Inside Golf December 2017

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Issue 149 // DECEMBER 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

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

5

starters box

LINKS HOPE ISLAND

The cart before the course Richard Fellner

richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

I

n February, I wrote about how golf is predominantly a game of “No”, with golfers commonly hearing phrases like “No, you can’t wear those types of socks/shoes/ shorts/shirts”, “No, women (or juniors) can’t be on the course this day of the week”, “No, you can’t check email on your phone while in the clubhouse”, “No, you can’t play unless you have an official handicap” and “No, you can’t use your own buggy, you must hire one from us.”

That last one, referring to bringing your own cart to the course, has been an increasingly contentious point in Australian golf, with some clubs/ courses banning the use of personal golf carts/buggies, and thereby forcing golfers to hire the equipment from the club itself.

Recently, this policy at one club resulted in what can only be described as a ludicrous situation.

Last month, Inside Golf reader, Garry Beattie, won a brand-new Yamaha Golf Cart via an Inside Golf competition. Garry, an avid Inside Golf reader, was understandably thrilled to win the massive prize.

That is, until he rocked up to his club, Cronulla GC, and was informed that

he couldn’t use or store his own golf cart at the course! (Oh, the irony!)

To be fair, I can’t put undue blame on the club for their decision, as storage issues and Club Professional arrangements may be in place, but this policy isn’t unique to Cronulla.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve received a heap of emails/letters and phone calls about other clubs putting similar bans in place.

Clubs will often cite “personal liability” concerns in regards to this decision, and how they “aren’t covered if a golfer causes damage via their own cart”. But as we all know, by holding a Golf Australia handicap, golfers ARE COVERED for personal liability and damages – whether carrying their clubs, pushing a motorised buggy or riding in a golf cart (their own or the club’s) .

So this “coverage” argument really only applies to, perhaps, the purely social golfer who doesn’t have a GA handicap. But to be honest, I imagine there aren’t many social golfers out there who own a $10,000 golf cart but won’t fork out $100 per year for a GA-approved social handicap. (But I could be wrong.)

I think the REAL issue here (as it is with most things) is the almighty dollar. Clubs simply don’t want to miss out on pro shop/rental revenue.

And I sympathise with them – the club/course IS a business. But in many

cases, these same clubs are then offering Groupon/Scoopon deals where the cart (and sometimes lunch and a beer) is all included, free of charge. Go figure!

Now, I understand that clubs have every right to run their operations however they like. But let’s get real here. It’s well documented that the golf industry is under significant pressure. The last thing we need to do is alienate golfers even more than they are already. Like I said in February...we need less “no” and a whole lot more “yes.”

The alternative, it seems, would drive more golfers away.

For more on this growing issue, see the related story on page 24 this month.

See you on the fairways (or the cart path...),

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

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Maiden victory for Marchesani Australia’s James Marchesani sank a pressure-packed six-foot birdie putt on the final hole to win the first title of his pro career at the PGA TOUR-China’s Clearwater Bay Open in Hong Kong.

Rookie Professional Blake Proverbs fired a 7-under-par 64 to claim the 2017 Southport Proam, a breakthrough victory on the Ladbrokes PGA Pro-Am Series.

Marchesani, who started the day 4-under as one of three co-leaders, shot a 3-underpar 67 at Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club for a 7-under total of 273 and a one-stroke victory over playing partner England’s Callum Tarren.

Proverbs played near-flawless golf around the difficult Southport layout to win by two shots from professional Ewan Porter, who fired a 5-under-par 66 to finish in outright second place.

Marchesani spent much of the day trailing Tarren. The round truly became a battle of two 27-year-olds looking for their breakthrough wins as pros, with the Australian snaring an eagle on the par5 15th and a birdie on the par-5 18th to eventually triumph.

“It’s fantastic to get my first Pro-Am win, especially here at Southport”, said Brisbane-based Proverbs. “This will give me a boost of confidence heading into the bigger events at the end of the year”.

“It’s been a long week but a very good one, and I’m very pleased to notch that first win,” said Marchesani, who tied for second in August at the PGA Tour of Australia’s Fiji International.

“I’ve had a couple of close looks at other James Marchesani (photo: PGA TOUR-China/Zhuang Liu) tournaments, but the game was feeling Marchesani is the event’s second successive Australian good coming into this week, and now I’ve come to the top. It was a good battle on the back, and Callum winner. He said a few tips from inaugural champion Daniel Nisbet may have helped—and he may even certainly pushed me to get that win.”

With the win, Marchesani took home RMB270,000 first follow his compatriot’s lead in playing across two tours prize (approximately $54,000 AUD) and earned starts after his victory earned him full membership on next in the first three tournaments of the 2018 Mackenzie year’s PGA TOUR-China.

Tour – PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR Latinoamerica schedules.

Proverbs sensational at Southport

Australia’s Chris Wood and New Zealand’s Fraser Wilkin tied for fourth at 3-under.

“The course is tight, you’ve got to keep the ball in play off the tee. My strategy was to hit a lot of 3 woods and 3 irons off the tee, I managed to stick to my game plan and it certainly has paid off”.

Proverbs’ round included nine birdies coming at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th and 9th with just one bogey coming at the par-4, 3rd hole to close out the front-9 in 32. Further birdies followed on the 10th, 11th, 12th and 17th holes, with just one

bogey on the par-4, 15th hole which threatened to derail his round to close the back-9 in 32.

Finishing in a tie for third position was the in-form Daniel McGraw and Scott Arnold who both shot rounds of 3-under par 68.

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

PGA and GA announce joint venture The Professional Golfers Association of Australia (PGA) and Golf Australia (GA) last month announced the commencement of a new initiative to reduce duplication between the bodies and improve efficiencies around operations.

Scrivener streaks away to win NSW Open

The new JV will commence operating in the first quarter of 2018 and will help to ensure that there is a more seamless delivery of events and greater clarity around communication.

“We know there’s duplication in some areas of our operations and we’re keen to keep addressing and improving on those things.

“Both organisations have a number of staff in these areas and this is about bringing them more closely together to get the best output, make golf more visible and have the best events possible.”

GA Chair John Hopkins echoed those sentiments and said the bodies had made a concerted effort to be as cohesive as possible for the benefit of the game.

“The role of both organisations is to make the game stronger and a united voice, approach and vision for the game is really important.

“A number of bodies in Australian golf over the past few years have made a concerted effort to work together to reduce fragmentation within the industry and we see this JV between PGA and GA being an important step in that process,” Hopkins said.

Jason Scrivener (Photo: PGA of Australia)

Jason Scrivener has broken through for his first professional victory after pulling away from the field in the 2017 NSW Open at Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club.

Scrivener teed off in the final group of the day with a one-shot lead over Victorian Lucas Herbert and Queenslander Daniel Nisbet but streaked away to win easily by seven shots after a round of 6-under par 65. He finished the tournament 24-under the card.

It’s a landmark win for the 28-year-old who has been on the verge of his first professional win in the past; he’s had three top-5 finishes on the tough European Tour this year alone, including a fourth place finish in the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth.

The West Australian said the win gives him confidence in getting the job done

The popular Catalina PGA Legends Pro Am event was once again a big hit at Catalina Country Club, as the Ladbrokes PGA Legends Tour finished its South Coast swing in October.

should he find himself in this position again.

“I’ve come close before and just haven’t got across the line; it’s just nice to play that well under pressure so I’ll definitely put that in the memory bank.

“I’m stoked. I’ve been working really hard the last few years and been patient with everything I’ve done,” he said.

Herbert finished in outright second, signing off with a birdie on the 18th to be 18-under the card. 2015 NSW Open Champion Ben Eccles (VIC) was outright third on 16-under. Chris Crabtree (QLD) and Blake Windred (NSW) rounded out the top-5.

For his win, Scrivener picked up $72,000.00 and moved to 5th on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.

The big hitting Queenslander was very complimentary of the course.

“These are some of the best greens we have putted on all year,” Burns said.

“I would play here all the time if I could, I just love the place and the club should be very proud of the quality golf course they have here in Batemans Bay.” Overnight co-leader Greg Carroll finished in a tie for second place at 3-under par following an even-par 72 in round two. He was joined by Robert Willis who shot consistent rounds of 70 and 71 to secure his best finish on the Tour to date.

In a rare event at a tournament, two professionals scored holes-in-one with Victoria’s Bryan Wearne acing the 7th hole, while the great Peter Senior also added a ‘1’ to his scorecard on the 11th hole on Thursday.

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Burns scorches the field at Catalina

Queensland’s Professional Brad Burns saved his best round for the second and final day, shooting a tournament-low 5-under-par 67 to street away from the overnight leaders and claim the winner’s cheque with a 7-under par total.

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With a quality field of over 70 professionals including the likes of Tim Elliott, Peter Senior, Rodger Davis and Michael Harwood contesting the $25,000 in prize money, event sponsors and local amateurs needed no encouragement to participate in the Pro Am that was held on day one of the two-day tournament.

Following on from the success of the MyGolf Joint Venture (JV) between the bodies, GA and PGA are commencing a new JV that will include media services and tournament delivery.

“GA and PGA have been working together for a number of years on MyGolf plus other collaborative programs such as Community Instructor, Inclusion and Golf and Club Support and that cooperation has yielded really good results and growth, so we see this as an extension of that process,” PGA Chair Peter O’Malley said.

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CLUB NEWS

CLUB NEWS

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Dam that’s good, Keperra Cromer helps local charities share over $35,000

Keperra CGC is about to double its storage water capacity.

NOW, this is a dam.

One of Brisbane’s finest golfing facilities, Keperra Country Golf Club, is about to double its water storage capacity courtesy of a new 30-megalitre dam.

The club will outlay $1.3 million on the dam, positioned between the 16th and 21st holes, and a new satellitecontrolled irrigation system.

General manager Gavin Lawrence said the dam would significantly improve the club’s “water harvesting” ability.

“This is potentially a game-changer for the club,” he said.

“Our ability to irrigate more consistently will be dramatically improved and ensure better utilisation of water.

“The new irrigation systems will allow us to put in additional sprinklers that will enable us to irrigate parts of the golf courses that currently don’t get watered.

“We anticipate our ability to lift our presentation on a year-round basis will be improved dramatically.

“What is particularly pleasing is that we are delivering these major projects from cash reserves that have

been accumulated over the past five years.”

The dam is definitely going to add to the challenge of holes 16 and 21.

More thought will be required from the tee box on the 397m par-4 16th hole (index 5).

Most golf balls hit left off the tee will find a watery grave.

Meanwhile, the 353m 21st hole will offer golfers a brand-new experience.

Water now comes into play left of the tee all the way to the green so it’s going to be fun to watch how players of all levels tackle the hole.

“The 21st hole will play dramatically different,” Lawrence said. “It will be a player’s choice to work out what line they wish to take off the tee.

“The more aggressive line they take will mean the second shot becomes friendlier. If you pick the wrong line, it will mean hitting over water to the green bunkers and water left.

“This hole is going to be a classic riskand-reward hole.”

It’s expected work on the dam will be completed later this month.

Get fit today

Left to right: Cr Rory Amon, Stewart House CEO Mr Graeme Philpotts, The Burdekin Association CEO Mrs Justene Gordon and Cromer Golf Club Vice President Mr David Gilmour.

Cromer Golf Club has raised more than $35,000 during their annual Charity Golf Day. Local charities Stewart House and The Burdekin Association are the two local charities to benefit, having been nominated by the Cromer Golf Club members and Board of Directors as charities doing wonderful things in the local community.

Recently elected Narrabeen Ward Councillor and advisor to Federal Member for Mackellar Mr Jason Falinski MP, Cr Rory Amon was on hand to present Stewart House CEO Mr Graeme Philpotts and The Burdekin Association CEO Mrs Justene Gordon with cheques totalling $35,637.

Cromer Golf Club Vice President David Gilmour was delighted with the support of members, guests and corporate sponsors who contributed to such a successful event.

According to Stewart House CEO Mr Philpotts: “This donation will enable quality care for around 1800 children. With support such as this, we will confidently meet the future needs of children from public schools across NSW and the ACT.”

“Cromer Golf Club members have always been extremely generous in their support of worthy causes; and this result demonstrates our commitment to helping those who help others”.

Cromer Golf Club has now donated more than $900,000 to local charities through annual golf events, whilst also supporting local fundraising activities through various donations throughout the year.

Another club battles council THE battle to keep some golf clubs in Sydney afloat continues unabated – particularly on the north shore.

Following the well-documented battle that Warringah Golf Club has been struggling to keep the developers at bay, comes news that Gordon Golf Club has also been caught up in a battle with Ku-ring-gai Council.

General manager Gordon Braid has accused the council of trying to wrap up the club’s lease early so that the land could be developed.

Accusation of unpaid rent, he says, are completely false.

“We are completely sound and confident the club does not owe money as we have done our own review,” said Braid.

It seems the club’s lease is until 2023 and after that, well it could face a similar battle to Warringah to keep the council and developers at bay.

turn to page 97 for a complete list of fitting days this month

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Champs all class at Murrumbidgee Murrumbidgee golf club, a par-72 course with a scratch rating of 74, recently concluded its 2017 club championships. A field of some 180 players participated in the four-day event.

In the battle for the overall club champion, perennial winner Aaron Shearing once again showed his class. Playing off a +1 handicap he finished 14 strokes ahead of his nearest rival to claim the championship for the sixth time. There were some interesting results in the remaining grades, none more so than the C grade champion, Chandy Paul, playing off a handicap of 21, with scores of 69, 66, 60 and 71 shooting a record 22-under-par. Other notable winners were Mark Gagulic , B grade champion, Ross Lee, senior champion and Karl Meehan, the junior champion.

Tasmania is above par Tasmania has a long and rich golfing history, with some suggesting it has Australia’s oldest course in Ratho Farm at Bothwell, but what this history truly shows us is that planting seeds in the golfing landscape, bears fruit through the ages, as Tasmania has one of the highest participation rates in golf in the country. The Golf Australia initiative ‘Golf Month’ saw 43 of Tasmania’s 68 clubs participate and that percentage (64%) was higher than any other state in Australia.

Golf is going through some changes as it adapts to the modern time-starved world and Tasmania is not falling behind; far from it. Innovation is ripe in the island state. Clubs have reported great engagement from families of members, dads and mums bringing their children and friends to play, some for the first time, others returning to the game. Many clubs are looking at innovative new membership models and moving away from the ‘one size fits all’ models of yesteryear. Golfers want flexibility in their membership options and some clubs in Tasmania are delivering it with success.

The Swing Fit program is another National initiative from Golf Australia, designed for women with little to no experience in the game, it has also been a success in Tasmania particularly at clubs like Kingston Beach. Of course, some clubs in Tasmania are struggling and having to sell land and reinvent themselves, but on the whole Tasmania is in a healthy place.

Tee off on Ladies Day IT’S Ladies Day at Noosa Springs on Tuesday, December 12 – the last in a series of three events for women to showcase their skills on one of Queensland’s finest golf courses.

As usual, the 18-hole stableford competition will be followed by a gourmet champagne lunch, fashion parade and presentations.

The cost, including lunch, is $99 ($39 for members) and players will receive a $20 discount voucher for any Spa Package.

Ladies who play in two of the three events will be in the running for a two-night Noosa Springs holiday, including breakfast, two rounds of golf and thermal suite package.

The prize will be drawn after the round on December 12.

Book by phoning the golf shop on 5440-3333.

Visiting ladies can take advantage of a special accommodation offer – two nights in a luxury two-bedroom apartment, plus breakfast from as little as $130 a night.

9

CLUB NEWS

Cottesloe raises record funds

Curtis Luck at CGC Women’s Charity Day.

Cottesloe Golf Club in Swanbourne, Western Australia recently completed their annual Charity Fund raising days. The club, which was formed in 1908 have had a continuously running charity day since 1921.

shot on the 1st for $5. There were at least four Eagles scored on this hole, with a boost from the club’s young champions who are always happy to help out in charitable events at the club.

The Women’s Charity Day has been a very hands-on, year-round experience for women members with diversified contribution and participation from members and a hard-working year-round committee and with significant funds raised for a range of local charities.

Not to be outdone, the Cottesloe male members achieved record funds during their own Charitable Fund Raising Day at the club.

In 2017, which culminated on Women’s Charity Day Wednesday 11 October, $34,000 was raised for charitable beneficiaries including Manna, Holyoake, Claremont Therapeutic Riding Centre, Voiceworks, and Stirling Women’s Centre.

Cottesloe members Kiran Day and rookie professional Curtis Luck were offering a tee

Kids are free at Noosa Springs KIDS aged under 17 have long been able to play for free at Noosa Springs provided they tee off after 3pm and are accompanied by a fee-paying adult.

But the incentive to get youngsters into golf is even stronger during the upcoming school holidays when Noosa Springs extends its “kids play free” offer to cover any time of the day.

The 2017 Neometals Charity Golf Day was conducted on 27th October. Funds are raised by various sponsorships and participation in the golf day together with a significant Charity Auction at Dinner with items donated by members and their associated business interests.

A stunning $115,000 was raised on the day, which will benefit The Esther Foundation, Passages Resource Centres, Uni Camp for Kids, and Wheelchairs For Kids.

Of course, a fee-paying adult must accompany children.

During school holidays, Noosa Springs’ teaching professionals organise clinics for kids of all ages and for all levels of experience and skill.

Weekly camps run from December 11 through until January 19. The cost is $100 for a five-day camp, or $25 for daily clinics.

Call 5440-3333 for more details.

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CLUB NEWS

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CLUB NEWS

Armidale supports community’s most vulnerable As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the mental health of Australians in the communities it serves, Regional Australia Bank recently hosted its inaugural Suicide Prevention Charity Golf Day and Dinner.

Held on Friday 13 October at Armidale Golf Club, the event was designed to both highlight awareness of mental health issues and support suicide prevention, and at the same time be uplifting, positive and inclusive.

Lucky winners of the golf competition included Col Mack, John Shuman, Craig Hyde and Gary Emery who took home the trip for four to Melbourne and a week of golf at Royal Melbourne,

Byron Bay’s shot in the arm BYRON Bay Golf Club, one of Australia’s top-100 public access courses, is going through a growth spurt.

In the past 12 months, there have been a number of changes to the clubhouse beginning with an internal refurbishment program.

Stage 1 resulted in a complete refurbishment of the dining and function facilities, which is now under the management of local cuisine masters 100 Mile Table.

Kevin Dupe, CEO Regional Australia Bank; Sue Murray, Suicide Prevention Australia; Craig Parry; and Andrew Voss.

Victoria and Commonwealth golf clubs – and with the event being supported by a variety of auctions, raffles, and Lucky Door Prizes, the event raised over $35K for Suicide Prevention Australia.

Amateur ace to win car A $16,000 Kia Picanto is up for grabs to the first amateur to ace the signature third hole during the inaugural Maleny Legends Pro-Am on December 16.

The prize for acing the 200m par-3 hole has been put up by one of the tournament sponsors, Pacific Motor Group, and eclipses the $12,000 cash prize purse being contested by the professionals who will not be eligible to win the car.

Almost 50 tour regulars have already entered to play including current Order of Merit leader Tim Elliott, Mike Harwood and Ossie Moore.

Stage 2 will see an external upgrade with further internal refurbishments in 2018.

Two firsts for Craigieburn Willmott

Meanwhile, the club is preparing for the 11th annual Legends Tour Championship from December 8-10.

THERE is a first time for everything and at Craigieburn Willmott Golf Club there have been two firsts in recent times.

Every year, the popular, awardwinning club attracts the cream of the Legends Tour crop that includes Peter Senior, Rodger Davis, Mike Harwood and others. This year Craig Parry will make his debut.

Located 30 kilometres north of Melbourne, Craigieburn Willmott GC has appointed its first female vice-president and first female life member.

They are well-known for their fresh and local produce all sourced within 100 miles.

As always, the course is looking a picture, courtesy of award-winning superintendent Shaun Cross and his award-winning assistant Garry Kunz.

In 2014, Cross was named the State Association Superintendent of the Year and National Association Excellence in Golf Course Management awards.

Kunz recently won the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent of the Year award from the Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of Queensland (GCSAQ).

Little wonder some of the best professionals in the business keep going back year-in and year-out.

Last year alone, Australia lost 2,866 people to suicide, with as many as eight people per day taking their own lives.

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-44.

Lorraine Kowalski, who joined the club in 2002, was elevated to the role of vicepresident after serving on the women’s committee for many years.

Meanwhile, the club honoured women’s captain Trish Phillips by making her the club’s first female life member.

Club president Shane Barkley said both women were tireless workers for the club.

“Lorraine is a club stalwart and popular member around the club,” he said.

“She has earned her stripes. I can’t heap enough praise on her since she became vice-president.

“Everything I have asked her to do she has ticked off.

There is an open invitation to amateurs wanting to test their skills on Saturday, December 2 when the club hosts the annual Byron Bay Open.

“She organises Friday night raffles, does the bar roster and takes over when I’m not there. I have full confidence she can run the meetings.

More than $1500 in prizes is up for grabs.

“Lorraine doesn’t take a backward step when she knows something has to be done,” Shane added.

The professionals will play in morning and afternoon fields and accompany about 50 amateurs, with shotgun starts scheduled for 7:30am and 12:30pm. There is no admission cost for spectators.

The event will showcase Maleny Golf Club’s challenging new linksstyle, nine-hole layout designed by renowned golf course architect Graham Papworth, with an additional three of the second nine holes in stage 2 expected to be in play early in 2018.

Lorraine Kowalski.

“She is also extremely competitive on the golf course winning the medal of medallists this year.”

Trish Phillips has spent 11 years on the women’s committee and has been captain for the past five years.

“Trish is never one to step back from a challenge,” Barkley said. “She sells raffle tickets and helps out around the bar when needed.

“She organises competitions, representative games against other club, does reports for the committee.”

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David Mercer Seniors Classic pro-am 2017 The day began clear and sunny for the richest one day Seniors ProAm event in Australia. A purse of $70,000 enticed some of Australia’s best senior golfers to take part in this prestigious event held at Killara Golf Club in November.

L-R Doug Thompson, Thompson Health Care with joint winners David Merriman and Peter Fowler and David Mercer.

David Merriman and Peter Fowler tied for the Honours this year, scoring 3-under.

Ian Baker-Finch with David Mercer.

Part of the PGA Legends Tour, the event is played in honour of David Mercer who has a long history with Killara Golf Club and served as the Club’s head professional from 1952-1996.

Mercer watched the field throughout the day and was thrilled to be able to attend the event in his honour.

Kwinana Cup wraps up MANDURAH Country Club’s Marty Van Eldik took out the 43rd Peel Subaru Kwinana Cup at the Kwinana Golf Club in West Australia last month.

Played over 36 holes, Van Eldik finished with a score of 148.

More than 170 players from 27 golf clubs took part in the tournament.

Champion Marty Van Eldik

Stonecutters, Northbridge win big at Twin Creeks Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club has won the TL Warren Trophy while Northbridge has taken out the W. Gibson Trophy in a thrilling day of finals at Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club.

Stonecutters were too strong for Woolooware, running out winners 2 1/2 to 1/2 in the B grade fourball matchplay competition.

It is the young club’s first pennant in its five-year history, and it left the team and supporters overjoyed with the result.

“It was a great team effort, there were no individual standouts,” Club Captain Jamie Ginns said.

In the W. Gibson C Grade final, extra holes where required before Northbridge Golf Club prevailed 2/1.

Northbridge’s James Lane and Brent Allan clinched it for the northside club on the 21st hole after being four-up through nine.

The team had a perfect 9/0 season, an achievement that Team Manager John Firkim was proud of.

“It was a great team effort,” Firkim said.

“The team was undefeated throughout the whole season; they won their quarter and semi matches 2/1.

“It was an amazing final played in Great spirits,” he added.

Celebrity Open Day at Portsea A highly regarded golfing destination with an impressive heritage spanning 90 years, Portsea Golf Club welcomes new members and visitors to its stunning coastal course.

On Sunday 21st January 2018, Portsea Golf Club is hosting a Celebrity Open Day which will include family-friendly activities,

CLUB NEWS

Catalina Classic a smash The 2017 Catalina Classic was held over the first November weekend, attracting 210 players, with nearly equal numbers of men and women for the annual three-day event. A total of 25 golf clubs were represented from NSW, the ACT, Queensland and Victoria.

The tournament has been known by a number of different names over the years with the most recent being the ‘Capital Coast’. It has been a favourite for years with many golfers, some of whom have been returning to Batemans Bay for as long as 35 years to play in the event.

“As usual, the 27-hole championship golf course presented in immaculate condition and drew many favourable comments”, General Manager of Club Catalina, Guy Chapman stated.“It was a great social event and golfing challenge, with presentations held each evening and a well-attended ‘meet and greet’ party on the Saturday night with live music and finger food.”

Friday’s Medley 2 Ball Stableford winners were Carol McDonald and Bruce MacDonald from Beverley Park Golf Club.

Runners-up were local Catalina members, Debbie and John Rogan.

Saturday’s winners in the men’s Stableford were Michael White from The Coast (A Grade), Helmut Kiefer from Wollongong (B Grade) and Bruce McDonald from Beverley Park (C Grade). Winners in the women’s Stableford were Carmel Fifield from The Coast (Division 1), Karen Parker, also from The Coast (Division 2) and Jennifer Yankos from Kareela (Division 3).

The Sunday Medley Irish Fourball was won by Scott Clare, Lynette Watkins, Peter Beardsley and Deb Kimber from Kareela and Kiama Golf Clubs.

Ryan Kneale, one of the 25-strong from Geraldton, won the nett championship with a score of 138.

Kwinana Golf Club general manager Brent Dawkins told Inside Golf he was delighted with the tournament.

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entertainment, live music and a chance to play the course.

The Club recently expanded membership discounts to include ages from 30-45 years and golfers are snapping these up. Portsea’s other flexible membership offers include a nine hole membership and a Lifestyle membership.

Glen grabs Gold Mashie COMPETITORS often suggest Roseville Golf Club is one of the more difficult layouts they encounter during their pro-am tours around the state.

That statement was well and truly borne out at last month’s annual Gold Mashie, the time-honoured pro-am that is now contested by Australia’s leading senior golfers.

Among the competitors this year were former Australian Open champion Peter Senior, former British Open runner-up Mike Harwood and first-round leader Richard Backwell, a former winner on the Japanese golf tour.

It must be said Roseville had the last laugh with not one of the star-studded field finishing under par.

The winner was former touring pro Glenn Joyner from Victoria, with rounds of 66-68, to beat former Mashie winner Tim Elliott (68-67) and Harwood (67-68) by a shot.

Ever the competitor, Peter Senior finished equal sixth, just five shots back but had to put up with course re-designer Jim Wilcher – a renowned big hitter – knocking a few past the veteran on a few of the longer holes.

For the record, the Ki-ring-gai Cup winner was up and coming young amateur Gus McAlister with 74, to beat former US college golfer James Rayner (The Lakes) with a 75.

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

A ‘fairway’ above the rest

Look who’s turning 50 NEXT year is going to be a massive year for McLeod Country Golf Club.

Yet, amazingly, there were four in one week of competition at Nelson Bay last month, including one on a par-four.

Plans are well underway with celebrations kicking off in March with the Brisbane Invitational women’s tournament.

William Marshall, Bob Kew and Chris Drake all had eagles on par fives at Nelson Bay, two of them at the 18th – just to give those watching in the club something to cheer about.

Pencilled in for September 22 is a golf day and gala dinner.

This immaculate two-storey brick home offers a floor plan that caters and adapts to the everyday requirements of the modern family. Upon entering the home, your eyes are immediately drawn to the rear entertaining area to inspect the views for yourself. Via the large living room in the centre of the home, you can escape to the massive rear balcony via bifold aluminium doors and enjoy the peaceful greenery of the fairway and greens which are the 14th and 15th holes at Keperra.

Imagine at the end of a long day, walking 30m to have a quick chip and putt to relieve the day’s stress. Burton & Ryan are also offering one free full membership to Keperra Golf Club for the lucky purchaser.

Kalgoorlie goes pink for charity Leading in to the Goldfields Ladies Open at Kalgoorlie, a field of 128 ladies transformed the course into a sea of pink to raise money for the Kalgoorlie Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit. A 4BBB Stableford is the traditional leadup to the tournament proper and the ladies have a lot of fun, while raising money, before getting down to the business of crowning the Goldfields champion on Sunday.

Auction: On-site. Saturday 16 December at 3:00pm. More information: Phone 0438 785 148, email ryan@burtonandryan.com www.burtonandryan.com .

Organising committee chairwoman Patti Law said the weekend’s funding effort was backed by sponsorship. “We applied and received sponsorship from Gold Fields St Ives for the Friday program and we’re very grateful for that. In terms of the course, we have a worldclass facility that’s in brilliant condition at the moment. The ladies like the course, but especially the visitors because it’s something very different for them. It’s not flat and even, so it’s a real challenge.”

Goldfields stars like Ebony Riordan and last year’s defending champion, local teenage star

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Yet Chris Mawson’s effort to hole out his second shot at the par-four 23rd hole (Nelson Bay is a 27-hole layout) deserves special mention.

“Turning 50 years old is exciting for the club,” general manager Sean Kennedy told Inside Golf.

Woodlands launches new initiative for junior girls

“We have a golden jubilee committee putting together a program of events as we plan for the next 50 years.”

Woodlands Golf Club, located on Melbourne’s Sandbelt, has introduced a new event aimed at Junior Girls on higher handicaps, and beginners.

Kennedy said McLeod CGC was experiencing growth at a time when many other clubs were treading water.

Girls on GA 16.2 and above will be able to enter a six-hole stableford competition, while simultaneously, girls between 10 and 17 years of age, who have not yet gained an official handicap, will be able to play a six-holes modified game on the Woodlands short course. The date of the event will be Tuesday, 23rd January, 2018.

There will be other events and activities throughout the year.

The contemporary kitchen boasts not only practical design with European appliances but is enhanced by 40mm stone benchtops, integrated dishwasher and servery to the rear deck. There are four bedrooms in total and two bathrooms with plenty of living space for the family.

EAGLES are hard to come by at the best of times.

In 2018, the popular club, located in the western suburbs of Brisbane, will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

In August, the club will host the Queensland women’s stroke play championship and a month later the Gertrude McLeod winners’ event.

Not every home grants you magnificent golf course views as well as direct access to the course, but 29 Kylie Ave does just that.

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The eagles are landing

“At McLeod, we have established a fantastic golfing community,” he said.

“We are one of the few clubs that attracts a packed clubhouse at the presentation of trophies on a Saturday. There is a true community spirit around the golf club. Everyone loves to hang around and get involved.

“Members are telling me the golf course has not looked this good in 30 years.

“That’s a credit to the superintendent, his staff and our 30-strong group of volunteers.”

McLeod Country Golf Club will release its full list of events for its golden jubilee year next month.

Ella Harris (Royal Freemantle) did battle with a large field, handicaps ranging from +2 to 45, the handicap division really opening up the field. The course was in excellent condition for the event, but the weather failed to cooperate, with Sunday’s play abandoned. The winner was decided from Saturday’s play with Jill Kerr declared the 2017 Goldfield Ladies Open champion and the Runner-Up was Jillian Wilson. The best gross went to Ebony Riordan.

The committee was proud to present a cheque for $4000 to Amelda Doyle from the Palliative Care Unit at the Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital.

Golf Victoria supports this initiative to grow junior girls’ participation and will be taking registrations at www.golfvic.org.au.

Ben Sweeney, GV Development Manager, says there are very few events run for this group of girls.

With a shootout to find the individual winner, the event provides an opportunity for girls to experience a premier golf course in Melbourne.

There is even a gold-plated, diamond encrusted putter, as the perpetual trophy.

The Board at Woodlands recognises that the sport and the club need to encourage more women and girls to develop their games and to feel comfortable playing on a big course. The Women’s Captain, Jen Ashman, came up with the idea to promote the game by conducting an event using a shortened form of the game.

The Board has embraced the idea and formed an organising committee, headed by Jen and Kay Mahlook, who are both on the Golf Club Board.

The main aim of the day will be to enjoy the course, to have fun and to witness the shootout. Every player will receive a memento of their day. The entry fee is just $15pp to cover their game and lunch.

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

W A go in! trip lfing two for t Fiji! o

Inside Golf, in conjunction with Tourism Fiji and Fiji Marriott Momi Bay are offering a spectacular prize to one lucky reader!

Up for grabs is a golfing trip for two people to Fiji!

Prize includes: • Airfares for two, courtesy of Fiji Airways (Ex Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne) • Three nights’ accommodation at the five-star Fiji Marriott Momi Bay, staying in a Deluxe Lagoon view room • Daily buffet breakfast at the Goji Kitchen, • Two days of golf at the Vijay Singhdesigned Natadola Bay, home of the Fiji International golf tournament • Complimentary Natadola Bay polo shirt • Transfers courtesy of Tourism Transport Fiji (TTF) The giveaway runs from December 1st-31st, and is open to Australian residents only.

Terms and conditions apply (Prize must be redeemed before June 30th 2018. Subject to availability. See our website for full Ts & Cs).

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Ladies top of the mountain Congratulations to Tarina Foote of The Lakes who shot a round of 84 at Blackheath in October to secure her win for the 2017 Yallambee Cup at the Women’s Mountain Meeting. Foote was tied after round one at Wentworth Falls with an 88. Wakehurst’s Lorretta Woodhead had rounds of 76 nett at Wentworth Falls and 67 nett at Blackheath, a total of 143 to win the 36hole nett by four shots. Runner-up was Avalon’s Lisa Zalitis with a total 147 nett.

The Blue Mountains Salver was won by Cammeray’s Jann Hughes with a total score of 74 points. Hughes had 38 points at Wentworth Falls CC and 36 points at Blackheath to win the Salver by two. Local lady Rosalie Rolfe of Blackheath came in second overall with scores of 33 and 39 points, a total of 72.

Day three was an 18-hole foursomes stroke event with division one at Lithgow GC and division two at Wentworth Falls CC. The winning pair at Lithgow was Nancye Cullen of Lakeside and Jane Sherlock from Bankstown with 71 1/2 nett. Runners-up and only half a shot behind was Judy Dind of Toukley and local Lithgow member Diane McGuire with 72

nett. Scratch winners were Bankstown’s Leonie Guthrie and Deborah Young with 90 off the stick.

In division two the winners had an impressive score of 65 1/2 nett was Avalon’s Jan Pike and Bayview’s Janet Raine. In second position and also only half a shot behind was Chatswood’s Sheila Prater and Susan Ames with 66 nett.

The final round of the Women’s Mountain Meeting was played at Leura and Blackheath Golf Club’s for the Teams v Par event.

At Blackheath, Cammeray’s Jann Hughes, Patricia Kerr, Carol Liivrand and Catherine Ward won the event with +14, runners-up with +11 were Keiko Hirayama of Burleigh, Yuko Kitai of Terrey Hills, Toshiko Miki of Cromer and Wakehurst’s Junko Ota. Chatswood teams stole the show at Leura with the team of Diana Hearn, Jan Steel, Kay Turnbull and Kerrie Robinson winning with +13. Runners-up and also from Chatswood were Susan Ames, Renuka Patel, Sheila Prater and Elizabeth Williams with +12.

Long drivers of a different type FOR Rod Rocket and his partner Alice, distance is irrelevant when it comes to a game of golf.

From Bundaberg, Rod and Alice are members of the Hole-in-One Club of Queensland and think nothing of travelling to Brisbane (360kms), Toowoomba (400kms) or Kooralbyn (460kms) for one of the club’s events.

“We also have members travelling from Kumbia, Tweed Heads, Pottsville (NSW) and Toowoomba to play in our games,” HIO Club vice-president Kevin Keller said.

“They all make a day out of it and have a great time catching up with friends and enjoying the different courses we play at through the year.”

The club, which plays five or six times a year at different courses and has an annual weekend away, is well known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

If you would like more information, call 0409-893-038 or visit the website www.holeinoneqld.com.au

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Craig Anderson, Gary Muller, Keri Wilson, Nadine Battilana, Dean and Neville Brooks were too good in Central Queensland.

Team Yeppoon fire up in CQ YEPPOON Golf Club’s Craig Anderson and Gary Muller combined well to win the Central Queensland men’s four-ball stableford championship.

The pair finished with 49 points – three points clear of Calliope Golf Club’s Steve McEachran and Ross Leach.

In the women’s event, Boyne Island Golf Club’s Shirley Clark and Carol Collins survived a threeway countback to win the championship with 42 points.

The duo edged out Yeppoon’s Lyn Goan and Barbara O’Brien, who were declared runners-up from Keri Wilson and Nadine Battilana.

The popular teams event went to the Yeppoon team of Greg Muller and Craig Anderson 49 points, Dean and Neville Brooks (40) and Keri Wilson and Nadine Battilana (42) for a combined winning total of 131 points.

They finished one clear of Gladstone’s Matt Buswell and Paul Mc Auliffe (46 points); Peter Collins and Brendan Bachmann (44) and Sonia Swanepoel and Joy Plowright (40).

Pin shots went to Gladstone’s Brendan Bachmann and Sandra Anderson.

For the record, 104 golfers teed off in the Milne Bros men’s and women’s four-ball stableford championships final at Capricorn Resort.

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I Trade Golf’s second-hand success

F

rank Wilson spent 25 years helping grow and sell major golf manufacturing brands – and then he branched out on his own.

“I was the PING agent in Queensland for five years and the TaylorMade agent for another five years,” he said.

Then Wilson managed Sportys Golf, an off-course retailer, on the Gold Coast before quitting in January 2016 to start his own off-course golf retail business.

Wilson recognised there was a demand for second-hand premium golf equipment and opened I Trade Golf at DFO Jindalee in the western suburbs of Brisbane.

The business flourished and he opened another store on the Gold Coast, which is holding its own amongst strong competition.

“Our main focus is second-hand equipment,” he said. “We are the largest dealer of second-hand equipment in Queensland and one of the biggest in Australia.”

While second-hand equipment is their bread and butter, I Trade Golf also trades in new equipment, apparel, bags and accessories at competitive prices.

I Trade Golf’s success comes from dealing only in premium second-hand equipment and includes names such as Callaway, TaylorMade, PING, Mizuno, Cobra, Wilson, Srixon and Titleist.

“We don’t deal in less-name brands,” Wilson said.

“We find that people are only interested in buying the seven or eight leading brands. We have been able to satisfy the needs of golfers of all levels because we have a great range of secondhand equipment,” Wilson said.

When it comes to new equipment, I Trade Golf has a wide range of brand-new superseded equipment – some set are just a year old.

Normally one associates beginners with purchasing secondhand equipment, but I Trade Golf is attracting low- and midhandicappers in large numbers.

“We cater for everyone – men, women and juniors. “Between the two stores, we have close to 100 premium second-hand iron sets.

“Our clothing range is second to none. We have brands like Greg Norman, Calvin Klein, Sporte Leisure, all at wholesale prices.

“We have internationally-branded shirts on the rank retailing at $29 that would normally retail for $69 so there are fantastic savings in apparel for both men and ladies.”

If you are looking for a PING, Scott Cameron or Odyssey putter, you will find one to your liking at I Trade Golf.

“We have had a lot of low markers come into our Brisbane store over the last 18 months because we have been able to build up a fantastic collection of very good, high-quality, second-hand performance products,” Wilson said.

People buy second-hand cars, books and the like so why not golf equipment?

“Consumers can save $300 or $400 by purchasing a very good quality second-hand driver that will give them ultimate performance,” Wilson said.

For more information, call (07) 3167-3702 (Brisbane) or (07) 5538-1507 (Gold Coast) or visit the website www.itradegolf.com.au.

I Trade Golf might be a small Queensland golf retailer, but it is punching well above its weight.

CORRECTION: Inside Golf would like to advise that information contained in the article “Shortland Waters GC redevelopment” (November issue), though accurate at a particular point in time, does not accurately describe the current situation.

In consultation with Shortland Waters golf club, Programmed Turnpoint have, after completing the initial two holes, undertaken the challenge of updating the original master plan to ensure all environmental requirements could be met while maximising the use of the property to construct the golf holes to the club’s requirements and return it to a par-71 course of almost the original course length.

Construction is proceeding well on this huge project and expectations are that these new holes will come into play in June 2018. Based on the design and quality finish of the two new holes, and the manner in which they have been received by members, golfers will be in for a treat when this happens. The new part of the course will be of a links style, to meet the environmental requirements, but will also complement the existing “park” style of the original course. When completed, this will provide the Newcastle area with an iconic community-based course that will be both interesting and challenging.

Inside Golf launches Industry Facebook page!

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PGA drives with Club Car

I

T’S official. Club Car is driving ahead with the PGA of Australia and it’s a win for PGA professionals across the country.

Active in Australia since 1984, Club Car says it is committed to growing the game through PGA coaches. It is also a proud partner of the world-renowned PGA Education Program.

“The PGA of Australia has some of the most highly sought-after coaches in the world,” said David Pryles, general manager – commercial of the PGA of Australia.

The golf car manufacturers are also proud to continue their sponsorship of the PGA Professional Championship at Hamilton Island.

“Club Car has been, and continues to be, a fantastic supporter of our PGA professionals,” Pryles added. “Their ongoing support of the PGA Professional Championship and our Education Program is invaluable to growing the game of golf in Australia.

“We look forward to working with them in the future.”

Club Car regional vice-president Kevin Gates

Beat what you scratch, and be ‘Golf Surprized’

said the company’s significantly expanded relationship with the PGA was targeted directly at helping vocational professionals.

“The vocational professionals are either our customers or key influencers at golf clubs across the country,” he added.

“We’ll be providing support and educational input to the PGA trainees and the PGA International Golf Institute as the central component of our partnership.

“Our relationship with the PGA of Australia mirrors our status as official golf car of the PGA of America and we’ll be driving synergies and shared resources throughout both organisations.”

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A network of authorised distributors represents Club Car. For more information, call 1800 CLUBCAR for your nearest Club Car representative.

While many foursomes across Australia play for a weekly $5 scratchy or lotto ticket, a new product has hit our shores which is set to add another fun target (and a surprise) for golfers.

One of the more innovative items from the recent PGA Expo at Twin Waters, the new Golf Surprize product is simple: before your round, you simply buy a scratchy. Then, scratch off the panels, revealing the score you personally need to beat that day and the prize you are playing for. Beat that score and you’ll win the prize listed on the card.

Every Golf Surprize card is a winner.

Just “beat what you scratch” and you’re a guaranteed winner. Handicap and nonhandicap golfers all have a chance to win every round of golf they play, without

needing to beat other players.

In addition to winning ‘Surprizes’ from the club and pro shop directly, golfers can also win $30,000 in Callaway ‘Surprizes’, and $20,000 in other Surprizes in the 2nd chance draws. When a player is drawn (and wins), a club is also drawn (and wins).

For clubs, Golf Surprize helps boost golfer loyalty, fun, and value. It can help fill time sheets (clubs could offer everyone a sticker when they play and a chance to win $500 from the club if they book and play), be used for team events, charity events, pro-ams, or in any number of creative ways.

For more information: phone 0400 600 293, email Anthony@golfsurprize.com or visit www.golfsurprize.com or www.facebook.com/golfsurprize/

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‘Shark Experience’ announced in U.S. The Greg Norman Company and mobile provider Verizon have announced “Shark Experience,” an innovative new golf technology that enhances the oncourse experience. Partnering with Club Car, a world leading golf transportation manufacturer and GPSi, a global leader in golf GPS technology, Verizon and The Greg Norman Company will deliver connectivity, content and customization to the course through a connected golf car experience.

Leveraging Verizon’s leading 4G LTE and Multicast network technology, the connected golf cars will include a highdefinition touchscreen display and builtin speakers with Bluetooth connectivity.

Golfers will enjoy streaming music via Slacker Radio, live sports and highlights, news and entertainment in addition to Greg Norman golf tips, dynamic yardage information, and more.

Shark Experience is currently in pilot and will preview at the 2018 PGA Show. The new technology will be featured on Club Car vehicles and will roll out at select golf courses across the U.S. throughout 2018.

Features will also include hole-in-one technology, food and beverage ordering, Shot Tracer and more will become available as the platform evolves.

“The golf industry has been starved for real innovation that encourages real change for real growth and we believe Shark Experience is the answer,” said Norman. “This solution enhances the golfer experience and is customizable to each individual’s preference – whether you are a Baby Boomer, Millennial or Gen Z, Shark Experience has something to keep you entertained, connected and having fun.”

21

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New staff help Rosebud thrive

Rosebud General Manager Danny McGrath, with new Superintendent Ian Todd, and Operations Manager Matt Lang.

There have been some big changes recently at Rosebud Country Club on Melbourne’s famed Mornington Peninsula.

In August, the club welcomed Ian Todd to the team as the new Course Superintendent. Formerly of Victoria GC, Ian has already made a strong impact, helping the club to rebound following a challenging year which had seen course conditions affected near the end of last summer.

“To recruit a Course Superintendent with the experience and knowledge that Ian brings to our great Club, in line with his strong Management skills, will benefit Members and visitors for many years to come,” said Rosebud’s General Manager Danny McGrath.

Also joining the team at Rosebud in an Operations Manager role

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is Matt Lang. Previously at The National GC, Matt has very strong credentials in Golf Operations as well as Membership and corporate relationships.

“Matt brings us fresh ideas as well as a very professional approach to all aspects of the business which will expedite our goal to be regarded as one of the best public access golf facilities on the Mornington Peninsula’ Mr. McGrath said.

Rosebud Country Club offers 36 holes of quality golf, with the tree-lined North course being a former host of the Australian PGA Championship. In a very competitive golf market on the Peninsula, the club recorded membership growth of 13% in 2016, welcoming 168 new members.

Troon helping The Grange (NSW) forge ahead WHEN The Grange golf course first joined forces with Dapto Leagues Club in 2006, it gave the club just the ‘kick-along’ it needed to take the course to the next level.

The same thing occurred in 2016 when The Grange joined forces with Troon Golf, enabling it to take the course and club to the next level in its efforts to secure a position as one of the state’s premier golf clubs.

This championship 18-hole course at Kembla Grange (near Wollongong), south of Sydney, continues to re-invent itself and that enthusiasm is rubbing off on the membership too.

The Grange has become renowned for being a challenging, yet accessible course with stunning natural surrounds and world-class events and hospitality.

All that and it has remained financial secure and socially responsible for its membership while chasing ‘that’ goal to become the best golf destination in the Illawarra region.

Linking with Troon saw The Grange announce a two-year renovation project aimed at elevating standards across the board for its members and the local golfing fraternity.

More than seven million dollars is being spent on the venue, including significant changes to the clubhouse and its amenities as well as on the course where improvements are being overseen by Troon’s Director of Agronomy for Australia, Asia and Pacific David Lunardelli.

Lunardelli plans to use his 20 years’ experience in golf to help drive the club forward with the construction phase of newly laid-out course design plans.

“We’re hoping our ambitious project to invest in renovation, expansion and improved course design will elevate the club beyond public expectations,” CEO of Dapto League Club David Hiscox told Inside Golf.

“The revitalised club will expand its appeal to cater for everyone’s needs on and off the course from weddings to conferences, attracting additional golf tourism to the South of New South Wales boosting the local economy.

“Certainly we feel Troon’s the ideal partner to help us through this exciting period.”

The Grange offers affordable membership options for all the family as well as being a proud showpiece for its amalgamated partner, Dapto Leagues Club.

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Sydney’s new high-tech home on the range Michael Court

michael@insidegolf.com.au

I

N a tremendous boost for golfers in Sydney’s south, two of the state’s most respected golf coaches have combined forces to take charge at the Tempe Golf Range and Academy.

Just a few minutes from Sydney Airport, the range has been undertaking a rather massive facelift, thanks to Glenn Whittle and Rob Curtis, who will introduce some exciting new concepts and coaching to Sydney’s golf scene.

Whittle is a former NSW PGA Coach of the Year and has long held a reputation as one of the best putting coaches in the country as well.

Curtis, a qualified high school teacher, has found a happy home teaching golf to novices and spent a lengthy term as the head professional at St Michaels Golf Club in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Keen to take his golf teaching to a higher level, Curtis travelled extensively throughout the US, learning from some of the world’s best golf coaches, including Brian Manzella and Shaun Webb.

Curtis has earned a reputation as a successful coach of both juniors and the elite players.

He’s excited at the possibility that many of his clients will be sure to follow him the short distance from Moore Park, where he has been teaching, across to his new base at Tempe.

Certainly the pair have invested a lot of money into improving the range and bringing

TAKING TEACHING TO A NEW LEVEL: Glenn Whittle (left) and Rob Curtis are passing on their swing thoughts and tips to all who visit the Tempe Golf Range and Academy.

it up to today’s standards; the pair see it as an opportunity they have long been waiting for.

help us take golf coaching to a level few golfers would have been aware of.

And with more than 20 years’ experience – each – as PGA members, they aren’t kidding.

With a grass and mat-hitting driving range at their disposal, Whittle and Curtis saw Tempe as the perfect place to set up shop and take teaching Sydney’s amateurs – and professionals – to a new level.

“There will also be a strong focus on clubfitting as we will also offer access to all the latest equipment in our new golf shop, as well.”

The new-look Tempe Golf Range and Academy began trading late last month and from all reports is shaping as something very special for the Sydney golf scene.

There are 20 under-cover bays at Tempe so teaching day and night in all kinds of weather becomes feasible and with new balls, new mats and upgraded grass, it’s now all systems go for this enthusiastic pair.

“Frankly we have been waiting for an opportunity like this for years,” says Whittle.

“Here we have an amazing facility complete with world-class technology on its way to

Whittle has also built a solid reputation with his coaching, and the good news for his followers is that his renowned Sydney Putting Studio will also now be based at Tempe.

After ploughing their hard-earned into the business, you can be sure the Tempe Golf Driving Range will be owner-operated: “We care about our customers and our clients,” grins Curtis.

“Well, that’s always been our goal,” says Whittle.

“Teaching golf is what we do best, and this gives us the opportunity to lower handicaps for everyone that’s to come here for a lesson.

“I can assure you, they won’t be disappointed.”

For more information: Tempe Golf Driving Range. 22 Holbeach Ave, Tempe NSW 2044. www.tempegolfrange.com.au •

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Golf to debut at the Pacific School Games

Y

oung golfers from around Australia are practicing madly to get their game in order for the Pacific School Games, as golf finally makes its debut at the tenth running of the games. Two age groups will compete in the golf 12-and-under and 17-and-under.

educate them on the importance of their role in fostering emerging talent. “ The PGA of Australia is also behind the event.

“The debut of golf into the Pacific School Games is a fantastic recognition of the passion among junior golfers for our sport,” said Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia. “We are particularly proud of the support the PGA of Australia through our Professionals has been able to provide to allow an inaugural indigenous team of junior golfers to participate. We congratulate these young golfers for all the progress they have made this year in their preparation and we eagerly anticipate the results of the PSG and watching our next generation of golfing talent in action.”

Students from around Australia will be given the chance to participate in the week-long festival of sport held from December 3 – 9 in Adelaide, hosted by School Sport Australia.

The Pacific School Games will see approximately 4,000 school students aged 10-19 years from at least 10 countries, including every Australian State and Territory, compete across 11 sports.

Sports on the program at the Games include basketball, diving, football, goalball, golf, hockey, netball, softball, swimming, touch football and athletics.

The schedule for the week is quite gruelling with the older age group playing 36 holes most days.

SSA Golf National Secretary Nick Mooney said many athletes who are now competing on the world stage have played in School Sport Australia (SSA) Golf Championships, highlighting SSA’s programs as national and international pathways for young aspiring athletes.

The 12-and-under age group open with a state-based ambrose event and then follow with three rounds of stroke play, 18 holes each day.

The 17-and-under age group open with a 36-hole stroke play event, followed by two days of 36 holes of match play. They then play 18 holes of match play on the final day, followed by the combined presentation luncheon.

“School Sport Australia events are a true breeding ground for future stars,” he said.

“Golf continues to grow within our school sport system and this week is a chance for our student athletes to showcase their skills and talents.”

“A national championship is certainly the pinnacle of our school sport program and I am sure that athletes and spectators alike are looking forward to a fantastic week.”

School Sport Australia’s golf alumni include the likes of Jason Day, Karrie Webb, Su Oh, Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Elkington, Mark Hensby, Marc Leishman, Jason Day, Corrine Dibnah, Katherine Hull, Nadine Taylor and Nikki Campbell.

In a first for School Golf in Australia, there will be an indigenous Boys 12-and-under team. The team is supported

by Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia, after the concept was flagged to both bodies by Mooney in an attempt to inspire a generation of indigenous golfers.

“Golf Australia are extremely excited to be able to offer an opportunity for an indigenous team to compete within the Pacific School Games for the first time,” said Golf Australia National Schools Coordinator Shaun Hickman.

Courses to be played during the week will be Glenelg, West Lakes, Grange, Mount Osmond, North Adelaide, Adelaide Shores and finally Kooyonga where both age groups will come together for a presentation luncheon after the final round. The competing teams are from Victoria, NSW, Qld, SA, ACT, WA and an Indigenous Golf team.

“The team has been completely made up of Aboriginal students from all across the country, including far north Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia.

The eight boys and their families are very excited about being the first golfers to represent their indigenous heritage at the event.”

Education also plays an important part of the week for any SSA golf championship. Golf Australia will again be showing their support by running parent and student education forums.

“Golf Australia sees the SSA golf program as a very important pathway for emerging talent. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with the players and parents from across Australia,” said Brad James, Director of High Performance at Golf Australia. “For the parents it is a valuable opportunity to

School Sport Victoria 12-and-under golf manger, Todd Canobie said, “I am looking forward to being part of such an iconic event such as the PSG that is building our Nation’s future sporting stars. It is like a mini Olympics with the best of the countries junior talent on display in eleven different sporting disciplines. The quality of competition will be exemplary with many participants facing adversity throughout the week hopefully building a better person both on and off the sporting field.”

David Hutchinson added, “The Pacific School Games will be a highlight of students schooling & golfing careers, and provide memories and friendships that last a lifetime.”

More: http://pacificschoolgames.edu.au/

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The price you pay to go carting David Newbery

david@insidegolf.com.au

S

HOULD the owners of motorised golf carts get a free ride or should they pay for the privilege of driving on the fairways?

The question arose following a number of missives from cart owners who thought it unfair that they had to pay to use their own carts on golf courses or forced to hire a club’s cart.

“We play at different courses and some of our members use their own buggies,” Hole-in-One Club Qld vice-president Kevin Keller said.

“Lately our members are being told at some courses they cannot use their own buggy but must hire one instead. Do you have any knowledge of the legality of this practice?” he asked.

Well, it seems it is at the discretion of golf clubs.

For example, Cronulla Golf Club doesn’t even allow its members to bring their private golf carts to the course.

Go to resorts like Kooralbyn Valley and you’ll find the hiring of the club’s carts are de rigueur.

As for charging cart owners a fee – some clubs do and some don’t.

Those objecting to paying a fee to use their own cart need to look at the big picture.

Golf clubs are a business.

There is also the question of car parks. Towed-in golf carts take up two car park spaces.

If a club has a field of 150 players and 40 bring their own carts on trailers, it would need another 30 per cent of car park space.

But back to the insurance and safety issue.

The president of a Queensland club recently told Inside Golf the club’s cart-owning members could access the golf course “free of charge”.

Golf clubs have no control over maintenance and safety of a golf cart brought to its course and should be demanding motorised golf cart owners (members and visitors) prove their carts are insured against personal accident and property damage as well as public liability for third party injury and property.

“As long as I am president, we won’t (charge a fee) because I have a cart myself,” he said. “If members from other clubs want to bring their carts here, we won’t charge them either.”

Unfortunately, people have been seriously injured, and killed, driving golf carts and the difference between an accident and recklessness can be a legal nightmare.

He became nervous when it was suggested there could be legal ramifications if cart owners couldn’t prove their carts were insured against personal accident and property damage as well as public liability for third party injury and property.

Golf Australia’s clubs and facilities support manager Paul Vardy told Inside Golf that club members were covered by the Players’ Personal Liability Insurance irrespective of where they play their golf.

“I had better get my club pro to start checking if members and visitors carts are insured,” he said.

“If they were to cause an accident in the course of playing golf they are covered,” he said.

At another club, a pro shop staffer sounded quite authoritative.

“We don’t charge people if they want to use their own carts on our course,” he said.

Those clubs that do charge visitors a fee to use their own carts say it is for “insurance” and “to protect our revenue stream”.

One Brisbane club charges $10 or $25 per cart depending on the availability of their own carts.

This could mean the club is forming a contract with the visiting player and could be liable for damage or injury caused by a driver of a motorised golf cart.

Of course, most clubs levy their cart-owning members $100$150 per annum to use the course, which is a small amount to pay for the upkeep of paths and fairways.

Which begs the question, why should visitors not have to pay for the privilege?

“If they were negligent and rolled their cart then it is up to them to claim from their own insurance.”

However, social players are not covered unless they are members of a social club.

Social players who are not members of a social club must have their own personal insurance.

“Some clubs do take out an additional cover for social players, but that is not the default position, Vardy added.

“If a social player is using a cart they are not necessarily covered for the damage they cause because they don’t necessarily have GA insurance.

“There are players of potential risk.”

Still, there are clubs that take out additional insurance through GA for social players.

“It’s common, but most clubs don’t think to do it,” Vardy said.

Golfer’s discrimination warning to golf clubs A SOUTHEAST Queensland golfer has warned golf clubs they could find themselves in hot water if they charge a member or visitor who holds a medical certificate an additional fee to access the golf course in their own golf cart.

The player concerned issued the warning after referring his case to the Human Rights – AntiDiscrimination Commission Queensland.

He won the case against the club after objecting to having to pay $100 per annum to access the course in his motorised golf cart despite holding a doctor’s certificate.

The ruling handed down was that the club concerned could not discriminate against a player that required an aid or implement to participate in playing the sport.

The club appealed the ruling saying that the monies collected was for upkeep and future pathways.

The umpire then asked if golfers walk the course on said paths. When they replied in the affirmative, the umpire said they too would have to be charged a fee and if they weren’t, they were discriminating against those who drove a private cart and had a medical certificate.

The club lost the case and its appeal and was ordered to provide a parking bay near the pro shop with a handicap sign painted on the ground.

The club was told that if they denied the player access to the course in his own golf cart they would have to provide him one free of charge.

The player told Inside Golf he tried to resolve the matter amicably prior to taking action.

“I asked the club to waive my $100 fee for wear and tear to the golf course but I was ignored,” he said.

“In fact, the club banned me for three months so that’s when I took action.

“If you don’t have a medical certificate then clubs can charge you an additional fee.”

After he won his case, he extended an olive branch to the club asking that they waive his annual membership fee for 12 months.

The club denied his request and he left.

“I was put under pressure by the manager, president and another committee person,” he said.

He now plays his golf at a club that he says is more sympathetic.

“They don’t charge me a fee to use my buggy because I have a medical certificate and even allows me to go within five metres of the greens despite having a 15-metre no access rule,” he said.

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Clockwise top right: The Grange Golf Club, New South Wales; Brookwater Golf Club, Queensland; Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club, Queensland; Paradise Palms Resort, Cairns, Queensland; Kooindah Waters Golf Club, New South Wales; Mollymook Golf Club, New South Wales;

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On TOUR

Some days are roast duck, others are duck poo! ed@insidegolf.com.au

M

Yamba was my next stop. I had only played it once—and on that day I was massively hung over, so I didn’t remember any of the course.

What a great little track. It reminded me of Port Macquarie, where I grew up. Tight off the tee and the greens rolled pure. I got off to a great start, shooting 7-under the first day and was leading by two. I always find it hard to back up a low round, due to the expectations you put on yourself.

I did a great job the second day, shooting 4-under only to be run down by Mat Millar, who had a great round of 8-under. So a 2nd place it was and I was happy with another placing up the top.

Ocean Shores was up next. It was a 12pm shotgun (11am QLD time). I was staying at home, and struggling to get to sleep the night before so I decided to have a sleeping tablet. I had planned to leave at 9.30 but only woke up at 9.25! After a mad rush I was in the car and on my way. But to be

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y first event after returning from Japan was the Kooralbyn Pro-Am. Some of you may not know, but Kooralbyn was shut for about eight-and-a-half years and only re-opened a little over a year ago. The course was always renowned as one of Queensland’s best and it was great to see it back up and running.

Murwillumbah was next and it’s one of the best country courses in Australia. The greens are always awesome and it’s a pleasure to play.

Once again I felt a little slow and my first eight holes definitely showed that. I was 2-over and thinking that there would be no money today.

In this situation I try to make some goals to keep myself going. My first goal was to get back to even , then 2-under then 4-under. I didn’t reach my final goal but I did finish at 3-under which saw me placed in 3rd position, and very happy with my finish.

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And that’s exactly what I did the first day; hit the ground running. I played great all day and signed for a 6-under-par round and was leading by three. Day 2 saw me wake up slow and the golf followed. I was 1-under through five holes and then my laser shut down. I didn’t have a pin sheet and no one in my group had a laser so it was old school golf for the rest of the day. This is very difficult as every time I play, I know exactly how far I am. I ended up shooting 3-over and am blaming it on my laser. (That’s the story I’m going to stick to, anyway!)

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4: PreCISIoN Work ShoP honest, I felt like I was doped all day, hence the golf wasn’t great. I made an eagle on my last hole to finish 1-over and in 10th position. My playing partners knew I was struggling and on one hole, threatened to stick my putter somewhere where it shouldn’t fit! Driving home, I decided that there would be no more sleeping tablets before I play!

Coolangatta Tweed was next and it was great to be playing in the morning. I was teamed up with Robbie Bennetts and a couple of nice golfers, Denise and Ben. It was a day where I got off to a very average start and standing on the 9th tee, I was at 2-over. All of a sudden I found something and rattled off five birdies in my next six holes. Four pars to finish and I signed for a 3-under-par 69, and finished in 3rd position. Even better, Robbie put a bet on exactly when I started to play well, hence I won back a little money that I had lost to him this year. I always love winning Robbie’s cash!

I was off to Castle Hill Country Club in Sydney next and it’s an event that I always try to support. I think that Castle Hill is up there as one of the best courses in Sydney. I have known David Northey, the head Pro there, for about 20 years. Now, before I tell you how I went, David never plays in the event. He told me that he would play next year! Yes, Castle Hill members, you heard it correctly. He said he needs a year to practice! So, Dave, if I don’t see your name in the player list in 2018, I’ll be on to you, as will a large majority of the playing members.

It’s a two-day event and I was paired with a couple of crazy amateurs Jeremy and Logan both days. When I heard I was playing with the boys the second day, I thought about pulling a hamstring! I can’t tell you what conversations took place over the couple of days but I can tell you I had fun. And I played solid, shooting rounds of 69 and 72 to finish 3rd.

I had a week off before heading up to the Queensland Open. Going on my results for the last month or so I was looking forward to top finish or even a win. I had my good friend Rob Beecher caddying. The first day wasn’t anything like the last month. I hit it terrible. No matter what I tried, the ball just wouldn’t go where I wanted.

I’m sure some of you can relate to this. So what do you do when your ball isn’t going where you want? My answer is… I don’t know. Just do your best. Some days are roast duck and some are duck poo! I struck the ball a lot better day-2 but shot 4-over and missed the cut by two.

The beautiful Southport GC was possibly my last Pro-am for the year and I couldn’t think of a better course to finish on. This is the 5th year of the Schweppes Southport Pro-Am and every year they turn it on for the professionals. Not only is the course in unbelievable condition, you don’t put your hand in your pockets the entire day. Bernadette and Stuart are very passionate about the event and do a great job in organising the entire day. I played great from tee to green and had a heap of opportunities but I couldn’t take any advantage. With four holes to go I hit it right on 17 and tried to play a miracle shot that didn’t come off and ended up with a double bogey. One birdie coming in saw me shoot 2-under and finish in 5th position.

Benny, the head professional, and I have a bet every year; not for money but another type of currency, beer!

Well, I would like to say that there’s one thing better than beer, that’s free beer from Benny!

It’s closing in to the end of the year, which means the Australian summer events are ready to go. Once again it’s a great opportunity for me to test myself against the best and hopefully make a little money. I am also heading over to Japan for 3rd stage of Japan Qualifying school, so it will be a busy month. •

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On TOUR

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

ALPG returns to Canberra in 2018 Karen Lunn CEO – ALPG

W

e are delighted to be able to announce that in 2018 Women’s Professional Golf will be returning to Canberra in the form of the ActewAGL Canberra Classic, to be held at Royal Canberra Golf Club from 9th – 11th February.

The tournament, which will be owned and staged by the ALPG in conjunction with our partners, title sponsor ActewAGL and Royal Canberra Golf Club, will be played over 54 holes with prizemoney of $150,000, and has a prime date on our 2018 Tour schedule the week in between The Oates Vic Open and the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open.

This will be the first time since the 2013 ISPS Women’s Australian Open that a major professional tournament will be held in the ACT, and already we have had a massive amount of interest from players from the US LPGA, LPGA of Japan, Ladies European Tour, Symetra Tours and from Asia regarding the tournament.

At the time of writing in mid-November we already have commitments from Jiyai Shin, a former world number 1 now playing full time on the LPGA of Japan Tour who won the Australian Open at Royal Canberra in 2013; another former world number 1 Dame Laura Davies, winner of 84 international tournaments including two Australian Open titles, and Catriona Matthew, former Women’s British Open winner in 2009 and recently announced as European Solheim Cup captain for the 2019 event to be held in her home country in Scotland.

In terms of our Australian players we also have commitments from Katherine Kirk, our 2nd ranked player in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings and the only Australian to win on the US LPGA in 2017, and Sarah Jane Smith who has had another great season on the LPGA in 2017 and is currently our 4th ranked player in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings.

I really take my hat off to both of these ladies; the way that they support their home tour is a testament to their characters and their commitment to women’s golf here in Australia. They have been the first two names on the team sheet for Team ALPG for the Queens Cup in Japan the last three years and have been regular supporters of our tour here for their entire careers.

In addition to the tournament, with support from the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation we will be hosting a junior girl’s tournament on the 3rd nine holes at Royal Canberra Golf Club on Sunday 11th February.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Michael Costello, CEO, and Paul Walshe, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs for ActewAGL, along with Andrew Casey, GM, and the board, members and staff at Royal Canberra Golf Club for the fantastic support they have given us.

The level of support we have had for the tournament so far from the corporate world in Canberra has been extremely encouraging.

Further information about the tournament can be found on our website www.alpg.com.au.

There are opportunities available to play in the official tournament Pro-am on 8th February, attend the Gala Dinner on 7th February and also the ALPG Business Breakfast on 9th February.

There are also various sponsorship packages available and you can pre-book tickets to attend the tournament online.

Keep an eye-out on our website and our social media pages Facebook (ALPG Official), Twitter (@ALPGTour) and Instagram (alpgtour) for more announcements and news! •

We are also delighted to have onboard the Doma Hotel Group as our official hotel partner, and Richard Rolfe Audi as our official car partner.

Keep an eye out for updates and stories on our website, www.alpg.com.au and our social media pages Facebook (ALPG Official), Twitter (@ALPGTour) and Instagram (alpgtour)

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COVER STORY

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Hit or miss doesn’t faze pro Jordan David Newbery

Jordan’s goal is to qualify for the Japan Tour, but he knows that’s easier said than done.

P

“I’d love to play on the Japan Tour, but I have a young family and need a sponsor to get there,” said Tweed Heads-based Jordan, who regularly shoots scores in the low 60s.

After all, the 37-year-old has faced far more life-affirming moments.

“At Ocean Shores, I eagled the last to shoot 60. It was fantastic because I played with one of the guys from Veteran Affairs. To do it with an ex-army guy in the comp was fantastic.”

david@insidegolf.com.au

ROFESSIONAL golfer Damien Jordan takes the game of golf seriously, but he is not one to beat himself up if he misses a makeable putt or mis-hits a ball into a hazard.

“I have shot a couple of 61s at Coolangatta Tweed Heads and a 60 at Ocean Shores.

Six years in the Australian Army (2001-07), including two tours of Iraq, certainly put golf – and life – in perspective.

Jordan said he had no regrets joining the Australian Army and was proud to serve his nation.

“Facing a difficult putt to win a tournament plays to my advantage after what I have seen and experienced in Iraq,” Jordan told Inside Golf.

“A lot of blokes put up their hand for this great country before me so I thought ‘why should I be any different’,” he said.

“If I make the putt or miss the putt it doesn’t matter.

“I was faced with a five-footer, left-to-right sliding down the hill to win the Victorian PGA this year.

“My mate, Travis Elliott, who caddied for me said, ‘you have been in tougher situations – just bin it’.

“Things like that give you confidence, which make it easier.

“At the end of the day, golf is just a game and when it’s over I can look forward to going home to a beautiful family (wife and four children).”

A proud Queenslander, Jordan turned pro in 2009 but a stress fracture to the neck kept him sidelined for more than 14 months.

He rejoined the play-for-pay ranks in 2014 and since then his game has gone from strength-to-strength.

“That’s what I did. I met a lot of good people, made a lot of friends for life and it made me stronger out here (on tour).”

In his leisure time, the devoted family man loves spending time at home, in the gym and singing “after a few drinks”.

TAKING AIM: Damien Jordan swings into action at the Isuzu Queensland Open.

At press time, Jordan has amassed an impressive eight victories this year, including a win at the Victorian PGA Championship, as well as a string of Pro-Am victories.

“Greg Norman was the reason I played golf,” he said. “Peter Lonard is another who inspired me because I have a short swing and watched him all the time.

He finished a credible fourth in the Queensland Open after “burning the edges of the cup for the first three days”.

“In fact, I met him when I was a teenager when he was playing in the Johnnie Walker Classic at Hope Island. “Now I play with him – it’s unreal.”

A highlight was an albatross on the par-5 ninth hole in round two.

“The best thing about it was my dad Tony was there to see it and we gave each other a big hug,” Jordan enthused. “That was special.”

Despite being introduced to the game by his father, it was Greg Norman who lit the golf fuse just as he did for so many Australian players.

GOLF

“I do enjoy karaoke and don’t mind 70s and 80s music,” he laughed. •

Jordan credits coach and close friend Ben Cronk (Chinderah Golf Club) with his success in the past three years.

“We worked together when I was an amateur, but in the last three years it has gone well,” he said. “Ben has been a mate since we were juniors and what we work on works for me.”

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JUNIORS

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Ellianna a rising star at Maroochy River

Young Matthew one to watch

E

llianna Macrae was born in Scotland on May 25th, 2011 and she moved, with her family, to Australia in January 2013. Ellianna has played golf for two years and started playing competitively at the end of 2016 when she was 5. Since then Ellianna has been very successful, winning the majority of the events she has entered. A member at Maroochy River under her coach Di Pavich, Ellianna is gearing up for America in 2018 to play the US Kids World Championships at Pinehurst.

Ellianna has played 13 Brisbane local tour 9-hole events in the 7-and-under girls division of US Kids Golf, and she was awarded the Brisbane Local tour champion twice. From her performances in these events Ellianna was then selected to represent Australia in the 2017 Trans-Tasman event against New Zealand, played in Sydney. Ellianna and her playing partner won their match, which helped the Australian team to win the event.

Ellianna also won the Australian Junior Age Division Championship in Yeppoon (6-and-under Girls division), receiving an invite to America to represent Australia. The family had to decline the offer, however, as they had already planned a trip back to Scotland to visit family.

To cap off many local victories, Ellianna has also had a holein-one. She likes to tell everyone that she is the only one in the family to have done it.

Moving forward, The Macrae family are heading to Sydney in January to compete in the US Kids Golf Australian Open and they plan to again head back to Yeppoon next year for the Australian Junior Age Division Championship. This is a great family friendly event and also doubles as a great holiday for the parents.

Good luck Ellianna! •

Juniors set to tackle Barwon Heads The Barwon Heads Golf Club, on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, has a long history of encouraging junior golf. In January, the club will hold its 90th annual Junior Golf Week.

What began as the Wallace Cup, a single event held in 1928 designed to motivate juniors to practice seriously, has gathered momentum (and trophies) to become Junior Golf Week. In its 90th year, there are sixteen named events in this week dedicated to juniors to showcase their passion for the game.

been chosen to co-host the 2017 Victorian Junior Open from the 18th to the 21st December. First run in 2013 in the lead up to the Victorian Open, the former 18-hole tournament provided a great opportunity for juniors to experience the environment of a professional event. Now an Australian Ranked 72-hole tournament all players will compete one round on the Beach and Creek courses at 13th Beach and one round at Barwon Heads before a 54-hole cut.

But in addition to its history and course reputation, it’s also a testament to the success of the Club’s Aces program (launched in mid-2015) that The Barwon Heads Golf Club has

Entries close Monday 4 December.

See the Golf Victoria website for details: www.golfvic.org.au/vicjunioropen

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Jack Newton Junior Golf’s newest star Matthew Xu has just completed his first 72-hole Championship event, the Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic at Cessnock Golf Club.

Just to set the scene, the JNJG International is the biggest junior event on the Australian calendar with 374 competitors.

An amazing 240 players contested the Junior division at Cypress Lakes Golf Resort and 134 players 14 years and under competed for the Sub-Junior title at Cessnock Golf Club.

Matthew was competing in the Sub-Junior division.

He recently obtained his handicap of 30 strokes from Bardwell Valley Golf Club where he often plays with his older brother Benny, who plays on a handicap of 15 at St Michaels Golf Club.

That’s a feat in itself considering their father, Lin is a piano tuner with no golfing background.

And both boys have really been bitten by the golf bug.

Both Matt and Benny are a product of the very successful JNJG Juniors on the Move program providing young players competitive and social opportunities through regular play and coaching with other youngsters.

The coaching clinics, a feature of the school holidays regularly attract more than 50 participants.

Matthew played all four rounds of the championship shooting 108, 99, 110, 104 for a total of 421 strokes.

His nett scores were 78-69-80-74 for a nett total of 301.

What is so special about this is that Matthew is just seven-years-old!

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PEOPLE

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Top End’s Tom claims ‘freezing’ vets championship Harold struggled a bit in the next two rounds, shooting 80 at Palm Meadows Golf Club on Thursday and the same score in the final round Friday at the RACV Royal Pines, when the sun finally came out.

Brian O’Hare

www.australianseniorgolfer.com.au

D

ARWIN golfer Tom Harold doesn’t have much to do with jumpers in his everyday life and had no reason to believe that happy situation would change when he set off for the 2017 Australian Veteran Golfers Union (AVGU) National Championship on the Gold Coast recently.

Harold eventually won his title by two stokes from joint runners-up Ciezki and Peter O’Keefe from Iron Pot, Tasmania. Ken Robertson from Ipswich was fourth with another Queenslander in Robin Tonks from Cairns outright fifth.

Unfortunately for the 61-year-old, and for about 500 other older golfers from around the country, he arrived the Sunday of the week-long celebration of competitive golf and socialising to find the Gold Coast had turned on some very wild, windy, wet and unusually cold conditions.

“I was terrified we would have to play wet weather golf because we don’t have to in Darwin, let alone cold, wet golf,” Harold recounted later. “Usually in Darwin it rains really heavily, it pours down, you step aside because the course is flooded, but an hour or so later it’s all soaked in and away you go.

But here it was driving, drizzling rain that kept coming through.”

Harold had arrived on the Gold Coast hardly prepared for anything other than the usual sunny postcard conditions expected of one of Australia’s top tourist destinations.

“I kept telling myself don’t bring warm clothes, it’s going to be warm, it’s going to be hot, hot, hot; so I had no long pants, no wet weather gear except for one jacket.”

It was Harold’s fourth entry into the AVGU 1_4_final_A.pdf 1 14/10/2016 4:55:42 PM for National Championship, an annual event

“I played very ordinary [in the final round].

I hit the ball poorly but I fought really hard. I had to struggle, I could easily have had 84 or 85, but I hung in there and gritted my teeth when I needed to,” the winner said. golfers aged over 55 that rotates around the states and territories.

Traditionally the week has included a 54 hole strokeplay championship in three handicapped grades and this year the women also played three stroke rounds.

Monday was a warm-up 4BBB team event and there were also a number of stableford and age division competitions added.

In his previous appearances Harold has always finished within the top two or three in the overall championship, including winning in 2015 when the event was held in Darwin. So he was under a bit of extra pressure to prove he could win away from home, especially against arch rival and three time champion John Ciezki, from Buninyong in rural Victoria.

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Conditions for the Fourball conducted over a number of Gold Coast golf courses on the Monday were quite appalling, but Harold had maybe received a bit of backhanded help from the golfing gods going into the A Grade first round on Tuesday at The Glades Golf Club.

“I hurt my neck on the flight down here and the Fourball on the Monday I was going to pull out,” Harold said. “I could hardly swing it at all, it was so painful, but I played with [painkillers] and all that.

“And that helped loosen me up so on the Tuesday in the rain because my neck was sore I couldn’t hit it hard, so I just took extra clubs and swung nice and easy and hit it pretty good and had a good score.”

In the end, and despite the weather, it proved to be a hugely enjoyable and satisfying week for Harold, for the hundreds of older golfers beside him who persevered through the conditions, and for tournament director Ron Armstrong and his team, whose four years of work in organising every aspect of the tournament, shone through.

Harold is putting his name down to attend as defending champion at the 2018 edition of the event, to be based at Port Stephens on the NSW north coast with Dave Flatt as tournament director. •

Harold’s opening 76 in very wet, windy and sloppy conditions saw him open a five shot lead over the field, with Ciezki sharing second spot with four other chasers.

Brian O’Hare is the founder and editor of Australian Senior Golfer, a website providing news, information, entertainment and resources for golfers aged 45 plus. www.australianseniorgolfer.com.au

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PEOPLE

36

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Get Rich on the bag David Newbery

david@insidegolf.com.au

C

ADDIE Dave Musgrove is the man credited with the simple phrase “show up, keep up and shut up” when asked about a caddie’s role.

Musgrove caddied for Seve Ballesteros and Sandy Lyle when they won the Open Championship and the philosophy served him well for more than 30 years.

Of course, today’s caddies are encouraged to show up, keep up and speak up.

Well, when AFL star Daniel Rich, who plays for the Brisbane Lions Football Club, accepted the offer to caddie for good friend Michael Sim at the Queensland Open he was determined he was going to follow Musgrove’s lead.

“I am looking forward to the experience, but I’m going to keep my mouth shut and do what I’m told,” Rich told Inside Golf on the morning of round one.

“He is a very good player so I will just be giving him the club he asks for and carrying his bag between shots.”

Well, it worked a treat as the pair proved to be the perfect partnership when Sim won the Queensland Open to lift the JB Hunter Cup. “It was nice of Daniel to carry the bag and nice to spend time with him. I want to ask him a few questions about AFL and how he prepares for big games,” Sim said.

“But when it comes to golf I’m just happy to do my own thing on the course.”

It turns out Rich, the man with the famous penetrating left boot, is no mug when it comes to swinging a club, as Inside Golf discovered.

Are you a golf club member?

Yes, I’m a member at The Brisbane Golf Club.

What’s your handicap?

I play off nine.

How often do you play golf?

I try to get out once a week. It can be tough as my wife and I have a five-month-old son so it makes it hard for me to get out every week.

Rich and Sim stroll down the first at The Brisbane Golf Club.

TOP TEAM: Daniel Rich (right) and Queensland Open winner Michael Sim proved to be the perfect on-course partnership.

What did you learn carrying Michael Sim’s bag?

I play footy at the elite level, but there is nothing better than being involved with other guys like Michael (Sim) who plays golf at the elite level. I was interested to find out and learn how they do things in certain situations. It was super to be a small part of Michael’s win.

Is it something you would do again?

Absolutely! It was something different, but I loved the experience and it is something I would love to do again.

Who is the best golfer you have shared a round with?

I would have to say Michael Sim. I first met him through a friend of a friend in Perth and he is a very good player.

Of the AFL players, who is the best golfer?

Lachie Henderson, who used to play for the Lions. He played off about two. Daniel Bradshaw, who also played for the Lions, was pretty good and played off a handicap of three or four.

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What is your favourite golf course?

Brisbane is a great course and it’s in good condition all year round. I love playing Brisbane but I also get out to Brookwater a fair bit. It’s unique and a great course.

What’s your lowest score … off the stick?

I once had a four-over par at Nudgee Golf Club.

Are you superstitious?

No, but I like to keep things routine.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I love cooking and cook most nights. I really enjoy it.

Cooking is something you are thrown into playing footy and trying to stay healthy. I also love cooking for other people.

Have you ever had a hole-in-one?

No, but I have been close a few times. I would love to experience the feeling of having an ace.

What is your greatest sporting moment?

I play footy to win premierships and I have been in a few finals, but my favourite moment was in the first final against Carlton a few years ago. We came from behind to win at the Gabba, which was special. We had a full stadium and it was nice and loud. That was definitely a highlight. •

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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.

Food Week Plate tournaMent 9 april – 11 april 2018 The F.O.O.D. Week Plate provides an ideal opportunity for all male and female golfers with an official handicap to play at one of Orange’s great golf courses. It is a fantastic time to come and visit Australia’s Colour City and leading cool climate wine region, during Orange F.O.O.D. Week 2018.

The 54 hole Individual Stableford tournament is limited to 180 players.

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Seniors

38

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

SENIOR Amateur WRAP

With Denis Dale ed@insidegolf.com.au

NATIONAL

Rhodes wins his second Australian Seniors Championship

VICTORIA O’Brien wins the

Melbourne Senior Classic

G

reg Rhodes completed golf’s toughest challenge, leading from start to finish to win his second Australian Men’s Senior Amateur crown.

Rhodes, 58, probably won’t write home about his closing round of 76 in blustery conditions that left him at even-par overall after the third and final round. But his second-day 68 had established the buffer the Coomealla member needed to coast to a three-shot victory from nearest rival and past New Zealand Senior champion Michael Barltrop, of Royal Auckland.

Rhodes, who first won this title in 2015, carded one birdie and five bogeys in blustery conditions, while Barltrop’s lone birdie was cancelled out by four bogeys in his 75.

Paul Chappell, from the Hartfield Country Club in Western Australia, climbed into third place on six-over following a one-over-par afternoon round of 73.

Capping a great week at Royal Hobart, Rhodes also played a key role in Victoria’s winning run to the Interstate Teams trophy on the famous Seven Mile Beach course.

Greg Rhodes, winner of the 2017 Australian Senior Amateur Championship.

Leading Scores 216 RHODES Greg 72-68-76 219 BARLTROP Michael 73-71-75 222 CHAPPELL Paul 75-74-73 224 DOWLING Brad 74-76-74 225 PETERSON Lester 73-74-78 226 CLANEY Gordon 75-77-74, OLSEN Kym 75-75-76 227 DUNSMORE Michael 76-77-74, KELLY John 75-75-77 228 MCPHERSON Ian 75-81-72, ALBINSKI Stefan 79-76-73 229 MCCLEARY Ian 78-73-78 230 DENEEFE Pancho 80-75-75, BRASHER Mark 76-77-77

Australia wins the Asia Pacific Senior Golf Championship His winning score of one-under-par was sensational golf on the famous Royal Adelaide course.

Kym Olsen (73-73-78) was second and Stefan Albinski (72-79-76) third.

Australian Team – Ian Frost, Steve Toyne, Gordon Claney, Kym Olsen. Greg Rhodes, John Davey.

Australia has won the Teams Championship at the 2017 Asia Pacific Senior Championship held at Royal Adelaide.

In a very close battle between the Australians and New Zealand it came down to the last few holes before Australia claimed the title it has now won seven times in the last ten years.

The winning Australian team of Ian Frost, Steve Toyne, Gordon Claney, Kym Olsen, Greg Rhodes, John Davey finished on 907, pipping the New Zealanders at 909.

The Kiwis had their revenge in the individual event with Brent Paterson proving dominant in recording a nine-stroke victory after rounds of 74-69-72.

Leading Individual Scores 215 PATERSON Brent (NZ) 74-69-72 224 OLSEN Kym (Aust) 73-73-78 225 ALBINSKI Stefan (Aust) 72-77-76 227 FROST Ian (Aust) 75-76-76, DAVEY John (Aust) 72-79-76 228 BATLEY John (NZ) 76-76-76 229 TAMURA Toshiaki (Japan) 82-73-74, BARLTROP Michael (NZ) 74-79-76 231 KAMEI Takashi (Japan) 74-78-79 232 WILLIAMS Douglas (HK) 77-76-79 234 HIKICHI Risaku (Japan) 78-79-77, BELL Robbie (NZ) 76-80-78, RHODES Gregory (Aust) 75-79-80 235 CORDINA Norm (Aust) 76-80-79, CLANEY Gordon (Aust) 73-79-83 237 TOYNE Stephen (Aust) 78-76-83 239 CRANFIELD (Aust) Geoff 81-81-77 240 BANTING John (Aust) 78-80-79

western australia

Warburton wins 2017 Melville Glades Melville Glades member Dennis Warburton Senior Amateur has won the Melville Glades Senior with a 3-over par 75 in bright and sunny conditions.

Second place went to Wilf Koh on 77 and third place to Warren Howard on 78 c/b.

Dennis Warburton – winner of the 2017 Melville Glades Senior Amateur.

Leading scores: 75 D Warburton 77 W Koh 78 W Howard, J Ryan 79 K Plug, T Hughes 80 D Hamilton, H Crosby, M Roberts

L-R: Ian Fraser, Ken O’Brien, Sue Wooster & Carmelle Claney - winners at the 2017 Melbourne Senior Amateur.

Ken O’Brien has won the 2017 Melbourne Senior Classic, played at Spring Valley & Woodlands Golf Clubs, with rounds of 74 and 71.

The Rossdale GC member produced a remarkable 1-under par round at Woodlands which saw him hole out from a bunker on two occasions.

O’Brien edged out Spring Valley member Greg Ebinger by two strokes, who finished with rounds of 75 and 72.

Ian Fraser (Huntingdale GC) claimed top prize in the Men’s Nett competition with nett rounds of 73 and 70. Michael Doutch (Woodlands GC) enjoyed a fantastic second round of nett 67 at his home course to snatch second place from Ian McCleary (Kooringal GC) on a countback.

Sue Wooster (The National GC) made the perfect start to her Golf Victoria Seniors

debut, taking out the Women’s Scratch event with 56 points. The next best was Sandra Collingwood (Keysborough GC) with 43 points.

In the Women’s Stableford event, three players were tied on 62 points after 36 holes. However, it was Carmelle Claney (Kingston Heath GC) who was determined the winner on a countback to Sandra Collingwood and Marilyn Anderson (Spring Valley GC).

Spring Valley and Woodlands come together each year to provide senior golfers with an opportunity to play on an impressive Sandbelt layout. Both clubs provided great hospitality to all involved.

The final field consisted of 67 men and 13 women and this is expected this to grow even bigger next year.

queensland

PresCare Queensland Senior Order of Merit Toowoomba Seniors In mid October the PresCare Queensland Senior Order of Merit moved to Toowoomba for two events the Toowoomba City and Toowoomba Middle Ridge Senior Amateurs.

Winner Nett: Ross Saxvik, 37 points Runner Up Nett: David Elford, 35 points Ladies Winner Nett: Jinah Park, 23 points (ocb) Runner Up Nett: Rhonda Morgan, 23 points Toowoomba Middle Ridge Results

A total of 51 players (45 men and 6 women) competed in the City event and a total of 59 players (49 men and 10 women) competed in the Middle Ridge event.

Men Winner Scratch: Brad Dowling,71 Runner Up Scratch: Ian Watkins,75 Winner Nett: Mike Aspland,39 points Runner Up Nett: Ivan Walls,36 points

The City event on Wednesday was played in windy and showery conditions but the course was beautifully presented as always.

It turned out to be a better day than predicted and all but a handful of players chose to play in spite of the poor weather predicted. Those who played made the right decision.

Warwick Seniors

The Middle Ridge event on Thursday was played in much better conditions with the field finishing on a sunny day. Middle Ridge was a most impressive course.

Having come from a very wet few days on the coast it was great to have a dry day even though it was overcast and very, very windy.

If you have not played either of these courses in Toowoomba it is certainly worth the trip up the range.

Ladies Winner Nett: Annie Llewelyn,35 points Runner Up Scratch: Judy Logan, 30 points

The Warwick PresCare QSOOM event attracted a good field with a total of 59 players (41 men and 18 women) competing.

The course was a credit to the club and I believe most players had a great time and are already looking forward to next year.

Toowoomba City Results

Men Winner Scratch: Chris Petrohilos, 74 Runner Up Scratch: Tim Deakin, 75 Winner Nett: Ross Kingston, 37 points (ocb) Runner Up Nett: Errol McGrady, 37 points

Men Winner Scratch: Brad Dowling, 76 Runner Up Scratch: John Costello, 77 (ocb)

Ladies Winner Scratch: Cheryl Sternberg, 87 Winner Nett: Judy Lester, 33 points

The winners are listed below with special mention of Brad Dowling who completed the double with wins at both courses.

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INSTRUCTION

40

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Being honest with ourselves Know your limitations and play the best golf of your life exercises as part of an everyday routine (not just in the few minutes before teeing off!).

With Terry Price

Being in the right frame of mind is also critical to achieving good scores as we regularly see the professional player cope successfully under pressure as they have perfect mental stability.

www.terrypricegolfschools.com.au

A

s the summer of Australian golf is upon us we witness some wonderful golf played by some of the world’s great players including Adam Scott and Sergio Garcia in the PGA Championship at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast as well as Jason Day and Jordan Speith at the Australian Open in Sydney.

Being able to stay relaxed and focussed over 18 holes can be difficult for amateurs, so learning the same calming techniques the Pros use from mind-coaching programs such as Pro Golf IQ (see below) can keep you on track when the going gets tough.

It’s wonderful watching the guys perform at the highest level; whether live at the venues or on TV, however, we must understand that these standards are far out of reach of the average weekend golfer.

It’s really exciting to watch the younger guys in full flow and we can dream of hitting the ball like Adam or Sergio but it’s still nice to get the most out of what we have as we age.

Ball speed, club head speed and pure athleticism is the privilege of the young and should be admired and enjoyed. In general, the mistake made by the amateur golfer is to try to emulate the swing patterns of the top players.

As we age and our bodies change shape, losing the flexibility once taken for granted, it’s important to be aware of our physical limitations and adapt our game accordingly.

Most social and competitive players, both men and women, in the 50+ age group have ball and swing speeds more reflective of the LPGA (Ladies Tour) where these very fine players are able to play sensational golf.

MENTAL GAME

This is the reason my golf schools focus first and foremost on more yardage from the tee, course management and the important ‘scoring zone’ of the short game so students can enjoy their game within their own current skill-sets. • When seeking inspiration for a smooth swing, look no further than the top women players (Photo: Dustin Satloff).

I always recommend to my students within this age bracket to observe the practice routine of the professional ladies, in particular their ball control, course strategy and excellent short game.

Also making sure their equipment is age and skill appropriate: The use of hybrids and

the lofts on wedges with the knowledge of how to use them correctly, alongside making sure the body is in best possible shape to achieve what they are looking for.

With this, I don’t mean spending hours at the gym or undertaking the latest fad diet.

It’s more like regular stretching and rotation

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

Find ‘The Zone’ on every shot With Pete Nicholson info@progolfiq.com

S

ince last month’s column of ‘Between the Ears’ I have been overwhelmed by the number of Inside Golf readers who have written to me with questions about the mental game and how Pro Golf IQ could work for them.

The volume of enquiries is so amazing that it really shows golfers of all standards are starting to recognize the importance of possessing strong mind-skills in order to improve their game.

One of the most common questions received is feeling tense and worried when faced with a tricky shot and invariably ‘talking themselves’ into a poor swing.

Another frequent concern centred on the frustration after making a mistake and then carrying that angry feeling on to the next stroke…always a recipe for disaster!

So, let’s take a look at both scenarios which really are just human behaviour issues, a change of mood, which is completely personal to that individual; meaning the thoughts which are going around inside your head are yours alone and no-one around you has any awareness or influence of what you are thinking.

Now, I’m sure we have all experienced situations on the course where negative mind-chatter causes decision-making to be cloudy. For example, during a game you may get caught in two minds of which club to take: Just a little uncertainty and then the demons creep in mid-swing, a hesitation, a twitch of the muscles as your thought process muddles and before you know it you watch your ball disappear into the trees or worse.

You feel very cross with yourself as tension and anxiety builds inside you while searching for the lost ball. You have only a couple of minutes to regain control and re-enter a composed state of mind. But how?

These situations are key areas to the original creation of the Pro Golf IQ mindcoaching program.

To reply to the masses who asked how the program can assist their game, I can give you an insight to its content.

Upon registering for Pro Golf IQ on our website the user views a short but informative video in the Members Area which encourages the use of the imagination and visualisation, while installing some key messages into the subconscious mind, laying the foundation for the rest of the program.

Then, after downloading the audio sessions, with headphones on, sit or recline back while listening to the first of five weekly modules used during the next month.

In this session the narrator’s smooth calming voice and multiple threedimensional soundscapes promote progressive relaxation and visualisation to get the mind into an optimum learning state.

This audio is just under 30 minutes in duration and used three times in the first week. It’s always encouraging to hear how some customers report how relaxed and destressed they feel after the initial few days; not just on the golf course but also in their everyday life.

The next session, again used three times during week two, introduces guided imagery on how to use the analytical left side of the brain which computes distance to target, trajectory, wind and alerts to any hazards, and also how to bring in the creative right hemisphere for rhythm, timing and coordination.

By getting both sides to work together it eradicates over-thinking and allows the brain to do what it does millions of times each day, giving your body clear instructions on how to achieve perfection.

As you move into weeks three and four this ‘brain-balancing’ along with powerful breathing techniques soon become part of your pre-shot routine providing relaxed golf, confidence and focus.

This clear mind approach is what is known as the ZONE… the quiet mind space the world’s top golfers enter on every shot as

they ignore hazards and distractions to execute perfect shots and great rounds.

During this learning period and into the final week of training, the subconscious mind actively absorbs hundreds of messages and creates new neural pathways to deal with challenging situations like anger and frustration.

Users soon learn that after hitting a bad shot you can’t change history but you can provide a better outcome for your next shot simply by letting go of the past, re-focussing and getting back on track.

During the program customers receive regular tips on how to get the best from the sessions as well as the offer of support from my team and myself.

I’m always delighted to check my inbox and read reviews from golfers who have successfully completed Pro Golf IQ and found a new enjoyment in their game.

This may be from feeling more relaxed and consistent, and, importantly, saving a few shots each round by simply being in a strong mental state throughout the 18 holes.

With Christmas approaching my gift to readers of Inside Golf is a Free Trial of Pro Golf IQ with some stunning offers for anyone wanting to improve their game in 2018.

To try Pro Golf IQ today, go to www.progolfiq.com/freegolf

Instruction

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

The fatigue you can’t feel

Three tips to better chips

Nick Randall and Bryce Hamer

Brent German

brent@brentgermancorporategolf.com

nickr@gravityfit.com

E

ver wondered why performance on the practice range or out on-course can suddenly take a downward plunge, after what feels like a good run of form?

All too often, poor swings come seemingly out the blue with no warning, leading to fat/ thin contact and bad directional control.

After having your expectations for the day raised by the previous good quality play, this can feel extremely frustrating and disheartening. After all, in other disciplines it’s easy to feel when your performance will be compromised by tiredness. For instance, in a team sport that involves high levels of activity, you can feel the fatigue in the form of burning lungs and tired legs.

Fatigue in a skill-based sport like golf, is much more subtle, practically imperceptible in its onset. That’s because performance in golf relies so heavily on good posture, body control and consistent movement patterns. All of these are largely controlled by the sensory system and the strength of the neural connection between brain and body, especially the key postural and stability muscles (Gravity Muscles) surrounding the spine and joints.

A healthy sensory system will just keep on working undetected by our conscious brains, holding us in good posture and ensuring quality movement patterns.

Modern sedentary lifestyles combined with poor posture are not providing us with the stimulus to keep that sensory system strong and healthy, however, so it fatigues quickly and gives up the ghost without us even noticing. An unhealthy or weak sensory system is liable to cut out with little warning,

leaving us exposed to poor posture, balance and motor control.

There is a solution to this issue that can provide the duel benefit of improving posture and spinal/joint stability whilst prolonging good on-course performance.

GravityFit have designed their equipment and exercises to do exactly this job. They recognised a long time ago that people’s sensory systems were weakening and this was largely responsible for not only spine and joint injuries but also that sudden decline in performance of skill-based sporting activities.

In response to this phenomenon, they built the equipment and designed exercises to provide postural feedback and the light load required to give that key stimulus that most of us are not getting from our general activity. I personally use the equipment a

lot when I have been travelling or doing lots of computer work in order give my sensory system a tune up. I do the same for the golfers that I work with, ensuring they train in the right way after travel or periods of time spent in a sedentary state. This helps to reduce the risk of injury and ensure they are bringing their best posture and movement patterns to the course. • The GravityFit exercise tools are based on new science which has shown us how critical it is to have these deep postural muscles working properly in modern life and for golf. They have been proven at the highest level, with over a dozen PGA Tour Pros now using them on a daily basis.

For more information have a look at the GravityFit website; www.gravityfit.com

If you struggle around the greens with your chipping or pitching, here are three quick steps to help you get back on track.

1) Understand the Chipping Ratio – “The landing area” is simply the place where you want the ball to first hit the ground.

This varies depending on the shot and club. For a 7-iron, you should expect the ball to land approximately 25 per cent of the distance to the hole, then roll the remaining 75 per cent. For a pitching wedge, the ratio changes. Land the ball approximately half-way to the hole, and it should roll the remaining 50 per cent of the distance to the hole.

2) To play this shot, start with 70% pressure on your front foot and your feet a club head apart. Move your shoulders only to move the club. In the practice swing, make sure you brush the grass on the follow-through just after the ball.

3) Hold both clubs so you are holding both grips, and the shaft of wedge isn’t touching your body. Shafts are in line with your lead arm (so, for right-hand golfers, shafts are in line with your left arm) and the shafts stay in line with the lead arm for entire stroke. This will teach you to pivot correctly through the shot if the clubs don’t touch your body.

For a video of this tip: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebcGJHlBO2E Brent German is a PGA Golf Professional - Certified in Coaching, at Albert Park Golf Course, Lakeside Drive, Melbourne.

Contact Brent at 0412 533 555, brent@ brentgermancorporategolf.com or visit www.brentgermancorporategolf.com

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Club of the month

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

CLUB OF THE MONTH >

Mornington Golf Club

The spectacular new 19th hole at Mornington Golf Club (photo: Gary Lisbon)

michael@insidegolf.com.au

L

IKE any good golfing anecdote, a golf course can always be improved on – and with a bit of embellishment, get even better with time.

So when Mornington Golf Club ‘discovered’ a pocket of uncleared land on one corner of the course, they decided it just might be the perfect opportunity to give the membership something else to boast about.

That ‘sowed the seed’, so to speak, on a marvellous new par-3 that will surely become the club’s signature hole in the years to come.

The fact it isn’t already is actually a marvellous compliment to some of the other stunning holes on a course that really can no longer claim to be a hidden gem... too many people have heard about it and have been heading there to find out for themselves.

The new clifftop par-3 19th hole at Mornington Golf Club has something that most courses on the eastern seaboard would simply die for – breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay as well as the Melbourne City skyline.

The new addition to the 6040m par-72 layout is the 129m (115m for the ladies) gem which adds to a stunning finish to your round as the views in all directions are really something to behold.

Do yourself a favour, hop into the clubhouse before you play and check out the marvellous aerial shots on the wall of the foyer and you’ll be champing at the bit to get out there and find out for yourself.

And while there—both before and after your round—be sure to sample the great food

and beverages served up by the friendly and helpful Mornington Golf Club staff.

The course was preparing for its club championships when the Inside Golf staff called in, and the fairways and greens were in pristine condition. For some of the players in our group, this was their first time playing the course, and to say we all were impressed is an understatement. The entire course was an absolute treat to play; hole after hole brought repeated smiles to our faces, and we found an excellent mix of risk/reward holes, surrounded by tranquil (and at times stunning) scenery.

In short, we LOVED this golf course. We all agreed that Mornington Golf Club is, without a doubt, a fantastic members’ course, and it’s truly an unsung hero of the Mornington Peninsula. It features the rare combination of thoughtful layout, enjoyable playability and top-notch conditioning.

This was no more evident than when we approached the new 19th hole.

In the pages of this magazine, we have often remarked about how some of the most memorable par-3s in the world aren’t necessarily the longest. Indeed, there are some cracker holes out there that, though they may only require only a wedge or 9-iron to reach, are fraught with potential danger in the form of tough bunkers, slick putting surfaces or treacherous swales.

And the 19th at Mornington fits the bill nicely in this respect, as the combination of strategically-placed bunkers, thick bushland/ rough surrounds and tricky-to-read breaks (not to mention the awe-inspiring backdrop) all add up to a serious challenge. On this visit, only two of our foursome managed to find the green, with only one par recorded (by yours truly).

But don’t let that trick you into thinking this hole is a brute. On the contrary, it is an extremely fun and enjoyable hole that begs for repeated visits. It’s a cracker!

General Manager Craig Murdoch is understandably thrilled with how the new hole has come up.

“Well, we found this parcel of land covered in bushland and straight away it struck us as that it might be the perfect place for a parthree of about 150m,” he told Inside Golf.

“We looked at it and figured why not clear it of some of the trees and see what we have there.

“

Mornington Golf Club is, without a doubt, a fantastic members’ course, and it’s truly an unsung hero of the Mornington Peninsula.

“

Michael Court & the Inside Golf team

“So we pulled in some of our members -our Dad’s Army, which is a team of volunteers to assist our course staff -- and as they cleared the land we realized we had this ideal golfing terrain, with a beautiful view down to the bay and across to the city . . . it really is quite spectacular.”

Things soon began to ‘steamroll’ from there.

The club called in a couple of designers local to Mornington and asked if they could build a nice par-three there for the club.

Course advisor Darius Oliver and course architect Ben Davey (Contour Golf Design) were enlisted to design something that everyone could enjoy playing. Thanks to a

forward-thinking board, the hole went ahead and the rest, says Murdoch, is history.

He agreed there were very few, if any, golf courses in Australia where you can get impressive city views as well as water views while you are actually enjoying your round of golf.

“Certainly there’s nothing on [Port Phillip] Bay that can boast anything like this,” he said.

Murdoch says the club felt there were still some elements on some of Mornington Golf Club’s holes than could still be improved, including a few ‘sloping’ fairways.

“We are looking at doing a bit of tinkering with them,” he said.

“We have a 10, 15 or 20-year plan with so much allocated each year for the master plan.

And part of that is re-directing or re-routing a couple of holes on the front nine to make them a bit more ‘fair’ to members.

“There’s a couple of holes on the inward nine as well that we’d like to have a look at improving.

“It’s all finance-dependent and we’re not going to rush it and we’re not going to go into debt. It will be done gradually which is good for the members as well so there is not so much disruption.”

A new 9th green, 18th green and putting green is also part of the plan, and will be the next stage to be undertaken.

Murdoch says the 15th is his and a lot of members’ favourite holes, as is the new 19th.

“Time will tell, there is still vegetation to grow and it will only improve,” he says. “It’s probably not the best hole yet – but time might change that. It’s already probably in the top five. Certainly it has the best outlook with the spectacular views from the cliff’s edge.

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

45

Club of the month

Mornington Golf Club offers city views unmatched by any course on the Peninsula (photo: David Trend)

The new hole is part of a collection of holes with a creative nickname endowed by the members, owing its origin to Augusta National.

“It’s part of what we call ‘Baymen Corner’.

Every year we have an event when the US Masters breakfast is on and we go out and play a special competition on our Baymen Corner.

Murdoch says most of the membership is based around Mornington and nearby Frankston and the member numbers have been increasing so rapidly that the club’s previous “Hidden Gem” description is no longer applicable.

“We’ve been lucky that a few things have fallen into place which has boosted our membership,” he said.

And for anyone looking for a golf club to join, Mornington ticks all the boxes . . . it is a mere 50kms, or an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD. In addition, the various membership packages and categories feature something for everyone, with extremely affordable rates.

Go and see for yourself and you’ll be impressed by what they have created there.

For more information Mornington Golf Club Tallis Drive, Mornington, Victoria 3931 Clubhouse (03) 5975 2784 Pro Shop (03) 5975 4171 manager@morningtongolf.com.au www.morningtongolf.com.au

Paradise on the Mornington Peninsula

MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN - GREEN FEE PLAYERS WELCOME WEDDINGS & EVENTS OUR SPECIALITY - BAYVIEW RESTAURANT - NEW HOLE NOW OPEN © Gary Lisbon

Mornington Golf Club, Tallis Drive, Mornington, 3931 | P: (03) 5975 2784 | E: Manager@morningtongolf.com.au

www.morningtongolf.com.au

NEW GEAR

46

December 2017

>NEWGEAR www.insidegolf.com.au

Mizuno CLK / Shockwave Hybrid With an eight-way adjustable hosel, the CLK hybrid can be precisely set to fill the distance gap between your longest iron and shortest fairway wood. Mid and slow swing speed players have the option of putting up to four CLKs in play - creating a wider distance span at the longer end of the bag.

Sitting exactly between a long iron and fairway wood, the CLK is equally at home from the fairway or tee. The Amplified Shockwave Sole delivers more energy for faster balls speeds, while pushing weight lower and forward for a high, low spinning flight. The Ultra thin, durable 1770 Maraging steel face material promotes faster ball speeds and freedom to create a more stable clubhead.

RRP $399.00 RH (16’,19’,22’,25’) LH (19’,22’)

Mizuno ST180 DRIVER

Mizuno ST180 FW

Wilson C300 Irons

Mizuno’s Wave sole commits every available gram of weight low, towards the face dropping spin rates for even the fastest, downward ball strikers. Mizuno’s first Wave sole in a driver also allows the ST180 to contract and expand on impact – increasing energy imparted to the ball. With a new Forged SP700 Ti Face the ST180 accelerates ball speeds noticeably past its predecessors.

Mizuno’s hugely amplified Wave sole commits every available gram of weight low, towards the face - dropping spin rates for even the fastest, downward ball strikers. The Wave sole also allows the ST180 to contract and expand on impact – increasing energy imparted to the ball.

The wave sole, combined with the high energy 1770 Maraging Steel face delivers a flatter, more efficient flight with ultimate control. The Amplified Wave Soleplate expands on impact for elevated ball speed, while pushing weight forward for vastly reduced spin rates. The club features a Faster 1770 Maraging Steel Face, a thinner, more responsive face for increased ball speeds, while the Quick Switch Adjustable Hosel allows 4 degrees of loft adjustment and 3 degrees of lie adjustment to match your unique launch and visual preference.

Without accuracy, power is nothing. That’s why the new C300 irons from Wilson Staff have been designed to provide both. Power Holes positioned all around and through the head of the club create explosive distance across the entire face, propelling not only your perfectlyhit shots farther and straighter, your heel and toe shots will be more accurate as well.

Originally engineered in Mizuno’s fairway woods, the Shockwave Sole contracts / expands for elevated ball speed, while pushing weight forward for vastly reduced spin rates. An Internal Waffle Crown saves weight to be reallocated low and forward.

The Forged SP700 Ti Face allows a precise multi-thickness face for accelerated ball speeds, while the Quick Switch Adjustable Hosel allows 4 degrees of loft adjustment and 3 degrees of lie adjustment to match your unique launch and visual preference.

RRP $399.00 RH (15’, 18’) LH (15’)

RRP $139.95 per Iron (STEEL) $159.95 (GRAPHITE)

RRP $629.00 RH (9.5, 12.5 HL) LH (9.5)

Feel SBST Putter Grips Feel SBST Pistol Putter Grips have taken ergonomics to the next level. Years of design, testing and engineering takes this SBST (Straight Back Straight Through) Pistol Putter Grip straight to the top.

These putter grips reduce wrist breakdown at impact, the number one cause of missed putts. The reverse taper design takes the grip from the palm into your fingers for the proper feel and control. The larger diameter at the bottom allows you full control with your dominant hand, which increases control and accuracy.

The new proprietary elastomer technology makes this grip extremely tacky with zero loss in feel even in humid and wet conditions.

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Grand Prix ‘One Minute’ Driver series Promising faster ball speed and more distance, the Grand Prix “One Minute” Driver is a Japanese golf brand that has been popular for distance-seekers for several years in the Asian market. Now, it’s available in Australia with several head shapes to match your needs.

The Grand Prix driver, which conforms to R&A rules, gives you an extra 5-10mph ball speed, as the COR is very close to 0.83. Several head shapes and loft variations are available: The M52 promotes a high launch angle, The D63 is the deepest face and lowest spin model, the G57 is the all-rounder model (mid-deep face with long centre of gravity length), while the smaller head 435V is also available.

These drivers are available as a component (head only), so you can put in your favourite shaft in or get fitted to gain extra performance.

For club fitting, visit GOLF ZERO (Australian Distributor of AKIRA, EPON, EMIILLID BAHAMA, GRAND PRIX.) RRP: $610 (head only) http://golfzero-japan.com/ Email: s.watanabe@golfzero-japan.com

Wilson C300 Driver Power up your long game. Introducing a revolutionary new driver with the power, feel and accuracy that only a Wilson Staff driver can deliver. Power holes generate explosive distance across the entire face by flexing more at impact. More flex equals greater ball speed. More ball speed means longer drives.

RRP $499.95

December 2017

WE TRIED IT!> New Motocaddy S7 Remote Richard Fellner

Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

Like many of you out there, I prefer to walk during my weekly round of golf. Apart from the extremely beneficial exercise and health benefits, I have always found that walking a course helps to mentally prepare for each upcoming shot, while it also (in my opinion) helps speed up play (plus, it’s just the way golf was meant to be played!)

The only downside, I’ve found, is the undue effort required with manually pushing my heavily-laden buggy up hills and across a long course. Especially if my A-game isn’t with me on the day, as that makes the effort seem that much more cumbersome.

So when I got the opportunity last month to test out the new Motocaddy S7 Remote, I jumped at the chance. Not just because it’s a powered buggy, but because it’s by Motocaddy, one of the world’s topselling buggy brands.

The flagship of the Motocaddy range, new Motocaddy S7 Remote is one sleek piece of engineering. Powered by twin 230w motors, the buggy zooms up hills, and tackles side slopes with ease, courtesy of an innovative tilt compensation feature which helps keep the buggy moving straight despite any slope or uneven weight distribution in your bag (even my bag, which is probably the heaviest in the golf industry!). It also features an anti-tip rear wheel (which keep the buggy upright on even the steepest of hills), as well as a swivel front wheel to make turning a breeze.

But here’s the coolest part: true to its name, the S7 Remote also features an ultra-sophisticated remotecontrol system, which allows you to control the buggy via tiny handset – whether forward, left, right or reverse. It’s great for sending your buggy ahead of you toward your ball as you casually walk the fairway.

With various speed controls at your fingertips, it’s easy to find a speed that matches your walking pace. And in the unlikely case where, say, you are looking for your ball in the rough—and then find it a mile away from where you parked the buggy, you won’t need to run all the way back to the bag. Just click the remote and the bag and buggy will come to you! It’s also really handy as you approach the green, as you can send the buggy towards the next tee with a simple click of the handset. The S7 also has a 50m cut-out

function, which stops the buggy if it travels too far from the handset. Clever!

When not in use, the remote-control handset fits into the integrated storage compartment on the underside of the handle, and can be charged using the handy USB charging point, which can also power your GPS devices, etc. Very handy!

And when you’re done with your round, the S7 Remote easily folds down to an ultra-compact size— nice and handy for smaller cars or limited-size boots.

One of the biggest benefits of using this buggy was my body’s energy retention during a round.

As I proceeded through the last few holes during the review, I was surprised at just how much more energetic I felt (physically and mentally – which is a massive plus when playing golf). More importantly, having the benefit of the remote control also saved a lot of back-and-forth walking to the buggy throughout the round, which was another massive plus.

Our verdict? The Motocaddy S7 Remote takes powered buggies to the next level. Smooth, sleek and powerful, it made my round seem almost effortless. I adored the Motocaddy S7 Remote. It was almost as good as having a personal caddy (plus, I didn’t have to buy it lunch afterwards!)

The S7 Remote comes standard with a 12v 20ah Lithium Battery (plenty for 18 holes on a single charge), as well as a seat and sand bucket loop. There are also a large range of add-on accessories available.

It comes with a 2-year full warranty on the buggy, and a 5-year limited warranty on the battery.

RRP: $2599 More information: www.motocaddy.com.au/new-s7-remote-electric-trolley/

Read Inside Golf FREE on iPads If you love your monthly fix of Inside Golf, but can’t always get your copy before they’re all snapped up, then we’ve got some great news: our new and improved Inside Golf Digital iPad app is now available on the App Store... and it’s absolutely FREE.

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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.

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.

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

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NEW GEAR

NEW Callaway MACK DADDY 4 WEDGES Over the years, I’ve reviewed a lot of equipment in these pages. And while I enjoy testing the latest gear, I always get little extra excited (ok, more like “giddy”) when Callaway has new equipment for me to test. And on more than one occasion, these clubs have quietly found their way into my bag as my “gamer” clubs.

So the excitement was palpable last month, when Inside Golf tested out the new Mack Daddy 4 (MD4) wedge line, which featured a new “Groove-In-Groove” Technology that has the industry all abuzz.

Just what is “Groove-in-Groove”, you ask? Well, in addition to the main grooves on the clubface, in-between each main groove is a milled ‘Micro-Positive’ surface texture with three raised ‘micro-ridges’.

Micro-grooves between the ridges help grab the ball’s cover to increase spin.

Each wedge features a 16-groove configuration which also includes a new extra ‘Nip-It’ groove near the leading edge for added control, especially on shorter shots. This combination of grooves, plus microgrooves, provides 84 different contact points to grab ahold of the cover of the golf ball, and spin it like there’s no tomorrow.

In essence, it’s a long-winded way of saying that you get incredible levels of spin and control. And in this case, the claims ring true.

Compared to Callaway’s previous MD3 wedges (a favourite here at Inside Golf), the new MD4 is more compact, with a straighter leading edge, tighter leading-edge radius and is slightly more offset. This is all designed to promote solid contact on tight lies for maximum spin and control.

On the course, we were awestruck by the amount of control and spin we were able to impart with these wedges. From tight lies, thick rough, sand, fairway and virtually everywhere else we tried (and on the day, we were all over the shop, so had plenty of lies from which to test these wedges), the MD4 exceeded all expectations. Our full wedge shots gave us plenty of bite and control; bunker shots popped out effortlessly; and the high flop shots cleared the obstacles with ease.

Before too long, these wedges had us...ahem...“feeling groovy”.

One of the testers [a low marker who faithfully plays wedges from another leading brand] was so impressed with the MD4, he enthusiastically commented “I’ve never considered Callaway wedges before, but I would most definitely buy one of these. They’re outstanding!”

And this sort of performance should come as no surprise, really, as Callaway’s wedge-design legend Roger Cleveland works tirelessly with tour professionals and Callaway’s R&D team, to constantly refine the shapes, soles, grinds and camber of their wedges. With the MD4, Cleveland states that the line “sets a new and higher standard in performance and appearance. Shape, feel, spin, control, versatility, finish and detailing have all been elevated to the highest level we’ve ever achieved.”

Our verdict? Callaway Golf (and Roger Cleveland) have outdone themselves with the MD4. Simply put, you MUST try these wedges. We’re confident they will find pride of place in your bag (like they have done with ours. Once again.)

The MD4 is available in 21 loft-bounce combinations, including nine lofts - 460, 480 500, 520, 540, 560, 580, 600 and 640. There are also four grind options to suit a variety of playing styles, attack angles and course conditions.

Callaway’s C, S and W grinds are now joined by an all-new X-Grind, which features a narrow, high-bounce (12°) crescent sole, which is idea for moderateto-steep angles of attack on medium-to-soft course conditions.

RRP: $229.99 More: visit www.callawaygolf.com.au

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Callaway 300 PRO LASER RANGEFINDER

Christmas

Gifts for golf lovers

The Callaway 300 Pro Laser Rangefinder delivers ALL the distance measurement features golfers need. Now with Slope Technology (can be turned off to conform to USGA rules), elevation changes are accounted for, ensuring truly accurate distance measurements. Whether you’re trying to carry that fairway bunker, or firing at the flagstick of an elevated green, you’ll know the true distance for any shot on the course. With new Birdie technology, the 300 Pro will chirp when laser has locked onto the pin.

RRP: $399 Distributed by Golf Imports 03 5277 3977

Whether they’re naughty or nice, Have a hook or a slice, Or simply can’t get off the tee, Every golf lover will squeal with glee, With a great golf gift under the tree!

Here are some of our favourite picks this year

Concourse CBM3 Bag Buggy Combo

The International Design Award-winning Concourse CBM3 is now paired with an equally smart and versatile bag. The Concourse Bag Buggy Combo offers superb value and on-course performance.

Engineered with extremely strong, technologically-advanced materials, the unique design and patented strapless connection means the buggy can seamlessly fold away whilst still remaining attached to the bag. The accompanying premium bag is just as cleverly designed with a 15-way club divider top, sturdy handles plus a raft of perfectly sized and positioned pockets.

Ideal for Christmas, the Concourse CBM3 Bag Buggy Combo has shaken up the market setting new standards and is designed to perfectly suit Concourse Golf’s new Smart Wheels which will be the world’s first self-contained, self-propelled motorised drive wheels for golf buggies.

N I W

The Ultimate Concourse Golf Bag & Buggy Combo

Inside Golf and Concourse are giving away the new CBM3 Bag Buggy Combo. (Valued at $549).

For your chance to win this fantastic prize, visit www.insidegolf.com.au/competitions

Callaway Golfit GPS band

The Callaway Golfit is packed with features for its size. The Golfit is the combination of a fitness band with a golf GPS rangefinder. This is the perfect option for the golfer who wants to live a healthy lifestyle with the ability to track their heart rate, steps, and sleeping pattern. With Bluetooth capability, the Golfit can even alert you when you receive texts or calls.

Cool Dry Covers Tired of sticking to a hot cart seat or getting wet from a damp one? Then Cool Dry Covers seat covers are your answer. Their micromesh design keeps you raised above your cart seat, allowing beneficial air flow to keep you cool and dry. There are models to fit all major cart brands as well as select single seater carts. New for 2017, there are now Cool Dry Covers for your John Deere and Toro ride-on mowers. All Cool Dry Covers are quick to install so you can begin enjoying their benefits right away. Orders shipped daily across Australia and overseas.

Brought to you by Four Season Products Pty Ltd, a proudly Australian company.

Cool Dry Covers make the perfect Christmas gift! www.cooldrycovers.com info@fourseasonproducts.com

RRP $259 (No annual fees or subscriptions) Distributed by Golf Imports 03 5277 3977

OFFICIAL AFL GIFT PACKS Does someone on your list love footy? Give them a gift that combines their love for their team with their love of golf! Official AFL golf products including golf cart bags, golf umbrellas, golf balls, tees and headcovers are available for all 18 teams. Also available are two ready-made Official AFL gift packs.

The Tee Up Kit includes two team logo Optima TS golf balls, four tees and a combined magnetic team logo ball marker and divot tool. The Golfers Gift Pack includes three Optima TS golf balls with team logo, four tees, a combined magnetic team logo ball marker and divot tool and a team embroidered golf towel. The perfect gift idea for any passionate AFL and golf fan!

The sleek, self contained Smart Wheels are Australian designed, engineered and manufactured to provide course conquering performance with the equally course conquering CBM3 Bag Buggy Combo.

Visit concoursegolf.com or call 1300 650 059 for more details.

RRP $549

RRP Tee Up Kit: $24.95 The Golfers Gift Pack: $39.95 1800 656 968 www.wsports.com.au/afl info@wsports.com.au

December 2017

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Spalding Golf

IceRays UV Protective and Cooling Armsleeves

Spalding Golf is back and is now positioned in the Australian market to support the golfer who is just beginning, a social player or the high handicap golfer.

If you hate messy sunscreen but don’t want to wear hot, long sleeve shirts, then IceRays are the perfect answer. No more hot, sticky arms; just cool comfort. With 50+ UV protection and no uncomfortable seams, they are the only Armsleeve tested by the Government body ARPANSA to be totally UV protective to 50+. A great option to keep you cool and protected, Icerays are available in 32.95 lots of different colours and one size fits all. ust $

J

www.icerays.com.au Email: enquiries@icerays.com.au or call 1300 025 939

christmas gear

Spalding Golf have reengineered their products to offer new golfers extraordinary value for money.

ding inclu very deli ere in h anyw tralia. s Au

The range is extensive and covers all areas of golf including ladies’ sets, men’s sets, junior sets, balls, chippers, putters, drivers and trolleys.

durable Surlyn cover. The Hot Dot ball gives great performance.

Spalding have re-introduced the famous Hot Dot golf ball back into the market.

During the 1980s, it was Australia’s biggest selling golf ball.

Packaged in the world-famous and instantly recognisable design of the original ball, it is exciting to see this classic brand available in Australia again.

The Hot Dot is a great product for the golfer who’s looking for distance with drivers and irons. Returning in the two-piece format that Spalding invented with a hi energy core and

RRP: $19.99 1800 777 137 or 02 8799 3500 www.spaldinggolf.com.au sales@actionsports.com.au

Professional Leather Score Card Holder Danny P. Leather has crafted a scorecard holder not only to reflect such high design expectations but also to withstand the time you spend on a golf course and support you on your way to get better every day.

The holder’s dimensions (185x110x7 mm) fit the vast majority of scorecards and offer enough space to track your training and store a yardage book and pin sheets. The perfectionists among us will appreciate the elegant dark brown colour or black that matches the rest of their Danny P. collection.

Garmin Approach S60 The Garmin Approach S60 is the ultimate in golf watches with modern style. This GPS golf watch has a large 1.2” sunlight-readable colour touchscreen display. While on the course it shows precise yardages to greens, hazards and doglegs on full-colour course maps. It has more than 41,000 preloaded courses from around the world and a battery life of up to 10 hours in golf mode or 10 days in watch mode. With more sensors to improve detection accuracy, AutoShot game tracking automatically detects along the fairway and records distances for post-game analysis on Garmin Connect. With the convenient QuickFit band, it can be change easily and quickly without tools.

The scorecard holder features five easily accessible slots, flexible pen holder, and comes with a set of thirty training scorecards, thirty coaching golf cards and an original pen. www.gallantoro.com.au RRP: $100.00

RRP: $579

OFFICIAL NRL CART BAGS

Have a passionate rugby league fan on your Christmas list? An official NRL team cart bag would make the perfect gift!

This 9-pocket design includes all the features you would expect in a premium cart bag, including a 14-way top with full-length dividers, external putter pit, cooler pocket, valuables pocket and more. Available in all club colours. Look out for a complete range of NRL golf accessories available from January 2018.

Parmaker Scout Walker The Parmaker Scout is the strongest and most reliable walker on the market. Parmaker uses the latest materials and manufacturing techniques and all construction is carried out in their Mordialloc factory, making them resolutely ‘Australianmade’. Features include comfortable speed control, solid, rubber wheels, reliable front wheel suspension and a storage compartment. The Scout also folds down easily for storage in the ‘boot’. www.parmaker.com

RRP: $249 1800 656 968 www.wsports.com.au/nrl, www.garmin.com.au info@wsports.com.au

December 2017

EXCLUSIVE NSW & ACT NEW LION Golf & Transport Vehicles

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• • • • • • • •

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Powerful AC Motor Trojan Batteries Advanced Toyota Controller Onboard Delta Q Charger Full Lighting Kit 10’’ Mag Wheels Huge Choice of Colours & Accessories Available in 2, 4, 6 & 8 Seat

Highland Golf Cars’ is a family owned and operated business, showcasing an impressive range of new and used golf carts, and boasting the largest display outside of Sydney!

Our continued popularity and growth can be attributed to our mantra ‘we will not be beaten on price’. When you have a vast array of stock to choose from, excellent sales and after sales service and legendary trade-in deals, that mantra makes your decision to buy from HGC an easy one!

We are proud to be the exclusive importer and distributor for NSW & the ACT’s of the cost competitive LION range.

December 2017

IMPORTER & DISTRIBUTOR

www.insidegolf.com.au

7995

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FROM:

51

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December 2017

NEW CLUB CAR PRECEDENTS

www.insidegolf.com.au

One of our all time best sellers is the top brand CLUB CAR. We have been selling these amazing carts since we opened our doors.

Golf carts are increasingly more affordable and feature packed these days and with these top products to choose from all with varying models and price points there are so many options to suit any budget.

Whether you’re after the latest model or are interested in a used vehicle, there is simply no better place to start (and end) your journey.

We have a full range of petrol & electric 2 seaters and 4 seaters available in stock in a wide range of colours and options.

FROM

9495

$

December 2017

USED CLUB PRECEDENTS

www.insidegolf.com.au

53

christmas gear

Highland Golf Cars trade any cart, so why not tradeup today!

Electric & Petrol Most with new Trojan batteries

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3495

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If you’re looking for a used cart, check out the extensive selection of pre-owned, fully reconditioned buggies, all with warranty and many equipped with brand new Trojan batteries.

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December 2017

BATTERIES & TILT TRAILERS

www.insidegolf.com.au

TILTING CART TRAILERS Registered Registered on on Road.

Road.

Buy Buy your your cart cart from from us us and and we’ll we’ll discount discount further! further!

Conditions ConditionsApply: Apply:Please Pleasecall callor oremail emailus usfor fordetails. details.

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6x6v; 6x6v; 6x8v 6x8v or or 4x12v 4x12v $$

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And Andspeaking speakingof ofbatteries: batteries:Highland HighlandGolf GolfCars Carsare areleaders leaderswhen whenititcomes comesto toquality, quality,price priceand anddistribution distributionof ofcart cart batteries. batteries.The Thecurrent current‘unbeatable’ ‘unbeatable’deals dealson onTrojans TrojansBatteries Batteriesisisan anall alltime timewinner. winner.

What’ What’ssmore, more,our ourdelivery deliverycharges chargesare aresimply simplythe thebest! best!We Wecan canarrange arrangedelivery deliveryof ofaacart, cart,aatrailer, trailer,aaset setof of batteries batteriesor oraapart, part,to toanywhere anywhereininAustralia!

Australia!

SERVICING, SPARE PARTS & ACCESSORIES December 2017

www.insidegolf.com.au

SPARE SPAREPARTS: PARTS: WINDSCREENS: WINDSCREENS: WARRANTY: WARRANTY: NO NODAMAGE: DAMAGE: SERVICING: SERVICING: WE WESHIP: SHIP:

55

christmas gear

Huge Hugerange rangeof ofparts parts&&accessories accessoriesfor forall allmakes makes&&models models 22Piece PieceSplit: Split:for formost mostmakes makes&&models modelsat at$199 $199(includes (includesdelivery) delivery) Every Everycart cartisissold soldwith withWARRANTY WARRANTY All Allcarts cartsare areininSHOWROOM SHOWROOMCONDITION CONDITIONwith withno nodamage damageto tobodywork bodyworkor orupholstery upholstery All Allcarts cartsare areWORKSHOP WORKSHOPTESTED TESTEDand andSERVICED SERVICEDprior priorto todelivery delivery Australia AustraliaWide Wide

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Motocaddy S5 Connect Smart Cart

SX1 Point n Putt

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.

The Directional Pointer is intentionally separated from the face of the putter to 1) make it easier to focus solely on the silver pointer, without the distraction of aligning the face. And 2) to assist the MOI on the extreme perimeters.

The world’s first buggy offering GPS and smart phone notifications is now available in Australia. The new S5 CONNECT can be synced to the Motocaddy GPS app via a Bluetooth connection on any compatible smartphone; allowing the buggy’s digital display to be used in place of a conventional GPS. With a sunlight-friendly display, it offers front, middle and back distances to the green along with a range of smartphone notifications.

The new S5 CONNECT DHC adds downhill speed control and an easy-to-use electronic parking brake to the impressive range of game-enhancing features available on the technologically-advanced S5 CONNECT Smart Cart.

The mobile phone app is available free to download on iOS and Android. It features a number of easy-to-use modes and can be used without syncing to the S5 CONNECT buggy, making it a fullyfeatured mobile GPS device. Utilising the world’s #1 mapping database, some 40,000 courses worldwide are accessible with overhead maps and detailed yardages, distance of the last shot and dedicated greenside information.

RRP S5 CONNECT - Standard Lithium $1829, Extended Lithium $1929 S5 CONNECT DHC - Standard Lithium $1,979, Extended Lithium $2079 Distributed by Walkinshaw Sports 1800 656 968 www. motocaddy.com.au info@wsports.com.au

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.

Call 02 6239 3462 or visit www.pnpgolf.com RRP: $198

MGI Zip Navigator Focus on your game under less fatigue with the new MGI Zip Navigator, as you walk free around the course while your buggy does all the work. Featuring MGI’s renowned full directional remote control, roam free and experience the ease in which this motorised buggy moves around the course.

Control the speed remotely while the automatic downhill speed control feature effortlessly takes control down any hilly terrain. The most significant technological triumph on the Zip Navigator is what lies within. Traverse across the toughest of terrain and watch as the patented gyroscope automatically tracks the buggy on a straight course. Walk free and play hard with the Zip Navigator.

DAPHNE’S HEADCOVERS Everyone needs a mascot! Daphne’s Headcovers are a fun way to let your 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.

With over 80 designs to choose from, join the pros like Tiger Woods (Tiger) Danny Willett (Pug), Michelle Wie (Giraffe), Lydia Ko (Monkey made of Sockies) and Ryan Moore (Rhino) with a Daphne’s Headcover.

RRP $69.95 1800 656 968 www.wsports.com.au/daphnes-headcovers info@wsports.com.au

RRP $1,999 www.mgigolf.com

CALLAWAY LASER RANGEFINDERS

NO BETTER WAY TO KNOW YOUR DISTANCE!

300 PRO Laser

Ultimate Precision now with slope technology!

Get true, real time distances to the flag with one click of a button!

200 Laser

Ultra compact design, locks onto pin 275 yards away.

250 Laser

Sleek, compact design with Elite precision; locks onto pin 300 yards away.

MICRO Laser

Delivers the benefits of both Laser and Prism technology within one ultra compact, lightweight device.

www.callawaydmd.com | Distributed by Golf Imports | 03 5277 3977

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

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christmas gear

PnP Siteline Dynamic Duo. Putter & 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 design assists in setting you up perfectly – every time.

In combination with Siteline’s Directional Pointer 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 Alignment, stroke, feel and balance. Doing this will help you to develop repeatable, muscle memory, confident and accurate strokes.

Call 02 6239 3462 or visit www.pnpgolf.com RRP: Putter $189 Chipper $179 Together $329

ZERO FRICTION

GREG NORMAN COLLECTION Greg Norman collection offers sun protection with PlayDry performance. For classic and timeless style you can wear on and off the course.

The Men’s Tidal Wave Colour story has something for everyone. From RRP: $79.95 Ladies FAN PRINT POLO in the Marrakesh Colour Story From RRP: $89.95 Matched with Tangerine Skort. RRP: $109.95

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

TOO BUSY PLAYING GOLF TO WORRY ABOUT SUNSCREEN? PROTECT YOUR ARmS FROm ThE SUN WIThOUT ThE hASSLE OF SUNSCREEN OR hOT LONG SLEEvES

Increase Distance & Accuracy NOW!

Fully tested and certified to be 50+ UV, One size fits all.

More and more golf pro’s are wearing them now and Anne Rollo from Anne Rollo Golf schools has been wearing them for over 2 years and loves them... ”I recommend them to all my students, I don’t have to wear sunscreen on my arms anymore and they are surprisingly cool on the skin, I love them” Go to www.icerays.com.au to order and have yours to wear in a few days.

Or call us on 1300 025 939 or email enquiries@icerays.com.au to order yours now.

For wholesale or general enquiries please contact us on: 0402 860 777 or sales@feelgrips.com www.feelgrips.com www.birdiegolf.com.au

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Mizuno ST180 Driver Mizuno’s Wave sole commits every available gram of weight low, towards the face dropping spin rates for even the fastest, downward ball strikers. Mizuno’s first Wave sole in a driver also allows the ST180 to contract and expand on impact – increasing energy imparted to the ball. With a new Forged SP700 Ti Face the ST180 accelerates ball speeds noticeably past its predecessors.

“This was the biggest shock we’ve had in testing. The spin rate and ball speed of this driver caught everybody out. The ST180 comes off so fast, with so little spin.”

Jeff Cook, PGA Tour Manager.

RRP: $629.00 Loft: RH (9.5, 12.5 HL), LH (9.5) AVAILABLE: December 4, 2017.

Mizuno ST180 Fairway The Wave sole allows the ST180 to contract and expand on impact – increasing energy imparted to the ball. The wave sole combined with the high energy 1770 Maraging Steel face delivers a flatter, more efficient flight with ultimate control.

“If you like a wider, larger looking profile – but don’t necessarily want a high spinning flight, the ST180 is a really interesting option. Over the years a lot of our tour players have bucked the trend for smaller fairway woods and this plays nicely into their hands.”

Jeff Cook / PGA Tour Manager.

RRP: $399 Loft: RH (15’, 18’), LH (15’) AVAILABLE: December 4, 2017.

Mizuno CLK / Shockwave Hybrid With an eight-way adjustable hosel, the CLK hybrid can be precisely set to fill the distance gap between your longest iron and shortest fairway wood. Mid and slow swing speed players have the option of putting up to four CLK’s in play - creating a wider distance span at the longer end of the bag.

“We all play our CLK’s a little differently – with faster ball speeds, we’ll tend to slot them in before a 3 or 4 iron. For mid and slow swing speeds 2, 3 or even 4 CLK’s in the bag become a

great way to maintain some yardage gaps.”

Bill Price, Custom Fit Manager, Mizuno.

RRP: $399.00 Loft: RH (16’,19’,22’,25’), LH (19’,22’) AVAILABLE: December 4, 2017.

PnP RAKE Wedge Series Get out of bunkers and rough with confidence and ease.

The 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.

So why do they work so well? The answer is that other wedges, particularly sand wedges, have a single, blunt bounce. PnP has broken up this single, traditional bounce into what they call a dual bounce rail design.

When in sand or 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.

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

Call 02 6239 3462 or visit www.pnpgolf.com RRP: Lob, Sand or Gap wedges $169 ea Any 2 RAKE wedges $299 All 3 RAKE wedges $429

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

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christmas gear

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christmas gear

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

NIBLICK Australian since 1884, Niblick has always been the name synonymous with comfort, style and fit at an affordable price. The brand which has been aligned with the most famous names in golf is totally committed to comfort technology for avid golfers.

Niblick is the preferred golfing shoe for fit, stability and weather protection. With over 100 years’ experience working to perfect the golf shoe, Niblick has now also expanded into golf hardware.

For more information and to view more products visit: www.niblick.com.au

LADIES FAIRLIGHT The Fairlight is a lightweight easycare Microfibre upper ladies shoe. Features a wide fitting last and lightweight rubber / phylon sole for greater traction and comfort. Superior “Blackwidow” cleats by Softspikes. Ortholite insole open-cell foam technology delivers a combination of benefits unmatched by any other insole manufacturer.

Long-term cushioning, High level breathability, Moisture management, Antimicrobial function and is light weight. 12 month waterproof guarantee.

SIZE: 5-9 Colours available in black and white styles RRP: $109.95

MEN’S AUGUSTA The AUGUSTA model shoe is styled as a modern casual walker with a grass sport rubber sole. New microfibre / PU upper with heavily padded tongue collar and Ortholite insole makes this shoe comfortable for all occasions.

The rubber grass sport sole is perfect on hard or soft surfaces and especially good on grass for that quick nine holes at the end of the day. The insole is an Ortholite insole open-cell foam technology which delivers a combination of benefits unmatched by any other insole manufacturer. Long-term cushioning, High level breathability, Moisture management, Antimicrobial function & its Light weight.

Ortholite® Comfort from the inside out. Available in Australian wide fit. 6 month waterproof guarantee.

SCORCH CART BAG 10 individual storage pockets, 14-way top with full length dividers, upper lift handle, metal towel ring and glove holder, velourlined waterproof valuables pocket, large easy access apparel pockets (both sides), lower lift handle, umbrella storage loop, internal putter storage well, oversized vented cooler pocket, shoulder strap sleeve at rear, tee holder, lightweight travel hood. Zip off ball pocket for embroidery.

Colours available in Black / Blue, Black / Red & Black / Grey RRP: $199.00

DUNNING In 2001, Dunning revolutionized the golf industry by launching the very first golf apparel line comprised exclusively of performance fabrics.

Today’s active lifestyles demand clothing that performs; Dunning delivers unsurpassed quality, year round versatility and timeless styling, making it ideal for golf, travel and leisure.

Engineered specifically for golf, the Natural Hand Polo has a luxury drape and Premium Performance.

RRP: $89.95

SIZE: 7-11 & 12 Colours available in black and white styles RRP: $99.95

MENS TURNBURY The Men’s Turnbury offers a Soft leather upper and is wide fitting for superior fit and comfort. A softer footbed and Ortholite innersole is designed for extra comfort, while a twin pod phylon / TPU sole gives maximum support.

Traction ridges combined with light soft ‘fluid cleats’ give superior traction and stability.

Includes superior “Blackwidow” cleats by Softspikes. Ortholite insole open-cell foam technology delivers a combination of benefits unmatched by any other insole manufacturer. Long-term cushioning, High level breathability, Moisture management, Antimicrobial function and is light weight. 12 month waterproof guarantee

The Dunning shorts have been identified as the best technical bottoms in golf. The 4-way stretch, ultra-lightweight performance bottoms offer extraordinary play-ability and freedom of movement. A very flattering fit for all body types.

SIZE: 7-12. Colours available in black/black and white/black styles.

RRP: $119.95

RRP: $119.95 For stockists call Sporte Leisure on 02 9693 5777 or www.sl.com.au

Nicolas Colsaerts wearing the Dunning shirt.

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

SPORTE LEISURE

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christmas gear

ilford SL-7 M Single-Length Irons

Australia’s No. 1 Golf Apparel Brand, Sporte Leisure has created a sophisticated lifestyle apparel collection for Summer 2017/18. Joining the latest style trends with performance properties to make the collection for men and women a must-have for the summer months. These stylish polos incorporate all the technical properties of their popular performance polos.

The moisture wicking and Anti-bacterial attributes helps you stay dry and comfortable in all Aussie conditions.

New to the market in Australia, these irons have been specifically developed to simplify the game and make it more enjoyable for golfers of all abilities.

The SL-7 irons are all the same length, that of a 7-iron, and swing weight matched. They enable you to have the same set-up, stance, ball position and swing plane for all irons. Grappling with uncomfortable, long shafted irons is a thing of the past.

The Limoncello sleeveless polo (RRP: $75.00) is teamed up with white and chrome for the perfect summer outfit.

The core set is 4-iron-PW, with LW, SW and GW also available. Milford SL-7 irons are available with graphite shafts in L, A and R flex and with stainless steel shafts in R and S flex.

The Sun protection polo (RRP $89.95) is teamed up with matching technical DriSporte™ Stretch skort (RRP $79.95) For stockists call Sporte Leisure on 02 9693 5777 or www.sl.com.au

POWAKADDY COMPACT C2

Whether at home or the car, create more space and downsize to the new PowaKaddy Compact C2. The C2 has a simple two-fold system that allows the buggy to be both set up and packed away in just two simple folds. Folded dimensions 514h x 349w x 560d, making it a breeze to fit in the car. The handle adjusts to three heights (good news for taller golfers), and the integrated grip makes it easy to carry. A full-colour display incorporates a Power Gauge, Battery Indicator, USB Port, and the ADF feature allows the buggy to be sent 15, 30 or 45 meters; very handy for sending the buggy to the next tee. The handle compartment is ideal for storing accessories and has a built-in scorecard holder. Included is the unique 18h Plug & Play Lithium Battery with Full five-year warranty, the Buggy a three-year warranty. All PowaKaddy Buggies can now be purchased direct, ensuring the world’s best buggies are at the world’s best price.

RRP: Set (4 iron-PW): $499 (steel) $549 (Graphite) Contact Fred Stewart on 0412 563 977 fred@milfordgolf.com.au www.milfordgolf.com.au

RRP $1,399.00

For sales enquiries contact 03 9795 1743, or www.powakaddy.com.au

Bags

An Extensive Niblick Hardware Range We continue our commitment in supplying quality and value for money footwear, accessories and golf hardware.

Clubs

Golf Balls

Shoes

NIBLICK... Made For Your Game.

For stockist information telephone 02 9693 5777 | ww.niblick.com.au

SOCIAL GOLF

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

The Social Network

Your guide to Australia’s most welcoming social clubs, courses and service providers NEW SOUTH WALES / ACT

S

ocial Golf in Australia is, in a word, booming. What was once a small (and often disdained) segment of the golf arena has now become the majority player in a flourishing industry, with the words “Social Golf” becoming the hot buzzword at many clubs.

Social Golf numbers have outpaced the private clubs in terms of growth over the years, as time-poor families and individuals have changed their habits when it comes to playing this great game of ours. This has led to the establishment of many highly-respected Social Golf Networks and clubs. These professionally-run organisations/groups

are located throughout the country, with many offering official Golf Australia handicaps, professionally-run events, golf tours and more.

Courses and private clubs have also cottoned on to this highly lucrative market. These clubs are successfully welcoming social golfers with open arms, and are being rewarded with a healthy bottom line in both their green fee revenue, and food & beverage numbers.

This month, Inside Golf features many of the country’s forward-thinking clubs, groups and services that are now enjoying the bounty created by the growing trend of Social Golf.

Pacific Dunes Earning its place in the Top 100 courses Australia wide, Pacific Dunes, designed by James Wilcher and located in the picturesque Port Stephens region, just gets better with age. The natural vegetation on the front nine paints the perfect backdrop as it wends its way through woodlands that make the playing arena feel enclosed and rewards accuracy over bravado. In contrast, the far more open back nine is spacious but water laden, with hazards in play near enough to every hole. The opportunities for rewards are frequent, accompanied by a commensurate level of risk.

The $180 master-planned Golf Course Residential Estate is complete with not only a world-class 18hole golf course but also offers golfers practice facilities including a full sized putting and chipping green and practice nets.

Pacific Dunes Port Stephens The newly completed, state-of-theart, environmentally-friendly $3 million clubhouse offers golfers and visitors alike a dining experience like no other at The Greenhouse Eatery, taking advantage at every point of the stunning golf course.

Pacific Dunes is located only 25 minutes from Newcastle, 20 minutes from the golden beaches of Port Stephens and only two hours’ drive from Sydney, making it a destination to visit. Catering for the single golfer or large social & corporate groups, you won’t be disappointed in what is one of NSW’s finest public access courses.

More information: Huntingdale Place, Medowie. Port Stephens, NSW 2318.

Golf Shop Phone: (02) 4916 0500. www.pacificdunes.com.au

GIVE A GIFT THAT LASTS ALL YEAR Windsor Golf Club Lifestyle membership is just $99* full details and a voucher to print are available by contacting the office on 02 4577 4390

C A N BERR A S W ING INT O S U M M ER

AT G U NG A HL I N L A K ES G OL F C L U B

GOLF FOR 2 WITH CART HIRE AND $10 CLUBHOUSE CREDIT

Monday – Thursday $69 Friday – Sunday $89

Ages 18-49.

Membership year ends September 30th 2018 Further conditions apply, for full details visit the website.

Gungahlin Lakes Golf and Community Club

Corner Gundaroo and Gungahlin Drives, Nicholls ACT 2913 Bookings Essential: (02) 6242 4662

Windsor Country Golf Club

Subject to availability. Conditions apply. Expires 28/2/18.

Weekend rate applies for public holidays.

Swing Into Summer_v14.indd 1

McQuade Ave, South Windsor 2756 P 02 4577 4390 W: www.windsorgolfclub.com.au 22/11/2017 4:30 PM

Stay and Play on the South Coast

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SOCIAL GOLF

Club Catalina offers stay and play packages to suit any size group with a stunning 27 hole championship golf course and practice facility.

We’re on the beautiful South Coast in the Eurobodalla Region that has a fabulous climate for year round golf and a wealth of family attractions and natural beauty.

• 40 motorised golf carts for hire • Only 2 hours from Canberra and 3.5 hours from Sydney • Spectacular National Parks, pristine Marine Parks & Beaches • Delicious seafood & dining

To book your next golf getaway or find out more about these great offers contact: info@clubcatalina.com.au

We’d love to hear from you.

Packages available from $90 per person

154 Beach Road, Batemans Bay clubcatalina.com.au

SOCIAL GOLF

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Rich River Golf Club

Rich River Golf Club Rich River Golf Club is a mainstay for the Inside Golf team whenever we travel the Murray. The facility features two very impressive 18-hole championship courses, the East and the West.

They’ve been developed over the years to become one of regional Australia’s premier golfing venues, where golfers love the rolling fairways, carefully tended greens and towering eucalyptus.

The West Course has traditional tree-lined fairways with tricky, small greens that take the serious player on a thought-provoking and challenging 6,183m journey. The East Course, which had a major transformation after a redesign by Peter Thomson in 1998, features large greens, wide fairways and those famous Thomson bunkers which really keep you thinking about your strokes. Course length is 6,131m.

Tee times are available seven days a week, with services including golf carts, pro shop, equipment hire and a beverage cart for a quick refresher.

The 12th on the West is one of the most difficult holes on the course. A strong doglegright, it’s critical to hit the fairway in just the right spot (hint: Fairway metal or iron off the tee is often a good bet). Your second shot

requires a good solid strike over Howards Lake to reach the green, which is gently sloped from front to back. A par on this hole is always a good score.

The 18th on the East course is a monster at 532m. Be sure to avoid the fairway bunker on the left from the tee, as well as the fairway bunkers on your second shot (80 meters short of the green). With water down the left of the fairway, and a green surrounded by bunkers, it’s a very challenging hole.

The bistro is locally famous for the magnificent views of the golf course, and for the mouth-watering choices on the lunch and dinner menu. Premium Australian and New Zealand wines and local and imported beer feature too. You can also drop into the bistro for a continental or cooked breakfast.

The clubhouse has recently undergone a massive renovation, with a brand new Café and Sports Lounge a welcome addition. Catch up on the all the latest sports action in the new Sports Lounge and TAB, showing various sports and racing on a daily basis. A snack menu is also available from 12pm.

The deluxe accommodation has been attractively refurbished, with privacy and seclusion ensuring your own space to relax after golf. There’s a great choice of rooms

Teven Valley Golf Club too, for couples, families and small groups.

40 spacious and airy standard suites have a king split bed in the bedroom and single bed in the lounge room. The 22 deluxe rooms are rated 4-star, and feature a queen bed. If you’re travelling with a small group, a large and fully self-contained apartment can accommodate up to 7 people with 3 bedrooms, a welcoming lounge/dining area, 2 bathrooms and 3 toilets.

There are so many leisure options here: two outdoor pools, a spa, gym equipment, three bowling greens, three croquet courses and nine tennis courts.

More information: (03) 5481 3333, www.richriver.com.au, golfpackages@richriver.com.au

TEVEN VALLEY GOLF CLUB TEVEN Valley Golf Club, nestled in the green rolling hills of the Ballina hinterland, is one of the prettiest golf courses in the Northern Rivers.

Set among tropical fruit trees, remnant rainforest and babbling creeks, Teven Valley golf course offers a challenging layout for all levels of golfers.

The course caters for social golfers with casual golf available every day with no strict tee times.

The emphasis at Teven Valley is to provide a stern test of golf where good shot-making will triumph over the “big hit” and finesse can successfully compete with power.

Players who have a good short game will score well on a course that includes a lengthy 207m par-3 opening hole. Mind you, it’s downhill and plays to 180m.

Located in a peaceful environment, the songs of the birdlife and the occasional splash of a platypus are the only things that may interrupt your game.

The superbly maintained course is a challenging layout that appeals to golfers of all levels.

What’s nice about Teven Valley is it doesn’t pretend to be Augusta National. What it does try to be, and succeeds very well, is nine pleasant holes (18 tees) of golf in a stunning beautiful setting.

Little wonder Teven Valley recently made the top-30 list of must-play nine-hole courses in Australia.

The club welcomes visitors and it says it can promise “an unforgettable experience”.

The club is licensed and has carts, buggies and clubs for hire.

SOCIAL GOLF PASS PLAY SOCIAL GOLF ALL YEAR ROUND $400 PER MEMBERSHIP YEAR (1ST JUNE – 31ST MAY) THAT’S LESS THAN $8 PER WEEK With a Golf Pass, you can play as many games of social golf as you like Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 1pm, Thursday and Fridays (subject to corporate golf bookings) SOCIAL GOLF PASS IS SUBJECT TO PRO-RATA MEMBERSHIP RATES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Monday Vets Open Medley Competition $12 competition fee plus a complimentary drink at the 19th PENRITH GOLF CLUB 1939 The Northern Road, Penrith NSW (02) 4736 1633 | www.penrithgolfclub.com.au

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Club Catalina Teven Valley is just 15 minutes from Ballina and is central to Byron Bay, Lismore and beautiful beaches.

The course is open 7.30am to sunset everyday of the year (except Christmas Day).

More information: Teven Valley Golf Club, 1684 Eltham Road, Teven NSW 2478.

Phone: (02) 6687-8386, www.tevenvalleygolfcourse.com.au or email tevengolf@gmail.com.

Club Catalina Club Catalina, situated on the delightful Eurobodalla Nature Coast near the heart of Batemans Bay, offers a 27-hole championship golf course with flat, landscaped and irrigated fairways – no mountain climbing or backbreaking bunker shots required.

All social golfers are welcome all year round, making it the most popular Club on the south coast. The club’s Golf Package Manager can take the hassle out of arranging accommodation, golf bookings and equipment hire from their fully-equipped Pro Shop.

Stay and Play at the Bay’s only 27-hole championship golf course from $200 per

person per night – including accommodation, breakfast, three-course evening meal, golf and twin share golf cart hire (3 ½ star motel, twin share). Basic Packages start at $90pp.

Club Catalina offers a fully licensed Club, with a first-class Restaurant, Pro Shop, Coffee Shop, Keno, a fully functional TAB with a NEW outdoor deck area for members and guests.

The perfect venue for your next annual golfing getaway.

Every Friday & Saturday night, Club Catalina comes alive with entertainment from some of the state’s most talented musicians, enticing you to dance the night away.

The Catalina Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner 7 days, presenting a lovely array of gourmet cuisine with a European influence with an emphasis on local seafood.

The coffee lounge is open from 9am until late serving your favourite brew with cakes, slices and sandwiches.

A courtesy bus service is available Tuesday to Saturday evenings.

The club is a short stroll to the beach, Marina and a variety of motels, resort style accommodation and restaurants, all within an easy reach of an array of holiday and tourist attractions.

SOCIAL GOLF

Cumberland Country Golf Club More information: Club Catalina, Beach Road, Batemans Bay NSW 2536. Phone: (02) 4472 4022. www.clubcatalina.com.au.

Email: info@clubcatalina.com.au

CUMBERLAND COUNTRY GOLF CLUB LOCATED just off the M4 between Penrith and the CBD is the beautiful Cumberland Country Golf Club. The course is set amongst magnificent Tallowwood and Red Gum trees, earning its reputation as an exceptional and challenging for both experienced and new golfers.

The course plays 5962m from the back plates and is coupled with tight fairways, multiple water hazards and a slope rating of 136.

Cumberland is proud to welcome social clubs onto their magnificently maintained golf course. Supported by a state-of-the-art Proshop and a Clubhouse with all the creature comforts a golfer may want Cumberland is a premier destination for all golfers.

Cumberland is now offering reserved block tee times both inside and outside of our competition fields to social clubs. With flexible bookings options and competitive social club rates Cumberland is a must-play course for any social club calendar. Cumberland can host

Calderwood Valley Golf Course

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clubs across a variety of sizes with options to incorporate NTP, long drive and first class post round catering available.

More information: Cumberland Country Golf Club, 248 Old Prospect Rd, Greystanes NSW 2145. Phone: (02) 9631 0688 www.cumberlandgolf.com.au. admin@cumberlandgolf.com.au

GORDON GOLF CLUB EVERYTHING old is new again at Gordon Golf Club, which just happens to be one of Sydney’s most popular, compact 18-hole public access golf courses.

Visitors to the facility will discover a refurbished (new carpet and double doors) and a full-stocked pro shop courtesy of the Ku-ring-gai Council, who recently took over management of the pro shop.

The club’s recently appointed head professional and PGA member Scott Barsby said the brand-new golf shop had everything a golfer needed.

The golf course, which is nestled in the heart of the highly prestigious suburbs of Sydney’s North Shore, is a tranquil 18-hole course that challenges all levels of golfers.

Social Golfer’s Paradise Social groups and players are welcome 7 days a week • Fleet of 30 carts available • Terrific Tuesdays - $16 all day • Twilight golf every day from 2pm • Open every day except Christmas Day • Weekday discounts for seniors and clubs • Wednesdays - $30pp for 18 holes with a cart • Online gift vouchers available on our website 20 minutes south of Wollongong Visit our website….Facebook us…or call 02 4256 3055

532 Calderwood Rd, Albion Park 2527 Pro Shop: (02) 4256 3055 www.calderwoodgolf.com.au

*Bookings required, conditions apply.

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Gordon Golf Club With so much going for it, Gordon GC is keen to expand its membership base.

course) be sure to talk to Barsby or one of his efficient and friendly team members.

“The course offers some of the best value golf for both members and the public of any club in Sydney,” Barsby said.

More information: Gordon GC, 2 Lynn Ridge Ave, Gordon NSW 2072.

Phone: pro shop (02) 9498-1277, clubhouse (02) 9498-1913 or visit www.gordongolfcourse.com.au or email gordonproshop@outlook.com

For just $1300 per annum, it represents good value for golfers wanting to join this thriving, friendly club.

Gordon GC also offers a function centre, restaurant, bar, gaming and TAB facilities with great menu specials for lunch and dinner.

There’s plenty of free parking and lift access to the restaurant and other facilities.

Golfers can access the golf course sevendays-a-week and it has 14 golf carts for hire.

Midweek green fees are $27 for 18 holes and $36 on weekends and public holidays.

Twilight golf (two hours prior to sunset) costs $13.

Whatever your needs (golf lessons, equipment advice, tips on how to play the

Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club Canberra’s Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club is a golf trip “must” when visiting the Southern Highlands and ACT. Enjoying the modern and beautifully appointed clubhouse, over 16,000 social golfers a year pit themselves against this well-respected course.

As its name suggests, the course features numerous water carries to fairways and greens throughout its par-72 6000m+ length.

The 6119m blue course, par-72 championship layout is regarded by many as one of the more challenging courses in Canberra, whilst

Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club the women’s red course is a 5348m par-72. A yellow tee short course, beginner and senior friendly, is also available.

Set in a quiet rural location 20 minutes south of Wollongong, Calderwood offers a relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

If you’re heading to Canberra, book a visit to Gungahlin Lakes. With their “Swing into Summer” deal offering 18 holes, cart hire and a $10 clubhouse credit for two people for only $69 Monday – Thursday or $89 Friday – Sunday, you can enjoy great value golf at one of Australia’s favourite public courses.

More information: Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, 110 Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls ACT 2913.

Phone: (02) 6180 0821. www.gungahlinlakes.com info@gungahlinlakes.com

The course is always immaculately presented, featuring well-contoured fairways and true greens. The inclusion of course upgrades allows for a layout that caters to all levels of golfers.

The only distractions whilst playing Calderwood are the views of native fauna, the abundance of wildlife and crystal clear creeks winding throughout the course

Calderwood Valley Golf Course

Calderwood offers some of the best value golf deals available: $16 greens fees all day every Tuesday, $30pp with a shared cart every Wednesday, Twilight Golf every day from 2pm and senior weekday discounts.

Nestled within the picturesque Illawarra Escarpment, Calderwood Valley Golf Course is the ultimate social golfer’s course. A highquality public layout with stunning scenery welcomes social players 7 days a week.

Without competitions, Social Clubs are catered for 7 days a week. Midweek discounts for groups of 12 or more players.

A fleet of 30 carts is available, bookings are recommended.

Social Club bookings now avaiable for 2018 & 2019 Th e friend liest club on the N o rth Shore • Picturesque 18 hole course in the heart of Gordon • Open to the public 7 days a week • Golf tuition and junior coaching from PGA Professionals • Refurbished and fully stocked Pro Shop

InsIde Golf MIdweek specIal offer: 2 players and a cart 18 holes for $59 (Normally $94 Save $35) *Must quote “Inside Golf”. Offer valid Monday-Friday outside of competition times and subject to cart availability.

Call the Pro Shop on 94981277 to book.

✓ Par 72 championship course ✓ Excellent clubhouse facilities

✓ Competitive club rates ✓ Delicious Chinese Restaurant

Social Club bookings are now available for 2018 & 2019 with tee times available both midweek and on Sundays.

Call or emai to avoid missing out.

Contact us now to take advantage of our reserved block tee times for Social Clubs within the Cumberland Competition fields.

Midweek Social Club Green Fees: Start from $25 per player* Sunday Social Clubs: $50 Green Fees for reserved tee times within the competition field.

Australian RRP/Prices: Visitor in comp $35.

Social green fee: 18 holes $40. Cart Hire: 18 holes $40

Cumberland Country Golf Club, it’s your club 2 Lynn Ridge Ave, Gordon Phone: 9498 1277 Web: www.gordongolfcourse.com.au Email: gordonproshop@outlook.com

Ku-ring-gai Council kmc.nsw.gov.au

Contact us today (02) 9631 0688 | Email admin@cumberlandgolf.com.au www.cumberlandgolf.com.au | Follow Us On Facebook

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Calderwood Valley Golf Course Calderwood is known as the friendliest course on the South Coast. You will always receive a warm welcome and helpful service from the wonderful team.

Group bookings are available in advance until 2025.

More information: Calderwood Valley Golf Course, phone (02) 4256 3055, email admin@calderwoodgolf.com.au or visit www.calderwoodgolf.com.au

Windsor Country Golf Club Windsor Country Golf Club is a championship 18-hole course, hosting a wealth of deep history and tradition. The club is located in the Hawkesbury district, an hour north-west of Sydney. The clubhouse enjoys panoramic views of the Blue Mountains.

Windsor Golf Club hosts competitions 6

Windsor Country Golf Club

days a week. The course is open to members 7 days a week.

lunch Tuesday – Sunday and dinner Friday nights.

The club offers a range of membership options to suit your lifestyle, ranging from full membership through to non-golfing social membership.

More information: McQuade Ave, South Windsor, Phone (02) 4577 4390, Proshop (02) 4577 3718, www.windsorgolfclub.com.au or email admin@windsorgolfclub.com.au

In addition to the membership offering, GM - Rob McLean and his team work hard to pre-empt the needs of the Social player and at some time every day of the week there is a special top value all-inclusive deal for play. One of the best deals being on Sundays with their Sunday after 11.30am 2 x 18 holes, shared cart $89 deal. That’s a saving of $31.

The club has the services of Club professionals Adam and Corinne Kelleher and their staff. The Pro Shop is one of the best equipped golf shops in the country.

They are home to the fantastic 19th Grill Bistro which serves up delicious meals for

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Penrith Golf Club

Located at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Western Sydney, Penrith Golf Club is a Par72 Championship golf course stretching out 6333m from the championship tees featuring pure couch fairways and surrounds as well as bent greens.

They are a very friendly club that welcomes visitors and have many various social golf options. You could try their weekday twoplayer $60 package which includes 18 holes of golf with a shared motorised cart and

SOCIAL GOLF

Penrith Golf Club two complimentary drinks, or the popular unlimited weekday golf ($20 after 1pm or $12 after 3pm). Social play is generally available every day outside of competition times.

The club has just introduced its new Social Golf Pass option. For $400 you can play unlimited social golf and utilise the practice facilities. At less than $8 per week, it is exceptional value and a great way to work yourself towards traditional membership golf.

Interested in golf membership? Penrith offer unbelievable value for money golf membership. Their full membership category is less than $20 per week and there is no joining/entrance fee or waiting list.

Penrith Golf Club is easily accessible via the M4 Motorway, located 500m South of the interchange along The Northern Road.

More information: Phone (02) 4736 1633, email proshop@penrithgolfclub.com.au or visit www.penrithgolfclub.com.au

Book your 2018 Golf Day & receive up to $500 worth of prizes for your event For more information visit

Keperragolf.com.au/cms/insidegolf

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Bay Views Golf Course

VICTORIA

St Andrews Beach

Bay Views Golf Course The golfing term ‘hidden gem’ couldn’t be more apt for a course than at Bay Views, where you’ll be fortunate enough to enjoy spectacular views across Port Phillip Bay that need to be seen to be believed. Bay Views boasts a track that is fun to play and sensational value for money, with prepaid group bookings only $39 per player.

Bay Views also proudly features a beautiful Al Fresco deck that enhances the incredible scenery outward, particularly whilst enjoying a cold drink in hand. For groups that like to pack their own BBQ and drinks, there is a BYO undercover area that allows for the most versatility irrespective of the group size. A full fleet of carts, friendly staff and consistent yearround conditioning even further enhances the Bay Views group golf experience.

Whichever way you play, Bay Views is an excellent option for the golfing group that wants to be blown away with exceptional views, a friendly setting and an excellent value for money golf course.

More information: Bay Views Golf Course.

Phone: (03) 5981 2833, Email: golf@bayviewsgolf.com.au or visit www.bayviewsgolf.com

St Andrews Beach is a golf course that simply captivates and stuns golfers from the moment they walk out onto the first tee. Visually superb and architecturally sublime, the St Andrews Beach layout lends itself perfectly to sprawling sand dunes and incredible beach-side terrain, providing for an unforgettable golf experience.

St Andrews Beach is now currently ranked as the #1 public access golf course on Australia’s Mainland and was designed by internationallyrenowned architect Tom Doak (who was also responsible for the renowned Barnbougle Dunes and Cape Kidnappers golf courses).

The course itself provides an incredible composition of holes and consistently impeccable conditions that leave an everlasting impression. Very few golfers leave St Andrews with anything but awe-inspiring memories of the course and its natural relationship with the land.

You can also enjoy a refreshment before or after your round with the licensed Pro Shop providing light snacks and seating in the undercover alfresco deck, along with the exciting arrival of a brand-new St Andrews Beach Brewery – due for completion around Christmas 2017.

There is also luxury on-site accommodation available which can cater to groups of many

The Safety Beach Golf Club “Gala Day” Sunday 19th November 2017 “Four Person Mixed Ambrose” Entry Fee is $100 per team, which includes a BBQ on completion of the round

St Andrews Beach sizes and allows for a pure golfing trip that very few can rival. All of these features naturally and seamlessly combined have truly elevated St Andrews Beach to lofty heights as a social golfing mecca.

More information: St Andrews Beach Golf, 209 Sandy Rd, Fingal, Ph: (03) 5988 6000. www.standrewsbeachgolf.com. bookings@standrewsbeachgolf.com.au

Morack Public Golf Course & Driving Range Tucked away in the suburban streets of Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs and just moments from Eastlink is Morack Public Golf course and Driving Range – one of Melbourne’s most popular public courses.

Set amongst a tranquil setting of natural flora and fauna in Vermont South, Morack offers all the facilities social and competition golfers ask for, including 18 gently undulating and picturesque holes, an interesting course layout and a fine array of holes to provide a tempting challenge for golfers of all abilities. Morack also boasts a fleet of modern motorised carts and extensive path and drainage works have resulted in significant course improvements in recent years.

Visiting groups are well catered for with a complimentary electric barbeque for postgolf catering and a relaxed atmosphere to

relive highlights of their round and visiting players are welcome to enter regular Saturday competition events for those with an official handicap.

Coupled with a high quality, full-length driving range that features 20 indoor / outdoor bays and an extensive pro shop fully stocked with all the latest equipment, it’s easy to see why golfers have considered Morack a favourite destination to play or practice for nearly 40 years.

More information: Morack Golf Course & Driving Range, Corner Morack & East Rds, Vermont South, VIC. Phone: (03) 9801 4479, Email: morack@golfservicesmanagement.com.au or visit www.morackgolf.com.au

Kingston Links Golf Course Kingston Links Golf course has long been regarded as one of metropolitan Melbourne’s most popular public access courses, which is set to continue on through the future.

Located just 20 minutes from the heart of the city via the Monash Freeway and metres from Eastlink connecting players in the SouthEastern suburbs, Kingston links offers a unique golfing experience with multiple water hazards coming in to play on the 6178 metre par-72 championship layout.

The picturesque course features Santa Ana couch fairways with rolling mounds,

Wantima Country Club ‘The Golf Club of choice on Brisbane’s Northside’ Ideally located 30 mins from CBD • 18 Hole Championship Course • Wedding & Function Venue • Corporate Golf & Conference Centre • Bistro and Gaming Facilities • Family Friendly Members Lounge • Social Clubs Welcome • Discount membership packages available Contact any of our friendly staff

INSIDE GOLF SPECIAL

18 holes with shared use of motorised cart and burger

$39.50 pp (usually $63) Available Mon-Fri only. Subject to availability. Offer ends 31 December, 2017. Subject to conditions.

Burger must be consumed in the clubhouse on the day of play between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

5981 0100 – Pro Shop – Shane Johnson | admin@safetybeachcountryclub.com.au

www.safetybeachcountryclub.com.au

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

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Morack Public Golf Course & Driving Range undulating bent grass greens and an array of short and long holes set at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges all combining to provide an enjoyable round of golf.

A large fleet of motorised carts are available for hire and the large clubhouse features Pro Shop, Spike Bar, multiple function and meeting areas making it the perfect place for social groups. There is also a multitude of catering options for weekend groups including catered meals, snacks or barbeques.

Offering versatility, flexibility, and awesome value for money, come and visit at Kingston Links for a golf day that will not disappoint.

More information: Kingston Links Golf Course, 14 Corporate Ave Rowville Vic 3178, Ph: (03) 9764 4222, email: proshop@kingstonlinks.com.au or visit www.kingstonlinks.com.au

Kingston Links Golf Course destination of the region and has extended its repertoire to serve up top bistro meals on Friday and Saturday nights. The “clubhouse meets contemporary” dinner menu has been met with great gusto, not to book will almost certainly guarantee disappointment.

Curlewis has seen an influx of new members, with more than 200 members joining over the last two years. Junior golfers are also flocking to the course to enjoy a range of offerings – from clinics, to advanced level coaching and competitions are just part of what’s on offer.

The introduction of GolfBoards and a nine-hole FootGolf course has also added another level of interest and fun to all those stepping out to tackle the hallowed Curlewis fairways.

Curlewis Golf Club

More information: 1345 Portarlington Road, Curlewis. Phone (02) 5251 1111 or visit www.curlewisgolf.com.au

Curlewis Golf Club Regarded as one of Australia’s most exciting golfing destinations, Curlewis Golf Club on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, is now due to open one of Australia’s most exciting new driving range and mini golf facilities.

The new multi-million dollar venue opens on December 20 and features a fully undercover 18-bay golf driving range and a Richard Chamberlain-designed mini golf facility; further bolstering Curlewis as a place you want to visit. In addition to everything a golfer would ever need, the facility will also feature a fully licensed café, a 150-person function room, auto-teeing, two X-Golf simulators and an onsite PGA Professional, equipped with the latest analysis hardware, for lessons and club fitting.

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Ranfurlie Golf Club Ranfurlie Golf Club Since being purchased in 2015 by Bellarine locals David and Lyndsay Sharp (renowned for their wineries and hospitality enterprises in the region), the couple have embarked on extensive course and clubhouse improvements resulting in Curlewis now being the place to play. The driving range and mini golf are yet another milestone achievement in the owner’s plans, with accommodation next on the drawing board.

Australian golf course designer Mike Clayton and his team have been commissioned and are

currently working through the second year’s improvement works, of a five-year Master Plan.

These works have seen Curlewis rocket to 42nd in the Golf Australia 2017 Top 100 Public Access course rankings.

The Curlewis Clubhouse itself sports a retroinspired recent refurbishment including a funky Spike Bar, making it a warm and welcome area for pre-or-post round drinks or to sample the food from the updated menu. With lunch and snacks available seven days, Curlewis has also gained the reputation as ‘foodie’

The newly rebranded Ranfurlie Golf Club continues to go from strength to strength and remains firmly entrenched in this country’s elite course rankings.

The generously wide couch fairways offer plenty of forgiveness off the tee, but strategic bunkering and design philosophies inspired by Melbourne’s Sandbelt courses ensures golfers are challenged when taking non-preferred lines from tee to green. It’s these principles that make Ranfurlie a genuine challenge, but also a fair risk and reward equation for all golfers.

The firm bent grass greens always roll true and the excellent variety of short holes are often regarded as a highlight.

IN THE HEART OF THE

GOLD COAST OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 7 DAYS Contact our friendly staff today.

100 Lakelands Drive Merrimac Gold Coast 4226 For Golf bookings phone (07) 5510 6507 www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au www.lakelandsfunctions.com.au

Experience the knowledge and excellence that the world’s finest golfer, winner of eighteen majors, brings to golf course design and only 10 minutes to Broadbeach and 15 minutes to Surfers Paradise. The Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus has designed almost 300 golf courses on five continents which constantly rank among the very best in the world.

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Warrnambool Golf Club

Safety Beach Country Club The venue welcomes group bookings and offers elite facilities both on and off the course.

The Ranfurlie Golf Club is also in the midst of some exciting new developments that include an excellent outdoor alfresco area that is perfectly suited to groups, along with spacious clubhouse areas capturing panoramic views of all 18 holes and the city skyline on the horizon.

A large variety of catering packages are also available at very affordable prices.

If it isn’t already, make sure that the Ranfurlie Golf Club gets onto your social group’s mustplay list as one of the premier venues in the country.

More information: Ranfurlie Golf Course, 825 Cranbourne Frankston Rd, Cranbourne 3977. Phone (03) 9788 8288, email: golfadmin@ranfurlie.org.au or visit: www.ranfurlie.com.au

Safety Beach Country Club Safety Beach Country Club is nestled in a valley surrounded by Arthurs Seat and Mt Martha, on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.

This flat, 18-hole golf course, meanders around lakes that are dotted around the golf course.

The clubhouse, which overlooks the course, is a great place to relax and have a drink after a game. The club rooms are available for small

group functions. Dining is available at the Atrium restaurant. Resident golf professional Shane Johnson, is on hand to give individual golf lessons. Shane is conducting Ladies and Children’s golf clinics, due to commence in February/March 2018. The Safety Beach Golf Club are holding an “Open Ambrose” - four person (any combination), on Sunday 11th March 2018. The Entry Fee is $60 per person or $240 per team, which includes a BBQ on completion of the competition. Entries close 1st March 2018, or when the field is full.

For enquiries for clinics or the Open Ambrose, phone Shane on (03) 5981 0100 or email sjohnsongolf@bigpond.com.

More information: Safety Beach Country Club, 10 Country Club Drive, Safety Beach 3936.

Pro shop: (03) 5981 0100.

Office: (03) 5981 0120. Email: admin@safetybeachcountryclub.com.au or visit www.safetybeachcountryclub.com.au

Warrnambool Golf Club Warrnambool is a classically-designed course laid out between and over a massive tertiary dune system. The course offers a unique combination of exposed holes with elevated tees together with those carved into natural ti-tree-lined dunes.

Summer memberShip Special

15 Months for the Price of 12 - coMMences 1 DeceMber $1200 Dedicated 6 bay driving range 40 Balls $7.00 and 80 Balls $12.00 Kangaroo Tours 7 Days a weeK

18 Hole Mini Golf Now Open

Green fees $50 for 18 holes, $30 for 9 holes • Junior green fees $25 for 18 holes $15 for 9 holes Social Golf Group bookings available 7 days Women’s competitions Thursday, Saturday and Sunday • Men’s competitions Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Annual Tournament held over 8 days every October

Located within 2km of the regional city’s CBD, it makes for an ideal destination for the dedicated golf tourist, social golfing groups or family holiday makers.

The influence of the ever-present wind cannot be understated and really adds to the challenge of a layout that offers variety from one round to the next. It is perhaps this aspect which shaped the game of Warrnambool’s most famous golfing export, Marc Leishman, to the level of success he now enjoys.

The course has received a good deal of attention over recent years and the installation of an integrated irrigation system, supplied with recycled water, has allowed the staff to present the course in immaculate condition.

In addition, the club has launched a unique moniker for a trio of their most challenging holes—starting from the short par-4 4th and ending on the slightly uphill dogleg 6th.

Borrowing from the location’s proximity to Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast—up to18 ships have found their resting place within 2km of the club—Warrnambool Golf Club has named this menacing trio of holes as “Shipwreck Bend”, with the warning that these holes can

easily “wreck” a good round by players of any level.

Standing on the tee of the imposing 4th hole (complete with a ship’s anchor guarding the tee box), one must be sure to avoid the large waste bunker on the right side, lest you be faced with either a lost ball, or a very difficult approach shot. Similar hazards are apparent on both the 5th and 6th holes, as finding the fairways is paramount to success on these holes.

There are many holes along the course which offer risk/reward options, stunning views and challenging golf. In fact, the quality of golf on this course goes beyond the typical “country course” feel, and the course would not feel out of place among many of Melbourne’s great golfing areas, notably the Mornington Peninsula. So if you’ve never played at Warrnambool, we recommend you be sure to add it to your list.

A well-stocked Pro Shop enables club professional Craig Bonney and his friendly staff to cater for all your equipment and apparel needs.

More information: Phone the Pro shop on (03) 5562 8528; Club House (03) 5562 2108, email golf@wgcinc.com.au or visit www.wgcinc.com.au

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Gardiners Run

Gardiners Run Located just 35 minutes east of the Melbourne CBD, Gardiners Run Golf Course provides golfers with an aesthetically stimulating yet highly playable layout sure to impress players of all ages and abilities.

On the doorstep to the Yarra Valley, Gardiners Run takes full advantage of the gentle sloping contours of the countryside terrain, to create a member-friendly course that features golfing holes of individuality and character.

The front nine features an open and meandering course that takes full advantage of the area’s scenery and landscape, and the backnine is a more undulating layout that features a number of risk-reward opportunities, as well as a few blind tee shots to keep you on your toes.

Warm up prior to your round with their stateof-the-art, world-class practice facilities or take a lesson from their PGA golf professional.

Featuring a 90m wide mixed use (couch and synthetic) tee on their 250m long driving range, a short game pitching green and challenging

Anglesea Golf Club

yet sizeable putting green,the facilities will ensure that every golfer has an experience to savour.

booking of 12 or more players, you will receive a dozen Callaway Supersoft golf balls that you can use as prizes.

A central hub to all your needs, return after your round to enjoy refreshments or dining on the alfresco deck, overlooking the signature 18th hole green. Shower facilities are also available to all golfers.

More information: 132 Victoria Road, Lilydale 3140, (03) 9739 7522 or visit www.gardinersrun.com.au

Is your company looking at having a corporate golf day? Let Gardiners Run organise your next big event! Social group bookings are welcomed Sunday-Friday – they offer a discounted green fee rate for groups of 12 players or more. Players with a GolfLink handicap may participate in the competition of the day.

The team can organise some food options to satisfy your post round hungers while you sit and chat about your game. Give them a call to make your next social booking and have some fun at the Run! If you quote “Inside Golf Social Offer” when you make a new midweek social group

Anglesea Golf Club The Anglesea Golf Course, situated on the Great Ocean Road, is an undulating 6074m Par-73 layout set in natural bushland. A feature of the course is the number of elevated greens that require plenty of thought when selecting your club. Adding to the mix are 42 “sandbelt style” bunkers sprinkled throughout the course, eucalypt tree-lined fairways, and the ever-present resident population of around 300 Eastern Grey Kangaroos. These features all combine to produce a stimulating round of golf. The Club has just opened a 6-bay driving range with hire balls. One Bucket, 40 Balls, $7.00 and two Buckets for $12.00. And for the

JUNE - AUG 2018

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1 x night accommodation 1 x day unlimited golf 1 x $20 club vouchers 1 x $20 breakfast voucher

PRICES

Available June - August 2018 only

Single - $165pp Double - $125pp Triple - $115pp

Rich River Golf Club

03 5481 3333

RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB TWENTY FOUR LANE, MOAMA NSW

www.richriver.com.au

Subject to availability availability. Conditions may apply apply.

Prices subject to change without notice.

Custom packages also available upon request.

budding “Adam Scott” in the family, there is now an 18-Hole Mini Golf complex.

The Clubhouse bar and bistro are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Memberships are available for 7-Day, Junior and the 18-25yo categories, and social golfers/green-fee players are welcome every day. Green fees range from $30 (9 holes) to $50 (18 holes). Junior rates are $15/$25. Club, pull buggy & motorised cart hire available.

More information: Phone: (03) 5263 1582, Golf Bookings: (03) 5263 1951, email: info@angleseagolfclub.com.au or visit www.angleseagolfclub.com.au

Rosebud Country Club With 36 holes of Championship golf, a light-filled clubhouse with Café and Bistro open from 7.00 a.m. daily and on-site 4 Star accommodation, Rosebud Country Club is the golfing jewel on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Its two 18-hole courses offer a contrasting experience – the North course is

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Rosebud Country Club framed by large pine trees, while the South boasts wide fairways and large greens.

Rosebud Country Club offers a complete practice range experience. Enjoy the 220m Driving Range along with chipping greens, putting greens, and practice bunker. Their facilities provide you the opportunity to work on all aspects of your game prior to taking to the golf course. Teaching professional Matt Bolton operates Bolton Performance Golf, catering for group lessons, individual lessons, and also a very successful junior program.

Golfers staying on the Peninsula during the summer months should consider the option of a Lifestyle Membership, an innovative points-style membership offering flexibility and member benefits.

Located an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, just 100m off the Mornington Peninsula Freeway with on-site accommodation, Rosebud Country Club is the perfect destination for the avid golfer or social group excursion.

More information: Group discount pricing visit: www.rosebudcountryclub.com.au, Clubhouse (03) 5950 0800, Golf Shop (03) 5950 0888.

Portarlington Golf Club Situated on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula just minutes from the town centre of Portarlington and the waterfront, no trip along the Great Ocean Road would be complete without a round or two at the Portarlington Golf Club.

While it may not be on many Melbourne golfers’ radar, this gem of a club is cherished by those “in the know”. A bustling, friendly and welcoming club, there is a certain energy about Portarlington Golf Club which you won’t find elsewhere; so it’s no wonder why their annual Pro-Am has been voted by the players of the PGA as the best regional ProAm Course of the year for multiple years.

The best way to come from Melbourne is to ditch the car, and jump on the Port Phillip

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Portarlington Golf Club Ferry at Docklands, straight to Portarlington.

The Club’s courtesy bus will pick you up and take you directly to the course within minutes.

The course itself is a treat, with lush, Santa Ana Couch fairways along the 6015m, par- 72, tree-lined Tony Cashmore design. The greens are in excellent condition all year round, and there are a pleasing variety of holes throughout the course, with our pick being the par-3 17th, which features a water carry over a serene pond to a well-guarded green.

Carts are available for hire with excellent practice facilities. Green fee players are always welcome with great corporate and social golf packages on offer. The club’s annual events such as the signature Carnival of Golf, as well as the Award-winning Pro-Am held in February this year, attract golfers of all ages and experiences to this wonderful club.

The clubhouse offers something for everyone with ample entertainment, including TA B, Keno and Foxtel, as well as function areas and their award-winning bistro, which is open 7 days for both lunch

and dinner (and trust us, the food at the clubhouse is delicious and offers good value for money).

Overall, we recommend a round (or many) at Portarlington. You won’t be disappointed.

More information: Portarlington Golf Club is located at 30 Hood Road, Portarlington 3223. Phone the Pro Shop on (03) 5259 3361, or visit www.portarlingtongolf.com.au

Mornington Golf Club There is exciting news for golfers on the Mornington Peninsula, with the beautiful Mornington Golf Club recently opening a spectacular new cliff-top par-3.

Mornington Golf Club is known across Melbourne for its excellent views of the Bay and the city skyline. The location of the new par-3 is directly atop the cliffs near Sunnyside beach.

Designed by Ben Davey from Contour Golf Design and Darius Oliver from Planet Golf, the objectives were simple – to create an

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The spectacular new Par-3 at Mornington Golf Club (Photo by Gary Lisbon) interesting green site that follows the natural landforms as best it can and doesn’t divert attention from the stunning surrounds. With the land falling sharply toward a creek on the right, the green was anchored by a deep trench-like bunker along this side and set on the horizon to appear as if directly atop the cliff.

Another bunker was placed 10-15 metres short of the green to confuse depth perception and complicate what is otherwise a straightforward tee shot. The angle of the tee was designed to make the green surface more visible, and easier to approach, the further forward you play. Back tee golfers are only hitting a 150-metre shot, but to a green partly hidden and angled across them slightly.

For any golf club, a new hole is a major undertaking, and the hope for Mornington with this par-3 is that its success will ensure continued membership growth and increased green fee play.

Membership is growing at Mornington Golf Club and the new par-3 is just one of many new initiatives being implemented by this forward thinking, proactive Club.

Make it your priority this summer to get down to Mornington to play this exciting new hole!

More information: Tallis Drive, Mornington, 3931. Phone: 5975 2784, www.morningtongolf.com.au

Moonah Links Resort Arguably one of the premier Golf Resorts in Victoria, Moonah Links Resort offers two world-class championship golf courses, each boasting superior course conditions which assure year-round playability.

The Open Course is a true test of golf.

Designed to host the Australian Open, the course is long, challenging and full of riskreward situations. It is a visually stunning

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Moonah Links Resort course that offers some of the most amazing scenery around, and some of the bestconditioned greens in the area.

The Legends Course offers the perfect complement to the Open Course. While equally stunning in both design, scenery and conditioning, the Legends Course gives golfers of all levels a setting that is fun and challenging.

Complementing the course facilities are a driving range and practice facilities designed to Australian Institute of Sport specifications and one of the foremost elite training facilities in world golf—The Moonah Links Golf Academy – which has played host to Golf Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport elite player development programs.

With the largest fleet of motorized golf carts in Victoria, a comprehensive pro shop, 92 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, restaurant, spike bar, extensive banquet

and conference facilities and ancillary recreational facilities such as a swimming pool and tennis courts, Moonah Links Resort constitutes one of the finest, most comprehensive Golf Resorts in the country.

Since opening in late 2013 Moonah Links Resort has achieved global recognition and acclaim having hosted five major internationally telecast tournaments: the 2003 and 2005 Australian Open Golf Championships and the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Moonah Classic. Both the Moonah Links Open Course and the Moonah Links Legends Course have consistently been ranked the Best Conditioned Golf Courses in Australia.

More information: Phone 1300 362 386, www.peppers.com.au/moonah

Portarlington golf club www.portarlingtongolf.com.au

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M. 0418 713 620 sharon@uchoosegolf.com.au

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130 Hood road, portarlington, Victoria clubhouse: (03) 5259 2492 www.portarlingtongolf.com.au

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Peregian Golf & Driving Range

QUEENSLAND Peregian Golf & Driving Range Now 12 months into a new management contract, Peregian Golf & Driving Range is your new and improved place for golfing fun on the Sunshine Coast.

Embracing good old-fashioned friendly customer service and a laidback Sunshine Coast atmosphere throughout the venue, Peregian caters to any golfing group, local or travelling. Fully open to the public seven days a week and proudly boasting a premium golf course that is currently in the best condition it’s ever been, there’s been no better time to plan a trip out to Peregian.

The fully accessible driving range is available all day for a pre-round tune-up along with some great practice facilities directly nearby. The new Peregian ‘PAR Bar’ is an extremely pleasant option for a few postround refreshments, whilst the neighbouring Purple Copper restaurant has some great dining options for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday.

There are also special group booking rates, along with ample hire sets and carts to ensure that the golfing group is well catered for from start to finish. Whether you’re travelling up to the Sunshine Coast or you’re a local at large, Peregian Golf Course is your new and improved destination for social golf on the Sunshine Coast.

More information: Peregian Golf Course.

95 Peregian Springs Dr, Peregian Springs 4573.

(08) 5471 5400, golf@peregiangolf.com.au, www.peregiangolf.com.au

Brookwater Golf & Country Club Enjoy the challenge of Queensland’s number one public access golf course, Brookwater Golf & Country Club. This spectacular 18-hole, par-72 championship course is located just 30 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD and 45 minutes from the Gold Coast and is a must play for anyone who loves the game.

As you make your way around the two ninehole loops, the tree-lined fairways create a unique sense of seclusion – it is you, your golf ball and an audience of native wildlife.

Brookwater Golf & Country Club The naturally undulating bushland has been manicured to create a challenging layout, with signature bunkering and superb use of natural waterways features throughout.

Recent renovations completed in March this year included the strategic redesign of green, fairways and bunkering. The scope of works was aimed at returning the course to its original design through widening playing corridors and resurfacing and renovating green complexes.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just a golf enthusiast, you will appreciate the changes made to improve the playability and enjoyability of this Greg Norman designed course.

Following your round, make sure you leave time for a drink and bite to eat on the Terrace, soaking up the views of the beautiful 18th hole and stunning manicured bushland Brookwater Golf & Country Club is synonymous for.

More information: Brookwater Golf & Country Club, 1 Tournament Drive, Brookwater 4300. Phone: (07) 3814 5500. www.brookwater.com.au.

Email: golfshop@brookwatergolf.com

Toowoomba Golf Club

If ever you’ve thought about playing on bent greens in Queensland, then it’s hard to go past Toowoomba Golf Club right now.

The Garden City with its temperate climate is going ahead in leaps and bounds after investing heavily on a new irrigation system in 2015. The golf course surrounds and especially the greens are simply stunning.

Across the last few years, Toowoomba Golf Club has turned a new leaf with positive changes both on and off the golf course now taking hold and bringing this historic golf club and importantly golf course back to former glory.

Established in 1896 the Toowoomba Golf Club has a proud history. Like many golf clubs it’s had its share of ups and downs across the last 121 years. With a fantastic and energetic team at the helm the club has worked diligently to build upon its service standard across the pro shop, golf course and bar and bistro.

“We’ve had to have a really hard look at ourselves and where we wanted to be in the next 5, 10 and 20 years and take into consideration what Toowoomba will look like

Great Deals for Social Groups Caloundra Golf Club 1 Charles Woodward Drive, CALOUNDRA QLD 4551 | Ph: (07) 5491 1811 admin@caloundragolf.com.au | www.caloundragolfclub.com

40% Discount on 18 Hole Green Fees FOR SENIOR CARD HOLDERS

ReduCed to: $28 peR peRson oR $42 peR peRson with shaRed CaRt MONDAy tO FRIDAy

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Toowoomba Golf Club then,” said Josh Madden, General Manager.

“We are very fortunate to live in a great city that is growing. With new infrastructure and lots of new positive opportunities things are looking up and we have to listen, learn and engage to ensure that we take advantage of the next generation of golfers especially women, juniors, and families.”

Toowoomba have implemented new categories of membership that are family friendly and flexible. They have also put on new Kids Movie Nights, Easter Egg Hunts, Sportsperson luncheons, Charity Events and Paddock to Plate evenings.

Consequently, Toowoomba Golf Club has become much more than just a golf club with something to offer everyone in the family.

More information: Toowoomba Golf Club.

235-323 Rowbotham Street Toowoomba, Qld 4350. Phone: (07) 4635 1219. www.toowoombagolfclub.com.au

Rowes Bay Golf Club Over the years, Rowes Bay Golf Club has gained a reputation for its friendliness, hospitality, goodwill and sportsmanship. ‘’The friendly club”, as it is affectionately known, is a well-regarded club that always welcomes social players.

Last month, the club officially celebrated 50 years since the opening of the first 9 holes.

The day was full of fun and celebrations.

Member Scott Harrison won the day’s event and claimed the “Arthur Bateman” Perpetual Trophy. Previous Club Golf Professional Alan Creighton along with long-time member Barry Peak cut the “Celebration Cake” with a toast to the “Past, Present & Future” of the Rowes Bay Golf Club.

The celebration was only one of the many highlights for the club this year. In March, at The Queensland Golf Industry Awards night, Junior Coordinator Matt McCarthy took out the Golf Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award, with the Rowes Bay Golf Club taking the Queensland Golf Industry Junior Program of the Year Award.

In April, Charlie Earp, well-known and popular golf professional and Patron of Junior Golf Queensland—attended the Rowes Bay Junior Open. The time Charlie spent with the juniors was invaluable.

In June, the 39th Rowes Bay Women’s Open was an extremely successful day with 120 ladies participating. All were thrilled that Greg Norman’s mother Toini and husband Merv accepted the club’s invitation to join the day.

Rowes Bay hosted the GNQ Women’s Pennant - the first time that all divisions

SOCIAL GOLF

Rowes Bay Golf Club were played at one course. Rowes Bay ladies excelled, winning the Silver div.1, Bronze div.1 and the Copper division. The club also hosted the GNQ Men’s Pennant A Grade Divisions teams in October. The club’s Div. 1 team made history, the first time in 50 years at a Div. 1 team had taken out the flag. The A Grade Div. 4 team also won.

Rowes Bay Golf Club - “Well worth a visit”.

More information: Rowes Bay Golf Club, Emmerson Street, Pallarenda, Townsville, Queensland 4810. Phone: Clubhouse ( 07) 47 741 188 Ext 2, Golf Shop ( 07) 4774 1188 Ext 1. www.rowesbaygolfclub.com.au

Noosa Springs and Links Hope Island Whether your golfing destination is the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast, there’s a quality golf course just waiting to be enjoyed.

Noosa Springs is a 90-minute drive north of Brisbane, while Links Hope Island is less than an hour’s trip south of the Queensland capital.

The two courses – both comparatively young - have their own unique style and personality, yet are linked by their undoubted quality.

Designed by golf architect Graham Papworth, the par-72 6180m Noosa Springs layout is surrounded by tropical bushland,

creating a tranquil setting for an enjoyable, yet challenging, round of golf.

It is a one-stop shop for the social golfer, or holiday-maker. In many ways it is a tourism destination in its own right.

Noosa Springs offers superb onsite accommodation – self-contained apartments as well as a small number of luxury villas a world-class spa, tennis courts and fitness centre, a popular bar and restaurant, and a well-stocked golf shop.

Links Hope Island, on the northern edge of the Golf Coast, is owned in the same interests, meaning golfers can play both courses for a very attractive rate of $199. Passes can be bought at the golf shop at either course, and include the use of a motorised cart.

The Peter Thomson-Mike Wolveridgedesigned Links Hope Island layout is only 24 years old – yet it’s already hosted a Johnnie Walker Classic and a Qantas Legends Golf Classic, and is on every golfer’s ‘bucket list’ of courses to play.

Links Hope Island is a beautiful 6500m, par72 layout, with 128 bunkers and plenty of water to hold any player’s attention.

For two courses of such remarkable quality, Links Hope Island and Noosa Springs are remarkably welcoming to visitors. Staff are friendly and obliging and visitors are greeted with warmth and hospitality.

The Ultimate Golf Weekend • Enjoy the perfect weekend away with your mates at the Moonah Links Golf Academy.

• Accommodation, golf, cart and a slab of beer on arrival • Why not add an extra game or buffet breakfast to complete the package!

$165

*

per person per night

*Includes overnight accommodation in the Moonah Links Golf Academy *A round of golf on either course including cart *A slab of beer on arrival**

Experience Moonah Links Resort | 55 Peter Thomson Drive, Fingal VIC | E: golfevents@moonahlinks.com.au | P: (03) 5988 2049 *T&C: Offer subject to availability at time of booking. Block out periods may apply. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Minimum of 12 guests per group. $165 Rate Valid June -September. $175 March-May+ October. $185 November-February. **One slab of beer per group of 12. Please note that a bond will be taken for all bookings at the time that the first deposit is due.

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Noosa Springs large putting surfaces provide the player the opportunity to get their round off to a good start. This nine can however lull you into a false sense of security.

Casual green fees (for 18 holes) are $140 ($150 on Fridays and weekends) for Links Hope Island and $120 for Noosa Springs, but frequent special offers allow golfers the opportunity of playing these wonderful courses at very reasonable rates. Just give the Golf Shop a call and ask for details of current specials.

More information: Noosa Springs (07) 5440 3333, Links Hope Island (07) 5530 9000.

Keperra Country Golf Club Home of the world-famous Keperra Bowl (an R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking Event which helped launch the careers of players the calibre of Mark Leishman and Andrew Dodt), Keperra Country Golf Club provides golfers of all skills sets the opportunity to test themselves over this 27 hole layout, with each of the course’s three nines offering their own distinct challenge.

The first four holes on 1-9 take you away from the clubhouse and head in the direction of Ferny Grove. Any player who is struggling with losing the ball to the left may want to stock up on balls from the golf shop, as out of bounds is well and truly in play with the railway line lurking just beyond the boundary fence. In saying this, reasonably generous fairways and

Holes 10-18 require length and accuracy, with correct shot selection and execution necessary in order to play this nine successfully. The final four holes of this nine will either make or break your round, with water a prominent feature as you come down the stretch. Hole 15 will see you face a tricky tee shot down the hill. Go too far, however, and a watery grave awaits. The 16th will also test your nerve off the tee with a newly introduced dam ready to capture any ball that strays left of the fairway. Hole 17 is a demanding 190m par-3 across water with bunkers on either side ready to receive tee shots too much to the left or right. Finally we come to the 18th, a tee shot where you want to be as far down the fairway as you can in order to make your 2nd shot as short as possible to a well bunkered, two tiered elevated green that will test all your skill with the putter.

Holes 19-27 place a premium on accuracy and with the Kedron Brook winding its way throughout this nine, any wayward shots are more likely to find a hazard than not. The recently renovated fairways on holes 23 and 24 have also added to the overall presentation of this nine. The combinations of these three very

Links Hope Island different nines will be sure to test all facets of any golfer’s game and a good score will certainly be well earned.

Keperra Country Golf Club is open to the social player 7 days a week. The club has a wellstocked Golf Shop with an extensive range of clothing and equipment. The opportunity to unwind after the round can be found by making your way upstairs to the fully licensed bar and bistro for a refreshing drink and bite to eat.

Social Clubs are also most welcome at Keperra with competitive green fees and a fleet of 50 carts available for those who prefer to ride. They also offer midweek and weekend specials for two persons sharing a cart for 18 holes.

More information: Keperra Country Golf Club, 44 Duggan St, Keperra Qld, 4054.

Phone (07) 33557744 (Golf Shop Option 1). www.keperragolf.com.au.

Email: admin@keperragolf.com.au

Kooralbyn Valley Golf Course Gloriously green from a bit of rain, the newly restored Kooralbyn Valley Golf Course is gaining attention as a real test of golf, recently attracting the likes of Peter Senior, Wayne Grady, Ian Ferguson and Kooralbyn golfing great Randall Vines to take on the course

Keperra Country Golf Club previously ranked number one in Queensland and in the top 25 courses in Australia.

After eight years in the wilderness after closing down in the wake of the global financial crisis, the course re-opened in 2016.

Now with its multi-million dollar makeover, the course is set to impress the golfing world once again.

In early October the golf course hosted its first professional golf event in 15 years. The two-day pro-am attracted some of the big names in golf, cricket and football. In addition to the aforementioned golfing legends, among the competitors were Daniel Rich and Claye Beams from the Brisbane Lions, and former professional cricketers Ian Healy and Jeff ‘Thommo’ Thomson – who is Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley’s ambassador.

Part of Australia’s first integrated golf resort, the 18-hole championship course complements Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley, boasting 100 accommodation rooms, a wellness and health spa, fully licensed restaurant, pub and dozens of activities to keep the non-golfers entertained during their stay.

To further expand the golf and resort business, in August this year Yong Real Estate founder Peter Huang settled his latest acquisition of the Karana Downs Golf Course and renamed it ‘Brisbane River Golf Course’ due to its ideal position right on the Brisbane River.

“Play the course that shaped Marc Leishman’s game”

Visitors welcome

|

Bookings essential Play alongside the professionals!

The Brisbane Invitational is open to both men and women amateur golfers holding a handicap.

Come and play along side the professional golfers of the ALPG and visiting Internationals.

Sign up today at www.mcleodgolf.com.au

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October Kooralbyn pro-am: Ian Healy, Peter Huang, Wayne Grady, Jeff Thomson “It’s the only privately-owned golf course within Brisbane City Council, so the opportunity for a person to own a riverfront golf course in Brisbane is once in a lifetime,” previous owner Brett Lawson said.

Already known for its great view, challenging layout and fast green, Mr Huang promises to further improve the course’s quality of the greens, bunkers, landscapes and pathways. He is also confident to build club numbers with dual membership for Kooralbyn Valley and Brisbane River Golf Clubs.

Back in Kooralbyn, the club is growing steadily, aided by an additional new reciprocal membership arrangement with Surfers Paradise Golf Club, offering even more benefits for those keen to make Kooralbyn Valley their regular golfing challenge.

Green fees: Weekends & Public Holidays $70, Midweek $50 | Stay & play packages from $99 per person. Conditions apply. Subject to change and availability.

More information: Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley – Kooralbyn Valley Golf Course.

1 Routley Drive, Kooralbyn QLD 4285.

Phone: (07) 5544 6688.

Golf shop (07) 5544 5919. www.ramadaresortkooralbynvalley.com.au.

Email: golf@ramadaresortkooralbynvalley.com.au

Paradise Palms Nestled between the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and the iconic Daintree Rainforest sits Paradise Palms in a spectacularly unique tropical location. Just a mere 15 minutes north of the Cairns International Airport and five minutes from the beautiful Palm Cove precinct, Paradise Palms attracts golfers of all abilities from around the country to experience world-class golfing with an endless summer-vibe.

This challenging 18-hole course is host to the Mercedes-Benz Cairns Classic Pro-Am tournament each year and has a history or

Paradise Palms accommodating major events, attracting the likes of Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer, Curtis Strange and Isao Aoki. With new owners and a new management team, Paradise Palms is set to put regional golf tourism on the map.

Continuously ranked as one of Australia’s top 100 courses, the iconic club has its sights set on improving this already impressive ranking to a top 25 course with planned improvements currently underway.

Originally designed by Graham Marsh and Ross Watson, this championship course takes its players on a journey over winding creeks and ravines. From every tee, golfers will be treated to a truly spectacular layout.

Spanning 6,331m and featuring three large lakes that come into play, the par-71 golf course offers every golfer a demanding yet picturesque layout. With new Club Car golf carts, all fitted with the latest Visage GPS, golfers will never get caught short. Offering multiple tee options enticing golfers of all levels, and a new combined putting practice

and chipping green, Paradise Palms is the perfect place to Stay and Play.

Paradise Palms boasts an impressive clubhouse, perfect for a meal or a relaxing drink after a challenging round. The large clubhouse encompasses two function rooms, fresh local cuisine in the restaurant open daily for breakfast and lunch, and dinner Wednesday to Sunday nights. The wellstocked golf shop has the latest apparel for men and women as well as quality golfing equipment. The bar welcomes everyone, including those just looking for a relaxing drink in a tranquil setting.

Paradise Palms offers Stay and Play packages that include three nights’ accommodation in a resort room, twin share, breakfast daily and two rounds of 18-hole golf including cart in total, from $690. Subject to availability.

More information: Phone (07) 4059 9935 or visit www.paradisepalms.com.au

Mount CooluM Golf Club

Receive

50% OFF Joining fee - Save $300

Limited time only. Conditions apply. New members only.

✓ 18 Hole Championship Length Golf Course

✓ Air-conditioned Clubhouse

offering spectacular views, with Bar, Bistro and gaming facilities

17 Lumeah Drive, Mount Coolum (off Suncoast Beach Drive) Phone (07) 5446 1539 www.mtcoolumgolf.com

✓ PGA Professional on course with fully stocked Pro Shop including hire carts and equipment

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Lakelands Golf Club

Lakelands Golf Club Situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, Lakelands Golf Club is Jack Nicklaus’ first signature course designed in Australia. Being centrally located makes Lakelands Golf Club the ideal location to host your golfing adventure.

As recent years have shown, the trend for golfers in Australia is towards social golf, and Lakelands Golf Club has managed to go with the times opening up availability to visitors nearly anytime of each day. Lakelands Golf Club have partnered up with a number of Tour Operators and website promotional partners in order to best deliver to keen golfers chasing the best value for money.

Lakelands pride themselves on maintaining the best conditioned golf course possible throughout the year within the region. The club features multiple tee ground options to suit all levels of golfers, generous landing areas from the tee, the near perfect golf course setting and amazing outlook from the Clubhouse.

Lakelands Golf Club includes a full length driving range which is open to the public, two practice chipping and putting greens, on-course drinks cart on busier days, full clubhouse with shower and locker facilities

available to the public, as well as a fullylicensed bar and restaurant to help you wind down after your game, as well as PGA teaching professionals that can help you with your game or escort your group around the course.

With onsite units for rent at Signature Apartments and numerous hotels within 5-10 minutes, as well as the popular Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise locations, Lakelands Golf Club is situated perfectly in the heart of the Gold Coast.

Every month from February through November, Lakelands host a Black Tee challenge for the men to test their skills in a stroke event, as well as a quarterly Lady Bear stableford event, which are both open to the public.

If you are visiting with a group of four or more and would like Lakelands to design a tailor-made package to fit your group, contact them on (07) 5510 6538 or email operations@lakelandsgolfclub.com.au and they can also arrange accommodation packages, group meal options for before and after your game, or even rounds of golf at our partner golf courses.

Green fees: $110 Mon- Fri, $135 weekends and public holidays.

Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club and Bribie Island Golf Club More information: Lakelands Golf Club, 100 Lakelands Drive, Merrimac QLD 4226.

Phone: (07) 5510 6507, www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au Email: proshop@lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club and Bribie Island Golf Club As we head into the holiday season there is no better time to call up your mates and book in a golf weekender at Bribie Island, South-East Queensland. Located within an hour of Brisbane airport awaits the ultimate golfing destinations, Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club, and Bribie Island Golf Club.

Bribie Island Golf Club is renowned for being a ‘hidden treasure’, offering a cool sea breeze and impressive course layout for all golf levels to enjoy. At Pacific Harbour, discover an island golfing paradise centred on a unique 18-hole championship course and a superb subtropical country club.

All the key characteristics of a world-class course have been incorporated at Pacific Harbour.

To help you visualize how good your trip to paradise will be, here’s a typical itinerary of the average social player squad:

Day 1: Check into Fairways Golf Retreat located next door to Bribie Island Golf Club and a short walk from Woorim Surf Beach.

Head over to Bribie Golf Club for a bite to eat before heading out on course to kickstart your golfing weekender. After an impressive 18holes at Bribie Island Golf Club, it’s time to freshen up and make your way to Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club to enjoy a night out with your mates on The Deck. Get there before 6pm for your chance to win a prize at the weekly ‘spin2win’ competition in The Deck Bar before sitting down to a delicious dinner with a stunning view down the 18th fairway.

Day 2: Rise and shine – today is the day to test out one of Queensland’s top public access courses, the Troon Golf-managed Pacific Harbour Golf Club. Make your way around the unique, award-winning, ‘island links’ style 18hole champion course that will challenge both the champion and mesmerise the social player.

You’ll need a pits-top at The Deck Bistro for a tasty feed and cold beverage to quench your thirst before finishing up the back-9 in style.

Day 3: It’s now time to relax and soak up the island life. Check out Woorim beach – go for a surf and embrace the sun with some beach cricket or if you haven’t had enough golfing for one weekend fit in one more round at one of the golf courses. Once it’s time for a feed, visit

Four Fantastic Courses Golf played for the love of the game A million dollar Hole In One

Three excellent reasons to go to New Zealand and play in the Golden Oldies Golf Festival ‘FOUR COURSE CHALLENGE’ APRIL 8-14, 2018 COURSES Christchurch Golf Club Pegasus Golf & Sports Club Harewood Golf Club Terrace Downs LUCKY FRIDAY 13 20 golfers will get the chance to win a million dollars in the Hole In One competition before the prize giving dinner

Full details on the website www.christchurchgoldenoldies.com/

• Membership available • Green Fees & Social Groups welcome • Corporate golf days • Bar & Café open 7 days For more information visit: www.gardinersrun.com.au

Call now (03) 9739 7522 For more information contact Gardiners Run Golf Course 132 Victoria Road Lilydale 3140 | E manager@gardinersrun.com.au

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Redcliffe Golf Club The Deck Bistro once more for the ultimate Sunday Sesh, finishing your golfing weekend on a high note with live music & tapas on The Deck.

limited times are available on some days.

Bookings are advised.

Local companies can make use of the facilities in many ways. Corporate golf days and facilities for hosting business meetings are also available.

More information: To find out more on stay & play packages at Bribie Island, visit www.fairwaysretreat.com.au or call (07) 3400 2100.

The championship standard course combines the characteristics of a sand belt coastal strip with the river estuary outlook across Hays Inlet.

Redcliffe Golf Club

Designed by Stan Francis, it was built in 1935 and features a challenging par-71, ACR 72, slope 123, 6,099m layout for men, and a par73, WACR 74, slope 123, 5,431m course for the ladies. The layout and the topography are such that no player on any tee has to hit-off into the sun during normal competition times.

Redcliffe Golf Club is home to a picturesque 18-hole championship golf course, located in the suburb of Clontarf, just a 35-minute drive north of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland.

Such is the popularity of the course that an average of 1,000 players a week tee off there.

The club offers a full range of golf facilities and services. The clubhouse has sweeping views across the course and is an ideal location for functions or special events. Visitors are welcome to experience a round of golf or a quiet drink on the outdoor deck, overlooking the course.

The course, which is maintained in a parklike environment with abundantly grassed and contoured fairways bordered by mature stands of native eucalypts, is a pleasure to play and complements the seaside lifestyle of the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Tuition is available from the talented teaching professionals and the club boasts one of the largest and talented junior sections in the State.

A progressive maintenance program and a supply of recycled water from Unity Water and the onsite dam ensures greens and fairways are superb year-round.

The club welcomes social players of all ages and abilities every day of the week, though

The prevailing ocean breezes can have a major influence on any game of golf, and

when a strong south-easterly is blowing, the three finishing holes can be a challenge to golfers of any calibre and represent arguably the toughest closing stretch on any course, anywhere in the state.

With a single hit-off point adjacent to the clubhouse and the 18th green in full view of the clubhouse deck, players can enjoy a social atmosphere while absorbing the ambience of the course and observing the golf in progress.

More information: Redcliffe Golf Club, Handsworth Street Clontarf Queensland 4019.

Phone: (07)3284 5485. www.redcliffegolf.com

RACV Royal Pines Resort RACV Royal Pines Resort, boasting 27 challenging holes of golf, is Australia’s Home of Championship Golf. RACV Royal Pines Resort is where fervent golfers can experience a challenging layout, combined with a 5-star environment. With tight, tree-lined fairways and undulating greens, each nine-hole course has its own distinctive challenges, requiring a unique skill set in order to have a successful round. The resort combined with 333 modern accommodation rooms, six restaurant outlets, gymnasium, spa, five

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RACV Royal Pines Resort tennis courts and brand new water splash park, RACV Royal Pines Resort offers five star facilities that are second to none.

More information: RACV Royal Pines Resort, Ross Street, Benowa, Gold Coast Qld 4217. Phone: (07) 5597 8700. www.racv.com.au/royalpines.

Email: royalpines_sales@racv.com.au

Wantima Country Club Home club of USPGA Tour winner and Australian Open runner-up Cameron Smith, Wantima Country Club is conveniently located just 30 minutes north of the Brisbane CBD. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, modern air-conditioned clubhouse, function rooms, bistro, gaming, tennis courts and golf practice facilities.

The 5,566m par-70 layout has tree-lined, undulating, fully irrigated Blue Couch fairways and Bermuda 328 greens. All categories of membership are currently available including junior, family and corporate. Public are welcome 7 days per week, club competitions run 5 days per week but there is still plenty of availability for corporate/charity days, social clubs and public access.

Wantima hosts a variety of events from corporate golf days to that perfect wedding.

More than “just a Golf

“

Club

New Family and Lifestyle Memberships available to suit you Available to all social groups, including Stay and Play Packages Visitors and guests welcome 7 days a week Bookings via the Pro Shop (07) 4600 9397 235 -323 Rowbotham St, Middle Ridge, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 www.toowoombagolfclub.com.au

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McLeod Country Golf Club

Wantima Country Club The new chef can cater for your every need whether it is a golf and burger deal or a function with three-course meal. Grab a drink in the fully air-conditioned lounge bar or relax and enjoy the sport and pokies in the spike bar.

“Wantima continues to develop its course and facilities offering a great variety of options for members and visitors and making it the golf club of choice on Brisbane’s north side,” said Andy Lowen, Wantima Secretary Manager.

Mr Lowen said that visitors are loving the full experience at Wantima at an affordable price with golf, cart and food/drink packages available. Many have gone on to becoming full members of the club.

Public access availability has increased with more 9-hole, twilight, package deals and member guest options. Progressive works in recent times to mitigate flood risk has led to much more availability with public tee times.

More information: Phone: (07) 3264 1633 or visit www.wantimacountryclub.com.au

McLeod Country Golf Club McLeod Country Golf Club host one of the most diverse and challenging golf courses in SEQ. With the slope rating of 132, it offers any passionate golfer the opportunity play every shot in their bag of tricks.

McLeod Country Golf Club is a par-71 course that keeps even the best golfers interested.

There are nine par-4s, five par-3s and four par5s throughout the course. The three hardest holes on the course include the par-4 370m 8th hole which requires a long drive and accurate second shot into a well-protected raised green with bunkers on either side. The next hardest hole would be the following hole, the 9th. This 523m par-5 catches many players either short in the front bunkers or wet in the dam on their approach shot. The 18th is home to an uphill 179m par-3 that is well-protected by a two tiered green with bunkers down the left side.

McLeod also understand that golfers have limited spare time, and with this in mind they have introduced a weekly 9-hole stableford

competition that is open to any golfers with a current GolfLink number.

More information: 61 Gertrude McLeod Crescent, Mount Ommaney QLD 4074.

Phone: (07) 3376 3666, or Email: enquiries@mcleodgolf.com.au

Mount Coolum Golf Club Just a short drive from the Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore is Mount Coolum Golf Club, which is one of the most picturesque settings to play golf.

Nestled at the foot of spectacular Mt Coolum with the rock providing a breathtaking backdrop on most tees and fairways, Mount Coolum is an extremely friendly and welcoming club.

So it isn’t surprising that more than 60,000 rounds are played here each year. An added bonus is the layout is relatively flat, which makes it a comfortable walk.

The front and back nine holes are very different in character.

Stay and play the course the pro's played.

The course consists of six par-5s, six par4s and six par 3s, however, on the back nine there are four par-5s and four-par-3s.

Golfers of all levels will enjoy the challenge along with the beauty and the abundance of natural flora and fauna.

Perhaps the biggest challenge is the water hazards that come into play on 12 holes.

Combine all this with the long, narrow fairways and you have a true test of golf on your hands.

The club’s general manager Sharon Purnell said the condition of the golf course was its best advertisement.

“We have members and visitors constantly commenting on how well the course is playing and how professional and friendly the staff is,” she said.

Ms Purnell said the golf club was located close to various resorts and accommodation houses and was the ideal place to hold a corporate event or trade day.

The club’s facilities include a fully-stocked pro shop with motorised carts, retail and hire

Stay and play at the home of championship golf.

Be the golfer you dream to be, and play the PGA championship course at RACV Royal Pines Resort with our Stay and Play package for two. Package includes: • One night’s accommodation for two people • Full buffet breakfast • 18 holes of golf with shared electric cart

$357

*

From

for auto club members $419 for non members Host of the Australian PGA Championship

For bookings call 1800 886 880 or discover more at racv.com.au/royalpines

Ross Street, Benowa, Gold Coast, Qld 4217 www.racv.com.au/royalpines *Conditions apply. Valid until 30/06/2018. Subject to availability. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Auto club members include members of RACV, RACQ, NRMA and all other affiliated auto clubs in Australia and internationally.

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Mount Coolum Golf Club equipment as well as the latest in men’s and women’s golf fashion.

Club pro Stephen Jenkins is a AAA PGA professional and Level 3 coaching accredited.

The air-conditioned clubhouse has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with a large deck overlooking the course and spectacular Mount Coolum.

The Bistro is open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday and the bar facilities and gaming lounge is open seven days a week.

Golfers can relax on the balcony after a game and enjoy lunch with views over Australia’s second largest rock – Mt Coolum.

“It’s all part of one of life’s great golfing experiences.” Ms Purnell said.

The club’s philosophy is to ensure members, guests and visitors receive the highest level of service and experience when attending the club or on the course.

Mount Coolum GC has social play on Monday, Friday and Sunday and offer discounts to social bookings of 10 or more

players. The club welcomes visitors and guests to play and enjoy golf in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Caloundra Golf Club why the club is popular with members and visitors alike.

More information: Lumeah Drive, Mt Coolum 4573, (07) 5446 3125, www.mtcoolumgolf.com

The golf course is 5987m off the championship tees (5356m for women) and features a number of tight, tree-lined holes that make accuracy and the ability to shape the golf ball off the tee very important.

Caloundra Golf Club

The layout is a balance between risk and reward.

Aside from being a beautiful, old-fashioned parkland golf course, Caloundra Golf Club holds a unique position on the Sunshine Coast because it’s just a short distance from famed Kings Beach.

Opened in 1951 as a nine-hole layout and extended to 18 holes in 1966, the golf course is set in a tranquil and peaceful environment and offers a pleasant combination of ponds and well-established trees and interesting strategy decisions off the tees.

It’s here where visiting club golfers feel right at home as the golf course is very much a product of its natural surroundings.

Of course, the challenge of the traditional Australian bushland course is another reason

SOCIAL GOLF

You can smash a driver off the tee or hit a positional iron, go for the green in two heroic shots or throw a wedge to the superb greens.

There are five par-3s and they are a real test with none measuring less than 145m.

If that is not enough, there is water on five holes and bunkers protect most greens.

If you require one birdie from the final three holes to win a title, you are going to have to work very hard.

Caloundra Golf Club, which can lay claim to producing former British Open champion Ian Baker-Finch, has produced numerous state and national champions.

Visitors are always welcome at Caloundra and social times are available most days.

Motorised carts and golf equipment are available for hire.

The clubhouse, which overlooks the 18th green and fairway, incorporates a fullyequipped bar and dining room and also specialises in weddings, birthdays or any other celebration while the pro shop has an excellent range of clubs and accessories.

Caloundra golf course’s final three holes are extremely demanding – just what you want from a championship layout.

One of the attractions is each day at 4pm the Rainbow Lorikeets arrive and visitors are welcome to participate in the feeding activity.

The 16th (353m) has an index of eight while the 17th (369m) and the 18th (393m) are indexed four and two respectively.

More information: 1 Charles Woodward Drive, Caloundra 4551, (07) 5491 1811. www.caloundragolfclub.com.au

Handsworth Street Clontarf Qld 4019 Ph. (07) 32845485 www.redcliffegolf.com

social players WelcoMe Green Fees - Monday to Friday $37 per player and saturday/sunday/public Holidays $40 per player Motorised cart Hire - $40 per cart

SOCIAL GOLF

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Joondalup Resort

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Joondalup Resort Set in tranquil surrounds a short drive north of Perth CBD and minutes from the white sandy beaches of the Sunset Coast, Joondalup Resort invites you to experience the highest standards of service, recreation and friendly Australian hospitality.

Few courses anywhere in the world offer the dramatic contrasts, the scenic beauty and the sheer golfing challenge of the 27 hole championship course at Joondalup Resort.

Designed by the internationally renowned Robert Trent Jones Jnr., the course presents a tough, uncompromising layout, featuring

great variation in setting and style. This spectacular course sweeps across dense bushland, cuts through steep limestone quarries and skirts picturesque lakes, to present surprises and challenges at almost every turn. One minute you’re playing an approach shot beneath a 30-metre limestone cliff, the next you’re adapting to the fresh ocean breeze on an undulating links style fairway.

Enjoy your golf in a magnificent setting, with the natural beauty of the bush and the irresistible charm of kangaroos, birds and colourful backdrop of wild flora. The majestic Joondalup Resort golf course offers public access as well as a range of membership options, a newly renovated day/night driving

range, putting greens, Pro Shop, Café, Club House, an onsite Golf Academy offering world class tuition in both individual and clinic settings, as well as facilities to cater for corporate golf days for up to 216 players.

Joondalup Resort provides a number of outstanding leisure services to complete your golfing experience. Set amongst the emerald fairways and developed in harmony with its natural surrounds, the Resort has 70 luxuriously appointed accommodation rooms and suites offering spectacular views, as well as 11 function rooms ideal for conferences, meetings and social gatherings, an outdoor lagoon style swimming pool and heated spa, mini gymnasium, award winning restaurant offering both a la carte and buffet style

Stay & Play from $99

cuisine and, for drinks there’s the Kangaroo Arms, a cosy English style pub.

Joondalup Resort is truly the perfect place to work, stay, celebrate and play.

More information: Joondalup Resort.

Country Club Blvd, Connolly Perth WA. Phone: (08) 9400 8888. www.joondalupresort.com.au.

Email: clubsec@joondalupresort.com.au

Would you like to see your club or course included in a future Inside Golf feature? Then have your General Manager or Marketing Manager contact us for details.

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Great Golf Getaways

TOURS, CLUBS AND MORE

memorable trip and hassle-free experience while on tour.

GREAT GOLF GETAWAYS

Great Golf Getaways assists many types of social clubs with arranging annual events and golf trips such as “The Redbacks” from Victoria, a social group of ex-footballers who played together in the 90s. Being avid golfers they formed their social golf group about a decade ago. The idea of an annual golfing trip became reality and has been growing strongly for many years now with around 25 players experiencing the annual Redbacks golfing trip. The group’s most recent trip was to the Mornington Peninsula last month and share their comments below about their experience on GGG tours:

Great Golf Getaways provides customised golf tours for social clubs and groups of all sizes.

Their golf packages are available to all the premier golf destinations around Australia and overseas.

Great Golf Getaways provides a full complement of golf travel services including: planning personalised tour itineraries and packages, arranging accommodation and golf bookings, coordinating flights and transport to suit each group’s individual travel requirements.

For social club co-ordinators this can save you valuable time and money, by taking advantage of Great Golf Getaways professional golf travel services and expertise and also savings available on their group tour package products. GGG is a recognised golf tour supplier with all major golf industry partners including golf clubs, accommodation and transport providers.

Their high standard of service and attention to detail ensures clients always enjoy a

“For the past few years the ‘Redbacks’ have teamed up with GGG to organise great deals and a range of great golfing getaways. It has certainly made it easier through GGG to find great places to play golf and arrange nearby accommodation. The Redbacks highly recommend and will continue their ongoing relationship with GGG. It certainly makes for stress-free planning and great golfing experiences!” D.Code, Redbacks Social Club (VIC).

Many social clubs have also arranged special milestone events, such as “The

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SOCIAL GOLF

Golden Oldies Golf Festival – New Zealand Walllopers” (pictured) who celebrated their 30th Anniversary on a Great Golf Getaways group tour to the Gold Coast.

Great Golf Getaways can assist your social club in planning your next club trip with packages available to all the premier golf destinations around Australia and also special group rates available.

More information: Great Golf Getaways.

National Travel Desk: 1300 124 220. www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au, info@greatgolfgetaways.com.au

Golden Oldies Golf Festival – New Zealand The third Golden Oldies Golf Festival being held in Christchurch, New Zealand from April 8th to 14th 2018 will be played as the ‘Four Course Challenge’ on Terrace Downs, Harewood Golf Club, Pegasus Golf & Sport and the Christchurch Golf Club.

Golfers of all standards can easily play and enjoy these beautiful courses which are all quite different. Ranging from relatively new Pegasus to New Zealand’s second oldest, the Christchurch Golf Club established in 1873.

One of New Zealand’s best known golf professionals, Phil Tataurangi recently gave his thoughts on each course in a video which can be seen on the Christchurch Golden Oldies website. His overall message was that you will have fun on these courses and to not get distracted by the views.

The Festival features an opening function, optional picnic day in Hanmer Springs alpine village and closing dinner and prizegiving in the Festival Clubhouse marquee in Hagley Park.

To finish the week in grand style 20 golfers will take part in the Million Dollar Hole In One shootout immediately before the dinner.

The competition will take place on a purpose-built 150m hole next to the marquee which will be a fitting completion to a week of great golf. New Zealand golf legend and Festival ambassador Sir Bob Charles is helping with the design and construction of the hole.

As Phil Tataurangi said, “Friday the 13th could be lucky for someone!”

Participants may be lucky enough to be in a four with South African cricketing legends Barry Richards or Mike Procter who will be in Christchurch in their roles as Golden Oldies Cricket Ambassadors.

SOCIAL GOLF

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GSM Golf Club & GSM Golf EZI ~ Peregian Springs A range of packages to suit every budget are offered by the organisers from luxury hotels to non-accommodation all of which can be seen on www.christchurchgoldenoldies.com

GSM Golf Club & GSM Golf EZI GSM Golf club offers Official Golf Australia handicaps, insurance benefits and partner green fee rates at selected venues for a low annual fee. GSM Golf club provides golfers peace of mind through personal liability insurance plus the opportunity to enter competition events around Australia from just $139 per year.

Special green fee rates are available at GSM courses including St Andrews Beach, Peregian & Ranfurlie, Bay Views & Kingston Links plus members get access to exclusive retail, coaching and green fee deals throughout the year. Excitingly, all GSM Members can now book their preferential green fee rates at 5 courses directly, through the GSM Golf Member Portal. This can be done simply and without any prepayment required!

However for those wanting even more from their social golf membership, GSM are

U Choose Golf Holiday

excited to introduce the GSM Golf EZI Member offering, which grants 50% off green fees at five GSM venues, along with an official golf handicap and direct booking access. GSM Golf EZI Members even have the flexibility of paying monthly direct debits, allowing for the utmost of ease and accessibility all year round.

More information: www.gsmgolf.com.au

U Choose Golf Holiday If you need a full-service golf travel specialist to take care of everything for you, then look no further than U Choose Golf Holiday.

Owner-operators Sharon and Gary provide golfers with a professional and well-organised golf trip – every detail carefully taken care of and nothing to do but turn up and have a great time.

They take pride in offering good value and personalised service.

Sharon, who looks after your trip from start to finish, will tailor a package, provide choices of accommodation, courses and optional extras all designed to suit your requirements and budgets.

“It’s definite value for money with no hidden surprises,” she said.

U Choose Golf Holiday has been growing strong each year experiencing 80 per cent of loyal repeat customers, which speaks volumes about their quality service and attention to detail.

U Choose Golf Holiday offers golfers the chance to experience the best destinations that Australia has to offer, like the Mornington Peninsula, Sydney/NSW, Gold Coast, West Australia, Sunshine Coast, Nth Qld, Adelaide, New Zealand and the Murray River destinations.

More information: 0418 713 620, sharon@uchoosegolf.com.au, www.uchoosegolf.com.au

Improve your game with Golfbus

Your tour host and PGA Professional will tailor the day to your specific requirements.

Golf Professional, Darren Hill, has been a PGA Member for over 30 years and has an extensive background in coaching all levels of golfer, from beginners, club players and tour professionals. Tour host and driver, Greg Cole, has over 20 year’s experience in tourism and transport. He has organised and run tours all over the world and still operates as a small private group tour operator in Sydney.

The features of the day are playing golf with friends, receiving group instruction prior to your round, plus one-on-one coaching on the course playing with a golf professional.

Golfbus use a video to help analyse your swing.

Golfbus is a great way to improve your golf whilst having a great, fun day out with friends, family or business associates. It’s also a great for small social clubs and team building.

They include green fees, transport to and from the course, refreshments and their PGA Professional. To ensure plenty of individual attention, the maximum group size is 9-10 players.

Their aim is to help you improve your skills, course management, and make you a better all-round golfer. They will give you the tools and the knowledge to continue improving during and after your Golfbus day.

More information: Golfbus, 201/3 Sylvan Avenue. Phone: 0402 290 780, www.golfbus.com.au, info@golfbus.com.au

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“The friendly club” Well worth a visit!

Emmerson Street, Pallarenda, Townsville QLD | Club House Ph ( 07) 47741188 | Golf Shop Ph ( 07) 4774 1188 www.rowesbaygolfclub.com.au

December 2017

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www.insidegolf.com.au

EVENTS

Tee it up at the Sunshine Coast Masters T

he hugely popular ‘Sunshine Coast Masters’ Legends event is already in its third year, and 2017 looks to follow on from its unprecedented success; having won the PGA Legends ‘Tournament Of The Year’ the previous two years. 2017 Looks to be another crowning achievement for tournament host Twin Waters Golf Club who have assembled a cast that includes some of the finest ‘Legends’ in Australian golf, all vying for the title.

Established in 2015, the format and implementation of a ‘Legends Event’ to the Sunshine Coast was the brainchild of 1991 British Open champion Ian Baker Finch. Ian is a resident of the Sunshine Coast (also

a member of Twin Waters Golf Club) and he was instrumental in the concept and implementation of the event.

The 3rd Sunshine Coast Masters is from December 13- 15 2017 and will be held over two courses, Pelican Waters and Twin Waters Golf Club. Professional prize money of $60,000 will see 80 Professionals split into two groups and they will play one tournament round (pro am) at each venue.

A cut of the leading 50 professionals will contest the final round at Twin Waters Golf Club. All three rounds will be played in a team pro am format comprising of two professionals and three amateurs.

Watts and Mills capture Blind Golf titles GC for the use of the course, and all the players and caddies for supporting the event.

Meanwhile, The 2017 ISPS HANDA Australian Blind Golf Open Championship was played at the prestigious Royal Sydney Golf Course on Sunday 8 and Monday 9 October. The administrators of Blind Golf Australia, and Blind Golf New South Wales, were most thankful to the Royal Sydney Golf Club for allowing the field of twentynine blind golfers and their caddies the experience of two rounds of golf on this magnificent golf course.

Michele Watts and caddie Bob Grant proudly display their awards.

For the second year running The Bankstown Golf Club was the backdrop for the Vision Australia New South Wales Blind Golf Open Championship, played on 5 & 6 October. Local Rod Mills with his brother Mike as his caddie, added yet another notch to his belt in winning this title. Rod, who is in the B3 sight category on a handicap of 33, is a very good golfer with an amazing short game and high putting skills. He shot an impressive nett 74 on Day 1 and followed it up with 76 on Day 2. Congratulations to Rod and Mike.

David Blyth (VIC) (handicap 54), with Gary McInnes as his caddie, shot a combined nett 194 to win the B1 championship.

Consistent performer, Stephen Mitchell from NSW (handicap 25), with Ian Seckold as his caddie, shot a combined nett of 151 to win the B2 title.

The B3 title went to Jeff Ellis (VIC) (handicap 26) with his wife Maureen as his caddie, shooting a nett 162 over the two rounds.

The winner of the best gross award was Keifer Jones from Canada (B3 handicap 5 – yes 5) with his mother Deb Frey as his caddie, shooting 81 off the stick on Day 1 and 80 on Day 2. He also won the Erik Royds Perpetual Trophy for the least putts, with only 62 putts over the two days. Keifer will certainly be a strong contender in future World Championship events.

Jenny McCallum from WA (B2 – handicap 32) with her husband Ian as caddie won the Ladies nett title.

President of Blind Golf New South Wales, Mr John Hayward, thanked the Bankstown

The overall nett winner was Michele Watts from New South Wales playing in only her second blind golf tournament. Michele, who is a B3 player on a handicap of 42, had a most experienced caddie on her bag in Bob Grant.

She shot a nett 81 on the first day and came out on the second day firing a stunning nett 69 to take out the title. She also won the Ladies Championship and the B3 title.

The amateur teams event will be played in a “shamble” format, where all three players tee off and select the best drive. All players then complete the hole from the position of the best drive in an individual format until they have completed the hole.

The best two stableford scores from the amateurs and the best professional score will be added together on each hole for a team score.

Former winners 2015 Peter Senior and 2016 Lucian Tinkler and Steve Conran have confirmed their entries along with other “Legends” of Australian golf - Ian

Baker Finch, Roger Davis, Mike Harwood, Peter O’Malley, Craig Parry, Peter Fowler, Ossie Moore and “Legends” rookies Peter Lonard and David Mackenzie. Many other local stars including Terry Price, Anthony Gilligan, Richard Backwell, Tim Elliot and Glenn Joyner are also slated to peg it up.

The event is sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and will bring in excess of $500,000 dollars to the Sunshine Coast region.

Amateurs wishing to enter a team into the event can log on to www.sunshinecoastmasters.com.au

calendar

FEBRUARY

2018 BARRENJOEY WEEK OF GOLF WHEN: 12 to 16 February 2018 WHERE: Northern Beaches, Bayview, Cromer, Long Reef, Manly, Mona Vale, Monash and Wakehurst Golf Clubs Barrenjoey Peninsula Week of Golf 2018 turns 36 this year. It is an exciting and unique ladies golf tournament. It is now one of the largest amateur women’s golfing tournaments in the Southern Hemisphere. Women with a current Australian or Overseas Golf Handicap, can play at seven stunning Northern Beaches golf courses. The tournament is also a Jean Derrin event.

The format begins on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 February 2018 with individual stroke for Divisions 1 & 2 and stableford for Division 3. On Thursday 15 February the Foursomes are held in four divisions. On the final day, Friday 16 February a four person Best Ball v Par event, with shotgun start, completes the tournament. Players can nominate to play on all four days or play in 1, 2 or 3 events.

Entries for this event open on 15 November 2017.

Entries online are - any 3 or 4 days $100 (postal $110), any 1 or 2 days $70 (postal $80).

Presentation will be held at Monash Golf Club on Thursday 15 February 2018 at 6pm, with a dinner to follow the presentations.

Entries close on 10 January 2018. Full event details are available at www.barrenjoeyweekofgolf.com

The B1 title was won by Doug Sloan from Victoria with a combined nett of 198 on a handicap of 54 with his caddie Jo Delaney.

Handiskins

The B2 title was taken out by Deanna Minciullo from WA (handicap 40) with nett 169 and her husband Clarrie as her caddie.

The Vision Australia NSW Open and the ISPS HANDA Australian Open were supported by three international players in Carol Brill from Ireland, Keifer Jones from Canada and Andy Sellars from England. Carol had a local caddie Lachy Foulshan, Andy had his work colleague Neil Thompson as caddie and Keifer’s mother Deb totally enjoyed the experience of caddying for her son who is an amazingly talented young man.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to anyone wishing to offer charitable support to the blind golf community.

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

Anyone wishing to learn more about these sponsorship opportunities, or either playing blind golf or caddying for a blind golfer may contact Gary McInnes on 0417 055 731.

They may also go to the Blind Golf Australia website www.blindgolf.com.au or see www.internationalblindgolf.com •

www.handiskins.com.au Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers. Handiskins is a five-qualifying-round stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score.

Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough.

The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Northern Golf Club 97 Glenroy Road, Glenroy VIC 3046 Final 9th December 2017 Bribie Island Golf Club Links Court, Woorim QLD 4507 Final 9th December 2017 Rosebud Country Club 207 Boneo Road, Rosebud VIC 3939 Final 9th December 2017 Berwick Montuna Golf Club 335 Beaconsfield- Emerald Road, Guys Hill VIC 3807 Final 10th December 2017 Queens Park Golf Club 150 Queens Park Road, Highton VIC 3216 Final 2nd December 2017 Box Hill Golf Club 202 Station Street, Box Hill VIC 3128 Final 7th December 2017

Devilbend Golf Club Loders Road, Moorooduc VIC 3933 Final 9th December 2017 Lynwood Country Club 253 Pitt Town Bottoms Rd, Pitt Town NSW 2756 5th Qualifying Round 2nd December 2017 Final 16th December 2017 Macquarie Link International Golf Club Macquarie Links Drive, Macquarie Links NSW 2565 5th Qualifying Round 2nd December 2017 Final 16th December 2017 Everglades Country Club Dunban Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256 1st Qualifying Round 17th January 2018 2nd Qualifying Round 24th January 2018 3rd Qualifying Round 31st January 2018 4th Qualifying Round 7th February 2018 5th Qualifying Round 14th February 2018 Final 28th February 2018

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Kenny claims NSW Senior crown

Saunders secures Sand Greens win Beechworth’s Vaughan Saunders has won the 2017 NSW Sand Greens Championship at Holbrook Golf Club.

Saunders had rounds of 73 and 76 for a four-over total of 149, to win by a shot to Brett Byrnes and by two strokes to overnight leader and Clubmate Nathan Schneider and Cobar’s Jacob Ryan. Saunders is a regular competitor in the Victorian Sand Greens event and was thrilled to have the opportunity of playing in the NSW Championships at Holbrook in NSW’s south.

The junior event was won by Bryan Filiponi (Thurgoona) who posted scores of 80 and 86 to win by six strokes to Maxwell Jennings from Wagga.

M

aybe it was destiny that Grant Kenny would go from the first group to tee off on Thursday to the last putt Saturday to claim his first tournament in almost 30 years as a professional at the Senior NSW Open Championship at Thurgoona Golf and Country Club.

Sydneysider back in as they moved to the back nine.

After enduring a sleepless night, Kenny ran out victorious by three shots from Peter Senior after starting the day one stroke behind the Queenslander.

Despite the near disaster, Kenny held his nerve over the closing holes and managed to play solidly, giving Senior little opportunity to pounce on any error.

It was a welcome victory for Kenny, one that surprised everybody, including himself.

“He (Senior) kind of got a little bit angry towards the end, which was good for me,” Kenny said.

“I woke up at three o’clock this morning, thought what I am doing,” he smiled while clutching the Senior Open Trophy.

The 51-year-old Kenny played impressively and stamped his authority on the round early.

He birdied the first to join Senior in the lead at seven under par and by the time they got to the tenth hole, he had a five-shot lead.

The five-shot lead quickly became two on the par-five 11th hole when Senior rolled in his birdie putt and Kenny could only make a double bogey after finding trouble from the tee.

By the time the group reached the last, Kenny was back with a comfortable three-shot lead, and the tournament was his. After chipping onto the final green, Kenny lagged his par putt to within inches and was ready to hole out when Senior imparted a tiny bit of advice.

“I couldn’t miss a shot on the front (nine). I saw it and hit it.”

“I was about to putt in (on the last), and Peter said; ‘Don’t putt that in, because it’s your big one.’ I said ‘cheers, thank you.’”

“Then I stood on the tenth tee, and the rest of the round became a blur.”

Kenny described the win as a welcome and timely boost for his career.

Senior, however, wasn’t done at that point, and with his trademark ‘never say die attitude’, the Queenslander started to haul in the affable

“This win means everything. I haven’t played (Tournament golf) for 12 years, so coming back like this, it’s just everything.” he smiled.

The NSW Veteran’s Championship was held in conjunction, and the winner of this event was Steve Beattie from Condobolin, with scores of 78 and 84.

The Teams event was won by Thurgoona, with team members Jason Cawthray, Nathan Schneider and Steven Filliponi.

The Men’s NSW Sand Greens Championship is open to male amateur golfers with a GA handicap of 27.4 or under. It is played over 36-holes stroke play, 18-holes on the first day and 18-holes on the second day.

The Championship also incorporates the NSWVGA Sand Greens Championship, the Junior Sand Greens Champion, and the NSW Sand Greens Teams Event.

On the women’s side, overnight leader Kim Robinson (Wagga Wagga CC) matched her first round 83 with another 83 to win the 2017 Trimax Women’s NSW Sand Greens Championship by four shots.

The runner-up in the Championship was Leanne Slater (Young) with a 36-hole total of 170. The 36-hole nett winner for the Championship in Division One was Lee Lawther (Howlong) with great scores of 71 and 72 off a handicap of 24 to beat her fellow Howlong member, Di Tyrell-Miller who was only a shot further back on 144 for the 26-holes.

In Division Two, the winner of the 36hole nett was June Shields (Coleambally) with exceptional scores of 64-68 off 34 to win the trophy by six shots from Holbrook local, Liz Plunkett. Liz also had a great weekend with scores of 70-68 off a handicap of 26. Kath Lamont finished well to win the Division Two scratch trophy with a 10 shot improvement in round two to win the trophy with a score of 200 on a countback from Joan Parker (Thurgoona).

In the Teams events, the winners in the SWLGA Bowl (scratch) was the Riverina team of Kim Robinson, Marg Naseby and Fay Schliebs with a score of 339. The winners of the RLGA Jug (nett) was the Coleambally team of Fay Schliebs, June Shields and Jan Young with a score of 279.

Congratulations to the latest St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Achievers: Geoff Brothers, John Cullerton, Wally Davey, Stephen Donlan, Glen Douglass, Trevor Edwards, Aaron Ehlisoydan, Graeme Forster, Paul Gallagher, Darren McCloughlan, Catriona Monahan, Kay Pattison, Dale Ramm, and Greg Whackett.

GOLF NSW CONGRATULATES THE WINNER OF THE

2017 NSW OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP JASON SCRIVENER For all the results and latest news, go to www.nswopen.com

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Emotional Sim triumphs at Isuzu Queensland Open Bernie Pramberg

W

Sim, 33, emerged from a gripping four-way tie for the lead with a birdie on the 72nd hole to snatch a deserved win by a shot from Ollie Goss and Kieran Muir with early pacesetter Harry Bateman taking bogey on the final hole to slip a stroke further back.

With Brisbane Lions AFL star Daniel Rich caddying for the tournament, Sim said he never seriously thought he would win until playing his sand-wedge approach from 98m on the 72nd hole.

Playing in the second last group, Sim calmly stroked the four-metre putt into the cup to break the deadlock.

Sim, who relocated from Perth to the Gold Coast four years ago, has endured the cruel vagaries of golf many times over.

In 2009 he was ranked as high as No 34 in the world but his ranking had slipped to

Rich rewards for growing the game The experience of a lifetime awaits four golfers who shared the golf bug in October.

They have this once-in-a-lifetime trip to look forward to thanks to Golf Month, Australian golf’s annual campaign to drive participation, who teamed up with Air Adventure Golf Tours in October to inspire club members and passionate golfers to introduce new people to the game.

After trailing by five strokes at one stage, Sim closed with a 69 to finish at nine-under par. Goss, who will have nightmares about his four putts from less than 20 feet on the 14th, finished with a 71 while Kiwi Muir stormed home with a 66 to share second place.

“The only time I’d previously looked at a leaderboard was after I’d bogeyed the fourth and Harry (Bateman) was 11-under and I was five shots back. I didn’t think I could win.”

golf queensland

Ned Stokes from Western Australia, Bob Muir from Queensland, Nicki Sheehan from Victoria and Steve Button from Tasmania will each be playing at four of the best courses in the world – Barnbougle Dunes, Barnbougle Lost Farm, Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes – with a friend in April 2018.

ith his shirt soaked in champagne, an emotional Michael Sim celebrated his first Australian victory as a professional after a dramacharged final round of the Isuzu Queensland Open.

“I never thought I was a chance to win until the wedge on the last. Daniel said there were three or four tied at the top of the leaderboard and that was the first I knew of it,’’ said Sim.

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863rd prior to the Queensland Open victory.

“I know I can still do it but it has been a slow six or seven years,’’ he said.

“To be standing here as a winner is quite emotional to be honest. It is my first win as a professional in Australia.’’

Sim and his wife Simone are expecting their first child in February.

“It will be a really happy time for our family,’’ he said. “Simone owns two pilates studios on the Gold Coast where I work out and I also do a fair bit of bike riding.’’

Goss hit the front at the turn at 10-under but dropped a shot at the par-3 11th, and then made a costly double-bogey on the 14th.

JOIN NOW and enjoy the benefits of being a member!

• Membership gift • Exclusive access to the website membership zone • Online competitions and monthly lucky draw • Coaching tips, rules and etiquette information • 9 and 18 hole tournaments • Online event registrations • Monthly newsletters • Access MyGolf camps and Golf Queensland regional clinics

www.golfqueensland.org.au/junior

New Zealander Bateman took the lead at 11-under early on the final day but paid dearly for three bogeys on the homeward nine to settle for a 74.

Countryman Kieran Muir rocketed up the leaderboard to grab a share of the lead late when he birdied four of the last six holes.

Bateman shared fourth place at sevenunder with Damien Jordan who battled the ‘flu all week and closed with a fine 67.

Outright sixth was Queenslander Brett Rankin who carded 66 to be six-under for the tournament while Redcliffe’s Douglas Klein completed an impressive week with a 67 to be leading amateur at five-under with Victorians Josh Younger (66) and James Marchesani (69). •

By describing who they would share the golf bug with and how in less than 150 words, Ned, Bob, Nicki and Steve beat 1,150 other competition entrants to the post during an exciting month for the sport, which saw thousands of people sharing the golf bug and participating in Golf Month activities that included family fun days, smash the drone challenges and even a greenkeeper’s revenge!

No doubt Ned, Bob, Nicki and Steve will choose their companions carefully for their ultimate golf bug adventures and make memories that will never fade on King Island and in Tasmania.

As for Golf Month itself, with 200,000+ adults (15+) actively considering getting into golf over the next 12 months (Australian Sports Commission AusPlay data) and most golfers continuing to find their way into the game through friends and family, we almost certainly haven’t seen the last of the golf bug!

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

CHIPS AND SHANKS

With David Newbery

 david@insidegolf.com.au

TALENT TO THE FORE A GLANCE at the results of a recent Wednesday competition is an indication of the depth of golfing talent at Maroochy River Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast.

David Grenfell, five-time winner of the Sunshine Coast amateur championship and a professional from 1996 to 2002, was third in the A grade division of the stableford competition.

DQ FOR SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS

NEW CLUBS TAKE BEATING

NATTY American golfer Doug Sanders was once disqualified from a tournament for signing too many autographs.

IN his prime, legendary amateur golfer Jack Raynor, 87, couldn’t understand why his brand-new set of golf clubs were continually scratched.

Sanders led the 1966 Pensacola Open in Florida by four shots after shooting a 67 in the second round.

Fans mobbed him and he graciously signed dozens of autographs.

Craig Jones, winner of the 1994 New Zealand Open and holder of the Horton Park course record with 59, won nearest the pin on the fourth hole.

“I was very confused when the new clubs deteriorated at a rapid rate,” the octogenarian said recently.

“Every time I played, the faces of the clubs were getting scratched and dented at an alarming rate and I couldn’t understand why.

“That was until I went out onto the front deck of the house to see what my kids were up to one night.

Long-time club professional Mal Robertson won NTP on the eighth while Errol Hartvigsen, runner-up in the 1973 Australian Open and World Cup representative for Australia in the same year, took out the approach on the sixth.

“They had gathered the neighbourhood kids on the bitumen road for a toad hunt and my golf clubs were the perfect weapon.”

No wonder it’s difficult to win a ball in the rundown at Maroochy River these days.

CLEVER MARKETING PLOY WELL-KNOWN golf traveller John Sellwood can fill a book with stories from his adventures around the world.

HOLD THE PHONE THE slightest sound can distract a professional golfer about to play a shot, but when a mobile phone goes off, that drives them crazy.

John, who has played more than 550 golf courses, regularly contacts Inside Golf with a yarn or two.

Avid golf follower and Warringah Golf Club Brian Cunningham recalled such an incident at the Canon Challenge in the 1990s.

“While enjoying a Canadian golf tour in 2000, we were playing at Chateau Whistler Golf Club on a beautiful summer morning,” John told Inside Golf.

“I had gone to the tournament especially to see Ian Baker-Finch, who was grouped with Peter McWhinney and Terry Price,” he said.

“When we finished our round, a pro shop staff member approached us all excited and asked if we had seen the bear family on the third fairway.

‘Unfortunately, Ian had to withdraw so I tagged along in the gallery watching Terry and Peter.

“We informed him we did not see any bears.

“The golf was first class with some banter between the players and the gallery made to feel involved.

“Early on the back nine, Peter was about to play his tee shot when a mobile phone rang.

“I can still hear the piercing sound then a shocked silence. Peter stepped back and glanced around.

“Then in a deadpan voice, Terry said: “Well Pete, I don’t think you can get too upset. I think it’s your sister.”

“I saw a young woman apologising profusely and wishing the ground would swallow her up.

“Peter leant forward and with a steely stare said: “Turn it off. Just turn it off.”

“Then he blasted another superb drive and continued.

“Sadly, the Canon Challenge is no more but Terry Hills was a great place to watch golf and relate to the players without getting in the way.”

Doug Sanders

The only thing he didn’t sign that day was his scorecard and he was disqualified.

Gay Brewer ended up winning the tournament.

Still, Sanders did win 20 PGA Tour titles and finished runner-up in the Open Championship, US Open and US PGA Championship.

Unfortunately, he earned notoriety for taking four shots from just 70 metres as the leader playing the final hole of the 1970 Open Championship at St Andrews.

He missed a one-metre putt to win, then lost the 18-hole playoff by a single stroke the next day to Jack Nicklaus.

A stylish, flamboyant dresser on the golf course, Sanders earned the moniker “Peacock of the Fairways”.

He identified himself as the lead character, a playboy PGA Tour golfer in the golf novel Dead Solid Perfect, penned by Dan Jenkins.

“Then the pro shop produced a beautiful photograph of the said family.

“It was presented in a colourful folder duly printed with the name of the club in large print.

“The price was a special at $15 Canadian so we, along with most of the touring party, made this special price purchase as it allegedly happened that day.

The quick nine quiz THERE are 22 stableford points up for grabs on the front nine. How many can you get?

with David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

1. How many majors has Karrie Webb won – 3, 5, 7 or 8? (3 pts) 2. In which Australian state or territory will you find Bagdad Community Golf Club?

(3 pts) 3. Can you solve the following anagram – Wires to God? (He’s a former world No.1). (2 pts) 4.

A player, to prevent falling, uses a cane or club to enter or leave a hazard when his ball lies in the hazard. Is the player in breach of Rule 13-4? (2 pts)

5. True or false: Fred Couples’ nickname is Cupcakes? (1 pt) 6. What nationality is world top-20 player Pat Perez (2 Pts) 7. In which movie did James Bond play golf? (4 pts) 8. How many senior major titles has Bernhard Langer won (4, 6, 8, or 10)?

(3 pts) 9. Who was the first left-handed golfer to win a major championship? (2 pts) ANSWERS: (1). Seven; (2). Tasmania; (3). Tiger Woods; (4). No, provided nothing is done which constitutes testing the condition of the hazard or improves the lie of the ball - see Exception 1 to Rule 13-4.; (5). True; (6). American; (7). Goldfinger; (8). 10; (9). Bob Charles.

19th Hole

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“On departing the clubhouse, we notice in the foyer (you guessed it) the same photograph in a display stand for $C15.

“So the moral of the story is ‘beware of marketing tricks’.

“By the way, the photograph is very good.”

QUOTE – UNQUOTE A “gimme” can best be defined as an agreement between two golfers – neither of whom can putt very well.

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December 2017

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My Christmas waterproof wish list

19th Hole

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Larry Canning

ed@insidegolf.com.au

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’ve just sent off my Christmas present list to Santa Claus and thought I’d share it with you. When I refer to Santa, I’m not talking to the Tiger Woods version we’ve seen on Google recently. Sure he’s getting into the spirit a bit with the hat and beard but the fact he isn’t wearing a single other thread of clothing tends to take away from the essence of the gig. Then again, Tiger Claus does know how to give without any need for a glass of milk and a couple of Scotch Fingers in return.

Plus he definitely has a clear understanding of who’s naughty.

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2 - A 100% guaranteed waterproof glove – It seems every one I’ve tried seems to somehow start out really good but after a few holes into the round I find myself asking my playing partner. “Did you see where that went”. He usually says something like “Yeah it hooked into the trees left,” to which I reply “No, mate... I meant the driver!”

3 - I would love a set of rainwear that makes me hit it 10 yards further! You know how even the best wet weather gear seems to get in the way of your swing? I reckon if they can create a water proof outfit for Ian Thorpe which actually enhances his performance, there must be a way for golf. I’ll even wear the cap!

4 – I need one of those mat things with handles on the side you get from Bunnings for when you need to bend down on your knees to do some gardening. I haven’t bent down to look at the slope on a green since I turned 50. Not because I don’t want to but because by the time I get back up, my partners have hit off the next tee and the group behind have called for Paramedics.

5 – Santa, Can you arrange for more toilets to be built on my home course? The other day I was caught short and had no choice but to take a leak behind a tree. Suddenly I spotted a black snake lying no more than six feet away. You know how snakes are quite territorial? Well this one just looked at me and didn’t move. No one believes me but I think I heard it giggle.

6 – This might be a stretch Santa but I’d like to stage a Plebiscite. Instead of voting on the Same Sex Marriage (SSM) debate, I’m thinking along the lines of having a Yes/ No Voting Form sitting next to the score card box. Those against introducing severe penalties for the IASPAIDGAR (I’m A Slow Player And I Don’t Give A Rat’s) Movement

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can vote No, while those in favour of penalties along the lines of paying for one packet of “No Doze” for each group booked in behind or a series of therapy sessions for the Club Professional everyone complains to, vote Yes. 7 - Finally Santa, This isn’t so much for me but one of our members here at Mount Broughton who nearly suffered a nasty injury a couple of months ago. I was in the Pro-Shop when I received a phone call from one of our Lady Members asking if I could turn the Pop-Up Sprinkler System off. She explained in a very nice calm manner how the timers seem to have been set to coincide with the arrival of her group on the last couple of holes. “I’ll see what I can do” I said. Unfortunately I had a group of golfers arrive and didn’t get a chance to do anything before I received yet another phone call, this time from her husband... nowhere near as calm as his wife.

Eventually I got ahold of the green keepers and the system was altered. After 9, another bloke in that group came into the shop with a grin on his face just slightly larger than the Joker out of Batman. He explained that he had figured the watering system had been addressed when he decided to straddle the pop-up sprinkler on the 5th because the lie was too good to take a drop. Sure enough, just as he started his backswing, up bobbed the nozzle and on came the spray straight up his shorts! Maybe some kind of male underwear sensor system for the watering system here?

Thanks again Santa (Not Tiger) and Merry Christmas to all my loyal and hopefully non-mentally affected readers… Larry

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Here’s my list I - A new GUR Stake. I left mine in the rough on the 8th the other day but no-one handed it in.

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ACROSS

DOWN

1 Portable computer (6) 5 Follows (a golfball) closely through the air (6) 11 City that hosted the 2011 Presidents Cup (9) 12 Perhaps one might be spotted on a golf course lake (5) 13 Keep up (7) 14 Synthetic (7) 15 A right-hander’s controlled right-to-left shot (4) 17 NZ golfer who won the Australian PGA Championship in 1999 (4,6) 20 Winner of the 2017 WGC-HSBC Champions (6,4) 23 First name of Spanish golfing great, Ballesteros (4) 26 Most difficult (7) 27 Moved the shoulders round during a swing (7) 29 Burst of shots (5) 30 Australian who won the US PGA Championship in 1995 (9) 31 Approached (6) 32 US winner of the 2017 Safeway Open, Brendan ______ (6)

2 A book of maps or charts (5) 3 Winner of the CJ CUP in 2017, Justin ______ (6) 4 Golfing buddy (7) 6 International golf tournament held every two years (5,3) 7 November/December PGA event, Hero World _________ (9) 8 PGA Tour regular, winner of two tournaments on the Canadian Tour, _______ Levin (7) 9 Entertained (6) 10 South Korean winner of the 2009 US PGA (1,1,4) 16 Country that won the World Cup of Golf team competition in 2013 (9) 18 Green (3) 19 Describing a half-sized golf course (4-4) 20 US golfer who finished T2 at the 2017 WGC- HSBC Champions, Dustin _______ (7) 21 Top South Africa player who has won the US Open twice, ______ Goosen (6) 22 Shots in golf (7) 24 Finish (6) 25 Position of someone about to play the ball in golf (6) 28 Final golf score (5)

Answers: page 99

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS (Sort of)!

Congratulations to Cronulla GC member Garry Beattie, avid Inside Golf reader and winner of our recent Yamaha Golf Cart giveaway! Garry (in cart, right) is sitting with Wayne Trefoni National Sales Mgr, Golf, of Yamaha Motor Australia, while Derryn Weigand, General Manager of Cronulla GC, and Sam Arthur, Publisher of Inside Golf, look on.

In an ironic (and painful) twist for Garry, Cronulla GC does not allow personal golf carts to be used on the course, so Garry won’t be able to use his new toy for quite some time!

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YOUR VOICE

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

This month’s winner!

This month’s Prize: 1 dozen Volvik Vibe balls

Girls just want to have fun It is with envy that I read your column ‘Girls just want to have fun’ (Nov issue).

I am a 6-day member at my club, which is one of those still in the dark ages.

Since 2012 our club’s board have refused to allow ladies to play in the Masters Breakfast golf event. Our club’s golf event on that special day is advertised as a 2-man ambrose event, and the club has repeatedly refused our requests to allow ladies to play. Male members can invite male visitors but no lady member of our club is allowed to play.

Voting rights at our club are restricted to 6 and 7-day members and only 7-day members are allowed to nominate for board positions. There are a few ladies who are 6-day members and only one lady is a 7-day member and she has been a board member for 15 years. As there are no tee times for ladies on Wednesdays or Saturdays, there seems little point paying for a 7-day membership.

A recent club bulletin emailed to members typifies the lack of consideration and attention given to lady members at our club. The bulletin was emailed to all members two days after the final round of the ladies club championship and five days after the completion of round 1 of the men’s club championship. The bulletin contained a detailed breakdown of the results of round 1 of the men’s club championship and no mention of the results of the final round of the ladies club championship.

Whilst this was disappointing to our lady members it was not a surprise.

We have a vibrant enthusiastic ladies membership which is constantly frustrated and frequently appalled by the behaviour of our management and board. Regrettably, I suspect it will only be financial ruin that will force a change.

Angela, via email

Your Voice

Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via email at ed@insidegolf.com.au.

Tell an interesting story or something funny about golf and you could win a great prize, like this month’s one dozen Volvik Vibe balls!

Golf Australia Out Of Bounds I read your editorial in the October edition with interest. I spent twenty years in golf administration with the South Australian Golf Association as it then was and the AGU. I was a member of the Interim Boards of both organisations. It was the role of the Interim Boards to oversee the amalgamation of the men’s and women’s separate organisations. It was to be a brave new world.

In relation to what became Golf Australia, I was hopeful that a new governance model could be adopted. The AGU was run by a council. Victoria and NSW each had three votes with the other States each having two, save for Tasmania which had one, a total of thirteen votes. In my experience, Queensland invariably voted with the other eastern States giving them a bloc of eight votes which could not be overcome. I moved to introduce a system where each State would have two votes, one male and one female. Try as I might, I could not make any impact so Golf Australia ended up with the same structure of thirteen councillors, mostly men. In effect, it was the AGU with women. Fortunately, I had more success at State level.

Nevertheless, the main problem GA has in my view is to make itself relevant to the members who are paying the fees. Most of

Letters received by Inside Golf may be modified and edited for length and clarity. The opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of Inside Golf. (Except for the good ones – we really like those!)

the members at my club could not name a GA board member. Yes, they’ve diversified a little by having board members from outside golf but their focus as far as I can see remains on elite golf and the Opens. Members usually grumble about the affiliation fee. What does it get me, they ask. Well, they get a handicap.

They also get a handicapping system which frankly Einstein couldn’t fathom. It’s all very well to say that it is a system which maintains relativity between golfers. But it bears no relationship to the course we play most of the time. Nobody drives home having had 33 points and thinking that because of the course rating, they’ve played to their handicap. They want 36 points. With that and the obsession most clubs have to have a “championship course”, the game is more of an ordeal than actual fun.

But I digress. Whether a governance restructure will help or the formation of One Golf, GA needs to become more relevant to the fee-paying members. Perhaps they could start by having their board meetings at individual clubs rather than at HQ or the State offices. At least this would give those members interested a chance to see what they’re getting for their money.

David Martin

Inside Golf is tops!

I find your magazine is the best. I subscribe to Inside Golf, to Golf Aust, Aust Golf Digest, Victorian Golf, but my Qld club, El Arish, does not subscribe, so I have to get it through golfing friends. You provide an Australian-wide edition of grass root golfing news. Tremendous publication.

Ray Scafidi (Via Facebook)

The Pros of Pros in Club Events I am a PGA member of almost 50 years. In that time I have played the tour but mainly working at club level and the last 38 years, coaching around the world. Two years ago I retired to a small town on the NSW North Coast, Maclean, where I join the members twice a week in the comps and, of course, have a GolfLink handicap, I am a full member of the club in every way. This coming year I have been asked to stand as a board member.

I am allowed to play in any event I want but choose not to play in honour board events or even open days as I feel that, should I play extra well, I could possibly win and this could

create a problem with other members or visitors. My handicap varies between 3-5.This is, as I say, my choice but think that if you are a full member of a club with a regular handicap you should be allowed to play and win but agree with you that tour players should not play.

Maclean is only small but robust with a lot of members putting in work on the course, etc, to help keep the club’s standard high, their attitude may be different to others around but I think not.

Terry Adcock

More Pros on Pros in Club events As a Club Professional I can’t agree with all of your points.

I believe that it is very important for Pros to be out playing with club members. Our job as Professionals is to promote the game of golf wherever and whenever we can. I know that the few times that I get out on the course the members appreciate it and they want me to be a part of the competition and even join in on the side comps. Sure I win sometimes, but with the amount of golf I get to play they are well in front. If a Tour player is cleaning up then just handicap them appropriately.

As for Club Championships and Pennant Golf, I have never heard of any Pros playing in Australia and I don’t think we ever should.

Those two events during the year are sacred to amateur golfers and should remain in their hands.

However there has been a decline in events over the years for both amateurs and Pros. I remember the days when each club held an Amateur Open, sometimes over two days or more, a Vardon Trophy and a Pro-Am each year.

Now the same clubs only hold one of these

events or none at all. Wouldn’t it be better for a club to have an “Open” where both pros and amateurs play in the field together? This way all the resources of the club are pulled together to make one great event each year. I believe the low markers, 4 and below, would love to mix it with the Pros in an event on their own course or in their region. The Pros could walk away with some money while the amateurs walk away with prizes. Obviously there would be a limit on what the amateurs could win and you would have to structure your grades depending on how many low markers you have but it could work.

For the club golfer to complain about the Pros playing is a bit rich. The best part about golf is the handicap system and everyone is on a level playing field. Coming up against a Pro is no different to coming up against the top few pennant players or 10-time Club Champion in the Wednesday comp. They are at a different level to the average golfer, that’s for sure, but are we going to kick them out on their own as well?

Ben Traeger

Inequity in Slope After reading the letters page in the November issue, I feel moved to write about the slope system.

I believe that the current system is as fair as we can get except for one glaring error that ruling golf bodies choose to ignore. The way that the AGU applies the system goes against the way it works in US and Europe and discriminates against high handicap golfers whose handicap is not allowed past the maximum of 36 for men and 45 for women.

Nobody else has an arbitrary cap placed on their playing handicap.

When the men’s max handicap was raised from 27 to 36 (and similarly for women) it

was stated that the move was necessary to accommodate the rising age of Australian golfers who could no longer play to 27. On this statement alone, to treat high handicap golfers with a playing cap that doesn’t apply to any other group is an example of age discrimination. A golfer with a handicap in the thirties cannot play on higher slope courses with a fair competitive chance.

I call on the AGU Handicap Committee to address this issue and respond with their reasons for allowing such an inequity to continue. So far all attempts to contact our ruling body have failed to elicit any reply at all.

Roy Milroy

Roberta was the first I am a member of Wantima Country Club on Brisbane ‘s northside. I refer to the article in the September issue referring to the appointment of Leah Hart as head professional at Toowoomba Golf Club. The article mentions she is the second female appointed as head professional at a golf club after Alison Munt in Gladstone was the first.

This is incorrect as the first female head professional at a golf club in Queensland (and possibly Australia, but I can’t be sure) was Roberta Simpson at Wantima back in the 1980s. Roberta came to us after completing her traineeship at Redcliffe Golf Club and held the position until about 1991 or so. After her time at Wantima, Roberta then branched out into her own golf shops at Mango Hill

and Clontarf and later working at Golf World in Newmarket.

Your magazine has excellent content covering a broad spectrum of the golfing world. Well done.

Ken Bunney

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PING

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Friday December 01 1 - 5pm Saturday December 02 3 - 5pm Saturday December 02 9am - 12pm Sunday December 03 8 - 10am + 2 - 6pm Tuesday December 05 5.30 - 7.30pm Tuesday December 05 2 - 4.30pm Thursday December 07 2 - 5pm Friday December 08 3 - 5pm Friday December 08 12 - 4pm Friday December 15 2 - 5pm Friday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Saturday Wednesday

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December 02 December 08 December 09 December 10 December 13

11am - 4pm 8am - 12pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

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Wednesday

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December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

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the three woods are equal in length and weight same stance, set-up ball position and swing for all three single swing plane, same feel and tempo more consistent ball striking more accurate, predictable shots greater success leads to more enjoyment

The R&A has ruled that these clubs conform to the rules of golf

* Presently only available in right hand.

IT’S TIME TO START ENJOYING YOUR GOLF. Contact Fred Stewart on 0412563977, at fred@milfordgolf.com.au or visit Milford Golf on Facebook

SIMPLE SYSTEM THAT WORKS

GET ORGANISED WITH

Patented Softgrip Technology

1300 738 557

www.kahmagolf.com

Discount Coupon Code GOLF2017

Clearwater Noosa

www.milfordgolf.com.au

120

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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

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.

December 2017

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BEERWAH GOLF CLUB At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

$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 • Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25 • Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale • Fully Licensed Clubhouse • Social Clubs & Corporate Days • No JoiNiNg Fees

Visitors pay only $25 to play in our competitions (Wed, Sat & Sun)

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah (only 20 minutes from the Coast) 51-55 First Avenue Sawtell 2452 | 02 6653 1213 E: info@sawtellhotel.com | W: www.sawtellhotel.com

admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

Ph: (07) 5494 0630 Golf Shop (07) 5494 6611

Pacific Heights Apartments & Historic Munns Tower House

A room with a view! Great Golf PackaGes

per person

$250

♦ All golf courses within 20 minute drive ♦ Heated year round pool ♦ Free BBQ area ♦ 500m walk to restaurants ♦ FSC Apartments & Munn Tower House ♦ Sensational views of Village, Lake & Ocean

LET US QUOTE YOUR OWN PACKAGE 4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM.

3 Rounds of golf + Carts, Breakfast each day FROM

$485

Spectacular

4 Rounds of golf + Carts, Breakfast each day

P/P Twin Share FROM

Conditions apply

Sapphire Coast Merimbula

$555

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

Mike McGuire & Yumi Yoshida 1-7 Oceanview Ave, Merimbula NSW P: 02 6495 2366 M: 0437 801 270 E: info@pacificheights.com.au W: www.pacificheights.com.au

Pambula merimbula GC • eden Gardens GC • beGa Country Club • tura beaCh Country Club

Crossword Answers A M U S E D J O H N S O N

L A P T O P T H A E L B O U R A M T U S T A I N S E R A W G R U N U S T I N R T N E A R D E S T A H I A L V O E I L F E A R E D

Y N E Y A N E G C O S T R O L K E S

T R Y D E C R C T U P E S O T A I N C T E

A C H R A L Y L E R N G S E A T O G T A E L

K S P K E N I C E E R V E N E D I O N G E

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golf directory

100

December 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

ORANGE GOLF & STAY PACKAGE $255pp

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Play a round at Duntryleague and Wentworth Courses and stay 2 nights.

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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.

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Tour Players say 80% of The Game is Mental Are poor mind skills spoiling your golf?

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December 2017

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pp $215 From share twin eek w 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

Terry Price Golf Schools Join Terry Price For A Swing For A Lifetime Current Tour Player Terry Price invites you to a 1, 3 or 5 day golf school at the sensational Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club on the sunny Gold Coast.

Using his vast experience and state of the art TrackMan technology Terry will take your game to the next level with verified data showing an average of 30% improvement.

Perfect for golfers of all ages and standards.

Go to www.terrypricegolfschools.com.au or call Pete Nicholson (07) 3535 0610

single length irOns nOW AVAilAble in AUstrAliA

PW - 4 iron stainless steel shafts $499 PW - 4 iron graphite shafts $549

is this you?

• Wish all your irons were as easy to hit as your 7 iron?

• Despair when hitting longer irons?

• Frustrated with lack of consistency in your iron play?

• Longing for an easier way to play the game?

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 www.milfordgolf.com.au

ll

Bu

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Bla

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golf directory

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Port Stephens Golfing Holidays Golf & Accommodation from only $70 per day 9 16 Golf courses including Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others 9 Play any day & with any number of people 9 Golf & accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts

www.facebook.com/golfpsgh

T: 02 4984 9618 | M: 0428 820 477 | info@psgh.com.au | www.psgh.com.au

Overnight packages frOm just $90pp

TRUEMANS COTTAGES Mornington Peninsula In the heart of Mornington Peninsula golf country, 3 spacious self contained houses accommodating groups of 2-12 people with Foxtel, Wifi and BBQ areas. Golf Packages tailored to suit.

Stay 7 nights play 5 rounds

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Choose from: The Dunes, Moonah Links, St Andrews, Portsea, Cape Schanck, Flinders, Sorrento or Rosebud CC.

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P: (03) 5988 6540 | M: 0419 365 142 | www.truemanscottage.com.au

US MASTERS 2018 FROM

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• MASTERS BADGES • HOTEL • MERCHANDISE • PLAY TORREY PINES, AVIARA, FORREST HILLS & WOODSIDE PLANTATION • EXPERIENCED MASTERS TOUR REPS Prices twin share and valid at the time of publication

WWW.THEFANATICS.COM | 1300 326 284

www.golfandstay.com.au

STAY & PLAY

at Loxton Hotel one of SA’s great country pubs! at Loxton, acclaimed as one of SA’s best regional courses!

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks) (02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 6 ½ Days info@penrithgolffactory.com.au

Adidas Wide Waterproof Shoe White/Black/ Green Adipower Bounce WD (Wide Fitting)

$159

$109

Q44 790

15, 14, 13, 12, 11.5, 11, 10.5, 9.5, 9, 8.5, 8, 7.5, & 7 US Size

XMAS SALE

www.thegolffactory.com.au

Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA. Postage and handling any quantity

Urethane Cover Normally Red Box

$151 $115

Ping G-Series

Great Prices Now Just been replaced

by G-400 Great Quality Ping Gear at Great Value!

BRAND NEW

Stiff Ping CFS Shaft Standard, + 1/2 Inch or +1 Inch

GREAT VALUE & QUALITY

$770 Right Hand

Laser Range Finder Callaway 200

Bridgestone B330 Urethane Cover Balls

Pin Acquisition Technology 6x Magnification +/- 1 Metre Accuracy $329 Blue Only

RXs Silver Box Slow Swing RX Red Box Slow Swing B330s Blue Box Std Swing B330 Black Box Fast Swing

$269

Srixon Distance Balls

TOUR QUALITY

Current Models

$39 DOZEN

Optima Xtra Soft Feel Balls

$16 DOZEN

or $180 for 144 Individually Boxed Balls Great for ball competitions (can be mixed)

NRL Bridgestone 14 Way Bag Putter Tube GREAT Cooler pocket QUALITY BAG Broncos, Bulldogs, $399 Cowboys, Dragons, Knights, Panthers, Roosters, Sea Eagles, & Wests Tigers Eels - $249

Regular Flex Right Only 4 - SW (8)

Black/Blue Black/Red Black/Charcoal Black/Green

19º Number 3 $189 Graphite Stiff Shaft Includes Cover or 22º Number 4 Senior Flex Shaft

2015 Model

$778

Left Hand 5 - PW (6)

$569

6 DOZEN

Graphite Set Divided Bag Putter & Covers ‘Ready to Play’ Tour Special by Srixon

Mens Standard Thickness White Only Full Cord

$8 Fitted

Eagles & Birdies Royal Troon (2016 Model) 14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Tube Waterproof Bag Coverall $349 Cooler Pocket Steel Blue (Mid Blue) 4.2kg

Gold or Silver Box Urethane Cover Tour Ball 2015 White Balls MODEL

$50 FOR 10

$259

$38 Dozen

Srixon Z H45 Hybrid (Right Hand) 16º - 2 19º - 3 22º - 4

$229

$139

Srixon Z-Star or Srixon Z F45 Fairway Z-Star $249 17º - 4 Wood XV

Regular or Stiff Flex

$269

$109

Includes Cover Kurokage Sorry no number 2 Shaft Regular

Callaway XR Irons 4 - SW (8) Regular Steel $649 SET

Cleveland RTX 2.0 Wedges 46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60° & 64° All Matching Tour Satin $59 EA 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 Callaway GBB 10.5° Regular Driver + Cover + Wrench $259

Srixon Z545 Driver Srixon Blade Irons Kurokage 60grm Regular or Stiff Shaft 10.5º Loft Adjustable Includes Cover & Wrench

Z945 Forged Heads (2016)

Footy Driver Covers NRL by Bridgestone

Srixon Soft Feel

$259

3 - PW (8) Dynamic Gold Shafts Stiff S300

$29

$749

$1100 Right Hand Only

Individually Boxed

$26 dozen

Callaway Set + Bag Package Deal

$1069

8 Irons, 1 Hybrid Graphite 1 Titanium Driver 1 Fairway Graphite 1 14 Way Divided Bag X-Series 2016 Black, White/Black/Green or Red/Charcoal Bag

easy TO USE Model

$149

13º - 3 Strong Kurokage Regular or Stiff Shaft

Includes Cover & Wrench

Direction Adjustable

SUPERCEDED Model

Individually Boxed White Only

$23 DOZEN

Srixon Deluxe Cart Bag 2016 14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Holder Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket Black/Blue, Navy/White

$259

$199

Callaway Big Bertha Fairway 5 Wood

Callaway Hex Diablo Balls

18º Loft Regular Flex Fubuki Shaft Fully Adjustable Includes Cover +Wrench Also Ladies 5

Soft Feel Durable Cover Sleeves (not individual)

$269

$149

Chippers (Approach Putters) $39

Left Hand Only Specials

Fits all big head drivers

Tour Velvet Cord Golf Pride Grip

$469

Model)

$150

Knitted sock type cover with vinyl top

Ladies Graphite Set & Bag & Putter Package

$599

Durable Cover White

$199

All teams except Sharks

$199

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days TaylorMade Hybrid Srixon Q-Star Balls Aeroburner

White or Yellow Balls

4 - PW (7)

Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

TaylorMade TM17 Premium Cart Bag

FOR 48 BALLS

Ping I25 Irons

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

Callaway Graphite XR Irons

TaylorMade Cart Bag New Loose (not boxed) Callaway Super Black/Blue, Callaway Chrome Soft Balls Individually Boxed Grey/Green, Low Compression (2015) Soft Superceded $199 (Superceded Black/Red or Black/Charcoal 14 Dividers (Full Length) Oversize Putter Holder Cooler Pocket Current Model

(3 Month Lay By)

Iron Covers - Eagles & Birdies Set of 9 - Black Fits Right/Left $35

$19

Callaway Black Towel Iron Covers - Castle Bay Set of 10 - Black

$49 Callaway Cap White/Black L - XL $20 Callaway White Adjustable Visor $15

Eagles & Birdies Magnetic Pro (2016 14 Full Length Dividers Oversize Putter Tube Waterproof Bag Coverall Cooler Pocket $399 Black Only

4.5kg

Model)

$18 Dozen

Cleveland 588 Altitude

Hybrid/Irons (not Hybrids) Regular Flex $79 Graphite Shafts 3 - 19º Loft 4 - 21º Loft Right Hand EACH Only

$39

Optima Balls Individually Boxed TS3 (3 Piece)

$24

$299

DOZ

Lady (White)

$18

DOZ

Srixon Glove Deals All Weather

CABRETTA Leather

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 White Only 3

White or Black 5 Left Hand FOR

$40

FOR

$7 Postage Anywhere in Australia

TaylorMade Burner Soft Balls

$17

Doz

Individually Boxed

$42

Callaway Super Soft Pink Balls Suitable for Men or Ladies Low Compression Durable Cover Superceded Model $30

$19 DOZEN

THE NEW STANDARD FOR WEDGE PERFORMANCE The combination of grooves plus micro-grooves provide 84 different contact points to grab the cover of the ball for shot-stopping spin.

More Spin from Groove-In-Groove Technology A unique suite of features promotes enhanced spin and greater control.

CALLAWAYGOLF.COM.AU