Issue 68 Inside Golf by Inside Golf

INSTRUCTION

Playing tips for senior golfers

GEAR

We test the brand-new Titleist Pro V1

FAKE CLUBS, REAL PROBLEM

New high-tech tools to combat counterfeiting

MENTAL GAME

Controlling your emotions on the course

WIN!

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www.insidegolf.com.au Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Senior Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Contributing Editors: Larry Canning, Mike Orloff, Rob Willis, Ross Perrett, Richard Nizielski, Greg Dowling, Kurt Stegbauer, Mark Victorsen, Jamie Glazier, Christy Collier, Brent German, Jason Gruber, Matt Cleary, David Williams, Anthony Powter, Darren Chapman, Scott Beaumont, Lisa Newling, Loraine Lambert, Lee Harrington, Stephen Pitt Design & Layout: Nick Thorn National Sales & Marketing Director: Sam Arthur P: 1300 4653 00 | F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 | E: sam@insidegolf.com.au QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 | E: dg.ross@live.com.au NSW/ACT Sales: Scott Barsby M: 0424 779 199 | E: scott@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M:0402 852 637 E: jon.perrett@bestingolfgroup.com Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 | accounts@insidegolf.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919

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Cover photos © Anthony Powter It’s official: 37,100 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: April 10 - September10

Distributed to golf clubs, social golf clubs, driving ranges and retailers Australia wide every month

From the Editor’s desk We’ve done it again. Yep – you guessed it. Inside Golf has achieved another “First” in Australian Golf. This month, we’re proud to announce the launch of our new Social Mediaintegrated website and iPad platform. Now you can read stories online or via your iPad/ Tablet, share them via Twitter, and even comment on them via your own Facebook login. It’s all very cool. We’re also testing a piece of innovative technology that marries our print and online components. It’s called a QR Code (see the Breakout Box), and while the technology has been around for a while, it wasn’t adopted by many in Australia until the meteoric rise of smartphones like the iPhone. Now, we reckon you’ll start seeing them everywhere.

To use a QR Code, simply snap a photo of it using a Barcode Reader app on your smartphone. You will be instantly taken to a dedicated web page which gives you more information about the product featured. This month, we’ve teamed up with fellow “innovator” Callaway, who are offering a brand-new RAZR Hawk driver to one lucky QR Code entrant. Sweet! Finally, we’re also trying out a few changes in the paper this month. More national news, more instruction for juniors and seniors, and a few other surprises. Hope you like it. Let us know what you think! See you on the fairways!

30 34 36 50 55

TECHNOLOGY Battling counterfeiting GEAR We test the new Titleist Pro V1 COVER Rickie Fowler - The future is bright! INSTRUCTION Playing tips for senior golfers MIND Controlling your emotions on course

WIN! Win a Callaway RAZR HAWK Driver! Simply scan this barcode with your cameraphone or smartphone’s QR barcode reader (available on iPhone App Store), fill out the entry form online, and you’ll be entered to win the latest driver from Callaway! (See website for conditions.)

Richard Fellner (Editor)

(Note: if your phone doesn’t work with QR technology, or if you run into problems, you can enter using this link: http://bit.ly/ei6pyT) Contents may not be reproduced without written permission. Views expressed in editorial contributions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper and its management.

March 2011

inthemailbox...................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

 Letter of the month sponsored by TEACHING OLDER PEOPLE I am currently 62 years old. I started golf at age 13 and my best handicap was 9, in my teens. I am physically fit for my age but have normal age-induced, limited, spinal flexibility. When one goes for a lesson, a pro may ask you if you have any injuries, but so far not one has assessed my range of body movements. He/ she then commonly looks at your swing and may video it as well. He often compares the video of yourself with one of a young touring pro (e.g. Adam Scott), and then suggests that you make corrections in your swing to emulate the champion. It does not seem to be taken into account that the tour player is physically different to an older person. We are physically unable to twist our spines to create a full shoulder turn during the backswing, while our lower body will not turn the 45 degrees and still maintain proper flexion of the right knee. I wonder if golf pros are taught the physical limitations resultant on the ageing process and how to maximize what can be achieved to say? Then tell us! to us within these boundaries. I alsoWrite think it would

be an advantage to explain to a pupil what the realistic goals for the elderly are. It seems a great pity that when one has the time later in life to spend on the game we all love, that there do not seem to be professionals who have a special interest in teaching the elderly, so that they can reach their maximum potential. This may have to include improving physical strength and flexibility by whichever method is optimal. Could there also be golf clinics for the over 50’s? M.G. via email Thanks M.G. Your point is well taken. You may want to check out page 50 this month, as we have a range of instruction suited solely for Seniors. Hope you like it. And we hope you like the Smoothy Buggy as well!

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ething via email at .au or mail a letter to: The Editor, Inside Golf, wading,Have Vicyou3131. Tell an interesting story oremail got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via at ed@insidegolf.com.au or mail a letter to: The Editor, Inside bout golf and you could WIN a Golf, PO Box 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131. Tell an interesting t buggystory valued at RRP$230! or something funny about golf and you could WIN a

No Hope for Morelength I am all for equality in most sports (‘Hope Morelength’ letter, Feb issue) but certainly not in golf. Women, quite rightly, should have a bit of a start on the tee to make up for their lack of distance off the tee, otherwise could you imagine the inequality of a 45-handicapper trying to reach a 450m par 5 in regulation? Of course there are some women who can out drive and out play many men club golfers but these are few and far between. For Hope to make an analogy between tennis, cricket or swimming is quite ludicrous. As a rule men do not swim, play cricket, basketball, rounders, tiddlywinks or tennis against women except in friendly games. Stuart, via email

...AND MORE

The writer claimed women were being discriminated against by having to play a shorter course than the men. I could equally argue that men are being discriminated against as they are forced to play a much longer course than the ladies. However, to sexually unbiased folk, both of these arguments totally lack logic. Golf administrators need to cater for the broader spectrum of players if they are to retain players and attract new members. If women played the men’s course, most would need to be playing to much higher handicaps which would be counterproductive to what the industry is trying to achieve. Geoff, Mt Martha

...AND MORE!

Keeping the older ladies playing brings on the need to introduce shorter courses, not lengthening the holes back to the men’s tees. With ladies playing off the men’s tees or, for that matter, off any tees, handicaps compensate for the ability, (or inability) to maintain a certain standard of skill. Women have the option of getting a handicap appropriate to the tees from which they play. Allowing or enabling any standard of player to play the same course at the same time adds a social side to the game, on the course as well as off the course. What other sport has such a system of “equality” or fairness? Eveline, via email

Getting more people to play more golf I read with great interest the article (Getting more people to play more golf, Jan issue) and for many years I have been saying the same thing. Children go to school where they learn that there is gender equality and then they go to a golf course and find that there isn’t. I always give the example of having twins —a boy and a girl — and on a Saturday the Dad says to the boy, “let’s go and play golf ” and the girls asks if she can come and play too and the Dad says, “sorry you are not allowed to because you are a girl and girls can’t play on Saturdays”. Until this archaic situation ends there is just no way golf courses are going to get more girls playing. Linda, via email

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What about the children?

My daughter is turning five in April and she just started Prep. On her 6th day of school she comes home with the attached flyer screaming out “I want to play cricket!” What a simple marketing exercise to get kids active and involved in a great sport from an early age at their own school. What I’d like to know is: What the hell is our governing body doing to promote golf to school kids? Why didn’t my little girl come home with a brochure on how to play golf the fun way? You can’t expect clubs around Australia to wave their magic wand and get kids into golf. Clubs need to spend time on keeping their current members happy, looking for new members, course improvements, getting more functions and weddings so they can pay for good staff and course

Keep up with us online! and clubhouse renovations. Yes it’s important they encourage kids to start golf at their course through their members and club pro but it’s not enough and it’s up to our governing body to make it happen. Wake up Golf Australia and get moving before it’s too late. Name withheld at writer’s request

Read the entire issue of Inside Golf online: www.insidegolf.com.au. Join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/insidegolf, keep up to the minute with our Twitter feed (@InsideGolf) or if you prefer - drop us a line at ed@insidegolf.com.au

INSTRUCTION

Playing tips for senior golfers

WIN!

“Scan the cod win a new Cal e” and RAZR laway Haw (see pagk driver e 5)

GEAR

We test the brand-new Titleist Pro V1

FAKE CLUBS, REAL PROBLEM

New high-tech tools to combat counterfeiting

MENTAL GAME

Controlling your emotions on the course

RICKIE FOWLER THE FUTURE IS LOOKING

BRIGHT!

Editor’s note: Thanks for the letter. We forwarded this letter to Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt. He has addressed this concern in his new monthly Inside Golf column. See page 15 for more.

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news

Tura Beach celebrates 20 years

Champs keen to defend Pennant crown

It began as the Sapphire Coast Classic and now goes by the name of the Bega Cheese Pro-Am, but by whatever label, the annual Tura Beach Golf Club Pro-Am celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2011. Teeing off on March 3, the 36-hole event offers $55,000 in prizemoney and this year delivers a field chock full of professional talent. Heading the entry list is Andre Stolz, the defending Bega Cheese champion, Scott Laycock, the winner of the recent Surf Coast Knockout, NSW PGA Order of Merit champ Steven Jeffress, Japanese Tour regular Steve Conran and the highly credentialed David Bransdon, Leigh McKechnie and Matt Millar. Added to the generous prize purse, each par-three will offer a $500 nearest to the pin bonus for the professionals and $1,000 for any hole in one.

The Sydney major pennant kicked off during February with St Michaels Golf Club the street corner tip to retain the title they claimed in 2010. Led by a strong list of young talent, guided by NSW PGA Teaching pro of the year John Serhan and former Australasian Tour player Jeff Wagner, St Michaels boasts a line-up headed up by impressive youngsters Matt Stieger and Michael Williams, along with local boy Ben Clementson. Again certain to challenge are 2010 runnersup Moore Park, The Australian, led by younggun Jake Higginbottom and last year’s semi finalists from Long Reef. After six weeks of home and away qualification rounds the semifinal series has been scheduled for the Monash Country Club in late March.

Lefties to look after their own

Mark Patterson with cricketing legend Richie Benaud

Patterson proud on two fronts Avondale Golf Club professional Mark Patterson was a winner in more ways than one at the 2010 NSW/ACT PGA Awards night, held at The Australian Golf Club during late January. Patterson, for 23 years the professional at the tree-lined private course in Sydney’s north, was crowned the Club Professional of the Year in recognition of his years of outstanding service. While understandably chuffed to take home the major award on the night, Patterson was probably even more proud of the fact that his son Mark was also being congratulated on the night for beating the odds and completing his three-year traineeship and graduating to full PGA member status. One of 31 trainees graduating on the night, the young Patterson has battled leukaemia but

with the support of family and friends now looks forward to a bright future in the golfing industry. “He has definitely been through a lot in completing his traineeship,” Patterson senior said. Other award winners on the night included John Serhan from St Michaels Golf Club who was named Teaching Professional of the Year, Andre Stolz was NSW/ACT Player of the Year, while Steve Jeffress took out the NSW Order of Merit title. Damon Welsford won Rookie of the Year and Matthew Jones from Kurri Kurri the Trainee Professional of the Year. Awards were presented by PGA CEO Max Garske in one of his final official duties before stepping down from his post, while cricketing legend Richie Benaud, a keen golfer and member at The Australian Golf Club, was guest speaker.

The National Association of Left Handed Golfers NSW Division (NALG-NSW) has partnered the NSW/ACT PGA in a new scholarship program for up and coming lefties, one which will provide $3,500 for annual education and PGA membership fees. Paul Maiolo, the trainee pro at the Nowra Golf Club became the inaugural recipient of the award and he assumes the role as an ambassador for the NALG NSW. In the final year of his three-year traineeship, Maiolo has won on the NSW/ACT Pro-Am and Trainee circuits and while his focus is

on completing the playing and educational requirements of the traineeship, his aspirations lie as a player on the Tour. “I’d like to give myself a really good go at playing. I love coaching but want to see how my game will hold up at the highest level. This is a great opportunity for me and I am looking forward to representing the lefties,” Maiolo said. The program was initiated by NALG NSW Vice President Langdon Emery who wanted to give greater opportunity to up-and-coming golf professionals.

Nicklaus drops by unannounced Jack Nicklaus paid a visit to The Australian Golf Club, a course he re-designed for the late Kerry Packer some three decades ago, while on a short stop-over in Sydney recently. The Golden Bear surprised the members and staff on a quiet Sunday as he wandered the fairways and watched the likes of boom youngster Jake Higginbottom compete in a major pennant match between The Australian and North Ryde.

There was no official word out of The Australian, however it is believed Nicklaus was offering a few words of advice regarding a possible upgrade of some of greens at the course. His appearance caught Sydney’s sporting media unaware, with only a brief mention of the ‘Bear’ sighting more than a week following his visit.

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Two majors, one club HOW many golf clubs can claim to have two major winners whose names also appear on the club’s club championship honourboard? Virginia Golf Club in Brisbane is one that comes to mind. In the early 1970s, Greg Norman and Wayne Grady were members at Virginia Golf Club, affectionately known as the Course of Champions, and won the club championship. Two-time Open Championship winner Norman won the club and junior championships in 1972-73 and former US PGA champion Grady

equalled the feat in 1976-77. The golf club’s general manager David Bell believes Virginia may be the only golf club in the world that has two major champions on its club championship honourboard. He wants to know if other clubs can match or better the feat. “We are happy to offer a prize to those who can tell us of other clubs that can match this feat,” he said. Champions Shane Tait, David Podlich, Andrew Buckle and Gavin Flint all developed their skills at Virginia.

West Australian golf industry unites

Hetherington’s a classic FORMER top touring professional Rachel Hetherington is keeping busy in retirement. Hetherington is helping promote the South Pacific Ladies Classic, which is scheduled to be played at Surfers Paradise Golf Club on the Gold Coast. “The event is in its 39th year so it’s going to be fun to be involved again,” said Hetherington, who won the event in 1991 and 1992. “It’s in a pretty good spot in the calendar and the top amateurs usually come and play.”

The event is popular because it has something for everyone including an Open Classic, a masters’ event, a seniors’ event and a mixed foursomes event. The mixed foursome will be played on Sunday, May 22 while the classic will be on from May 23-25. “My husband Greg (Ritchie) and I played in the mixed foursomes last year and hope to play again this year,” Hetherington said. Pencil this event in your diary.

Gold Coast milestone THE Gold Coast District Golf Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. GCDGA secretary Barry Neil said the milestone would be celebrated without too much fanfare. “We’ll probably have a dinner halfway through the year and we’ll detail our events as a 50th anniversary celebration,” he said. “We are going to produce a trophy that we’ll donate to every golf club in the district and they will present that trophy to their club champion as a 50th anniversary district celebration.” Neil said the biggest change to golf on the Gold Coast over the past 50 years had been the

building of more golf courses and the increase membership numbers. “When we started very few people were playing golf and now we have 12,000 club members in the association through the golf clubs. “We have had the addition of seven or eight resort courses that has increased our membership immensely and most of those are involved in our pennant series.” The association is responsible for organised pennants, inter-club competitions, junior programmes and clinics and a senior pennant programme that is played in a number of different age groups.

The Western Australian Golf Industry Gala Dinner was held at Burswood Entertainment Complex last month, with almost 500 industry representatives enjoying what is becoming WA golf ’s night of nights. The evening, in its second year, is designed to unite the WA golfing community with PGA of Australia WA/NT Division, Golf Course Superintendants Association WA, Golf WA and Golf Management Australia WA jointly hosting the dinner. Various industry and association awards were presented throughout the evening. The 2010 PGA award winners were as follows: PGA Pro-Am of the Year – Stratco Pro-Am held at Maylands Peninsula Golf Course & The Western Australian Golf Club. PGA Tournament of the Year – McDonalds Wholesalers Spalding Park Open held at Spalding Park Golf Club.

Provisional club

WE are indebted to the Redland Bay Golf Club’s newsletter for this gem. One of the club’s well-known members – we’ll call him ‘Chuck’ – arrived on the first tee acting like a winner. Apparently, ‘Chuck’ can be good on his day, but this wasn’t one of those days. His day started badly and things got progressively worse. Heading up the 14th, ‘Chuck’ squirted a shot out of the left rough across the fairway and deep into the right rough.

CONDOR SS SINGLE SEATER • • • •

PGA Golf Course of the Year – The Western Australian Golf Club. PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year – Mark Tibbles (The Vines Resort & Country Club). PGA Teaching Pro of the Year - Mark Tibbles (The Vines Resort & Country Club). Hilary Lawler PGA Club Pro of the Year – Graham Warburton (Lake Karrinyup Country Club) The graduating PGA Trainees were also recognised and presented to the golf industry. The graduating Trainees for 2010 were: Nick d’Avoine – Lake Karrinyup Country Club Brett Howes – Vines Resort & Country Club Ben Rasmussen – Marangaroo Golf Course Cristos Dimopoulos – Hamersley Golf Course PGA of Australia CEO, Max Garske and newly appointed CEO Brian Thorburn attended the evening and enjoyed the company of some of WA’s legends including PGA life members Terry Gale and Alan Murray.

The offending club was promptly dispatched into the trees 20 metres ahead. Playing partner Bob was watching, but gave the impression he hadn’t seen the angry throw. So, ‘Chuck’ went looking for his club. “Hey ‘Chuck’, what are you doing over there?” Bob asked. “Your golf ball’s over on the right.” ‘Chuck’, feeling a little embarrassed, said he was looking for his lost club. Bob responded: “Maybe you had better go back and throw a provisional.”

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13th Beach opens new al fresco area

Rumour Mill

Thirteenth Beach Golf Club’s new $300,000 alfresco area has found immediate favour with both members and guests. The indoor-outdoor area, complete with tables and chairs to seat 80, has a barbecue, retractable louvred roof, overhead heating, carpet and three TV screens. Club General Manager Anthony Masters said the alfresco area added significantly to the club’s ability to care for the needs of not only members and golfing guests but specialist functions, such as weddings. “We now have three distinct function areas, the main lounge, the Faldo Room which itself has been upgraded with an acoustic ceiling, new furniture and doors, and now the alfresco area. “We’re thrilled with the response we’re getting from members, as well as organisations using our facilities, not only for golf, but for other functions as well. We have a great facility here and we’d love people to enjoy it.” Mr Masters said the club had recently hosted two significant golf events raising vital funds for charity organisations. The Pink Ladies Day for the Breast Cancer Network raised more than $18,000 and the Adroit Golf Day raised more than $73,000 for the St. John of God Hospital and Geelong Community Foundation. The 13th Beach restaurant is open for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 7.30am - 11.30am. Lunch is available daily and dinner on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm - 9pm. Contact (03) 5254 2922 or www.13thbeach.net

At press time, word is surfacing that the Heritage Golf & Country Club – which has been troubled with financial difficulties over the last year– may have been sold. Due to the nature of the proceedings (i.e. court orders, etc) we cannot reveal the details, but we hear that the Heritage has received an offer for purchase, and only has a few legal requirements to address. The new owner(s) will be a familiar face to Inside Golf readers. Stay tuned.

Heritage sold?

Rebel Tournament in the works? Professional Katherine Hull poses with young TJ Power during a recent visit to Queensland.

Hull chips in for juniors CHAMPION touring professional Katherine Hull never fails to disappoint her fans when she returns home to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Recently Hull took time out of her busy schedule to address a group of keen Sunshine Coast junior golfers. She spent an hour talking to them about fitness, diet, study, focus and success and finished up signing caps, golf balls and other items. One youngster, Taylah TJ Power, was thrilled to bits when her idol took a special interest in her golf development. TJ is a member of the Greg Norman Golf Foundation at Peregian Springs and practices under

the guidance of coach Wayne Rostron and junior convenor Bruce Woodhead. “Peregian Springs is producing some amazing juniors with great results,” said TJ’s mum Jo. “Katherine signed items for TJ and showed her how to line up her golf ball on the putting green. “We are blessed to have such a wonderful, smart and beautiful role model as Katherine Hull to encourage our junior girls. “Just being in Katherine’s graceful presence is enough to inspire anyone. “We love her beautiful, kind-natured spirit and approach to life.”

You may remember that we recently hinted that IMG may have something up their sleeves in response to the Presidents Cup vs Australian Open scheduling debate (er... drama). Well, if recent rumours are correct, IMG may indeed be scheduling an event to be held in Melbourne the week prior to the Presidents Cup – thereby clashing with the Australian Open which will be held in Sydney that very week. If the top players are lured to this event, we reckon the logical play would be to schedule a Skins Game or Shootout type of format. Perhaps a portion of the proceeds could go to charity, or to help junior golf. Either way, IMG has a bit of pulling power (especially as they manage Tiger Woods), so if anyone can draw the players from the other events overseas, IMG can.

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March 2011

10 news..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

MacManus joins GA National Squad Queensland’s Tarquin MacManus has joined the Golf Australia National Squad following his victory at the recent Australian Master of the Amateurs tournament in Melbourne. The 21 year-old from Cairns finished at 12 under par–a record for the 14 years of the event. Now ranked 30th on the R&A’s World Amateur Golf Rankings, MacManus is a senior in the University of Arizona’s golf program. He will be a member of the Tier 1 section of the National Squad with Tasmania’s Ryan McCarthy. Last October, MacManus produced four excellent rounds of golf to finish runner-up

at the Asian Amateur Championship and secured a berth at International Final Qualifying for the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George’s Golf Club. Golf Australia High Performance Director Brad James said MacManus was the first player in 2011 to gain selection through the new squad benchmarks. “Tarquin has been a member of the squad before as one of our overseas-based players,” James said. “Following his win in Melbourne, his rise in the international amateur rankings fulfilled two of the necessary criteria and he has been elevated to Tier 1 status.” For more info, visit: www.golfaustralia.org.au

The new Cockatoo Rise GC

Victoria wins annual Cudmore Cheney Challenge

For the past 2 years, Vietnam veteran Greg Carter and his wife Anne have been working on a special project. While many couples their age would putter about the house or restore old cars, the Carters’ project was a bit more grand: a 27hole golf course. The Carters’ initial aim was to create a course for friends, but they soon decided that the property would be a wonderful place to establish a retreat for war veterans, their partners and war widows. Thus, the Cockatoo Rise Golf Course & War Veterans Retreat was born. Nestled in a small valley on a 52-acre property some 5 minutes from Bairnsdale in the Gippsland Lakes district of Victoria, Cockatoo Rise Golf Course was established from a bare paddock. Over 650 trees have been planted, sand traps built and 17 greens established (some green are shared between holes). The holes range from 72m to over 340m, while the positioning of the trees will provide some very tight holes in the future when they are

Victoria took top honours against their South Australian counterparts at the annual Cudmore Cheney Challenge at Mt Gambier Golf Club. The Victorian junior girls side recorded an emphatic 7.5 matches to 1.5 in the three-day event which featured single stableford, foursomes and individual matchplay rounds. The Victorians dominance on the scoreboard, however, belied the overall closeness of the contest, with South Australian team manager and Golf SA board member Jenny Butcher taking many positives from her side’s performance both on and off the field. “This is by far the best team I have taken away in terms of the girl’s behaviour and commitment to the game,” said Butcher. “I’m delighted with how the girls performed overall in the Challenge matches which continues to play a vitally important role in giving our juniors invaluable competition experience away from home.” Amongst the many positives for the South Australians were solid performance by Acacia

War veterans get their own course more established. The golf course and facilities are available free of charge to eligible people who are visiting the area. Golf equipment has been donated to the club, giving those who visit the opportunity to have a hit and giggle even if they don’t play regularly. Other aspects to the retreat include a croquet and bocce court, a large veggie garden, bush walking, fishing, craft and other activities. There is on-site power and water for limited caravans and campers, a recreation room and shower/bathing facilities with washing machine. It’s a perfect area for safety, security and peace, which is what many veterans need after serving in a theatre of war . Brett Ogle will officially open the course on March 19. For more information, phone Greg or Anne on 0409 418 332, or visit their website: http://veteranretreat.tripod.com/cockatoo.htm

Four juniors debut for Victoria

New WA Golf Map

Four players will be making their junior debut for Victoria during the 2011 Australian Boys Interstate Teams Matches to be played at the Cabramatta Golf Club from Monday 18th to Thursday 21st April following the announcement of the Victorian Junior State Team by Golf Victoria Board Member and Chairman of Men’s Selection Committee Brian Lasky. New players to the State Team include Scott

Golf Tourism WA, recently announced the release of the 2011 Golf Map. This publication provides information on WA’s top courses, all plotted on easy to follow maps, making travelling around and enjoying a golfing holiday a real pleasure. Perth averages eight hours of sunshine per day and 118 clear days per year, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a round any time of the year. To ge t you r c opy of t h e m ap v i s it www.golftourismwa.com

Fullarton (Commonwealth), Lucas Herbert (Commonwealth), Mitchell Sheather (Long Island) and Justin Ispanovic (Rosanna). The boys join the veteran of the team and Captain Sean Ong (Kingswood) in his 3rd Interstate Series along with Ben Eccles (The Sands) making his second appearance. Eccles won the 2010 Under 16 Boys’ Championship as well as being undefeated in the Division Two Pennant for Kooringal.

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Curtis (Wirrabara), Kristelle Blum (The Grange) and Caitlin Lakin (South Lakes) who recorded respectable 33, 32 and 32 points respectively in the Monday single stableford round. In the Tuesday foursomes Curtis and Blum combined for a dominant 5&3 victory, while in Wednesday’s matchplay round Laikin squared her match while Cassidy Eveniadis (The Grange) was unlucky to eventually lose her match 1-down. The Border Challenge Matches for Junior Girls were first played in 1967 at Naracoorte Golf Club following a challenge from Mrs Mary Cudmore of South Australia to Miss Burta Cheney MBE of Victoria. Both ladies, outstanding golfers in their own right, were nurturing a wealth of junior talent in their respective states. The Border Matches have proved a wonderful training ground for promising young golfers for over 30 years, with many team representatives going on to win numerous State and National titles. For all results, visit www.golfsa.com.au

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A good end to a Badds day Aaron Baddeley fired a closing round 69 to finish 12-under-par at the Northern Trust Open at Pacific Palisades, winning the event by two shots over Fiji’s Vijay Singh. Playing with Kevin Na and crowd favourite Freddie Couples, Baddeley showed composure throughout the round, finding himself in a commanding position at 13-under after the 10th. But a double-bogey 6 on the 12th threw a wrench into the works for the 29-year-old, opening the door for players like Couples, Singh and a surging Robert Allenby to mount a challenge for the lead. But Badds slammed the door emphatically on the following hole, making a massive birdie on the 13th. An up-and-down from the greenside fringe on 18 was all Badds needed, and he drained the resulting 3-foot putt in style. Allenby showed glimmers of greatness in the final round, starting off Eagle-Birdie. For a short time, it looked like an Aussie 1-2 finish could be in store, but a bogey on 15 sealed Allenby’s fate, eventually finishing T4 with an 8-under final score. The win is Badds’ third PGA TOUR victory, and the third by an Aussie in 10 years at the event (Allenby and Adam Scott have also won.) Badds netted a cheque for US$1,170,000, and also earned him a spot in the field at The Masters in Augusta. With the 500 FedEx cup points, Badds moved from 47th to number 4 on the FedEx Cup rankings, and made a strong statement for possible inclusion in the Presidents Cup this November.

Tiger Woods wins first tournament of 2011 – sort of Tiger Woods made a winning start to his 2011 campaign in Dubai, pairing up with partner Mark O’Meara to win the 9-hole Omega Dubai Desert Classic Challenge Match at the Emirates Golf Club. The pair birdied the last hole to post fourunder-par 23 on the short 9-hole, par-27 course. They finished two shots ahead of the pairing of Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jimenez, while Jeev Milkha Singh and partner Seung Yul Noh finished a further shot back, taking third. The six marquee players played the ninehole tournament in the greensomes format in which both players hit their tee shots and then select the best-positioned ball. Thereafter, they hit alternate shots with the same ball until the hole is completed.

Scott Laycock took home the hardware at the recent Surf Coast Knockout at The Sands Torquay

Laycock defies odds at Knockout event Scott Laycock became the inaugural winner of the recent Surf Coast Knockout, a unique event that exceeded all expectations at The Sands Torquay. Having started the day as the lowest seed, Laycock, who crept into the final matchplay round after surviving a nine-man playoff, knocked out five other players and survived four trips to the ‘Knockout Hole’ before overcoming Andrew Buckle, the second seed, on the 6th and final matchplay hole. Throughout the day he also knocked out Peter O’Malley, the top seed and favourite, who was one of the first out on the final day. “I feel like Keanu Reeves in The Matrix- dodging bullets,” said Laycock after his round.

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“It’s really cool- I mean anyone in the final 32 could have won, but I just happened to be the one that pulled it off.” In a break with tradition for the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Surf Coast Knockout was a hybrid strokeplay/ matchplay event. Whilst the move was indeed bold, it was obvious to all on course throughout the day that this would not be a one-off for tournament golf in Australia. “It’s been fantastic, it was a bold move but everyone out there had a great day both on and off the course,” said Laycock. “It was a lot of fun – the atmosphere was just incredible.”

PGA Tour to allow phones on course Golf fans now can bring mobile phones to PGA Tour events. Following a six-month trial at five tournaments, the Tour has determined that mobiles pose no distraction to players. Fans will have designated areas to use phones, which must be kept on silent. Spectators cannot take photos of players. The policy affects only PGA Tour events, and excludes the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship.

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March 2011

12 news..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Golf club faces council axe DavidNewbery

IT’S crunch time for the members of Horton Park Golf Club on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. For the second time, the members will be asked to vote on the future of the club, which occupies 53 hectares of prime land in Maroochydore’s CBD. Last November the club’s board failed to gain the support of the majority of its membership to allow the sale of the golf course to the Sunshine Coast council for $39 million. “We needed two-thirds plus one of the members to vote to approve it and we were three short,” the golf club’s director relocation Tony Nicholson said. The golf club, which celebrated its 60th anniversary recently, proposed to use the money to purchase nearby Twin Waters Golf Club for $28 million and use part of the balance to upgrade the clubhouse and car park. But the proposal failed and Horton Park had discussions with Pelican Waters Golf Club officials to consider a possible switch to the Greg Norman-designed course. “The board reached the conclusion that Pelican Waters is not the right solution for us,” Nicholson said. “It’s 25km from the base of our membership, it’s a difficult golf course for our older members and they (Pelican Waters) already have 540 members. “So, fitting our members in there was not going to be possible anyway.” Recent reports suggest the council is growing impatient with Horton Park and has issued the

An aerial view of Horton Park Golf Club golf club with a notice on intention to resume its golf course. “The council has issued a notice of resumption for part of the golf course for a road and some drainage which would completely wreck the use of the course because the road runs through half a dozen holes at least,” Nicholson said. “And the earth works will run through another five or six holes, so we wouldn’t have enough space to play any sort of golf. “We might be able to build a nine-hole par3 course. “The council has been given the job of

developing the CBD and that’s how they see it occurring.” The golf club’s members will have the job of deciding on their future. “If the members don’t give the green light in sufficient number to the sale, council could start immediately to resume the golf course. Still, Nicholson said if the members rejected the sale and purchase of Twin Waters they could revisit the Pelican Waters proposal. “We can revisit Pelican Waters, but it can only cater for half our members – that’s if half wanted to go down there,” he said.

Three years ago, Horton Park had an agreement with Babcock and Brown to build a 36-hole golf course less than 10km outside the CBD. But the deal went sour when the global financial crisis hit the Sydney-based global investment and advisory firm. “They would have had us move eight kilometres out of town to a new Graham Marshdesigned 36-hole golf course funded by them with all the bells and whistles,” Nicholson said. “We have been looking at the original site or a new site to buy and build, however, council won’t give us the time for that.” Nicholson estimates it would take four years to receive the relevant building approvals and build a golf course from scratch. “The alternative would be to fund our members into other golf clubs for four years and try and get them to rejoin us after four years. “But after being in a club for four years you make new mates, you’ve got your fours on Saturday so the likelihood of getting them back to our club would be difficult. “Other clubs in Australia have tried it and suffered greatly because they don’t have the membership base come back. “That’s a fallback option if all else fails and then there’s the dreaded wind the club up option and let the members do whatever they choose. “That is something the club’s board would not put up unless as an absolute last resort.” Horton Park Golf Club members will have their say at a special meeting scheduled for March 13.

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news 13

Clubs face big clean-up bills DavidNewbery BRISBANE’S McLeod Country Golf Club may have been under water following the devastating January floods, but it didn’t stop two people “playing” nine holes. The club’s general manager Michael Richards said he couldn’t believe his eyes when he arrived for work on January 12. “All 18 holes were under water – it was a lake and we had two people in a speed boat doing nine holes,” he said. It was only when the water subsided that the full extent of the damage could be assessed. Richards said the clubhouse was spared, but there was major damage to the 18-hole golf course. “We estimate the damaged bill will be between $400,000 and $500,000.” He said the club would need to replace the sand, matting and drainage to the course’s bunkers at a cost of $3000 per bunker. “And the flags, cups and seats around the course all got washed away.” At nearby Jindalee Golf Club, the nine-hole course was completely submerged and there was a metre of water through the clubhouse. General manager Mike Leontjew said the club was facing a $300,000 repair bill. “The greens are going to have to be renovated, but the golf course is open for play,” he said. “The keen golfers are out there again. “One end of bar open is open and that’s bringing in some revenue, but the restaurant won’t open for another few weeks.” Wolston Park Golf Club, which is located on the banks of the river, also faces massive repair bills to its clubhouse and golf course. Club president Malcolm Chisholm estimated a damage bill of more than $350,000. “The damage to the clubhouse alone is around $250,000 because we had three metres of water through it,” he said. “The damage to the golf club will be a minimum of $100,000. “Fortunately, we managed to save our major machinery, but lost smaller equipment like whipper-snippers and blowers.

WATER HAZARD: A speed boat whips around McLeod Country Golf Club’s flooded golf course “We got all the motorised carts out and the computers and key records, but we lost all 150 tables and chairs.” Redland Bay Golf Club and a number of NSW clubs have donated tables and chairs, but they will remain in storage until the clubhouse is repaired. “We are operating the clubhouse in a limited fashion while we wait for tradesmen to repair the damage,” he said. Nine holes opened for play a week after the flood and all 18 holes are now in play. Other Brisbane golf clubs facing massive clean-up bills include Indooroopilly and The Brisbane golf clubs. These are not isolated cases – it’s the same story all around the state. Golf Queensland communications and marketing manager Claire Power told Inside Golf the flood-affected clubs could apply for assistance from the Queensland government. “Clubs can apply for funding up to $72,500, which is broken down into two categories (equipment and infrastructure). “The infrastructure programme is worth up to $60,000 and the equipment is a one-off funding up to $12,500. “Minister for Sport Phil Reeves has indicated that they will get that funding through to clubs within a seven to 14-day period of applications.

“We took the Minister out to Jindalee, McLeod and Indooroopilly to have a look around and gave him a good summary of what was happening around the state as well. “He is well aware of the impact sporting clubs have on the community and emphasised that the monies are there for clubs to access.” Meanwhile, Golf Queensland has chipped in $100,000 to Golf Australia’s Golf Industry Disaster Relief Fund, which has so far raised more than $200,000.

And Golf Queensland is offering some clubs emergency funding to pay staff wages and other important bills. “We are trying to get that funding to them so they don’t lay-off any staff or desperately need a pump fixed to get water on greens,” Power said. She said flood-affected golf clubs in need should contact Golf Queensland on (07) 3252 8155 or go to the website www.golfqueensland.org.au for regular updates.

CQ clubs back from brink IT’S not quite business as usual for Central Queensland golf clubs “drowned” by the big wet, but most golf courses opened for play less than a month after the floods. C entral Queensland District G olf Association secretary Gurney Clamp said most of the worst-affected golf clubs like Capricorn Country Club and Moura Golf Club were open for business – albeit with restricted playing conditions. “All the golf courses are back playing, but they are playing tee-up on holes that were hardest hit,” he said. “Capricorn Country Club received a lot of support from the golf clubs within the area.

“The golf clubs held tournaments to generate income so that they could get them back playing golf again. Capricorn Resort made a sizable donation to Capricorn Country Club when golf administrator Simon Sanderson presented the country club with a $4500 cheque to help with their recovery. “One of the biggest costs for the golf clubs is replacement sand for the bunkers,” Clamp said. “Getting the bunkers back into play is a big expense as is the fairways and greens.” Clamp said getting rid of the silt on the fairways and greens proved a huge task. “It was a little bit of unnecessary top dressing that they got,” Clamp chuckled.

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March 2011

14 news..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Inside Golf goes ‘Social’ Inside Golf breaks new ground in the Australian golf industry, launching the first social media-integrated website and iPad platform

Tablet publishing is undoubtedly the wave of the future. And while we have no intention of ever replacing our magnificent printed magazine with an electronic-only publication, we do intend to make our awardwinning content available to as many people as possible. For those of you who use iPad apps like Flipboard or Pulse, you can quickly and easily add our iPadfriendly RSS feed to your device (via Twitter feed, Google Reader or the feed itself). We’ve structured our feeds in a way that allows you to download the entire story without needing to visit webpages via the “Read More” link, etc. So you can read and share full stories via a simple WI-FI connection. For iPad users who prefer a dedicated application, we are currently in production of a fully dedicated iPad/Android application that will deliver Inside Golf on a global scale, putting it on par with some of the world’s largest publishers and titles. Imagine reading your favourite publication on your iPad during your morning train commute. Or on a plane during a business trip. Or just simply in your comfy chair at home. Now, you can! Check it all out on our website at www.insidegolf.com.au

RichardFellner Those of you who have been loyal readers of Inside Golf know that we not only pride ourselves on providing great stories each month, but we are equally dedicated to being on the cutting edge of technology. We were the first golf publication in Australia to launch a full page-turning digital edition in 2006, the first to launch a Facebook Fan page in 2009 and the first to launch a fully integrated online/offline media platform later that year. And now, we’re the first golf publication in Australia to break new ground onto iPads and integrated Social Media. Last month, we launched a new website at www.insidegolf.com.au that not only harnesses the power of Social Media (i.e. like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc), but also provides a universal content delivery platform for computers of all shapes and sizes, which means you can view

the site via all of today’s most popular devices, including handhelds, mobile phones, laptops and tablets. Building on the immense power of Social Media, our site gives you single-click access to “like” or comment on stories instantly via your own Facebook login or Twitter account. You can even post/share the comments instantly to your own Facebook/Twitter accounts.

Also included in the new site are great features like World Golf Headlines – where we collect the best news from around the world, a robust event listing system (which gives clubs the ability to help promote upcoming tournaments, Open Days, Charity Days and Pro-Ams), enhanced video and photo galleries, a fully embedded Inside Golf Digital Version, Demo Days, contributor

blogs and more. We even make use of QR Codes, which gives you the ability to scan a special image on a page (using your mobile phone’s camera) and go directly to a dedicated page on our website that can offer more information, photos, etc. It’s very cool. Probably the most exciting aspect, however, is our leap onto iPads and tablets.

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A busy month at Golf Australia Inside Golf is proud and honoured to welcome Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt to our team of monthly columnists. Each month, Stephen will share his insights around our national governing body of golf. StephenPitt Thanks to editor Richard Fellner for the opportunity to keep Inside Golf readers in touch with the latest news and issues affecting golf in Australia. We’re in the middle of a very busy period for the organisation – including completing both recent Australian Opens and a range of other projects underway. 2011 marks the first full calendar year of the new MYGolf national junior program. Launched at the Men’s Australian Open, MYGolf targets younger children and beginners, while also connecting schools and clubs.

In the years to come, we believe this pathway will ultimately lead to those juniors who try golf at school and in community programs becoming involved at clubs and ultimately seeking club membership - offering an enormous incentive to clubs to be involved with the program. This is an exciting development, in particular that Golf Australia and the PGA have developed a coordinated junior pathway that will see more juniors trying golf and staying in the game. March also marks a busy month for our Championships department, with the Srixon Australian Stroke Play and Amateur Championships held on Melbourne’s sandbelt and

hosted by Huntingdale, Woodlands and Victoria Golf Clubs. For the Srixon Australian Women’s Amateur Championship it marks the first return to Melbourne since 2001 and the first time since 2005 for the Men’s Amateur Championship. We also welcome the R&A’s Director of Rules Grant Moir to Australia in March to jointly conduct our Advanced State Level Rules and Competitions course. Grant’s visit forms part of Golf Australia’s national rules education framework which further increases the skill base and knowledge of rules officials around the country. I’m looking forward to updating Inside Golf readers each month with what has been happening around Australia.

insidetheindustry 15

Golf Australia’s new MYGolf program The new MYGolf program was launched at the Men’s Australian Open in 2010, and has hit the ground running in 2011. Designed to get juniors into golf at both the school and club level, the MYGolf program is growing quickly with the full support of all State Associations and Junior Foundations. The MYGolf Skills Challenge is a program for developing the six key skills of the game, being: 1. Rip It - Long Shots 2. Roll It - Putting 3. Chip It - Chipping 4. Fly It - Pitching 5. Blast It - Bunker Shots 6. Bend It - Manoeuvring the Ball The program is conducted using equipment and activities designed for children with an emphasis on skill development through a mix of coaching, team games and fun. The girls and boys will be trialling Junior Members of a MYGolf Centre throughout the program with opportunities for them to play on the course. There is no club fee or obligation on children who are ‘trialling’ junior members. The program was recently launched in South Australia, and received rave reviews from participants. Golf South Australia Development coach Allan Telford, who oversaw junior clinics with assistance from Adelaide PGA professionals Adrian Whickstein, Simon Macwhirter, Mark Robinson and North

Adelaide’s Chris Crocker, said he was delighted with the response from the juniors towards the skills challenge component. “The Skills Challenges proved to be extremely popular with the kids, who have really seemed to engage with the concept,” said Telford. “We were amazed to see some of the kids executing some fairly difficult shots which to be quite honest a lot of older and more experienced golfers would have struggled with. “The kids have no fear when they are learning the game and the range of Skills Challenges that comes with the MyGolf program seems to really capture and focus their attention,” he said. No golfing experience is needed. All coaching/practice sessions and activities are conducted by qualified coaches with assistance from experienced club volunteers who are required to have Working with Children Checks. Participants in the program are also covered by Personal Liability Insurance. For more information about MyGolf, or to download comprehensive manuals for teaching golf in schools, visit www.golfaustralia.org.au/mygolf

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March 2011

16 industrynews...............................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Legend golfer shapes new course GRAHAM Marsh will be heavily involved in the new golf course to be built at Boyne Tannum, Qld, as part of a new estate, The Observer reports. Marsh was in Central Queensland last month for the announcement at the Boyne Tannum Country Club Estate (BTCCE) official launch as his company, Graham Marsh Golf Design (GMGD), will oversee the implementation of the 18-hole golf course on the estate site. Plans are yet to be finalised for the course, and Marsh got his first chance to wander around the current facility. He was impressed with what he saw and believes the course has the potential not only to be the best in Central Queensland, but also Queensland. “We’ll be taking it to a completely different level,” Marsh said. “We’re going to design a course that’s going to be here for the next 40 years, so to have that vision and all the ancillary stuff, you’ve got to get yourself out in front of the game,” he said. Marsh’s philosophy towards creating a golf course revolves around a simple premise. “We want the greatest number of people to get the greatest amount of pleasure out of the course,” Marsh said. “It’s easy to design the hardest or easiest golf course in the world, but the real design skill comes when you’ve got to combine the whole range of skills and put them into the palette you have. There’ll be no scattering of

Graham Marsh bunkers making approaches to the green nigh on impossible for many, and a feature of the course will be an island where a number of holes will be situated. “They’re going to have more variety, better targets to shoot at, better greens,” he said. Retiring from the US Champions tour last year, Marsh now has the occasional tournament and is content to have a hit with average golfers, as this gives him the perspective he needs.

GMG to manage ads, content for iseekgolf A new partnership between Australia’s number one golf website, iseekgolf.com, and some of Australia’s major golf publications has just been announced. Golf Marketing Group (GMG) signed a heads of agreement partnership with owners and leading business solutions provider Micropower Pty Ltd to undertake all content, advertising and general site management for www.iseekgolf.com. GMG is jointly owned by Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd (publishers of Inside Golf, the PGA Magazine and golfandstay.com), and Morlo Pty Ltd, publishers of Golf Industry Central. Micropower CEO Bill Owens said the partnership would strengthen the position of Australia’s number one golf website with current page views averaging 950,000 each month. “iseekgolf.com will now get full access to a broader network of journalists, PGA professionals and other golfing identities to draw on the experience of some leading industry insiders,” he said. Micropower is a leading provider of software solutions to the club, marina and construction industries in Australia. Their solutions are currently deployed in over 60% of golf clubs, 30% of private clubs and in an increasing number of sports and social clubs across Australia. iseekgolf.com is Australia’s leading golf website. As well as being the number one site for

booking public tee times, it contains the latest tournament news, course reviews and golfing forums. With close to 1 million page views per month, iseekgolf.com is the website of choice for golfing enthusiasts. GMG directors Sam Arthur and Mike Orloff will combine industry experience and resources to supply and manage all editorial and advertising along with general site management. “GMG’s main aim is to grow website traffic and improve the overall content available,” Arthur said. “It’s going to be an exciting year for golf consumers and advertisers alike with plans for major improvements to the website, which has been a market leader for the past 11 years.” Orloff said GMG, as managers of iseekgolf. com, would also be in a position to coordinate all clients’ marketing needs. “This will be done by offering some easy ways to organise and promote products and services via the leading on-line, print, consumer and industry mediums,” he said. All iseekgolf.com advertising will be booked exclusively through Sam Arthur and Mike Orloff.

AFL star abandons resort plan LAND earmarked for a $500 million golf resort at Big Hill will now be sold as farmland and an 11-lot subdivision will be built, Bendigo Advertiser reports. Former AFL star Greg Williams was at the City of Greater Bendigo’s council meeting to see the council back the subdivision, which he said was the best outcome for all involved. Mr Williams abandoned plans for a resort comprising 250 homes, a conference centre and a golf course last year because the proposal failed to get support from the council and state government. He said some neighbours objected to the planned resort because they didn’t want any more neighbours. “I can understand that. It’s been a long process, but this is the best option,” Mr Williams said. “Unfortunately the resort didn’t work out for me, so we’ll just move on.”

The council’s decision to support the subdivision angered Eaglehawk ward councillor Peter Cox, who said there should be no development on Big Hill. “It’s an entrance to our city,” he said. “It’s a range that plays an important role to reduce salinity in the region, not only in Bendigo. “Who would have thought this council would talk about supporting urban sprawl on the Big Hill range? “Those residents that will be here in 100 years will ask themselves ‘did we preserve this area as an entry to our town, or did we allow this inappropriate development?’” The 11 residential-sized blocks range in size from 2.3 hectares to 11.3 hectares. The council received five objections from nearby landowners.

Adams Golf acquires Yes! Putters Can Adams Golf break into the putter market? Yes! Or rather, make that Yes! Putters. Adams was the winning bidder for the bankrupt putter company at a bankruptcy auction on Jan. 18. For a cost of $1.65 million, Adams acquired Yes! Golf’s technology patents (including its C-Groove technology), its registered trademarks, and all inventory. Yes! Golf was based in Denver, Colo. But operations will be folded into Adams’ base of operations in Plano, Texas (a Dallas suburb). “We have been looking for an attractive avenue into the putter market for some time and believe the Yes Golf brand and technology platform provides us just such an opportunity,” said Chip Brewer, President and CEO of Adams Golf. The Yes! C-Groove Putters were pioneers in the area of putterface groove designs intended

13th beach (photo courteousy of Mark Chew)

AFL champion ‘Diesel’ takes over new Barwon Heads Golf Resort

FORMER AFL champion with Geelong, Sydney and Carlton, Greg “Diesel” Williams, has taken over as the new owner of the stylish Hawthorn Suites at 13th Beach – and promptly re-named the accommodation and conference facilities the Barwon Heads Golf Resort. But the name change has nothing to do with any dislike for Hawthorn, the club he came up against many times in his legendary Brownlow Medal and Premiership flag-winning career. “Barwon Heads Golf Resort sits right on 13th Beach Golf Links,” Williams explained. “When

New Ryder Cup logo to counteract backspin and produce a faster forward roll with less skidding. And the Yes! Putters always have had a following among professional golfers, even though the company didn’t maintain a “tour staff.” Of course, Adams does maintain a tour staff, so expect Yes! Putters to get a much higher profile once Adams has successfully absorbed the brand. Yes! Putters are distributed in Australia by Champion Sports.

Ryder Cup Europe and The PGA of America last month announced the launch of a new official logo for the Ryder Cup, which will strengthen the alliance between the two organizing bodies of the world’s most famous team golf competition. The 39thRyder Cup, to be contested September. 28-30, 2012 at Medinah Country Club, marks the first match in the history of the competition – started in 1927 – to feature a unified logo.

they came on the market, I couldn’t resist the chance to buy in. “Since my footy days are well and truly over, I have been playing a lot of golf and it has become a real passion. “To me this was a real golfing resort in a village famous for its courses. Williams, whose own handicap is a handy eight, plans to market the Barwon Heads Golf Resort to the corporate conferencing market as well as weddings and stay-and-play golfing packages. “One of the strengths of The Ryder Cup as a brand is the superb partnership we share with The PGA of America,” said Ryder Cup Europe Director Richard Hills. “Consolidating the brand not only reflects that alliance but also our desire to further enhance the global attraction of a competition whose footprint now stretches way beyond followers of golf.”

March 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au.......................................................................................

industrynews

www.golfindustrycentral.com.au

The Alternative Golf Association has been launched The Alternative Golf Association (AGA) has been launched in the US and set up by one of the great visionaries of the information technology era – Scott McNealy, the founder of Sun Microsystems. He f u n c t i on s a s t h e AG A’s commissioner and he declares that “the association endeavours to give frustrated and daunted recreational players another choice that would bring them back to the golf course with smiles on their faces.” According to McNealy, AGA is launching the ambitious Project Flogton (“not golf ” spelled backwards) with several alternative games and is asking players to try them out and suggest modifications, variations and improvements that would create universal alternatives to the game of golf as it is played today. “We think players will have lower scores and more fun with these games than with the game the pros play, and that these games will take less time and promote a more casual attitude with less restrictive social rules,” he explained.

“Think of the AGA concept as the golf equivalent for what snowboarding has been to skiing – an exciting option that can energize those frustrated with the old sport and attract an entirely new audience, yet settle into a value-added existence with the existing participants and venues. McNealy is not a hate merchant of golf. He is an avowed fan of the game. “I’ll say it again: I love golf. I also believe golf is the hardest game on the planet – just ask Michael Jordan, one of the world’s greatest athletes, who at one time wanted to go pro. If the game frustrates such coordinated and gifted superstars, imagine what it does to the rest of us – especially the child, the supersenior, anyone with a physical limitation, and, yes, even the middle-aged Baby Boomer once thought to be golf ’s prime demographic.” According to the AGA boss, “We are all trying to succeed at the same game, played by the same rules and with the same equipment, as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson and the top professionals in the world, and at that we are doomed to fail and frown.”

Through the introduction of project Flogton, AGA hopes to challenge the most innovative minds to stretch the limits of equipment and produce balls that go much farther with more accuracy, balls that are easier to hit off the fairway, clubs that make it easier for anyone with normal athletic ability to play, that allow players to carry fewer clubs and create a wider variety of shots with the ones they have. McNealy responds, “There’s nothing wrong with the game of golf, many still enjoy it. But the fact is, the vast majority of golfers are terrible at the game. They average around 100, and they don’t play very often; golf courses report decreases in rounds played even as they reduce their prices.” Visit www.flogton.com for more information.

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Your Say What do you think about alternative golf rules? Are they good or bad for the game? Email us at ed@insidegolf.com.au or comment via our website/Facebook page.

Callaway v TaylorMade: ‘Performance v Paint’ With TaylorMade’s much-hyped white R11 and Burner SuperFast 2.0 drivers hitting the market recently, golfers, professionals and the industry have certainly taken notice. Callaway Golf ’s marketing team has taken the interest to a new level, however, by attacking TM’s product via a full-page ad in America’s national newspaper, USA Today. Callaway, the maker of the new carbon-composite RAZR Hawk clubs, taunted TaylorMade’s product with a headline “Performance over paint.” The ad claims the RAZR Hawk can outdrive the R11 by six yards, “and no amount of white paint can cover that up,” with an invitation to “view actual test results” on Callaway’s home page. Bob Maggiore, VP of Global Marketing at TaylorMade-adidas Golf, lambasted Callaway’s efforts: “Comparing the R11’s superior combination of adjustability technologies against their forged composite

construction isn’t a fair fight — for Callaway,” he said. “The R11 is the most technologically advanced driver we’ve ever created, with three adjustability technologies to optimize launch conditions and maximize your distance, none of which Callaway utilized in their comparison. “In addition, there is innovation in white, including a contrast between the white crown and black clubface that makes it easier to see and align the club at address. The proof is in the high performance the player gets from an R11 that’s been optimally adjusted to fit his swing.”

YOUR SAY What do you think? Have you played either Callaway’s RAZR or TaylorMade’s R11? What do you think about a white club – marketing hype or true innovation? Email us at ed@insidegolf.com.au or comment via our website/Facebook page.

Work starts on world golf course database THE National Golf Foundation (NGF) and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A) are working together on the development of a definitive database of golf courses outside the U.S. The R&A is providing financial support, and promoting the initiative among its affiliated golf associations around the world. The NGF is already the leading authority on the database of U.S. golf facilities. The NGF will take the lead role in working with the international golf business community to collate all existing information, and to develop new information where needed. Both

the NGF and the R&A anticipate a three-year development period during which the collaboration will strive to identify and verify every golf course in the world, and put in place a system to keep the information perpetually up to date. Information to be gathered will include key contact, mailing addresses, e-mail addresses, type and size of golf facility and more.

Please congratulate the following General managers appointments: Bardwell Valley GC (NSW): Ross Grifith Bendigo GC (Vic): Brian Wearne Portsea GC (Vic): Peter Heppell Royal Queensland (Qld): Andrew Kirkman Liverpool GC (NSW): Garry Weston Riversdale GC (Vic): Christian Tanner Please send all new management postings to be included in a future issue.

Mike Orloff morloff@golfindustrycentral.com.au

Email us with your address details for your free copy of the Nippon Shaft Catalogue

For more information contact: (02) 9680 2900 visit www.britint.com.au or email sales@britint.com.au

March 2011

18 newsinbrief.........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Swing into action and play for free

Marrickville Golf Club members get into the swing of Seniors Week THE Marrickville Golf Club in Sydney has thrown down the gauntlet to learner golfers and the more experienced players who enjoy winning trophies. The club is hosting a “come and try” golf day on Monday, March 21. It’s a 9am start for those who want to have a go. Players will be put through their paces by a group of professionals who will introduce the different aspect of golf including the grip, stance, chipping and putting. You know – all those important things.

And then golfers will get to play a modified game over a few holes and take part in a putting competition. All equipment and instruction is free and there’ll be prizes for the best putters. On March 23 and 24, there will be a 36-hole championship, which is open to men and women over the age of 60 and who have a current Golf Australia handicap. Prizes for the stableford event will be presented each day and more valuable prizes and trophies handed out for the two-day tournament winners. And there’ll be entertainment, lunch

and refreshments at the 19th hole on both days. On Sunday, March 27 grandparents are invited to introduce their grandchildren to the game with free skills tuition to be followed by a family BBQ and jazz band entertainment. Prizes include 12-month junior memberships. A spokesperson for the club said it was all about promoting Seniors Week. Numbers are limited for all events so book early to avoid disappointment. For more information call the pro shop on (02) 9558-6862 or email improve@entiregolf.net

Have a hit at The Range

Peter Shaw recently took over the lease on the driving range at the prestigious Robina Woods Golf Course on the Gold Coast. Peter has been a PGA member since 1999 and still combines teaching and playing, having gained his tour card for the 2011 Australia PGA Tour. Having given the entire range and shop a facelift, Peter has set about creating a memorable experience for all golfers visiting the range. New golf balls are being hit on the range as well as the grass tee being renovated and back in play. This, combined with improved chipping green facilities, gives golfers of all levels are great practise experience. As a well-regarded clubfitter, Peter has also set up a custom fitting side to the golf range. From your usual repairs to using a launch monitor to maximise your distance with all clubs — especially driver — you can come and get solid advice, service and equipment from The Range Robina. The Range Robina is open to the public 7 days a week and ball prices start from $6. For more information visit their site at www.therangerobina.com

Healy launches Pure Balance Golf Academy Kevin Healey, a well-respected teaching professional on the Gold Coast, has recently launched his own golf academy at The Range

Robina. Kevin, who was previously the teaching professional at Links Hope Island, has set up his own Golf Academy, named “Pure Balance Golf ” at Robina Woods, and says his aim for the academy is to coach all the core teaching principals for golf, as well as the physical and mental sides of the game all in one place. Kevin has achieved a great deal of success over the years with many well-known touring professionals, such as Andrew Bonhomme as well as many upcoming junior players and club golfers. He believes that by having a better understanding of body angles and levels, mixed in with a better practice structure is the key to improving your game. For more information visit: purebalancegolfacademy.com.au

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eventresults 19

Lakes pair snare NSW Foursomes New South Wales and Cabramatta top teams A field of 30 pairs, including Australian and New South Wales senior representative players, contested the 2011 NSW Men’s S e n i or Fou r s om e s , h e l d at Wollongong Golf Club. For the first time, the event was moved to earlier in the year, and held in conjunction with the Women’s Summer Foursomes, which proved to be highly successful. The day was overcast but the rain held off, and the competitors found the course in perfect conditions with Rules Official Bob Griffiths stating the course was in the best condition he had ever seen. Considering that Wollongong is Bob’s home course, this was a great compliment to the green superintendent and his staff. Vince Clark and Roy Vandersluis from the Lakes Golf Club took out the Championship Scratch title, finishing with a score of 72. Mona Vale pairing of Stefan Albinski and Greg Stanford were just one shot behind on 73, and finished runnersup on a count-back. Some excitement for the day was Paul Davies shooting an amazing hole-in-one on the 12th, his firstever Ace. The pro shop and wait staff were especially helpful to all players and Golf NSW would like to thank the Club for its great hospitality.

NSW Men’s Seniors Foursomes champions Vince Clark and Roy Vandersluis Prize Winners PRIZE NAME Championship Winners- Scratch Vince Clark Roy Vandersluis Scratch Runners up Stefan Albinski Greg Stanford Nett Winners Anthony Burden (8) Peter McGregor (4) Nett Runners up Vince Clark (3) Roy Vandersluis (2) Scratch (Over 65’s) Winners Tony Gresham Darcy Cluff Hole in One Paul Davies

CLUB

SCORE

The Lakes GC The Lakes GC Mona Vale GC Mona Vale GC

72 73c/b

Liverpool GC Liverpool GC The Lakes GC The Lakes GC

67 nett 69 ½ nett

Pennant Hills GC Pennant Hills GC 12th

Congratulations are in order for New South Wales in the Eric Apperly Shield, and Cabramatta in the Junior Pennant Final who both successfully overcame tough opposition at Asquith Golf Club to be crowned Eric Apperly and Junior Pennant winners for 2010/11. The Eric Apperly Shield saw New South Wales — who have managed to win this event four times previously since 1952 — up against Toukley Golf Club who have been the ‘surprise packet’ in the Eric Apperly this season, after making their way through to the final after entering the draw through the country elimination play-off at Ryde-Parramatta. It was New South Wales Golf Club who started the proceedings off the 1st tee and from the outset they stamped early authority on four out of the five matches that were to determine the winners of the final. In the end it was NSWGC who ended up proving to be far too strong across the board, winning the Eric Apperly, 3.5 matches to Toukley’s 1.5. Remarkably, Toukley’s one win in the contest came through their captain Dan Ford, who at one stage was 4 down but came home with great momentum to clinch victory 3/2. Whilst Toukley could not overcome the last hurdle they had a very

Cabramatta, NSW Junior Pennant Winners for 2011 successful season reaching the final. NSWGC were deserved winners of the title after going through the competition undefeated with some dominant performances throughout the year. In the Junior Pennant Final between Cabramatta and Bayview, both were attempting to win their first ever Junior Pennant flag. In a great contest featuring some bright young golfers with great potential the final score line showed Cabramatta as victors after winning three out of the five matches played. Upon receiving the trophy, Cabramatta’s team captain Thomas Bicanic paid tribute to his team; as for some players this would be their last season as an eligible Junior Pennant player. He also predicted that the youth and strength of the Bayview squad would see them as tough opponents to overcome in next year’s Junior Pennant.

ARE YOU GAME?

Come and test your golf in the Cobram Barooga Golf Challenge 16th and 17th July 2011

OVER $2500 IN PRIZES TO BE WON • • • • •

All golfers welcome 2-day Stableford handicap event Special 2-day non-handicap event Nearest the pin competitions Daily winner and runner up prizes

• Dinner on Saturday night with live entertainment • Cobram Barooga Golf Challenge polo shirt • $120 per golfer ($40 for dinner and entertainment only)

This will be the friendliest golf weekend you have ever experienced. The catch… to be eligible to test yourself in this fabulous golfing challenge you must stay at one of the following seven great accommodation destinations in Barooga. Bookings need to close on June 17th so don’t be late.

Cobram Barooga is back on track to be No. 1 along the Murray Since the amalgamation with the Barooga Sports Club the Cobram Barooga Golf Club’s two championship courses continue along a dramatic improvement phase. The couch fairways have progressed significantly over the past couple of years and the greens continue their upward rise to golfing heaven.

All you need to do is ring or email and book direct with the accommodation provider….

The village of Barooga a great place to stay and play. A little over 2 hours from Melbourne and just over 6 hours from Sydney Cobram Barooga Golf Club is situated in the village of Barooga on the mighty Murray River on the Victorian NSW border next to Cobram. Not only do golfers have the choice of our great two courses, only 12 minutes away

Tocumwal Golf Club has 36 holes and 20 minutes in the opposite direction Yarrawonga has 45 holes. Barooga is obviously an ideal place to stay and base yourself for your next golfing holiday. Barooga is the place that has more sunny days than Queensland, has all

Barooga River Gums Motor Inn (03) 5873 4575 (Rod or Jan) Sportsmans Motor Inn (03) 5873 4444 (Paul or Wendy) Bullanginya Lodge (03) 5873 4636 (Bill or Libby)

the watersports, all the fishing, 2 great Clubs and a real country pub, fantastic bowling greens, a gym with an indoor pool,spa and sauna and seven great accommodation venues that offer great deals all year round, find all of this in one place… Barooga the place to stay and play.

Comfort Inn Cobram Barooga GC (03) 5873 4357 (Alan) El Sierra Motel (03) 5873 4477 (Michael or Lorraine) Barooga Golf View Motel (03)5873 4555 (Phil or Julie)

Cobram Barooga Golf Resort (03) 5873 4523 (Chris or Bec)

Or visit www.cobrambaroogaholidays.com

March 2011

20 events..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

English pair show locals how it’s done ChristyCollier A pair of Englishmen took top honours at successive events in NSW early this year, blitzing the field with some impressive play. England’s Andy Sullivan (Nuneaton Golf Club, UK), secured a convincing victory in the 2011 NSW Medal, held at Cumberland and Liverpool Golf Clubs in January. Finishing with a 17-under after the four rounds of play, Sullivan won the event by four shots over fellow Englishman Jack Senior (Haysham Golf Club). The English duo led from the front on the first day of play, Senior starting in sensational fashion to lead the 280-strong field with a seven under par (65) around the Cumberland layout, while Sullivan shot a six under par (66) on the same course to sit in second place. On an exceptional second day of play two players blitzed the field. Last year’s NSW Amateur champion, 17-yearold Jake Higginbottom (The Australian Golf Club) shot an incredible nine-under at Cumberland Golf Club (to take the Club record by three shots). His round included two eagles on the 2nd and 9th holes and five birdies. Not to be outdone, Sullivan shot eight-under at Liverpool, which saw him share the lead with Higginbottom. Both players were then sitting on an astounding 14-under after two rounds, with their nearest rival seven shots behind. However, it was the consistency from Sullivan over the last 36-holes which saw him pull away from the field to collect the title. Higginbottom

2010 NSW Medal winner Andy Sullivan finished in fifth place on a count back, with 11 under. Despite being nine shots off the leaders going into the final day’s play, Senior played some great rounds over the last 36-holes with scores of four under (68) on both rounds to finish with 13-under overall and runner-up on a count back. Lincoln Tighe (Moore Park Golf Club) also finished on 13-under and secured third place. The 2010 Champion of Champions was played in conjunction with the first 36-holes of the NSW Medal. With a field of 52 contesting for the title this year, it was Grant Thomas (Moore Park Golf Club) who took the title, finishing with a strong score of six-under overall.

Pipped at the post was Brett Drewitt (Long Reef Golf Club) who finished with five-under. Luke Humphries (Pymble Golf Club) was a further two shots behind with three-under, to finish third. The following month, Senior claimed his revenge, defeating Sullivan in the 36-hole final of the 2011 Men’s NSW Amateur Championship, held at New South Wales Golf Club. The pair toggled over the first 18-holes, eventually finishing the round square. Over the second 18-holes, it was a different story. Senior, the number two seed, took the advantage two-up on the 26th hole, then continued to build his lead to four up by the 29th. The score remained over the next four holes and with four up and four holes to play it looked like Senior had it in the bag.

Top seed Sullivan continued to fight, pegging back a shot on the 33rd hole, however it was all over on the 34th, Senior winning the match 3/2. Understandably, Senior was thrilled with the win. “I’m just really pleased with the result. Match play is generally not my strength. I’m usually much stronger over 72-holes, so I was really pleased with how I progressed through the match play, and then to get the win just exceeded my expectations. The all-English final meant it was a fairly relaxed contest around the course. “It was great to play with Sully. Obviously we play together and against each other a lot, and it was nice to know that no matter who won it would be an English player”. The pair had to defeat some strong competition to get to final. Senior accounting for Luke Humphries (Pymble Golf Club, NSW), Tom Lewis (Welwyn Gardens Golf Club, UK), Andrius Belkus (Twin Creeks Golf Club, NSW) and Neil Raymond (Corhampton Golf Club, UK). Sullivan defeated Matt Stieger (St. Michael’s Golf Club, NSW), Dimi Papadatos (Toukley Golf Club, NSW), Josh Loughrey (Wrag Barn Golf Club, UK) and local favourite John Yim (New South Wales Golf Club). Other notables that were defeated along the way included 2010 NSW Amateur Champion, 17-year-old Jake Higginbottom (The Australian Golf Club), NSW Junior Team Member Jarrod Freeman (Concord Golf Club) and 2010 NSW Amateur finalist from Queensland Tim Hart (Indooroopilly Golf Club, QLD). More info: www.golfnsw.org

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events 21

Las Vegas is only 330 metres away JasonGruber Imagine having 2 minutes and 45 seconds to hit six balls as hard as you can on a fairway 40 metres wide. Now imagine doing this in a national competition and finishing up the longest of the day. Well, this will earn you a ticket to the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Australia Final, where you may have to crush one drive at least 330 metres to stay the hunt to win the Championship. Each year hundreds of Long Drivers travel from around the World to Mesquite, Nevada (Just outside Las Vegas) to challenge for the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Title and a prize pool of $500,000. Longdrive Events Australia powers the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Australia, the only way in Australia where you can qualify for this exciting championship. Longdrive Events Australia, was established in 2009 from the need to grow the sport of Long Drive Golf in Australia. Along with world-class long drive events, we also supply high-quality long drive equipment to the Australian long drive community. In 2010 Brendan “Muscles” Moylan achieved this dream by winning the RE/MAX World Long Drive

The big-hitting Simon “The Tricep” Abbott Jamie Sadlowski and Jason Gruber Daniel “The Destroyer” Lee and be a part of the “Most Powerful Championship Australian Final, held rugby, and there is no approach shot the longest hitter in your club, and Sport in Golf ”. each September at Palm Meadows on needed or a 20-foot putt to save par. wish to test yourself against Australia’s the Gold Coast. In early November It’s how far you can crush it, and that’s best, find your local venue on www. Visit www.longdrive.com.au for all 2010, Brendan stepped on the tee at the only result that counts. longdrive.com.au, and give it your the information on events and how the RE/MAX World Championship Take 2010’s longest hitter on tour best shot. You will be certain to meet to compete. with big names like Jamie Sadlowski Simon “The Tricep” Abbott. In March Remember it only takes 330 metres some of the best characters in the 2010 he bombed a drive of 357.4m, to get to Las Vegas! and Jason Zuback, he was there to game of golf. and swings at 150mph+ but doesn’t showcase Australia’s talent. A task The next event is at the newly that he met with ease— he even had play normal golf. Why? Because renovated Ballarat Golf Club in 2011 schedule some healthy sledging with the legend 19th March Ballarat GC, VIC the putting stuff gets in the way of Victoria, on the 19th March 2011. This 24th April Palm Meadows DR, QLD world-class long drive event will be Zuback, which got Zuback asking bombing 350-metre drives! (Oh, 21st May Dubbo GC, NSW held from 2pm to 6pm on the 10th tee, when can he come down to the ‘land and by the way, Abbott plays in the 11th June Richmond GC, NSW and is close to the practice range and down under’ to give it back. Senior Division!) 12th June Georges River GC, NSW the best schnitzel rolls you will ever You might think you “have what it So you might have to hit long 25th June Secret Harbour GL, WA taste. Just watch out for Daniel “The takes to compete but your swing might drives, but the Open Division in 24th July Neangar Park GC, VIC Destroyer” Lee, he polished off four not be ideal”. Fear not: most Power the RE/MAX World Long Drive 13th August Sth West Rocks GC, NSW of these last year as well as crushing hitters don’t have the conventional Championship Australia events is like RE/MAX Championship Week! a drive of 351.2m. the Australian Open: an “open” event swing or the 2 handicap to go with it. 16th, 17th, 18th September We encourage spectators to come, Most long drivers come from other where anyone can take a chance to Palm Meadows, QLD watch, chant on these power hitters sports like ice hockey, baseball or qualify. If you find yourself amongst

NEW ZEALAND GOLF TOURS ESCORTED TOUR PROGRAM 2011 / 2012 NORTH ISLAND TOUR – 11 DAY DAYS A S (M (MAXIMUM MAXIMUM 16 PAX) • 7 rounds rounds of golf golf including includin inc ludingg Kauri Kauri Cliff Cliffs, s Ca C Cape ap pe Kidnappers Kidnapp Kidna ppeers and Paraparaumu p • 16 guests travel in 2 luxury vehicles with 2 of New Zealand’s best driver/guides driver/gui • Total flexibility with extra golf, golf sightseeing and ac�vity op�ons

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March 2011

22 upcomingevents...................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au In recent years, the event has become one of the most popular amateur tournaments in Australia, attracting the nation’s top amateur players and entries from Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For further information, please contact General Manager, Scott Elias, on 0404 005 039. www.fgc.com.au

The 2011 Australian School Teachers’ Golf Championships

Jin Jeong

Strong field for Federal Amateur Open (ACT) 4-7 March The Federal Amateur Open Championship is set to feature a stellar field, with Jin Jeong confirming that he will be a starter. Jin Jeong is currently ranked number six in the Scratch Players world rankings. Last year he finished equal 14th (overall) in the British Open (Silver Medal for amateurs) and is the reigning British Amateur Champion. He will be the first British Amateur Champion to contest the Federal Open. The Federal Golf Course is in top condition following construction of two irrigation ponds which have added a water feature to the championship layout.

Palm Meadows GC, Gold Coast Sunday 25 September – RACQ CareFlight Rescue Charity Day Monday 26 September – Day 1 of Teachers’ Championship Tuesday 27 September – Day 2 of Teachers’ Championship We dnesday 29 S eptemb er – C o m mu n i t y C o a c h i n g G o l f Accreditation Course No handicap necessary. Friends and family who are not teachers are welcome to play. Playing Categories and prizes include: • Men’s and Ladies’ A-Grade Stroke Event • Men’s and Ladies’ B and C Grade Stableford Event • Non-Handicap Points Event R e g i s t e r y ou r i nt e re s t t o : admin@thegolfschool.com.au. For all enquiries regarding the 2011Australian Teachers’ Golf

Championship, please contact: Sean Hughes, Tallebudgera Beach School. 0400 117 210, or email thehueys1@bigpond.com

2011 US Open Tour

Wed 8th June – Wed 22nd June 2011 Join professional golfer Phil Fahey on a trip of a lifetime to experience the ultimate golf holiday. Play a round at the world-famous Pinehurst, watch the world’s top professionals battle it out on the famous Congressional course, and explore some great American cities. Prices start from $8845 per person (discounts for non golfers) and include flights and taxes from Sydney,14 nights luxury accommodation, breakfast daily, 3 fine dining evening meals, 7 rounds of golf including Course No 2 at Pinehurst, a New York Yankees baseball game, a Broadway show, and city tours of both New York City and Washington DC. Contact Stacey on (02) 4285 0711 or at stacey@itravel-au.com

Women’s Autumn Meeting (ACT) Entries are now open for the 2011 Women’s Autumn Meeting, to be held at various courses in Canberra: Federal, Royal Canberra, Murrumbidgee, Queanbeyan, Gungahlin Lakes, Gold Creek, Viking Capital Belconnen and Yowani Golf

Clubs. There is a great variety of golf to be had on these very exceptional courses in the ACT. The Tournament commences on Monday 2 to 5 May 2011. This event has been held over many years and attracts women golfers from around the state, it has been an opportunity for the competitors to meet up with old friends and make some new ones. The Women’s Autumn Meeting format consists of 4 days of golf, Days 1 & 2 are 18 hole scratch events in 3 Divisions, Day 3 is a Foursomes event and Day 4 is a Best Ball V Pat Teams event. The draw for the event is semi seeded for Days 1 & 2 with players nominating their playing partners on Days 3 & 4. The Presentation Dinner is always an enjoyable evening and this year it is again at Yownai Country Club on Tuesday 3 May. Yowani Golf Club and its Women’s Committee are always welcoming to visitors and the 2011 presentation should be no exception. The Golf NSW is committed to promoting and encouraging the game of golf and believe this tournament is a great way for all women golfers to compete at all levels. Entries are now open for more information visit: www.golfnsw.org. au $40 per person per day or $150 per person for 4 days and Presentation Dinner–Entries close Monday 11 April 2011.

Guy Wall (Pymble Golf Club)

Men’s NSW Mid Amateur Championship The 2011 Men’s NSW Mid-Amateur Championship is being held at Cypress Lakes Golf Club on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 May, 2011. The Championship is open to male amateurs who are between 30-55 years, with a handicap of 9.4 and under. It is stroke play over two rounds of 18 holes. 2010 Champion, Pymble’s Guy Wall, will again be back to defend his title. He will be joined by a host of recognized midamateur golfers, including Ian Bradley (The Australian Golf Club) , Michael Gerstenberg (Goulburn Golf Club) and John McMiles (Liverpool Golf Club). Entries are now open–$90 via hard copy, or $80 online. To enter, or for more information, log onto www.golfnsw.org

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March 2011

24 women’sevents.........................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Showdown looms at Women’s NSW State Championship ChristyCollier The 2011 Women’s NSW State Championship incorporates the 2011 Women’s 72-hole Championship, the 2011 Women’s Mid- Amateur Championship, the 2011 Margery McWilliam Bowl, and the 2011 Women’s NSW Club Champions (Division 1 and Division 2). These events are the pinnacle of women’s amateur golf in NSW and will attract quality fields from around the state.

Women’s NSW 72-hole Championship The 2011 Women’s 72-hole Championship will be held the The Lakes Golf Club on 16-17 and 1920 May 2011. The Championship is open to female amateur golfers whose handicap does not exceed 12 strokes at the time of entry. The Championship will be stroke play over four rounds of 18 holes (72 holes): • Round 1 (18 holes) – Mon 16 May • Round 2 (18 holes) – Tues 17 May • Round 3 (18 holes) – Thurs 19 May • Round 4 (18 holes) – Fri 20 May The entire field will contest all four rounds.

Women’s NSW Margery McWilliam Bowl The 2011 Women’s Margery McWilliam Bowl is open to female amateur golfers with a handicap Limit 13 to 25. It is the Division 2 section of the State Championship. The Margery McWilliam Bowl is played over two stages – qualifying and match play. The Qualifying Rounds are two rounds of 18-holes, played on 16-17 May 2011 at Bonnie Doon Golf Club. The top eight qualify to compete in the Match Play component, which is played on 22-24 May 2011 at The Australian Golf Club.

Women’s NSW Club Champions The 2011 Women’s NSW Club Champions is open to female amateur golfers who are the 2010 Women’s Club Champion of a Golf Club affiliated with Golf NSW. Club Champions is played in two divisions – Division 1 and Division 2. Division 1 will be played in conjunction with Rounds 1 and 2 of the NSW 72 Hole Championship at The Lakes Golf Club, on 16-17 May 2011. Division 2

will be played in conjuction with the Margery McWilliam Bowl Qualifying at Bonnie Doon Golf Club on 16-17 May 2011.

Women’s NSW MidAmateur Championship The 2011 Women’s NSW MidAmateur Championship is played in conjunction with the first and second round of the 72-hole Championship at The Lakes Golf Club on 16-17 May 2011. The Championship is open to female amateur golfers, aged from 35 to 54 years on the first day of play.

Women’s NSW State Championship The 2011 Women’s NSW State Championship is held at The Australian Golf Club on 22-24 May 2011. It consists of four rounds of match play (Round of 16, Quarter Finals, Semi Final, Final), each match being 18-holes, except the final which is 36-holes. The top 32 competitors from the 72-hole stroke play Championship are eligible to compete in the Women’s NSW State Championship Match Play.

2010 NSW Women’s State champion: Sue Wooster (Victoria)

FULL SCHEDULE Monday 16 May Women’s 72-hole Championship Women’s Mid Amateur Championship Women’s Club Champions (Division 1) Women’s Margery McWilliam Bowl Qualifying Women’s Club Champions (Division 2) Tuesday 17 May Women’s 72-hole Championship Women’s Mid Amateur Championship Women’s Club Champions (Division 1) Women’s Margery McWilliam Bowl Qualifying Women’s Club Champions (Division 2) Thursday 19 May Women’s 72-hole Championship Friday 20 May Women’s 72-hole Championship Sunday 22 May Women’s NSW State Championship – Match Play – 1st Round Monday 23 May Women’s NSW State Championship – Match Play (AM – Quarter Finals, PM – Semi Finals) Women’s Margery McWilliam Bowl – Match Play (AM – Quarter Finals, PM – Semi Finals) Tuesday 24 May Women’s NSW State Championship – Match Play – FINAL Women’s Margery McWilliam Bowl – Match Play – FINAL

The Lakes The Lakes The Lakes Bonnie Doon Bonnie Doon The Lakes The Lakes The Lakes Bonnie Doon Bonnie Doon The Lakes The Lakes The Australian The Australian The Australian The Australian The Australian

Entries for the above events are now open. To enter log onto www.golfnsw.org or contact Golf NSW for entry forms.

Sea Temple Golf & Country Club, Port Douglas

Bringing World Class Standards to Australian Golf Course Maintenance Turnpoint is the leading provider of Golf Course Construction and Maintenance Services in Australia and the Pacific region. We maintain a number of top golf courses under a world-renowned contract management model that delivers tailored golf course maintenance programs to the highest industry standards. Our courses include: • Sea Temple Golf Club, Port Douglas Qld • Kennedy Bay Golf Club, Perth WA • Magenta Shores Golf Club, Central Coast NSW • Mollymook Golf Club, South Coast NSW • St Andrews Beach Golf Club, St Andrews • Black Bull Golf Course, Silverwoods Resort, Beach Vic Yarrawonga Vic

• Kooindah Waters Resort, Central Coast NSW • The Ridge Golf Club, Sydney • Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, Denarau Island, Fiji (commencing March 2011)

Talk to us about how we can manage the transition of your Course Maintenance to a cost-effective, low-risk, professional contract management program that will have your golf course maintained to Turnpoint’s world class standards. To find out more, please contact Turnpoint on (03) 5977 1200 or visit our website:

www.turnpoint.com.au

March 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au...........................................................................

upcomingevents

NLGolf Make-a-Wish® Australia Corporate Golf Day 18th March 2011 Robina Woods Golf Course Join a variety of Queensland’s finest businesses in one of the leading corporate golf events to support Make-AWish®Australia and Professional Golfer Nicky Litherland as he travels to the United States to further his professional golfing career on Tour. Compete in a fun atmosphere and have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes in a four-ball Ambrose competition. Nicky will be on-course to meet and play shots with each group. Cost: $800.00 per team of four (individuals are more than welcome, cost $220.00; you will be allocated a team). Includes food & beverages on course, dinner & beverages, additional guests welcome to attend the dinner. Individual hole sponsorship available at $1,000.00 (Which provides exclusive rights to set up a dynamic display of your product or marketing materials at a prime hole location.) Numbers are limited. Download registration form via www.nickylitherland.com, or email: litherlandgolf@gmail.com

Operation Smile Australia Annual Charity Golf Day April 8 Victoria Park Golf Course, Brisbane Operation Smile Australia is a small medical charity that helps children and young adults from South East Asia; children who are born with severe facial deformities. 2011 will see teams of their Australian medical volunteers travel to China, India, and Cambodia to be part of international cleft lip and palate missions, while further teams will travel to Vietnam as part of our craniofacial medical and educational missions. The charity will be holding their Annual Charity Golf Day on Friday 8 April, 2011 at Victoria Park Golf Course in Brisbane. For full information, contact Operation Smile Australia on (07) 3163 2866 or (07) 3163 2863, or via email: exec@operationsmile.com.au

Mornington Peninsula 54hole Tournament May 3-5 Rosebud Park, The Dunes and Sorrento Golf Club The Mornington Peninsula will be on show to golfers across the country in May as the region prepares to host its second annual Mornington Peninsula 54-hole Tournament. Golfers will play an individual Stableford event on each day of the 3-day tournament. Courses include Rosebud Park, The Dunes and Sorrento Golf Club. Entry to the Mornington Peninsula 54hole Tournament is $235 per person, and

includes golf, three lunches, trophies, the welcome party and a bag of goodies that will showcase the region’s attractions. www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au

Magenta Challenge

Every Sunday Magenta Shores Magenta Shores, New South Wales’ Number 1 resort course is excited to announce the Magenta Challenge will now be played every Sunday in 2011. If you have a registered handicap and would like to test your skills at their wonderful Ross Watson-designed golf course, please call the pro shop on 02 4352 8145 to make a booking. Times are available from 7am each Sunday. Format is individual Stableford, and the cost is only $99, which includes cart. www.magentagolf.com.au

2011 Phillip Island Linfox Pro-Am Extravaganza March 18-20 Phillip Island Golf Club One of Melbourne’s favourite regional courses is set to take centre stage this year, as the 2011 Phillip Island Linfox Pro-Am Extravaganza tees off from March 18. The tournament will be a unique event the Australian golfing calendar, with three consecutive days of Pro-Am golf involving lady professionals, senior professionals (Legends) and the touring professionals. The event kicks off on Friday 18th March 2011 with the Ladies Pro-Am. A field of 20 female professionals and celebrities will tee off alongside amateur partners to compete for a healthy prize purse. Interest in the event from the female professionals has been great, with players such as Jan Stephenson and Nadina Light already indicating they would like to play.

Saturday 19th March will see a field of 20 Legend golfers & celebrities pair up with the amateurs. Again strong support has been shown by Legend golfers, while the PGA of Australia is also backing the event. The Order of Merit Pro-Am will take place on Sunday 20th March 2011, and it is expected that this field will include many of the top Von Nida Tour players. A range of celebrity players will also add a little more fun to the day. Previous winners of the event include Leighton Lyle, Heath D’Altera & Craig Scott. All players will be encouraged to take advantage of their time on the Island with special family tours being arranged to the various attractions and special accommodation rates being offered by Pro-Am partner the All Seasons Phillip Island Eco Resort, which is located only minutes from the golf course. This will mean professionals, celebrities and amateur players can all bring down their families for a weekend of entertainment For further information on the event or sponsorship opportunities please contact the Phillip Island Golf Club General Manager, Scott McPherson on 03 5952 2141 / 0434 942 280 or the Club Professional, Marcus Liberman on 03 5952 1121. You can also email the Club at manager@phillipislandgolfclub.com.au.

Business Girls Cup

June 10 Wagga City Golf Club Wagga City Golf Club has a 100+ year history and in 2011 its Business Girls Competition will be celebrating 50 years of their major event, “The Business Girls Cup”. Former Business Girls Players, Cup Winners, Runners-up and Scratch winners are invited to participate in this grand occasion. The official celebrations will start on Friday, 10 June with a Cocktail Party. All are welcome to play golf on Saturday and Sunday – either 9 or 18 holes. A presentation dinner on Sunday night 12 June 2011 will conclude the celebrations. All those interested in joining the Business Girls to celebrate this special occasion, should contact Colleen Watkins on 02 69 312470, or by email on maiah3@bigpond.com.au

March 2011

26 results.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Stats and scores around the world PGA Tour

SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR

Farmers Insurance Open

Theunis Spangenberg claimed his maiden Sunshine Tour title, capturing the rain-shortened Africom Zimbabwe Open by two shots. Spangenberg built up a comfortable lead on the front nine on Sunday and then held on with key par saves down the stretch, closing with a 2-under 70 to post a 15-under 201 total for the 54-hole event.

Bubba Watson relied upon a New Titleist Pro V1x golf ball in winning the Farmers Insurance Open last month, the same weekend the New Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls were officially introduced to the trade at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show. Watson shot a closing 5-under 67 for a one-shot victory. It is his second win in his last 12 starts on the PGA Tour. Watson finished at 16-under 272, and was full of praise for the new Titleist ball. “What the New Pro V1x has been doing for me is a little bit higher ball flight, which is what I am looking for, with long distance and same spin,” said Watson. “I want it to go higher, and land softer and quicker, especially on the firm greens we play.”

Waste Management Phoenix Open

Mark Wilson drained a nine-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole to defeat Jason Dufner and capture the PGA TOUR’s frost-delayed Waste Management Phoenix Open -- his second win in three starts this year and fourth career PGA TOUR title. Neither of the two playoff participants had birdied the 377-yard 10th hole during the tournament until Wilson made his winning playoff putt, making him 65 of 69 on putts from inside 10 feet for the tournament.

ALPG Taiwan’s Yani Tseng shot a closing 4-under par 68 to win the ANZ RACV Ladies Masters at the RACV Royal Pines resort and claimed the Rolex World No. 1 ranking from Korean Jiyai Shin in the process. Tseng, 22, who has played the Ladies Masters since she was a 16-year-old amateur, produced rounds of 67, 66, 63 and 68 to finish at 24-under par, four shots clear of Australia’s Nikki Campbell (64) and American Stacy Lewis (69). American Ryann O’Toole (69) took third place at 18-under par whilst 16-year-old New Zealand Amateur Cecilia Cho (67) tied for fifth with South African and European No. 1 Lee-Anne Pace (65), American Amanda Blumenhurst (65) and Australian Sarah-Jane Smith (66).

PGA TOUR PRESIDENTS CUP TRACKER Top-10 players qualify + two captain’s picks. Results through Feb 13 2011

UNITED STATES Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Player Matt Kuchar Steve Stricker Phil Mickelson Jim Furyk Dustin Johnson Hunter Mahan Bubba Watson Mark Wilson Bill Haas Nick Watney ON THE BUBBLE D.A. Points Jonathan Byrd Heath Slocum Tiger Woods Bo Van Pelt Jeff Overton Zach Johnson Rickie Fowler Ryan Palmer Steve Marino

The English Amateur Ashes team

ANZ RACV Ladies Masters

INTERNATIONAL Points 7,575,927 7,181,785 6,940,644 6,563,422 6,208,909 5,875,280 5,656,172 5,285,800 5,137,091 4,292,782

Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4,254,408 4,186,112 4,185,227 4,150,957 3,914,151 3,841,136 3,809,728 3,780,622 3,736,436 3,679,339

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Player Ernie Els Retief Goosen Louis Oosthuizen Tim Clark Charl Schwartzel Adam Scott Kyung-tae Kim Robert Allenby Geoff Ogilvy Jason Day ON THE BUBBLE Ryo Ishikawa Yuta Ikeda Camilo Villegas Y.E. Yang K.J. Choi Hiroyuki Fujita Richard Green Brendan Jones Seung-yul Noh Toru Taniguchi

Avg Pts 5.06 4.41 3.93 3.74 3.62 3.39 3.30 3.28 3.24 2.93 2.90 2.69 2.65 2.57 2.44 2.40 2.15 2.12 2.07 2.05

Australia vs England: Part II

English cricket will have fond memories of 2011 after claiming The Ashes in Australia. And now their golfers can now do the same. The Amateur Ashes golf series, which pits Australia’s national squad against the best from England, has been staged four times - the most recent last month at the Elanora Country Club in Sydney. The score stands at 2-2 after England posted a dominant 13-5 victory on the northern beaches. Played over two days under a morning

foursomes and afternoon singles format, England got off to a fast start on day one to take the lead 6-3 and completed the job on day two to post the emphatic victory. “To come over to Australia and win the series which we have not done before here is a great feat,” English coach David Ridley told iseekgolf.com. “Team spirit won this series for us. “All the lads played with golf on their heart, they stuck to the task so no one stood out except the England team.

World Rankings as at Tuesday, 15 February 2011 Top 20 Australians Top 20 Rolex World Rankings in Australia 1. Adam Scott (26 in world rankings) 2. Robert Allenby (28) 3. Geoff Ogilvy (30) 4. Jason Day (38) 5. Richard Green (59) 6. Brendan Jones (61) 7. Stuart Appleby (70) 8. John Senden (95) 9. Marc Leishman (96) 10. Michael Sim (112) 11. Brett Rumford (127) 12. Matthew Jones (137) 13. Greg Chalmers (157) 14. Daniel Gaunt (159) 15. Marcus Fraser (163) 16. Scott Strange (192) 17. Andrew Dodt (194) 18. Nick O’Hern (199) 19. Steve Elkington (201) 20. Aaron Baddeley (224)

1. Karrie Webb (14 in world) 2. Katherine Hull (18) 3. Nikki Campbell (40) 4. Lindsey Wright (67) 5. Tamie Durdin (85) 6. Sarah Jane Smith (124) 7. Kristie Smith (126) 8. Sarah Kemp (154) 9. Frances Bondad (171) 10. Karen Lunn (174) 11. Nikki Garrett (200) 12. Ashley Ona (230) 13. Stephanie Na (234) 14. Rebecca Flood (274) 15. Rachel Hetherington (285) 16. Anna Rawson (288) 17. Rachel Bailey (305) 18. Wendy Doolan (332) 19. Alison Whitaker (362) 20. Stacey Keating (372)

Top 5 World Rankings

Top 5 Rolex Rankings

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Lee Westwood (averaged points 8.18) Martin Kaymer (7.66) Tiger Woods (6.66) Phil Mickelson (6.37) Graeme McDowell (6.32)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Yani Tseng (10.34) Ji-Yai Shin (10.18) Suzann Pettersen (9.47) Cristie Kerr (9.44) Na Yeon Choi (9.40)

Stats and recaps courtesy of the PGA of Australia, the ALPG and Titleist. TITLEIST TOUR BLOG: http://titleistblog.com/ FOLLOW TITLEIST ON TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/titleist JOIN TITLEIST ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/titleistanz

Ryan McCarthy: Down but not out AnthonyPowter Australia’s top-ranked amateur and world number 15, Ryan McCarthy, is out of the game for the interim period following a surfing accident which resulted in the 21-year-old dislocating his left shoulder. McCarthy was swimming in the surf at Redhead Beach on the Saturday of the Lake Macquarie Amateur when, without warning, his left shoulder popped. Lucky for McCarthy he was swimming with good mates New Zealand’s Ben Campbell and fellow Tasmanian Ryan Peake. McCarthy was rushed to hospital where doctors worked throughout the evening to limit the damage and stabilise his arm. “It happened out of nowhere as I was just swimming out through the break,” said McCarthy, the 2009 Tasmanian Open and Amateur Champion. “I was lucky Ben and Ryan were there to help me out of the water and when I looked my arm was literally just hanging there. I was in an incredible amount of pain.” The initial prognosis was that McCarthy was to be out of the game till at least September 2011, however, following a shoulder scope revision 9th February, performed by renowned surgeon Greg Hoy, the ligament damage has been addressed and measures taken to return the shoulder into a stabilised position. With a period of intensive rehabilitation McCarthy is confident that he’ll be able to return to the game in approximately three month’s time.

“I’m still in a lot of pain,” says McCarthy. “The rehabilitation will be pretty intense, yet I’m staying focused and resting before commencing the return to the game. I might be able to sneak in Keperra Bowl before playing some minor international events. The plan is to be fully fit to compete in the main English summer events.” McCarthy last August secured a top-16 finish at the US Amateur Championship at Chambers Bay and secured numerous top-20 finishes in main US amateur events that season, including strong results at the Porter Cup, Southern Amateur and Dogwood Invitational. “I’ve been staying focused and working with my coach, Peter Knight, on the biomechanics with the swing in an attempt to become technically better.” “There are some positives to come from this as I would not have been able to spend as much time on the technical side if I’d been playing.”

Reports indicate that McCarthy will likely make a full recovery. “The doctors are saying the shoulder is mending well and following the most recent surgery, my shoulder will be stronger than before.” The recent news following surgery is a lift for McCarthy after a period of uncertainty and uneasiness. McCarthy can look towards the future, as opposed to dwelling on the past. “I’ll work hard during the rehab process and return to the game stronger and technically better,” he says. “Initially, it was a real shock to be thinking that my career might be at an end when I was only just starting to get results. Now I can work hard to achieve my goals and I’m looking forward to the international events later in the year. Everyone is being brilliant and Golf Australia have helped me out and without this help, I’m not sure how this would have panned out.”

amateurs 27

Tour won’t halt TV fans ringing in PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem has called for “more common sense” in enforcing penalties for rules infractions phoned in by fans watching on TV, but he was also clear that halting fans’ input completely is “not an option.” “We like the fact people who watch the telecasts get excited about something they see. We don’t want to turn those people off. We want to accept the information and deal with it. It is just a question of how the rule is applied,” he Finchem said. Finchem discussed the topic with the USGA executive committee after TV viewers phoned in violations by Camilo Villegas and Padraig Harrington in recent tournaments. “The first question is whether it’s appropriate to disqualify a player for signing a scorecard when you had no reason to know you were signing a bad card,” Finchem said. Finchem also questioned whether a penalty is appropriate “when there is no way you reasonably could have known you made a penalty, like in Harrington’s case.” Harrington was disqualified at a tournament in Abu Dhabi after a TV viewer noticed that, when replacing his ball on the green, Harrington’s ball moved forward. Harrington later said he knew the ball nudged, but he felt it had rolled back to its original spot. Finchem said he wants the PGA TOUR to follow the USGA’s lead and he anticipates they will end up with “a few, little, small” changes to the rules. For more information: www.pga.com

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All Seasons Sanctuary Golf Resort

Kalgoorlie Golf Course

The Links Kennedy Bay

Secret Harbour Golf Links

For information on over 150 golf courses and to get your copy of the official WA Golf Map visit www.golftourismwa.com Inside Golf GTWA 10v5.indd 2

19/12/10 12:00:20 PM

March 2011

28 women. ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Lee-Anne gives hope to South African golf DavidNewbery

THE ANZ RACV Ladies Masters at Royal Pines Resort had it all – a new world number one in Yani Tseng, a couple of former number ones, colourful characters, golfers from almost every golf playing nation on the planet and plenty of eagles and birdies. It even had Europe’s number one – little-known South African Lee-Anne Pace, who snuck under the radar and finished in a tie for fifth place at 17-under par. Last year Pace and former world number one Laura Davies went head-to-head on the Ladies European Tour each winning five times, but it was Pace who captured the Henderson Money List (Order of Merit). That’s where the similarities end. For a start, Davies has never had a golf lesson; Pace has two coaches – one in South Africa and one in Europe. Davies drives an expensive car; Pace doesn’t own a car. Davies hits the ball into the next postcode; Pace doesn’t. Davies has 79 professional career titles; Pace has five. Davies has banked millions of dollars; Pace is yet to pass the $1m mark. “The battle between Laura and I for the Order of Merit title was quite intense and went down to the last tournament,” Pace told Inside Golf. “Winning my first tournament in Europe was mind-blowing, but winning the Order of Merit was very special because it was a blessing for women’s golf in South African.” As long as we can remember the men’s game in South Africa has been healthy. Bobby Locke, Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman, Tim Clark, Louis Oosthuizen are all household names. Currently the Rainbow Nation has five men in the top-25 on the world rankings – Ernie Els (11), Retief Goosen (16), Louis Oosthuizen (19), Tim Clark (22) and Charl Schwartzel (24). But the women’s game is another story. You have to go back to the 1970s and ’80s to find a successful South African female golfer.

Sally Little was a formidable champion winning tournaments to attract the European girls to Gary Player said he wished I was his daughter 15 times on the US LPGA Tour including two come and play,” said Pace, who is a member of which is quite funny. I think he would have his Mossel Bay Golf Club where Open champion majors – the du Maurier Classic and the US hands full if I was his daughter,” laughed Pace. Louis Oosthuizen plays his golf. “He is a great man and a great ambassador for LPGA Championship. South African golf. And she twice finished runner-up in the US Pace and Osthuizen are friends and often Women’s Open and was edged in second place at share a round at the wind-swept Mossel Bay “He’s so nice and treats everybody the same the 1988 British Open by Aussie Corinne Dibnah. course. whether it’s a caddie or the president of the golf Pace isn’t the only flag-bearer for women’s golf “Louis hits the ball a mile,” Pace said. club. We can learn a lot from him. in South Africa. “He can drive seven of the par-4s at Mossel It was nice to be acknowledged by those great players.” She has the support of Ashleigh Simon, a Bay so it’s hard for me to beat him because I Surprisingly, Pace, 30, didn’t pick up a golf club talented 21-year-old, who finished in a tie for play off the men’s tees. until the age of 18. “We are trying to get a charity event going 15th at the Ladies Masters. She was a top hockey player and on the cusp of where we will take each other on and the money “What South Africa needs,” says Pace, “is a being picked to play for her country. will go towards a charity. few women’s professional tournaments. But she quickly became hooked on golf when “At the moment they are trying to get some “The people really want to see us play her father put a golf club in her hand. tournaments going, but it’s hard with the way the together.” “I probably would have played hockey for South economy is because the Rand is weak compared When Pace topped the LET money list last Africa if I had kept going because I was right at the to the Euro,” Pace said. year the first to send congratulatory messages peak of my career. “Hopefully we can get some LET tournaments were Ernie Els and Gary Player. in South Africa like the Australian Women’s “It was amazing when Ernie contacted me “It was a hard decision to give up hockey for Open and the Ladies Masters. because he’s my all-time idol in golf,” Pace said. golf because all my friends were playing hockey “But it all comes down to finding sponsors, “To hear those nice words of congratulation and all of a sudden I was not in the social-circle which is hard. from him brought tears to my eyes. anymore,” said Pace, who also had ambitions of LOCATION DAY DATE TIME “It’s nice to know he’s watching and knows “They can probably find sponsors for one being a doctor. sanctuary (member only) wednesday 22nd July 9.30am what’s going on in women’s golf. “But- 1.30pm looking back at it now, it seems irrelevant.” tournament, but they need two or three cove

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March 2011

30 insidetechnology............................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Fake clubs

Real problem

Counterfeit equipment is a growing problem for golfers and the global golf industry. Here’s what the industry is doing to thwart the counterfeiters, and what you can do to ensure that you aren’t a victim. RichardFellner IT’S a fairly common story: a golfer buys a “discounted” golf club on eBay or via an online retailer, receives the product in the post, and then excitedly rushes to the driving range to try it out. The excitement is short-lived, however, as the new club “just doesn’t feel right”. Maybe it sounds “tinny” or “dead”. Maybe it lacks distance, feel or accuracy. Or maybe it just doesn’t perform as well as an identical one that the golfer may have previously tried from a friend or at a demo day. In some cases (and we’ve got heaps of reader emails to prove it) the club may even break on the first or second hit. Chances are, this golfer has been a victim of counterfeiting fraud. And he or she is not alone.

“With the growing internet trade, consumers are often fooled into thinking they are buying the real thing from an Australian retailer, only to find the product has been shipped direct from China to their door and it turns out to be a counterfeit product,” explains Sean Cary, Executive Director of the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA). The ASGA, along with major equipment manu fa c tu re rs , has est abl ishe d t he Counterfeiting Alert Network (CAN), which is a coalition of Australian golf businesses who are banding together to help educate the Australian public about the inherent dangers of purchasing golf products from online traders. The CAN website (www.counterfeitalertnetwork.com.au) offers consumers tips on purchasing equipment over the internet.

Rear view of a Titleist AP2 iron (Genuine on left) Counterfeit products are estimated to make up around 10% (and growing) of global trade. Assuming the retail trade for golf equipment in Australia is around $300 million annually, then the counterfeit trade is represents a significant problem to the industry. In addition, counterfeiting practices are often used to generate money to fund other worldwide criminal activity. So the money that you might spend on that counterfeit driver could indirectly be funding drug trafficking, terrorist acts, etc. So what can you do to protect yourself from counterfeit fraud?

Spotting the differences

Spotting the difference between a genuine and a fake isn’t always clear cut. The counterfeiters often have highly sophisticated machinery to manufacture these items, so the fake can be

almost identical to the real deal. “We have seen an increase of counterfeit product in recent times with a majority of counterfeit products having been purchased online through the internet, or occasionally instore through unauthorised Titleist retail partners. The visual appearance of the counterfeiters work is better than what it was a few years ago and for this reason some golfers are finding it difficult to distinguish between the genuine article and the knock-off,” explains Jason Miller, Product & Marketing Manager for Titleist golf clubs. For example, look at the rear-cavity photos of the Titleist clubs. To the untrained eye, the differences are almost indiscernible. “The counterfeit (on the right) has a slightly brighter finish, while the rear cavity plate is a slightly different colour when compared to the genuine club (left),” explains Miller.

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“The shape of the counterfeit is slightly more rounded on the sole, while the ‘AP2’ text is of poor consistency and is a slightly different font than the original. According to Miller, a club’s performance is also a key identifier of its authenticity. “With regards to performance difference it is very obvious to identify the counterfeit: the ball flight, feel, sound and consistency are all vastly different. A Titleist AP2 iron, for example, is forged from carbon steel, whereas a counterfeit AP2 iron is more than likely to be a cheap cast version with a high polish finish to look visually as similar as possible, however when hitting a golf ball, it is obvious that the construction of the counterfeit is dramatically inferior to our AP2 iron product.” Miller also points out that if the clubhead is counterfeit, then the shaft will also likely be counterfeit. “The feel, flex and stiffness from a counterfeit shaft is vastly different to a genuine shaft. This element also adds to the performance decrease and shot inconsistency that a golfer will experience using a counterfeit product.”

Manufacturers are fighting back Last month, both Callaway Golf South Pacific and Titleist launched high-tech initiatives to combat counterfeiters. Based on an industry initiative between some golf manufacturers and the United States Golf Manufacturer’s Council (USGMC), Callaway and Titleist have introduced special labels that “shift” when viewed under a polarised filter. Callaway was the first company off the ranks with the new technology, introducing a unique “Certified Authentic label” which will feature on

insidetechnology 31

Callaway and Titleist are introducing introduced high-tech labels that shift and/or change colour when viewed with a polarized lens/filter all genuine Callaway golf clubs released direct to the Australian and New Zealand markets. Using an innovative image shift label that can only be viewed using a polarised filter — along with several other highly technical security features—the Callaway Golf Certified Authentic label will help validate authenticity from certified resellers of the Callaway brand. “By implementing the Certified Authentic label, Callaway Golf South Pacific aims to support our local authorised retail partners by raising consumer awareness of the risks of purchasing online and from unauthorised retail stockists,” explains Leighton Richards, general manager of Callaway Golf Australia. “Callaway golf has a proud history as an industry leader in innovation that traditionally has been showcased in our products, however, as a brand we

are working with the industry to use our innovative talents in a more diverse way to continue to bring a premium brand experience to our loyal customers,” Richards adds. The unique Certified Authentic label is featured on serialised Callaway golf clubs released by Callaway Golf South Pacific from January this year, and includes all new drivers, #3 fairway woods, hybrids, putters and the #8 iron from complete Callaway iron sets. Titleist is also launching their own security label program (worldwide) which makes use of the same technology. The security label, located on the shaft just below the grip, is easily recognizable, with “USGMC” on the top of the label and “Certified Authentic” in the middle.

Why am I wearing these pants?

“There are many technological features of the security label–it has been deliberately designed to make it near impossible for counterfeiters to reproduce,” explains Miller. For example, the block changes from copper to green when rotated. In addition, each label will feature a unique serialized number that can be found under the words “Certified Authentic”, which appear as wallpaper at a 45° angle when looking at the label through a polarized film. The wallpaper will also change from positive to negative when rotated. “Our goal of the security label is to help ensure that the consumer can identify genuine product–especially when in-store and they can visually see the product on display,” says Miller. “However, the consumers who are still willing to roll the dice on the internet with unauthorised retail partners are still at risk of purchasing and receiving counterfeit product. We always encourage all consumers to be correctly fit for their golf equipment through an authorised Titleist retail partner, a list of whom are located on www.titleist.com.au,” he adds.

Taking Action

So what can you do if you’ve purchased a fake club online? Unfortunately, once the product arrives at your door – and you’ve determined that it is fake — it’s usually too late, and you’ll have little chance of recovering your money. However, there are a few things you can do to help “beat the baddies”: First, Identify the country that the seller is in, as this is the jurisdiction you need to appeal to (note that there is no single authority in Australia responsible for internet sellers.)

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March 2011

32 insidetechnology............................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au If the seller is in Australia, voice your concern to them directly about the product. In some cases, the seller may refer you to the importer, and you’ll need to make your complaint to them. If that fails, you can report the seller to the consumer affairs or fair trading authority in the state where the seller is located (not the state you are in), or, alternately, contact the ACCC. Other options include pursuing the seller through the Magistrate’s Court or through the small claims process. If the seller is overseas, things get a bit tricky, as Australian consumer protection laws and authorities don’t apply. Similar to the steps above, complain first to the seller. If they don’t respond (which is usually the case – especially with companies like sunogolf.com, of which we have received numerous emails from readers), try contacting any consumer protection bodies in the seller’s country. If all else fails, consider making a report to ICPEN–The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network, which may act if there are numerous complaints about the same company. Also – it is always a good idea to notify the genuine manufacturer (i.e. Acushnet, Callaway, etc) and give them any details about the dodgy company. Many of these manufacturers and/or their parent companies spend considerable time (and money) to combat counterfeiting. And while they won’t be able to offer you any refunds or exchanges, you will at least get the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping them to stamp out counterfeiters.

Prevention is best: go local! Of course, the best way to protect yourself is to avoid buying the dodgy product in the first place.

Purchasing your clubs from your local pro or certified retailer – and getting custom fit in the process– is the best way to ensure a high-quality product While there are certainly legitimate websites and sellers online, buying via the internet is a tremendous risk. At the end of the day, it’s always safest (and best) to purchase equipment from Australian retailers. Whether you go to an on-course pro shop or to a reputable off-course retailer, it is in your best interest to test the exact clubs that you will be buying – give them a proper hit, check the length, shaft flex, lie angle (etc) to make sure the club performs correctly.

Also, whether you’re looking for a single club or a full set, there’s no better excuse to get a proper clubfitting. We’ve written before about the benefits of being fit for your clubs to ensure that you are getting the right stick for your swing, so if you’re going to fork out the hard-earned cash for a set of sticks, you owe it to yourself to get fit properly. After all, when a club has been customfitted to you by a trained professional under genuine playing conditions, it ensures maximum

performance and results. A counterfeit club simply cannot replicate that. And by going through your local pro or retailer, the dollar stays in Australia (fuelling our own economy), supports a local business or course, and ensures full warranty support, good customer service and plenty of encouragement on how to improve your game of golf. And, as Cary puts it: “Playing golf is hard enough; don’t make it harder by trying to play with a counterfeit golf club!”

March 2011

34 Newproducts................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au We tried it!

New Titleist Pro V1, Pro V1x Titleist, the #1 ball in golf, last month announced the launch of the most technologically advanced Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls yet. Titleist once again raises the standard for quality and performance by making the most trusted and best selling golf balls even better. The new Pro V1 provides the exceptional distance and durability that golfers have counted on, and now delivers increased spin control and a more consistent flight. The new ProV1x, delivers very low spin off the driver and long irons, provides longer distance and a more consistent flight along with its renowned Drop-and-Stop greenside control.

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(Richard Fellner, Editor) I put the new ProV1 and ProV1x to the test at a few recent outings. While I was skeptical regarding the marketing claims of “longer and straighter” (doesn’t everyone say that these days?), my informal results proved the claims to be strikingly valid. I first hit the new balls in a local golf simulator, and compared the results head-to-head against the older ProV1 model. While my tests were by no means scientific, I did notice a slight increase in distance with the new ball (from 5-8m on average). Next, I took them out on the course during a recent comp. While the balls didn’t help me get to the podium (at this stage, few things will), I did win my first-ever Long Drive award, which may or may not be coincidental. And around the greens, I had one of my better chipping/ putting days in quite a while. The ProV1 has a great feel and sound, so it likely had something to do with my short game success that day. I reckon the new ProV1 is the real deal.

Titleist 910 series fairway metals and hybrids Titleist takes long game performance and fitting to a new level with the introduction of the tour-proven 910F and 910F-d fairway metals and 910H hybrids. Titleist 910 fairway metals are available in two models that provide distinct performance. The 910F is a versatile, maximum forgiveness fairway metal designed for outstanding performance from the turf or tee. The 910F-d is a stable, larger volume fairway with a higher moment of inertia specifically designed to optimize distance and performance off the tee. Titleist 910 hybrids feature a higher MOI for enhanced control and produce a higher launch, lower spin and a straighter flight. The profile, offset and centre of gravity in the new 910H hybrids transitions throughout the lofts to create optimal trajectory and spin for each club.

RRP: 910F and 910F-d fairway metals: $349 910H hybrids: $319 www.titleist.com.au

Eagles Birdies Links Mizuno JPX800 HOT METAL UDS Mizuno has announced the arrival of JPX800– the first driver, fairway wood and hybrid under its new global JPX line. The woods fall under the high technology JPX800 line introduced in September 2010. The JPX line was extended to become Mizuno’s 2nd global mark after originally existing only in Mizuno’s domestic Japanese market. Mizuno believes that the JPX line gives an ideal platform to enhance the performance of its metal woods. “JPX stands for high technology and freedom of design,” commented Masai Nagai, Global Director of R&D. “Now that JPX is a global mark, we can amalgamate all of Mizuno’s worldwide technologies under one banner.” “Historically Japanese players have seen Mizuno’s latest technology first. For the first time, starting with JPX800, golfers in the US, Europe & Australia will be able to use our latest ideas as soon as they become available.” www.mizuno.com.au/golf/

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Lightness, function and fashion are three key elements in today’s golf bag design and technology. The Links incorporates all three key elements. Weighing only 3.25kg this bag has nine spacious pockets, a velourlined valuables pocket and a roomy insulated cooler pocket with drainage holes. The appointment of the six ‘stadium’ side pockets allows you to fit every conceivable golfing requirement into the bag. The customary 14-way full-length horizontal and vertical sewn dividers will sort and protect your clubs. Other handy accessories include magnetic ball markers, putter tube, semi umbrella sheath, oversize zipper pullers, glove gripper with towel clip and two properly appointed lift-assist rubber handles for easy and quick bag maneuverability. There are seven vibrant colour choices including some ladies-specific colour combinations. www.underpar.com.au

your local experts

Want Longer, Straighter DriveS? At On Course Golf we’re investing in technology to help bring the best out in you. At On Course Golf Launch Monitor Centre’s, our expert PGA Professionals will take you through a club fitting session including analysis of your: • Launch Angles • Swing Speed • Ball Spin Rate To fit you into a LONGER & STRAIGHTER DRIVER Our launch monitor technology can also fit you for a full set of clubs: • Optimal Driver loft • Optimal mix of Woods , Hybrids & Irons • Gapping analysis through short irons Launch Monitors can even recommend the right ball for your game.

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“Since investing in Flightscope my staff & I have been really surprised by the results. We find the system easy to use, precise and a very useful tool for both fitting & teaching. We coach a lot of players who are often unaware of the true distance they hit their clubs. This system really gives the coaching staff the ability to help players of all levels fill the distance gaps in their bags with proper clubs. Our customers are stunned by the amount and accuracy of the data from Flightscope. I would recommend to anyone, no matter what level of ability, to come and have a Launch Monitor session.” Andrew Weir Head Professional The Kew Golf Club, Victoria “The Ball Fitting Challenge gives consumers a chance to test their current golf ball against a Bridgestone Ball and determine which is the best ball for their game. Players can see exactly how their golf ball performs and in the majority of cases we can find a ball that will perform better from tee to green. Ball Fitting has helped Bridgestone tremendously, all the data collected from Ball Fitting is used to create new product. We create products based on results from real golfers, not purely from tour or robot testing. The best example of this is our B330RX and the ever improving ‘e Series’” Jason Chinner Sales & Product Coordinator – Golf Products BRIDGESTONE AUSTRALIA LTD. “Since the implementation of our new and exciting fitting centre, incorporating the Foresight GC2 launch monitor combined with Ping’s Nflight fitting software, our customers have been able to see the full benefits of accurately fitted equipment. From Driver fitting to Gapping analysis to Wedge fitting to Ball fitting, we are now able to fit your set for not only distance, but also trajectory, direction, carry distance and roll distance. Based on your ball flight data, we can not only confirm that your clubs are correctly fitted to optimise flight but also can recommend the correct makeup of fairway woods vs hybrids vs irons vs wedges to help you optimise your game.” Wayne Kesby Club Professional Windsor Country Golf Club, New South Wales ‘’I have been using Golf Achiever II Launch monitors now for 10 years in my capacity as a club fitter and teacher. To be able to gather measurable data on club delivery and ball data has been amazing. By analysing the information that a Launch Monitor provides, we are able to quickly identify the equipment specifications required and then provide accurate data proving that the clubs that we fit you for actually perform better. As a teacher I use Golf Achiever II to monitor change. It is sometimes difficult for students to make a change in swing patterns, but with GAII I’m able to track club path and club face movements. I find students can use the LM to monitor swing pattern changes and practise those changes until they become automated. I could not imagine not having a LM as part of my club fitting and teaching business, People come to me because they want to improve whether it’s through their golf swing or improving their equipment. By using a Launch Monitor, I’m better equipped to deliver their wish.”

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March 2011

36 coverstory..........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Rickie Fowler Colour and movement AnthonyPowter R icki e F o w l e r b r i n g s excitement to golf like no other player of his age. During his rookie year on the PGA Tour he played in 35 worldwide events, with 28 of those being on the main tour. Proving his mettle throughout the 2010 PGA Tour season Fowler rose from a ranking of 249 in the world to 25 at the end of the year. In the process he notched seven top-10’s (including runner-up finishes in Phoenix and the Memorial), won US$2.8 million, was a captain’s pick for the Ryder Cup and was named Rookie of the Year. It was colour and movement all the way, yet there is more to come as Fowler sets his sights on 2011 for the Presidents Cup and his first win on the PGA Tour. “The first year is about getting comfortable, and I just didn’t have much control on how

Known for his bright colours and stellar skills, Fowler is one of the most recognisable new figures on the PGA Tour much I played last year. Whereas this year, I will be able to pick and choose my schedule,” said Fowler, who took six weeks off during the new year period and plans to play about 22-25 events in 2011. “Because I love to play and love being out there, I kept playing. Probably too much. But I learned a lot out there.” Fowler plays the game in a fearless and aggressive fashion, similar to the colour combos he’s known to stride out in on the course that features a head-to-toe orange get-up for final rounds. “The coolest part about being a professional golfer is just being a professional golfer,” he says. “I get to play golf for a living and that’s what I’ve dreamed about since I was 7.” I first met Fowler back in 2008 as a 19-year-old when he was representing USA at the Eisenhower Trophy in Adelaide. Fowler even then at that time had the element of “cool” about him.

He took out medallist honours for the lowest individual score at the World Amateur finishing at 10-under-par over arguably two of Australia’s hardest layouts, the West Course at The Grange and Royal Adelaide. On the final day at Royal Adelaide it blew like nothing before and those fortunate enough to see a young Fowler in action witnessed an evolving player with a game that had a powerful mix of raw talent, balanced with maturity and poise well beyond his teenage years. Fowler’s goal had always been to play on the PGA Tour and be competitive. That’s his nature, fearless and with a preparedness to push the boundaries as to where he can take his game. Fowler was the number one ranked US college and amateur golfer when he made the transition to the professional ranks. Future stardom was likely and Fowler was confident his game would evolve to take him to where he wanted to go. “Playing on the few events that I’ve managed to get on the PGA Tour has seen me had two or so

good rounds and I feel that if I can go out there and just play my game, I can do fine,” he said to me at the time. The rest is history. His obvious talent, coupled with his cool looks, attracted early endorsement deals with Puma and Titleist. In the passage of just two years from our meeting in Adelaide, Fowler would be striding the lush fairways on the PGA Tour, playing in just three Nationwide Tour events in the transition to the world’s biggest and richest tour. During the journey he learned a lot about the game and himself. It is commonly said that nothing beats experience, yet combine experience with raw talent and you have a potent explosive mixture that’s bound to ignite when provoked. When the glove is on it ignites Fowler’s juices and he becomes this combination, more so now with twelve months under his belt. “I won’t have to spend as much of my preparation time getting to know golf courses

coverstory 37

because I’ve played them now and that will help,” says Fowler. “Time management is one of the things I’m still trying to perfect as a professional golfer. I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job throughout my career and I am only getting better. Pacing yourself throughout the year helps with staying fresh and playing well when in a tournament. Golf on tour is way more mentally draining than it is physically draining. Time off is key.” With 20 cuts made from 28 starts during 2010, including the valuable experience of being in contention on Sundays when Fowler lost to Hunter Mahan and Justin Rose in the Waste Management Phoenix Open and Memorial Tournament, respectively, it’s only a matter of time before the maiden title on the PGA Tour falls Fowler’s way. In the simplest of terms, Fowler has nerve, and it’s strong. This was evident in last year’s Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor, where Fowler’s peerless display of grit and determination was inspiring to all. Four down through 12 holes and 3 down with four to play, Fowler made four consecutive birdies to halve his match with Edoardo Molinari and force the 38th Ryder Cup matches on the shoulders of Hunter Mahan. Fowler knew he had to win the final three holes to earn an important half-point for his country. Tiger Woods, himself, used the words “incredible” and “impressive” in describing Fowler’s comeback against Molinari. The USA lost, however, when Graeme McDowell beat Mahan in the last match, yet the rush of playing for his nation as a rookie Ryder Cupper is something Fowler will cherish for the rest of his career. “It was my biggest thrill so far having the opportunity to play on the 2010 Ryder Cup Team,” he says.

has – aggressively, passionately and brilliantly. “I don’t have a 2012 Tour card yet, so that’s a goal of mine this year,” says Fowler, who’s currently ranked 30th in the world. “Next on the list is to work on getting my first PGA Tour win. I want to play in the Tour Championship in Atlanta and I want to play in the Presidents Cup in Australia.” Australia is a place of fond memories for Fowler. He’s toured down here twice before with success. There was his individual win back in 2008 at the World Amateur in Adelaide and a few months after Fowler narrowly missed claiming the 2009 Master of the Amateurs at Yarra Yarra, when teammate Mark Anderson pipped him for the title after a three-hole play-off. It would be fitting to watch Fowler stride the Royal Melbourne layout, although team colours will be required to be donned and the orange toe-tappers kept in the locker room. His stellar performance at the Ryder Cup certainly did no harm for Fowler’s consideration for the Presidents Cup team. Fashion statements aside, Fowler’s clubs have and continue to do the talking and its stirring our curiosity. When the conversation gets to the future of golf, Rickie Fowler has to be included. Fowler is one of the most recognisable new figures on the PGA Tour. Along with Dustin Johnson, Camilo Villegas and our own Jason Day, Fowler is part of the young guard in golf. “I try not to think too much about it,” he says about the added attention both with the way he plays and what he wears on the course. “For me, I’m my own boss and I run my own business. My goals through what I do are to play well, help grow the game and be able to give back. I think between those three things that will help me stay grounded and also ensure that the game remains interesting and unique.”

Fowler has fond memories of Australia, including a runner-up finish at the 2009 Master of the Amateurs at Yarra Yarra “It was awesome, being in the position that I was in with the final match down the stretch is something I will never forget.” Attitude determines altitude, and in Fowler’s case he’ll keep going till you can’t go when placed in a pressure type situation. Fowler has always been a clutch player, feeding off the pressure, living in the moment and not in the past. He’s also definitely trade-marked his head-to-toe one-coloured looks, yet he’s not the first to do that either. Much to the dislike of the establishment, Sergio Garcia’s bright yellow banana-esque number at the 2006 at British Open at Hoylake raised a few eyebrows.

Times change and you have to move with the changes and players want to make statements on the course. It’s fashion of the highest type with plenty of colour and movement. It makes a bold statement and in Fowler’s case it’s the bright orange of his alma mater Oklahoma State come Sunday’s final round. It’s fun to see what wild and crazy styles Fowler will bring out to the course next, it also matches his demeanour on the course, namely oozing of charm and confidence. Despite the current distractions with his fame and what’s next to come out of the cupboard, Fowler continues to play golf just like he always

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people 39

Age no barrier, says Guyatt DavidNewbery WHO says you have to be a teenager or in your early 20s to get a start on one of the world’s most lucrative golf tours? Husband and father of three young children, Matt Guyatt rejects that theory with the same ease it takes to roll in a gimme putt. At 35, Guyatt has qualified to play the Japan Tour after successfully negotiating three gruelling stages (14 rounds) of qualifying school. The Brisbane-based professional eventually finished the final six-round stage at 15-under par and in a tie for 11th place. For those more mature players contemplating a tilt at the major tours, Guyatt proved that age is no barrier. Youngsters Jason Day, Rickie Fowler, Rory McIlroy and Ryo Ishikawa might be the excitement machines of world golf, but success can be achieved without being gung-ho. Guyatt says he has a tried and proven game plan and he’s sticking to it. “There are plenty of young players that have extraordinary talent,” he said. “But if you look at world golf the guys who are consistently at the top are not those young guys. “There’s a good breed of 30-plus guys winning on most tours. “Those young guys are the excitement of golf and the driving force at the moment, but I have been around for a while and golf doesn’t require me to be special, 18 or 19 years old and to hit the ball astronomical distances. “It requires me to score low. “If it’s boring hitting fairways and greens and holing two or three birdie putts every time I play, well, that is what gets the job done,” Guyatt said. “I know these young guys have the no-fear factor and that’s awesome.

“They go at pins tucked in corners, but I have the common sense not to do that anymore and that’s what got me through Q-School. “I had an unflappable mindset and that was hitting the ball at certain flags and not at others and making pars on those holes and birdies on the holes I had the green light to go at the flag.” Guyatt got the opportunity to play in Japan courtesy of a chance meeting with a stranger, who offered to sponsor him. “I knew I had the ability to play at this level, but I never had the opportunity and he has given me that opportunity and taken the financial stress out of it and allowed me to play,” he said. “He’s a great person who doesn’t want the limelight or publicity. “We have formed a great friendship and he is enjoying this journey just as much as I am and that’s pretty cool. “If he hadn’t come along I would have still been playing the Queensland Sunshine Tour and teaching at Indooroopilly Golf Club. “That’s the thing I love about golf – you can always make new friends. Guyatt, the Australian Trainee Professional of the Year in 2007 and 2008, said he used the Sunshine Tour, affectionately known as the Troppo Tour, as a stepping stone to Japan. He won four events last year – the Indooroopilly, Royal Queensland, Nudgee and Beerwah Pro-Ams. “I enjoy Pro-Am golf and if you are enjoying yourself you are going to play better golf,” he said. “I think the Troppo Tour is ideal for young guys coming through and coming out of traineeships. “If you can get a couple of wins you are doing a few things right and that helps with confidence to move on. “If you are playing well you can earn some good dollars and fund opportunities to go Q-Schools in the US, OneAsia, Japan or Europe.”

ON THE MOVE: Matt Guyatt has been given the chance to play on the Japan Tour Guyatt said he wasn’t going to Japan to make up the numbers. “I am going up there (Japan) to have a win and keep my card for next year,” he said. “In the process I want to get some world ranking points up and hopefully pre-qualify for the British Open and other big tournaments. “My coach Richard Harris and I have put plans in place to improve all areas of my game a few percent and help me to get into top rung.” Guyatt will live his dream knowing he has the

full support of his family, especially wife Rachel. “She is an incredible, supportive wife and mother and has been unbelievable,” he said. “She’s just as excited, but is obviously a bit nervous about the whole year ahead. “Rachel and the three children are the driving force behind what I do and I love to support them in what they are doing. “It will be hard to be away from them, but hopefully Rachel and the kids can come to Japan for at least one of the events.”

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golf trip ever?

It’s every golfer’s dream: 365 rounds of golf over 365 days. For a pair of New Zealanders, the dream became reality last year. But while it may have been a journey of a lifetime, it wasn’t all beer and skittles, as Matt Cleary discovers.

Kiwi mates Jamie Patton and Michael Goldstein with host Zyg Krukowski at Royal Aberdeen

There are ideas and there are great ideas. And then there are ideas so good they should be feted in a Museum of Ideas. This is one of those. In August of ‘09 two New Zealanders – 25-yearold Christchurch mates Jamie Patton and Michael Goldstein – decided that playing golf every day on courses around the world would be a better way to spend 2010 than being corporate lawyers in Wellington. No brainer, sure. But what sent this idea into the top echelon was that they made it happen. After dozens of emails the boys nutted out the logistics and decided, in their wide-eyed Kiwi way, that it “was do-able”. And on January 1, 2010 they kicked off with 18 holes at the heralded Kauri Cliffs on New Zealand’s North Island. A year and 365 rounds later, they finished the odyssey after tapping in on the 18th of the stunning Cape Kidnappers.

“Sure, though infrequently,” muses Goldstein. “Occasionally you’d be tired and sick of the other bloke and you’re playing a great course but can’t really get excited about it because you’re so buggered and can barely lift a club. But once you get into it, got the blood flowing and found a rhythm ... you really learned to enjoy golf.” What about sight-seeing? “Bugger all,” laughs Goldstein. “There was hardly even any going to bars. For the first seven months we were playing golf, organising golf, and writing about it. And repeat. We had a couple of trips to Coogee in Sydney and had a nosey around Mornington Peninsula. In the US we had about 16 hours of sight-seeing in New York and 3-4 hours in New Orleans. And in Ireland we drank a lot of Guinness. (In fact Ireland almost broke us.)

In between they played 6,500 holes, made 29,000 golf shots (each), and raised $NZ35,000 (with more to come) for their charity, the First Tee of New Zealand. And they played some of the most famous golf courses in New Zealand, Australia, the USA, the UK (where they were in time for the British Open at St. Andrews), Ireland, Belgium, France, Holland, and United Arab Emirates. Any argument about this being the greatest golf trip ever? “Yeah, it was pretty good fun. An awesome trip,” says Goldstein. “We played some spectacular golf courses and met some brilliant people. We’ll never forget it. You play all these great courses and learn the history of them, the architects and how they shape the place to the environment. We learned so much.” Did they ever get sick of it?

“But on the whole it was long days, long hours. You’re writing the blog, working out the logistics, playing the golf and socialising after. We were doing 12 hours a day for 12 months. It was sweet to do because the ‘work’ was golf. But it was tough having no time off to do nothing. We moved very quickly.” Pre-trip the lads saved $20,000 each which they used for flights, food and some accommodation. The rest of the time they relied on the hospitality of the golfing public. Their green fees were covered, they were treated to barbecues, beer and wine, and slept on a wide variety of couches and in the back of an A-Team style van they called “Dodgey”. Word of mouth drove a lot of it. And the media gave them and their charity a heap of publicity. In Australia they played all over: east coast, Adelaide, around Perth, Tasmania, the Murray. They played all the “Royal” courses, the Gold Coast and Sandbelt, and several gems in Barnbougle,

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Bonville, Brookwater, The Cut, and the stunning wind-polished beauties around the Mornington Peninsula. “New South Wales would be the best one I played in Australia,” offers Goldstein. “Followed by Royal Melbourne West, Lost Farm, Barnbougle. And then probably Royal Adelaide, Royal Sydney and Victoria. And The National as a whole was quite impressive.” In the Hunter Valley they played with Jack Newton, at Pymble on Sydney’s north shore with cricket legend Doug Walters and at Royal Melbourne with Brad Hodge on the day he unleashed a spray at the Australian cricket selectors which made the back page of the Herald Sun. Everywhere there was media. The pair were interviewed on golf courses by the Golf Shows in US, NZ and Australia, One HD’s Pro Shop, and in numerous newspapers and magazines (Including Inside Golf). But it wasn’t all beer and skittles. The logistical challenges of organising golf, updating their blog (www.puregolf2010.com), finding somewhere to stay and a method of getting there that wasn’t going to break their budget were daily challenges. Yet apart from one general manager in Adelaide who swore loudly down the phone that they should be ashamed of themselves for perpetrating “the greatest con in the history of golf ”, their story was well received. People “got” what they were setting out to achieve. “Everybody took to it. The support we had around the world was brilliant. In Australia we had huge support. But in the US it was something else. They really looked after us. It was almost like they wanted to show off how good their courses are. And they are! And they’re

The boys make a “spectacle” of themselves at Carnoustie generally really positive people. And perhaps because Americans don’t travel as much as others, the magnitude of our trip really impressed them. They thought it was unbelievable.” And the invites flowed, most notably to Cypress Point, the world’s second-ranked course. “A lot of golf over there, you play through contacts. People invited us onto Cypress. Now, before I left New Zealand I didn’t even know what Cypress Point was. Now it’s my favourite course in the world. It’s just a perfect golf course. It’s fun, everyone can play it, it’s beautiful and it can beat up on you. And so much history. And when you get to the end people get over-awed by the closing holes. Everyone’s an idiot, carrying on, doing high-fives. It’s so awesome.” In Los Angeles they teed it up on the practise range at Bel Air with Pete Sampras on one side and Dr Phil the other. “Once we played with

Robbie Krueger, the guitarist from The Doors,” says Goldstein. “We met him somewhere else and he asked us along to play at Riviera.” Good bloke? “He’s lived well. And he’s quite a good golfer, probably plays off six. He plays a lot with Alice Cooper.” In Dallas the pair played with fellow Kiwi Phil Tautarangi, the Patron of First Tee New Zealand. “We stayed with him after we’d driven for 22 hours straight then played at TPC Las Calinas, where they play the Byron Nelson. He’s a great man, Phil, and a legend in our eyes.” After the US it was across the ditch to the UK and Ireland, and the likes of Royal County Down, Ballybunion and the Old Course at St. Andrews where they were given tickets to the Open by Tiger Woods’s caddy Steve Williams. “Steve was really supportive and kept in touch with us. We met up with him in Scotland and

people 41

in Wales for the Ryder Cup. We played the Old Course four weeks after the Open. “And then in Ireland, ‘the craic’ nearly killed us. All these little towns, meeting locals, drinking Guinness. And the golf is just as beautiful as it is in New Zealand. It’s got a huge golf tourism sector. There’s a lot of guys touring around 8-seaters, particularly in Kerry. It’s really setup for the golf tourist.” And then it was on to Dubai where they played with Henrik Stenson. “Good man, Henrik. We abused him for 9 holes and he left. We played with a lot of good golfers but he just blew everybody away. He shot a 7-under 29.” Then it was down to Perth, across to Melbourne and Tasmania, and home for a month in New Zealand and their final holes at Kidnappers. Some trip. In terms of their golf, the boys came in about four shots each on their handicaps. Jamie’s a four-marker now and Michael’s a two. Highlights include Michael chipping in for two eagles straight at Cape Schanck; Jamie’s near hole-in-one when he hit the pin at Scotland’s Bruntsfield; Jamie’s 5 straight birdies at North Berwick in Scotland, and Michael’s five 3s in a row at Merion, Philadelphia And when they finished, when they finally tapped in on the last at Cape Kidnappers and they could go back to doing nothing again – were there tears? Was there hugging? “Nah. We did a bit around the world though, and learned how. But Kiwis aren’t huggers.” Evidently, one thing that the PureGolf golf trip has shown us – and unlike what Roy & HG tell us – too much sport can be enough. But still, bloody good fun finding out. And good luck to them. Good luck to them all.

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Max Garske moving on PGA Australia chief Max Garske —one of the most influential figures in golf in this country — is stepping down from his post after 23 years as CEO. He leaves behind a very different organisation to the one he joined back in 1985 and a legacy of achievement that will be difficult to emulate RobWillis When Max Garske arrived from the Central Coast to begin a career with the PGA of Australia, he could hardly have envisioned where professional golf, and the game itself for that matter, would be almost 27 years later. A man with a teaching background who started at the PGA with a charter to reshape the education of trainees and the vocational members, Garske would go on to oversee significant change and incredible growth as CEO. After a long and distinguished career, Garske departs the ranks in 2011, riding off into the sunset as one of the most influential figures in Australian golf over the past 20-plus years. Garske began his journey in the golfing industry in the education role at PGA Australia in 1985. From there he was elevated to CEO in December of 1988, remaining in that post until his recent retirement announcement. Now, during the first half of 2011, he hands over the reins to newly appointed CEO Brian Thorburn. “My contract runs through until the end of July. Initially when we were talking about it we didn’t think the appointment (of a replacement) would be made until March or April, so I said I would hang around,” Garske explained. “Brian, having his own business, was able to start sooner and we are three months ahead of where we expected to be. He started full-time in the CEO role on the first of March. I’ll stay around for the transition period which is yet to be determined. It might be five days, might be three months, whatever the board needs me to do.” It all began for Garske when appointed Education Director, the first national appointment to an organisation which was previously driven by the respective states. His primary function was to evaluate and to re-design the trainee and education programs.

A former phys-ed teacher, Garske had returned to university to further his education, primarily relating to studies concerning the coaching of elite athletes with an emphasis on his first sporting love of rugby. It was while studying in Perth he recognised the possibilities of a career in the sporting sphere. “Going to uni in WA really opened my eyes as to what was out there in the sporting arena and when I came back to NSW after I finished that degree in Perth, I started looking into other things outside of teaching,” Garske said. His first foray into the commercial world was setting up a gym at the Central Coast Leagues “The first meeting I went to with Thommo Club, before he got a knock on the door alerting as Chairman, his comment was ‘Welcome Mr him to an opportunity with the PGA — back Garske, it’s nice to have you on board. But you’ll have to understand I don’t actually believe we then an organisation with a staff of just seven across all states and territories. need this role’. I can remember my answer to “An old school principal who lived two doors him was ‘If in 12 months time it’s not working, down came up and said ‘I’ve seen the perfect job I wouldn’t want to be here anyway,’” Garske for you Max’, and it was an ad for the position recalled. at the PGA.” “Thommo was brilliant because he said you Garske ventured to Sydney, met with General just get on with the job and just call me if there is a problem. It gave me the freedom to go out and Manager Don Johnson and tried to acquaint run the organisation. I’ve got to say in the end himself with golf ’s inner workings. he was one of the “I went to most outstanding some really good I think it (the PGA) is in a very contacts. They people I’ve dealt were working at strong position, both financially and with in terms of State Government insight. He’s organisationally in comparison to his level in sport and a very quiet man where it was in the beginning. recreation and I in some ways but a very smart man was given some and extremely dedicated to the PGA.” really good information,” Garske said. “By the time I went to the interview I had a pretty good Garske would go on to ride the highs, as understanding — or at least thought I had a pretty well as the occasional low, during the next 23 good understanding. In reality, I had no idea.” years, with the list of achievements under his It wasn’t long before Garske was elevated from leadership considerable. The incredible success of Education Manager to CEO at the PGA, bringing the Holden Scramble, which celebrated 20 years him face-to-face with one of the legends of the in 2010, was a crowning glory, as is the current game in Peter Thomson, the then Chairman of position of prominence enjoyed by the Australian the Board at PGA Australia. PGA Championship, while the amalgamation of

the operations of the PGA and PGA Tour was a long time coming but once achieved a positive step forward for professional golf in Australia. Finding a home base for the PGA at the Sandhurst Club in Melbourne was another masterstroke, while the formation of the OneAsia Tour showed foresight and now guarantees the future of some of Australia’s biggest tournaments. Garske and his team were instrumental in both significant initiatives. But is it the continued success of the Scramble which gives him perhaps the greatest satisfaction. “I still get a buzz out of seeing the National Final of the Holden Scramble and people that come there who have maybe never been on a plane, or who play all their golf on sand scrapes. It just blows them away,” he enthused. “The reason I thought the Scramble would work was because Australians love competition and they love playing in teams. Golf doesn’t offer that opportunity very often, except maybe pennant golf, to play on a team. But this was one where you could have the members and the club pro join together and you could have the local Holden dealer supporting it. So it was a community-based teams event. I think that’s why it has continued and enjoyed the longevity it has.” Another challenge for Garske and his team was to reinvent the PGA Championship, a tournament

struggling during the 1990’s for both identity and commercial support. In a bold decision they moved to a permanent home on the Sunshine Coast at the Hyatt Regency Coolum, taking the championship to where it is now viewed by many, players included, to be the highlight event of the Australian golfing summer. “We tried a few venues, Sydney, Victoria, Queensland, tried it at Royal Queensland and even with Greg Norman as a partner we still couldn’t get it to grab hold and to grow,” Garske said. “It was a risky decision (taking it to Coolum) but we thought we’ve got nothing to lose. We felt we needed the engagement of the local community to help grow the whole thing and the Sunshine Coast really got behind it. “We also got a venue that wanted to reestablish itself as the premier golfing destination and probably the most important thing it meant that the players could come in with their families and have a competitive tournament but have an enjoyable week.” OneAsia has been one of the latest ventures entered into by PGA Australia, with early projections indicating a big future. “In terms of the commercial viability, we don’t have a choice. We’ve got to be a part of the Asia Pacific region and to lock into the financial opportunities that are available across the region,” Garske said. “There’s going to be 15 tournaments this year, and that’s huge. To go from a tour with five tournaments and grow to 15 in three years... you show me any other tour in the world that has growth like that.” And finally the coming together of the two professional golfing bodies back in 2007, with the amalgamation of the PGA and PGA Tour of Australasia recognised as a major step forward for professional golf in Australia. “I started talking to the Tour seriously about amalgamation in 1996, so it did take a little while. We took a couple of cracks at it and got close but didn’t get there for various reasons. In the end we had two organisations and two boards who were committed to doing it and it happened. But it wasn’t easy,” Garske said. While he may have joined the PGA as a golfing novice, some three decades later Garske is set to leave with a wealth of knowledge, a love of golf and some strong opinions as to where the game is positioned.

people 43

(Clockwise from left) Max Garske playing in the pro-am at the inaugural Surf Coast Knockout. Max Garske and Mike Devereux, GM of Holden. Max Garske, Peter Thomson and Geoff Scott at the opening of the PGA National Office at Sandhurst “The sport has so much to offer. It is the most respected sport in the world because of the way it is played and the quality of the people that play it, talking from the point of sportsmanship and ethics,” Garske began. “I hate speaking negatively about the game, but if there is a problem, and I think it’s a global problem, it’s the way golf is in terms of its administration. Where you have so many organisations involved with different sections of the industry you have fragmentation, where sometimes there are organisations within golf competing against each other, which in reality is ridiculous. “That’s not our competition. The competition is other sports and pastimes that are pulling golfers

away to do something else. Somehow this sport has to find a way of rationalising the industry so that it is able to go out and collectively market. To be fair, some of those things are happening, they’ve just got to happen a lot faster. “From a PGA perspective, I think it is in a very strong position, both financially and organisationally in comparison to where it was in the beginning. And that is due to a whole bunch of people. I’ve got no doubt we are the strongest golfing organisation in this country, both in terms of administration and financially, and the PGA is the organisation trying to get everybody together to help drive the sport,” Garske added. As for the short term, after his long and outstanding service to the sport, nobody could

begrudge Garske a break. You wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t want to look at another golf course or touch another set of clubs. While that might make sense, actually he has plans which are quite to the contrary. “I’ve started taking some lessons and I want to enjoy the game again, the way I used to. I’m going to get some sleep and get out and relax a bit. I want to have three to four months break and I want to play a lot of golf,” Garske said. Editor’s note: On behalf of Inside Golf – and golfers across the country — we would like to thank Max for his hard work and dedication to Australian golf. We’ll see you on the fairways Max!

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People 45

Rogers flies club pro flag at Coolum

Against the ‘full-timers’, Brisbane teaching professional Matthew Rogers more than held his own in playing four days and beating a host of big name tournament pros at the 2010 Australian PGA Championship While the tournament pros are practising their craft spending hours on the range, regularly consulting their coach or competing in a big event in some faraway place, the vocational PGA members spend their days at the coal face, servicing the members, working on the teaching tee and conducting junior clinics. In this day and age of the full-time tournament pro, rarely the two come together, however the Australian PGA Championship is one such time when the club pro gets his chance to rub shoulders with the game’s elite. Pre-qualifying affords teaching pros, club professionals and the like to win their way into the field at the PGA, while the top two at the annual Club Pro Championships rightfully earn exempt status. This year Matthew Rogers finished a creditable tied second behind Sean Crowe at Sandhurst in the 2010 PGA Club Pro titles, then survived a playoff with three players to claim the second exempt spot in the field at Hyatt Coolum. From there he went on to perform strongly and enjoy four days in the company of Australia’s leading touring pros.

He’s played at the PGA Championship before, on a couple of occasions as a matter of fact, but never under these circumstances, in his estimation never on a level footing to the tournament pros, and if it can be termed a luxury, never with the chance to practice and prepare the way the ‘full-timers’ do it. “It’s a big advantage to qualify three months before the event. It certainly made life easier,” Rogers said. “I’ve pre-qualified before but you don’t know you’re into the tournament until the Monday. I could make plans. I even had a proper caddy for the first time -- a mate, Paul Prendergast, who has caddied at the Ladies Masters --and that made a big difference as well.” While the outcome was more than acceptable, Rogers trod a precarious path all the way to Coolum, sneaking through each stage of the Club Pro, before using some mental toughness he found along the way to make it to the weekend at the PGA Championship. “I had to win a playoff at the state finals in Queensland, it was four players for three spots, and I made that. Then I finished tied for second in Melbourne and birdied the first playoff hole to get a start in the PGA,” Rogers explained. “I

Matthew Rogers had to par the last at Coolum to make the cut. It was going to be an even-par cut and I had to two-putt from 40-feet. I left the first one six feet short but I told myself I’d holed the putts to get here so I wasn’t going to miss this one.” The left-handed Rogers didn’t go on to threaten Peter Senior, Geoff Ogilvy or those at the top of the leaderboard, but in making the cut, shooting 4-over for the tournament and placing 60th, he did finish ahead of the likes of Craig Parry, Brad Hughes and US PGA Tour player Aron Price. Others such as Peter Lonard, Adam Scott,

Michael Sim and John Daly went home early after missing the 36-hole cut. All being considered, Rogers can return to his ‘day job’ coaching at Mister Tees Driving Range at Capalaba in Queensland, with his head held high. “It was good for business,” Rogers said of his PGA performance. “I had a lot of students come up to watch. If they think you can play then they think you know what you’re talking about. I’m trying to build up my coaching business, maybe do more playing lessons, and playing well in tournament like the PGA certainly helps.”

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Liam side-steps into golf DavidNewbery

WHEN Liam Gallagher was growing up he wanted to be a professional rugby union player – that was until he discovered golf. Now the 18-year-old is pursuing a career in the golf industry just two years after first picking up a golf club. “My dream growing up was to be a rugby union player until I took up golf when I was 16 years old,” Gallagher said. Last year Gallagher completed the first stage of his golf education when he received a Diploma of Golf Management from the PGA International Golf Institute. Over the next two years he will attend Griffith University where he will work towards a Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Sports Management. “I completed the PGA IGI course and did okay, I learnt a lot, now I’m looking forward to the degree at Griffith University,” Gallagher said. “The good thing for me is we also continue the practical side of golf with IGI and the coaches to continue to develop our games.” According the PGA IGI’s Marketing and Student Recruitment Coordinator Joshua Madden, Gallagher did more than okay last year. “He had a tough year and got through with flying colours,” Madden said. Gallagher’s grandfather was seriously ill in England and he made the long, painful trip to say goodbye to the man he adored. “I was very close to my granddad and wanted to see him before he died,” Gallagher said.

I get to study subjects that interest me and keep me motivated

Despite the pain, Gallagher continued to study while he was away. “I completed my first semester of the PGA IGI Diploma of Golf Management when I was in England,” he said. England is where Gallagher first got interested in golf. Although he was born in Australia to English parents, Gallagher lived in England for five years. “I moved to England when I was five years old and came back to Australia when I was 10,” he said. “When I was 16 we went back there for a holiday and a friend asked me to have a round of golf with him and I got hooked on the game.” Gallagher is now keen to get stuck into university and can’t wait to graduate so that he can pursue his dream of working in the golf industry.

“I am enjoying learning the coaching side of the game and the technical aspects off the PGA IGI coaches,” he said. “Once I earn my degree I intend to utilise the PGA traineeship pathway offered through the IGI program and do my PY (Professional Year) when I finish university,” he said. “That will give me membership to the PGA and because I have completed the PGA IGI program it will give me a lot of exciting options within the golf industry. “I would certainly recommend the PGA IGI program to anyone who loves the game and who wonders how to make a career out of it. “The lecturers are great because they are all from the golf industry and that’s important when it comes to getting a good education. They train you in what the industry needs right now and what potential employers are looking for. “They have so much experience and make learning interesting and fun. “Everyone there is extremely helpful and they are always willing to help out the students. “And I have made so many new friends.” Gallagher, who plays off a handicap of one at Surfers Paradise Golf Club, is unashamedly a sporting tragic. He loves his golf, but rugby union is also a passion. “Actually, I love following all sports and the

one thing I’ve always known about my career path is that it would somehow involve sport. “That’s why the Bachelor of Business Sport Management major with Griffith is a great fit following my diploma. I get to study subjects that interest me and keep me motivated to learn more,” he said. But golf is now his chosen sport, thanks to an English mate and the PGA IGI’s Joshua Madden who was a trainee professional at Surfers Paradise Golf Club when Gallagher was a junior. “Josh really inspired me and a couple of years later he did a presentation for IGI when I was at a Golf Queensland Junior Golf Camp at Brookwater Golf Club and talked about careers in the golf industry. “That’s when I knew what I wanted to do.” Gallagher currently works part-time at RAVC Royal Pines Resort where he hopes build a career. “I am interested in working in the golf operations side of the business,” he said. “Hopefully I can work my way up at Royal Pines and get the experience I need to keep moving forward, either way I’m really excited about the industry and my options within it.” FOOTNOTE: PGA IGI students graduate with Australia’s only Diploma of Golf Management from PGA IGI and a Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Sports Management from Griffith University. For more information about the PGA International Golf Institute programs and how they are delivered, telephone (07) 5657 6116 or go to the website www.pgaigi.com

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Tips 47

Watch and learn DarrenChapman How often have you hit a chip shot and said “that felt great”, yet it ended up nowhere near where you expected it to? Ask yourself: did you have a definite area where you wanted to land the ball, allowing for roll? If you answered ‘no’ then you are missing out on one of the best aspects of golf, the opportunity to learn from each shot you play and then improve with the knowledge you have gained. The best way to learn is from experience. To get the most out of your practice time, you need to be very specific. Set up a landing area on the practice green and then practice hitting different clubs from the same position into this landing zone. With each club, watch how the ball lands and then watch it until it finishes rolling. By practicing with a landing area, you can better understand how the bounce and roll of the ball will contribute to the end result. All you need to set up your landing area is four coins. Any coin is fine but if you use twentycent or fifty-cent pieces, they are easier to see on the green. Depending on your skill level, start by creating a square with each side around one metre, then practice trying to get each shot to have its first bounce in the box. Once you can consistently land each shot in the box, make the box smaller, even if it is only by 10cm on each side. The best thing about practicing this way is that you learn so much from each shot. By consistently

landing the ball in the box you will discover how to control the length of your swing to achieve the desired distance. Then by varying the clubs you practice with, you will learn how far each shot will go and where best to use these shots on the golf course. When you take this knowledge onto the course and set a definite landing area, you can evaluate each shot by where your ball lands and where it finishes. If you land the ball short of your target and it finishes short of the hole, then you know the landing area was a good one. The chances are the shot will still have finished in a good spot and you can aim to execute better next time around. If you land in your selected landing area and the ball doesn’t roll to where you thought it would, then you can store this experience. Next time you have a similar shot you can make the necessary adjustments for success by either shifting the landing area or using a different club. The biggest adjustment for most people in to have the landing area as your chipping target instead of the hole. This simple target change will improve your consistency and ultimately lower your scores. Aim to get the most out of each shot. Select your target, watch your ball and learn from the result. Darren Chapman is a AAA Member of the Australian PGA, and teaches at The Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range in Barden Ridge, NSW. www.theridgegolf.com.au or (02) 9541 4960

Place four coins on the green to make a “Landing Zone”. Try to get each chip to have its first bounce in the box

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March 2011

48 instructionalseries.................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Sources of motion in golf

Mike Clayton’s Pro Tips: How to use a laser rangefinder and improve your golf

PeterCroker Source is a word that identifies where something comes from. In golf, if you took the viewpoint that there are actual sources for the following important parts of the golf swing, you can gain a more professional viewpoint and natural understanding of the action of `Hitting That Ball’: Motion (Source of Motion) Stability (Source of Stability) Control (Source of Control) Time (Source of Time) Power (Source of Power) Balance (Source of Balance) Structure (Source of Structure) By clearing up and understanding the definitions of these words, you will really be in a position to appreciate the importance of building a Grip, Stance, Backswing and Hit. Please review the past lessons as set out in Inside Golf in a new unit of time and I am sure you will gain much more from these lessons now. They are all available now on the following link: http://www.crokergolfsystem.com/media_ center.htm

Hands

Improper use of hands in golf is what is causing the game to be so ‘difficult’. Golfers are trying to fix everything under the sun, but the real cause – the use of their hands – is rarely in question. In sports, more feeling more easily emanates from your hands. Your body naturally adjusts to support and align with the action of your hands. You hit with your hands. A golfer’s hands are what direct their body and the club in the golf swing. The clubhead is something the hands use to hit the ball with and the body is something that aligns with and supports the action of the hands. This is true in tennis, hockey, baseball, eating spaghetti... it is also true in golf and is the key to playing good golf! Your body should remain as inactive and as ‘quiet’ as possible throughout the downswing. Your body may appear to move first, but it is a result of first trying to hit with your hands. The whole idea is not to allow the body to react independent of the movement of your hands, but support that movement naturally and work in harmony with it.

Fig 1 Hand positions

Throw a Ball Exercise

Pick up a ball and throw it using each of the following procedures : 1. Turn away from your target. Now plant your left heel hard, and allow your hips to slide and turn forward towards the target. Make sure your right elbow gets to a position ‘deep’ ahead of your hand as you pull the ball forward. Allow your hand to be dragged ahead of your head. As soon as your hand passes your head, open it to release the ball. 2. Pick up the ball and throw it at a target with your hand. This exercise is not as ridiculous as it may seem. Example 1) above is typically how golf instruction can end up being received by the student, whether the instructor meant it that

Fig 2 Body follows hand exercise

way or not. Example 2) is the correct orientation and shouldn’t be considered novel, but in today’s world is all too often New News!

Hand positions

Figure 1 above defines right hand positions that are used in the Croker Golf System program when discussing the work your hands do.

Body Follows Hands Exercise

Stand at address without a club, but with your palms facing each other. Now move your right hand to the top of the backswing position. Then move your left hand to top of backswing position. Then do the same left and then right hand motion to move your hands back to impact position and then to finish position. Note how your body naturally follows your hands.

Peter Croker has been a PGA member since 1971 and has given lessons with his Croker Golf System to professionals including Vijay Singh, Arnold Palmer, Rocco Mediate, Fred Funk, Olin Browne, and Bob Charles. Based at The Dunes Golf Links, he delivers schools, individual lessons, and has an “Online Lesson Program”www.crokergolfsystem.com Take an Internet Lesson directly from Peter: www.crokergolfsystem.com/Academy/view-your-swing.html You can also contact Peter on 0415 292 549

Players need to have a reasonable understanding of how far they hit each club. There are a couple of ways to measure how far you fly each club. You can measure the clubs individually or you can simply do what I did a long time ago and measure how far the nineiron flies, then the six and the three-iron or the hybrid. You can work out the rest from there. My nine is around 123m; the six is between 150m and 155m. The three-iron is a little more varied depending on the conditions, but 175m is around the mark. The 3 or 4 degrees’ loft between clubs equates to about ten meters – making my 8-iron a 133m club. It is only worth measuring the distance the ball flies – and not where it finishes. The easiest way to do that is to go onto the course because you can easily find the pitch mark on the green and — by using a laser rangefinder and looking back to the tee from your pitchmark — determine the exact carry. It is also well worth measuring the wedges because the shorter the club the more important it becomes to get the right length. My wedge is right on 105m. The 54-degree club flies around 90m. It is important to measure the shots using the same type of ball you use on the course. It is useful to write the distances down initially but in no time you should have them imprinted in your brain. Pros know the distances they fly the short clubs, and that’s where they save most shots. When you are playing well the difference between 102m and 110m is important. I know I can fly a slightly-less-than-full wedge 102m, but that I cannot get one to fly 110m unless I thrash it— and that is no way to hit decent wedges. For me that is a little nine-iron pitch – or I know that if I take the wedge I am going to have a four or fivemetre putt up to the hole and there are times when that is no disaster. If there is trouble over the back of the green you may be better off with the longer putt. “Remember that it is much easier to drop a shot during a round of golf than it is to make a birdie.”

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quicktips 49

Your credit card can earn you $$$ BrentGerman When you are out practicing an 8-foot putt, line up a dead-straight putt. When you think you have aimed correctly, get a friend to place a credit card under the ball in parallel alignment with the putter face on your initial intended line of the putt. The card gives you direct feedback on where you have aimed your putter face. Then when striking the putt, place the credit card under the ball.

DON’T keep your head down AnneRollo I’ll bet you have been told, more than once, that you ‘lifted your head during a shot’ or you’ve been given the advice to ‘keep your head down’. Next time you hear it, ignore it. It’s basically an old wives tale and an old-fashioned piece of advice that causes more problems than it fixes. Most golfers do not lift their heads as they hit the ball. In fact most are so conscious of keeping their heads down they often keep it down so much that they get crumpled up over the ball causing the arms to bend to create space, thus promoting a topped shot. The more you try and keep your head down the more likely you are to top the ball as your arms collapse to give you room. Instead, follow the Stuart Appleby example.

He sees the ball being hit and then slightly turns his head as his shoulders turn, allowing him to keep his arms straight and extend beautifully out after the ball. Notice that Apples is turning his head towards the target as he hits the ball, allowing his body to turn and accelerate through the shot. So the key is to SEE the ball being hit but then come up and through to a nice full high finish position and admire that nice shot you have just hit. Anne Rollo is a European Tour Tournament winner and record holder. She teaches at Muirfield Golf Club North Rocks, and can be contacted on 0404 235 563 or at www.fixmygolfswing.com.au

Brent German is an AAA Accredited PGA Golf Teaching Professional at Albert Park Driving Range in Melbourne. Visit www.BrentGermanGolf.com or call Brent on 0412 533 555 for more information.

Balance and the right shoes MarkVictorsen

I don’t know any sport where the most powerful and skilful players are out of balance. Golf, like all games, requires a solid base so you can transfer the energy developed in the swing to the ball. We all tend to focus on the swing styles of the great players but one element very rarely spoken of is the player’s footwork. Force or balance plates can now give us an indication as to weight distribution front foot or back foot. With these balance or force plates a measurement can also show the balance — be it toes, ball of foot or heel — both at address and during the swing. The example I use is a tug-of-war stance. Analyse how you stand when you are pulling on the rope. Most people say they can really feel themselves “gripping the ground” when force

is applied to the rope. This connection with the ground allows the upper body to transfer the energy to the rope. Martial Arts exponents take great care with the stance and understand the importance of a solid base. Most club golfers have very poor control over their feet and as a consequence roll all over the place during the swing. Good golf shoes also help in giving stability during the swing. A good pair of shoes should offer little twist laterally but of course be flexible enough to be comfortable. Ask your PGA pro what he uses and follow his lead! Take a video of your feet and compare with a tour player — you may be surprised just how out of balance you are! Mark Victorsen is the Senior Teacher at Pacific Golf Club Brisbane, and was QLD PGA Teacher of the Year in 2008. www.pacificgolf.com.au

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Tips for senior golfers LisaNewling LoraineLambert It’s important to keep playing golf throughout your senior years; golf has huge health benefits, both physically and mentally. Some golfers play for the challenge of competition and some play for exercise and social interaction. In a perfect world it would be great to be able to change our bodies to become more golf fit; some golfers will work on becoming stronger and more flexible and some won’t. Strength and flexibility deteriorates as we age. Old injuries from other sports and arthritis inhibit movement, and many have had some form of major operation. When a golfer comes to us for help we look to make sure there aren’t any movements in the swing that could cause an injury. We look at the swing to see what kind of ball flight they have and how repetitive the swing is. The swing doesn’t have to be ‘textbook perfect’, but it needs to be repetitive with consistent contact to the ball and a consistent shape in the air. We look to see what is causing the biggest problem, and we fix it! The most common problems we see that affect our senior golfers are: Not warming up, Posture, Balance, Stability, Tempo and Equipment. Here are some tips on how you can improve these areas.

A balanced swing is important for golfers of all ages, but as we get older it becomes more critical to success (Top right) Stretching and warming up is very important prior to your round (and can save you many shots especially in the first few holes) (Bottom Right) The “Squashing a grape between your shoulder blades” stretch helps open up the muscles in your chest and shoulder area

Warm up

Before you hit off, allow some time to warm up. It is best if you can go for a brisk walk to get the heart rate up a little, maybe a walk to the driving range? Stretch and hit some shots either in the practise nets or on the range. This will help you get your body moving, rather than using the first five holes to warm up and damaging your score!

Posture

In very simple terms, as we age our posture changes. We become more curved in the upper

part of our back, detrition often occurs in our spine, we can be carrying a bit of extra weight around our tummy and our butt, and our leg muscles aren’t as strong as they used to be. Some golfers will be able to adapt to improve their golf posture through strength and stretching programs, others will struggle. Try this simple stretch: stand tall with your arms close to your side, keeping your arms close to your side and your palms facing out, pretend you have a grape between your shoulder blades and try and squash it, drawing your shoulder

blades closer together. This is a really nice stretch to help open up the muscles in your chest and shoulder area.

Balance and stability

A good golf swing has a stable base. It is very important to feel balanced throughout the swing. If you take your golf seriously we would strongly recommend you take the time to work on your strength and flexibility. We will always recommend you to go and see your physiotherapist first, tell them that you want to

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improve your golf and have a screening so that you don’t work on the wrong things. This will help you use your time effectively. If you don’t wish to exercise to improve your golf or you have injuries that limit what you can do, try this little drill. Balancing on one foot with your other knee flexed in the air try and stay balanced (without wobbling) for 30 seconds (or as long as you can). Swap legs and do the same. One side will always be better or stronger. You can use a wall, golf club or a friend as help until you can balance on your own. When you think you are really good at this, do the same but SHUT your eyes. Wow, what a difference then! Professional golfers generally can balance one legged, eyes shut for 30+ seconds. Many amateurs are lucky to make 5 seconds.

Tempo

The quicker the swing is the harder it is to keep your balance. If you find it hard to keep your balance when you swing, try having a slower three-quarter-length back swing, in other words your hands should be about shoulder high at the top of your back swing. This can help reduce the amount that your body lifts up and down in your swing, allowing you to have better control over your movements and make it easier to keep your balance.

Equipment

Having the correct equipment is very important. Technology has certainly made golf a lot easier for people with a slower swing speed. High launch drivers and hybrids in particular have allowed much more forgiveness and helped increase the distances hit compared to the older clubs. We strongly recommend when you buy clubs

golftips 51

(Left) Balancing on one foot with your other knee flexed in the air is a great drill to improve your your overall balance. (Right) A three-quarter-length backswing can give better control over your movements and make it easier to keep your balance. that you are correctly fitted for them. Your local PGA Professional can help you with this. Alternatively keep an eye out for Demo Days. All major companies have these days (check out the Demo Day Guide in every issue of Inside Golf), they are a great opportunity to speak to an expert about their product and discuss what would be suitable for you.

Loft

It is important to consider having more lofts in your driver, fairway woods and hybrids. These lofts will vary between golfers depending on their technique. The slower someone’s swing speed is the more loft required to help get the distance.

Shaft Flex

There are many golf shafts on the market. Choosing the correct shaft really depends on your swing speed and ball flight. Golf shafts have different weights, flexes and kick points. Senior

shafts are generally lighter in weight and more flexible than a men’s regular golf shaft. You can really see a difference in your ball flight when you have the correct shaft to match your swing speed.

Length

If you have back problems and you can’t bend forward into the correct golf posture, having longer clubs will make it much easier for you to strike the ball more consistently. Just make sure you are fitted correctly.

Grip thickness and grip type

Did you know there are different grips on the market? Rubber, cord, multi compound, junior, Ladies, size 58, 60, midsize, oversize and even Arthritic grips are available. Depending on your palm width and size of your fingers and the feel of the grip, your grip should be fitted to you (just like your clubs). So if you are buying new clubs or just re-gripping the clubs in your bag, ask your local PGA professional which grip is right for you.

About Lisa Newling and Loraine Lambert Lisa Newling and Loraine Lambert are the club professionals at Eden Gardens Country Club as well as Bega Country Club on the far South Coast of NSW. Both Eden and Bega have beautiful 18-hole Championship Golf Courses and the area is a great holiday destination. Lisa and Loraine have extensive Playing and Teaching experience. For more information, phone: (02) 6496 1054 or visit sapphirecoastgolfschool.com.au

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March 2011

52 Juniors..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Junior Golf Series – their first steps in golf

1 LeeHarrington The Grip

If an adult golfer wants to teach a junior to play golf, and they want them to develop and enjoy hitting the ball well, they must encourage the junior to grip the club in the right way. When young kids first pick up a golf club they tend to place their hands apart on the grip. This creates two levers and no control of the club for the junior. Do not be too concerned with a perfect grip but do encourage their hands to be touching and together. Some kids can also do better with a twohanded, ten-finger grip rather than learning the overlapping or interlocking finger grip. What is important is the palms of each hand face each other to create a neutral grip. It is also well worth investing in a junior golf club to get the right grip size. Cutting down

your old golf club will not allow the hands to get in this position on the club as the thickness will be too big for their little hands. In addition, the club will be out of balance, and the heavier weight may be an additional burden.

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Developing a solid practice routine with Juniors gives them fantastic structure with their golf at an early age. A simple routine I use for Juniors starting out is: 1. Grip the club (as in tip 1 above), Club face behind the ball, feet together 2. Step–Step (to position their feet apart) 3. Bounce knees keeping weight on balls of feet 4. Turn your back to the target as you swing 5. Swing through to finish, facing the target, with their back foot finishing on their toe (get them to tap their toe to ensure weight transfer) This simple routine over and over gives them a great beginning to a repetitive swing routine.

Lee is a PGA Member and is also the Development Officer at Golf Queensland. Her passion for teaching and an eye for detail is recognised in her reputation as a leading female teacher in Australia. Lee’s experience in teaching provide a basis for programs delivered The Golf School, a Queenslandbased teaching facility. Lee teaches at both the Gold Coast Carrara and Oxley facility weekly. www.thegolfschool.com.au. Email: admin@thegolfschool.com.au, or phone (07) 5596 3373.

Golf Australia recently launched a National Junior Program – the MyGolf skills Challenge and Awards program. The skills challenge provide a framework for assessing the progress of juniors as their skills develop. Targeting boys and girls the program mantra is designed to develop the six key skills of the game – Rip it, Roll it, Chip it, Fly it, Blast it, Bend it. For more information check out the website www.golfaustralia.org.au/mygolf to find a centre to start your junior in golf.

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Rising Star keeps rising You may remember in November that we featured young “Rising Star” Matthew Samen-Curtis — a 14-year-old Pennant Team player at Caloundra Golf Club. Matthew had unexpectedly found himself atop the leaderboard following regulation play at the inaugural Glasshouse Mountains OPEN Amateur Championships. Following a six-way playoff against a very difficult field, Matthew was pipped at the post by ex- pro Ken Glasson – but the youngster had suddenly made a name for himself. Well, Matthew is at it again, having recently taken the hardware at the Invincibles Matchplay Championships. The tournament, which is supported by Lend Lease, Hyatt Regency Coolum and Horton Park Golf Club, was played over three separate days in a 3-week span. Matthew began his tournament in fine form, beating fellow competitor Jack Marriot in a playoff. The following week, he bettered twotime champion (and previously unbeaten in match play) Simon Britz, finishing 5&3 to continue to the final. In the final, Matthew took on Horton Park’s Shae Wolls-Cobb. Three down on the 8th, Matthew had all but lost hope, but he dug deep (drawing on the immense support that his family and friends had instilled in him) battling back to win the 9th, 11th and the par-5 12th, where he recorded an eagle on the par-5. The duo then see-sawed back and forth, finding themselves square after 17. An easy par on 18 sealed the victory for Matthew, giving him

Green Walkers Junior Golf Academy

From left: Mikaleigh Pickles (Girls Open), Matthew Samen–Curtis (A Grade Boys), and Karl Preston (Boys B/C Grades) the A-Grade Boys Championship, and proving once again that Matthew Samen-Curtis is a name to watch! Of course, Matthew wasn’t the only star of the day, as The Girls Open Division saw Mikaleigh Pickles and Aneka Park contest the coveted Invincibles Girls Matchplay Title. Aneka played some brilliant golf to take the match to the 17th,

juniors 53

but Mikaleigh (who had brought her A-game to the match, playing the five par-three’s in two under) was victorious on the 18th. The B-C Grade Boys Division saw two very talented young golfers go head to head, with the reigning Champion Karl Preston putting up a brilliant defense of his title, beating the talented Sean Daines 5&4. Congratulations to these rising stars!

Parents of budding young superstars in Melbourne have a new academy to nurture their kids’ interest in golf. Green Walkers Junior Golf Academy offers Victoria’s golfing youth a safe, fun, exciting and challenging environment to focus on their game. Launched last month at 3 Melbourne locations, Growling Frog, Golftec and Freeway Public Golf Course, the academy offers individual teaching lessons to children from 3-16 years of age, and also offers clinics that run with the school term, after school, on the weekends and during holidays. They even have ‘Family Days’. The academy was started by Shelley Wade and her partner Damien Magaton (a PGA Professional). It is open to all skills and abilities — whether the junior has never swung a club, or if they are skilled players looking to take their game to the next level, Green Walkers will provide them with the right ‘platform’ to suit their needs. The academy provides a structured system whereby juniors are placed in small groups with other kids of similar age and skill level. Students will have the opportunity to rise through the different levels of classes from beginners through to advanced. Green Walkers members will be a part of an academy that gives each individual an opportunity to learn golf in a fun environment and progress from coaching into playing regularly in competitions. Most importantly, Green Walkers members will have the chance to make a lot of new friends, have a handicap, compete and enjoy their love of golf with other juniors. For more information, visit their website: www.greenwalkers.com.au

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March 2011

54 insidefitness....................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Practice, patience and persistence Unlike PGA Tour players, the average golfer can’t afford to spend hours at the range every day. So what can we do to get the most out of our limited practice time? RichardNizielski I am sure we all agree that every avid golfer desires to spend more time at the golf course practicing and playing golf. Imagine having more time to iron out the swing faults, perfecting the putting routine and working on aspects of the short game. Imagine, all that extra time at the range and on the course would make a major difference to the way we play, right? Well it might, however that luxury is not a reality for many of us and until that day comes, well, the truth may never be known. Time spent at the driving range is precious, so arriving with an idea of what needs to be worked on is important. Many of the golf professionals on the tour make sure they are aware of how long they are practicing and what they are there to practice. As well, professional players are working as hard off the course as on it.

Like athletes of other sports, they spend considerably more time training with other methods (vs just playing golf) than previous eras of the game. Every year the tours become more competitive and the need to stay in shape and compete well every week is paramount to all the players. Just as important to the players is the ability to keep improving and have a long and successful career. While many of us don’t have to rely on our golf swing to provide us with an income, we do all want to keep improving. Identifying what needs to be done to make improvements is often the easy part of the equation, finding the time to work on the solution is a lot harder. When you are time constrained for your golf fitness there are steps to take which can help save time and produce results. Focus on the areas which are the most needed and the most beneficial. For example: If it’s flexibility that is holding back your improvement, try

You don’t need to be at the course to work on your golf game. Whether at home or at work, there is always time to focus on golf fitness to incorporate simple stretches into your daily routine or while you are at work. Stretching while watching tv offers a great opportunity. If it’s your golf-specific strength that is lacking, then modifying gym exercises that require weights by using stretch/resistance bands at home or work during lunch time for a few

minutes each day can be an easy way to exercise. Wi t h o u t t r y i n g t o s o u n d obsessive (and honestly, what golfer isn’t obsessed?) there are ample opportunities to incorporate an activity or two into the daily routine that can help with your golf. Just think of how many times you have caught yourself

practicing an imaginary golf swing or putt at some point during the day. So whether an amateur or a professional, improving takes practice, patience and persistence and paying attention to what needs to be done and what can be done will help to make the journey easier. Happy Golfing.

insideyourmind 55

Controlling your emotions on the course JamieGlazier In just about every round of golf you play, you will at one time or another react to the result of one of your shots. A high percentage of times when you experience these reactions, it will be in a negative form after an unsatisfactory shot. These reactions can be on a variety of emotional levels, which will have an immediate impact on the state of mind, as well as state of physiology that you will experience over the following 5-10 minutes. If you look closely at those golfers that are perceived to have the best emotional control in the game-players like Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Fred Couples and the like --you will notice that they have a great ability to be able to show NO reaction to shots. No matter how severe the result is, you very rarely see them react, which helps them greatly in being able to stay calm and free from negative emotional states over the following few holes. I perceive this to be one of the biggest factors in players getting on the bogey train during a round, as they hit one poor shot, react to it and then find it difficult to recover before their next shot.

One thing that you can do in 2011 to help lower your handicap greatly is focus on what I call “Not Reacting To Stimuli”. Stimuli are the large number of internal and external factors that triggers us to react in a negative way. Stimuli such as: • Bad Lie • Bad Bounce • Missed Putt • Poor Shot • Playing Partners • Course Conditions • Weather Conditions And the list goes on and on! One of the important aspects in regards to staying in control of your emotions during the ups and downs of a round of golf is being aware of specifically which triggers seem to have the biggest influence on your ability to show no reaction to the result of a shot. Most players will have between 1-3 triggers that seem to consistently pop up during a round of golf; the first step is to learn specifically what your triggers are. These triggers are the beginning of the negative process that places you in a disempowering emotional state that gets in the way of you being able to play your best golf, so what we

Good shot or bad? Great players like Ernie Els stay in control of their emotions throughout the round, and don’t dwell on the negatives

are wanting to do is to re-program your neural pathways to create new, empowering behaviors when these triggers are activated. The best way to begin the reprogramming process is to put aside set time each week that will help train new behaviours. Time is spent on the practice facilities, focusing on showing NO reaction at all to the result of a shot, as well as time spent playing holes showing NO reaction at all,

will help create and strengthen new behaviors that will help you stay in a more empowering emotional state during the round. The more time you can spend focusing on standing there after

every shot, with no verbal or physical response, will help you maintain a more empowering emotional state during rounds and give you the best chance of staying off the dreaded Bogey Train!!

Jamie Glazier is a qualified peak performance and mental conditioning coach specializing in the fields of sport and poker. His client list includes Joe Hachem, Adam Bland, Steve Jones, Michael Curtain, Steve Dartnall, Clint Rice, Stacey Keating and others. He is also the founder of Dare2Dream, which is dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams. Visit: www.dare2dream.com.au

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March 2011

56 insidebiomechanics.....................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Muscular loading ScottBeaumont In last month’s issue we wrote about the physics and physiology behind generating optimal power and efficient movement in the golf swing. This month we’ll focus on physiology of the muscles and the laws of physics. When we amateurs watch a professional golfer’s swing, we often marvel at how effortless the motion seems and how far the ball travels. Regardless of the size and shape of the professional golfer or his/her personal style, the swing we see — and the ball flight — is something all amateurs endlessly strive to achieve. What most of us don’t realise is that one of the primary reasons the golf professional is so proficient is that his/her body works in complete coordination, optimizing the physiology of the muscles and the laws of physics. Underneath all the variances we see from swing to swing, each professional optimizes his/her kinetic link. How power is generated in the golf swing is a combination of two things: 1) Conservation of momentum and 2) Muscular loading. Muscular loading refers to the stretch-shorten effect of producing potential energy by pre-stretching (or eccentrically firing) the muscles prior to shortening. This stretch-shorten action creates potential energy which is then used to enhance the muscular contraction. During the kinetic link, this action plays two import roles: the first is to provide more energy

to the muscular contraction that will accelerate body segments, and the second is to act to decelerate the heavier adjacent body segment in the Kinetic Link; thus facilitating “momentum transfer” at the lighter body segment next in the chain (for more on this, see last month’s issue, available online at insidegolf.com.au). In order to effectively utilize both of these benefits, muscular loading or stretch-shorten must occur as a function of the bigger/heavier body segment accelerating while the lighter adjacent segment momentarily lags. The stretch occurs as a function of the resulting separation. Once the muscles begin to shorten the potential energy created in the eccentric stretch is then used to enhance the contraction, which in turn accelerates the lighter segment. AND at the same time this action decelerates the heavier segment facilitating “momentum transfer” to the lighter segment and promoting segmental summation of speed.

Applying this to your golf swing

How this applies in the golf swing is on the downswing: the hips generate anti-clockwise acceleration around the axis of the spine towards impact, creating dynamic loading of the muscles of the upper body. These muscles are stretched, creating energy that is then used to transfer energy to the shoulder segment. The shoulder segment then follows the lead of the hips in an anti-clockwise motion. At this time the hip segment begins to decelerate. This action “passes” energy as the muscles of the upper body contract

Professional like Steve Elkington make their swings look effortless by generating anti-clockwise acceleration of the hips (red) around the axis of the spine, thus creating dynamic loading of the muscles of the upper body (blue) to accelerate the shoulder segment. The result is the creation of power and rotational speed of the shoulders which is twice that of the hips. The same applies for the upper body and arms; the muscles in the arms and lats are stretched, creating energy that is then used to transfer energy to the arms. The arms begin to follow the lead of the upper body anti-clockwise. At

this time the upper body begins to decelerate. This action “passes” energy as the muscles of lats and arms contract to accelerate the arms into impact. The result is creation of power and speed of the arms. Finally, the club is “released” by the acceleration-deceleration action of the arms creating maximum rotational and linear club head speed at impact.

Scott Beaumont is from ZenoLink. ZenoLink is a diagnostic tool that used 3D motion analysis for coaches to be able to measure their athlete’s biomechanical breakdowns in their golf swing. ZenoLink allows coaches to test students on the golf course, on the fairway or even indoors with no wires or sensors required. By measuring hip speed, arm speed, shoulder speed, club release speed and club linear speed, ZenoLink creates separate analyses of kinetic linking, stability, muscular loading and club dynamics; helping a coach or instructor identify functional movement discrepancies that rob the player of power, and to design a personalized Progressive Skills Training program that addresses problem areas. For more information — or to ask Scott a question about biomechanics — email Scott at scott@zenolink.com

March 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au...................................................................................................................................................................

insidearchitecture 57

China – the new frontier RossPerrett Given the global downturn in the development of new golf courses, China is now the focus of golf course architects from Europe, The United States and Australia. Whilst the China market is very buoyant relative to other countries, the number of courses being built each year is small compared to the boom times of recent decades— where in the USA alone some 6000 courses were built over a 15 year period. That’s an average of at least one new course opening every day. Even though China has a population upwards of 1.3 billion, it can only boast about 500 completed courses with a similar number being planned or currently under construction. Australian golf architects are playing a leading role in the development of golf in China with Thomson Perrett, Greg Norman, Tony Cashmore, Shearer Davey, Ted Parslow and Pacific Coast Design all busy with new projects. Leading international companies/architects including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones II, Gary Player, Nick Faldo, Golf Plan and IMG are also active and ensure that the competition for projects is hot and the standards are constantly improving. China has demonstrated its brilliance in many fields of endeavour for centuries, but is always looking to improve and is embracing the world’s best practice and setting new benchmarks. Inevitably China will soon have golf courses that equal anything on the planet. As clients, the Chinese have become more informed and demanding over the past 20 years in parallel with the growth in their economy as a result of their increased mobility and exposure to the world’s best courses. The growth in the middle class has created a demand for golf as a lifestyle activity for the Chinese people. In contrast the early courses were built to cater for Japanese, Taiwan and Korean business interests who helped establish China as the ‘factory’ of the world. Whereas the early courses were created to attract and entertain the early foreign investors, China now has a rapidly growing domestic demand for golf. Golf Tourism is also a burgeoning industry and is further fueling this demand and increasing the awareness of China’s golfing facilities worldwide. Mission Hills in Shenzhen is currently the world’s largest golfing facility with 12 golf courses. Despite China’s huge population, land is plentiful due the high density of their cities

The beautiful Thomson-Perrett-designed Tianjin Fortune Lakes links course in Tianjin, Northern China and the compactness and intensity of their farming activities. China offers a diversity of landform and vegetation which will ensure that their golf courses will demonstrate a rich variety of character ranging from coastal links to mountain courses. The Central Government is yet to officially embrace golf, even despite golf ’s recent elevation to an official Olympic sport. Feeding its population is the top priority on their hierarchy of needs. Consequently building courses on arable land is prohibited. Therefore available golf course sites are restricted but can include reclaimed land from sea or lakes, unproductive mountainous sites, restored tips, landfills and abandoned fish farms. This all adds to the creative challenge of making something out of nothing which can be a most satisfying architectural experience. Working ‘cross culture’ is another enjoyable aspect of traveling around the globe designing golf courses. China is an ancient civilization with a depth of history and culture second to

none. Despite modern China’s rapid embrace of western habits, old habits die hard and will always be part of the China’s psyche. For example, last month over half the population made a pilgrimage home to be with family to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The logistics of successfully moving 670 million people across China over a two week period highlights China’s irrepressible organizational skills and work ethic. The brilliance of the opening ceremony and cutting-edge design of the buildings at the 2008 Beijing Olympics was very symbolic for the country and demonstrated to the world a confidence regained after a century of struggle. China is destined to be the world’s largest economy by 2030 and along with India, Brazil and Indonesia will be a major player in a new world order. To be a bit player and an observer in this historical evolution of the world’s most populous country is fascinating, challenging and rewarding. Creating a locally-bred champion is the next step in the evolution of golf in China. Whilst

local hero Johnny Wei has made it to The US Masters at Augusta, China is yet to produce an international champion. Neighbours Korea, Taiwan and Japan are producing world-class golfers and it is only a matter of time before China follows suit. The prospect of participation in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro may be enough to inspire the emerging generation of golfers to greatness. This process will be fast-tracked if participation rates increase and international teaching facilities are established. Another challenge is to address the image that golf is an elitist game only played by the rich. It would be a great fill up for the industry if some public access golf facilities could be built which would increase accessibility and provide pathways for beginners to develop their game. China’s leaders need to acknowledge the popularity of golf and recognize that there are many positive economic, social and environmental outcomes that golf can offer. Golf in China will continue to prosper and will become a must-do destination for all golfers.

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March 2011

58 clubs......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

A perfect blend of lifestyle and location Lying adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and centrally located just 40 minutes from the Melbourne CBD and the picturesque coastline of the Mornington Peninsula, Settlers Run offers a perfect blend of lifestyle and location. The state-of-theart clubhouse, first-class dining facilities and attentive staff will ensure all guests are entertained in style. This master planned residential community has been designed to maintain the area’s natural ambience, with two thirds dedicated to green open spaces. The centre piece of the development is the Greg Norman–designed championship golf course and $10 million Golf & Country Club. The Greg Norman design has taken the best elements of Melbourne’s renowned sandbelt courses and incorporated them into a dramatic, natural golf setting. The design takes advantage of the undulating landscape and natural wetlands to create a layout that fits seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The bunkering is a key feature of the design, with Norman taking inspiration from Alister MacKenzie’s work at famed Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath. The fairways have been designed to provide generous landing areas to accommodate golfers of all levels. Couch grasses have been used on the tees and fairways, with the greens using a hybrid bent grass to provide a putting surface that will be among the finest in Australia. Numerous vantage points around the course provide spectacular views back to the Melbourne skyline as well as the distant Dandenong Ranges, reinforcing

Settlers Run’s key attributes of providing a totally “natural” golfing experience so close to the city. Settlers Run uses the agronomic expertise of Troon Golf to ensure members and their guests play a course presented at tournament standard seven days a week. Settlers Run offers members and guests a range of world-class facilities including a stateof-the-art clubhouse with a gym, tennis courts, swimming pool, golf shop, bar/bistro and Vue restaurant. The course itself was rated number 40 in the latest Australian top-50 golf course ranking

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conducted by Golf Australia magazine. Settlers Run is a members golf course offering a limited number of external golfers the opportunity to join residents as members of this exclusive golf club. Being a member means much more than just playing the championship golf course in weekly competitions and honourboard events. Members will also enjoy a range of additional benefits such as discounts in the golf shop, Settlers Bar and Bistro, unrestricted access to the health club and access to Troon Golf ’s worldwide Troon Advantage Program.

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External Golf Memberships are currently available which include individual 7-day, individual 5-day, family, junior & corporate membership. For more information please contact their Membership & Corporate Sales manager, Chris Pym on 03 9785 6072 or email membership@settlersrungcc.com.au To read Inside Golf ’s review of Settlers Run, visit www.insidegolf.com.au, and click on “Course Reviews”

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clubs 59

Service key to pro shop success

Mates rates at Virginia GC VIRGINIA Golf Club in Brisbane’s northern suburbs has a lot going for it. In fact, it always has been a bit of a favourite among golfers and even attracted the likes of Greg Norman and Wayne Grady. That’s where the two major winners started their golf before going on to showcase their talent to the world. Professionals Shane Tait, David Podlich, Andrew Buckle and Gavin Flint all played their golf at the club, which is located just 10km from the CBD and eight minutes by car from the Brisbane Airport. That’s why they call Virginia Golf Club the Course of Champions, but the good thing about it is you don’t have to be a champion to play there. Last month when the big wet hit Brisbane and flooded a number of its golf courses, Virginia was one of the first to open its golf course to members of the affected clubs. “We are offering mates rates for members of flood affected clubs,” said the club’s general

manager David Bell. “We let them play socially for $10 (normally $37) and play in our open competitions for $11.” Now Virginia has opened its membership in a number of categories at a substantially reduced rate. “The joining fee is half price ($300) and new members will receive a golf polo shirt and cap from the pro shop,” Bell said. “Our members are well catered for with up to five competitions every week. “We have a really active membership group who take great pride in the club and are very supportive of the club.” Bell said social players were always welcome to play the Course of Champions and enjoy the clubhouse facilities. “We are very proud of our championship golf course and we reckon our greens are the best around. “For a par-71 to be rated 73 it is obviously very challenging.”

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And that’s why every second Tuesday of the month the club issues a challenge to travelling golfers with a Golf Australia handicap to play in the Aussie Clayfield Blue Marker Challenge. Anyone who can break their handicap wins a nice prize. Bell said the par-3s were a feature of the golf course, especially the 12th hole which runs parallel with the clubhouse and is a bit of a sleeper hole. In recent years, Virginia has become a popular venue for corporate and trade days. The club has also become a sought-after wedding venue and offers an affordable choice for reception needs. So, if you are looking to join a friendly club, play a social round with your mates, have a night out, organise a corporate day or wedding then Virginia Golf Club can accommodate you. Oh, and if you are a reader of Inside Golf you’ll receive a 10 per cent discount off your green fees. For more information, call the golf club on (07) 3267 6333.

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THE Virginia Golf Club pro shop team knows that quality service equals repeat business and that’s why they go out of their way to satisfy customers. “We always strive to go that extra step and that’s why we have gained an excellent reputation within golfing circles for our customer service,” said club pro Shayn Barnham. “Not only do we make sure that our products and services are competitively priced, we pride ourselves in helping all of our customers improve their golf – whether it is through custom-fitted equipment, technique instruction or simply professional advice on what product best suits their game. “Our equipment fitting program is second to none and the golfing instruction packages we offer are of the highest quality. Head teaching pro and coach to the Queensland ladies team Tony Meyer is one of the best teachers around. He is also one of Golf Australia’s national coaches. Meyer works with golfers of all abilities and also hosts a successful junior program, ladies clinics and beginner clinics. Brett Maxwell is the club’s club-fitting professional. His product knowledge and golf instruction abilities are well-known within the golf industry. Brett is an award-winning club-fitter for TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Cleveland/Srixon, Ping and many other equipment brands. His skills are in demand at Virginia as well as other Queensland and interstate clubs. Barnham said the online golf shop, which is attached to the pro shop, meant that golfers Australia-wide could access genuine equipment at great prices. “We check our prices daily to what is being offered on-line both here and overseas to ensure we are always competitive. “We are one of the few online golf stores in Australia authorised and recommended by the major equipment brands to sell their products, ensuring all purchases are covered by full manufacturers’ warranty.” For more information, call the pro shop on (07) 3267 7057.

March 2011

60 presidentscuptracker....................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Teeing off with

MattPresidents Kamienski Cup executive director

GregDowling Golf fans will be beside themselves when the Presidents Cup returns to Royal Melbourne in mid-November. Spectators can look forward to watching major championship winners taking on each other head-to-head over 18 holes on the Composite Course – ranked in the world’s Top 10. The Presidents Cup is a match play event pitting the 12 best USA golf professionals against an international team (the rest of the world, bar Europe). Stars of Team USA are likely to be Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker and many other greats of the modern game. Australians Geoff Ogilvy, Jason Day, Adam Scott and Robert Allenby are all probable members of the International Team along with a bunch of South Africans headed by super stars Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. Plans are already well advanced to stage this international golf extravaganza, with the man in the hot seat being Presidents Cup executive director Mike Kamienski. The affable 35-year-old moved from his base at US PGA Tour headquarters in Florida well over a year ago with his wife and two young children in tow to co-ordinate this fantastic international sporting event.

And the countdown is now on in earnest with daily tickets and season passes (ticket for all six days of the Presidents Cup) going on sale in early April. Prices will be pegged at different price points in order to suit the needs and budgets of all local spectators and visitors from overseas. Channel 9 and Fox Sports plan to screen 29 hours of live coverage, while global telecaster NBC and the Golf Channel (USA) will also show all the action. PGA Tour Entertainment is in charge of the world feed that goes into more than 200 countries and in excess of 600 million homes. “This is fantastic promotion for the Melbourne sandbelt,” said Matt, a graduate from Miami University with a degree in Sports Management. “One of the main reasons why we’re here (in Australia) and one of the main reasons why the Victorian Government supports this event so well is to promote Victoria and the sandbelt region as a golf destination. “A lot of people don’t look at it that way, but it competes right up there with Ireland and England and the UK.” Honorary chairperson of the 2011 Presidents Cup is Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Ms Gillard fills the shoes of ex-PM John Howard who had the job in 1998 when Peter Thomson captained the International Team to its one and only victory.

Matt Kamienski (executive director) and Robyn Cooper (tournament services manager) of the Presidents Cup There is also growing expectation that Barack Obama, a keen golfer with a smooth left-handed swing, may travel to Australia for the first time to witness this unique head-to-head contest. The US President is tipped to headline a starstudded turnout of senior government, business and sporting leaders.

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“He’ll be invited as will ex-presidents George Bush Jr and senior,” Matt said. “He (Obama) is a big golf fan and he loves to play at his home in Hawaii, so we’ll wait and see.” Imagine: Tiger, US vice-captain Michael “Air” Jordan and President Obama! Now that is a dream 3-ball.

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Devlin the accidental champion DavidNewbery NOT many people made legendary Australian Norman von Nida eat his words, but Australian champion Bruce Devlin did. In the late 1950s, von Nida was asked his opinion of Devlin, who was an up-and-coming amateur. Never one to mince his words, The Von said he didn’t think Devlin would become a good golfer. Unperturbed, Devlin changed his grip, shortened his backswing and went on win the NSW Amateur, Australian Amateur and tied for individual honours in the Eisenhower Cup. The Von was impressed and publically apologised for his error of judgment. Of course, Devlin was touched by von Nida’s sincerity and they became very good friends. In 1960, Devlin won the Australian Open (as an amateur) and defeated his friend von Nida in an amateur versus professional match in Sydney. Devlin, who turned professional in 1961, almost got into golf by accident. Born at Armidale in New South Wales in 1937, Devlin grew up in Goulburn where he was a prominent hockey player. But fate intervened in 1951. His father Artie, who was an avid golfer, was involved in a car accident and he lost an arm. Thinking he’d never play golf again he gave his golf clubs to 13-year-old Bruce. Now young Bruce had caddied for his father a few times, but he had no intentions of playing golf. However, he didn’t want to offend his father so he started playing golf with the aim of luring Artie on to the fairways again. His theory worked and Artie was soon back playing the game he loved. He developed a phenomenal short game and reduced his handicap to 14, much better than he could manage with two arms. In the years that followed father and son would travel around Australia to all the big amateur events. It wasn’t easy for caddie Artie, who had to juggle the bag, flagstick and umbrella (when it rained), but he was determined to give his son a proper golf education. Devlin worked hard on his game because he knew it would help his father’s recovery. When he left school he became an apprentice plumber in his father’s business and later became a master plumber.

Bruce Devlin was an apprentice plumber and promising hockey player until a twist of fate turned his focus to golf. (Photo courtesy of Golf Australia) In 1961, Devlin joined the play-for-pay ranks and at the time must have wondered what he had got himself into. For the first couple of years he struggled to make ends meet and in mid-1963 he was stranded in America with his wife and two small children. So he sold two blocks of land he owned in Goulburn and managed to win enough money in the next tournament to get him to the next event. Eventually, he had enough money to return to Australia. En route to Australia he stopped off in New Zealand and won three events – the NZ Open, the Caltex and Wills tournaments and at the end of 1963 he won four out of seven events in Australia.

With 1964 his first full-time year on the US Tour, Devlin won the St Petersburg Open and went on to finish 16th on the money list. He should have won his second Australian Open title in ’64, but his approach shot to the final hole rolled back off the green and let Jack Nicklaus in for a playoff. Nicklaus didn’t need a second invitation and shot a 67 to Devlin’s 70 in the 18-hole playoff. The next year Devlin finished sixth on the money list and he won twice in 1966. At the time he was considered to be the third best non-American player ever on the US PGA Tour behind Gary Player and another Aussie, Bruce Crampton. At one point in 1965 he had played 36

consecutive tournaments and never missed a cut. Then in 1967 he took his father on a twomonth tour of America staying in some of the best resorts. He won the Dunlop championship in Australia in 1968 and ’69 and captured the prestigious Australian PGA Championship in ’69 and ’70. In 1970, he won more than $100,000 and finished 11th on the money and was eighth in 1972. It was around that time his name started to fade from tournament leaderboards mainly because of other interests including his golf course design business. Mind you, breaking his favourite driver didn’t help. Legend has it he tried 100 different drivers, including four specially made for him by Ben Hogan, as he searched for its equal. Devlin was a good putter and in 1980 he was rated as the eighth best putter on the US PGA Tour. But that didn’t stop him collecting putters and at one time had a more than 70. By the end of 1981, Devlin had competed 20 seasons in the US, had six top-16 money list finishes, had made the top-60 nine times and had been in the top-100 every season except two. Devlin would have to go down as one of the best players not to have won a major, though he came close on numerous occasions. In the 1964 US Masters he finished fourth and in 1968 he was again fourth after taking an eight on the 11th hole in the third round and still managed a 69. He finished three behind Bob Goalby. In 1972 he finished fifth, while his best in the US Open was a sixth place in 1965. Between 1964 and 1968, Devlin, who was a fine iron player, finished inside the top-10 at the Open Championship with his best a tie for fourth in 1966. A year earlier he had finished in a tie for sixth at the US PGA Championship. Devlin played the US Seniors Tour winning one tournament, the 1995 FHP Health Care Classic. He retired from the Senior PGA Tour in 1998 to concentrate on his golf course architecture and design business. Devlin has designed and built more than 150 golf courses around the world including Australia, Japan, the US, Scotland and the Bahamas. He also worked as a television commentator for NBC and ESPN in the US.

Coaching Quick Tips I believe the majority of poor shots are caused by the club head approaching the ball from outside the target line. This causes a pulled shot or slice. Apart from poor alignment and a lack of rotation, this swing fault is often caused by a poor right arm position at the top of the back swing. As the shoulders rotate on the back swing and the wrists hinge, the right arm should fold so it feels relaxed, and is as close to vertical as possible and underneath the club. As the right hip rotates toward the target on the downswing the right elbow moves towards the right hip causing the club to approach the ball from inside the target line with increased club head speed. With good fundamentals the club face will be square, resulting in a longer straighter shot. Go and see your local

Joanne Bannerm

On Course Professional Cumberland Country Golf Club, NSW

Professional and find out what is missing in your golf swing!

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Take my wife ... please LarryCanning About once a year I am overcome with the need to be taken seriously. Whilst that feeling doesn’t last long — usually about two or three beers — it is completely overpowering. As you have probably guessed, I’m having one of those moods this minute. I figured I would jot something down that might just make sense before I get to beer number 4, at which time the sensation will quickly pass. So, let's examine what it's like being a golf pro. Surely that has some element of sombreness to it … not to be confused with soberness. There are a few different types of golf professional: Tour Player, Club Professional, Coach, Retailer, Plumber's-labourer, Plasterer, Toilet Cleaner, Writer, Radio Host, and Punter. Because I haven’t made enough cash at the first nine on the list, my punting career has never really eventuated, but plenty of my golf pro mates have become quite proficient at losing money. Let's start with Tour Player. I was really looking forward to becoming this type of pro because I figured it was exciting, thrilling and sexy with the added bonus of it being the perfect fit for my mathematic/academic achievements. The only calculations we need are how many shots it takes on a par-4 before we are supposed to start swearing. What I didn’t see coming were the sacrifices you had to make to make it exciting, thrilling and sexy. I once watched Billy Dunk practice for hours...then I went straight to the bar and told my mates all about it. I was a Club Professional for a while … mainly because in 1988 I lost: 1) all my exemptions on the tour, 2) my management group, 3) most of my fringe and 4) my wife and I lost our battle with contraception. It did offer me a little stability at a time when I was unstable (come a long way, haven’t I?) The down side was being told I didn’t know what I was doing by people who didn’t know what I did. I also must have stumbled onto some kind of parallel universe that I would vanish into each

day because my members would tell me I was never at the shop and my wife would tell me I was never home for the kids. I must have been Doctor Bloody Who! I couldn’t wait to high tail it out of golf pro retail before absolutely everything was put on eBay, including my house. It didn’t take me long to realise that being a

Golf Pro/Plumber's-Labourer was not going to be fruitful either. I broke the world record for doing the most damage on a first day. One plunge with that long heavy metal thing and I had belted a mains pipe which spurted straight into the face of the owner who had foolishly come out of his house to see if I knew what I was doing. Golf Pro Writer: I really appreciate the licence

given to me by the owner of Inside Golf to write so freely about myself. I think this filled a massive void in the Australian golf publishing market. (Editor's note: some voids were never meant to be filled). Coaching was actually quite rewarding, particularly when I was teaching exuberant kids with copious amounts of talent. It was when I had exuberant adults with barely enough coordination to remove a wood cover that I struggled. I once had a pupil at Bowral Golf Club who shanked his first ball straight over the fence and into someone's house. He looked at me for some kind of advice and I suggested we both go to the bar and lie low for a while (my shout). I also paid for the taxi home for both of us. I probably learnt the most about how to blame your tools when my golf pro career took me to Plastering. Poor old Stanley might have been the creator of the most copied blade since the Ping Anser but there’s no way any of his knives were truly straight. There are a series of houses on the NSW Central Coast that stand as testament to this. Well, I hope they are still standing. Toilet cleaner was more or less like being a club professional. You had to deal with everyone else’s ... ahem ... well, you get the drift. Finally … Golf Pro Radio Host. I’m using that term a little loosely as, despite my Mum's belief that I’m now a famous radio personality, recent surveys have proven that more Australians listen to Alan Jones, Ray Hadley and Steve Price than Larry Canning. I must say, at first I found it difficult to speak clearly and informatively while I was squeezing the cheeks of my bum together to prevent a “live on air” accident. But I have since learned how to relax … everything. (Editor's note: It's no wonder you're doing so well, Larry, you've got a great face for radio.) Well, I feel my next beer is nigh and that means I’ll probably get silly again. Thanks for listening and I promise to use this moment of clarity to never let this happen again. (Larry Canning's radio show, "The Back Nine", can be heard on 2GB every Sunday morning from 5am-6am, (MTR 1337 in Melbourne), or via online podcast at www.2gb.com)

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Australian Social Golf Club Championships continues growth Social Golf Australia (SGA) has announced more additions to the Australian Social Golf Club Championships (ASGCC) to continue the tournaments’ growth as one of the most exciting and enjoyable events for Australian amateur golfers. Played on the Gold Coast from August 21-24, the event attracts golfers from around the country who enjoy their golf and the experience of playing in a professional tournament atmosphere. The event, which is supported by Golf Australia as an official National Championship, was founded by Palm Meadows in 2005 and is now in its seventh year. All golfers are welcome to play in the event, however only players with current official handicaps can compete for the great prizes and titles on offer. Matthew Pitt from Social Golf Australia says their goal is to deliver the best possible value and experience for those playing in the tournament. “The golfers at our event are generally people who relish the great challenge and tests that golf provides as well as having a laugh and enjoying the company of friends and fellow competitors on the golf course. Our event is really as simple as that: great golf and great fun.” “Our golfers want to enjoy a holiday on the Gold Coast with their mates and partners and combine that with playing in a tournament on super golf courses and meeting new people from golf clubs around Australia. At the same time, they want to compete in an event that is their own national championship and in a format that gives everybody entered an equal chance to take home the title. Our job is to supply our golfers with a fun event that also has the credibility of an official national championship.” said Pitt.

Australian Social Golf Club Championships golfers celebrate at the 2010 event “Each year we look for ways we can improve the event to add value and interest for our golfers. I have always laughed at the marketing double-speak of Same great taste, great new flavour, but that is exactly what we are trying to do. Retain the core elements of what has made the ASGCC a success for seven years and add refinements each year to improve the event.” Since its inception, the ASGCC has been sponsored by the Radisson Resort Gold Coast and offered event participants the opportunity to access discount rates on accommodation and meals for the duration of the tournament. In 2010, the event introduced a fun four-ball ambrose event on the first day and over $300 of discount green fee vouchers for use at partner

courses on the Gold Coast before and after the event. In 2011, the tournament will start and finish at the foundation course, Palm Meadows, with the middle rounds played at the superb Lakelands Golf Club and Robina Woods. There will also be an increase in the prize pool in 2011 to over $12,000 of prizes, trophies and giveaways with Drummond Golf joining as a sponsor and partner. Drummond Golf will supply in-store vouchers as prizes that can be redeemed in any Drummond Golf store around Australia. According to Pitt, the sponsorship adds great value for golfers at the event. “We have been delighted with the strong support from the Radisson as a foundation

SNAPSHOTS

sponsor of the ASGCC. Wilson Staff and Heathcote Winery came on board in 2009 and with Drummond Golf joining as a sponsor this year, we know we have a very strong event model and we are confident our golfers will have another great year with us on the Gold Coast in August.” Entry forms will be available in Drummond Stores around Australia from April. For more information and a PDF version of the entry forms, go to the Social Golf Australia website at www.socialgolfcc.com.au and follow the link to the ASGCC website or contact SGA directly on (03) 5433 3213. Inside Golf is proud to support the ASGCC and we will provide event coverage and results in 2011.

In a brilliant marketing stunt last month, Callaway Golf sparked a mini media frenzy when they hand-delivered new ‘His and Hers’ RAZR Hawk Drivers to the ‘on-again-off-again’ couple Shane Warne and Liz Hurley. Here we see “Jonno” from Callaway surrounded by photographers as he makes the special delivery.

Rubbing shoulders with the greats

FROM THE FAIRWAYS

Fun stories from our readers

For the birds...

Life presents us with many great mysteries, most of which can be solved by a satisfying game of golf with a couple of companions skilled at solving life’s major problems. My mystery was a $200 cheque and a book of stamps that went missing from my wallet. Theft was impossible as the wallet is always with me. Nor could the two items have slipped out. Searches of home and car proved fruitless. The mystery plagued me until the recollection of a game of golf at my Port Kembla Club three days after I’d put the cheque in my wallet. I always put my wallet in the top of the buggy’s seat, together with spare balls and tees, beneath the padded cover which is held shut by a Velcro latch. Now, due to temporary course alterations, you approach the 11th hole at the green first, so you leave your buggy there, select the appropriate club and walk the 140 metres to the tee. As we prepared to hit, my companions and I saw several crows descend from an overhanging tree and settle on our buggies. Our abusive shouts were arrogantly ignored and it made me wonder if the birds chose that tree to gather in, knowing that it was in safe and easy striking range of abandoned buggies. When we returned to our equipment, I found my seat top flung back and my wallet lying open on the ground nearby. It was only later that I surmised what had happened. The birds

the19thhole 65

had opened the seat knowing what was usually hidden away there, found my wallet obscuring their treasure and pitched it onto the ground. Then, for some reason, they must have pecked out several of the wallet’s contents (in this case the cheque and stamps) and carried them off. Was it bird vengeance for my blocking their way to the balls? None were missing – we must have returned in time to thwart the daylight robbery. Mystery solved. I never got the stolen articles back but the final laugh was on the crows: the cheque was crossed and non-negotiable. Allan Mackay, Gerringong.

The Evel Knievel of golf

Have you ever noticed how, when you look back down a fairway, you often cannot see the bunkers? I sadly know this too well. I work at a golf course in Perth, and I have been dubbed Evel Knievel by my workmates for the following incident. While performing a course patrol on a quadbike fitted with a cage, I was riding back up the first hole, looking at the wide open grass ahead of me. I wasn’t having a great day, so my attention was probably not as tuned in as it should be. About half way up the fairway, the ground in front of me fell away to reveal a sand bunker — one that I have been in many times but with a golf club, not a quad bike. I collided with the ground, slamming head first into the cage so quickly I didn’t realize I had hit it. The bike then rolled 4 times end over

A “quiet” legend of Australian Golf, Brian Twite is one of the longest-serving teaching professionals in the country. At 84 years of age — 50 of those as the professional at Metropolitan Golf Club — Brian has taught over 130,000 lessons (50,000 students) over his 65-year career in golf. In Rubbing Shoulders with the Greats, Brian offers a selection of short, practical tips and golfing tales that we found engaging and unique. In truth, we couldn’t put it down. And with testimonials by Greg Norman, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer, it certainly has earned the seal of approval from the golf industry.

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www.briansgolfbook.com end across the fairway before landing gracefully on its wheels. Somehow during its acrobatic feat, the door to the cage opened and I came tumbling out onto the ground. The best part is my injuries. The cut on my head wasn’t too bad, just requiring 4 stitches. It was the 15cm gash through my right buttock that hurt the most, more because of the dent in my ego. It required 18 stitches. The bike came off the best of all, with only the steering a little out of alignment and a bent bar on the front. I don’t think I’ll be driving the opposite way up a fairway anytime soon. Steven Davies, WA

Your Say Got an amusing story from a round of golf? We’d love to hear it! Send us an email us at ed@insidegolf.com.au or comment via our website/Facebook page.

The quick nine quiz by David Newbery 1.

In which film did James Bond play golf? (Bonus point if you can name the brand of ball James played.)

Which Australian golfer had his first professional victory at the West Lake Classic in 1976?

Who suggested the following treatment for a back injury: “Maybe a few pints of Murphy’s might do it some good” – Ernie Els, Greg Norman, Wayne Grady or David Boon?

Which club in the bag had the name the Play-club?

In which year was golf dropped from the Olympic Games?

Who is the golfer featured in the film Follow the Sun?

What nationality is Ian Woosnam?

Was the first non-British winner of the British Open an American, Frenchman, Italian or Canadian?

On which golf course would you find the hole called Road Side – St Andrews, Shinnecock Hills, Royal Troon or Augusta National?

Answers at the bottom of the page

ANSWERS: (1). Goldfinger; The ball was a Penfold Heart (2). Ernie Els; (3). Arnaud Massy (France 1901); (4). Shinnecock Hills; (5). Greg Norman; (6). Driver; (7). 1908; (8). Ben Hogan; (9) Welsh.

March 2011

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Let us organise your golf packages including airport & course transfers. Individual/groups & non playing partners catered for.

Welcomed visitors both locally and from all around the world have commented not only on the quality of the course but also the friendly professional staff and the fantastic facilities the club has to offer. The Club is open every day except Christmas day and has many events lined up for the remaining year. Hope to see you soon in the beautiful Blue Mountains

Club House: 4787 8406 • Pro Shop: 4787 5643 • Email info@blackheathgolf.com.au • Visit: www.blackheathgolf.com.au

Holiday accommodation in the Upper Blue Mountains

GOLF ONLY PACKAGE Sheraton Mirage Sea Temple Links Mossman Golf Club $260 pp $280pp Inc fees Inctransfers, transfer fees and and motorized carts.

1300 26 20 55

0438 581 269

www.portdouglasgolftours.com.au

Specializing in golf and accommodation packages in far north Queensland. No group to small or large.

K STOW N G OL F C LU B Tocumwal BA onNthe Murray River “Memberships now open”

Kanimbla Motor Inn +++,

NO JOINING FEE

GREAT GOLF PACKAGES From $85.00 limited time only!!!

per person per night New Sunday/Public holiday

Play at Tocumwal, Cobram-Barooga, Finley memberships only $1,140 great value. This Excellent packageCompetition includes: fees ONLY $5 - Double (twin) share

Blackheath

Phone (02) 9773 0628 accommodation & cooked breakfast. Enquiries: info@bankstowngolf.com.au

- 18 holes of golf (at the course of your choice).

- $20 Dinner Voucher for use at a local restaurant. - Non-golng partners catered for. - Weekend rates starting from $95 p.p

GIFTS PRIZES ON p.n LINE STO

golf accessories…. - Special arrangements for...enjoy groups. a little indulgence - Ask us to tailor a package to suit you!.

Visit us at: www.kanimblamotorinn.com.au For reservations or more information call Michael & Judy O’Keefe

Visit us ... Co-ordinate, colour, style, range

Phone: (03) 5874 2755 Fax: (03) 5874 2662 41-47 Dean Street (Newell Hwy) Tocumwal, NSW www.highteeladies.com.au

Whether your looking for a quiet weekend away or an action packed week with family or friends Blue Mountains Escapes are here to help ﬁnd you the perfect place to stay. Visit our website to see over 40 properties available, prices and styles to accommodate everyone’s budgets and needs.

For more information go to

www.golfaccom.com.au

All Enquiries/Quotes Welcome

info@golfaccom.com.au

enquiries 02 4787 8231 • www.bluemountainsescapes.com.au

BLUE MOUNTAINS Leongatha GolfMID-WEEK Club GOLFING GETAWAY ARABANOO B & B $165 forJewel 1 night The of (mid-week) South Gippsland

Win a or a free gdaozen balls e on our 12per Month introductory practice chmipp Price couple includes: and bunke ing membership r area! • 4 , Accommodation • Gourmet cooked breakfasts * $330 for 2 nights (mid-week)

$250

• Golf at Wentworth Falls

Phone (03) 3314 or visit Re-live that5664 great shot by our log fire leongathagolf.com.au Call Louise & Owen Dally on (02) 4757 2325 or Visit: www.bluemts.com.au/arabanoo *Conditions apply

Port Stephens Getaways $70 Lemon ay per d Tree Passage 16 Golf courses! Motel Golf &

OLF SPEoC EAT G Fr mIALS R G p 0 Accommodation…from only $87.0 /p p/n

✓ Play any day & with any number of people!

✓ Play Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others.

OM FR In Beautiful Port Stephens

✓ Golf and accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts. ✓ Established in 1996

Play Horizons, Paciﬁc Dunes, Nelson Bay, Kooindah Waters (Wyong), Hawks Nest, Tanilba Bay, The Vintage Port Stephens Golfing Holidays 13 Sandpiper Ave, Salamander Bay, NSW 2317 Phone/Fax: (02) 4982 0477 Email: fosterpj@bigpond.net.au www.psgh.com.au

Offers you this excellent package! Which includes: - Twin share accommodation & cooked breakfast at Lemon Tree Passage Motel 3½ +.

www.clubcaregolf.com.au Phone: 1300 882 183

‘Protecting the traditions of Australian golf’

- 18 holes of golf at the course of your choice.

Ask about our Murray River golf packages STAY

& PLAY

- $20.00pp voucher for dinner each evening at a local restaurant.

luxury stays

- Non-golﬁng partners catered for!

(W’end rates for above package start at $98.00 p/p p/n)

Special arrangements

& prices for groups PLAn Your own goLf geTAwAY PLAY AT BYron BAY, oceAn ShoreS ForBALLinA reservations orcLuBS more information contact Bob or Judy Willis on (02) 4982 3300 And goLf

Email: lemontreepassagemotel@idl.net.au or Visit www.lemontreemotel.bizland.com 47 Meredith Avenue, Lemon Tree Passage, NSW www.pavilion2atbrokenhead.com.au 0417 710 285

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

March 2011

68 demodates. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au View Demo Days on our website: www.insidegolf.com.au/demo-days-australia/ Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Location New South Wales Pennant Hills Golf Club* Castle Hill Country Club The Ridge Driving Range Avondale Golf Club* Narrabeen Driving Range The Lakes Golf Club* Dural Driving Range (Drum N/Mead) Dural Driving Range (Drum N/Mead) Georges River Golf Club Kurri-Kurri Golf Club* Shortland Waters Golf Club* Muswellbrook Golf Club* Tamworth Golf Club* Hudson Park Driving Range Concord Golf Club* Bonnie Doon Golf Club* Mereweather Golf Club* Bateau Bay Driving Range Lithgow Golf Club* Bathurst Driving Range* Mudgee Golf Club* Dubbo Golf Club* Duntry League Golf Club* Cabrammatta Golf Club* Ashlar Golf Club* Olympic Park Driving Range Terrey Hills Country Club* Dural Driving Range (Drum N/Mead) Cumberland Country Club* Queensland Victoria Park Driving Range Redland Bay GC Surfers Pardise GC Royal Queensland GC** Mc Leod GC Burleigh GC Gold Coast CC Driving Range RACV Royal Pines Resort* Parkwood International GC Indooroopilly GC** Palm Meadows Driving Range The Grand CC** HOG @ Lakelands GC Victoria Kooringal Golf Club* Yarra Yarra Golf Club* Eastwood Golf Club* Kew Golf Club* Green Acres Golf Club* Metropolitan Golf Club* Woodlands Golf Club* Huntingdale Golf Club* HOG Ringwood* Spring Valley Golf Club* Sandringham Golf Range Heritage Golf & Country Club* Cobram Barooga Golf Club* South Australia Tea Tree Gully Golf Club Adelaide Shores Golf Park Naracoorte Golf Club* Mc Cracken Golf Club* Clare Golf Club* Tanunda Golf Club* Grange Golf Club* Royal Adelaide Golf Club* Mt Osmond Golf Club* Glenelg golf Club* Western Australia Wannaroo Golf Course Lake Karrinyup Country Club Pinjarra Country Club Hartfield Country Club Royal Perth Golf Club Royal Fremantle Golf Course Secret Harbour Golf Course Hillview Golf Course

Callaway RAZr power hours

Day

Date

Time

Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday

March 01 March 02 March 02 March 03 March 03 March 04 March 05 March 06 March 07 March 08 March 09 March 10 March 11 March 14 March 15 March 16 March 17 March 18 March 21 March 22 March 23 March 24 March 25 March 28 March 29 March 29 March 30 March 30 March 31

10am - 3pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 8am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 4pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 3pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 3pm 1 - 5pm 2 - 7pm 11am - 4pm 11am - 3pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 6pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 5 - 8pm 2 - 6pm

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wednesday Friday Saturday Wednesday

March 01 March 02 March 03 March 04 March 05 March 16 March 17 March 18 March 19 March 23 March 25 March 26 March 30

4:30 - 7:30pm 3:30 - 5:30pm 2 - 6pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 4:30 - 7:30pm 9am - 4pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 1pm

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday

March 01 March 02 March 03 March 04 March 08 March 09 March 10 March 12 March 15 March 16 March 16 March 30 March 31

1 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 1:30 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 6pm 9am - 3pm 5 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

Thursday Thursday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

March 03 March 10 March 19 March 20 March 22 March 22 March 23 March 24 March 25 March 26

10am - 2pm 8am - 11am 9:30am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 8:30am - 11:45pm 1:45 - 5pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 4pm 9am - 1:30pm 8:30am - 4pm

Wednesday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Saturday Friday Saturday

March 02 March 05 March 09 March 10 March 16 March 19 March 25 March 26

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 9.30am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 10.30am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 4pm 10am - 2pm

Location New South Wales Hudson Park Golf Range The Australian Golf Club Gold Creek Country Club Charlestown Golf Club Terry Hills Driving Range Elanora Golf Club Dural Driving Range Dural Driving Range Avondale Golf Club Coffs Harbour Golf Range Taree Golf Club Narrabeen Driving Range House of Golf Ballina Morisset Golf Club Coffs Harbour Golf Range Liverpool Golf Club Ashlar Golf Club Dubbo Golf Club Twin Creeks Country Club Moore Park Driving Range Camden Lakeside Country Club Blackheath Golf Club Bathurst Golf Club Cowra Golf Club Wentworth Golf Club Orange Royal Sydney Golf Club Asquith Golf Club Long Reef Colf Club Port Kembla Golf Club Griffith Golf Club Wollongong Golf Club Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex Surfers paradise golf club Peregian Springs Golf Course House of Golf - Hervey Bay House of Golf - Hervey Bay Horton Park Golf Club Grafton Golf Club Decption Bay Driving Range Bargara Golf Club Yeppoon Golf Club Capricorn Country Club Gold Coast Country Club Gold Coast Burleigh Brookwater Golf Club (DG Underwood) Golf World Kawana Palm Meadows Golf Course Nambour Golf Club Ipswich Golf Club Grand Golf Club** Victoria Metropolitan Golf Club Melbourne Golf Academy Flinders Golf Club Keysborough Golf Club Albert Park Driving Range Ulverstone Golf Club Seabrook Golf Club Launceston Golf Club Tasmania Golf Club Launceston Golf Club Sandringham Driving Range Morack Driving Range Kingston Heath Golf Club Ranfurlie Golf Course Barwon Heads Golf Club Yarra Bend Driving Range Victoria Golf Club Torquay golf Club Growling Frog Golf Course South Australia The Grange Golf Club Drummond Driving Range Adelaide Shores Golf Course Mount Osmond Golf Course Glenelg Golf Course Tasmania Ulverstone Golf Club Launceston Golf Club North West Bay Golf Club* Tasmania Golf Club House of Golf Hobart Launceston Golf Club

www.callawaygolf.com

Day

Date

Time

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Monday Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday

March 01 March 02 March 03 March 03 March 03 March 04 March 05 March 06 March 07 March 07 March 10 March 10 March 10 March 11 March 13 March 14 March 15 March 16 March 16 March 17 March 18 March 22 March 22 March 23 March 23 March 24 March 25 March 30 March 31 March 31 March 31

4:30 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 12:30 - 6:30pm 2 - 5pm 5 - 7pm 1 - 4pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 12pm 1 - 4:30pm 12 - 4pm 4:30 - 7pm 2 - 6pm 2 - 5pm 10am - 1pm 12:30 - 6:30pm 8am - 11:30am 8am - 12pm 8:30am - 12pm 4:30pm - 7:30pm 8am - 12pm 9:30am - 12:30pm 2 - 7pm 9am - 12pm 3 - 6pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 8:30am - 12:30pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 2:30 - 6pm

Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Thursday Saturday Monday Thursday Friday Friday Friday Saturday

March 01 March 03 March 04 March 05 March 06 March 09 March 09 March 10 March 11 March 12 March 13 March 17 March 19 March 21 March 24 March 25 March 25 March 25 March 26

5 - 7pm 2 - 6pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 4pm 9am - 12pm 10am - 12pm 12 - 3pm 5:30 - 7:30pm 2 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 8am - 12pm 4:30 - 6:30pm 10am - 1pm 8:30am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 2 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 12 - 2pm 10am - 1pm

Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Thursday Saturday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday

March 02 March 02 March 03 March 04 March 10 March 12 March 12 March 13 March 15 March 16 March 16 March 17 March 18 March 19 March 23 March 24 March 24 March 25 March 26

10am - 2pm 4pm - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 2pm - 7pm 9am - 1pm 3pm - 6pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 5pm - 7:30pm 4pm - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4pm - 7pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday

March 09 March 09 March 10 March 10 March 11

9am - 2pm 3pm - 7pm 9am - 2pm 4pm - 7pm 9am - 2pm

Saturday Sunday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday

March 12 March 13 March 15 March 15 March 15 March 16

9am - 1pm 11am - 3pm 4pm - 7pm 9am - 1pm 3pm - 7pm 10am - 2pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. â&#x20AC;Ą Callaway fitting day. Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending.

IS THIS PRODUCT 20 YEARS AHEAD OF ITS TIME? With nothing but the touch of your hand, the new ‘Touch’ by PowaKaddy knows how you want to move before you do. See it and judge for yourself at your local Pro Shop or Specialty Golf Retailer

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Hamilton Island Golf Club

When we told Peter Thomson, five-time British Open winner, that we’d like a rather special course here on Hamilton Island, he smiled and said “I’ll design you a course that’s as dramatic and breathtaking as the outlook it enjoys”. And he succeeded. From the challenging fairways to a clubhouse with 5-star cuisine, the golf here is already legendary. But that’s just the tee off. Next come the local beaches and waterways, offering some of the world’s best sailing, diving, fishing and kayaking. And then there’s the huge range of hotels including the award-winning qualia resort as well as a choice of fine dining restaurants – along with some exclusive real estate that’s really worth owning. With just a short 2 or 3 hour direct flight from most mainland Australian cities, arriving here is easy. Call us now on 137 333 or visit hamiltonisland.com.au

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