burning at The Players (in

After taking a look around the course and walking and putting on the greens, Walker was pleased with what he saw. “All the new

It was. It did.

green complexes are very nice. They are not too tricky, and they have a lot of flat spots,” he explained. They have got some movement in them, but they have flat spots where you like to put the pins and there’s plenty of room.”

And compared to playing the course when it hosted the Wells Fargo Championship? “It will be a completely different test,” Walker added.

Past champions expected to challenge Walker are Day (2015), Rory McIlroy (2012 and 2014), Jason Dufner (2013), Keegan Bradley (2011) and Martin Kaymer (2010).

Throw in major championship winners from 2017, Sergio Garcia (Masters Tournament) and Brooks Koepka (U.S. Open), along with the other usual suspects of Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler (another Quail Hollow winner, in 2012), Justin Rose, Bubba Watson, Adam Scott and Henrik Stenson, and a deep, strong field will be on hand. Of those from this group, though, only McIlroy has won at Quail Hollow—and he did it twice, in 2010 and again in 2015.

“I got my first win on the PGA Tour [at Quail Hollow]. I love the golf course. I feel like I always play pretty well here,” McIlroy said.

Indeed. Except for his outlier missed cut in 2011, the year after his first title, McIlroy has tied for second (2012), tied for 10th (2013), tied for eighth (2014) and won (2015). He’s earned a career total of U.S. $3,656,054 at the Wells Fargo Championship, a little more than 10 percent of his career PGA Tour earnings of $35 million.

While Walker doesn’t have the pedigree at Quail Hollow that McIlroy does, he does have his name on the Wanamaker Trophy, too.

Oh, and most important of all, he also has his health. • (Story courtesy of the PGA TOUR) Photos: Jason Day – Dustin Satloff Jimmy Walker – Getty Images/Warren Little Rory McIlroy – Getty Images/Maddie Meyer

Terry Price Golf Schools 1, 2, 3 or 5 day Golf Schools with current Tour Pro Terry Price With over 30 years on Tour, Terry has learnt and played with many of the game’s greatest players and coaches such as Butch Harmon, David Leadbetter, David Pelz and Mac O’Grady.

Terry is now sharing his experience with golfers of all ages and standards.

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

For more details contact Peter Nicholson (07) 3535 0610 pete@terrypricegolfschools.com.au

www.terrypricegolfschools.com.au

Insurance & finance the fair way.

Golf Business Australia provides competitive insurance & finance solutions for the Australian golf industry & the passionate community that supports it!

• Business Insurance • Public Liability & Professional Indemnity Insurance • Home & Contents Insurance

Don’t let insurance & finance be your HANDICAP! Contact us today for a free quote.

• Motor Vehicle Insurance • Life Insurance

1300 852 025

• Income Protection Insurance

info@golfbusinessaustralia.com.au

• Equipment Finance • Business Finance

www.golfbusinessaustralia.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

27

on tour

US PGA Championship – the Australian connection

I

Greg Norman was twice runner-up – in 1986 to Bob Tway and 1993 to Paul Azinger.

N 2015, Jason Day became the fifth Australian to lift the Wanamaker Trophy when he won the 97th US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

Bruce Crampton also finished second on two occasions. He was runner-up to Jack Nicklaus in 1973 and 1975.

Day set a major championship scoring record en route to a three-stroke victory and his first career major.

In 1960, 13 years after his only major victory, Jim Ferrier was runner-up to Jay Herbert.

Firing a 67 (five-under) in the final round he finished the tournament at 20-under par, breaking the previous major scoring record set by Tiger Woods at the 2000 Open Championship.

PRIZEMONEY GROWTH In 1947, Jim Ferrier received a cheque for $3500 (USD) after winning the US PGA Championship.

Jordan Spieth, who was looking to join Ben Hogan and Tiger with three major wins in a year, finished runner-up to Day.

22 years ago Steve Elkington won his only major when he defeated Scot Colin Montgomerie to win the US PGA Championship in a playoff at Riviera Country Club in 1995.

The sudden-death playoff began on the par-4 18th hole, where both found the fairway and reached the green in regulation.

Elkington was away and birdied from six metres. Montgomerie missed his putt to extend the playoff.

Both played the par-71 layout in 267 strokes – 17-under par.

27 years ago Wayne Grady scored a three-stroke victory over American Fred Couples to win his only major in 1990.

In the final round, Couples led by a stroke after a birdie at the 12th hole, but then had four consecutive bogeys, while Grady shot par for the rest of the round at Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club.

Jason Day with the Wanamaker Trophy in 2015 (Photo: Montana Pritchard; PGA of America).

Grady finished with a score of 282 – sixunder par.

38 years ago David Graham, the only Australian to win two majors in the US, captured the 1979 US PGA at Oakland Hills Country Club.

Going into the final round, Graham was four shots back and had a two-shot lead teeing off the 72st hole. He should have won it comfortably, but double-bogeyed the 72nd hole and was forced into a playoff with Ben Crenshaw. Graham rallied and won at the third extra hole.

In the same event, Sam Snead, a three-time champion, set the record for the oldest player to make the cut in a major. He was 67 years, 2 months, and seven days of age and finished 42nd.

70 years ago The first Australian to win the US PGA Championship was Jim Ferrier in 1947 when

he edged out American Chick Harbert 2/1 in the matchplay final.

From 1916 to 1957, the US PGA was a matchplay tournament.

David Graham banked $60,000 for winning in 1979 and Wayne Grady collected $225,000 in 1990.

Five years later, Steve Elkington picked up a cool $360,000 for winning in 1995 and in 2015 Jason Day banked $1.8m.

This year’s winner will win around $1.89m.

THOMMO NO SHOW

In 1947, the matchplay format called for 12 rounds (216 holes) in seven days. The first two days were stroke play with the defending champion Ben Hogan and the top 63 pros advancing to matchplay.

FIVE-TIME Open Championship winner Peter Thomson never played a single US PGA Championship, but he did win the US PGA Seniors’ Championship.

Played at Plum Hollow Country Club, Ferrier defeated Lloyd Mangrum 4/3 in the quarterfinal and Art Bell 10/9 in the semi-final. Toney Penna beat Ben Hogan 3/1 in the first round.

In a career spanning more than four decades, Thommo played 43 majors – 30 Open Championships, eight US Masters and five US Opens.

AUSSIE RUNNERS-UP Five Australians have finished runner-up in the US PGA Championship.

Last year, Jason Day was second behind Jimmy Walker In 2005, Steve Elkington and Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn finished runners-up to Phil Mickelson.

His best result at the Masters was fifth in 1959 and his best finish in the US Open was a tie for fourth in 1956.

He won 11 Senior PGA Tour titles including the Senior PGA Championship in 1984.

In 1985, he won nine times on the Senior US PGA Tour and finished top of the money list. His last tournament victory came at the 1988 British PGA Seniors Championship. •

Video production and marketing solutions for the Australian golf industry.

4K Videography • Photography • Copywriting • Graphic Design 0409 916160

info@golfproshots.com

golfproshots.com 28

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

on tour

LEGENDS OF THE GAME It’s 70 years since Jim “The Undertaker” Ferrier became the first Australian to win the US PGA Championship, writes David Newbery

T

HEY called him “The Undertaker” and for good reason.

Jim Ferrier, an Australian legend, received the moniker because he knew how to bury his opponents.

He became the first Australian-born player to win a major when he captured the 1947 US PGA Championship.

Americans feared ‘The Undertaker’

Ferrier, a great exponent of putting, was never requested to putt twice during the final. That’s because his approach shots were so precise that his first putt was either in the hole or so close Harbert conceded them.

He turned out to be an outstanding amateur, winning four Australian amateur championships, two Australian Opens and 14 state amateur titles.

Ferrier was never one to experiment with different putters.

Early in his career he found a putter he liked – one he acquired when he gave a Manly Golf Club member four golf balls for it in 1930.

Born at Manly in Sydney in 1915, Ferrier was educated at Sydney Grammar School and began his playing career at Manly Golf Club where his father John Bennett Ferrier was secretary.

In his early teens, Ferrier showed more interest in rugby, cricket and athletics.

At the age of 48, he fired a 61 in the Festival Open and throughout his career had 10 holes-in-one, including one at Royal Liverpool while practicing for the British Open.

In fact, he seldom lost a pennant match.

At the age of 16, he won the New South Wales amateur title and finished runner-up to the great Ivo Whitton in the Australian Open.

The legendary Byron Nelson said he had never seen a player who could match Ferrier’s deft chipping and putting.

He was also in great demand at exhibition matches and pro-ams.

Manly Golf Club accepted Ferrier as a member when he was 15 and he quickly established himself as a matchplay specialist.

Standing 6’4” (1.93m) and solidly built, “Big Jim” accounted for challenger Melvin “Chick” Harbert 2/1 in the matchplay final.

It was his one and only major triumph although he did come close to winning the Masters.

money through clothing and equipment endorsements.

But at the age of 14 he started to take golf seriously after injuring his right knee while playing rugby and had to have his cartilage removed.

Apart from his PGA Championship triumph, Ferrier never won another major although many observers believe he should have won the Masters in 1950.

He only had to complete the back nine in 38 strokes to win, but “Big Jim” lost his way and returned a disappointing 41 to finish runner-up to Jimmy Demaret.

In 1936, he went to England and became the first Australian to reach the final of the British Amateur Championship.

Unfortunately, he had to settle for the runner-up prize after his opponent birdied the last hole.

With a plethora of amateur titles under his belt, he set off to contest the 1940 US Amateur Championship but had to give up his amateur status following an argument with American golf officials about his work as a golf writer.

The Americans banned him from playing, claiming he had breached his amateur status by publishing an instructional book.

Ferrier pointed out that Bobby Jones continued to play as an amateur after he wrote a book and while making a living from golf course architecture.

On the par-5 13th hole, he hit into the creek protecting the green and dropped shots on four consecutive holes.

Jim Ferrier in 1939 (Photo courtesy of Golf Australia).

Ferrier knew there was only one way to end the argument – turn professional.

He accepted a job with the Elmhurst Golf Club in Chicago and served in the US Army during World War II and in 1944 he and his wife took out US citizenship.

For the next 10 years, Ferrier, who had an unorthodox swing due to a knee problem, lived up to his nickname winning 22 tournaments on the PGA Tour.

Paid large retainers by some of the swank American golf clubs, he also made

OPEN FOR FREE

Entry and Entertainment 26 – 29 OCTOBER 2017 THE BRISBANE GOLF CLUB

www.qldopen.com.au 30

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Play

In fact, on the last six holes there was a seven-shot swing between him and Demaret, who was an Augusta specialist.

He also finished runner-up in the 1960 PGA Championship.

The early 1950s were good to Ferrier as he finished second on the money list in 1950, captured five events in 1951, including three in a row.

Between 1944 and 1962, he seldom finished outside the top-60 on the money list.

James (Jim) Bennett Elliott Ferrier died in 1986, aged 71. •

tour legends Wynnum to host Qld Senior PGA Known for hosting Australia’s Richest oneday Pro-Am, the Wynnum Golf Club will add a second major tournament to their golfing calendar in 2017, as it plays host to the 2017 QLD Senior PGA Championship.

After not being staged since 2014, the Wynnum Golf Club along with its sponsors have accepted the opportunity to host the $25,000 event over two days, with a quality field likely to compete over the 7th and 8th August.

Head professional and tournament host Matthew King is excited by the opportunity of hosting such a prestigious event, following the club’s long association in running the Ken Barton Memorial Legends Pro-Am in past years.

“It’s going to be great to welcome the Legends of the game back to Wynnum again this year and we look forward to the likes of Peter Senior, Ossie Moore and Rodger Davis entertaining all our guests over the two days,” said King.

“Long time sponsors Doug Barton/Mark Beitz and Mick Power have enjoyed a long association with the Legends Tour and they look forward to continuing this into the future with the QLD Senior PGA Championship being played in conjunction with our Ken Barton Memorial Legends Pro-Am.” The 2016 Ken Barton Memorial Legends Pro-Am champion Tod Power is set to return and will no doubt be one to watch as he attempts to claim his first QLD Senior PGA Championship.

Spectators are welcome to attend the two days of the QLD Senior PGA Championship, a wonderful opportunity to witness golf played by some of Australian golf greats.

Pacific Harbour to host Legends Pro-Am event

P

acific Harbour Golf & Country Club has announced that the Mancorp Quality Homes Pacific Harbour Legends Pro Am well be held on the 11th of August. The Legends Tour event brings together some of Australia’s finest former champions including 7-time European Tour winner Roger Davis.

With 40 professionals in the field to accompany 80 Rodger Davis amateurs in a shotgun start at 11:00 am, the single stableford event will showcase Pacific Harbour’s 6,339m layout designed by renowned golf course architect Ross Watson.

“We are pleased to team up with Mancorp Quality Homes as the major sponsor to bring this event to Bribie Island,” said Will Keiler, General Manager for Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club. “We already have a strong field of professional players who will compete for $11,000 in prize money. Stay tuned for more announcements of legends of our game as they are confirmed in the field.”

Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club would like to thank the following sponsors for the opportunity to host this event: Mancorp Quality Homes, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Club Car, Nuturf and Toro Australia. Sponsorship opportunities are still available if there are any businesses that would like to be part of this great day. Please contact the Golf Club on 3410 4012.

Also as a fundraiser for the event Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club will be holding a raffle with 1st prize being a Toro Personal Pace Self Propelled mower (Valued at $750), 4 rounds of Golf at RACV Royal Pines and a TaylorMade Golf bag. Tickets are available at the club for $5 each or 5 for $20.

Following on from the round, a presentation will be held with light refreshments being served in the stunning clubhouse overlooking the 10th, 16th, 17th & 18th holes.

Entry to the event is $90 non-members ($45 for members) and includes refreshments at post-competition presentation. To book, please call the Golf Shop on 3410 4011.

Moreton Bay to welcome PGA Legends The Moreton Bay Region will welcome some of Australia’s finest PGA Legends, as the Ladbrokes PGA Legends Tour rolls into the region this month.

The Moreton Bay Region will host two events which will be played on the Ladbrokes PGA Legends Tour, with Pacific Harbour staging its Legends Pro-Am on Friday 11th August, while the tour will remain in the region with the Pine Rivers Pro-Am teeing off on Sunday 13th August.

Moreton Bay Regional Council’s spokesperson for Parks, Recreation and Sport, Councillor Darren Grimwade, said council was excited to welcome the two PGA tournaments to the region.

“The Moreton Bay Region prides itself on a strong sporting culture and active, outdoor lifestyle, and I have no doubt our community will join me in welcoming the PGA Legends Tour into Pine Rivers and Bribie Island in August,” Councillor Grimwade said.

“With a quality line up of more than 175 golfers, including former Australian Champion Rodger Davis, it’s certainly teeing up to be a fantastic, action-packed weekend of golf not to be missed.”

PGA State Manager (QLD/NT Division) Broc Greenhalgh is confident the region will embrace the Legends Tour given the ability to promote an ever-growing region in the Sunshine State.

“The Legends Tour provides a wonderful platform to promote a region given the distances the professionals travel each year.

Morton Bay is a wonderful part of the world with many of the residents growing up watching several of the professional who will be playing in both tournaments”.

More: visit moretonbayregion.com.au

BRISBANE’S BEST GOLFING SECRET

Clubs include: Capricorn Resort Golf • Yeppoon Golf Club • Emu Park Golf Club North Rockhampton Golf Club • Rockhampton Golf Club

“Relax and Tee off under the sun on the Tropic of Capricorn”

For more info visit www.kortes.com.au

...or call us today on (07) 49 363 153 www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

31

women

www.insidegolf.com.au/womensgolf

A story of life on tour - Bree Arthur Karen Lunn CEO – ALPG

Q

ueenslander Bree Arthur competed on the Ladies European Tour (LET) for 6 seasons from 2011 until last year in 2016.

From 2011-2013 she had built up a very solid record, finishing in the top-10 on 8 occasions. Her low round was 65 and her career best finish came at the Ocho Spanish Ladies Open in 2013 when she tied for 2nd place. Bree had found herself in contention a handful of times without quite getting across the line.

Bree could really play, on 27th May 2013 she was the 185th ranked women’s player in the world.

On face value that may not sound that great, but for a player who does not play on the US or Japanese Tours if you can break into the top 200 in the world it means that you can seriously play the game.

To give this career-high ranking some context, currently the 184th ranked women player in the world is Japanese women Miki Saiki, who plays on the Japan LPGA and in 2017 so far is ranked 29th on their money list.

The 184th ranked male player is Englishman James Morrison, a very successful golfer and two-time European Tour winner who is currently placed 54th on the Race to Dubai in 2017.

Bree gained her LET tour card at the LET qualifying tournament at the end of 2010.

32

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

She had been Queensland’s best amateur player, was the number one ranked player on the Karrie Webb Series and had represented Australia at the Tasman Cup against New Zealand. At 21 years of age the time was right for the youngster who resided at Brookwater in Queensland to test herself on the big stage.

the best players in the world from the LPGA Tour.

Bree started out full of confidence, finishing 10th at the ISPS Handa Women’s NZ Open in just her 2nd LET event, and followed that up with a 15th place at the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco. Bree was flying, the young rookie had captured the attention of players and caddies alike, she had game and lots of it.

Sitting on the sidelines managing an injury is tough for any professional athlete, Bree was forced to miss several big tournaments on the LET. She was not making money rehabbing her injury and felt like she was lagging behind her fellow competitors.

However disaster struck, while competing in the tournament Bree picked up a serious wrist injury which ruled her out of the game for 15 weeks. As you would expect she was devastated.

When she finally got back to playing Bree was not 100% ready physically nor mentally, and with her confidence dented she started missing cut after cut.

Bree’s ball striking was impressive, she was extremely accurate and had a fantastic short game, always a dangerous combination!

Bree went on to keep her tour card for the 2012 season comfortably, a great achievement for any first-year professional playing a tour 10,000 miles away from her family, coach and support network.

In 2012 her game continued to improve.

She won 2 events on the ALPG tour early in the season, and found herself in contention in one of toughest fields of the year on the LET at the 2012 German Open in May, eventually going on to finishing in 4th place.

During the season Bree finished in the top 10 on 3 occasions and in the top-twenty-five on 9 occasions, she finished 49th on the LET Order of Merit, another great accomplishment in just her second season on tour.

In 2013 Bree amassed another 5 top-ten finishes, including a 4th place finish at the Dutch Open, 7 top-25 finishes and an end of year Order of Merit position of 48, a slight improvement on 2012.

Bree’s ranking on the LET Order of Merit slid to 63rd, a step backwards for the now 26-year-old who had started the year brimming with confidence.

2014 had been a tough year, and in 2015 the downhill spiral continued.

Bree missed nine cuts of the 15 events in which she played, her best finish being 20th place at the Turkish Ladies Open.

In three seasons Bree had firmly established herself as one of the leading players on tour.

2014 was a year which started full of promise for the 25-year old, and it began perfectly with a victory at the Moss Vale Classic on the ALPG Tour, followed up with a 6th place finish at the ISPS Handa Women’s NZ Open.

Bree was brimming with confidence heading into ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open and was ready to test herself against

She barely kept her card for 2016, which would prove to be her final season playing on the LET (thus far). Bree played just 10 events, making 2 cuts and finishing 130th on the Order of Merit, losing her playing status on tour. It was obvious to those closest to her that Bree was shattered.

With her confidence destroyed and struggling financially she took the harrowing decision not to go back to qualifying school at the end of 2017.

women

www.insidegolf.com.au/womensgolf

Sadly, Bree did not have these options.

Bree’s parents had been her biggest supporters over the years she played on the LET, they had been very generous in providing her with whatever financial support they could afford. However, this support combined with the prizemoney she had earned was not enough to provide her with the resources she felt she needed moving forward.

“Go see a sports psychologist or a different coach or sports doctor,” were likely suggestions to her, but where do you get the money to pay for these experts which the male professional in Bree’s shoes would take for granted and not think twice about doing?

Bree would make contact with her coach back in Australia via text message and sending videos via email, she couldn’t afford to fly back and forth from Europe to Australia.

While grateful for her parents’ unwavering support, it also created more pressure for Bree, as she felt that if she didn’t perform she was also letting them down, and she felt indebted to them.

I can hear those out there saying “there go the women again moaning about inequality.”

However, unfortunately, the reality is that in professional sport it is the case way more often that it is in the regular business world.

For the time being Bree’s international playing career was done, it was time for her to do something else.

I have little doubt that had Bree had the financial means available she would have kept fighting to play. Even though her confidence was shattered I really think that the self-belief was still deep down there somewhere.

Those who understand the world of professional golf know how fickle the game can be, you hear stories often of players winning one week and then missing a string of cuts soon after. This is the nature of the game and what makes it so tough, especially for our female players who in general have very little sponsorship and make a small percentage of what our male counterparts make in terms of prizemoney.

The pressure of playing professional golf with financial strains lurking in the back of your mind is one of the hardest things to do, I have been there and done that. Making a fourfoot putt to try to make the cut is hard enough without knowing that you have no means to get to the next tournament if you miss it.

I have seen so many very talented young women quit playing in recent years due to their finances running out and it is heartwrenching to watch. In professional sport

success does not often come immediately and you need time to learn the ropes and settle into life on tour far away from your support network.

Very few young women golfers have this luxury and many are giving away the sport without realistically having a chance, competing against players who have sponsors or are being supported by their National Golf Federation as many of the European girls are. They can afford to have a pro caddy, stay in decent hotels and get physio treatment when required, and they also get to go home to their family and friends for a day most weeks. For most of our players the story is unfortunately very different.

Bree had earned around €170,000 in her six years on the LET, and once you take into account travel costs, caddy wages, entry fees etc which add up to a minimum of around €1500 per week that money does not last very long, especially if you take into account the

cost of treating and rehabilitating a serious injury.

I performed a little exercise to see how much Bree’s “counterpart” on the Men’s European Tour would have earned each year finishing in the positions that Bree did at the end of the season. I was astounded; I knew that the difference would be fairly significant but was not prepared for the outcome.

For a male professional finishing 81st, 49th, 48th, 63rd, 80th and 130th in the seasons from 2011 to 2016 on the European Tour they would have made €2,855,927, Bree made €170,684 or just under 6% of that amount for performing the very same job.

Without doubt the male professional who lost their card on the European Tour in 2016 finishing 130th (earning €183,616) has the means to return to qualifying school if that is what they choose to do, or even take a year out to practice, work on their game, or get treatment for an injury.

How would you like to become a member at australia’s No 1 Golf aNd couNtry club?

In 2010 the ALPG had 28 of our members in the top 500 of the Rolex Women’s World Rankings, as of today we have just 11.

I am not sure exactly what the answer is, but we all need to try find ways to better support our women professional players to give them a genuine opportunity to succeed internationally.

Back to Bree: she is currently working at St Michael’s Golf Club in Sydney and is in the process of completing the PGA Bridging course after which she will be a fully qualified PGA Professional.

She is really enjoying life back home in Australia, is feeling refreshed and feels that being away from tour life has helped put a healthy context into her life.

Deep down, Bree feels that there is unfinished business out there on tour and she still has the desire to play. Her newfound ability to see things differently and more objectively may well be one of the keys to her succeeding back out on tour. Only time will tell. •

ZIPPY GOLF Alligator & Amphibian

Website: www.zippygolf.com Email: sales@zippygolf.com Tel: 0242714658

WORLD’S FIRST FULLY WATERPROOF & FULL SUSPENSION REMOTE BUGGY

Membership at the Heritage has always been a costly affair however for a short time only there are a limited number of Non-Transferable 7 day memberships available at the world rated Heritage Golf & Country Club, 45 minutes from the CBD in Melbourne’s outer Eastern Suburbs.

Members have unrestricted access to the St John Course, a Jack Nicklaus Design Signature course, along with the challenging, all weather, Tony Cashmore Henley Golf course, and if that’s not enough there is a Gymnasium, Heated Indoor Pool and Sauna, Tennis Courts and private members lounge facilities.

Come along and join the New Management Team at the Heritage and experience it for yourself.

Give Karen or Jess a call on 9760 3222 and make a time to play a round and you will soon realise what a great opportunity this is. But hurry, these memberships will not last.

IPX8 Waterproof Rating Independent Front & Rear Suspension Downhill Speed Control Navigation Straight Line Control Light Weight & Compact Design

RR $18 P 00

Sold Through Local Green Grass Golf Professional

21 Heritage Avenue, Chirnside Park Vic 3116 | (03) 9760 3222 E-mail: receptions@hgcc.com.au | www.hgcc.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

33

people

www.insidegolf.com.au/people

New-look Australian Open Hickory title at Long Reef heralds new era Michael Court

michael@insidegolf.com.au

Move to nationally unite golf history groups TALKS have begun between the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia for the nation’s two major golf history bodies to be united under one national organisational banner.

The idea is to have the Melbourne-based Golf Society of Australia and the Sydney-based Australian Golf Heritage Society formally combine their resources under the auspices of Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia.

A

REVAMPED Australian Hickory Shaft Golf Championship will tee off next month at Long Reef Golf Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches region and the new venue is likely to attract one of the strongest fields in its 23-year history.

Both history organisations operate splendid golf museums, displaying a vast array of golf equipment and other historic items as well as offering advice and services to assist in the staging of hickory golf events and the development of golf from a playing and industry perspective.

Invitations have been issued by the Australian Golf Heritage Society to some of the nation’s best professional and amateur golfers to tackle the “hickory friendly” links layout.

The two groups annually play historic golf hickory golf challenges in Sydney and in Melbourne for the Al Howard Memorial Trophy.

The 18-holes stroke event on the afternoon of Thursday September 21, in which all players must use hickory-shafted wooden clubs manufactured before 1940, is open to all men and women golfers, not just the members of the Australian Golf Heritage Society.

A handicap event is run in conjunction with the scratch event.

Hickory Golf is growing in popularity across Australia

Many players dress up in period golf outfits, such as Plus Four trousers, caps, waistcoats and ties and some women wear long dresses and bonnets, but modern golf attire is allowed.

The cost to play is $25 with an extra $45 to attend the presentation function.

Any golfers not having access to hickory-shafted clubs can hire a set on the day for just $20 from AGHS founder Tom Moore.

The defending champion, Phil Baird, the golf director of Manly Golf Club and a former board member of the PGA of Australia, will be challenged by a string of Australia’s best hickory golfers who already have won national and international titles.

Baird has personally invited many of his fellow PGA professionals and well-known male and female amateurs to play at Long Reef.

His main challengers will be Darron Watt, from Wagga Wagga in NSW and Alan Grieve, from Queensland, two former winners

of the title, which was played for the past six years at Carnarvon, in Sydney’s south-west.

Watt won the 2015 championship while Grieve not only won the 2012 and 2014 Australian titles, but in 2011 beat the best hickory players in the world in the US Hickory Open Championship.

Grieve featured in last month’s Inside Golf magazine after becoming the first Brisbane Golf Club Member to win a Monthly Medal, using hickory-shaft clubs.

The Captain of the AGHS Ross Howard said that organisers were expecting a record entry to this year’s revamped Hickory Championship, which this year is likely to have several Australian golf legends, including former Australian Open champion Frank Phillips, officially teeing off the event in a historic US-Masters style ceremony.

Phil Baird, the reigning Australian Hickory Shaft Golf champion, the PGA golf director at Manly Golf Club and a former member of the board of the PGA of Australia, this year initiated the discussions between the two groups.

He suggested the idea of a combined national golf history organisation to PGA of Australia Chief Executive Officer Gavin Kirkman, who contacted his Golf Australia counterpart Stephen Pitt.

One possible benefit of a combined national golf history framework would be for the Australian Hickory Shaft Championship to be played annually at different states around Australia.

If this event was to be played at the eight “Royal” courses around the nation (Royal Melbourne, Royal Sydney, Royal Queensland, Royal Hobart, Royal Canberra, Royal Adelaide, Royal Perth and Royal Fremantle) it would be a “must-play” golf tourism event for everyone interested in our rich golf history.

Wembley Golf Course Wembley Golf Course

WembleyGOLFCLUB

Member Name

Golf Link Number

Wembley Golf Club

Memberships now available

Pick up a membership today and enjoy these great inclusions: • Golf Australia Handicap • Welcome Pack • Access to competitions • Member benefits Adult

$199 per annum

Junior (Under 18)

$99 per annum

For details enquire at the Golf Shop or at info@wembleygc.com.au

The Golf Shop (08) 6280 1300 Bookings call (08) 9484 2500 www.wembleygolf.com.au

Sign up today and enjoy all the benefits of membership for the next 12 months.

Follow Us

34

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

WARNING

AMAZING DEALS ON

PRE-OWNED PETROL

CLUB CAR PRECEDENTS

IN STORE FROM AUGUST 10 DON’T MISS OUT!

1300 90 60 80 • www.highlandgolfcars.com.au Unit 2 / 6 Cavendish Street Mittagong NSW 2575

HIGHLAND GOLF CARS

ALL CARTS SOLD WITH WARRANTY

2995

3495

$

4495

$

$

2010 Yamaha G29

2010 Club Car Precedent

2013 Club Car Precedent

Unmarked, Trojan Batteries

Electric, Excellent battery test

Excellent all round condition Batteries only 18 months old

4995

5495

$

5695

$

$

2013 Club Car Precedent

2013 Club Car Precedent

2013 Club Car Precedent

2 of these ex VIP carts available NEW Trojan batteries

Royal blue • Unmarked body & upholstery NEW Trojan batteries

Black,Mint Condition NEW Trojan batteries fitted

6995

7195

$

7495

$

$

Club Car Precedent Premium Club Car Precedent Premium Club Car Precedent Premium Metallic Burgundy • New 10’’ Mags New Trojan batteries • Covered by our Blue Ribbon Warranty

Metallic Orange • New 12’’ Mags New Trojan batteries • Covered by our Blue Ribbon Warranty

Metallic Blue • New 12’’ Mags Lights • New Trojan Batteries Covered by our Blue Ribbon Warranty

1300 90 60 80 • www.highlandgolfcars.com.au Unit 2 / 6 Cavendish Street Mittagong NSW 2575

HIGHLAND GOLF CARS

NEW CLUB CAR

From:

B EAT E

N

h

.au m o c . ars c f l o NEW TROJAN Batteries ndgdelivery arranged to a l h Suitable for all makes and models; hig

WA

almost anywhere in Australia!

6x6V or 6x8V or 4x12V for

$1445

Y

go

nd ighla

.au

.com s r a lfc

SOLD WITH S R

NT

W

ALL CA

WE

Precedents ON’T BE

R R A call us for a

delivery quote

We can arrange AUSTRALIA WIDE delivery

9495

$

NEW SPECIAL EDITION CLUB CAR PRECEDENTS EX-DEMOS WITH FACTORY WARRANTY GREAT COLOUR CHOICES PETROL & ELECTRIC

HIGHLAND

GOLF CARS

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

1300 90 60 80

www.highlandgolfcars.com.au

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.

clubs

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Nelson Bay surges back Michael Court micheal@insidegolf.com.au

L

ET’S be honest . . . 30 years is a long time between ‘hits’.

Yet that’s how long it has been since Nelson Bay Golf Club hosted a pro-am, hosting some of the best professional golfers in the state.

This will just be one of many major moments that will take place at Nelson Bay this month as the club prepares for one of the momentous marks in its history . . . the opening of the new $10m clubhouse.

Those disastrous moments of Father’s Day, 2015, when the clubhouse, which had stood for 55 years, burnt almost to the ground, will be nothing but a distant memory this month as the club surges back into the marketplace with a spanking new structure not quite as big, but certainly more functional than the previous clubhouse.

The new purpose-built clubhouse includes a lift for easier access, a function room with dedicated bar, a sports bar and a children’s room – extra services and areas the club has been able to provide in the rebuild.

Another interesting addition to the new club is retail space area which has been built on the lower level and which the club are looking at leasing to generate additional revenue.

The Club will officially open its doors in the first week of August, but it will be from August 21-27 that will provide a week for the members to talk about for years to come.

Members’ special golf events and functions are planned from Monday through to Thursday of that week while Friday will be a business partners lunch.

38

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Saturday, August 26 will be the official opening dinner with Sunday, August 27 an open family fun day, which should ensure everyone has had their chance to inspect the new premises.

September 7 has been set aside for the first pro-am since 1987 so the Pros will get their chance to savour the new club as well.

“There was a pro-am planned for late 2015 but the clubhouse fire meant it had to be called off,” said Nelson Bay Golf Club Sales and marketing manager Natalie Kelly.

There is probably little chance of having that last pro-am winner David Saunders, or indeed the first pro-am winner there, Bob

Stanton on hand to do battle in this return to the fairways.

Still top-flight professionals Peter Lonard and Nathan Green – both winners in the US – have confirmed they will play if they are in Australia at the time.

And for those of you who have not recently been to one of the best country clubs in Australia, now is the time to refresh your memory and contemplate a return to one of the truly most beautiful areas of Australia . . .

Port Stephens.

Nelson Bay Golf Club’s 27-hole layout is set among native trees with an abundance of wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, native birds and even an occasional goanna or two.

Indeed the relaxed and sedate kangaroo population have become quite a tourist attraction for anyone visiting the area with tours running daily. The University of Sydney has also been conducting a research study on the kangaroos since 2012.

Nelson Bay has long held a reputation for being one of the most public access-friendly courses in NSW and for good reason - it offers a variety of exciting challenges in an immaculate setting.

One of the holes that will have you talking about as you analyse your round is the famous 490m par-five 12th.

If you’ve never played it, then you should as this unique hole is a tight,

clubs

bushland-bordered bender that makes its way up a long hill.

Accuracy is certainly the key here as you need to pick your landing zones carefully . . . or you’ll be chipping out sideways.

Straight after you chalk up an excellent birdie or a disastrous triple bogie or somewhere in between, you’ll find the serene lakes and deceiving bunkers make the 13th and 14th holes pretty to view but punishing if not navigated properly.

Arguably the club’s most picturesque hole is the 18th, which is surrounded by blooming Christmas bush in the summer months and if there is a hole where the roos seem to relax you’d better have your camera ready between shots – you’ll need it as the new clubhouse also comes into view.

The Bluewater Grill restaurant staff, who have stuck by the club since the building and

restaurant burnt down, will also return.

Additional after-hours services will also be provided once the clubhouse is open and operational.

The function room has been moved and a bar added so guests do not need to walk through the clubhouse, plus upgraded with the latest technology making it suitable for conferences and corporate events.

The children’s and upgraded function room provide new business opportunities for the club too,” added Kelly.

“We can now look at the weddings, corporate golf days/events and conference markets,” she said.

The list of facilities in the new clubhouse includes: Main bar; Sports bar with full gaming facilities; Café/lounge; Bluewater Grill Restaurant; Kids room; Function room with dedicated bar which can seat 180 people

or a cocktail party for 230; Boardroom; Wedding site behind the 20th tee; Fleet of 40 brand new golf carts; Fully-stocked proshop; Practice putting green and driving range.

FACT FILE NELSON BAY GOLF CLUB

“We’re also collaborating with Landmark and Mantra next door for accommodation to make Nelson Bay Golf Club an all-inclusive solution to any event type,” said Kelly who has been working with tourism operators around the Bay and Destination Port Stephens to encourage further visitation – enticing visitors to the club and golfers to explore more of the Bay’s offerings.

57 Dowling ST, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 Telephone: (02) 4981-1132.

Green fees: 18 holes: $45 weekdays; $50 weekends; 27 holes: $55; weekends $60; Groups 16-99: $40 weekdays; $45 weekends; Group of 100+: $34 weekdays; $40 weekends.

Membership at Nelson Bay Golf Club is currently available for all playing categories as well as social membership.

Nelson Bay Golf Club is located just two and a half hours north of Sydney and is nestled by the Tomaree National Park near the pristine waters of Port Stephens.

Accommodation $35 per night weekdays; $40 weekends; Motorised carts $40 visitors for 18 holes ($25 for nine holes).

UPCOMING EVENTS

MEN OF LEAGUE saturday 5th august 2017 - Dinner & entertainment

sunday 6th august 2017 - shotgun, 18 Holes 4 Person ambrose

NEW CLUBHOUSE OPENING 21st - 27th august 2017

NELSON BAY GOLF CLUB

Family Fun Open Day 27th august 2017

LADIES GOLF CLASSIC 11th, 12th & 14th September 2017

Rotary Charity Day 13th October 2017

Monday 14th august - nelson Bay golf Club tuesday 15th august - Pacific dunes thursday 17th august - nelson Bay golf Club Friday 18th august - horizons golf Club

Coca Cola Nelson Bay Golf Club ProAm 7th september 2017

SOCIAL CLUBS CHALLENGE 27th - 29th October 2017

NelsoN Bay Golf CluB | DowliNG street, NelsoN Bay | (02) 4981 1132 | www.NelsoNBayGolf.Com www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

39

clubs

www.insidegolf.com.au/course-reviews

Deniliquin bounces back

Friendliness is a star feature at Deniliquin Golf Club

D

eniliquin Golf Club has fought back this year, after 12 of its 18 holes were cut off by floods in the spring of 2016. The flooding was a financial blow to the club, which had picked itself up off the canvas from severe financial issues less than a decade ago. It turned to the club’s members who joined the ‘volunteer brigade’ to look after everything from running the Pro Shop to helping out in the clubhouse and assisting the Greenkeeper to ensure their pride and joy – one of the best golf courses along the Murray River – remained in tip top condition.

Deniliquin is one of the most picturesque of the famous golf courses that stretch along the mighty Murray River and its tributaries. You can enjoy the beauty of this golf course alongside the kangaroos, kookaburras, Superb Parrots, echidna, goannas, lizards, pelicans and a host of other wildlife that abounds in this paradise of nature. (Sorry, but you may get distracted by a kookaburra’s laugh as you’re about to tee off. They’re not trained very well.)

With the club’s 18 manicured fairways and true greens, Deniliquin is a shining example of Australia’s magnificent golf courses. By modern standards the course is not long – 5817m for men, and 5118m for ladies. However, off the back tees it is a challenge for all levels of player.

Poor shots find the huge trees that line most of the couch fairways, while the greens are fast but true and always in great condition. A feature of Deniliquin golf course is the ‘same day play’ principle that applies.

On most days you can phone the pro shop and book your tee off time, or just call in and one of the friendly volunteer staff will cater to your golfing needs.

A unique program at Deni to ensure the course is kept in top condition is ‘adopt a hole’, where several members work in conjunction with Greenkeeper Terry Howe to provide special attention for a particular hole.

More: www.denigolfclub.com.au

d n a l s I e i b i Br imate t l U e Th

Golfi

Play both of Queensland’s renowned Bribie Island Sandbelt courses with our Exclusive Play & Stay Packages

To book call Fairways Retreat (07) 3400 2100 FOR BOOKINGS REF CODE: INSIDE GOLF OFFER

Packages from

$98 pp 00

$126 for a 2 night stay 40

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

tion

tina s e D ng

per night for 4 night stay

Tassie’s Moorina a hidden gem

M

oorina Golf Club is in the north-east of Tasmania, approximately 90 minutes from Launceston, and only about 45 minutes from Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm Golf Clubs.

The club is a 9-hole 18-tee course, with the Tasman Highway A3 going through the middle of the course. The course is a 5152m par-69, with four par-3s, 13 par-4s and one par-5.

The signature hole, the 13th, is a 191m uphill par-3 which plays like 220m, with a narrow fairway with out of bounds on the left and a thick row of blackwood trees on the right. The fairway slopes slightly to the left, while the green slopes from back to front. When you are above the hole, it is nearly impossible to get the ball to stop and it will roll 3-4m off the bottom of the green, especially on windy days.

Moorina Golf Club is run entirely by volunteers, and there are only 40 members. The Saturday competition averages 12-15 players, but this swells to 50-80 on a major day.

Popular novelties at the club include the much-photographed wooden tractor and wooden ride-on lawn mower built by the club President for floats at the St Helens Christmas parades. Membership is only $150 for men and $110 for ladies, $230 for a married couple and $50 for juniors. They offer a mixed competition on Saturdays or Sundays, with a Ladies competition on Wednesdays. Green fees are only $10. www.facebook.com/pg/Moorina-Golf-Club-487947524687694

clubs

www.insidegolf.com.au/course-reviews

City/Country membership ticks the boxes at Cypress Lakes Philip Epstein

H

aving been a club member in Sydney for many years I finally let my membership lapse. I just wasn’t playing enough golf to validate the cost. It will never be like the old days. Every Saturday morning our regular group played at the same time. I do miss the good old days, but spending more time with my family and enjoying the odd trip away has become a priority.

Last month we were invited to go away with another couple of our golfing friends for a Play & Stay package at Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley. Taking the weekend off from babysitting the kids, the four of us stayed two nights in a two-bedroom villa at the Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and played Cypress Lakes and The Vintage golf courses each day. Both courses were in excellent condition. Cypress Lakes’ new owners have just spent millions.

New owners have just spent millions of dollars refurbishing the golf course and the resort.

On the second day the golf pro at Cypress Lakes asked us if we would like to join the open competition. I explained that we were no longer members at a club with a Golf Australia handicap. Understanding how much we would love to still enjoy competition golf and have an official handicap, he suggested that a Cypress Lakes City/Country membership could be ideal for our situation.

My wife was particularly interested when she heard the great price to become a playing member of this prestigious and iconic golf and country club.

GenY at hit in Melbourne As Australian clubs continue to struggle to attract new members, the social golf market is growing leaps and bounds.

One Victoria-based social club, GenY Golf, is not only prospering from this quantum shift in golf participation, but is also driving green-fee revenue to private clubs, creating a win-win in the industry.

Founded by avid golfer Ali Terai, the idea for GenY Golf came one Sunday morning.

“I was craving a golf experience for my mates that allowed us play a variety of Victoria’s best courses, with a group of like-minded golfers,” Ali says.

Recently, we just got back from another weekend trip to the Hunter Valley Wine Country. This time our extended family was able to join us at our new golf club. Our son-in-law also joined us for a round on the Saturday morning. Playing in our first competition for over two years it felt great to not only belong to a golf club again, but that I was able to share my experience with the extended family.

Whilst we played golf, the grandkids enjoyed a golf clinic in the morning before we all had a hit of tennis and a swim in the amazing resort pool in the afternoon. I could tell by the buzz in conversation at dinner we had discovered a membership that works for everybody.

Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club is now offering City/Country Membership for $899.

As a golf playing member you will receive 12 golf round vouchers including motorised golf cart, an official GA handicap, complimentary driving range balls and full use of all the resort facilities plus further discounts on the villa accommodation and restaurants.

To help Cypress Lakes celebrate 25 years in the Hunter Valley, any golfers who join as a City/Country Member during August will receive a bonus extra round voucher valued at $118.

More information: contact Cypress Lakes Pro Shop: Phone 02 4993 1899 or email golfcypresslakes@theoaksgroup.com.au

GenY aims to keep things simple.

For $229, members get an official Golf Australia handicap, a half-hour lesson with PGA pro Jack Macleod and a share in $50,000 prize pool in their 30+ events. In addition, you get free rounds at Sandhurst, Flinders, Curlewis, Cranbourne, Eynesbury, Yering Meadows, Cardina and 13th Beach.

Most of their golf days attract 90+ players, which gives host courses plenty to get excited about, both from a revenue standpoint and as a pool for potential members.

GenY Golf is rapidly gaining fans, with nearly 4000 followers on Facebook. And, contrary to the name, GenY Golf is not restricted to Australia’s youth, with most members aged between 24-45.

More: www.genygolf.com.au

the original Wind proof umbrella

- often copied but never bettered!

Custom logo printing If you need an umbrella, you’ll want one that works - GustBuster makes even the worst conditions bearable...

With GustBuster you can finish the round, shielded from torrential rain and up to 65mph winds.

DemanD protection - DemanD GustBuster!

Have them custom printed by the best in the business - great for clubs, teams and promotions that matter - provide quality, provide GustBuster!

www.peterwrightgolf.com

Ph (02) 9634 1876 www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

41

new gear

www.insidegolf.com.au/gear

>NEW GEAR G400 Fairway Wood

PING G400 Driver The multi-material design of the new PING G400 combines drag-reducing technology with a speed-inducing forged face and MOIraising tungsten sole weight to deliver longer drives and fairway-finding forgiveness. The G400’s Streamlined design combines with bolder turbulators and Vortec Technology to advance aerodynamics (15% less drag) for more clubhead speed. Engineered to increase face flexing (6% thinner, 16% more flexing) and deliver a powerful sound and feel, the forged face is precision machined to produce hotter ball speeds (1-2 mph) for more distance (approximately 5 yards) across the entire face. With a combined MOI over 9000 and the deepest CG location in golf, the Tungsten sole weight elevates stability and forgiveness.

Dragonfly Technology features an Ultra-thin crown and skirt to produce weight savings to increase MOI and optimize CG location.

Three head options are available: The standard version (available in 9⁰ and 10.5⁰ lofts ) is engineered to fit most golfers. The SFT (Straight Flight) version (available in 10⁰ and 12⁰ lofts ) is designed to correct a left-toright ball flight (for right-handed golfers) and features heel-side tungsten weighting and a lighter swing weight to help square the face.

The LST (Low Spin) version (available in 8.5⁰ and 10⁰ lofts positions the tungsten weight closer to the face to reduce spin approximately 300RPM for a stronger ball flight.

RRP: (Standard Shaft) : $619

G400 Iron The G400 Iron features face flexing technology that launches the ball faster and higher so you’ll enjoy more distance with stopping power and feel. The COR-Eye Technology promotes faster ball speeds to generate gains in distance and shot height for stopping power. A Toprail Undercut Cavity combines with COR-Eye Technology to amplify and expand face flexing (18% more) to increase ball speed and launch the ball higher. Hyper 17-4 Stainless Steel increases strength 40% for a thinner face.

RRP: $189 per iron w/steel shaft; $209 per iron w/graphite shaft

An innovative maraging steel face that flexes 30% more than any previous design makes this PING’s hottest, highest launching fairway wood ever. A low lead edge and new, bolder turbulators elevate your ball flight and confidence from any distance. One of the strongest and most flexible alloys in the world, maraging steel is an ideal face material to deliver faster ball speeds that launch shots farther, higher and straighter. The Cascading sole engages at impact to increase face flexing for higher launch. An ultra-thin 17-4 SS crown cast to .48mm gives the club weight savings to increase MOI and optimize CG location.

Available: 3 (14.5⁰), 5 (17.5⁰), 7 (20.5⁰) and 9 wood (23.5⁰). SFT (Straight Flight) options: 3 (16⁰), 5 (19⁰) and 7 (22⁰) woods. Stretch 3 wood (13⁰).

RRP: (Standard Shaft): $429 per club

RRP: (Standard Shaft): $369 per club

G400 Crossover The precision, workability and control of an iron combined with the ball speed and forgiveness of a hybrid make the G400 Crossover a high-performance and versatile option for golfers of all skill levels.

The maraging steel face delivers faster ball speeds and higher launch to produce 30% more stopping power. The addition of a tungsten toe weight increases forgiveness resulting in 17% tighter dispersion.

Turf interaction is greatly improved with a thinner sole.

RRP: (Standard Shaft): $369 per club August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

MILFORD SINGLE-LENGTH FAIRWAY WOODS Completely new to the market in Australia, Milford one-length Fairway Woods have been specifically developed to simplify the game and make it more enjoyable for golfers of all abilities. They complement the already popular Milford SL-7 single-length irons.

The set consists of 3-wood, 5-wood and 7-wood. They are all the same length (42 inches), lie-angle and swing-weigh. This enables you to have the same set-up, stance, ball position and swing plane for all three Fairway Woods. Due to launch in Australia in late August, they will be available in S, R, A and L Flex graphite shafts.

RRP is $150 each. But a very special pre-launch offer, $300 for the set of three, is available for a limited number of customers. For more information contact Fred Stewart on 0412563977, or email fred@milfordgolf.com.au or at Milford Golf on Facebook.”

G400 Hybrid An ideal option when gapping your set for mid-to-long distance shots, the G400 hybrids combine maraging steel faces with CG optimization to deliver more distance and forgiveness. Hotter ball speeds launch shots higher and farther while internal weighting keeps your ball flight on line and under control. Features the same maraging steel, cascading sole and thin crown technology as the Fairway wood. Available: 2 (17⁰), 3 (19⁰), 4 (22⁰), 5 (26⁰), and 6 (30⁰) hybrids

Available: 3 (19⁰), 4 (22⁰), and 5 (25⁰).

42

RRP $349.99

RRP $247.50

OnsongSwing Training Aid Queensland inventor Vern Johnson recently launched the OnsongSwing® a revolutionary digital golf swing training aid that clicks onto the shaft of your clubs near the hosel. The device will help you strengthen your followthrough, maximise club head acceleration and build consistency into your game.

“If you play golf for any length of time you will see that the best golfers seem to have effortless golf swings and almost boring levels of consistency,” Vern said. “The OnsongSwing’s graphical display of swing speed and ball impact can reveal significant differences between your practice swings and your swing when striking a ball.”

To improve the dynamics of your golf swing, the OnsongSwing directly connects you with the progress of your swing in real time with an audio feedback tone as you swing the club. The tone helps you focus the power of your swing into the ball.

We all know that the hours spent in practice, or the lack of them, will show up more than once in every round of golf. Using the OnsongSwing to guide your practice sessions will help you achieve the full potential of your golf swing: which means more enjoyment and less frustration on the course. www.onsongswing.com

Callaway Steelhead XR Fairway Woods The original Steelhead was one of the most popular fairway woods of all time because of its uniquely beautiful shape and innovative Hawkeye Sole, which enhanced versatility by encouraging smooth turf interaction to promote solid contact from almost any lie.

With the new Steelhead XR fairway wood, Callaway has improved that iconic shape, made the head more forgiving and easy to launch, and refined the sole to make it even more versatile and playable than the original Steelhead fairway. And they super-charged it with modern, power-producing technologies to promote more distance, both off the turf and from the tee.

Steelhead XR construction combines a steel face and body with Callaway’s J-36 carbon crown, which weighs just 6 grams (20g lighter than the XR fairway crown). The weight saved by the crown allowed engineers to distribute more weight in strategic locations within the head to position the CG lower and more forward, making Steelhead XR easy to launch with low spin.

The modern Hawkeye Sole has been recontoured to increase versatility by reducing friction with the turf to promote clean, square contact more often, even from tall grass.

Next-generation Hyper Speed Face Cup technology incorporates an extremely thin and flexible boundary area to encourage fast ball speed across a larger area of the face for long distance, even on mis-hits.

Callaway’s Speed Step technology, developed from a unique collaboration with aerospace experts, improves the head’s aerodynamics to promote faster head speed for more distance.

A wide variety of lofts are available including 3+wood (13.50), 3-wood (150) , 4+wood (160), 5-wood (180), 7-wood (210), 9-wood (240) and Heavenwood (20.50).

(Women’s Steelhead XR fairways available in 3-, 5-, 7, 9, Heavenwood)

CORRECTION In last month’s Gear section, the RRP for the Peter Thomson TC-01 Cavity Back irons should have been listed at $199 per iron, $1592, three to PW. Also, in the Hot Wheels section, the Yamaha i4 should have referenced production enhancements made by “Yamaha Brisbane”, and not simply “Yamaha” Inside Golf apologises for any confusion caused.

new gear

www.insidegolf.com.au/gear

GARIA GOLF AND LEISURE CARS

GEAR NEWS Milford singlelength clubs prove a winner SYDNEY’S Castlecove club member Greg Dare is proof positive that using the radical singlelength irons system can deliver dividends for mid-handicap golfers.

Dare’s wife Mary bought him a set of the Australian brand Milford irons as a surprise birthday gift (what a wife) after seeing the Victorian company’s advertisement in Inside Golf.

Single-length irons (all matched to an individual golfer’s favourite club’s length) hit the headlines last year when American Bryson De Chambeau qualified for the US PGA Tour using the new clubs.

Dare had been thinking and speaking about trying the new concept and his wife picked up on what club length he wanted to match – he chose his seven iron, which is 940cm long.

And the internet-ordered Milford clubs have worked a treat since Dare began using them in February.

In the following three months he reduced his handicap from 19.2 to 15.9 and from his last 33 rounds, at the end of June, only six times has failed to shoot 30 points or better.

For the first time this year he reached the final of the Castlecove club’s B Grade Championship – which unluckily he had to forfeit due to international travel commitments.

And to top off the year he shattered his handicap by more than 10 shots in the final of the Castlecove Handicap Singles Knockout.

HAPPY GOLFER: Greg Dare shows off his new ‘bats’ at Castlecove.

He was only five over par when he lost 3-2 to four marker James Owen, who was twounder-par.

“The single-length Milford irons have been so easy to hit from the very start and are definitely a game improver,” Dare said.

“My confidence has improved and I now have had my woods shortened, which also is working.

“Overall I’m enjoying my golf a lot more with a dramatic increase in consistent wellhit shots.”

So Greg’s dare to be different has paid off and his wife Mary is no doubt hoping for a similarly satisfying surprise gift on her birthday.

Golf Cars of Europe are bringing Garia to Australia. Garia golf and leisure cars (manufactured by the Porsche factory in Denmark) offer a unique combination of design, quality and passion, and are fundamentally different from traditional golf carts. Representing a paradigm shift in the industry, the Garia is created through a visionary innovation and development process. The sporty and dynamic look that challenges current golf cart conventions originates in simple changes to the contour of the vehicle have a dramatic overall effect and puts the Garia in a league of its own.

With a Garia golf and leisure car, you can expect a unique combination of luxury and performance.

In collaboration with creative partner, Mansory, who is world-famous for customizing luxury supercars such as Bentley, Bugatti and Ferrari, Garia has a line of unique accessories with more than 60 accessories in the Mansory program with carbon fibre, such as clear coated coloured carbon fibre body panels, genuine leather seats and painted rims with pin stripes, genuine carbon fibre accents, teak wood dashboard and flooring, and seats in waterproof custom-coloured leather. For the Garia customers who want a complete unique and personalized custom golf car the combinations are unlimited.

John Samson the brand manager of Golf Cars of Europe is excited to be launching the Garia in Australia and New Zealand.

“Golf Cars are an interesting market,” John says. “People who live at Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island, Hamilton Island and other such exclusive gated style communities have been completely starved of an option in a golf car where they can express themselves while driving a high-end automotive designed and hand-manufactured driving experience, with every facet customizable for the client at the Factory Level. It is one of these unique marketing situations where there is literally nothing to compare this vehicle to.

“With this in mind we are going to change the way the golf car is sold and turn this into a golf car fitting experience. You would come to one of our exclusive golf courses here at the Gold Coast, where we have Corporate Membership, and spend a day with us experiencing the golf car, feeling and using the options on offer then sitting down and building what will be your new favourite thing” Golf Cars of Europe also tailor interstate trips that include accommodation and transfers for you and your special someone.

The first shipment of vehicles is on the way, so if you are interested in a golf car that sets you apart from the everyday, contact John at john@golfcarsofeurope.com.au or Phone 0401 442 179. Or visit www.garia.com

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

43

father’s day

FATHER S DAY FAVOURITES WIN

SPORTE LEISURE FATHER’S Day Prize Pack!

Sporte Leisure and Inside Golf are giving away a great Father’s Day Prize Pack for one lucky reader (or their father!)

• Full colour range set of Zero Friction gloves and tees • Dunning Polo and shorts • Sporte new season look: 2 x tops , 1 x bottom • GNC new season look: 1 x fancy, 1 x bottom, 1 x cap • Niblick bag and buggy set • Nib shoe pack – Retro shoe plus the Turnbury, balls and socks

THE DUNNING OUTFIT

The Dunning brand not just about superior quality and premium fabrics, but also in understanding what serious players need in order to perform their best. Sporte Leisure have put together the perfect ‘Dunning outfit’ for Dad. Look cool and smart on and off the course in the Stripe YD Jersey Polo- stretch jersey, luxury hand and drape, premium performance. With the player fit woven short in 4-way stretch you or Dad will look the part.

To enter, simply visit www.insidegolf.com.au/giveaways Good Luck!

condorgolf.com.au

THIS MONTH’S SUPER SPECIAL GRASSHOPPER SE – UK SERIES -

SINGLE SEAT GOLF CART EXTREMELY QUIET TRANSAXLE EFFICIENT 24V 1000W MOTOR CURTIS CONTROLLER SMOOTH PLASTIC COVERS WITH VIBRANT BRITISH RACING CAR GREEN COLOUR HILL CLIMBING CAPACITY – 30 DEGREES SAND TUBE, UMBRELLA HOLDER & DOUBLE DRINK HOLDER INCLUDED REVERSE OPERATION WITH WARNING BEEPER VERY COMFORTABLE HIGH BACK SEAT WITH REAR BAG HOLDER 2 x 12V/80AH BATTERIES INCLUDED AUTO CUT OFF FAN COOLED CHARGER INCLUDED

(please contact us for other locations)

CONDOR GOLF / ELDRIDGE GROUP PTY LTD Since 2000 4/12 VIEwTECh PLaCE ROwVILLE VIC 3178 TEL: (03) 9755 8881 | EMaIL: sales@condorgolf.com.au

44

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

ZING POLO

Bombay blue/French navy Polo featuring a Horizontal lacrosse stripe, leisure fit, 100% polyester jersey, Moisture wicking and anti bacterial.

HOME POLO

Add some subtle jelly bean colour with the ‘Home’ sublimated print Polo. Leisure fit, 100% polyester interlock, 170GSM, UPF- Very good.

RRP $79.95 www.sl.com.au 02 9693 5777

THE GNC LOOK The Greg Norman Collection is casual sportswear designed and styled to seamlessly go from the golf course to casual social settings. The Protek ML75 Microlux engineered chest polo features a tailored collar, made in a superfine microfiber yarn, moisture wicking with a UPF 50+. Team up with the ML75 Microlux pant that you won’t want to take off. Moisture wicking, 4-way stretch UPF50+

ZERO FRICTION GLOVES Zero Friction is all about the colour and Universal fit-- one size molds to your hand.

The ZF Glove Golf Synthetic features elite performance material, Cabretta palm and compression fit-technology.

RRP $19.95 Contact Sporte Leisure for stockists: 02 9693 5777

RRP Protek ML75 Microlux polo: $79.95 ML75 Microlux short: $85.00 For stockists call Sporte Leisure 02 9693 5777

& T e al es Thin e b ig h r lT o l i sT

Transform Your Ride - $159 + shipping - Delivered to your door, installed in minutes - Sizes to fit all major cart models

$3,195

JUST INCLUdING dELIvERy TO QLd SOUTH, NSW, vIC, SA & TAS

Sporte Leisure’s new summer range has been derived from the Tropics and Tonic youth.

Electric colours, emphasis on print and pattern to mix, match and mismatch outfits.

Brighten up Dad’s wardrobe with these new Summer Polos.

RRP $69.95

RRP Polo: $99.95, Short: $119.95 For stockists call Sporte Leisure 02 9693 5777

TOTAL VALUE: $1460

SPORTE NEW SUMMER

- 30 day money back guarantee, 1 Year Warranty

Cool in the Heat, Dry in the Damp

- ORDER ONLINE AT www.cooldrycovers.com or call us at 02 6045 8443 - Brought to you by Four Season Products Pty Ltd, a proudly Australian Company

father’s day

BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE NOW AT ONE OF OUR DEALERS BELOW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW ACT

Coleman’s Golf Cars Newcastle Droop & Elliott DTM Tamworth Pty Ltd Eurells Pty Ltd Mark II Automotive Merimbula Mowers & Marine Port Macquarie M/C Readford’s Motorcycle Centre TGM Steering Service & Golf Cars Canberra

Carrington Mulwala Tamworth Narrandera Tocumwal Merimbula Port Macquarie Dubbo Milperra Mitchell

0412 497 230 (03) 5744 3983 (02) 6762 2606 (02) 6959 2949 (03) 5874 3440 (02) 6495 4495 (02) 6583 6060 (02) 6882 2888 (02) 9774 4994 (02) 6255 7810

QLD

Bay City Moto

Hervey Bay

(07) 4194 5688

QLD

Bundaberg Marineland

Bundaberg

(07) 4130 0500

QLD

Gold Coast Waverunners & Golf Cars Biggera Waters (07) 5529 1855

QLD

Moto Sport Yamaha

QLD

Yamaha Motor Platinum Dealer

QLD

Aitkenvale

(07) 4779 0165

Yamaha Golf Cars Brisbane

East Brisbane

1300 921 160

Northstar Yamaha

North Lakes

(07) 3852 4474

VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC TAS SA SA WA NT

Craigs Onsites (Aust) Pty Ltd Geelong & District Golf Golf City Driving Range Rochester Motorcycles Yamaha Carts Albury Wodonga Yamaha Golf Cars of Melbourne Auto Tech West Metropolitan Machinery PL Fleurieu Golf Carts Yamaha Golf Cars WA Mower World Darwin

Ripplebrook Marcus Hill Ballarat Rochester Wodonga Braeside Prospect Vale Cavan Victor Harbor Osborne Park Berrimah

0409 826 640 0408 521 919 (03) 5334 2346 (03) 5484 1745 0408 590 439 (03) 9587 5480 (03) 6344 6828 (08) 8349 5499 0438 800 563 (08) 9443 1117 (08) 8947 1227

Yamaha Golf Car Fleet Sales contact Wayne Trefoni: wayne.trefoni@yamaha-motor.com.au

www.yamaha-motor.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

45

father’s day

Perfect Socks for the Perfect Dad

Improve Dad’s golf game with the most comfortable socks he will wear. Instead of being distracted by cold feet or blisters he will be able to concentrate on his game.

NIBLICK RETRO SHOE

The Retro model shoe is a casual walker with a grass sport rubber sole. New microfiber upper with heavily padded tongue collar and Ortholite insole makes this shoe comfortable for all occasions. The rubber/EVA sole with a stitched down welt is designed to provide stability and is perfect on hard or soft surfaces. The insole is an Ortholite insole open-cell foam technology which delivers a combination of benefits unmatched by any other insole manufacturer. Available in Australian-wide fit- 6 month waterproof guarantee. Available in black and brown.

RRP $109.95 www.niblick.com.au

NIBLICK SPIRIT CART BAG Give Dad the perfect bag for his clubs! With 10 individual storage pockets, 14-way top with dividers, upper lift handle, towel ring and glove holder, velour lined valuables pocket, large easy access apparel pockets (both sides) lower lift handle, umbrella storage look, oversized vented cooler pocket, shoulder strap sleeve at rear, tee holder, lightweight travel hood.

Zip off ball pocket for embroidery. Available black/white/blue + charcoal/silver/orange.

RRP $149 www.niblick.com.au

Garmin Approach S60

Garmin’s latest GPS golf watch - the Approach S60 is the perfect gift this Father’s Day. With a sunlight-readable colour touchscreen display and sleek new design it’s made for everyday use both on and off the course. Preloaded with more than 40,000 courses from around the world with lifetime updates, the S60 features full-colour course view mapping that golfers can view right from their wrist. It provides quick access to critical information needed during a round like precise yardages to greens, hazards and doglegs to help players master their game. To add another level of fun and competition, the Approach S60 is one of the many Garmin golf watches compatible with the new Garmin Golf app that lets users compete in weekly leaderboards on any golf course. With a modern style that goes beyond the clubhouse, the Approach S60 also features the popular QuickFit™ watchbands that can be easily interchanged in seconds. The Approach S60 provides ten hours of battery life golfing and up to ten days in watch mode with activity tracking and boasts a 5 ATM water rating.

The Approach S60 is available in black or white or a premium version with a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and black leather band. www.garmin.com.au RRP $579 Premium version $699

Made in New Zealand from a unique Merino and cashmere yarn these socks have arch support, cushioned soles and a fine toe seam.

They are designed and made specifically for golfers. w ww.perfectsocks.co.nz RRP: approx $24

CUSTOM PUTTER COVERS From Heritage putter covers in both blade and mallet style, to the Father’s Day custom special – the limited edition “SuperDad” blade putter cover, The Back Nine have Dad and his putter covered this Father’s Day. With secure magnetic closure, plush fur lining, detailed embroidery, and magnetic ball marker, these putter covers make the perfect gift for Dad. All Orders that mention Inside Golf will also receive an “I love Dad” ball marker RRP: $39.50 www.theback9online.com.au sales@theback9.com.au

Golf on the Murray Gift Card Looking for the perfect gift for the golfer in your life? Purchase a Golf On The Murray gift card! The Gift Cards can be redeemed at your favourite Golf On The Murray Partner Club for food and beverages, pro shop retail, on-site accommodation, memberships or even golf packages! Available online at www.golfonthemurray.com.au/gift-card

Powered by Yamaha Golf Cars Introducing the i4 – THE solution and game changer for all Personal Transportation needs, within Gated communities, resorts and facilities and shared road use.

We were tired of fitting dangerous rear facing seats to carts and hope for no injuries, so we built the i4 – • No longer travel in a backwards direction with useless seat belts • No longer than a rear facing seat cart • Same turning circle • 3 separate braking systems fitted • Full ROPS engineered safety frame offering ISO3471 protection • Seat belts to ADR4 and ADR34/02 child restraint specifications • Wider Wheel track for stability • Auto Engineer certified • Safety Certification and report available • If your buying a rear facing seat golf cart are you following your duty of care?

At i4 we believe its time for a SAFE change.

46

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

YAmAHA GOlF CARTS BRISBANE 61 Didsbury Street East Brisbane, Qld 4169 Ph 1300 921 160 Peter Venning 0432 235 160 Paul Stratford 0417 643 988

father’s day

GOLF CART BATTERIES POWER FROM SUN UP TO SUN DOWN.. ROUND AFTER ROUND!

+ + + +

XC2™ Formulation Diamond Plate Technology® Rugged Construction SpeedCap® Venting Positive Locking System

STOCKIST ENQUIRIES WELCOME

XC2™ FORMULATION Available from R & J Batteries stores and distributors

/ www.rjbatt.com.au / 1300 769 282

The industry’s most efficient uniform layers of tetrabasic sulfate crystals (battery cellplate paste) enable U.S. Battery products to achieve the highest initial capacity and highest rated capacity on the market. www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

47

father’s day

GREAT GIFTS FOR YOUR GOLFING DAD!

Happy Father’s Day from Augusta Golf Cars

F

A

G

Father’s day is just around the corner and Augusta Golf Cars would like to wish all the dads a wonderful day. Augusta Golf Cars believe the day should focus on celebrating fatherhood and a paternal bond – spending time with the old man would in most cases be much more rewarding than a gift.

E

Augusta Golf Cars do, however, recognize that it is difficult to get away without giving some small token of appreciation – so this Father’s day they are running some great specials to help show your old man just how special he is to you.

C D B Though his swing might already be perfect, the SURESHOT GPS Hero 350x (A) will help Dad improve strength, stamina, swing and speed. This multi-sport mode can even monitor the duration of a round while out on the green. Now Dad can play just like the pros!

Help Dad discover his best game yet and practice with power – with the SURESHOT GPS Launch Monitor (B). Using Doppler radar sensor, the Launch monitor follows the ball trajectory to measure ball distance and speed, within a range of 30-300m. The radar also tracks swing speed for further club-byclub game analysis and improvement. It is like having a coach with you in your pocket.

Set the Launch Monitor up 1.5m behind you, using the remote, choose your mode, tell it what club you are using and then hit away. Make small adjustments to grip pressure, stance or even tee height and watch the difference it makes to your stats on ball distance, swing speed and smash factor. You can use this in practice areas, driving ranges and even against hitting nets provided there is at least 4m ball flight.

For the super active, all-terrain Dad, the Bag Boy Tri-Swivel II (C) is his perfect companion. With 360 degree swivel of the

front wheel, Dad’s newest push cart will match his love of effortless manoeuvrability, whilst also appealing to his practical side with a three-step fold, making the push cart compact and perfectly convenient.

The Bag Boy Express DLX Pro (D) is lightweight and has a simple two-step quick fold, where Dad’s golf bag can remain on the cart when folded. Incorporated with a deluxe scorecard holder, smart phone holder and padded storage compartment, Dad can now stay out on the course all day and still message you without any delayed response or impact to his swing.

The Bag Boy Chiller Bag (E) comes equipped with TOP-LOK technology, which will make Dad’s game even easier. TOPLOK Technology is a patented bag-to-cart attachment system designed to securely lock a Bag Boy golf bag onto a Bag Boy golf buggy. This amazing new technology makes set up a breeze as well as preventing the bag from twisting, turning or tumbling.

The Chiller is lightweight, durable and functional with storage for every golfer’s needs. The 14-way top with full-length divider system will keep his clubs organised.

With pockets galore, there is a place for

everything in the Chiller. The ergonomic design will make things comfortable so he can save his energies for the important things – his golf game.

From mag wheels and sand bottles to ice coolers and new seats – Augusta Golf Cars have the largest range of golf car parts and accessories for all brands of carts in Australia and they would be more than happy to see what sort of deal they can do for you this Father’s day. Simply get in touch with Joel (father of two girls) and tell him that you want the best Inside Golf Father’s Day Price, and he will take care of the rest. www.ezgo.com.au

The Bennington MT-15 WAY (F) is the golf bag for the discerning golf Dad. With loads of storage, detachable pouches and an integrated putter holder you can be sure this bag will have him covered for every need. The high density nylon twill fabrics are durable and ensure this bag can last the distance. This bag comes in three great colours: Grey, Black and Indigo Bennington Bags are designed by golfers, for golfers and the Bennington Bag Rain Cover (G) is no exception. All products offer top-of-the-line quality, innovative features and superior design. This Rain Cover features a clever clear zippered window at the top so that clubs can be easily accessed. The external pockets mean Dad doesn’t need to lift the entire cover off to get to his golfing essentials.

A huge Range of Mag Wheels can be found at Augusta Golf Cars.

Keep the Irons Clean with a Club and Ball washer.

Customize your cart with a new Seat.

MORE: SURESHOT GPS: www.sureshotgps.com Bag Boy and Bennington Bags: www.mgigolf.com

10, 12 and 14 Inch Mags are available at Augusta Golf Cars.

MOnthly Direct Debit available tO Full anD 6 Day MeMbership 6 Day MeMbership Open

2017/18

Full MeMbership

$1,870

That’s Full Membership for just $36.00 per week – Pro Rata Rates – No Joining Fee. Phone (07) 5572 8266 48

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

6-Day MeMbership

$1,570

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

father’s day

INTRODUCING THE NEW

SINGLE-SEAT RIDE ON CART o 1.5 person seating o Comprehensive after sales service o 2 year warranty o Three great colours

FROM

4990

$ Gain the Power of Independence with the E500 Single Rider Cart along with the reliability of the MGI brand you know and trust.

For more information please contact us at enquiries@mgigolf.com or visit our website.

www.mgigolf.com 11 Maurice Court, Nunawading, Victoria Australia 3131 P: +61 3 8872 6700

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

49

father’s day

OFFICIAL AFL GIFT PACKS Does Dad love footy? Give him a gift that combines his love of his team with his love of golf! Official AFL golf products including cart bags, umbrellas, golf balls and headcovers are available for all 18 teams. Also available are two ready-made Official AFL gift packs.

The Tee Up Gift Pack includes two team logo Optima TS golf balls, four tees and a deluxe divot tool with magnetic team logo ball marker. The Tee Up Gift Pack includes two team logo Optima TS golf balls, four tees and a deluxe divot tool with magnetic team logo ball marker. The perfect gift idea for any passionate AFL and golf fan!

OPTIMA TRAINING AIDS Help Dad improve his game with these training aids from Optima.

Dad can practice his short game accuracy at home with the Optima Pop-Up Chipping Net. With a collapsible construction that makes for easy storage and fast set up, he’ll be ready to bump and run and use his wedge with style the next time he hits the course after practicing with this net.

The Optima 7ft Putting Mat with Ball Return features uniform markings to help you work on your touch from different lengths up to 7 feet, allowing you to get the right weight on your putt when you hit the course. With a convenient ball return system built in, Dad can putt for hours on end and become a master on the green with this great training tool.

Great for home or office practice, the Optima Putting Cup catches your golf ball and automatically returns the ball to you thanks to the battery-operated piston.

RRP Optima Pop-Up Chipping Net: $29.95 Optima 7ft Putting Mat: $49.95 Optima Putting Cup: $19.95 1800 656 968 www.wsports.com.au info@wsports.com.au

DAPHNE’S HEADCOVERS Every dad needs a mascot! Daphne’s Headcovers are a fun way to let Dad’s personality shine through on the golf course. Made from premium fur to the highest of standards, Daphne’s Headcovers carry a 100% lifetime guarantee. Each animal is fully lined and elasticised to ensure a secure fit on your clubs. These headcovers are designed to protect your woods.

RRP Tee Up Gift Pack: $29.99 Golf Gift Pack: $49.99 1800 656 968 www.wsports.com.au info@wsports.com.au

With over 80 designs to choose from, your dad can join the pros like Tiger Woods (Tiger) Danny Willett (Pug), Michelle Wie (Giraffe), Lydia Ko (Monkey made of Sockies) and Ryan Moore (Rhino) with his very own Daphne’s Headcover.

RRP $69.95 1800 656 968 www.wsports.com.au info@wsports.com.au

Gustbuster Umbrellas Dealing with the weather is something everyone has to do on a daily basis, whether on the golf course or during the work day. Having the proper equipment is critical in keeping yourself safe from the sun, rain, and other seasonal elements.

Made from the finest 190-thread-count nylon canopy, Gustbuster umbrellas are completely water, bleed, and fade proof. It even comes with a patented elastic shockcord and a wide double Velcro closure to keep it secure.

Make your Gustbuster umbrella truly your own with Peter Wright customization services. Perfect for corporate marketing or to take your personal umbrella to the next level, the umbrellas come in a range of colour and design options. Choose from their golf range, or maybe try the automatic opening 16” Metro and match your brand to the most durable and stylish umbrella on the market. www.peterwrightgolf.com sales@peterwrightgolf.com

Upcoming Annual Events DUNTRYLEAGUE ORANGE

CITY OF ORANGE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

30 September – 1 October 2017

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

Further information is available from Golf Orange Website www.golforange.com.au

ANNUAL VETERANS TOURNAMENT

2-5 October 2017

This longstanding and popular Tournament includes three days of golf at Duntryleague and a Presentation dinner on the Wednesday night. Accommodation is available on site in our famous 14 room mansion.

Numbers are limited to 216 players.

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

LADIES OPEN TOURNAMENT

23-27 OCTOBER 2017

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

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

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

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

STEVE CONRAN JUNIOR TOURNAMENT

12 NOVEMBER 2017

HAHN GOLF AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

25-26 NOVEMBER 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

MERCEDES BENz DUNTRYLEAGUE CLASSIC

20-23 JANUARY 2018

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

Duntryleague is one of the best regional golf courses in Australia and is constantly in the top 100 courses each year. Entry fees for the Tournament are excellent value at $310 which includes golf, welcome cocktail party, Monday BBQ and Gala presentation dinner. Magnificent local wines, beer and soft drinks are included for the welcome cocktail party and Gala dinner.

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

www.duntryleague.com.au

50

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

$110

*

*Conditions Apply. This offer valid Sunday to Thursday Only (Friday & Saturday $112.50).

Per person twin share - executive room. Note: A full buffet breakfast can be organised for group bookings of 20 or more.

father’s day

PnP Siteline Dynamic Duo. Putter and Chipper When putting or chipping you may think that your eyes are where they should be, directly over the ball – but are they? Siteline’s All Square Visual Alignment (ASVA) design assists in setting you up perfectly every time. In combination with Siteline’s Directional Pointer (DP) you will not only be positioned perfectly over the ball, you will also have the club-face accurately squared to the target path. On and around the green, there is a distinct advantage in using both Siteline clubs in tandem, as they have the same (ASVA), stroke, feel and balance. Doing this will help you to develop repeatable, muscle memory, confident and accurate strokes.

02 6239 3462 www.pnpgolf.com RRP Putter: $189 Chipper: $179 Together: $329

PnP RAKE Wedge Series Make getting stuck in bunkers and long grass a practice of the past. Just RAKE it out.

The SX1 Point n Putt

All PnP Golf short game clubs feature innovative designs that are exclusive to the brand – their RAKE Wedge series is no different.

Deadly on the green, the SX1 Point n Putt visual alignment system uses a simple ‘One step alignment process’ that eliminates alignment flaws common to many golfers. The high contrast Directional Pointer takes the guesswork out of putting. Simply point the Directional Pointer along the intended line as if you were putting only with it. The design automatically squares the putter face resulting in pin-point accuracy. With the SX1 it’s easier to point than square.

Pros and amateurs alike are lowering their scores and enhancing their enjoyment around the green with the RAKE Wedge series from PNP Golf. These wedges feature a unique Dual Bounce Rail Design which makes them truly revolutionary clubs. The large rail bounce means they are the best wedges available to easily pop out of sand traps and comb through thick grass without getting stuck or twisting the club. The lob and sand club heads also utilise an advanced On-Set Leading Edge which enters the hitting area earlier than a standard wedge. The edge design creates a more shallow pathway, making it easy to launch a more accurate shot.

The Directional Pointer is intentionally separated from the face of the putter to make it easier to focus solely on the silver pointer, without the distraction of aligning the face, and to assist the MOI on the extreme perimeters.

With your focus on the Directional Pointer, which lies behind the striking face, it also promotes a steady head and smoother stroke at impact. The SX1 is fitted with a 380g head weight. Additional weights are available to create three other weight combinations (360g, 400g and 420g). The oversized grip is standard.

02 6239 3462 www.pnpgolf.com RRP Lob, Sand or Gap wedges: $169 ea Any 2 RAKE wedges: $299 All 3 RAKE wedges: $429

02 6239 3462 www.pnpgolf.com RRP $198

YOUR BLUE MOUNTAINS PARMAKER OUTLET

Phone & Fax: 02 4751 8226 Email: wesden@dodo.com.au www.bluemountainsgolfbuggies.com

03 9580 7166

parmaker.com

Concourse Golf have launched their new Golf Bag Collection, featuring the latest in strapless technology.

Their new innovative idea will leave you speechless, making golfing a much easier experience with no more messy straps to deal with. Just click and go.

This state-ofthe-art strapless connection will attach to most golf bags saving time, effort and space. Compactness and simplicity are the future and Concourse are one step ahead. They are combining unique methods with the best possible materials to deliver consumers a world-class product. Concourse are offering a special deal on their new Bag and Buggy combo which offers you great savings if you’re looking for a red-hot deal.

The most important thing to remember is that the Concourse CBM3 is fully expandable meaning that when the new electric Smart Wheel arrive later this year, just clip them on and you have the most advanced REMOTE CONTROL BUGGY the world has ever seen! www.concoursegolf.com sales@concoursegolf.com

explorer

scout

RotaRy Club of Huntingdale CHaRity golf day Huntingdale golf Club Monday 28tH august 2017

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

Concourse Golf’s new BUGGY BAG COMBO COLLECTION

spirit

$

100 REBATE*

100

%

UP TO

5YR

WARRANTY

AUSTRALIAN MADE

28 DAY

Time: Shotgun start at 12 Noon (Registration from 10.30AM) CosT: Only $140. Registration via iseekgolf (Male & Female Handicap & Social Competitions) inCludes: Pre-game BBQ lunch, complimentary driving range balls, post-game complimentary drinks & finger food.

Each player receives a show bag and many prizes are available.

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

*Rebate refers to the trade-in of an old electric golf buggy for $100 discount.

All proceeds from this golf day go towards Rotary local and international community support projects.

The Competition is an Individual Stableford event with 4 sections GOLF Link Handicap & Social handicap, Male & Female.

See & use the prestigious multi-million dollar Huntingdale Golf Clubhouse, & the course will be in excellent condition.

RegisTRaTion via; www.iseekgolf.com at; www.iseekgolf.com/courses/australia/vic/thesandbelt-region/rotary-club-of-huntingdale?date=2017-08-28 There is a booking fee of $2.95 per booking (player or group). The person making the booking must have a GOLF Link handicap, & enter their number at the point of registration. Should you have any difficulties contact the iseekgolf customer service team on 1300 663 813 or by email at info@iseekgolf.com Be sure to register the golf link numbers for all of your group (if you have them) to ensure you are in the Handicap event, otherwise they will be treated as a social player.

If you need to contact us directly, email; huntingdale.rotary@iinet.net.au or mobile 0418 554 287.

Wantima Country Club ‘The Golf Club of choice on Brisbane’s Northside’ Ideally located 30 mins from CBD • 18 Hole Championship Course • Wedding & Function Venue • Corporate Golf & Conference Centre • Bistro and Gaming Facilities • Family Friendly Members Lounge • Social Clubs Welcome • Discount membership packages available Contact any of our friendly staff Phone: (07) 3264 1633 Email: admin@wantimacountryclub.com.au Web: www.wantimacountryclub.com.au 530 South Pine Road, Brendale, QLD 4500

INSIDE GOLF SPECIAL 18 holes with shared use of motorised cart and burger

$39.50 pp (usually $63) Available Mon-Fri only. Subject to availability. Offer ends 31 August, 2017.

Subject to conditions. Burger must be consumed in the clubhouse on the day of play between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

HUNTINGDALE GOLF CLUB www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

51

people

www.insidegolf.com.au/people

Margaret shows heart to get back on course David Newbery

“I was the non-playing captain and one of our players had to pull out so I stepped up,” Margaret explained.

david@insidegolf.com.au

F

OR club golfer Margaret Male golf is where the heart is and thanks to a lifesaving heart transplant, she is back playing the game she loves.

“I ordered a golf cart, but heavy rain earlier meant carts weren’t allowed on the course.

“I thought ‘this is going to be a challenge’, but we can’t forfeit so I bit the bullet and off I went.”

Just six months after major surgery, Margaret returned to the fairways at her beloved Virginia Golf Club in Brisbane.

With partner Trevor on the bag, Margaret played 14 holes winning her match 5/4.

Mind you, it was touch and go.

Trevor’s role was equally impressive after undergoing spinal fusion surgery three months earlier.

“I was living on borrowed time and wasn’t sure if I would see my 65th birthday in June because my health was getting bad … and quickly,” Margaret told Inside Golf.

“I was determined to get back to golf,” Margaret said. “I have been active my entire life and I’m not one to sit around, twiddle my thumbs and feel sorry for myself.

“My activity had not been usual for about 18 months before.

“I didn’t have the energy to do what I wanted to do and went on the transplant waiting list.”

That was in September last year.

“Four days later I received a call telling me they had a compatible heart,” Margaret said.

A day later, doctors at the Prince Charles Hospital performed the three-and-a-half hour operation.

Margaret said she would forever be indebted to the donor and donor’s family.

“The organ donation program is so important and the team (doctors, nurses and staff ) are wonderful,” Margaret said.

“It’s not for sissies, though. What’s involved in terms of the pre-assessment is a huge decision to make for yourself and your family.

“I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have had this opportunity for life.

Margaret Male is back in the swing after a heart transplant.

“That’s when I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. In the six months after that diagnosis, I got worse so they put in a defibrillator pacemaker.

“It took several years to get my health stable, but I was still working full-time.

“I had six or seven years of quite good health and I retired from Prince Charles Hospital after 32 years four years ago.”

“You have to have everyone else’s support to go through it.”

While in recovery, Margaret set a goal of getting back to playing golf within six months and achieved her goal almost six months to the day.

For Margaret, it all started 11 years earlier when she developed cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle), which didn’t exactly come as a surprise.

“I thought I would only be able to play nine holes, but I played 18,” said Margaret, a former nurse born and raised in Eugowra, near Forbes in NSW.

“It’s a family condition,” she said. “It’s always been there but didn’t present itself.

“I had a birdie, three pars and 34 stableford points and I had not picked up a club in six months.”

“Anyway, I got ill 11 years ago and thought I was getting over the flu, but I didn’t get any better. I was getting short of breath, was quite unwell and I had fluid on the lung.

If you think that’s impressive then her turnout for the club’s division 8 pennant team is simply inspiring.

“It’s wonderful. I went to the clinic this morning for a check up and I’m good.”

Margaret’s sister, Barbara Thomas, who has the same symptoms, said her sister’s recovery had been amazing.

“Her determination and daily routine of medication, exercise and a strict diet has seen her wish come true,” Barbara said.

“We are all very proud of her achievements and attitude to life.”

Since retiring, Margaret has taken to cake decorating and has become a popular figure around the golf club.

“I’m self-taught and do cakes for special occasions at the club. Everyone loves cake and you can always win people over with cake,” she laughed.

“I also like to walk and a goal is to get back to walking and doing some of the great walks around southeast Queensland and Australia, but I think my joints might pull me up – not the heart, it’s fine.

“I’m still going to try and make some of them, though,” said Margaret as she headed off to the practice fairways for some bunker practice. •

Tech startup launches ‘Tinder for golf’ Perth-based sports tech start up, Get in The Hole Golf has launched a social golf network that connects golfers to have great golf experiences.

Get in The Hole Golf is a free app that gives golfers the ability to arrange games at courses and times that suit them. Playing partners are then connected via a matching algorithm based on average score, handicap, skill, course and game type.

The Get in The Hole Golf app offers a premium membership, which includes a Discount Voucher book and Loyalty card. Other key features of the app include the ability to create golf friends list and connect with PGA Instructors, and arrange games at 800+ courses across Australia. The Premium Version is $3 per month and gives golfers access to $3,000+ in golf deals. It is free for Golf Courses to promote 10 vouchers across 14 categories.

Founder, Mike Bullen, said the idea for the app came about after his golf group disbanded as his friends moved interstate and overseas.

“I spoke to a lot of golfers who said that while they wanted to play more golf, their biggest issue was not time, but the lack of available playing partners.

Often, if they could find the right playing partner, they would find the time to play golf.” said Mike.

The Get in The Hole Golf matching algorithm has been described as the “Tinder for Golf” based on how players are connected to games. Only Get in The Hole Golfers do it on the green.

Available on both Apple and Android via www.getinthehole.golf.

Gailes Golf Club Brisbane, Australia

with a shared motorised cart and a beer each after the game Your chance to play Gailes Golf Club, an Australian Open Golf Course: 18 holes for two in a shared motorised cart.

Normally $124

69

$

Terms & Conditions: • Each coupon is for 2 people, for an 18-hole social round of golf with shared motorised cart & a beer each after the game at Gailes Golf Club. • Not for play in club competitions. • Bookings essential & subject to availability. Ph: (07) 3271 2333 (please mention the coupon when you book) • Booking times: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fridays, after 12.30pm subject to availability. • Coupon must be presented to Proshop on the day you arrive to play • Dress Code Applies: Neat golf attire. • Valid to 30/9/17 • 24 hours’ notice for cancellations.

Contact GAILES GOLF CLUB on (07) 3271 1045 or email: office@gailesgolf.com.au Gailes Golf Club Inc. 299 Wilruna Street, Wacol, QLD 4076 52

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

people

www.insidegolf.com.au/people

3 generations tee it up

WA’S NEW APPROACH TO GOLF MEMBERSHIP IS HERE...

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

H

OW good is golf?

It’s a question easily answered by three generations of the golfing Osborn family, who virtually play golf together every week at Keperra Country Club in Brisbane.

Doug Osborn, 77, says he can’t wait to tee it up on Saturdays with sons Mark, 55, and Jason, 49, and 22-year-old grandson Brett, who is Mark’s son.

FAMILY AFFAIR: Three generations of the golfing Osborn family gather at Keperra Golf and Country Club.

Patriarch Doug (seated), grandson Brett (left) and Mark and Jason. INSET: Michael Devereaux.

“I’m proud of the fact that we can play together as a family and maintain a strong, friendly relationship on and off the course,” said Doug, who joined the club in 1981 and plays off a 20 handicap.

us as a junior if he had not learnt the skills, rules, etiquette and those things.

“It’s also good that Brett has rejoined the club.”

Keperra’s father and son golf days and weekends away also helped bond the family.

Brett, an 11 marker, first joined the club aged 13, but drifted away from the game three years later to pursue other interests.

“I rejoined Keperra last year because the club made it much easier and affordable with their intermediate membership category,” he said.

“For me, that was definitely an incentive to come back and I think I can play as an intermediate member for a few more years.”

Keperra has a number of enticing intermediate membership categories for golfers aged 18 to 28.

Jason, too, joined the club as a 13-year-old and represented Keperra in men’s pennants when he was 16.

He went to school with John Senden and played golf with the two-time PGA Tour winner and 2006 Australian Open champion at school and at junior level at the club.

In fact, six marker Jason introduced Senden, who did his traineeship at Keperra, to his wife Jackie when she first moved to Brisbane for work.

Mark, off 12, told Inside Golf he joined the club in 1992 and hasn’t looked back.

“I was a late starter and now I wish I had started playing at junior level,” he said.

“Jason and Brett both went through the club’s excellent junior program and that helped them become better players.

“Having a good junior program helped Brett because he wouldn’t have been able to play in comps with

“Brett and Jason were taught properly and now they enjoy their golf and are competitive.”

“We had a lot of those father and son weekends away,” Jason said. “The juniors were strong when I first joined the club and it brought everyone together – not just the juniors but fathers and sons going away together. That is why the club has a strong culture today.”

“

You never know what you are going to get on the day when you drive through the front gate

“

So, who is the most competitive golfer within the Osborn family?

Without saying a word, Doug, Mark and Brett simultaneously point to Jason and grin.

Perhaps winning last month’s RW Hancock Memorial Fourball honourboard event with nephew Brett was a result of Jason’s competitive streak.

Doug, too, has his name on the honourboard for winning the Summer Cup. “Dad’s still very competitive, but we always have fun and a few laughs on the course,” Mark said.

A bit of friendly banter isn’t out of the question if someone strays on to an adjoining fairway or misses a short putt.

According to Doug, going to golf on a Saturday is like a box of chocolates.

» Credit based Membership » Three categories to choose from » Flexible to suit your needs » No joining fee (limited time only)

“You never know what you are going to get on the day when you drive through the front gate,” he laughed.

Of course, the quartet agrees the camaraderie among the members, the club’s culture and the picturesque, challenging 27-hole golf course adds to their weekly golf fix.

The family boasts three holes-inone with Jason leading the way with two and Doug one.

Jason says he enjoys the family networking opportunity golf brings.

“That’s right,” Mark added. “We are always interested in how each other are going on the course and about how our families are going.”

Speaking of networking, Jason, who works for Dulux, has organised a number of corporate golf days at Keperra for the company.

“Last year we had 80 players and it’s about giving something back to the club that has given us a lot,” he said.

Added Mark: “Keperra is such a great club and the golf course is one you never tire of playing.

“Every Saturday I get excited about coming out and playing. I love how the course differs from week-to-week and it’s a course you never get bored playing.”

FOOTNOTE: Michael Devereaux, Mark’s brother-in-law, regularly joins the group when one of the Osborns is unavailable or is playing in another group. www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

53

Contact the Club Office for more information on this innovative membership.

Phone (08) 9297 3000 or Email memberships@vines.com.au

juniors

www.insidegolf.com.au/juniors

Morgan, Song tops at NSW Junior

Pymble youngster a champion, at 14

Y

A narrow miss by Ned meant that Stephen had a putt to send it into extra holes.

OUNGSTERS are getting better and better at a young age these days.

If you don’t believe us, just ask the members at Sydney’s prestigious Pymble Golf Club.

Unluckily for Stephen the ball peaked, but didn’t fall in leaving Ned with a great par on the last to consolidate the win and a rightful place in Pymble’s club history.

They are paying plenty of tributes this month to the efforts of 14-year-old Ned Waddington, who has become the youngest ever winner of a ‘board’ event at Pymble, taking out the PC Charlton Cup, an annual singles knockout competition.

T

WORTHY WINNER: Qld’s Jed Morgan

FIRST-TIME CHAMPION: Avondale’s June Song.

HERE might be a few New South Wales juniors who’ll be glad when talented Queenslander Jed Morgan turns 18.

That might stop his over-the-border raids of their junior

titles.

The 17-year-old did it again at Toukley Golf Club last month, winning his second successive NSW Junior Title with a runaway 14shot success.

Morgan took a massive 11-shot lead into the final round and played steady golf throughout, making two birdies and two bogies on his way to an even par final-round 72.

Success saw the Queenslander move to No. 1 on the Golf Australia Junior Rankings, capping off an incredible 12 months for the talented Queenslander.

Sharing a distant second were Chris Fan (Avondale), Adam Thorpe (Federal), Ethan Chambers (The Australian) and Zach Maxwell (Queensland), with the four boys finishing on a three-over-par total of 290.

Meanwhile June Song (Avondale) has held off spirited fightbacks from Cassie Porter (Queensland) and Grace Kim (Avondale) to win the NSW Junior Girls Title.

Song was brilliant all week, recording four straight under-par rounds, to finish the tournament at seven-under and win by three strokes.

Pymble Golf Club was officially opened in 1926, and Dr PC Charlton was the first chairman of the committee.

To win the event requires a player to win six match play games over 18 holes.

Many cows and a large bull roamed the fairways and the greens were fenced so that players could make a hurried retreat if necessary.

The wins didn’t all come easy for Ned either with his quarter-final match all tied up after 18 holes and him winning on the 19th.

In fact, one of the first resolutions of the newly-formed committee was that the bull was not allowed on the course in future.

The 2017 P.C. Charlton Cup began in March with 64 entrants.

HISTORIC WIN: Ned Waddington with his Charlton Cup.

The final also turned out to be a close game with Ned hitting off the 18th tee cradling a one-up lead.

Ned hit his tee shot on the uphill par-three to a little under three metres.

His opponent, Stephen Blood, knew he needed a birdie and promptly hit his shot to about two metres, under the hole.

A

Porter was one of the finds of the tournament, with the 14-yearold firing her second four-under-par round for the week, to share second.

The youngster made three birdies in a five-hole stretch on the back nine to force her way to the top of the leaderboard and looked to have the title wrapped up.

Porter had six birdies, while Australian Girls Amateur Champion Grace Kim had four of her own as the girls finished locked at fourunder-par.

Still, overnight leader Kelsey Bennett (St Michaels) wasn’t done with yet, and recovered from a slow start with three back-nine birdies herself to force the title into extra holes.

Kim picked up the 16 Years title, while Concord Junior Doey Choi won the 17 Years division in her final JNJG State Age event.

Other highlights: * 12 Year Old Jeffrey Guan (Bexley) finished an incredible 18th overall, winning the 12 Years and Under by 23 shots; * Ali Rachid (Bardwell Valley) defeated Jacob Dundas (Toronto) on the first playoff hole to win the Boys 13 Years Divisions; * Lachlan Chamberlain (Federal) impressed in winning the Boys 14 Years by eight shots; * Tom Heaton (The Australian) came from behind with a final round 68 to win the Boys 15 Years Division; * Ethan Chambers (The Australian) and Adam Thorp (Federal) were declared joint winners of the Boys 16 Years after darkness called a stop to their playoff; * Chris Fan (Avondale) won the Boys 17 Years, after a 71 saw him defeat Josh Gadd (Concord) by six shots.

A huge field of more than 260 players converged on the NSW Central Coast for the tournament.

JNJG gave a huge vote of thanks to Toukley and Shelly Beach Golf Clubs for hosting the Championships over the past two years.

54

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The Lindfield local has been well and truly bitten by the golfing bug and spends a lot of his free time at the club where his brother is the current club champion, his mother is a previous ladies’ club champion and his father is a former captain of the club.

record field of more than 200 junior golfers took part in the recent annual JNJG Macarthur Junior Masters.

And it took a birdie on the first playoff hole for 15-yearold Monica Johnson from Moore Park to secure the title and be crowned the Overall Girls Champion.

Brielle Mapanao (Stonecutters Ridge) and Annika Rathbone (Bankstown) won the 13 Years and 14 Years divisions, while Song was also crowned JNJG State Age Champion in the 15 Years division.

But golf does run in the family with Ned Waddington.

Johnson, Gadd champions at Campbelltown

Song never surrendered the lead on Friday, going on to wrap up the tournament with an eagle on the par-five 12th hole.

The JNJG State Age Championships were also straightforward, with Claire Shin (Concord) winning the 12 Years and Under Division by a whopping 48 shots.

The only bull these days are the stories

told at the 19th.

But it was Johnson who stole the show on the first playoff hole, draining a 15-foot birdie putt to win her first JNJG Junior Masters title.

It wasn’t all bad news for Bennett, finishing on top in the 16 Years and Over Division, which saw her qualify for the Bonville Champions Trophy.

Concord pair Sophie Yip and Claire Shin once again battled it out in the Girls 13 Years and Under Division, with Yip coming from behind to finish two shots clear at Campbelltown.

Kareela junior Sophia Perkins was dominant in the Girls Stableford Division, winning by eight points after backing up her round one score of 40 points score with 37 points on Monday.

While the Girls Division was a nail-biter, overnight leader Josh Gadd (Concord) cruised to a five-shot victory in the Boys Division.

After an opening round 64, the Penrith junior was never really threatened on day two, carding an even-par 70 that included five birdies, two bogeys, and a triple bogey on the par three 4th hole.

ACT Junior David Howard (Belconnen Magpies) finished second at one under par in what was his best JNJG tournament, two shots clear of pre-tournament favourite Josh Armstrong (The Lakes).

BIRDIE TO WIN: Monica Johnson

BIG WEEK: Josh Gadd

In the Boys 14/15 Years Age Division, Aidan Powter (St Michaels) revelled in the wet conditions firing a secondround level-par 70 to win by five shots.

Powter had four birdies and four bogies on the final day, to defeat a trio of players including Josh Bell (Bonnie Doon), Tom Heaton (The Australian) and Josh Robards (Newcastle) who continues to have a fantastic JNJG Masters season.

At Camden Golf Club, a playoff was required to separate Jye Halls (Mollymook) and Riley McClung (Branxton) after the pair finished locked at three over par.

A par on the second playoff hole was enough for McClung to win his first JNJG Junior Masters event, with Toronto pair Jake Riley and Jacob Dundas finishing third and fourth, only one and two shots back.

The Boys Stableford Division was dominated by the ‘Harrys’, with Harry Gourlay (Bankstown) defeating Harry McKerihan (Long Reef) by three points after finishing on an incredible 83 stableford points for the two rounds.

JNJG sent a vote of thanks to all the staff and volunteers at both courses for their support of the 2017 JNJG Macarthur Junior Masters.

senior amateurs

www.insidegolf.com.au/events

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

NATIONAL

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Davey and Claxton shine in the West Lakes Seniors The West Lakes Seniors was a new, and most welcome, event on the South Australian Senior Order of Merit calendar and a field of 53 players assembled to compete on the tight par-70 layout in the western suburbs of Adelaide.

Unfortunately, showers, which ultimately turned to rain, continued through the round and added to the challenge.

As always, no matter what the conditions, some players can always turn in good scores and this was very much the case with some of the cream of SA Senior golf rising to the top with John Davey and Chris Claxton taking out their respective sections.

Steve Toyne – winner of the 2017 Australian Senior Matchplay Championship.

Toyne wins the Australian Senior Matchplay Championship Steve Toyne has won his share of golf events across three continents, but he’s never had a more moving experience on the golf course.

The Queenslander capped a spectacular week, taking down the Australian Senior Match Play Championship with a tight 2&1 triumph over defending champion Gordon Claney at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club.

After a pulsating clash in which the lead was never more than one hole either way until the 16th, Toyne cashed in on a great four-iron tee shot to the long par-three 17th, lagging down his first putt to within 15cm and earning a concession from the Victorian that sent his heart racing.

“I’ve won some things in my life, but you can’t describe that feeling,” Toyne said.

“Walking on to that 17th green, it’s all in my favour and things would have to go right for him to beat me, but still the emotion gets the better of you.”

Toyne, 59, won a prestigious junior event as a 17-year-old in his native Africa that earnt him selection to an international event. He then played county golf in England before moving to Australia in the mid-1980s.

“But this is a national title — it really stands out above them all,” said Toyne, the fifth seed who’d reached the final by taking down top seed Greg Rhodes.

“It’s even more special because we played a great match and I respect Gordon’s game a lot — he’s got lots of experience and plays high-class pennant in Melbourne.

Toyne said during the week his game plan was to play his own game and not be distracted by what was happening around him.

“I really did that well today, I stuck to my game and there’s a number of par-fours where you drive with a 3-wood and I did that well and never really missed the middle of the fairway all day.

“When you take that angst (of playing from the rough) out of the game, everything else falls into place.”

The consolation match for third place was won by Victorian Rhodes, who took down New South Welshman David MacClelland 6&5.

Commendable efforts from John Zandvoort (Mt Barker), Bruce Lindner who had just got off a plane from the Alice Springs Seniors and Tony Timmins who, as a former Victorian, stated that he felt at home in the conditions.

Our thanks go to West Lakes, particularly the Club Pro and his staff, for holding this inaugural event and we look forward to it being a regular event on our calendar.

Seniors – Gross 76 John Davey, Tea Tree Gully 78 John Zantvoort, Mt Barker-Hahndorf 79 Nigel Turne,r Links Lady Bay; Norm Cordina, Tea Tree Gully 80 Bruce Lindner, Kooyonga Super Seniors – Gross 81 Chris Claxton, Blackwood; Tony Timmins, Kooyonga 82 Graeme Smith, Kooyonga; John Everingham, West Lakes 84 Nigel Coles,The Vines of Reynella Seniors – Nett 73 John Zantvoort, Mt Barker-Hahndorf 76 Bruce Lindner, Kooyonga; Charlie Wintle, West Lakes Super Seniors – Nett 72 David Laird, West Lakes

VICTORIA

Three great events on the Murray River Heathcote Seniors

John Davey and Chris Claxton – winners at the West Lakes Seniors.

73 Chris Claxton, Blackwood 74 Graeme Smith, Kooyonga

South Australian Senior OOM update Senior Events in South Australia now go into a hiatus until the end of August when they will tackle the demands of the sand belt courses culminating in the Senior Championship at Tanunda Pines in the Barossa Valley – a venue that has previously hosted an Australian Senior Championship.

After six rounds, the status of the Senior and Super Senior Order of Merit for the Tony Mazzone and John Beaumont trophies sees a tight battle in all the categories.

With the best 8 rounds to count for the OOM winners and the bigger events to come, John Davey, with only 4 rounds to-date, can be expected to be a real threat when the events resume.

South Australian Senior OOM Standings after Round 6 Seniors – Gross 1 Bruce Lindner, Kooyonga, 468.75 2 Norm Cordina, Tea Tree Gully, 430.00 3 Nigel Turner, Links Lady Bay, 415.00 4 Steve Ross, South Lakes, 405.00 5 John Davey, Tea Tree Gully, 361.25 6 Trevor Smith, Naracoorte, 330.00 7 Ken Parker, Kooyonga, 281.75 Super Seniors – Gross 1 Eric Lane, The Grange, 239.25 2 Chris Claxton, Blackwood, 237.00 prize with a nett 67 (handicap 15), with Buninyong’s Kevin Robinson finishing second, one shot behind and off a countback from gross winner Stan Davis.

Shepparton Seniors

The Heathcote Golf Club hosted its 10th annual Senior Amateur tournament with a 72-player field taking to the course in beautiful golfing weather.

David Robb (Corowa) won his first senior rankings event; a fine even-par score for the second round gave him the Champion’s title for the Shepparton Senior Amateur.

While an overnight frost and some lingering fog kept the ground moist underfoot for nearly half a round, it kept its country charm with players walking amongst the kangaroos at the foot of scenic Mount Ida.

The Corowa member started the second and final round 4 shots behind eventual runner-up Ian Donaldson (Yering Meadows), Donaldson’s 4-over-par round opened the door for Robb to move up the leaderboard and take the top place after a countback.

Stan Davis from Bendigo has prevailed as the 2017 Champion, his first title at this event, carding a three-over-par 74, edging out Metropolitan’s John Kelly who shot a 75 off the stick.

Davis cruised around the front nine with an even-par score which set him up for his great round, returning to the clubhouse with a three-over par back nine. Kelly’s card was identical on the back nine, but one extra shot on the front handed Davis the win.

It was an all Kooringal show in the women’s Stableford event, with members Vera Lund and Heather Harley taking out first and second places respectively.

Lund posted 34 points off a 15 handicap, while Harley was just a shot behind with 33 points from her 6 handicap.

In the men’s handicap section, Shane Hearps from Heywood took the main

Paul Ansell (Metropolitan) again featured high in the rankings in the gross section, finishing tied second in the 2016 instalment of the tournament. This year, Ansell also finished second in the overall nett section, returning rounds of 71-72 and lost the overall section by a countback to Ray Falla (Nathalia) who returned scores of 72-71.

Helen Pascoe (Buninyong) outclassed the women’s field to win the stableford section with rounds of 31 and 30. Vera Lund (Kooringal) appeared in the winner’s circle for the second time in a week, finishing in second place after Pascoe, two points behind.

Tocumwal Seniors A big week of golf wrapped up at the Tocumwal Golf and Bowls Club, which is situated on the famous Murray River.

3 Tony Timmins, Kooyonga, 226.25 4 Nigel Coles, The Vines of Reynella, 212.50 5 John Anderson, Kooyonga, 142.33 6 Glen Bruce, Mt Barker-Hahndorf, 133.75 Seniors – Nett 1 Norm Cordina, Tea Tree Gully, 293.33 2 Bruce Lindner, Kooyonga, 290.42 3 Nigel Turner, Links Lady Bay, 228.33 4 John Davey, Tea Tree Gully, 178.33 5 Trevor Smith, Naracoorte, 174.54 6 Rob Crawford, Tea Tree Gully, 149.50 Super Seniors – Nett 1 Chris Claxton, Blackwood, 262.12 2 John Anderson, Kooyonga, 190.75 3 Jack Roberts, The Grange, 179.58 4 Tony Timmins, Kooyonga, 171.75 5 Martin Kreuzer, Flagstaff Hill, 157.67 6 John Reynolds, Tea Tree Gully, 150.83

NEW SOUTH WALES

Trio of senior golfers on top at Pymble Pymble Seniors

There was a three-way tie in the 2017 Pymble Seniors. The testing Pymble layout is one of the favourite courses on the NSW Senior circuit and a good-sized field of nearly 60 seniors enjoyed a great day.

75 STANFORD Gregory - Mona Vale 75 ROSEWALL Glenn - Pymble 75 PEARSON Mark - Mona Vale 78 BUNN Russell - Newcastle 79 WATERS Andrew - Lynwood 79 GORTON Warren - Hawks Nest 79 EASTERBROOK Rowan- Oatlands 80 OSBORN John - Mudgee 80 MIDDLETON Alan - Ryde Parramatta 80 BEVERLEY Scott - Mona Vale The handicap event went to Lynwood’s Andrew Waters.

Earlier in the month senior events scheduled for Manly and Oatlands were postponed because of the inclement weather. New dates are not yet available.

With an overnight frost and morning fog, the temperature was low but the spirits high as the players took to the beautifully manicured fairways and greens that shown little signs of winter. Players tried their hand on the Captains course, which proved difficult for some.

David Robb from Corowa successfully claimed his second victory in the week, his first Doug Bachli event came earlier at Shepparton. David finished two shots behind overnight leaders Wayne Moriarty (Commercial Albury) and Gre Holmes (Broadford), but after returning the roundtwo lowest score catapulted him to the top of the leaderboard.

Holmes finished one shot behind Robb, a 5-over par 77 gave him outright second place from Malcolm Barnes (Neangar Park) a further two shots back.

Heather Harley from Kooringal claimed the Women’s Tocumwal Senior Amateur title, with a total of 67 Stableford points for 36 holes. Heather took the title on a countback from overnight leader Judy Langford (Wodonga). Locals Bobette Wilkinson and Julie Penny rounded out equal third place.

Eastern member Patrick Mitchell fired a sensational 64 nett from a 12 handicap in round 1 of the tournament, setting himself up well for a good finish, taking the handicap title from Chris Mansour (Centenary Park) with a two round total of 138.

More: www.golfvic.org.au www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

55

coaching

www.insidegolf.com.au/golftips

Grant’s field of dreams operate best. There is definitely not one way for players to do things. I think having a high level of self-awareness about how your players operate best and from there melding the combination of all those things –technical, physical, mental and the emotional. If you manage all those things then you are able to get the best out of the players.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

C

AMERON Smith’s coach Grant Field knew within a year of becoming a fully-fledged PGA professional that a career as a touring professional, similar to that of his young protégé, was not for him.

How does teaching elite pros compare with teaching club golfers?

Instead, at the age of 22, Field decided to focus his attention on becoming a good teaching professional.

Since then, the Pelican Waters-based 2012 Queensland Coach of the Year has built a strong stable of elite players and club golfers alike.

That’s because he’s passionate about his work that helps lift the skills of all his students, elite to high handicappers, to levels they have never been.

Field recently chatted with Inside Golf about his rise as a leading golf instructor, his coaching philosophy, Cameron Smith’s rapid ascent and more.

Did you think Cameron would win so early on the US PGA Tour?

I thought he’d win at some point, but in all honesty probably not this early.

What does the win mean to you and, of course, Cameron?

It was reaching a lifelong goal and it means he has a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and that allows us to set a schedule that allows him to play rather than playing weekto-week to get enough money to keep his card. The other thing is it gives him self-belief and cements the fact Cam is a world-class player and belongs on the PGA Tour.

What are Cameron’s goals going forward?

A goal of his is to make the International team for the Presidents Cup. Other goals include winning more tournaments and a major at some stage, but the big thing is Cameron just wants to be the very best he can be. I think if he can do that the other stuff will be a by-product.

You recently returned from the US, what have you and Cam been working on?

A little bit of swing work – just trying to shorten up his arm swing a little bit and getting his arms and his body matching up better. It’s nothing we haven’t done in the past and nothing new. We have always had a blueprint for what Cameron does and I do that with all my players on the things that work.

The more we can continue to improve those things the better he’ll continue to get. We are not varying from the blueprint. Cam has had no real weaknesses in his game. Mentally he’s great, competitively he’s great and all those thing match up to where he is today.

What sort of student is Cameron?

He’s great fun to be with and I love spending time with Cam. He knows what works and he doesn’t want to vary too much from that. His attitude is “if it ain’t broke, there’s no need to fix it”. When he is happy, we move on and he doesn’t need to spend a lot of time figuring things out. He has a simple approach that’s for sure.

You decided early on that coaching was what you wanted to do, didn’t you?

About a year after I finished my traineeship at Caloundra Golf Club, I realised my passion lay in coaching so I started coaching when I was 22 or 23. I have always been passionate about coaching and helping people realise their dreams.

Describe your teaching philosophy.

From a coaching point for view, it’s matching up the right mix of the technical aspects and the human element. It’s about 1_4_final_A.pdf 1 14/10/2016 4:55:42they PM understanding your players and how

Because someone like Cameron is highly skilled, a lot of the stuff you are managing is the human element. It’s a lot more than doing skill development. While the human element is hugely important for club golfers, the biggest changes they still need is technical development. As far as the philosophy goes, I don’t see anything different but as far as where they need to spend percentages of their time is probably a little bit different. With Cam now it’s more based around stuff we have already done before so it’s not like it’s new information.

It’s about how he trains and practises and being as competitive as possible. It’s about putting him in situations that make him feel uncomfortable whereas a mid-handicapper, while that training is important, they need to develop the skill to be able to do it better. • SPIKENOTE: Grant Field is a member of the Australian PGA (advanced in coaching and game development) and holds a level 5 coaching diploma with the Australian Sports Council. He is the head coach to the Qld Academy of Sport, a member of the Golf Queensland coaching panel and the current Queensland men’s team coach.

IT’S FREE! C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

 9 HOLES $25  18 HOLES $40  MOTORISED CARTS AVAILABLE

MONDAY GREEN FEES SPECIAL • 9 HOLES $ 15 • 18 HOLES $25

1380 BUSSELL HWY, STRATHAM WA 6237 (15 MINUTES SOUTH OF BUNBURY) (08) 9795 7033

CAPELGOLFCLUB.ORG.AU 56

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

CMY

K

SIGN UP TODAY AT WWW.ONCOURSEGOLF.COM.AU

instruction

www.insidegolf.com.au/golftips

PLAYING MIND GAMES www.terrypricegolfschools.com.au

A

The other important sector is the often neglected mental side which many Tour players past and present consider to be 80% of their game.

Even the great Bobby Jones admitted that, “Competitive golf is played mainly on a fiveand-a-half inch course…the space between your ears.”

In recent years many of the world’s top players openly discuss their use of sports psychologists to finely tune their brain into optimum shape to compete in the major tournaments.

Throughout my playing career I’ve witnessed guys have complete meltdowns as pressure takes over and destroys a great round.

Many students I coach often relay stories about seeing their mates have tantrums, throwing clubs and spoiling their day all because of a poor shot.

Science and research from prestigious universities show that when setting up for a shot, Pro golfers and low handicappers use both sides of their brain; the left hemisphere to analyse the target, surroundings, hazards, and the creative right side for rhythm, timing and coordination which in turn provides the crucial few seconds of quiet time or the ZONE immediately before the swing.

Unfortunately the same studies show the amateur golfers tend to get stuck in the analytical left brain leading to over thinking, indecision and disappointment.

With Terry Price

s I mentioned in previous issues, the game has seen massive changes in the past decade with advances in technology and equipment along with better nutrition and fitness for the elite.

mind is muddled or indecisive this is when inconsistencies creep in and decent scores go out of the window.

I sometimes laugh to myself while playing in Pro-ams and hear about a golfer who has been faced with a tricky 40-metre shot over water only to reach into his bag for an old ball as he has already convinced himself he won’t make a successful shot...and sure enough it goes splash.

Others may pull out their ‘favourite’ club, which really is totally unsuited for the job, once again with disastrous results.

On the flip-side how many of you have stood over a shot where you just ‘know’ it will be perfect as you ooze confidence?

So, what causes the problem?

Well, as long as you have a reasonable standard of competence, and an OK swing with good biomechanics, the chances are that you have hit dynamic drives, perfect pitches and precision putts from all distances and angles. This happens when the brain sends clear messages to the body to execute perfection. However, when the

When I host golf schools at my academy at Sanctuary Cove Golf Club on the Gold Coast my students ask how professionals constantly hit those big shots and make those clutch putts under the utmost pressure...quite simply they are in a state of perfect mental stability.

We discuss the fact that we all have our demons which affect us emotionally and physically on the course and I encourage individuals to openly talk about what they feel is holding them back.

Once they understand that focus and concentration originate from having a calm, controlled balanced brain we start seeing positive returns.

A product I was introduced to several years ago and certainly assisted my own mind skills, is Pro Golf IQ, a 5-week audio program used at home which uses progressive relaxation and guided imagery to get both sides of the brain working together and think the same way as the Pro. Some results I have seen have been nothing short of miraculous with drops in handicaps of 5, 6 or even 10 shots in a short space of time.

If you imagine in a typical round you may have up to a dozen shots where you feel anxious as you doubt your abilities: for example standing on the tee box looking down a tight fairway with trees on one side and out of bounds on the other, or, a simple 6-foot putt where your internal voice frets about missing the hole.

By eradicating this negativity and increasing confidence it’s amazing how quickly you save shots.

In fact, Inside Golf Editor, Richard Fellner, did a test-drive of the program a while back and after playing some of the best golf of his life, described Pro Golf IQ as ‘possibly the most overall game changing product on the market’. (www.progolfiq.com/97) As we are all different, coaching the mental side can be very challenging as it’s the individuals perception rather than physical and tangible instruction. What I have found is that by encouraging my students to use Pro Golf IQ before attending a school their learning capacity and ability to adopt fundamentals for a great swing multiplies dramatically.

Like many things in life...once you are thinking clearly your decision-making becomes precise and improvements prosper... golf is no different so by binding the mind and body together we accelerate students results by ensuring they leave our schools with a strong physical and mental edge. • 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

GOLF CLOTHING FACTORY OUTLET

WINTER CLEARANCE STARTS AUGUST

ALL WINTER GEAR MUST GO

GOLf CLOTHING fACTORY OUTLET

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 INSTORE SHOPPING ONLY

NEW ARRIVALS

- Nancy Lopez - Jo fit - Greg Norman - Dwyers Shorts - Sporte

With a large and changing range of Men’s & Women’s Golf Polos, Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Skorts, Capris, Knitwear, Wet Weather gear & accessories etc you are sure to find something to enhance your game!

Trading 7 days a week ~ Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm, Closed Public Holidays

176 BOUNDARY ROAD, BRAESIDE VIC 3195 | (03) 9588 1779

www.golfclothingfactoryoutlet.com.au

QUALITY GOLF CLOTHING AT BARGAIN PRICES www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

57

fitness

www.insidegolf.com.au/golftips/

The TPro on Tour Nick Randall nickr@gravityfit.com

S

o far in our series of articles, we have followed an instructional theme and talked about how using GravityFit tools and techniques can help your posture, full swing and, in last month’s edition, your chipping and pitching action.

This month I thought that you might like to learn how the players I work with on the PGA Tour are using the GravityFit TPro to improve their bodies and their games. Contrary to what you may have heard, PGA Tour players are indeed mere mortals and have issues and imperfections with their bodies, posture and swing actions just like you and me. They need help in the form of instruction, guidance and key pieces of equipment to improve. I’m going to give you three examples from the PGA Tour players I work with on how they use their TPros on a daily basis.

Tour Example 1 – Cameron Smith; Cameron racked up his first professional win in May and is going from strength to strength. The young Aussie sometimes struggles with his upper spine posture and right shoulder position. The upper spine gets a bit flat, losing his “thoracic curve” and the right shoulder tends to creep forward. This affects his ability to turn effectively and also set the club in his ideal position. We use the GravityFit TPro to firstly provide sensory feedback and encourage better upper spine position. The second use of the TPro for Cam is to provide a strength stimulus for the key muscles around his shoulders, these help him set his right shoulder in a better position. 12 reps x 3 sets

a two-time winner and recognized as one of the best iron players on tour. Harris has been battling his game a little in the past six months but is really starting to turn it around now. In this time we have made significant strides forward with his body, most notably global strength, stability and posture. The TPro has been a vital part of giving Harris the postural awareness to hold himself tall and set his shoulders in a better position.

Harris has the tendency to slump a little into a rounded posture and the shoulders like to roll forward, this has implications for his shoulder health and injury risk in particular.

A shoulder that perpetually sits in a forward and depressed position is more susceptible to injury, especially when put under load in the gym and through the golf swing. The TPro gives Harris both the awareness and the load stimulus to strengthen the key muscles around his shoulders and set them into a better posture.

I consider the GravityFit TPro to be an essential part of the tool kit used by the PGA Tour players I work with. The really exciting thing for the club player, is that you can be using the same techniques too. It’s simple, low load application is suitable for practically anyone and they are available Australia wide.

TPro in use by PGA Tour Players to build strength and stability daily of the simple “Arm Press” exercise helps Cam to maintain better posture and stability around is upper back and shoulders.

Tour Example 2 – Jonas Blixt. Jonas partnered with Cameron to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans this year. Jonas had a fairly serious injury hurdle to overcome at the back end of last year and over the course of the last nine months we have used the entire range of GravityFit equipment and techniques in his rehabilitation. The TPro remains a feature

of his daily routine in the form of helping to train arm-body connection in his swing. Jonas first gets into his golf set up, makes sure he feels the right pressure from the spikes on his upper back and paddles on his shoulder blades – from there he simply turns into his backswing, aiming to keep the same pressure on the key points. This gives him the feel of his arms moving together with his body into his backswing.

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

Tour Example 3 – Harris English; Harris is

Hamstring and Hip Flexors mobility Hip flexor A

For a fully detailed video demonstration you can visit gravityfit.com/golf. GravityFit are offering a 15% discount on TPros using coupon code InsideGolf.

Hip flexor B

Hamstring B

Hamstring A

Richard Nizielski www.golffitsolutions.com

H

i everyone. As I stated in the July issue’s article, over the next few issues, we will look at hip mobility and strength.

Hip mobility is integral when it comes to executing a full golf swing movement.

Where the hips are limited in range of movement, rotation is limited, which means your power development is limited, which means your distance will be limited.

Not only does limited hip mobility mean a loss of power and distance, it’s been shown to cause over-activation in the lower spine, which is not designed to rotate or move like the hips do. This is going to put an increased amount of pressure on the lower spine, increasing the risk of lower back injuries.

Hip mobility is key, when developing power in the golf movement.

Long periods of sitting at an office desk or in the car, can create tightness in the hips, so it’s important to do something that will improve the freedom of movement in this area and allow the hips to work correctly.

58

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Hold for between 10-60 seconds.

Switch legs and repeat the stretch.

Regular stretching is one of the ways you can improve hip mobility. A few simple stretches that you can do by yourself: Hip flexor stretch Stretch a) Assume a kneeling position, placing one foot in front of you and the other foot out behind you.

Begin to sink the hip towards the floor, generating a stretch in the front area of the hip.

Flex the front knee to increase the stretch.

Hold for between 10-60 seconds.

Switch feet and repeat the stretch.

Stretch b) With the knee on the floor in a lunge position, reach back and grasp the rear foot (you might want to place a pillow under the

knee and steady yourself by holding onto something with your free hand). Bring the heel towards the backside, as you do, sink the hip forward and down. The stretch should be felt in the front of the leg and the hip region.

If you are unable to reach your foot with your hand, wrap a towel or use a rope around your foot to implement the stretch.

Hold for between 10-60 seconds.

Switch feet and repeat the stretch Hamstring stretches Stretch a) Place one foot on a chair or low bench.

Keeping the hips and shoulders aligned, lean the torso towards the extended leg creating a stretch in the hamstrings. Leaning forward from the hips rather than just flexing the upper torso will generate stretch in the hamstrings and not just the back.

Stretch b) Lying on the floor, place a towel, rope or stretching band under one foot and raise the leg.

Pull the leg towards your chest creating a stretch in the rear of the upper leg. Hold for between 10-60 seconds.

Switch legs and repeat the stretch.

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

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE. Augusta Golf Cars and our extensive dealer network would like to congratulate these fine courses on being among the first to secure the ground breaking Elite Lithium and Lead Crystal Battery Technology, as well as our new Textron Fleet Management systems in their Fleets.

WEMBLEY GOLF COURSE “The tender submission by Golf Car World that involves lithium batteries for a five (5) year period stood out in the tender assessment as the most comprehensive, addressed all selection criteria, was ranked Number 1 in the tender evaluation matrix and was assessed as the best value for money.”

ROCKHAMPTON GOLF CLUB

QUEANBEYAN GOLF CLUB

Second Order !

www.ezgo.com.au AGC - QLD Unit 8, 2 Link Dr Yatala, QLD 4207 07 3807 8895

AGC - NSW Unit 3, 41 Dunn Road, Smeaton Grange, NSW, 2567 02 8064-9950

AGC - VIC 399 Lower Dandenong Rd, Dingley Village, VIC, 3172 03 9558-1211

Ace Golf Cars 116 Hattam St, Golden Square, VIC 3555 03 4416 2303

Golf Car World 4/52 Hector St W Osborne Park, WA 6017 08 9244 1727

Golf Car Solutions 11 Marker Ave, Marleston, SA 5033 08 8297 7500

golf new south wales

Government unveils $207 million active kids rebate for families across NSW

Minister’s delight with disability program

amilies with School-aged children across New South Wales are set to benefit from a rebate for sporting and fitnessrelated costs with the State Government announcing a new $207 million initiative over four years.

he NSW Minister for Disability Services, Ray Williams, the Member for Oatley, Mark Coure and Golf NSW Deputy Chair Michele Adair visited Hurstville last month to meet with participants who have benefitted from the Golfers with Disability program.

F

The ‘Active Kids Rebate’ is a key initiative in the 201718 State Budget and supports the Premier’s initiative to reduce obesity rates of children by five per cent over ten years. Families will be able to claim the rebate on items such as sports registration and membership costs.

From 1 January 2018, parents will be able to claim up to a $100 rebate per school child, per year, as a voucher to reduce the cost of registration or membership fees for after-school and weekend sport including activities like golf.

Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said the annual rebate will not be means tested and available for every school child wanting to get involved in community sport and fitness.

“We would love to see more young people participating in sport, we know promoting active habits early is a key factor for ensuring a generation of healthy kids and tackling rising obesity rates.”

Parents will be able to register online and can take a sports voucher to a registered sports club or provider to receive their rebate.

“Whether it’s strapping on their boots, donning a netball bib or pulling on their team colours, this is about making sure families don’t have to stretch their budgets to ensure their kids are active and healthy,” Mr Ayres said.

These activities could include sports such as golf, and many other fitness or physical activities such as gymnastics or athletics.

T

The skills training session, at Hurstville Golf Club, offers people with an intellectual disability a chance to learn how to play golf and build valuable friendships.

In 2016, the NSW Government contributed $20,000 to the initiative delivered

by Golf NSW and Special Olympics Australia to assist in providing a two-year skill-based training program.

“Golf NSW and Special Olympics Australia have developed an excellent program to support people with a disability to enjoy golf. Clubs and sporting organisations are a great way for people with disability to get involved in their communities,” Minister Williams said.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure said the NSW Government was committed to creating an inclusive society.

“This is an excellent program for people with intellectual disability. Increasing participation in sporting activities and making new friends is an important step towards a more inclusive society,” Mr Coure said.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet announced the rebate will be available for every family with children in school from early next year.

“The health of our children is a priority for every parent and I hope this rebate is the difference it takes to enable parents to enrol their child in the sport of their choice.”

“Tearing around the sports ground is the best thing about being a kid, but sports registration and lesson fees can really add up for families.”

“Our Budget will lower that cost for every school child in NSW, making sport more accessible, helping families out and reducing barriers to healthy activity,” Mr Perrottet said.

Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser was thrilled with the announcement. “This is wonderful news for any budding junior golfer and their parents across the State. Not only will families benefit, but the health of many of our clubs will improve with increased participation and membership levels,” Mr Fraser said.

A comprehensive list of eligible sports and activities will be finalised following community consultation ahead of the start date early next year, to allow providers to register with the NSW Office for Sport.

More details are available on the NSW Office of Sport website https://sport.nsw.gov.au

Rick van Brugge, Chief Operating Officer, Special Olympics Australia said the organisation was committed to providing more opportunities for people with an intellectual disability to participate in sport.

“Through our partnership with Golf NSW and support from NSW Government, we have been able to create new sporting opportunities, form relationships and generate awareness of what Special Olympics offers,” said Mr van Brugge.

Manager of Game Development at Golf NSW, Andrew Robb, said the organisation was thrilled to be associated with Special Olympics Australia to assist people with an intellectual disability to participate in golf.

“The program, which was made possible with the assistance of the NSW Government, is a great initiative that provides access to golf courses, quality coaching and the opportunity for participants to take part in competitions against one another.

“Participants are discovering the social benefits of our sport also, healthy exercise, making new friends, and experiencing what golf is all about,” Mr Robb said.

Upon completion of the training, participants will be eligible to compete in skills competitions organised by Special Olympics Australia.

For more information on Golf NSW’s Golfers with Disability program go www.golfnsw.org/Disability

Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: William Choi, Dianne Crawston, Kyle Dignam, Barry Hopkins, Robert Lynch, Young Park, and Greg Ryan.

Do you have what it takes to compete in the

2017 NSW OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP? For your chance to earn a spot in the premier golfing event in NSW, play in one of the Regional Qualifying Events for amateurs

NEXT EVENTS: September 23rd & 24th – Moree Golf Club September 23rd & 24th – Kew & Wauchope Country Clubs October 7th & 8th – Commercial Club Albury & Thurgoona Country Club Resort October 7th & 8th – Griffith Golf Club October 21st & 22nd – Bathurst Golf Club

For more information and entry details, go to www.golfnsw.org/events, OR scan the QR code to go straight to the relevant page

60

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

golf queensland

Smoljko earns Isuzu Qld Open start

Morgan and Habgood dominate Queensland Boys’ & Girls’ Amateur Bernie Pramberg

J

ed Morgan fired a courserecord-equalling 63 (9-under) to take the Queensland Boys Amateur title by seven strokes at Bargara Golf Club.

Morgan’s outstanding recent form continued with the sizzling round which included 11 birdies. He finished at 19-under for the 72-hole championship to defeat Redcliffe’s Chase Duffy (66) by seven shots.

J

John Smoljko ohn Smoljko has secured the final Isuzu Queensland Open Regional qualifying exemption after winning the Far North Queensland Golf Championship.

The tight Mossman Golf Club layout proved a challenge for golfers across the field with the weather presenting perfect scoring conditions.

In the open category, Smoljko opened with a 4-under 68 to clasp a 4-shot lead over Jake Perkins (El Arish Country Club) heading in to the final 18-holes. A second round 2-over 74 was enough to grab the title, and a start in the Isuzu Queensland Open to be played in October.

“It was a little bit windy, so conditions were quite tough…

Around the green was quite sticky. It was a tough test of golf, I think my first round front nine was the difference” Smoljko said.

Smoljko, a former Mareeba Golf Club member, one hour south of Mossman, travelled from home club Ryde Parramatta in New South Wales to contest the championship.

“This is a dream come true for me, I’m absolutely stoked. It’s my old stomping ground (The Brisbane Golf Club) so it should be fantastic.”

The 2017 Isuzu Queensland Open will be played at The Brisbane Golf Club from 26 – 29 October 2017.

For more information on the event, visit the www.qldopen.org.au

Ironically, Morgan started with a bogey on the par-four opening hole but rapidly fired birdies on the second, fourth and fifth holes to ignite the round. His 63, which included six birdies on the homeward nine, equalled the Bargara record set just two weeks earlier by Wide Bay golfer Scott Warren.

Qld Boys’ & Girls’ Amateur Champions Darcy Habgood and Jed Morgan

“I felt really comfortable and the conditions were pretty good throughout the week,’’ said Morgan.

“I’m fortunate to have good people supporting me … my coach Chris Gibson, the QAS coaching staff and the squad.

And my parents are my biggest supporters.’’

Morgan, 17, who recently transferred from Hattonvale to Royal Queensland where coach Gibson is club professional, went on to defend his NSW Junior Championship title the following week with rounds of 68-69-67-72, for a 14 shot victory.

A strong contender from NSW was Concord’s Joshua Gadd who finished third at Bargara after closing with a 68 to be 11-under overall.

Runner-up Duffy started the day four strokes adrift of Morgan and played fine golf to shoot a final 66 without making up any ground.

Just three weeks earlier, Morgan led throughout to win the Singapore Junior Championship against a strong field including players from Malaysia, United States, China and South Korea. A week earlier he had won the Northern Territory Amateur at Alice Springs.

In the Girls Amateur, Toowoomba’s Darcy Habgood overcame a four-stroke deficit to eventually defeat Isabelle Taylor (Sanctuary Cove) on the third play-off hole.

Taylor’s overnight lead dissipated when she carded three bogeys on the first four holes as Habgood grafted away to close with an even-par 72 to tie at one-under for the 72 holes.

In a dramatic play-off, Habgood and Taylor squared the first hole with pars, birdied the second (the 9th) and then returned to the opening par-four hole where Habgood prevailed with a par.

“I struggled to take advantage of Isabelle dropping those early shots and then was very nervous in the play-off. It is probably the most stressful thing I’ve done,’’ said Habgood.

The 17-year old is in Year 12 at St Ursula’s College and her father Paul is club professional at Toowoomba Golf Club.

“Dad has been my coach all along,’’ she said.

Sarah Wilson (Pelican Waters) defeated Ashley Lau (Hills International) for third place on a countback after closing rounds of 70 and 75 respectively. They finished four shots behind the winner.

Queensland Men’s Mid Amateur 10 – 12 September RACV Royal Pines Resort The Queensland Men’s Mid Amateur Championship is played over 54-holes of Stroke Play at RACV Royal Pines Resort. The Championship is open to all male amateur golfers between the ages of 30 and 54 with a current GA Handicap. Enter now! www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

@GolfQueensland

www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

61

19th hole

www.insidegolf.com.au/19thhole

CHIPS AND SHANKS

With David Newbery

 david@insidegolf.com.au

Thanks to our Facebook followers for the following stories venue in Northern Ireland to host the Open Championship (1951).

After several bites, Jack took action by undressing and fleeing the hole.

INSIDE Golf recently came across a story of a boxing match that took place on Scotland’s Musselburgh Links Golf Course, an original Open Championship venue, in the 1880s.

On arrival, John discovered the pro shop locked.

Order restored, Jack composed himself and won the tournament.

Noticing a key pad on the wall with a sign notifying new arrivals to “press to speak”, John followed the instructions.

TO CALL UP … OR NOT

It wasn’t an organised bout, but more of an exhibition.

The pro asked him via a speaker who he was and what tee time he had booked.

Andrew Kirkaldy from St Andrews and Ben Sayers from North Berwick, who was his golf partner on the day, witnessed the punch-up.

Once established, there was a “clang” and the security door swung open allowing him to enter and pay his green fee.

“One of them was a heavyweight amateur boxer, though I did not know this until I saw him use his fists.

“On reaching the Foreman’s Hole, five coal-miners were coming up from the pits.

The amateur boxer was about to tee off, and seeing the miners in the line of fire he shouted “fore” several times.

The miners took no notice and continued straight for the tee. Golf was played on a public common at Musselburgh.

“After the round, I wanted to have a drink and I couldn’t get into the clubhouse,” John, who plays at Keperra GCG, told Inside Golf.

“It was the same thing. I had to press a key pad and I had to identify myself and tell them what time I played.

“Only after that was I able to enter the secure clubhouse.

“The staff was courteous and friendly to me, but these electronic door locks were there due to troubled times.

“Thank goodness those days are behind us,” John sighed.

Well, it was a “Royal” club, John.

The golfer drove off, telling the miners under his breath to look out for themselves and take their chance.

“Do you agree it’s courtesy to call up a player or group of players when necessary?” he started.

Well, definitely yes.

“I was playing a social round with two mates recently when we noticed a golfer playing alone in a red golf cart so we called him through,” he continued.

“Well, he played through alright but as he went past he gave us the death stare … no thank you or courtesy wave.

OLDEST MAJOR WINNER

“Why the hell did ye hit me with that ball?” asked the angry miner.

DID you know Julius Boros is the oldest golfer to win a major?

“Answer me that, sir.”

The American nicknamed “Moose” won the PGA Championship aged 48 in 1968 when he held off Arnold Palmer by a stroke denying him the only major he never won. Kiwi Bob Charles tied for second with Palmer.

“My dear fellow, I shouted ‘fore’, said the golfer, ‘to give you the warning’.

“Was that the warning you could give me?” said the miner. “Then, ‘five’ and take that,” landing a blow on the golfer’s neck and blackening his white collar.

Boros was an accountant and only turned professional when he was 30 years old.

Before you could say “fore”, the miner was on his back with his four mates sprawling beside him, floored as they came on.

Give this ants’ nest in the middle of the fairway in Zambia a wide berth.

He won his first US Open aged 33 and in 1963 won his second US Open when he defeated Arnold Palmer and Jacky Cupit in a playoff.

“They got up growling but left us to go on with the game. I could hardly play for laughing.”

ANTS IN JACK’S PANTS

GET A GRIP, MR BEAN

JACK Newton once had to flee a hole because he had ants in his pants.

AMERICAN Andy Bean is the only golfer to lose a tournament by making a putt.

LOCKOUT LAW BAFFLED JOHN

In 1976, Jack was leading the Cock ‘o the North Tournament in Ndola, Zambia when he arrived on the 17th hole.

Bean lost the 1983 Canadian Open despite making a putt.

JOHN Sellwood loves golf, travel and sharing golfing adventure tales from around the world.

Many moons ago, during troubled times in Northern Ireland, John rocked up to play Royal Portrush, which is the only

62

Recently, a courteous but upset golfer called Inside Golf to complain about a fellow golfer’s lack of courtesy and etiquette on a Brisbane north-side course.

“By the way, we are experienced, not slow, golfers and played our nine-hole social round in just over 90 minutes.”

This attracted their attention vowing vengeance, swearing and shaking their fists.

“The miners hadn’t a ghost of a chance.

You know the type. In heavy traffic, you allow them in and they don’t even have the decency to give a “thank you” wave.

“What a boofhead. I bet he’s one of those ungrateful sods who doesn’t acknowledge being let in on our roads.

The gutta-percha ball flew off like a bullet and hit one of the miners on the chest.

“I was dumbfounded and never realised till that day the great difference between scientific and brute force fighting,” Kirkaldy said.

TRAFFIC, it seems, is not the only place where you come across discourteous and ungrateful drivers.

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

He was unaware the Ndola golf course was inhabited by ferocious African ants.

When he hit his ball too close to a nest (similar to this one pictured at Royal Livingstone golf course in Zambia) ants attacked, running up Jack’s legs.

In round three, he sank a five-centimetre putt using the grip of his putter, a violation of the rules, and he was penalised two shots.

In the final round, he scored a sensational 62, but lost the tournament by two shots.

Neil Robertson: My friend was playing golf at Narooma in the comp on Thursday. At the 3rd hole, a par-3, he holed his tee shot - ace! On the Saturday at the same hole his tee shot landed in the Pacific Ocean - oops! He played his second ball from the tee and ..... holed it!!

Easy par.

Jeff O’Neill: Short par-3 over a small creek in front of the green. My playing partner puts it in the two-feet high grass right of the tee and still short of the creek crossing. Hacks a wedge out and sends the ball over the back of the green down a 20-foot embankment...dead. I’m on the green for 1 and three putt from 30 feet.

Old mate grabs the wedge from the ditch behind the green…lob wedge straight in the hole...for a 3 ...greatest par I’ve ever seen!

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.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Which Australian won the 1990 PGA Championship? (2 pts) Which former PGA Championship winner died in a plane accident in 1999?

(1 pt) Jack Nicklaus racked up five PGA Championships along with one other player. Was it Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen or Sam Snead? (3 pts) Can you solve the following anagram – a minty marker? Clue: He won the 2010 PGA Championship. (3 pts) How many different nationalities have won the PGA Championship in the past 10 years? (3 pts) How many times has Zimbabwean Nick Price won the PGA Championship? (1 pt) What is the greatest winning margin in the matchplay era (1916-1957) of the PGA Championship – 9/8, 8/7 or 7/6?

(2 pts) Only once did the US PGA Championship not go ahead during World War II (1939-45). Which year was that? (3 pts) Who has the lowest PGA Championship 72-hole score of 265 – Jimmy Walker, Tiger Woods, David Toms or Jason Day? (2 pts)

ANSWERS: (1). Wayne Grady; (2). Payne Stewart; (3). Walter Hagen; (4). Martin Kaymer; (5). 6 (American - Tiger, Keegan Bradley, Jason Dufner and Jim Walker; Australian - Day; German - Martin Kaymer; Northern Irishman – Rory; Korean - YE Yang; Irishman - Padraig Harrington; (6). Twice, 1992 and ’94; (7). 8/7 – Paul Runyan beat Sam Snead in 1938; (8). 1943; (9). David Toms.

FISTICUFFS ON THE FAIRWAY

“Ben Sayers and I were playing in a foursome with two gentlemen,” Kirkaldy said.

YOUR STORIES

19th hole

www.insidegolf.com.au/19thhole

Things I still don’t understand

Crossword > 1

2

3

4

5

ed@insidegolf.com.au

9

H

I don’t understand why, for the life of me, I can’t hit a shot without a glove on my left hand. I mean, what is the glove actually achieving? Is there a nerve under the wrist which is squeezed by the band that allows me to play without having a nervous breakdown or something? If that’s the case, I think I’m wearing the wrong size.

I don’t understand why tour players can’t use range finders but are allowed to carry a book in their back pockets that maps out every single horizontal variation to the surface of all 18 greens. SEN Radio Host Mark Allen showed me one of these books on the eve of the Australian Masters a couple of years ago. It was nothing short of mind blowing. It cost about $200 which would have barely covered the cost of input from the physicist, geologist, surveyor, podiatrist and Daniel Boone’s mate Mingo who could track an ant over 10 miles of wild frontier.

I don’t understand how I could have ever found the first fairway at Huntingdale with a wooden-headed Cleveland Classic driver.

The other day, I was having a hit with my old mate Brooksy and I was actually playing

10

11

ow can a golf ball not spin when hit at 120 mph with a driver (not mine by the way), but stop on a beer coaster with a pitch shot?

Whenever I bladed a wedge shot straight across the green and left a slice in my ball roughly the size of Kim Kardashian’s bot bot, I would feel terrible. Not only for the impending double-bogey but also for the poor guy who sacrificed his noggin so I could eventually stop my ball on a Royal Melbourne green.

7

8

Larry Canning

“Back in my day” we used to play with balls made from 100 metres of elastic bands encased with a rubber cover made from the sap of a tree only found in the deepest darkest jungles of the Amazon. Blokes with pith helmets and Khaki shorts with long socks used to risk their lives to extract the magic substance while angry Pygmy tribesmen would be shooting poison darts around their ears in the hope of creating a nice wall decoration out of their shrunken heads.

6

13

12

14

15

16

17

18 19 half decently. On the 13th, I caught one right out of the screws of my new Srixon Z765 driver and stood there in my follow-through position for the best part of 25 seconds. As always, Brooksy’s first reaction was to take the proverbial out of me by suggesting anyone could hit one of those 460 headed Srixon drivers because they were so easy to hit. While still in follow-through mode, I turned and showed him the mark left on the face from my perfect drive.

The problem was I hadn’t wiped off all the mishits I’d hit prior to that. Even though I hadn’t missed a fairway all day it was pretty clear he was right. My driver was on a rescue mission that would have rivalled Bruce Willis and all the Die Hard movies put together. There was one mark that would have completely missed the face of my 1987 Cleveland Classic driver. Imagine being introduced on the tee of the Australian Masters all those years ago with - “On the tee from NSW - Larry Canning!”…. then… “STILL on the tee from NSW - Larry Canning.”

Finally I don’t understand how we finished up with terms like birdies, eagles, albatrosses and even bogeys for that matter. Why don’t we use names more appropriate to the country you’re playing in? We should here more patriotic and use names like – “I hit it to 2 feet on the 4th and completely missed the hole for my Willy Wagtail and was actually lucky to make my Drongo” Or – “Then on the 7th I holed my second shot for a Pelican.”

What about – “I had the monthly medal in the bag until I snapped-hooked it out of bounds on 16 and took a Triple Bustard”.

As always, if anyone can help me with my “perplexions” (Yes it’s a word…. now), please write to INSIDE GOLF with some answers. See you next month.

Inside Golf has far reach

INSIDE Golf has an amazing reach and if you don’t believe us just ask the Scots.

Australia’s most-read golf magazine recently popped up in bonny Scotland.

Yep, that’s right – Scotland.

Of course, it was all down to loyal reader Gale Macpherson.

“I moved from the West Coast of Scotland in September (last year) to Adelaide and now play my golf out of Blackwood Golf Club,” she explained.

20

21

22

23

25

24 26

27 28

29

31

30

32

ACROSS

DOWN

1 Temporarily stops golfers from continuing: ________ play (8) 5 A beaten path or road (5) 9 Sergio Garcia’s friend (5) 10 Supporters (9) 11 Veteran US golfer who won the 1986 Australian Masters (4,6) 12 Implement used to keep a bunker in good order (4) 13 Golf club in the Marrara, Northern Territory (6) 15 Winner of the 2017 St Jude Classic, ______ Berger (6) 18 Resort hotel (3) 19 No doubt a shrub spotted on a South African golf course (6) 21 Winner of the 2016 Maybank Championship Malaysia, Marcus ______ (6) 26 Interpret the line of a putt, for instance (4) 27 Level (10) 29 Missing the target (3,6) 30 An entrance or opening (5) 31 Position Greg Norman finished at The Open Championship in 1989 (5) 32 Hung around (8) Answers: page 68

1 Criticised heavily; hit hard (7) 2 Activist; agitator (7) 3 Life scientist (9) 4 Winner of the Memorial Tournament in 2017, Jason ______ (6) 5 12-across, for example (4) 6 Par score (7) 7 Winner of the 2017 Dean & Deluca Invitational, Kevin ______ (6) 8 State that hosted The Players Championship in 2017 (7) 14 Modern software program (3) 16 Getting smaller (9) 17 Kiwi who tied for third at the 2017 Travelers Championship, Danny ___ (3) 18 Pleasing to the sense of taste (7) 20 Highest-finishing Kiwi at the 2017 French Open on the European Tour (4,3) 22 Colonist (7) 23 Describing Jack and Gary Nicklaus, generally (7) 24 Winner of the 2017 US Open, ______ Koepka (6) 25 Player who tied for second at the 2017 US Open _____ Matsuyama (6) 28 US golfer, Scott, who won the 2003 Ford Championship at Doral (4)

“I made a short trip home recently and took a copy of Inside Golf magazine with me to pass the time during my journey.”

Long story short, Gale lobbed up at Loudoun Gowf Club, which is situated five miles (eight kilometres) east of Kilmarnock.

“It’s a fairly flat parkland course,” Gale said. “But it’s the only Gowf Club in the world.”

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

63

calendar

www.insidegolf.com.au/events

Rotary Club of Huntingdale Charity Golf Day

Woolooware Golf Club Golf Charity Day The members at Woolooware Golf Club are holding a charity golf day for young Neve Laney who is suffering from brain cancer.

She lives in the Shire with her family, and is currently only 7 years old. She has had several operations here in Australia but now requires three to four months of intensive treatment in Boston USA with a

team of specialists, at an estimated cost of $400,000; a cost too much for any family to have to bear.

The event will be held on Thursday 24th August. The cost per player is only $85.00 and includes green fees, breakfast, lunch and after golf complimentary drinks.

More: wooloowaregolfclub.com.au

Handiskins

O

www.handiskins.com.au n Monday, 28th August, the Rotary Club of Huntingdale will be holding a Charity Golf Day at the magnificent Huntingdale Golf Club.

This is your chance to enjoy the prestigious multi-million dollar Huntingdale Golf Clubhouse, and play one of the Melbourne Sandbelt’s finest courses, which will be in excellent condition.

The Competition is an Individual Stableford event with four sections; GOLF Link Handicap & Social handicap, Male & Female. Shotgun start at 12 Noon (Registration from 10.30AM). Cost to play is only $140 and includes Pre-game BBQ lunch, complimentary driving range balls, postgame complimentary drinks and finger food. Each player receives a show bag and many prizes are available.

All proceeds from this golf day go towards Rotary local and international community support projects.

Registration via www.iseekgolf.com (Short URL: http://bit.ly/2tV2STh ) . There is a booking fee of $2.95 per booking (player or group). The person making the booking must have a GOLF Link handicap. Be sure to register the golf link numbers for all of your group (if you have them) to ensure you are in the Handicap event, otherwise they will be treated as a social player.

To contact Rotary directly: email; huntingdale.rotary@iinet.net.au or mobile 0418 554 287.

GOLF NSW AUGUST CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Golf NSW Events Date 19-20 Aug 19-20 Aug

Event

Venue

Women's Weekend Tournament Men’s & Women's NSW Green Sands Championship

The Vintage GC Forbes GC & Grenfell CC

Men’s Vardon Events Date 05-06Aug-17 12-Aug-17 13-Aug-17 19-Aug-17 19-20 Aug-17 19-20 Aug-17 26-27 Aug-17

Event Seaside Classic Cumberland Cup Kooindah Waters Cup Cromer Bowl Zone 2 Regional Championship Mollymook Amateur Northern NSW Amateur Championships

Venue Port Macquarie GC Cumberland CC Kooindah Waters GC Cromer GC Club Taree Mollymook GC Gunnedah GC

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events Date 05-06 Aug-17 07-Aug-17 14-Aug-17 25-Aug-17 28-Aug-17

Event

Venue

Seaside Classic Carnarvon Seniors Kooindah Waters Seniors Oatlands Seniors 2017 NSW SENIOR OPEN QUALIFYING EVENT Newcastle Seniors

Port Macquarie GC Carnarvon GC Kooindah Waters GC Oatlands GC Newcastle GC

Pennants / Grade Date 06-Aug-17 06-Aug-17 13-Aug-17 13-Aug-17 20-Aug-17 20-Aug-17 20-Aug-17 27-Aug-17 27-Aug-17

Event Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan Rd 4 Warren and Gibson Trophies - Rd 2 Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan Rd 5 Warren and Gibson Trophies - Rd 3 Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan Quarter Finals Eric Apperly Shield Country Play Offs Warren and Gibson Trophies - Rd 4 Eric Apperly Shield Metropolitan Semi Finals Warren and Gibson Trophies - Rd 5

Venue Various Various Various Various Windsor CC Various Various Windsor CC Various

For information on any of the above events, or for a full list of fixtures go to: www.golfnsw.org 64

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers. Handiskins is a five-qualifying-round stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score.

Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough.

The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Parkes Golf Club London Road, Parkes NSW 2870 Final 20th August 2017 Cowra Golf Club Mees Road, Cowra NSW 2794 5th Qualifying Round 16th September 2017 Final 24th September 2017 Northern Golf Club 97 Glenroy Road, Glenroy VIC 3046 3rd Qualifying Round 12th August 2017 4th Qualifying Round 9th September 2017 5th Qualifying Round 21st October 2017 Final 9th December 2017 Thurgoona Golf Club 1 Evesham Place, Thurgoona NSW 2640 5th Qualifying Round 5th August 2017 Final 19th August 2017 Wakehurst Golf Club Ladies Competition Upper Clontarf Street, Seaforth NSW 2092 4th Qualifying Round 8th August 2017 5th Qualifying Round 15th August 2017 Final 29th August 2017 Wagga Wagga Country Club Plumpton Road, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Final 13th August 2017 Nelson Bay Golf Club Dowling Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 3rd Qualifying Round 26th August 2017 4th Qualifying Round 9th September 2017 5th Qualifying Round 21st October 2017 Final 25th November 2017 Shortland Waters Golf Club Off Vale Street, Shortland NSW 2287 4th Qualifying Round 5th August 2017 5th Qualifying Round 12th August 2017 Final 23rd August 2017 Pacific Dunes Golf Club Championship Drive, Medowie NSW 2318 2nd Qualifying Round 19th August 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 26th August 2017 4th Qualifying Round 30th September 2017 5th Qualifying Round 11th November 2017 Final 25th November 2017 Northbridge Golf Club Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge NSW 2063 2nd Qualifying Round 19th August 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 9th September 2017 4th Qualifying Round 16th September 2017 5th Qualifying Round 30th September 2017 Final 11th November 2017 Kiama Golf Club Oxley Avenue, Kiama Downs NSW 2533 1st Qualifying Round 5th August 2017

2nd Qualifying Round 19th August 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 2nd September 2017 4th Qualifying Round 16th September 2017 5th Qualifying Round 30th September 2017 Final 22nd October 2017 Moss Vale Golf Club 38-48 Arthur Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577 1st Qualifying Round 12th August 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 19th August 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 26th August 2017 4th Qualifying Round 9th September 2017 5th Qualifying Round 16th September 2017 Final 23rd September 2017 Wentworth Falls Country Club 206-220 Blaxland Road, Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 1st Qualifying Round 12th August 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 19th August 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 9th September 2017 4th Qualifying Round 16th September 2017 5th Qualifying Round 23rd September 2017 Final 8th October 2017 Bayview Golf Club 1825 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale NSW 2103 1st Qualifying Round 19th August 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 26th August 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 16th September 2017 4th Qualifying Round 23rd September 2017 5th Qualifying Round 30th September 2017 Final 14th October 2017 Bribie Island Golf Club Links Court, Woorim QLD 4507 1st Qualifying Round 26th August 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 9th September 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 21st October 2017 4th Qualifying Round 28th October 2017 5th Qualifying Round 11th November 2017 Final 9th December 2017 Hurstville Golf Club Lorraine Street, Peakhurst NSW 2210 1st Qualifying Round 2nd September 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 9th September 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 16th September 2017 4th Qualifying Round 23rd September 2017 5th Qualifying Round 30th September 2017 Final 28th October 2017 Rosebud Country Club 207 Boneo Road, Rosebud VIC 3939 1st Qualifying Round 2nd September 2017 2nd Qualifying Round 23rd September 2017 3rd Qualifying Round 28th October 2017 4th Qualifying Round 11th November 2017 5th Qualifying Round 25th November 2017 Final 9th December 2017

your voice

www.facebook.com/insidegolf

This month’s winner!

This month’s Prize: 1 dozen Volvik Vibe balls

Tiger Woods is one of the world’s best-ever golfers. Many of today’s young golfers have been inspired by Woods.

Yet, there doesn’t seem to be much support for the former number one. Tiger Woods excited the golfing world.

It’s time the golfing world gave him some support. The media are too quick to jump on any potential scandal.

Fact is, Woods has had to endure a series of crippling back injuries. His decline has been due to injury not scandal. The excitement Woods generated when he played in Australia was brilliant. I remember in Sydney, several years ago, a young boy and his Dad went up to Woods for an autograph. The Dad told Woods that his son had all the Tiger Woods’ clothes, caps and posters. Tiger really appreciated the comment. I think Tiger would really appreciate some more of that friendly support at this stage of his career.

Bryan Kemp Editor’s note: That’s a great point Bryan, and one we share at Inside Golf. See my Page 5 Starter’s Box this month, which addresses this very point!

HELP! AGHS looking for von Nida’s “Vardon Trophy” The Australian Golf Heritage Society is a group of keen golfers whose aim is to collect, research record and preserve Australia’s golf history. They have a large and growing Museum in Granville, Sydney.

One object they would dearly love to have is Norman von Nida’s “Vardon Trophy.”

One of Australia’s great golfers, The Von journeyed to Britain in 1946 and landed in London with just £17 in his pocket and proceeded to beat some of the world’s best players. The Von returned to Britain in

1947, and with an average score of 71.25 for 52 rounds of tournament play, won the “Vardon Trophy”. He is the only Australian to have won this prestigious trophy.

In 1996, Von donated his trophy to an auction to raise money for farmers who were suffering from a severe drought.

No record was kept of the buyer’s name.

If any of our readers out there know the whereabouts of this famous trophy, please contact Tom Moore at the AGHS: teemoore@tpg.com.au.

Moss Vale Golf Club is a

Golfer’s Paradise

A Slippery Slope: A course rater’s view I read with great interest your editorial regarding the use of the Slope System in Australia (Starter’s Box, July).

I agree with your sentiments and thought you might be interested in my experience as a Course Rater.

I did the Course Rater preparation as I thought it would be interesting and useful to understand the system and to learn more about golf courses in general.

However, after doing several “official” course ratings, it became clear to me that the whole system was deeply flawed.

You mentioned some of the reasons in your article – i.e. “standard” scratch marker, “standard” 18 marker, and “standard” criteria to determine relative difficulty.

You also mentioned the unrealistic differences between “standard” criteria and actual playing conditions, which I agree with wholeheartedly.

As we have all seen, even Pros will shoot wildly different scores on different courses, and even on different days on the same course, so trying to apply some magic formula is doomed to failure.

(Name withheld by request)

Slippery Slope Part II Your editorial really resonates with me. The slope system is a farce and your solution a good one. My course is 6443m off the blacks and has five parfours over 400m: 405m, 421m, 402m, 456m, and 429m, as well as a 202m par-3. The shorter holes require absolute precision iron play to position a ball on the green.

The fairways are wider than most, but many holes demand you be on the right or left of the fairway or you have no chance. In other words, an accurate drive is required even to a wide fairway.

Its slope rating is 127! I have played many easier, shorter courses with higher slope ratings.

Also, the current handicap system is a joke. I played off 1 on the old system, but got to scratch

in my sixties under the new system, and currently play off 3 at the age of 68. The difference between a younger me off 1 and an older me off 3 is probably closer to seven or eight shots.

Every second teenager in my club plays off scratch or better, but under the old system NONE would be scratch markers. We had one member get to scratch and had never had a par round!

The easy fix is a sliding scale where a scratch marker has 14 of their last 20 rounds that count instead of 8, and a 36-handicapper averages 5.

The number of counting rounds increases as your handicap reduces.

Good luck with instigating change.

Michael Maher

Bravo to Dubbo -- equality for all I would like to communicate a good news story about Dubbo Golf Club, NSW. In a recent newsletter, the club committed to a future in which “its rules and policies --- are applied equally to all members of the Club regardless of their gender or whether they belong to a subcommittee.”

The President, Niall McNicol, said, “The Club acknowledges that historically, as has been the case with many clubs around the country, often different rules have applied to men and women and the various sub-committees. The Club is pleased to report that it has recently passed a series of motions to ensure that all members of the Club: (1) are governed by the same rules

when competing or being awarded prizes in competitions facilitated by the Club; (2) have access to the same benefits provided by the Club; and (3) receive the same proportionate trophy value per player across all competition groups. “ The Club also adopted the Golf Australia Member Protection Policy, stating, “This policy outlines the Club’s commitment to a person’s right to be treated with respect and dignity, and to be safe and protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse.” and requested that all members read and adhere to the policy.

Congratulations Dubbo Golf Club. May other clubs follow your fantastic example.

Margaret McDonald

WINTER Golf PackaGE $250 per night for 2 people includes daily: Breakfast, Accommodation, $50 credit towards dinner, 18 holes* *Offer based on 2 persons per room in a standard room. Minimum 2 night stay, mid-week only. Valid 1st June to 31st August 2017.

For bookings at these exclusive rates quote Inside Golf

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

ARTHUR STREET MOSS VALE | P: (02) 4868 1811 | e: mail@mossvalegolfclub.com.au | www.mossvalegolfclub.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

65

demo dates PING

Location

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

New South Wales / ACT Tuesday Killara Golf Club ≠ * The Australian Golf Club ≠ * Wednesday Roseville Golf Club ≠ * Thursday The Lakes Golf Club ≠ * Friday Oatlands Golf Club ≠ * Monday Tuesday Thornleigh Golf Centre ≠ * Monash Country Club ≠ * Wednesday Drummond Camperdown ≠ * Thursday Bayview Golf Club ≠ * Friday Cabramatta Golf Club ≠ * Monday Tuesday Queanbeyan Golf Club ≠ * Royal Canberra ≠ * Wednesday Drummond Fyshwick ≠ * Wednesday Yowani Country Club ≠ * Thursday Federal Golf Club ≠ * Friday Monday Marrickville Golf Club ≠ * Pennant Hills Golf Club ≠ * Tuesday The Ridge Golf Course & Driving Range ≠ * Tuesday North Ryde Golf Club ≠ * Wednesday Cumberland Country Club ≠ * Thursday Concord Golf Club ≠ * Friday Maitland Golf Club ≠ * Tuesday Belmont Golf Club ≠ * Wednesday Merewether Golf Club ≠ * Thursday Queensland Carbrook Golf Club ≠ * Tuesday Victoria Park Golf Complex ° * Tuesday Wednesday Bribie Island Golf Club ≠ * Burleigh Golf Club ≠ * Wednesday Sanctuary Cove ≠ * Thursday Wantima Golf Club ° * Friday House of Golf Bundall ≠ * Friday Wednesday Headland Golf Club ° * House of Golf Coffs Harbour ≠ * Wednesday Thursday Drummond Golf Underwood ≠ * Coffs Harbour Golf Club ≠ * Thursday Virginia Golf Club ° * Friday Coolongatta Tweed Heads Golf Club ≠ * Friday Parkwood Golf Club ≠ * Wednesday Mcleod Country Golf Club ≠ * Thursday Drummond Golf Ashmore ≠ * Thursday Nudgee Golf Club ≠ * Friday Noosa Golf Club ° Tuesday 12.30pm Surfers Paradise Golf Club ≠ * Tuesday Oxley Golf Club ≠ * Wednesday Drummond Golf West Burleigh ≠ * Wednesday Golf Central Driving Range ≠ * Thursday Maroochy River Golf Club ° Friday Palm Meadows Driving Range ° Friday Bargara Golf Club ≠ * Wednesday Bundaberg Golf Club ≠ * Wednesday Windaroo Golf Club ≠ * Wednesday Royal Queensland Golf Club ≠ * Thursday Gladstone Golf Club ≠ * Thursday Victoria Wednesday Cranbourne Golf Club ≠ * Melbourne Golf Academy ° Wednesday Wednesday Drummond Golf Frankston ≠ * The Rosanna GC ≠ * Thursday Drummond Golf Carnegie ≠ * Friday Patterson River Golf Club ≠ * Friday Barwon Heads Golf Club ≠ * Saturday Morack Driving Range ≠ * Wednesday Kingston Heath GC ≠ * Wednesday Yarra Bend Driving Range ° Thursday Drummond Golf Dandenong ≠ * Thursday Drummond Golf Hoppers Crossing ≠ * Friday Warragul Country Club ≠ * Tuesday Wednesday Kingswood Golf Club ≠ * Metropolitan GC ≠ * Wednesday Drummond Golf Burwood ≠ * Thursday Commonwealth Golf Club ≠ * Thursday Drummond Golf Mitcham ≠ * Friday Portarlington Golf Club ≠ * Friday Spring Valley Golf Club ≠ * Wednesday Green Acres Golf Club ≠ * Friday Victoria Golf Club ≠ * Thursday Albert Park Driving Range ≠ * Friday 66

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Date Time

August 01 1 - 5pm August 02 9am - 2pm August 03 9am - 1pm August 04 9am - 2pm August 07 1 - 4pm August 08 2 - 7pm August 09 11am - 4pm August 10 4 - 7pm August 11 9am - 3pm August 14 1 - 4pm August 15 1 - 5pm August 16 9am - 1pm August 16 3.30 - 5.30pm August 17 9am - 1pm August 18 8am - 12pm August 21 1 - 4pm August 22 8am - 2pm August 22 4 - 7pm August 23 7am - 12pm August 24 12 - 4pm August 25 12 - 5pm August 29 11am - 4pm August 30 9am - 1pm August 31 1 - 4.30pm August 01 10am - 2pm August 01 6 - 8pm August 02 10.30 - 2.30pm August 02 1 - 5pm August 03 1 - 5pm August 04 12 - 4pm August 04 1 - 5pm August 09 10.30am - 2.30pm August 09 3 - 6pm August 10 1 - 5pm August 10 9am - 2pm August 11 1- 5pm August 11 2 - 5pm August 16 3 - 5pm August 17 10am - 1pm August 17 1 - 5pm August 19 12 - 4pm August 18 9.30am August 22 2 - 5pm August 23 10am - 2pm August 23 1 - 5pm August 24 2 - 6.30pm August 25 2 - 5pm August 25 1 - 5pm August 30 10am - 1pm August 30 2 - 5pm August 30 2.30 - 5pm August 31 1 - 5pm August 31 8am - 11am August 02 10am - 2pm August 02 4 - 7pm August 02 1 - 5pm August 03 10am - 4pm August 04 2 - 6pm August 04 10am - 3pm August 05 10am - 2pm August 09 3 - 6pm August 09 10am - 2pm August 10 4 - 7pm August 10 1 - 5pm August 11 12 - 4pm August 15 2 - 6pm August 16 10am - 2pm August 16 10am - 2pm August 17 12 - 4pm August 17 10am - 2pm August 18 3 - 7pm August 18 9am - 3pm August 23 10am - 2pm August 25 1 - 5pm August 31 9am - 2pm August 31 4 - 8pm

PING

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

Location

Western Australia Hartfield Golf Club ≠ * Lakelands Golf Club ≠ * Wanneroo Golf Club ≠ * Gosnells Golf Club ≠ * Mt Lawley Golf Club ≠ * Royal Fremantle Golf Club ≠ * Joondalup Golf Club ≠ * South Australia Sandy creek Golf Club ≠ * Alice Springs Golf Club ≠ * Grange Golf Club ≠ * Tanunda Pines ≠ *

CALLAWAY

Location

Day

Date Time

Thursday Friday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday

August 10 August 11 August 16 August 17 August 23 August 24 August 30

9.30am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 9.30am - 1.30pm 10am - 1pm 9.30am - 1.30pm 9.30am - 1.30pm 10am - 1pm

Saturday Saturday Wednesday Saturday

August 05 August 12 August 16 August 26

11am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 1.30pm 10am - 2pm

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

New South Wales / ACT Pennant Hills Golf Club Ltd √ ** Liverpool Golf Club √ / ≠ Thornleigh Golf Centre Pty Ltd √ The Australian Golf Club Ltd √ ** Queensland Noosa Golf Club Pro Shop Windaroo Lakes √ Victoria Huntingdale Golf Club √ ** Melbourne Golf Academy Pty Ltd ≠ Queens Park Golf Centre √ * Anglesea Golf Club √ * ** Barwon Heads Golf Club √ *

MIZUNO

Location

New South Wales / ACT Thornleigh Golf Centre * The Ridge Driving Range * Castle Hill Country Club * ** Monash Country Club * ** Drummond Taren Point * Morisset Golf Club * Mudgee GC * Bathurst GC * Dubbo GC * Wentworth GC - Orange * Golf Exchange Nowra * Moore Park GC * Royal Sydney GC * ** Liverpool GC * Toronto Golf Club * Queensland Golf King Mackay * Royal Queensland * Victoria Metropolitan GC * ** Centenary Park GC * HOG Mentone * HOG Flinders Street * Sunshine GC * Kingston Heath GC * ** Drummond Golf City * Western Australia Wembley * Sea View * Marangaroo * Carramar * Fremantle Public * South Australia House of Golf Adelaide * Glenelg *

Day

Date Time

Tuesday Thursday Thursday Wednesday

August 01 9am - 1pm August 03 8am - 12pm August 10 2 - 7pm August 16 9am - 1pm

Tuesday Wednesday

August 01 9.30am - 12pm August 09 2.30 - 5pm

Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

August 02 August 02 August 17 August 18 August 19

10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm mizuno.com.au

Day

Date Time

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

August 01 4 - 7pm August 02 4 - 7pm August 16 9am - 1pm August 16 11am - 4pm August 17 2 - 7pm August 18 12 - 4pm August 21 11am - 3pm August 22 11am - 4pm August 23 8 - 11.30am August 24 11am - 3pm August 25 11am - 4pm August 29 4 - 7pm August 30 10am - 2pm August 31 9am - 1pm August 31 12.30 - 4.30pm

Friday Thursday

August 25 12 - 5pm August 31 2 - 5pm

Thursday Friday Saturday Thursday Thursday Wednesday Thursday

August 17 10am - 2pm August 18 10am - 2pm August 19 12 - 4pm August 24 10am - 3pm August 24 10am - 3pm August 30 10am - 2am August 31 12 - 6pm

Wednesday Friday Saturday Sunday Saturday

August 16 4 - 8pm August 18 9am - 1pm August 19 10am - 2pm August 20 10am - 2pm August 26 12 - 4pm

Thursday Thursday

August 17 12 - 7pm August 24 9am - 1pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. °Ping Demo day. ◊ Ping Fitting. ≠ Callaway Demo Day. √ Callaway Fitting.

Dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending.

golf directory

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

per person

$250

From the inventors oF the CaddyraCk

GET ORGANISED WITH

Patented Softgrip Technology

1300 738 557

www.kahmagolf.com

InsideGolf

AustrAliA’s Most reAd Golf MAGAzine

$100 GolFErS DEAl • 2 nights accommodation • Free transfers from Coffs Harbour Airport • Free transfers to and from the golf course of your choice • 1 main meal per golfer • 1 complimentary schooner per golfer on arrival • Max 16 golfers

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

51-55 First Avenue Sawtell 2452 | 02 6653 1213 E: info@sawtellhotel.com | W: www.sawtellhotel.com

STAY & PLAY

at Loxton Hotel one of SA’s great country pubs! at Loxton, acclaimed as one of SA’s best regional courses!

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

• Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25 • Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale • Fully Licensed Clubhouse • Social Clubs & Corporate Days • No JoiNiNg Fees

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

Visitors pay only $25 to play in our competitions (Wed, Sat & Sun)

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah (only 20 minutes from the Coast) admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

Ph: (07) 5494 0630 Golf Shop (07) 5494 6611 For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

67

golf directory

GOLF CLOTHING FACTORY OUTLET

ITEMS fROM $10

NEW ARRIVALS

- Nancy Lopez - Jo fit - Greg Norman - Dwyers Shorts - Sporte

SOME CLOTHING ExCLUSIONS APPLY GOLf CLOTHING fACTORY OUTLET

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

Read Inside Golf FREE on iPads

Aus trA liA’ s

> FATH

ER’S DAY Top gol FAVES for DaD f gifTs

Plus, our unique Golf Map is updated each month with links to reviews and information about all courses featured in both the main magazine and Inside Golf Travel.

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

$555

50

PGA PREVCIEHWAMWhPoIOWillNSHIP rei Quail hollo gn at PLU W?

RS! e STE tim MA g THE ellin TO in trav rs LK WA e hou Sav

$50 per night including cooked breakfast (twin share) week days only ...minimum group of 10.

Rounds of golf not included

*WINTER SPECIAL*

• 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)

68

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

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Email: lemontreepassagemotel@idl.net.au

CONNECTIO N

http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD

120

$

Conditions apply

Other packages alsO available

S

THE AUSSIE

Download it today from the App store (search Inside Golf Magazine), or scan the QR Code. Alternately, get the link from our website or at http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD

P/P Twin Share

Play • Horizons • Kooindah Waters (Wyong) • Pacific Dunes • Cypress Lakes • Nelson Bay • Tanilba Bay • Hawks Nest • The Vintage • Newcastle • Muree Golf Club

WINive!

a mass’s Father Day sporte prize Leisure pack

FREE

Crossword Answers All golfers stay for

WIN

A mA !

GoYA lf hA Valu CAr $11,2 ed at

> TRAV

EL LIFT gol of The fiNg Trea -OUT huNTer sures porT sTepheNValley, s aND NewcasT le

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day FROM

FROM

$485

MAG Azin e

NelsoN THE MON Back! Bay surg TH es

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

Gol f

> CLUB OF

If you love your monthly fix of Inside Golf, but can’t always get your copy before they’re all snapped up, then we’ve got some great news: our new and improved Inside Golf Digital iPad app is now available on the App Store... and it’s absolutely FREE. Now, not only can you view current and back issues of your favourite golf magazine for free every month, but our new app includes the latest and breaking news across a variety of categories, tips and instruction, gear reviews, quizzes, puzzles, social media and more.

Mos t-R ead

Issue 145 // AuGus www.i t 2017 nsideG olf.co M.Au

S L A M M E D B R O O K S

U S T M I R A R E A R P P R Y E A N F F O I X

For advertising call 1300 465 300

P E C G O L K O G W I S O T

N D U F N M E R N S E A V D H O H U C O U R C Y T H

S O A P R S L

T R A C K F O V I L L O W E R S O L R N R A R A K E I G R D A N I E L A A E F R A S E R H R E E I Z O N T A L D W T A E I N L E T K N E E I N G E R E D

golf directory pp $215 From share n i tw week mid

Benalla Golf Club

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

US MASTERS 2018 FROM

2,590

Clearwater Noosa

US$

2 NIGHTS 1 Day at Masters 3 NIGHTS 2 Days at Masters 6 NIGHTS 4 Days at Masters AMEN TOUR 2 Days at Masters Days MAGNOLIA TOUR 3-4at Masters

2,590 US$ 4,490 US$ 8,790 US$ 6,290 US$ 9,490 US$

Your choice of resort and club courses.

• Noosa Springs • Twin Waters • Pelican Waters • Palmer Coolum • Mt Coolum • Noosa Golf Club • Maroochy River • Headland • Caloundra • Peregian Springs Some conditions apply

• MASTERS BADGES • HOTEL • MERCHANDISE • PLAY TORREY PINES, AVIARA, FORREST HILLS & WOODSIDE PLANTATION • EXPERIENCED MASTERS TOUR REPS

We offer a one stop shop for your Golf Vacation. No matter what size group, small or large, or your duration of stay we will tailor make your program to suit.

We will organise transfers, rental cars or vans and for larger groups buses.

Just a short iron to some of Noosa’s favourite restaurants and cafés.

Prices twin share and valid at the time of publication

WWW.THEFANATICS.COM | 1300 326 284 For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | August 2017

69

golf directory

Port Stephens Golfing Holidays Golf & Accommodation from only $70 per day 9 16 Golf courses including Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others 9 Play any day & with any number of people 9 Golf & accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts

For nine and 18 holes - $18 weekdays - $22 weekends and public holidays*

www.facebook.com/golfpsgh

T: 02 4984 9618 | M: 0428 820 477 | info@psgh.com.au | www.psgh.com.au

ORANGE GOLF & STAY PACKAGE $255pp

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

For more information, pricing and to order Phone 1300 852 433 or visit our website Patent # 7374839

PW - 4 iron stainless steel shafts $499 PW - 4 iron graphite shafts $549

NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA 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?

JOIN THE MOVE TO MILFORD SINGLE LENGTH IRONS

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 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.

SIMPLE SYSTEM THAT WORKS 70

August 2017 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.batteryreviver.com.au

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

Optima Xtra Soft Feel Balls XSF Model Individually Boxed Great for Ball Comps

$180 for 144 Individually Boxed Balls

$16

Laser Range Finder Callaway 200

Pin Acquisition Technology 6x Magnification +/- 1 Metre Accuracy $329 Blue Only

Dozen

Urethane Cover Normally Red Box

BRAND NEW

FOR 48 BALLS

White or Yellow Balls

14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Tube Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket Black/Charcoal $399 Black or Black/Red

4.5kg

Model)

Low Compression (Superceded Model) Durable Cover

Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

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

Srixon Blade Irons Z945 Forged Heads (2016) 3 - PW (8) Dynamic Gold $1100 Shafts Stiff S300 Regular R300 Right Hand Only

$749

$17

Individually Boxed Doz

Black/Brown Black/Blue Black/Silver

Bridgestone Sand Wedge West Coast Design 56° Loft Zip Grooves Wedge Flex Only Right Hand

$69

Cleveland 588 Altitude

Hybrid/Irons (not Hybrids) Regular Flex $79 Graphite Shafts 3 - 19º Loft 4 - 21º Loft Right Hand EACH Only

$39

3.0 Thickness

$150 $25

16 Dozen Lady Pinnacle (Superceded)

Soft Feel Durable Cover Sleeves (not individual)

White Balls Individually Boxed Great for Ball Competitions

$18 $176 Dozen

LESS THAN $1 A BALL

FOR 192 BALLS

Callaway Apex Forged Irons (Superceded)

$1050 Right Hand

Tour Velvet Full Cord Golf Pride White Mens 10 grips for

Black/Grey, Black/Green, or Straight Black

$249

$189

14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Hole Cooler Pocket

Srixon Glove Deals

2017 Model

$49EA

Cleveland RTX 2.0 56° -14 Bounce Tour Satin Wedge Flex $69 TaylorMade left Hand ATV 56° Original Model $50

$180 for 144 Individually Boxed Balls

Srixon Z-Star or Z-Star XV Gold or Silver Box Urethane Cover Tour Ball White Balls

$38 Dozen

Srixon Soft Feel

Individually Boxed

$28 dozen

Ping G30 Driver Sale Heads Right Hand 9°, 10.5° $499 & 12° Draw (SFT) Shafts - Regular, Stiff, Ladies & Soft Regular (Seniors) Left Hand 9° Regular or Stiff Only

$349

Includes Cover & Wrench

Ball Specials Callaway Hex Diablo Superceded Sleeves Srixon Soft Feel Individually Boxed TaylorMade AeroBurner 3 Piece Tough Cover Pinnacle Gold Lady Individually Boxed Precept Laddie X Mens Individually Boxed

$18 DOZ $28 DOZ $24 DOZ $12 DOZ $15 DOZ

Titleist Pro VI (2015) or Pro VIX (2015) - instore only TaylorMade Project (a) Superceded Urethane

$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

$23 DOZ $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 $792 FOR 432 Srixon Q-Star Individually Boxed Srixon Q-Star Individually Boxed $276 FOR 144 $204 FOR 144 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

$33 DOZ Z-Star Yellow Superceded (2015) Gold Box Callaway Super Soft Superceded Individually $150 FOR 72 TaylorMade Tour Preferred or X (2016) Urethane

(2016 Model)

$39 Cleveland 588TT 55° Graphite $39

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

Callaway Hex Chrome - Yellow Urethane Cover

Sand Wedge Sale Srixon Distance Balls

Callaway XR 54° Graphite Mens or Ladies

$699

$50

Eagles & Birdies Stableford 3.5kg

Callaway X-Hot N14 54°

Mid Cavity 4 - PW (7 Irons) KBS Tour V 110 Stiff Flex Shafts

$30

Grips (not fitted)

10 grips for

Callaway Hex Diablo Balls

$599

www.thegolffactory.com.au

TO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUBS

Superstroke Putter Junior Grips Callaway Super Great for cut down clubs Grip (Blue Only) Soft Balls Individually Boxed

$325

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

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

New Loose (not boxed) TaylorMade Callaway Chrome Burner Soft Balls Soft Superceded (2015)

$269 $115

Eagles & Birdies Magnetic Pro (2016

ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE

$16 DOZEN

TaylorMade Cart Bag

Left Hand Only Specials

All Weather

CABRETTA Leather

Callaway XR Irons 4 - SW (8) Regular Steel $649 SET

Mens Left S, M, M-L, L, XL Mens Right M, M-L 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

Cleveland RTX 2.0 Wedges 46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, $59 EA 56°, 58°, 60° & 64° All Matching Tour Satin Ping G30 Fairway 18° Regular or 14.5° Stiff + Cover $149 EA Callaway XR Irons 5 - PW (6) Regular Flex Graphite $569 SET Ping G30 Hybrid 3 19° Regular or Stiff + Cover $129 Ping Putter Nome TR Straight (Face Balanced) + Cover $149

Black/Blue, Grey/Green, Black/Red $199 or Black/Charcoal 14 Dividers (Full Length) Oversize Putter Holder Current Model Cooler Pocket

Callaway Left Hand Adjustable Sale

Cleveland Fairway Wood Sale

Callaway Super Soft Pink Balls

Great Big Bertha 2015 Driver 10.5º Loft Kurokage 50grm $559 Regular Shaft Includes Wrench & Cover

Classic XL Right 3 15.5° Regular or Stiff

$89 EA

Classic XL Right 5 18° Regular + Cover

$89

Classic XL Left 3 15.5° Regular + Cover

$89

Launcher FL Ladies 3 15°, 5 19°, 7 22°

$79 EA

White or Black 5 Left Hand FOR

$40

FOR

$7 Postage Anywhere in Australia

$259

$42

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

(Including Cover)

Launcher DST Right 5 19° Regular Mens + Cover $79

$151

Suitable for Men or Ladies Low Compression Durable Cover Superceded Model

$19 $30

DOZEN

Iconic versatility with modern power.

We took our most successful fairway wood of all time and made it even more versatile and powerful.

Combining a re-contoured Hawkeye Sole, carbon fiber crown and supercharged Face Cup technology, Steelhead XR maximizes ball speed from any surface.

With Steelhead XR, every lie looks perfect.

CALLAWAYGOLF.COM.AU