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April 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au.........................................................................................................................................................................................

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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, Anne Rollo, Jamie Glazier, Brent German, Matt Cleary, Anthony Powter, Peter Croker, Scott Beaumont, Lee Harrington, Stephen Pitt, Richard Jumurovski, Charles Kares, David Fletcher, Brian Thorbun, Warren Sevil 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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Three Aces – in ONE DAY! RichardFellner

March 19th will be forever remembered as an historic day at Melbourne’s Eastwood Golf Club. On that fateful Saturday last month, an amazing event occured – one that has never happened before: three people scored an Ace on the same hole, on the same day. Two of those people were even in the same group! It all happened on the 137metre par-3 14th hole. Dragan Milosevic was the first to achieve the feat, playing in the morning group. Marking a triumphant “1” on the card, Dragan was, needless to say, extremely confident he had sewn up the “Nearest the Pin” prize for the day. But two afternoon players, Lance Robinson and Lindsay Howard, quickly dashed Dragan’s hopes, as they each scored aces of their own on the hole, achieving every golfer’s dream and giving the club an unprecedented three aces in one day. What’s even more unique is that Lance and Lindsay were playing in the same foursome, and were scoring each other’s card. “It was quite unique to see two 1’s on the cards,” Lance told Inside Golf. “We have never heard of this happening before. It has created quite a bit of fun and excitement around the club.” Fittingly, all three players shared in the ball prize for nearest the pin. The club also awarded each player a hole-in-one trophy, a special tie, a couple of golf balls and free drinks for the members.

Lance Robinson, one of three golfers to score an ace on the same hole at Eastwood Golf Club on March 19

The odds of making a hole-in-one vary greatly, depending on the source and the calculation method. According to various articles and Hole-in-One Insurance agencies in the US, for an amateur to score an ace on a standard 150yard hole, the probability is anywhere from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 45,000 (this number is significantly lower for professional golfers). But two players from the same foursome acing the same hole is something along the magnitude of 17 million to 1, according to www.nationalholeinoneregistry.com. Despite our research, we cannot find an estimate of the odds of three aces on the same hole, on the same day, with two players in the same foursome. (Can someone get us an abacus?)

onthecover

15 36 44 56 68

HANDICAPPING Golf Australia and The USGA hear your handicap woes DEMO DAYS How to properly evaluate new golf gear COVER: THE MASTERS The history, the course and the Aussie hopefuls INSTRUCTION Recognising and stopping a reverse pivot BE THE BALL How watching Caddyshack can actually help your game!

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C O N F E R E N C E S • E V E N T S • W E DDI N G S • C OR P OR AT E & G R O U P G OL F • T E N N I S

April 2011

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 Letter of the month sponsored by Getting more people to play golf I first started playing golf with my father when I was about 12 years old. As he was a busy businessman, our games were sporadic. As a junior, I was also excluded from the club comps. Now, as a senior golfer, I reflect on my past golfing experiences and offer these ideas to help get more people to play golf: 1. Clubs could do a lot more to encourage young players and encourage them into the game to learn the rules, the mental discipline etc. I believe this has a lifelong effect and helps the young to become good citizens. Perhaps clubs could run a comp for juniors and/or include them in the open comps. 2. Clubs could do much about their fee structure to encourage casual & junior golfers to belong to a nurturing group. 3. The golfing community should be more proactive with schools. Have golf made a school sport in more schools.

4. The concept of males & females being treated as people from separate planets is an archaic notion. 5. I do not agree with any relaxation of protocol. It is this very protocol that forms ladies and gentlemen. Ask yourself, would you tolerate a bunch of players yahooing their way around the course in thongs, etc? After all these years, I have finally found a club which, at least, satisfies most of my needs & some of the above. Ross R. Melrose, Barnwell Park Golf Club Via email

ay? Then tell us! Write to us via email at il a letter to: The Editor, Inside Golf, ic 3131. Tell an interesting story or Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via and you could WIN aor mail a letter to: The email at ed@insidegolf.com.au Inside Golf, PO Box 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131. aluedEditor, Tellat an RRP$230! interesting story or something funny about golf and you could WIN a Smoothy Compact buggy valued at RRP$230!

Fairway Rage

We have all either experienced or heard of some form of road rage but a recent round of golf (stroke) at my local course proved to be more of a test than normal. Walking onto No. 5 green I heard a shout of “Fore” over on No 3 fairway behind me. Next, a loud whack and a sharp pain on my left shoulderblade. The guy who had hooked one over the group on No 4 tee on the full came rushing over to apologize profusely. No rage yet – I even sunk the par putt despite teary vision. Things went quiet for the next nine holes, then on 15 I had a teddy bear’s picnic or two in the trees, and got to the dogleg corner for 4, sliced an 8-iron into the lateral water hazard, dropped a ball and repeated the shot - on the green for 7 where the rest of my group were waiting. Replacing the club in the bag I heard the loud thud of a ball land behind me very close. I rushed to the safety of the green with a big

Handicap Solution

Over the past few months it has become apparent that most club golfers have become disenchanted with the results of the new handicapping system. The problems of most concern seem to relate to the longer markers coming in with outrageous scores. It would appear that in general, the lower handicappers haven’t changed as much as the higher handicappers. It’s been noted that many original 15-20 markers have drifted out significantly – some to 25-30. They only have to play to their old handicap and have a score that the lower handicappers cannot hope to achieve. Possible solutions: A Grade: Continue the best 10 of 20 system B Grade: Best 7 cards in last 20

head of steam building, not quite at rage strength yet, but enough to turn a one putt opportunity into three. As we moved to No. 16 tee, one of the following group approached with what I assumed would be an apology. Not so, instead I received a tirade about the evils of slow play. Now a full-on wave of redhot rage kicked in. Fortunately my group were able to drag me off before verbal abuse became physical. Seems to me that if warning shots across the bow are to be used to speed up play, then bicycle helmets and fluorescent flak jackets will soon be considered normal golfing attire. P.S. To my total embarrassment I found out later the errant shot came from the No.14 Tee. Yet another hook. Still, I survived and my faith in human nature was restored. Name withheld at writer’s request

C Grade: Best 4 cards in last 20 Also: any round with a score greater than 5 strokes/points than that day’s playing handicap shall be recorded as a maximum of 5 over or equivalent. This will result in a considerable compression of the higher handicap “blowout” and markedly reduce the numbers scoring around 48-50 points in a stableford round. I might add that the main reason for writing this letter was a recent result at Royal Sydney when a 6-handicapper had a 1-under-par round and was soundly beaten into a minor place. His round is far more significant than someone on 30 playing to 22. Rod Thomas

Keep up with us online! Voice from the Deep

While enjoying a holiday in Hervey Bay last August, I had a game of golf at the Hervey Bay Country Club on a very quiet day, with very few players. I played 9 holes before lunch, enjoyed a nice lunch in the Clubhouse and resumed the second nine after lunch. As no other golfers appeared, I proceeded to play on my own. At the 11th hole, this strange event occurred. First let me briefly describe the hole – an attractive par-4 from an elevated tee with a dam on the left side about 100 to 130 metres from a narrow green, with bunkers both sides. A reasonable drive left me with 2 options: lay up before the dam and hit my third over the dam to take advantage of the depth of the green, or take a longer second shot past the

dam, which would leave me a difficult wedge shot to a narrow green between bunkers front and back. I chose the former option and played just short of the dam. When I reached my ball and was about to choose the appropriate iron, a voice from “nowhere” said “It’s an 8-iron from here”. To my left—in the dam—was a man’s head protruding from the water. “Goodness,” I remarked, “What on earth are you doing there?” He replied that he regularly retrieved balls for the professional to re-sell. How he was able to remain in that cold water so long, I don’t know, but he certainly deserved the proceeds of his endeavour. As it turned out, he was a good judge, as it was indeed an 8-iron.

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

The history, the course and the DEMO DAYS

How to properly evaluate new golf gear

HANDICAP MOVES

Golf Australia and The USGA hear your handicap woes

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Aussie hopefuls

BE THE BALL

How watching Caddyshack can actually help your game!

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Junior website launched

Stieger tops at Tasmanian Open New South Welshman Matt Stieger scored a wire-to-wire victory with an impressive performance at the Tasmanian Open. The only player to better par on each of the four days, Stieger, originally from the Bellata Golf club near Narrabri, now playing out of the St Michael’s club in Sydney, shot a 13-under par total in winning by a comprehensive seven-shot margin. Starting the day three shots clear of the field, Stieger closed with a 2-under par 70 at the Kingston Beach course in beating of his closest challenger in Long Reef ’s Brett

Drewitt. Daniel Brigoff and Englishman David Coupland tied for third two shots further back. Stieger’s win sees him following in the footsteps of a number of Australia’s best players, with Geoff Ogilvy, Mat Goggin and Brendan Jones, and more recently Nick Flanagan, Rohan Blizzard and Jin Jeong past champions at the Tasmanian Open. The win for Stieger saw him move up to number 42 on the official amateur world rankings and into contention for Australian team selection later in the year.

Experienced PGA duo depart Following on from the retirement of Max Garske from the position of CEO at PGA Australia, comes the departure of long term executives Phil Ayres and Bob Tolliday. With a combined 25 years of service at the PGA, Ayres as Chief Operating Officer and Tolliday as General Manager of Finance, the pair left in early March.

Former Queensland State Executive Officer Gavin Kirkman, currently working at the Royal Pines Resort, will relocate to Melbourne to take up the newly created role of General Manager – Member Services. Garske retired this year after 27 years at the PGA, 23 in the CEO’s position. He has been replaced by Brian Thorburn who took over on March 1.

GOLF Queensland has launched a ‘one-stop shop’ to inform participants of the state’s junior clinics, programs and events. The new Junior Golf Queensland (JGQ) website aims to bring most of Queensland’s junior programs together. Golf Queensland’s participation development manager Adrian Hewat, said an integrated and collaborative approach for junior golf would benefit the industry and provide a stronger relationship. “With the support of districts, clubs, golf coaches and teachers we will be able to assist in participation growth,” he said. “You don’t need to be a single figure player to have fun on the golf course. Our catch phrase is “Everyone’s a champion” and it really does ring true. “The industry needs juniors coming through the ranks. There is no doubt Queensland has

produced some of the country’s best golfers. You just need to look at Jason Day and Katherine Hull. “But golf is a game for life and we are keen to assist in the development of as many young golfers as possible. “The industry has some great programs in place including the newly launched Golf Australia program MYGolf, the PGArun Pump, Greg Norman Golf Foundation and Sunshine Coast Invincibles,” Hewat said. The website is designed to be user-friendly for juniors to assist in their golf development while being fun and interactive. As a member of JGQ, juniors will also receive additional benefits such as golfing tips and equipment updates. For further information visit their website: www.juniorgolfqueensland.org.au

Pair tie for top spot Gold Creek shines at Tura Beach in Canberra week Canberra professional Chris Campbell and rookie professional Brendan Smith shot matching rounds of 64-71 around the par-73 Tura Beach course to share top spot at the rich Bega Cheese Pro-am played at the Tura Beach course on the NSW Sapphire Coast. After struggling for most of his second round Smith rallied, birdying two of his final three holes to finish tied with Campbell on 11-under par. The pair took home the tidy sum of $7,795 each from the prize purse of $55,000 at what was the 20th anniversary of the Bega Cheese Pro-am event. Ashley Hall and Andre Stolz tied for third place on 9-under par totals. The Bega Cheese Pro-Am tradition started in 1992 with a $5,000 event played at Bega RSL Golf Club. From those humble beginnings the event grew into a two-day $30,000 pro-am and from 2003-2006 became the NSW PGA Championship. Many of the past champions were in attendance and others honoured on a special collage of photos presented to the tournament organisers by the NSW/ACT PGA at the conclusion of the event.

The Gold Creek Golf Club course received praise from all concerned following the $10,000 pro-am conducted during the NSW/ ACT PGA’s Canberra stretch. A course which has undergone a major upgrade to couch grass fairways in recent years, Gold Creek presented in outstanding condition on a bright and sunny day during late February. The pro-am was won by lefthander Brad McIntosh with a sizzling 6-under par 66. Other winners during the Canberra week of pro-am’s included Jason King and Peter Welden, who tied at Belconnen with 65’s, Leigh McKechnie shot 67 to take out the Yowani event, while local boy Matt Millar’s 9-under par total for the 36 holes was too good at Murrumbidgee. The following week Josh DeGroot won at Queanbeyan, while Henry Epstein shot a 7-under par 62 to street the field at the Vikings Capital course.

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The True Measure of the Game™

April 2011

News..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Charlie Earp’s fighting mad

The Eagle has landed — online Eagle Ridge Golf Course on the Mornington Peninsula has just made it a whole lot easier to justify a game at any time during the week. If you book online, there are great savings to be had – only $42 for 18 holes midweek and $49 on weekends (compared to $52 and $59 if you book the traditional way). The savings will even continue during their famous Winter Warmer season (May-August) so keep an eye on their website (www.eagleridge.com.au) and Facebook page (eagleridgegolf) for more details. Eagle Ridge has also recently opened an impressive short game practice facility and putting green. Course Superintendent Scott Balloch and his groundstaff team sought to recreate conditions on the course proper with a chipping green, two practice bunkers, an undulating area to hit chip shots and pitch shots from and two practice nets for mid-to-long-iron game practice. The new facilities will add extra functionality to corporate golf events and social club days as well as helping to kick off a new syllabus of private lessons and group clinics. The cart paths to the first tee were prone to clogging before the redesign, which has been alleviated by incorporating cart parking bays adjacent to the putting green (eight

bays for golfers to fine-tune their putting, and six parking bays for golfers wishing to sharpen up their short game). The first tee has also been landscaped and work has been done to expand and improve the tee-off area.

A rainy summer boon for growing grass While the consistent rainfall and periodic humidity of the last summer has been a hindrance for Victorian golfers, it was a boon for growing conditions at Eagle Ridge, which you may recall had changed all their fairways to Santa Ana couch and all green surrounds to Creeping Red fescue turf over the summer of 2007-08. The fairways have matured beautifully — despite some disease issues during the 2010 winter — and have recovered well during the summer. The change in turf and upgrades to their irrigation system has also achieved the projected result of a 40% drop in water being used. The successful completion of the grass project coupled with the new short game practice facility ( and plenty of beautifying works along the way) has resulted in a course that is now playing (and looking) better than ever.

NOW look what you autograph hunters have gone and done. You’ve upset legendary golf coach Charlie Earp. And it’s all because of a story in the newspaper about former rugby league great Wally Lewis, who allegedly refused to sign an autograph for a 74-yearold woman at a shopping centre. Now we find out it was a case of mistaken identity. The woman actually approached a King Wally lookalike, but that’s not the point. Charlie says autograph hunting has become a small business. He doesn’t have a problem with autograph hunters and collectors. His issue is with autograph hunters and sellers. “People get hold of these signatures and go and sell them on eBay,” Charlie protested. “And that’s not fair to the people who sign or the charities. “People like Greg (Norman) and others sign memorabilia to help raise money for charities – not for people to sell it on eBay. “Greg is reluctant to sign autographs because he’s been hoodwinked a few times. “And it’s the same with Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. “So, if people get a knock back it’s because some people are not doing the right thing when they sell signed product for a profit.”

Yep, there’s an app for that The smart phone is not only changing communications, it’s also affecting golf. Club maker Srixon will break new ground in this arena when it releases its new Z Star driver this month. The driver comes with a companion app to help guide you through the many possible driver adjustments. “With the app the player can put in their location for that day and the app will calculate the weather conditions and suggest the best way to set up the club for that day’s play,” Srixon’s Managing Director Martin Wright said. “We’re the first company to do something like this and I think it is definitely the sort of thing we’ll see more of in the future.”

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St Andrews Old Course changes ballot Anyone who has been lucky enough to play the Old Course at St Andrews knows how tough it is to get a tee time, as you’re usually at the mercy of the 24-hour ballot, which made it difficult to plan your golf trip. Starting next year, St Andrews Links Trust will change the ballot to a 48-hour system, which will benefit golfers by letting them know further in advance when and if they will be able to play the Old Course. The 48-hour ballot will be drawn for the first time on Saturday 7th January 2012 for play on Monday 9th January 2012. The ballot will take place every day of the week with the exception of Friday as there is no play on the Old Course on Sundays. For more information about the Old Course Ballot, visit www.standrews.org.uk.

Drive for Show... AND Dough? Rory McIlroy sparked controversy last month when he said that the short game is overrated. “I don’t care what anyone says about the short game being the most important, it’s not. The long game puts you in position to have putts to win tournaments,” he said. Surprisingly, golf legend Jack Nicklaus echoed McIlroy’s sentiments. “I agree with Rory. I told Rory that I never practised my short game because I felt like if I can hit 15 greens a round and hit a couple of parfives in two and if I can make all my putts inside 10 feet, who cares where I chip it?” What do you think? Do you believe in the traditional “drive for show, putt for dough”, or is it outdated? Share your opinion and email us at ed@insidegolf.com.au.

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Murray Bridge celebrates centenary

Play with Australia’s elite in SA

Kids play free at Wembley!

All eyes will be on South Australia’s Murray Bridge Golf Club this month, as the club celebrates its centenary year. All past members of the Murray Bridge Golf Club are invited to attend the milestone Centenary Celebration being held Friday-Sunday, April 8-10. The Format: Friday will be an afternoon Ambrose competition followed by evening meals, member draws, and general catching up with past members. On Saturday, there will be AM & PM Men’s & Ladies Stableford Golf, followed by the ‘Official Presentation Night’, webber roast dinner, launching of centenary booklet, member presentations, etc. Finally, Sunday will include a Champagne breakfast & 9-hole Pinehurst competition. Saturday dinner bookings are essential and anyone seeking further information or dinner reservations can contact M.B.G.C. on (08) 8531 1388.

Golf South Australia are offering companies a unique opportunity to entertain clients, playing alongside Australia’s elite Amateur golfers in an 18-hole Corporate Event to be held at Glenelg Golf Club on Wednesday 27 April. The event will be played the day prior to South Australia’s leading Amateur Golf Championships; the combined Golf SA Men’s Amateur Classic and Women’s Rene Erichsen Salver. Both the Classic and Rene Erichsen are national amateur ranking events with a strong interstate contingent of players again expected to make the trip south for this year’s event. For more information, visit their website: http://golfsa.com.au

We tip our caps to WA’s Wembley Golf Course for this inspired idea! Last month, Wembley GC started a “kids play free afternoon” promotion. The promotion, which is planned to continue as a regular event on the last Sunday of each month, lets kids play for free when they are with a paying adult (who only pays a nominal sum of $10). Each adult can take up to three kids. Special tee markers will be set up down the fairways, and there will be junior clinics before the events, live music following the events, and a friendly and fun environment throughout!

Charity day raises $8k Over 100 players teed it up in the recent St Andrews Beach Charity Golf Day. Played in perfect conditions, the day was a great success, generating over $8000 for the Flood Relief appeal split between the Red Cross in Victoria and the Premier’s Flood relief in Queensland. Devil Bend’s Ian Stanton and Ian Purchase made it a 1-2 finish for their club, finishing with 42 points and 40 points (respectively). They were followed by John Hay (The National), Clive Thorn (Metropolitan) and Andrew Ramsey (Barwon Heads) who all finished on 39.

Giles fast out of the blocks

Former World Amateur champ Matt Giles was fast out of the gate at his 2011 Nationwide Tour debut when he shot an opening day 66 to sit in second place at the Bogota Open in Columbia. Giles, who turned professional in 2010 after playing US college golf at the University of Southern California, failed to back up after his stellar opening, with a second day 75 seeing him slip down the leaderboard and into a tie for 40th. With inclement weather intervening, Giles didn’t have an opportunity to recover as the tournament was reduced to 36-holes, with South African Brendan Pappas declared the winner. The long-hitting Won Joon Lee was the best placed Australian, the former Concord GC member finishing tied for third.

Fast Rick still holds the record

IN golf, they say a good game is a fast game. One man who has never had an issue with getting around the golf course in quick time is Oxley Golf Club’s teaching professional Rick Baker. In the early 1980s, Baker set a world record for the fastest round of golf when he sprinted around the golf course in 25 minutes and 48 seconds. In fact, he did it three times and his record still stands. “The first time was at Metropolitan Golf Club during the Victorian Open and then I did it at Tweed Heads and again at Surfers Paradise,” Baker recalled. What Baker fired off the stick is irrelevant, but for the record he shot less than 100 on each occasion.

This was hit-and-run golf and there was no time to dwell on any mis-hit shots. “The golf course had to be a minimum of 6000 yards, not including the tees and greens distances,” he said. “I was a bit of a marathon runner then and was training for the Gold Coast marathon. “With the training I was doing, I could do a good time. “I could do under two hours and 30 minutes, but I got a shin splint a week before the marathon and never got the chance to compete. “But that was a long time ago.” These days, Baker moves in the slightly slower lane. “I do a little bit of jogging, but nowhere near what I used to do.”

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April 2011

10 news..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au Stieger and Dewhurst crowned Amateur Champions New South Welshman Matt Stieger clinched his first Srixon Australian Amateur Championship with a 1up victory over New Zealand’s Ben Campbell at Victoria Golf Club. The match was a thrilling affair and Stieger took the advantage with a birdie on the 17th hole. It was Campbell’s second consecutive Srixon Australian Amateur final. “I’m definitely on a high,” Stieger said. “Dad was crying when I spoke to him on the phone – he was ecstatic.” “Golf is a funny game. One day you can go out and shoot six under, the next day six over. You can never get too far ahead of yourself, you’ve got to do more practice to keep getting better and that’s where my mindset is,” the St Michael’s Golf Club member said. In winning the championship, Stieger earns exemptions into the 2011 Australian Open and 2011 British Amateur Championship. Meanwhile, Tasmanian Ashlee Dewhurst won her first Srixon Australian Amateur Championship on the 38th hole in a pulsating match with WA’s Minjee Lee. Dewhurst, who was 1up going down the 18th, three putted to lose the hole and sent the match to extra holes. She birdied the 37th and then had a par on the 38th to complete the victory. “I made a fair few clutch putts out there and I felt sorry for Minjee when I sometimes didn’t hit it that well but made the putts,” Dewhurst said. Dewhurst gains an exemption into the 2012 Women’s Australian Open with her victory.

Holman captures Riversdale Cup

Victoria’s Nathan Holman won the 116th Riversdale Cup in Melbourne last month when he clinched a third-hole play-off of the international championship event. Holman went into the play-off at 8-under with New South Wales’ Matthew Steiger. The two had battled for the top of the leaderboard throughout the tournament, with Holman setting the pace on day one with an equal course record 62. He recaptured the lead on the third day and took his first national title on the 21st hole with a birdie. The third generation Woodlands Golf Club member had a topsy-turvy day, three putting four greens to come home at one under the card for a total of 280. “I got my nerves under control after the first

shot of the play-offs and then it was down to putting,” said Holman. “It was a pretty tough day with the swirling wind. I struck my putts well despite the four three-putts, but I am very pleased to have won my first national event.” In third position was Brett Drewitt, NSW (281), followed by New Zealanders Ryan Fox and Ben Campbell on 284. Victoria’s Todd Sinnott took out sixth position in the championship with 285. The International teams event was won by New Zealand’s Ben Campbell and Ryan Fox with 568, followed by NSW’s Matthew Stieger and Luke Humphries in a tie with England’s David Coupland and Ben Loughrey on 577.

Queensland boys step up to plate THE Queensland boys’ team retained the PJ Davies Plate following a hard-fought 3-3 draw against a team of PGA trainee professionals at the Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club. Playing in wet conditions, Queensland boys’ sensation and No.1 player Cameron Smith led the charge when he edged out trainee Kris O’Sullivan 2&1. Lucas Harris and Wade Stockill accounted for trainees Mark Shaw and Matt Kiernan 5&3 and 4&3 respectively. For the trainees, Matt Stone defeated Sam Daley 2&1, Joshua Adamson beat Alex Wall 3&1 and Steve Sandilands won his match against Jordan McCarthy 3&2. The Queensland boys retain the Plate courtesy of a 5-1 win last year. This year’s Queensland boys’ team, the youngest in recent years, is preparing for this month’s trip to Cabramatta, NSW for the Australian Junior Boys’ Interstate Series. The Queenslanders will be trying to win their first interstate series since 2006.

Golf jobs in WA Looking for a job in the golf industry? Why not check out the Golf Tourism WA web site. The group have just added a new page to their site for WA clubs to promote their positions vacant and also for individuals to post their CV for those looking to employ interested people. For more information contact info@golftourismwa.com or visit www.golftourismwa.com

news 11

Horton Park going, going … DavidNewbery SELLING a golf club can be a complicated business – just ask the board of directors at Horton Park Golf Club. The Queensland Sunshine Coast golf club’s board had its work cut out trying to convince the majority of its members that selling the golf course to the council for $39m was in their best interests. But when it was put to a vote late last year the members voted against the sale. Then the council threatened to resume the golf course and the club’s members were asked to reconsider and this time approximately 70 per cent of the members voted in favour of the sale. The club’s board intended using $28m to purchase Twin Waters Golf Club and use part of the balance to upgrade the clubhouse and car park. With that made clear, the members voted against the purchase of Twin Waters. “We needed 66.7 per cent of the members’ support, but we got 66.2 per cent,” the golf club’s director of relocation Tony Nicholson said. “A concerned group of members have petitioned the club, which they are entitled to do, to have another meeting to vote on that motion in the hope of getting it up.” It appears a minority group of members are in favour of purchasing land and building a new golf course. But that could take up to five years, according to Nicholson.

“It will take six months to identify one of five or six available sites and then we need to get members’ approval,” he said. “Then there’s 18 months of planning processes to go through and a two- or three-year building program. “We are saying it’s in the three- to five-year range and probably at the back end of that. “And with a strong likelihood that we vacated our property on August 31, which is required by the council, our members will have to go to

G EN

LL A CH Y T N DA E ER ERY F DIF EV

other clubs for their golf until such time the new course is built. “Some of them might return to Horton Park, but we are very concerned it won’t be a lot of them.” And to further complicate matters, commentator and part-time golf course designer Ian Baker-Finch entered the argument. Baker-Finch told a local newspaper a new golf course could be designed, built and be playable within two growing seasons.

Nicholson laughed off Baker-Finch’s suggestion. “The council’s own planning advice was it would take 18 months to approve because all the land we are dealing with is associated with creeks, rivers and flood plains and so all the environmentalists, fisheries, wildlife and natural resources departments will want to be involved. “The best advice we can get from people who do planning all the time is about 18 months to two years, but we are getting all these experts who want to build the course telling us we’ll get it through in six months. “We are having a real battle and unfortunately when people with names like Baker-Finch make comments they tend to be believed over mere mortals who are on the board of the golf club. “It is frustrating because I really believe that it’s potentially the beginning of the end of Horton Park Golf Club. “Buying Twin Waters would be the easiest solution. It would be a seamless move from one night to the next. “In fact, we have a two-month period where we own both courses so it would make transition very easy.” Editor’s note: The final verdict will be known following a members’ meeting which, at press time, had been scheduled for March 30 – one day before Horton Park has to inform Twin Waters of their decision. To read about the outcome of the decision, check our website: www.insidegolf.com.au

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12 News..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Summertime blues for clubs DavidNewbery Golf course superintendents in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have been looking skyward a lot lately. They are hoping Mother Nature will soon turn off the tap so they can return golf courses to their original condition following destructive floods and cyclones. Meanwhile, golf club boards and managers continue to count the costs of damage to clubhouses, infrastructure and golf courses. It started in early December when the central Queensland town of Rockhampton was put on high alert and told to prepare for major flooding. In late December, Cyclone Tasha visited north Queensland dumping massive falls of water that moved south and even sent an inland tsunami through the Darling Downs town of Toowoomba and down the Lockyer Valley. Then it was the turn of Ipswich and Brisbane. More than 20 golf courses in these two cities were flooded. NSW and Victorian golf clubs too were in the firing line with record rainfall inundating their states. And sandbelt golf courses have had to endure a rising water table, which has inundated many golf courses. So, what impact has Mother Nature had on golf clubs?

Brisbane’s Indooroopilly Golf Club, a 36-hole facility on the banks of the Brisbane River, was one of the worst-affected when about 80 per cent of the golf course was flooded. Now the club is staring down the barrel of a seven figure clean-up bill. “We are looking at a $1.2 million hole,” said the club’s CEO Dale Durant. “The rectification of the golf course is $1 million and we expect the flood crisis to cost the club $200,000 in lost trade. “We were closed from January 11 and opened 14 holes on January 31. “And then there was the rain in the lead-up to the floods so there wasn’t much golf played in January. “We will probably receive $100,000 in grants and donations and the rest we will have to pay for.” Durant said the club’s members had reacted positively to the club’s call to help with the clean up. “We had working bees for eight days straight and the members have been great,” he said. “We had about 250 individual members come out between one and five times each. “A lot of the members got to spend time with the staff digging with them in the mud, which they wouldn’t ordinarily do. All 36 holes at Indooroopilly golf course are open for play.

Brisbane Golf Club superintendent Ben Cavangh counts the cost of the damage from the floods which engulfed his course. (Images supplied by Australian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association) The Brisbane Golf Club also was hard hit by the floods, according to the club’s general manager Simon Parker. “We were lucky and had nowhere near the damage Indooroopilly suffered because we are not on the river,” he said. “We were closed from January 7 to January 26 when we opened nine holes and the following Wednesday (February 2) we opened 18 holes.” When the floods hit, The Brisbane Golf Club resembled a muddied fruit and vegetable garden as produce from the Rocklea markets washed onto the fairways. “We got melons and pumpkins and all sorts of stuff over here,” Parker said. “And then we had bags of flour and yeast

from the mill on Fairfield Road. “We had a covering of silt across all the fairways and up to an inch thick on some of the greens and tees.” “The club’s members were quick to respond to the call to help clean up the mess. Parker said the floods had cost the club more than $100,000 in lost profit. In Brisbane’s western suburbs, McLeod Country Golf Club’s general manager Michael Richard expects a six-figure clean-up bill. “We estimate the damaged bill at between $400,000 to $500,000,” he said. At nearby Jindalee Golf Club, the nine-hole course was completely submerged and water entered the clubhouse and pro shop.

News 13

“We estimate the damage will cost the club around $300,000,” said club manager Mike Leontjew. “We had one metre of water through the clubhouse and pro shop and the golf course was completely under water,” he said. “The greens are going to have to be renovated, but the course has reopened and the keen golfers are out there again.” Club pro Shayn Hayman said his fleet of golf carts were lost in the flood. 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 said the club faced an estimated 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. Further north, the Bribie Island Golf Club was not hit by the floods, but the golf course went under water when the island’s water table rose dramatically. While many of the flood-affected courses are back in play, Bribie Island only has nine composite holes open for play. “It’s been devastating on trade,” said general manager Lisa Shaw. “It all started in the third week of December where we went from 18 to nine holes only and that was primarily walking. “And from January10, when the majority of rain fell, we were out of action and only reopened some holes on February 9. At Latrobe Golf Club health authorities and Melbourne Water were called in to inspect and oversee a potential health threat following a sewerage spill. The golf club acted quickly to prevent a possible disease outbreak and had its ground staff treated with Hepatitis shots.

Indooroopilly Golf Course The double impact (sewerage spill and flood) closed the golf course for two weeks. “We had nine hours of sewerage flowing over the golf course and then the flood waters broke the banks of the Yarra River and our whole course went under,” general manager Rod Hines said. “We were closed for two weeks because the sewerage sat on the fairways and we lost two and a half hectares of turf. “The second week of the closure we had Melbourne Water come on site and removed all the sewerage out of our lagoons and off the affected areas. “We had to wait for it to dry up so the E coli was no longer a threat. “Then we refilled the lagoons and threw in some good bacteria to get the healthy levels back and we were able to open again.” Haines said the unwelcome event has cost the club in the vicinity of $200,000.

Rossdale Golf Club’s golf course was flooded when the wetlands overflowed. It completely submerged two fairways and partially submerged four other holes. “The two fairways that were submerged were completely destroyed,” general manager Adrian Booth said. “We have still got areas of water that have been there for a month. “It’s going to cost $200,000 to repair the damage and we are down $40,000 to $50,000 in hospitality trade for the month. “The biggest issue we now have, and I think this will be with every golf club in Melbourne, is the water table is so high that if you get rain you end up with water puddles everywhere. “We have gone from parched fairways to water we can’t get rid of.” Victoria’s Werribee Park Golf Club president Wayne Byrne said the golf course, which is located

on the Werribee River, had flooded three times in four months. “We have had several closures – some six days and the most recent 10 days,” he said. “This year it has cost us around $40,000 to $50,000 in lost trade,” he said. When the Yarra River burst its banks in early February, Greenacres Golf Club was in its path. Sixteen of the 18 holes went under water causing major damage to bunkers and greens. The golf course was closed for two weeks. Assistant manager Callum Terrill said it was business as usual after the floods. “The course looks fantastic after a drink, a rest and no traffic,” he said. On the mid-north coast of NSW, Nambucca Island Golf Club was severely affected when two wind storms wreaked havoc. “It took us three days to clear the debris off the fairways,” said GM Dave Mitchell. “Year to date we are down $65,000 in lost revenue, but the previous three years have been diabolical for the club. “We have a rain gauge here which is monitored by Manly Hydraulics Laboratory and in the last three years we have been the wettest part of Australia.” Sawtell Golf Club’s general manager Shane Bennett said 2010 was a “shocking year” for the club. “It was bad because it rained every 2.6 days,” he said. “If it rained half as often we are showing a $100,000 loss for the year instead of $100,000 profit. “There was one Monday we took $2500 and the next Monday (due to the weather) we took $7.80,” Bennett said. “The weather is the difference between success and failure in these (small) businesses.”

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April 2011

14 insidetheindustry............................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Golf Australia

Aussies shine in ALPG bumper season

Chief Executive Officer

StephenPitt

WarrenSevil

It’s been another busy month of work across the country – ending with us celebrating our new Srixon Australian Amateur champions at Victoria Golf Club. March also saw the visit of USGA Senior Director of Handicapping Kevin O’Connor who took part in a number of sessions in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne where a range of club officials engaged in discussion about handicapping and the golf culture in Australia. In many ways this represented a unique opportunity and Golf Australia was pleased to be partnering with the USGA on the study, particularly given the USGA’s enormous investment into handicapping research and development. In addition to the sessions with club golfers, Kevin spoke with social golf clubs during his visit to receive feedback from them and discuss ways of applying handicaps within a social golf club environment. The USGA have been considering the issue of expanding their handicap in the United States beyond the realm of club golfers and doing more to connect with social golfers. We will soon be inviting all Australian golf clubs to comment of a series of specific questions regarding components of a handicap system. We are well aware that this is an issue of considerable interest around the country and will keep readers and the Australian golf industry updated with developments.

Having just completed possibly the most successful season in our organisation’s history, many positives came out of the eight week schedule, showing good signs for the future of Australian Women’s Golf and the stability of our schedule. We made the most of the small window of opportunity and delivered successfully in 2010-11 with a schedule running for the best part of eight weeks including, for the first time, five consecutive “major” tournaments. The highlights from the Aussie performances during the season were: Katherine Hull’s support – and great play – which earned her the Club Car Series Winner title. The ultimate professional, role

model and ambassador, teed it up in pro-ams, NSW Open and Royal Canberra tournaments prior to the major co-sanctioned events, posting two wins and five top tens to secure the winner’s bonus; Amateur Ashley Ona’s surprise win at the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic. Defeating a quality field which included Hull, Campbell, Wright and the top three from Europe in 2010 – Lee-Anne Pace, Laura Davies and Melissa Reid, Ona’s win justified tournament invites to the leading amateurs and showed that Australian golf is producing stars of the future. Nikki Campbell’s runner-up finish to Yani Tseng at the ANZ / RACV Ladies Masters. Tseng was in unbeatable form, jumping to world number one following her Masters victory, but a great performance from the unheralded Campbell who sits nicely as our third highest ranked player (35th at

time of print) on the Rolex World Rankings. Kristie Smith’s breakthrough LET win, snatching the Pegasus New Zealand Women’s Open with great play in difficult conditions. There is no doubt Kristie has the potential to perhaps be Australia’s next big thing. She can go low, oozes confidence and is hungry to get to the top. 2011 could be a very big year for her. In recent week’s we have been delighted to see the “re-emergence” of Karrie Webb on the world stage. Two consecutive wins on the LPGA at the HSBC Champions and RR Donnelly LPGA Founders Cup puts Australia’s greatest ever golfer on top of the LPGA Money List and brimming with confidence leading into the first major at the Nabisco Championship. So all is well with women’s professional golf and we look forward to strong performances from our girls on all Tours in 2011.

former Senior State Executive Officer Gavin Kirkman is returning to the PGA to take on the newly created role of General Manager–Member Services. Gavin joins Anthony Wright, our GM of Commercial and Marketing and Simon Butterly, GM of the Tournament Division as part of our Senior Management team—a team that will lead the PGA into the future. There is plenty happening at the PGA–one of the most exciting was the recent launch of the 20th Anniversary season of the Holden Scramble. Involving nearly 40,000 amateurs each year this is an extraordinary program—one I hope all golfers get the opportunity to experience. On Tour, PGA members have continued to

impress early in 2011, with trophies already in the hands of Mat Goggin and Aaron Baddeley. I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing our tour members well in 2011, particularly as the first Major looms. Let’s hope this is the year for the Aussies. 2011 will be the biggest ever season for Australian golf. In addition to the Presidents Cup and the culmination of the PGA Tour of Australasia, the PGA will soon celebrate an incredible milestone in our Centenary. This will allow us to reflect on our rich 100-year history and look to the future of Australian golf. Much is planned for the Centenary and I look forward to sharing details of the celebrations with Inside Golf readers in the near future.

PGA of Australia BrianThorburn Chief Executive Officer

I would like to say how excited I am to be taking on the role as CEO at this particular time in the PGA’s history. There are enormous opportunities ahead for the PGA and the entire Australian golf industry and I look forward to helping more Australians enjoy the game we all love. One of my first tasks as CEO was to review the PGA’s management hierarchy to ensure that the association was appropriately structured to fulfil its objectives. I’m pleased to announce that

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insidetheindustry 15

Golf Australia, USGA studying handicap issues RichardFellner Last month, Golf Australia and the USGA held a series of focus group sessions dedicated to gathering feedback from club officials on the Australian Handicap System. Held in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, the small-group focus sessions included officials and representatives from social and league clubs, regional and metro clubs and state associations. In attendance was Kevin O’Connor, the USGA’s Senior Director of Handicap, GHIN, Regional Affairs and Information Systems. The focus sessions were part of a collaborative study between Golf Australia and the USGA which looked at changes to the Australian Handicap System, the culture and structure of golf in Australia and the potential effectiveness of various USGA Handicap System components within the Australian environment. But at the heart of the matter – at least for many of the attendees involved —was the new “Best 10 of 20” calculation method, which has become a hotly-debated talking point across the Australian golf industry, leading to an influx of comments, letters and stories in newspapers, websites and online forums (and in magazine editors’ email inboxes!)

The USGA’s Kevin O’Connor (in blue) met with a range of club and state officials across Australia – including these representatives from Golf Queensland – in a series of focus groups surrounding the national handicap system According to Simon Magdulski, Golf Australia’s Manager of Rules & Handicapping, both Golf Australia and the USGA listened intently to feedback from clubs around pressing issues. “There are two separate projects that we are working on at the moment,” Magdulski told Inside Golf. “One is the ‘Best 10 of 20’ as opposed to the old handicap calculation method. There have been some issues flagged to us that are affecting clubs as we speak, and we’d like to address it,” he says. “It’s particularly with large fields where you have scores like 45, 46 or 48

Stableford points winning competitions. When you have scores like that, a low marker just can’t compete. It’s one thing for a 20 or 30-marker to have a score of 45 points, but for a 2-marker, it would be a real day out to score that. So that’s something that we need to address as an immediate issue,” Magdulski says. “The feedback that we’re getting is that people tend to like the concept of ‘Best 10 of 20’. They’re not saying ‘we want to go back to where we were’, but it’s more ‘we like this idea, but you need to make some amendment to make it work better’,” he adds.

The second project, Magdulski explains, deals with less immediate issues, but ones that are equally important. “The more long-term issue is around what we do with things like social cards and four-ball handicapping. Four-ball handicapping is something that people would like to see a system in place for, but they think the current method could be better. So there’s something we’d like to have happen, but we’re not quite sure what it is yet. “ According to Magdulski, the overall response to the recent focus group sessions has been positive.

“Attendees have been saying that ‘it’s great to have been involved’, and that they ‘have a better understanding now of how many different views there are’, and that ‘it isn’t really as simple as making a minor tweak and all of a sudden everything will be perfect’. They understand the complexities, and see how difficult the job is to get the best possible system.” Moving forward, Golf Australia and the USGA will now begin an indepth analysis of the feedback and opinion forms collected from the sessions. From this data, they will form a series of specific questions regarding components of the handicap system, and will then invite all Australian clubs to comment. “At the end of the day, the challenge for the Golf Australia Board is to ensure Australia not only gets the best possible handicap system for the Australian culture, but a system that is broadly viewed as a positive step forward by its golfers and golf clubs,” Magdulski adds.” We intend to ensure we don’t come away from these sessions without having used them to allow each component of our constituency to clearly outline what they want the national handicap system to actually do in practical terms.”

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April 2011

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

Vantage Point setting ‘Sale’

Court bites Shark over unfair dismissal

President of Sale Golf Club Bruce Carter, Mayor of the Wellington Shire Jeff Amos, Deputy Premier of Victoria Hon Peter Ryan and 5 time British Open winner Peter Thomson officially open the Sale Golf club project

Australian golf legend Peter Thomson, the man with the vision to create the best golf course in regional Australia overlooking the spectacular South Sale wetlands, officially commemorated the construction of the Gippsland Links Development project on Friday 4th March. The Deputy Premier of Victoria Hon Peter Ryan and Mayor of the Wellington Shire Jeff Amos were the other guests of honour to partake in the “Turn the Sod” ceremony at the Sale Golf Club. Known as “The Vantage Point” golf residential development, the project has been in planning for 7 years and represents the most significant community and tourism development in the Wellington Shire for decades. The project is expected to be completed over 5 years and will provide 300 residential lots and a conference

resort centre. Thirty eight lots have now been pre-sold with internal construction to commence shortly. The first hole of the new complex, designed by renowned architects Thomson Perrett Pty Ltd is underway with construction by leading constructors Turnpoint Pty Ltd. The renovated Sale Golf Club facilities will become a community focal point, with upgraded lawn bowls, tennis courts and bar and bistro amenities. The new golf course complex will become an international destination course with its spectacular panoramic views over the wetlands to the Great Dividing Range yet will further encourage juniors and beginners with an interesting 6-hole short course. For more information visit their website: www.salegolfclub.com.au

New Osprey resort development set to begin AFTER almost eight years of negotiation with various government bodies and the Lorne Golf Course (Victoria), the development of a major multi-million-dollar golf resort is set to begin, reports www.realestatesource.com.au. The Lorne Country Club redevelopment – now to be known as Osprey – should start construction this year and be completed by early 2013. The ambitious redevelopment will see the existing nine-hole golf course expanded to an 18-hole course, designed by Thomson Perrett. The course

will include a 1760 square meter clubroom, with a new resort to be developed including a 4-star hotel with 68 rooms or 82 keys, extensive conference facilities, restaurants, tennis courts and a residential apartment component. Constellation Hotels will run the hotel under its Chifley banner. The hotel will include an ocean view restaurant, pool, day spa and conferencing facilities for 250 delegates. For more information, visit their website: www.ospreygreatoceanroad.com.au

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A FORMER staff member of Greg Norman’s global multi-million dollar golf course group has successfully challenged the company’s move not to pay her any termination entitlements when it closed its only Australian office last year, reports www.news.com.au. Greg Norman Golf Course Design was recently ordered by a NSW industrial claims court to pay $6730.71 to its former Sydney office administrator Joanne Dwyer. Ms Dwyer told the court she received neither termination pay nor two weeks’ accumulated holiday pay when Norman’s company closed the Sydney office in May last year. Ex-staff members have expressed anger about the way the company handled the closure. Employees other than Ms Dwyer received five weeks’ pay as notice for their termination because of the office closure. Ms Dwyer was not paid even this amount. Norman’s representatives claimed in a statement to the court that “no redundancy payment was offered to Ms Dwyer because she

was not entitled to a minimum redundancy payout due to her limited period of service”. But the Chief Industrial Magistrates Court found the “gross misconduct” claim was not valid. It ruled she was entitled to five weeks’ notice for the termination, plus the two weeks’ annual leave. “I’m relieved it’s over, but the experience was extremely stressful. I’ve been in the workforce for 40 years, and I believe I always behaved extremely professionally,” Ms Dwyer said.

Horizons surviving to play another day BRETT Lawton is so keen to buy Horizons golf resort he is renting the business from administrators until a Supreme Court battle with two Korean banks is settled, reports the Port Stephens Examiner. Mr Lawton officially has began his operating lease indicating he was not leaving - paying $400,000 upfront for 50 motorised buggies the same day. He already owns the Sandy Gallop Golf Club in Ipswich and wants to buy Horizons for just over $3 million, an offer which administrators, PKF Chartered Accountants, are happy with. But two Korean banks are owed more than $12 million by the previous owner, the Le Meilleur group, and have blocked the sale by refusing to release the deeds, prompting legal proceedings by KPF. “I’m fully

confident that is a minor technical issue and it will be settled in court,” Mr Lawton said. Ken Whittingham from KPF said the course would likely have ended up in liquidation were it not for the lease agreement. Mr Lawton said he would immediately start spending $1 million bringing the dilapidated course back to its once-championship condition. “With something like this you inevitably start with the greens and work out,” he said. “This course is a brilliant, top-end product.” Reducing membership fees to $15 per week and hosting a weekly open day in which any golfer with a valid handicap could play 18 holes for $12 are among the pricing mechanisms Mr Lawton hopes will lure players.

Golf homes site becoming a big hit A new website, www.golfinghomes.com.au, which exclusively promotes homes that are for sale on a golf course, has started to become a big hit with developers and home buyers alike. Site Founder, Patsi Brown says “traffic and interest in the site has grown dramatically since we launched last year. We’ve been blown away by the feedback received by users over such a short time. We now have many of the major housing developments now listing their stock, which makes it easy for prospective home buyers to

search for specific areas of interest and find their dream golf home.” The site is very user friendly providing search facilities for properties by State, type, golf course or region leading you in most cases directly to the agents web site listing of the property. Imagine the hassle of trying to find a waterfront home in any of our major cities - an exhaustive search of many agents in many suburbs is the only way to do it. And until now, that was the only way to source golf course real estate.

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April 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au.......................................................................................

industrynews

The Prep College for Tour Golf and ‘wannabees’ TWO of Australia’s leading PGA golf instructors have revealed why the majority of male and female golfers attempting to play on one of the major professional golf tours will continually fail. David Milne and Lawrie Montague are highly regarded and successful golf instructors who have spent many years training elite amateur and professional golfers in Australia with many of their students going on to play and win on one of the men’s and women’s professional golf tours. “It’s a sad fact that too many aspiring tour golfers will fail in their attempts to make it onto one of the professional golf tours through a tour qualifying school, and of the individuals who do make it onto a golf tour, very few will play consistently well enough to climb up the PGA money

list, and we firmly believe that it doesn’t have to be that way.” According to Mr Montague, many young golf instructors are using video and computer graphics programs to analyse and compare their student’s golf swing with those of leading tour golfers. Unknowingly the student focuses too much of their energy trying to swing the golf club perfectly at the expense of developing their short-game skills, particularly in their formative years. “We really want to change this perfect golf swing culture to a low golf score culture. Golf is not like gymnastics or ballet where your result is directly attributed to how perfectly you perform a particular routine. Golf has always been a game of score, and the lowest score still wins golf

tournaments. Milne and Montague believe that this preoccupation with teaching perfect golf swings is leading to a massive rate of failure amongst exceptional male and female golfers attempting to play on one of the PGA tours. The problem this fixation for perfecting golf swings has created is that struggling tour golfers who hit any form of roadblock in their performances on the golf course usually look straight to their golf swing as being the source of the problem. The Pro Tour Golf College is a full-time golf college for tour golfers and those who want to be based at the Joondalup Resort in Perth. Interested golfers can gain access to more information on their programs at www.protourgolfcollege.com

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Walkinshaw increase licensing agreements Golfsmith International, Inc. announced plans to expand its reach into Australia and New Zealand in a new alliance aimed at growing its key proprietary brands that include MacGregor, Lynx and Maggie Lane. The licensing and distribution partnership with Walkinshaw Sports is the first step in a global expansion strategy aimed at forming partnerships around the world to build, manage and market Golfsmith’s proprietary brands. The partnership includes a five-year distribution agreement that will allow Walkinshaw to distribute MacGregor Golf equipment throughout the on-course and off-course specialty retail channels in Australia and New Zealand, and a five-year licensing agreement for Lynx and Maggie Lane. Golfsmith’s new alliance will allow the company to grow its brands, but also to reinvest those licensing revenues back into its core U.S. business where the company focuses its efforts and continues to gain momentum and market share. “We are very excited about this new partnership with Walkinshaw Sports to bring our MacGregor, Lynx and Maggie Lane brands to Australia and New Zealand

golfers,” said Marty Hanaka, Golfsmith’s President and CEO. “In addition to building our brands and our buying power we’re also monetizing these assets to benefit our business here in the United States. The Walkinshaw team has the talent and experience to make this a long and profitable relationship for both companies.” “Walkinshaw is absolutely delighted to partner with the U.S.’s largest specialty golf retailer in Golfsmith. They are a quality organization delivering superior products and services to its trade and consumer customers alike,” said Ivan Krizman, Walkinshaw’s Managing Director. “Together with Golfsmith we are absolutely committed to this agreement by launching a strong assortment of golf

brands and products throughout the Pacific Region.” PGF International PTY Ltd, PGF New Zealand Ltd and Walkinshaw Sports has also recently entered into an exclusive long term licensing partnership which will have Walkinshaw Sports assume all sales, marketing logistics, manufacturing, development and supply for Australia and New Zealand territories as of the 14th February 2011. Walkinshaw Sports, which is part of the larger Walkinshaw Group, is known and recognised for their success in the Australian and New Zealand motor sport industry and various related businesses. The Walkinshaw name has been intrinsically linked with Australian V8 Supercars for more than 20 years and their success remains unmatched in this country. The team has amassed eight V8 Supercar Championships, six Bathurst 1000 victories and has recorded more wins than any other team. The organisation has also been responsible for developing and nurturing such talent as Craig Lowndes, Greg Murphy, Mark Skaife and more recently Garth Tander.

Development plan for Aussie island A new resort development, valued at $950 million has been granted conditional approval by the Queensland state government after more than four years of environmental investigations. According to golfcoursearchitecture. net, The Eaton Place project, planned for Hummock Hill Island, 30km south of the town of Gladstone in central Queensland, proposes to transform the island over a

17-year period into a town of 2,700 houses, and a resort capable of accommodating 3,000 guests. The development is planned to incorporate a new bridge to the island, an airstrip and boat ramps, as well as facilities such as an eighteen hole golf course, shops and a medical centre. The approval, granted by the state’s Coordinator-General, imposes 57 conditions

on the proposed development, designed to protect the environment of the island and its surroundings, which are home to endangered species such as turtles and dugongs. The Coordinator-General’s report now goes to the Australian federal government for approval and also to the local council, with a recommendation for its acceptance.

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

Please congratulate the following GM appointments: Wynnum Golf Club (Qld): Paul Fitzpatrick; Kareela Golf Club (NSW): Tony Treeve; Southport Golf Club (Qld): Steve Lamerton; Marrickville Golf Club (NSW): Brodie Pike; Oatlands Golf Club (NSW): Barnaby Sumner; Alice Springs Golf Club (NT): Brad Clarke Please send all new management

postings to be included in a future issue to ed@insidegolf.com.au

Mike Orloff morloff@golfindustrycentral.com.au

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

April 2011

18 industrynews...............................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Golf industry’s show of support DavidNewbery THE Queensland golf industry’s spirit is alive and well. This was evident when more than 300 industry types rallied to support the 2010 Queensland Golf Industry Awards held at the Sebel and Citigate in Brisbane last month. They came from all corners of the state to honour the various winners and, more importantly, to show their support for an industry severely punished by Mother Nature. I had the pleasure of sitting alongside Mackay Golf Club’s club pro Jeffery Reid, whose business has been affected by the weather, and the Meng Group Tyres and Mechanical City of Mackay ProAm organisers Neil and Michele Dougherty. We were joined by a group from central Queensland – another region hit by Mother Nature’s kitchen sink. Rockhampton’s Pat O’Driscoll, Len Harper and team were there to collect the Queensland PGA Country Tournament of the Year Award for the Pat O’Driscoll Real Estate Tropical Auto Group Capricorn Classic.

Qld industry awards PGA IGI Award PGA IGI Excellence in Golf Education Award: David Rosenthal.

Queensland PGA Awards Qld PGA Teaching Professional of the Year: Tony Meyer. Qld Club Professional of the Year: John Mellish.

The golf industry’s Dominic O’Brien (PGA Qld executive officer), Tom Crothers (Golf Queensland president), Mark Gibson (PGA chairman) and Brian Thorburn (PGA CEO) join forces at the Queensland Golf Industry Awards

Qld PGA Trainee of the Year: Paul Hayden.

Pat told me this year’s fourrounder would be the 10th successive event. And it was uplifting to see City Golf Club well-represented. The group that made the journey from flood-ravaged Toowoomba received plenty of accolades following the successful staging of the Queensland PGA Championship. It was touch and go whether they would get the flood-ravaged course ready in time, but they did it. What a mighty effort. People like the O’Driscolls, Doughertys, City Golf Club, other tournament sponsors and the hardworking club committees and

Qld PGA Norman Von Nida Rookie of the Year: Taylor Cooper.

volunteers are the lifeblood of the golf industry. They are dedicated supporters of golf and deserve to be put in the spotlight from time to time. Without their passion and hard work, we probably wouldn’t see too many tournaments played at golf clubs from northern New South Wales to Papua New Guinea. Master of ceremonies Fred Lang ensured the night ran smoothly and kept the flock amused with his sharp wit. It was a great night and there weren’t too many surprises when the award winners’ names were read out.

Qld PGA Trainee OOM winner: Kris O’Sullivan.

Qld PGA 2009 / 2010 Callaway Golf OOM winner: Samuel Brazel. Qld PGA Senior Player of the Year: Rodger Davis. Qld PGA Resort Tournament of the Year: Hi-Lite Pro-Am. Qld Metropolitan Tournament of the Year: Metropolitan Funeral Invitational Pro-Am. Qld PGA Country Tournament of the Year: Pat O’Driscoll Real Estate/ Tropical Auto Group Golf Classic.

Golf Manager Association of Qld Awards GMAQ Manager of the Year: Ross Bishop. GMAQ Club of the Year: Redland Bay Golf Club.

Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of Qld Awards Superintendents Achievement Award: Brett Thomson. Superintendents Industry Recognition Award: Rob Green. Superintendents Apprentice of the Year: Dane Robertson. Superintendents Environment Award: Troy MacLaren.

Golf Queensland Awards Male amateur golfer of the year: Tim Hart. Female amateur golfer of the year: Ashley Ona. Junior male amateur of the year: Cameron Smith.

Qld PGA Tournament of the Year: Morobe Open.

Junior female amateur of the year: Emily McLennan.

Qld PGA Chairman’s Award: Doug Barton and Mick Power.

Club super volunteer of the year: Broderick Bird (Wondai GC).

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April 2011

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

Calling captains of industry DavidNewbery BUSY business people often find the best way to relax and relieve stress is to play golf with their peers. But everything needs to be laid on, and that’s why Brookwater Golf and Country Club introduced the Captains of Industry Series. Now in its seventh year, the series has become a must-play event for the business community because it gives like-minded people from big and small businesses the opportunity to network in a classy and peaceful environment. In fact, the series has been described as the perfect networking vehicle. The highly-successful series attracts between 80 and 100 players to each qualifying event. Now, you don’t attract those sorts of numbers unless you are doing something right. The series, which is held on a Thursday between April and December, consists of three qualifying events followed by a final. The proposed dates for 2011 are as follows: • Thursday, April 14; • Thursday, June 16; • Thursday, September 15; and • The final on Thursday, December 1.

The top-10 teams (based on the best nett scores) from each qualifying event (plus ties) qualify for the final. In addition, the top-10 nonqualifying scores from all qualifying events (plus ties) based on Order of Merit at the end of the qualifying series also qualify for the final. S o, t here are plenty of opportunities to make the final and from there anything can happen. The tournament, which is open to participants from all industries, is a two-person Ambrose.

The entry fee is $280 per team of two ($240 per team for Troon card holders, $70 per person for Brookwater Golf and Country Club members). The entry fee includes 18 holes of golf with shared electric cart, range balls, post-round cocktail reception and prize presentation. There are plenty of prizes up for grabs. At the final, there’ll be a grand prize draw for a Dubai golf holiday courtesy of major sponsor Emirates and Golfer Escapes.

“World Class Golfing In The Outback”

That includes two business-class flights flying Emirates, 5 days/4 nights’ accommodation for two adults courtesy of Golfer Escapes, 18 holes at The Montgomerie and 18 holes at The Els – both managed by Troon Golf. Everyone who played in the series has the opportunity to win, but they must be present to claim the prize. At each qualifying event there will be a prize draw for a trip to Auckland, New Zealand for two adults including flights and accommodation courtesy of Emirates & Golfer Escapes.

Again you must be present to claim the prize. And there’ll be a pre-golf demo day on the driving range from 9.3011am for those who enjoy keeping up with the latest releases in golf gear. For the past five years, the Troon golf-managed Brookwater Golf and Country Club has been ranked Queensland’s number one golf course by a leading magazine. If you’d like further information, contact Shahaad Suleman on (07) 3814-5500 or email: ssuleman@brookwatergolf.com

Araluen Golf Resort

Kalgoorlie Golf Course

All Seasons Sanctuary Golf Resort

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 4

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April 2011

22 Nationalevents.........................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au 20TH ANNIVERSARY

2011

Holden Scramble launches into 20th year in style The 20th Holden Scramble season got off to a flyer with the season launch event held at one of Australia’s marquee golf clubs, Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Royal Melbourne members and guests were joined by Mike Devereux, Chairman and Managing Director of GM Holden, CEO of the PGA of Australia, Brian Thorburn, PGA Life Member, Peter Thomson AO CBE, as well as some of Victoria’s finest sporting personalities, Brad Hodge, Bryce McGain, Sharelle McMahon and Holden Racing Team’s Garth Tander. They all experienced the fun of the Holden Scramble team format, some for the first time, as they strode the sandbelt fairways soon to be walked by the world’s greatest golfers for the Presidents Cup in November. 68 Royal Melbourne Members competed fiercely, but fun and laughter was the common theme of the day. “We loved it, the weather was beautiful, course immaculate and the day was well run. We had so much fun and can’t wait to enter another event this year”, said Joe Sheehan, a Royal Melbourne Member of 24 years. Mike Devereux said it was a wonderful day and all thanks must go to Booran Holden and Royal Melbourne Golf Club for putting on such a wonderful event.

Cricketers Brad Hodge and Bryce McGain with TV personality Livinia Nixon and Australian golf legend Peter Thomson AO CBE

The winning team from Royal Melbourne Golf Club with Mike Devereux (centre) and New Car Manager at Booran Motors, Anthony McMahon (right)

“It was a great day for everyone involved and another example of a successful relationship between a golf club and their local Holden dealer.” Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia, Brian Thorburn agreed with Devereux. “It’s a credit to the PGA, its members and the local Holden Dealers that an event such as the Holden Scramble

but to get a win was a great surprise”, said Lisbon. The Royal Melbourne Holden Scramble was an appropriate way to get the 20th Anniversary year underway, which is proving to be the biggest year the Holden Scramble has ever seen. Inside Golf were fortunate to take part in the event at Royal Melbourne,

can be so successful over 20 years and with a strong future ahead.” The winning team of Gary Lisbon, Megan Rothwell-Jones, Louis Carstens and Dean Kent played exceptionally well, taking out the competition with a score of 55.75 and said they were thrilled with the event. “We can’t believe it. We just tried to go out there and have some fun,

and we agreed that it was one of the more exciting events in recent memory. If you haven’t played in a Holden Scramble event, you owe it to yourself to get a team together and give it a go. For more info on the Holden Scramble visit www.holdenscramble.com or contact the PGA Events Division on 03 8320 1999.

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2011 Join us on facebook

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Entry open to Aust residents aged 18+ who have participated as an official amateur player in an authorised Holden Scramble Local event in the 2011 season and who hold an Australian driver’s license. Promotion commences 10am AEST 04/04/11 until 5pm AEDT 14/11/11. 4 Monthly Prize Draws 12 noon 6/7, 3/8, 7/9 & 5/10. 91 Minor Prizes to be awarded. Major Prize Draw - 12 noon 16/11/11. Prize Draws - Prime Focus 403/62 Beach St Port Melb 3207. Winners of prizes valued at $250+ advertised in The Australian 27/07, 31/08, 28/09, 17/10 & 7/12/11. *Major Prize - 2011 Series II Holden Cruze CD with manual transmission valued at up to $21,990 RRP. No color choice available. Number plate displayed is representational only. Promoter is Professional Golfters Association of Australia Limited, 600 Thompson Rd, SANDHURST VIC 3977, ABN 46127641829 Authorised under Permit Numbers – NSW LTPS/11/01663, VIC 11/400, SA T11/388 & ACT TP 11/00734.

nationalevents 23

So, who’s your Fantastic Four? 2011

Over the past 20 years, players from all walks of life have searched far and wide to make that perfect Holden Scramble Team. Now we look at some of the strategies teams use to make their Fantastic Four...

The A (grade) team

With the minimum handicap, these sharp shooters can’t rely on handicap strokes to do the work for them. Suggested Handicaps: Scratch, 5, 12 & 15 = 32 (4). Strengths: As they are all good players, this team will be looking to shoot the lights out. They are good under pressure, won’t make a lot of mistakes off the tee and will have at least two approach shots to choose from on every green. Eagling par 5’s is their specialty. Weaknesses: Virtually no handicap and will have do it all on the course. Can’t afford to leave any putts out there and must make every green in regulation to give them the most birdie opportunities.

The Mixed Nuts

These guys have gone for the biggest range of abilities and believe balance is the key to success. Suggested Handicaps: 4,12,16 & 32 = 64 (8) Strengths: They have a good balance of handicap and ability. Usually the high handicapper has a particular strength, like putting or driving, and the rest of the team provide the consistency need to post a good score. They can afford to have a bogey here and there with their handicap.

Weaknesses: Puts a lot of pressure on low marker and team relies on mid range players playing well because of the elimination format. All four players must play well and can’t afford to all have a bad hole. Pressure could unravel this team.

The Odd Couples

This team know the benefits of having one or two ladies or a junior in their team and rate their chances against an all men’s team. Suggested Handicaps: 6, 15, 26 & 45 = 92 (11.5) Strengths: With the ladies in the team, they gain a huge advantage both on the tee and with their handicap. Have a decent handicap and if they can scramble a birdie here and there without a major blemish on the scorecard they are major contenders. If they make enough greens in regulation they can win. Weaknesses: Have potential to all find trouble, and might have to make a lot of up and downs to make par. A lot of pressure on the higher handicappers with the elimination format and will need to have their short game working if they are to be a chance.

The Bushrangers

These guys have one of the highest handicaps and as their name suggest, do find the trees fairly often, but if they are all playing well, look out. Suggested Handicaps: 15, 25, 32 & 36 = 108 (13.5) Strengths: Handicap is their obvious strength,

but high markers are usually capable of good golf, just not every hole. These guys are great scramblers and can make par from anywhere. If they all play their part when required, they can stay out of trouble and go really close. They only need to shoot a couple under to be a chance. Weaknesses: They obviously have the high handicap for a reason and could find themselves

with a double or triple bogey on their scorecard. Approach shots won’t be close, so will have to hole some long putts to post a competitive score. Who’s Your Fantastic Four combination? Find your nearest Holden Scramble Local event and play in an event today. Visit www.holdenscramble.com for a full list of events and further information!

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April 2011

24 events..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Longdrive records shattered

Daniel Lee, the new RWLCA Long Drive record holder with a 376.8m smash The first round of the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Australia has been run and won. Held at the magnificent Gold Creek Country Club in the nation’s capital, the event featured the best grid that competitors have seen in ages, and they “made hay” as a result, shattering some Australian longdrive records in the process. Albury local Daniel “The Destroyer” Lee emerged victorious at the event, smashing the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Australia Long Drive record with a massive 376.8 metres. He edged out the 2010 Senior Tour Champion Simon Abbott, whose longest drive for the day was a whopping 340.9m. The top 6 players in the Open Division all hit qualifying drives over 340m.

Canberra’s Robert Cowdroy shattered the Amateur Record with a 343m bomb

The Amateur Long Drive record for Australia was also crushed on the day, with Canberran Robert Cowdroy managing an impressive 343m, beating the old record of 317.2m. Robert qualified through Drummond Golf Fyshwick in the Amateur division and showed that he was a very worthy winner. Robert is now the proud new owner of the Taylormade R11 driver, kindly donated to the event by Drummond Golf Fyshwick. The next record had everyone talking well before the event, Dave Sawtell, RWLCA’s only wheelchair competitor attempted to beat the Guinness World Record for the longest onehanded drive from a wheelchair. The previous record stood at 113.55m, which Dave did not see

as a challenge, beating it with a measurement of 143.7m. If you find yourself amongst the longest hitters in your club, and wish to test yourself against Australia’s best, find your local venue on www.longdrive.com.au, and give it your best shot. You will be certain to meet some of the best characters in the game of golf. Spectators are encouraged to come to the event, watch and chant on these power hitters and be a part of the “Most Powerful Sport in Golf ”. The next event is on April 24th, at Palm Meadows Driving Range, 9:30am-3:30pm. For more information, visit their website: www.longdrive.com.au, phone: 0402 650 360, or email: grubersgolf@gmail.com

2011 Round 1 Results Open Mens Finish Name 1 Daniel Lee 2 Simon Abbott 3 Brendan Moylan 4 Ben Dyer 5 Matt Elliott 6 Leon Ratapu 7 Craig Grigson 8 Shane Keys 9 Craig Sconce 10 Adam Jackson 11 Anthony Donovan 12 Damien Powell 13 Damien Sanders 14 Andrew Brennan 15 Dan Maloney

Longest Drive 376.8 340.9 349.7 354.1 340.2 339.6 337.7 337.2 332.1 332 324.2 324 322.4 308.5 263.2

Seniors Finish Name 1 Simon Abbott 2 Andrew Brennan

Longest Drive 299.7 291.8

Amateur Finish Name 1 Robert Cowdroy 2 James Singline 3 Matthew Holmes 4 Roy O’Sullivan 5 Lance Banneau 6 Paul Smith 7 Cameron Vurovecz 8 Rick Thorne 9 Mark Slockee 10 Richard Jalland 11 Dave Sawtell 12 Matt Smith

Longest Drive 343 328.4 306.1 301.6 293.3 286.3 270.9 270 248.5 199 176 -

Super Senior Finish Name 1 Bryan Kelly 2 Paul Smith 3 Daryl Bell 4 Chris Tozer

Longest Drive 294.7 282.9 282.5 235.8

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events 25

An extravaganza at Phillip Island RichardFellner Last month saw one of the most unique Pro-Am events on the Australian golfing calendar. The 2011 Phillip Island Golf Club Linfox Pro-Am Extravaganza featured an unprecedented three consecutive days of Pro-Am golf, featuring Lady Professionals, Senior Professionals (Legends) and the Touring Professionals. Inside Golf made the trek to Phillip Island to play in the Extravaganza, and we were amazed and impressed by the quality of the event, the players and the course itself. Indeed, this ProAm will surely become a must-play event in years to come. Day one of the event featured the Ladies Pro-Am. Under cool but calm conditions, Queensland’s Vickie Thomas took home the hardware with a one-under par 71, narrowly edging Victorians Stacey Keating and Torie O’Connor by one stroke. On Day 2, the sun came out and presented perfect scoring conditions for the Legends players. Lucien Tinkler blew the field away with a course-record-shattering nine-under 63. A massive eight shots separated Lucien from second-place finisher Michael Harwood, who came in with a one-under 71.

The event came to a close on Sunday as the under 50’s took to the course. Despite a bit of early drizzle, the sun managed to break through, providing another picture-perfect day on the Island. As a result, scoring conditions were perfect as well, as Victoria’s Michael Light blitzed the course with a nine-under 63 to match the course record set only 24 hours earlier. Light, who started on the second hole, came to his last (Hole 1) on 7-under, and after a perfect tee shot holed his second shot for eagle from 100 meters to complete a great round. WA’s Matt Jager tied for second with Victorians Leighton Lyle and Craig Scott, all on five-under 67. Following the event, many of the players took the opportunity to explore the other wonders of Phillip Island, some with their families in tow. There was a bit of a ‘pro challenge’ out at the Go Cart track on Saturday with Raff Toperoso setting the fastest lap, while in the evenings, some took in Phillip Island’s famous Penguin Parade (and doubtless had to later explain to their kids that, NO, you cannot now have a penguin as a pet!) Overall, the event was extremely well-run. The course was in spectacular condition (our hats off to the ground staff), and the hospitality of everyone at Phillip Island was, in our opinion, world-class. We will anxiously await next year’s event!

Some of Australia’s golf “Legends” teed it up at the Phillip Island Pro-Am

Phillip Island Golf Club Linfox Pro-Am Extravaganza Results Legends Pro-Am (March 19) Top-10

Men’s Pro-Am (March 20) Top-25 Pos 1 T2 T2 T2 T5 T5 T5 T5 T9 T9 T11 T11 T11 T11 T15 T15 T15 T15 T15 T15 T15 T15 T15 T24 T24 T24

Name Michael Light Matt Jager Leighton Lyle Craig Scott Timothy R Wood Sean Crowe Leigh Deagan Craig Hasthorpe Kevin A Conlong Adam J Porker Wade R Lowrie Tony J Page Garth Cusick Andrew Kelly Ryan Haywood Adam Fraser Scott R Gardiner Martin Doyle Ben Bunny James McLean Andrew Martin Max McCardle Luke Young Ben Wolfenden Michael Umbers David J Good

State VIC WA VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC NSW VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC SA VIC QLD VIC VIC

Par Score -9 63 -5 67 -5 67 -5 67 -4 68 -4 68 -4 68 -4 68 -3 69 -3 69 -2 70 -2 70 -2 70 -2 70 -1 71 -1 71 -1 71 -1 71 -1 71 -1 71 -1 71 -1 71 -1 71 0 72 0 72 0 72

Pos 1 2 T3 T3 T3 6 T7 T7 9 T10 T10 T10

Name Lucien Tinkler Michael Harwood Trevor R Hollingsworth David J Good Kel L Llewellyn Peter N Croker Bruce Green Robert A Jordan Frank Conallin Phillip A Boulton Wayne Rogers Steven A Slater

Pos 1 T2 T2 4 5 T6 T6 T8 T8 T10 T10 T10

Name Vicky Thomas Stacey Keating Torie O’Connor Clare Queen Leah Hart Misun Cho Jody Fleming Clare Choi Nadina Light Emma Bennett Wendy Berger Jessica Parker

ESCORTED TOUR PROGRAM 2011 / 2012 • 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

AU$370 0p (Twin Sh /p are)

SSTART TART D DATES: ATES: THURSDAY 3RD 3R NOVEMBER 2011, JANUARY 26TH 2012, MARCH 8TH 2012

QUEENSTOWN – 8 DAY DAYS A S (MAXIMUM 16 PAX) • 5 rounds rounds of golf golf including includin inc ludingg Millbrook and and Jacks Jackks Point Jac Poi oin nt • 16 guests travel in 2 luxury vehicles with 2 of New Zealand’s Z best driver/guides • Total ﬂexibility with extra golf, sightseeing and ac�vity op�ons

Par -9 -1 2 2 2 3 5 5 6 7 7 7

Score 63 71 74 74 74 75 77 77 78 79 79 79

Ladies Pro-Am (March 18) Top-10

NEW ZEALAND GOLF TOURS NORTH ISLAND TOUR – 11 DAY DAYS A S (M (MAXIMUM MAXIMUM 16 PAX)

State VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC

AU$185 0p (Twin Sh /p are)

START DATES: SUNDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2011, SUNDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2012 (FURTHER DATES FOR NOVEMBER, JANUARY & FEBRUARY TO BE ANNOUNCED PLEASE ENQUIRE)

TOUR BOTH ISLANDS FOR AU$5600 (includes domes�c ﬂight) Call 00 64 9 5364560 (Auckland, NZ) or email info@playgolf.co.nz info@playgolf. f co.nz Please visit www.playgolf.co.nz www.playgolf. f co.nz for our extensive list of New Zealand Ze ealand golf holidays.

State QLD VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC

Par Score -1 71 0 72 0 72 1 73 2 74 3 75 3 75 4 76 4 76 5 77 5 77 5 77

April 2011

26 events..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Qld PGA wins over community DavidNewbery KIWI Gareth Paddison might have won the Cellarbrations Queensland PGA Championship at City Golf Club, Toowoomba, but the entire field won the hearts of the local community. PGA (Queensland) executive officer Dominic O’Brien said the tournament was a huge success on and off the golf course. “All the players chipped in and did an extraordinary amount of work in the community in the lead-up to the tournament,” he said. “There were school visits, hospital visits, shopping centre visits and a visit to a disabled workplace. “We got the kids involved and some of them even came out to watch the tournament. “The players’ support was overwhelming and they were happy to do anything to make sure the event was promoted properly. “They even went down to Grantham, Murphy’s Creek and Withcott to give away gifts and sign autographs in an effort to inspire those whose lives were severely affected by the floods. “It was much more than a golf tournament – it was about giving back to the community and that was the key criteria given everything they went through with the floods.” O’Brien said the PGA’s focus was on engaging the community in activities surrounding the tournament.

Some of those activities involved a behind the scenes look at the championship for indigenous students from Dalby State High School. The students were given the opportunity to meet some of the players and assist in key areas involved in making the event a success. Some up-and-coming juniors from City Golf Club and surrounding areas had the opportunity to participate with some of their heroes in the nine-hole Queensland PGA Junior Pro-Am. And a number of pros attended Toowoomba Grammar to teach students and representatives from the Darling Downs School Sport Program. All those who participated received a gift or a prize. The pros put on a free clinic for underprivileged and alternate schools including students from Toowoomba Flexi School and Youth and Community Learning Centre. “The PGA professionals made a special visit to the children and infants ward at Toowoomba Hospital,” O’Brien said. “They provided gifts and autograph opportunities for many of the children currently ill or injured.” There was even a fashion show put on by the Endeavour Foundation. “Golf events need to embrace the community a lot more,” O’Brien said.

Patient Jack O’Calloghan was all smiles after receiving a visit from pros Matt Griffin, Jason Norris and Kurt Barnes

Kurt Barnes catches up with young Jordan Anderson in the children’s ward

Matt Guyatt signs autographs for a group of students

“The emphasis was to make the tournament a community event rather than just a golf tournament.” The City golf course was in tip-top condition and received rave reviews from the touring pros. “The course and the greens were in exceptional condition and the players all agreed it was 25 to 30

per cent better than the previous stage,” O’Brien said. “Craig Parry waxed lyrical about the greens saying they ran better on some of the PGA Tour stops.” For a list of the final results, visit the PGA website: www.pga.org.au

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April 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au...........................................................................

upcomingevents Business Girls Cup

The Dunes

Mornington Peninsula 54-hole 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

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

Special Olympics Australia “Personal Best” Inaugural Golf Day Friday 29th April 2011 Kooindah Waters “Reach Your Personal Best” by partnering with Special Olympics Australia and becoming a sponsor of their inaugural Corporate Golf Day to help raise funds and awareness. Australia is sending 131 athletes to the World Games in Athens in June this year and only

through your support can they ensure this opportunity for these inspirational athletes. Sponsorships are available for the event, including: naming sponsor of this event, sponsoring any of the 18 holes, longest drive, straightest drive, drinks cart, breakfast BBQ, canapés afterwards, nearest the pin. “Ambrose” Golf to be played on the day. 9am start. Teams of four $600, includes breakfast, 1/2 way BBQ as you go and Canapes upon completion. For more information: David Streichler – NSW Fundraising & Sponsorship Manager. davids@specialolympics.com.au 0428 038 311

South Pacific Ladies Open Classic, Masters/Seniors Open May 22-25 Surfers Paradise Golf Club THE 39th South Pacific Ladies Open Classic and Masters/Seniors Open will be held at Surfers Paradise Golf Club on the Gold Coast from May 23-25. A mixed foursomes’ event will be played on Sunday, May 22. Former top Australian professional and 1991-’92 South Pacific Ladies Open Classic winner Rachel Hetherington and her husband Greg Ritchie are almost certain to play in the mixed foursomes. The couple played last year and had a ball. The Club Car-sponsored 54-hole open classic is opened to players aged up to 44 and on a handicap between 0-22, the masters (aged 45-54; handicap 0-27) and seniors (aged 55+; handicap 0-24). The 54-hole seniors’ event is a nationally-ranked tournament. There are prizes galore in all categories including daily gross and nett prizes as well as long drive and nearest the pin prizes. There will be prizes for 54-hole gross and nett winners and runners up as well as 36-hole prizes for gross and nett winners and runners up. Entrants are restricted to winning one major trophy and one daily prize. For more information, telephone Surfers paradise Golf Club on (07) 5572-6088 or log on to the website www.surfersparadisegolfclub.com.au

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

Magenta Challenge

Every Sunday Magenta Shores Magenta Shores, New South Wales’ Number 1 resort course hosts the highly popular Magenta Challenge every Sunday. 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

2010 Men’s NSW Mid Amateur Champion: Guy Wall (Pymble GC)

Men’s NSW Mid-Amateur Championship May 19-20 Cypress Lakes Golf Club 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 mid-amateur golfers, including Ian Bradley (The Australian Golf Club) , Michael Gerstenberg (Goulburn Golf Club) and John McMiles (Liverpool Golf Club). $90 via hard copy, or $80 online. To enter, or for more information, log onto www.golfnsw.org.

April 2011

28 results.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Stats and scores around the world Gary Woodland captures Transitions Championship for first career win Gary Woodland claimed his first career PGA TOUR title at the Transitions Championship, edging young guns Webb Simpson and Scott Stallings. The 26-year-old Woodland posted a 4-under 67 en route to a 15-under victory total of 269 on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook. Simpson, 25, closed in 2-under 69 to finish one shot back in 2nd place, while Stallings, 26, shot 1-under 70 to finish 3rd.

Webb earns back-to-back wins on LPGA Tour Karrie Webb was victorious at the inaugural RR Donnelly LPGA Founders Cup, earning her second consecutive victory on the 2011 LPGA Tour following her win at The HSBC Women’s Championship. In a hotly contested final round of play, Webb got up and down for par on the 420yard, par 4 18th hole to clinch a one stroke victory with a final-round 66, finishing at 12-under 204. Webb donated her entire purse to charity, with half going to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief effort and the other half going to the Christopher Reeve Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis Foundation. World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship (Mar 10 - 13) Course: Doral-Blue Monster Course Par: 72 Pos Name Total Strokes Purse 1 Nick Watney -16 272 $1,400,000 2 Dustin Johnson -14 274 $850,000 T3 Anders Hansen -13 275 $465,000 T3 Francesco Molinari -13 275 $465,000 5 Matt Kuchar -12 276 $350,000 T6 Adam Scott -11 277 $271,000 T6 Luke Donald -11 277 $271,000 8 Rickie Fowler -10 278 $200,000 9 Hunter Mahan -9 279 $175,000 T10 Tiger Woods -8 280 $129,000 T10 Jonathan Byrd -8 280 $129,000 T10 Padraig Harrington -8 280 $129,000 T10 Martin Laird -8 280 $129,000 T10 Rory McIlroy -8 280 $129,000 AUSTRALIANS T15 Robert Allenby -7 281 $100,000 T28 Aaron Baddeley -3 285 $73,000 T44 Jason Day +2 290 $55,500 T44 Marcus Fraser +2 290 $55,500 T48 Geoff Ogilvy +3 291 $50,500 T63 Peter Senior +8 296 $40,250

Transitions Championship (Mar 17 - 20) Course: Innisbrook-Copperhead Course Par 71 Pos Name Total Strokes Purse 1 Gary Woodland -15 269 $990,000 2 Webb Simpson -14 270 $594,000 3 Scott Stallings -12 272 $374,000 4 Brandt Snedeker -11 273 $264,000 T5 Marc Turnesa -10 274 $180,125 T5 Martin Laird -10 274 $180,125 T5 Roland Thatcher -10 274 $180,125 T5 Chris Couch -10 274 $180,125 T5 Justin Rose -10 274 $180,125 T5 Brendon de Jonge -10 274 $180,125 AUSTRALIANS T15 John Senden -7 277 $88,000 T28 Geoff Ogilvy -5 279 $34,283 T37 Steven Bowditch -4 280 $23,650 T44 Marc Leishman -3 281 $16,233 T51 Jason Day -2 282 $12,943 T57 Stuart Appleby -1 283 $12,210 T67 Matt Jones +2 286 $11,275 T81 Nathan Green CUT 143 T81 Jarrod Lyle CUT 143 T106 Greg Chalmers CUT 145 T106 Nick O’Hern CUT 145 The Honda Classic (Mar 3 - 6) Course: PGA National Resort - Champion Course Par: 70 Pos Name Total Strokes Purse 1 Rory Sabbatini -9 271 $1,026,000 2 Y.E. Yang -8 272 $615,600 3 Jerry Kelly -7 273 $387,600 4 Ricky Barnes -4 276 $273,600 5 Tommy Gainey -3 277 $228,000 T6 Graeme McDowell -2 278 $184,538 T6 Jeff Overton -2 278 $184,538 T6 Matt Bettencourt -2 278 $184,538 T6 Gary Woodland -2 278 $184,538 T10 Luke Donald -1 279 $136,800 T10 Hiroyuki Fujita -1 279 $136,800 T10 Stuart Appleby -1 279 $136,800 T10 Charles Howell III -1 279 $136,800 AUSTRALIANS T17 Marc Leishman +1 281 $82,650 T21 Robert Allenby +2 282 $63,840 T24 Nathan Green +3 283 $47,310 T36 John Senden +5 285 $26,847 T43 Greg Chalmers +7 287 $17,357 T43 Kenny Perry +7 287 $17,357 T43 Josh Broadaway +7 287 $17,357 T43 Jimmy Walker +7 287 $17,357 T77 Steven Bowditch CUT 147 T77 Aron Price CUT 147 T116 Jarrod Lyle CUT 151 T122 Nick O’Hern CUT 152 T135 Adam Scott CUT 159 -

PGA TOUR PRESIDENTS CUP TRACKER Top-10 players qualify + two captain’s picks. Results through Mar 23 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 Dustin Johnson Nick Watney Steve Stricker Phil Mickelson Jim Furyk Bubba Watson Hunter Mahan Mark Wilson Bill Haas ON THE BUBBLE Ryan Moore Jonathan Byrd Rickie Fowler Tiger Woods Jeff Overton DA Points Heath Slocum Zach Johnson Bo Van Pelt Kevin Na

INTERNATIONAL Points 9,698,622 7,998,909 7,592,782 7,532,444 7,279,039 7,031,817 6,704,739 6,534,400 5,626,050 5,591,425

Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4,899,312 4,645,075 4,518,017 4,498,957 4,416,891 4,400,121 4,275,227 4,247,849 4,235,151 4,137,932

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Player Ernie Els Retief Goosen Tim Clark Louis Oosthuizen Charl Schwartzel Adam Scott Robert Allenby Geoff Ogilvy YE Yang Kyung-tae Kim ON THE BUBBLE Jason Day Ryo Ishikawa KJ Choi Camilo Villegas Yuta Ikeda Rory Sabbatini Vijay Singh Hiroyuki Fujita Brendan Jones Stuart Appleby

Avg Pts 4.82 4.24 3.73 3.68 3.48 3.44 3.43 3.20 3.17 3.02 2.92 2.67 2.57 2.51 2.51 2.44 2.43 2.36 2.00 2.00

World Rankings as at Tuesday, 22 March 2011 Top 20 Australians Top 20 Rolex World Rankings in Australia 1. Adam Scott (27 in world rankings) 2. Robert Allenby (28) 3. Geoff Ogilvy (31) 4. Jason Day (39) 5. Brendan Jones (65) 6. Stuart Appleby (66) 7. Richard Green (67) 8. Aaron Baddeley (70) 9. John Senden (94) 10. Marc Leishman (98) 11. Michael Sim (123) 12. Brett Rumford (130) 13. Matthew Jones (146) 14. Marcus Fraser (164) 15. Daniel Gaunt (168) 16. Greg Chalmers (169) 17. Andrew Dodt (203) 18. Scott Strange (207) 19. Alistair Presnell (208) 20. Steve Elkington (211)

1. Karrie Webb (8 in world) 2. Katherine Hull (20) 3. Nikki Campbell (35) 4. Lindsey Wright (68) 5. Kristie Smith (83) 6. Tamie Durdin (85) 7. Sarah Jane Smith (107) 8. Sarah Kemp (148) 9. Frances Bondad (174) 10. Karen Lunn (179) 11. Nikki Garrett (198) 12. Ashley Ona (224) 13. Stephanie Na (234) 14. Rebecca Flood (276) 15. Rachel Hetherington (289) 16. Anna Rawson (294) 17. Rachel Bailey (305) 18. Wendy Doolan (341) 19. Alison Whitaker (345) 20. Stacey Keating (374)

Top 5 World Rankings

Top 5 Rolex Rankings

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Martin Kaymer (averaged points 7.98) Lee Westwood (7.69) Luke Donald (6.64) Graeme McDowell (6.28) Tiger Woods (5.94)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Yani Tseng (11.23) Ji-Yai Shin (9.46) Cristie Kerr (9.24) Na Yeon Choi (9.20) Suzann Pettersen (9.20)

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

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April 2011

30 Womeningolf..................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Rachel set to tackle Europe DavidNewbery

AUSTRALIAN professional Rachel L Bailey has put the demons of a debilitating health problem behind her as she prepares for an assault on the Ladies European Tour (LET). For the past three years Bailey, who turned pro in 2003 and played the US Futures Tour, has worked hard on and off the golf course to regain strength and her form. At one point in her career she even contemplated quitting the game. “At the end of 2006 I wasn’t feeling very well because of a thyroid issue that was causing me to shake and lose weight,” she said. “I lost 10 kilos and got down to 50 kilos at one stage. I couldn’t sleep and golf wasn’t going well. “So I decided to have it destroyed, which now means I will be on medication for the rest of my life. “It took 18 months for me to start feeling normal again and about three years to regain my strength. “Once I found out it was a health problem that could be managed then there was no reason to quit.” Bailey, the daughter of two maths teachers, grew up in NSW’s Blue Mountains and attended New Mexico State University in the USA. “I really enjoyed it at New Mexico, but going there was a bit of a culture shock,” Bailey said. She played collegiate golf, had one victory and nine top-10 finishes. For Bailey, it was a tough transition going from successful amateur to eking out a living on the pro circuit. “My career started very slow because I didn’t have a role model, mentor or anyone to help me through the process so I pretty much learnt everything on my own,” Bailey said. “It didn’t really start to pick up until 2007 and then it dropped off because of my health problem. “But 2009 was a steady year and 2010 was better. “Last year I though I was healthy enough to go to spend the money to go to LET qualifying school and I got my full playing card.”

The 30-year-old will now spend the year under the watchful eye of her coach Glenn Whittle. Whittle said Bailey was a determined and talented golfer who was prepared to put in the hard work to be successful. Bailey and Whittle are hoping for good start to the LET season. “It would be great if she could finish in the top20 on the money list and I believe that’s possible,” Whittle said. “If Rachel gets it going and is comfortable in her own environment she’ll be fine.” Bailey said she was prepared to put in the hard yards to achieve her goals. “I am going to work hard on my routine, manage myself well and be patient.” Bailey says one her career highlights was appearing on the US’s Big Break reality television show. “I was on the sixth Trump National series, which was hosted by Donald Trump,” she said. “There was two weeks of filming and the show aired for 12 weeks. “It was a knockout every day and we were shooting at glass, playing flop shots over walls – it was funky golf.” Bailey, who won one of the challenges and collected a $4000 bonus, made it through to the penultimate show before bowing out. She lists her hobbies as reading, going to the gym, movies and board games. “Board games are fun, but I’ll tell you the board game I hate – Monopoly,” she said. “Don’t ever ask me to play Monopoly because the board will go flying. “I like Bananagrams, which is a new game similar to Scrabble but you don’t keep score. “You throw the tiles in the middle and make your own word puzzle and whoever completes their puzzle first wins.” I ask her why she goes by the moniker Rachel L Bailey and what her middle name is. “I added the L for Louise because when I first came out on tour there was another Rachel Bailey from England and I kept getting mistaken for her.”

On the tee with Rachel Bailey My favourite club in the bag is… seven-iron. The strength of my game is… persistence – I just never give up. A tournament I’d like to win is… any tournament. Another sport I’d like to be good at is… tennis. My best ever score is… 66. My favourite golfer is… I don’t really have a favourite. Favourite golf tournament to watch? The US Open. The best thing about golf is… It teaches you patience and it teaches you to let go of everything that is not important.

The worst thing about golf is… The fact that you can easily get frustrated. Superstitions? When I mark my ball on the green it has to be tails up. Dream fourball? Homer Simpson, Camilo Villegas and dad. Favourite junk food? Cheese burgers. My favourite television show is… How I Met Your Mother. Favourite movie? Beaches. Favourite music? All kinds – I am really into Glee right now. As a child I wanted to be a… a singer. I am a good car singer on my own.

Tee off in style. Sea Temple Golf Club Port Douglas, Queensland Carefully crafted across the landscape by world-renowned design architects Thomson, Wolveridge & Perrett sits the stunning Sea Temple Golf Course. Playing 6,125 metres from the Championship tees, this Par 71 design is a true links course delivering challenges for the professional and novice alike. A truly magnificent course in one of Australia’s most beautiful tropical paradise locations.

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OFFER VALID FROM 1ST APRIL - 31ST MAY 2011 AT ALL PARTICIPATING AUTHORISED TAYLORMADE STOCKISTS IN AUSTRALIA. CONDITIONS APPLY. SEE INSTORE FOR DETAILS OR CONTACT TAYLORMADE CUSTOMER SERVICE ON 1800 700 011. * Trade In Cubs must be playable – head, shaft and grip all in working order. Iron Set can be multi branded but can not include multiple of the same iron. Men’s 7 piece min and Womens 6 piece min, excludes specialty wedges. NEW TaylorMade Products include only; R11 Family, Burner SuperFast Family, Burner SuperFast 2.0 Family, Burner 2.0 Irons and Tour Preferred Irons (MB, MC, CB). Product trade in and new product purchase must occur in one single transaction. Offer is not applicable to online transactions and must occur in store only. Only one club/set per trade-in discount offered. © 2011 TaylorMade Golf Company Inc. www.taylormadegolf.com.au

April 2011

32 gear............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au Odyssey D.A.R.T. Odyssey’s Direction and Realignment Technology (D.A.R.T.) utilizes a dart-like pattern on the top of the putterhead to easily align the center of the putterface with the target when addressing the ball. The D.A.R.T design is based on the brain’s ability to complete images that the eye doesn’t at first see. In this case, the mind completes the apex of the dart device in the centre of the ball, ensuring the most accurate alignment possible. The D.A.R.T. putters include Odyssey’s multi-layer White Ice insert, as well as adjustable weighting to allow golfers to optimise their putters with three interchangeable options. Two models available: the D.A.R.T. standard (mallet with a double-bend shaft and full shaft offset), and the D.A.R.T Blade (crank-neck hosel and full-shaft offset). RH 34” and 35”, LH 35”.

RRP: $209 www.odysseygolf.com

Srixon Z-STAR & Z-STAR XV The New Z-STAR & Z-STAR XV has a new Proprietary Urethane Cover which is the thinnest available and gives excellent spin control without sacrificing any distance off the tee. The large Energetic Gradient Core offers the best distance available in a premium ball. The balls are available in Pure White and Tour Yellow for the best combination of visual performance.

RRP: $69/dozen

New! Hotblade Putters Hotblade, the Tad Moore-designed handcrafted putter and wedge line, has unveiled four new flagship putters for 2011. The new Hotspot range of putters each have been individually handcrafted from 431 stainless steel and feature Hotblade’s Hotspot technology with CNC milled anodised aluminium insert faces for improved feel on the greens. Two staggered weighting mallet-style heads feature an ultra-low COG whilst two models feature high MOI designs for greater consistency and stability throughout the putting stroke. Each design features confidence-enhancing alignment aids and comes with Hotblade’s premium grip as standard for added feedback from each stroke.

RRP: $134.95 www.hotblade.co.uk

FJ Street FJ Street golf shoes blend modern street inspired looks with top quality materials to give you a shoe that provides both on-course style and all day comfort. FJ Street’s premium full grain leather uppers provide outstanding waterproof protection, breathability and durability, which combined with extra thick midsole, creates a modern blend of comfort and performance. An abrasion-resistant toe cap also protects the shoe from toe-drag damage. Available in two colour options.

RRP: $149/pair www.footjoy.com.au

Motocaddy S-Series Motocaddy’s top selling S1 Digital and S3 Digital carts have been updated to include innovative features, including the new CartLock™ security locking system and USB device charging port on the S3 Digital, plus a multi-platform battery tray on both models. The clever digital technology is highly energy efficient, allowing for smaller, lighter batteries (Lithium battery weighs only 2.5kg) with no loss in performance (36-hole capacity). All Motocaddy carts are precision engineered using the best quality components making them lightweight, powerful, quiet, stylish and reliable. Full 2 year warranty included.

RRP: From $999 www.motocaddy.com.au

The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Golf (4th Edition) Smoothy Micro Suspension Buggy Smoothy has engineered the Micro Suspension buggy to satisfy every golfer’s imaginable request. Its state-of-the-art Smoothy Suspension system glides over rough surfaces without transmitting any vibrations to the user. The oversize polyurethane tyres provide a soft ride which is aided by the high modulus aluminium lightweight construction. The buggy folds to a mere 74 x 54 x 46 cms with the seat disengaged and front wheel attached. Other features include soft sponge wide grip handle with an umbrella holder, integrated drink holder, and easily accessible foot brake. The high-tech upper and lower golf bag connectors quickly attach or disengage within seconds. The seat accessory has a deep seat well providing extra storage for all your items. Colours: liquid paint Black, Blue, Red & Silver. www.underpar.com.au or email info@underpar.com.au

The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Golf is the most comprehensive and up-to-date golfspecific training guide in the world. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilise its programs. With stronger and more flexible muscles, you will not only hit the ball farther but you will have better control over all of your shots throughout the round. Most importantly, you will reduce your chances of injury. (ISBN 9781932549478, Available from John Reed books)

RRP: $21.95 (paperback)

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Bag Boy’s innovative Hybrid HCX is an all-in-one travel cover and golf bag providing ultimate protection for clubs with a crush-proof top and body. It’s durable, smooth rolling in-line skate wheels combine with its hi-tech moulded comfort grip carry handle to make transport hassle free. 5 full length dividers.

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Find your nearest store at www.oncoursegolf.com.au

April 2011

34 gear............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Get a

grip!

A not-so-little Aussie battler is taking on the biggest golf companies in the US... and beating them at their own game!

What started as a dream more than 15 years ago has now begun to prosper for one determined Aussie. At 6’2”, 280lbs Ian McConchie may not be considered a “little” Aussie battler, but together with his brother Bruce, he’s taking on the industry’s “Big Boys”, and producing a range of high-quality, innovative leather golf grips which are taking the golfing world by storm. Having spent his life in the leather industry, Ian felt he could make a quality leather grip that golfers would want to buy. Thus, the Grip Master brand was born. Armed with a patent and proprietary manufacturing process— and with former touring pro Ben Jackson as the connection to the leading players— Ian and the Grip Master were on their way.

(left) Geoff Ogilvy can’t get enough of Grip Master grips (middle) The Grip Master Ian McConchie (right) A selection of Grip Master grips Persisting after some early setbacks, McConchie finally sold his grips to Porsche Design for use on their high-end equipment, with Paul Heffernan — heading up the design studio at Porsche Design— his first customer. Heffernan would join McConchie to help build the Grip Master brand. Throughout this struggle to get established, the product was evolving. The hard work of banging on doors and talking to touring pros was soon starting to pay off, as the list of players who wanted the Grip Master product began to grow. Introducing grips made of different types of leather — cabretta, deer and kangaroo — their following on tour continued to expand. They

signed Retief Goosen, who had been using the grips for some time, to be their primary front man. During 2010, the team worked on a new leather grip that was machine sewn; a grip more conventional in its profile, which was an immediate success when released to the Australian market. With many players switching to the sewn Kangaroo grip, the company officially became the Number One leather grip on all tours. The company’s rise to prominence was soon capped with Geoff Ogilvy winning the Australasian Tour Order of Merit using the Grip Master grips. Ogilvy has also been espousing the benefits of the Grip Master grips via his Twitter channel – adding considerable momentum to the Grip Master brand.

The Grip Master 42grm sewn Kangaroo is the strongest lightweight grip on the market, and its unique wrap is now the choice of many of the world’s best players—with requests from leading professionals coming into its Melbourne facility daily —while the putter line is also rated amongst the best putter grips available. The Grip Master is used on premium putters brands including selected models by Scotty Cameron, Callaway, TP Mills and Bettenardi. The Grip Master is the result of Ian McConchie’s dream and determination, a golf grip that has leading edge technology, the finest materials and a reputation for superior quality.

Lunch is on the club

Present this ad to enjoy lunch on us at Grapevine Bar & Restaurant after 18 holes of golf Lunch between 11am - 3pm. Conditions apply*

$59 Midweek incl cart $69 Weekends & Public Hols incl cart 430 Wine Country Drive Lovedale NSW 2321 T: 02 4991 4777 | F: 02 4991 4888 | E: info@hvgcc.com.au www.huntervalleygolf.net.au *Valid until 31/04/11. Voucher must be presented at the Pro Shop prior to tee off. Any voucher presented after play will not be honoured.

Golf cart battery maintenance

Caring for the batteries in your golf cart is easier than you may think, and will result in a longer battery life. Here are a few tips, courtesy of Trojan Batteries.

EQUIPMENT:

There are many tools that may help in properly caring for and maintaining golf cart batteries. Here are some of the recommended tools and supplies to get you started: • Goggles & Gloves • Distilled Water • Hydrometer • Voltmeter • Vaseline • Post Cleaner • Baking Soda CAUTION: Always wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles when handling batteries, electrolyte, and charging your battery. Batteries should be carefully inspected on a regular basis in order to detect and correct potential problems before they can do harm. It is a great idea to start this routine when the batteries are first received.

INSPECTION:

1. Examine the outside appearance of the battery. • Look for cracks in the container. • The top of the battery, posts and connections should be clean, free of dirt, fluids, and corrosion. If batteries are dirty, refer to the Cleaning section (below).

• Repair or replace any damaged batteries. 2. Any fluids on or around the battery may be an indication that electrolyte is spilling, leaching, or leaking out. • Leaking batteries must be repaired or replaced. 3. Check all battery cables and their connections. • Look closely for loose or damaged parts. • Battery cables should be intact; broken or frayed cables can be extremely hazardous. • Replace any cable that looks suspicious. 4. Tighten all wiring connections to the proper specification. Make certain there is good contact with the terminals. WARNING: Do not overtighten terminals. Doing so can result in post breakage, post meltdown, or fire.

CLEANING

Batteries attract dust, dirt and grime. Keeping them clean will help you spot trouble signs if they appear, and avoid problems associated with grime. 1. Check that all vent caps are tightly in place. 2. Clean the battery top with a cloth or brush and a solution of baking soda and water. When cleaning, do not allow any cleaning solution, or other foreign matter to get inside the battery. 3. Rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth. 4. Clean battery terminals and the inside of cable clamps using a post and clamp cleaner. Clean terminals will have a bright metallic shine.

5. Reconnect the clamps to the terminals and thinly coat them with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to prevent corrosion. 6. Keep the area around batteries clean and dry.

WATERING (flooded batteries only)

Golf Car batteries need water. More importantly, watering must be done at the right time and in the right amount or the battery’s performance and longevity suffers. Water should always be added after fully charging the battery. Prior to charging, there should be enough water to cover the plates. If the battery has been discharged (partially or fully), the water level should also be above the plates. Keeping the water at the correct level after a full charge will prevent having to worry about the water level at a different state of charge. Depending on the local climate, charging methods, application, etc., Trojan recommends

geartips 35

that batteries be checked once a month until you get a feel for how “thirsty” your batteries are. Important things to remember: 1. Do not let the plates get exposed to air. This will damage (corrode) the plates. 2. Do not fill the water level in the filling well to the cap. This most likely will cause the battery to overflow acid, consequently losing capacity and causing a corrosive mess. 3. Do not use water with a high mineral content. Use distilled or deionised water only. CAUTION: The electrolyte is a solution of acid and water so skin contact should be avoided. Step by step watering procedure: 1. Open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells. 2. Check electrolyte level; the minimum level is at the top of the plates. 3. If necessary, add just enough water to cover the plates at this time. 4. Put batteries on a complete charge before adding any additional water. 5. Once charging is completed, open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells. 6. Add water until the electrolyte level is 1/8 inch below the bottom of the fill well. 7. A piece of rubber can be used safely as a dipstick to help determine this level. 8. Clean, replace, and tighten all vent caps. WARNING: Never add acid to a battery. For a free Trojan battery user guide please contact Mark Ray from Alco Battery Sales: Email Trojan@alcobatt.com.au or visit www.alcobatt.com.au Alco Battery Sales is one of Australia’s leading Importers and Distributors of quality batteries. With 12 branches and a wide range of distributors, Alco Battery sales services customers throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific region.

THE SEAMLESS TRANSITION FROM GOOD GOLF TO GREAT GOLF The new Optima TS+ combines innovative core and design technologies. With new seamless cover construction featuring O Opti-lock, the Optima TS+ delivers greater stability and c consistency in ball flight with superb soft feel and spin.

Available from your nearest stockist

www.wsports.com.au

TECHNOLOGY FROM TEE TO GREEN

April 2011

36 gear............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Demo Days: The right and wrong way to evaluate gear RichardFellner Going to a Demo Day is one of the best ways to test the latest gear available. In addition to getting a feel for the newest sticks on the market, you can get expert technical advice from the person conducting the demo day, and even compare side-by-side how your current clubs perform against recommended clubs. But just rocking up and banging out balls willy nilly is not necessarily the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of a golf club. In fact, there are many common mistakes that most golfers make when approaching a demo day. The first mistake is usually upon arrival, where most golfers – in their excitement to hit the newest Big Dog — forget to warm up first with some iron shots. “On most occasions golfers go straight for the driver and start hitting. This can leave them with negative thoughts because they haven’t warmed up,” says Matt Tudor, PGA Professional and Technical Rep/Tour Support for Callaway Golf South Pacific. “In addition, golfers usually judge distance with clubs they are trying at Demo Days, but this is generally a false indication as most ranges use limited flight balls that don’t go as far,” he adds. Another common mistake is choosing the wrong equipment to demo. With so many models and brands to choose from, golfers sometimes just grab the one that “looks” the best. But this can lead to disappointment. “Hitting ball after ball using the wrong club is one of the most common mistakes golfers make,” Tudor explains. “The golfer needs to be educated by an expert on what specification golf club best suits them, and then demo that specific club,” he adds.

This sentiment is echoed by Adam Nance, PING Master Fitter and PGA Tour / Technical Rep in NSW. Nance has seen many golfers approach a Demo Day with the wrong mindset. “Golfers need to ask what they should be using. A lot of times golfers come to a demo day, and they have already done the research on the internet and they presume they need a particular club, but in a lot of the cases they need a completely different club,” Nance explains. “Because they have been using a certain driver in the past – say 9-degrees—a golfer expects that they want to be hitting the same 9-degree loft again,” Nance says. “A lot of people presume that to get more distance they need a lower loft, but 99 percent of the time they need to go to MORE loft. And as the clubheads

have gotten bigger in the drivers over the years, we’ve had to introduce more loft to get the ball into the air. So they have been using an older driver, say 400cc’s, now all the drivers are made at 460cc’s, and they need to gather more loft,” he adds. Beyond the driver, choosing the right iron sets or combinations is also important. “Getting the right loft, shaft and lie angle is critical in irons, as is getting the right iron set combination,” Nance says. “Should you hit a 4-iron or 4-iron hybrid? The ladies, for example, as their clubhead speed slows, they basically hit those clubs the same distance. By asking the technical expert at the Demo Day, they can discover which club fills the correct ‘gap’ in their distances, and thus is best for their game,” he says.

Matching a specific shaft to a club is also an area that is fraught with danger “People presume that the standard shafts aren’t as good as the aftermarket shafts, but at PING they are probably better, because they have been designed for the actual golf club,” Nance explains. “I’ve see people with a G5 driver with an Aldila NV shaft in it. They presume that because they’ve been comfortable with that shaft in that model before, that it’s going to be good with a new head, but it’s completely different. It reacts differently. The shafts that we put in are specially designed for that head. In 99 percent of the cases, they are probably the best shaft for that club. A lot of people get wrapped up assuming a $1000 retail shaft will be better than a standard shaft. But it’s not really true in many cases.”

What about fitting days? While Demo Days are certainly useful, manufacturers like PING, Callaway and Titleist are beginning to focus more on Fitting Days. This is a more in-depth process as technical representatives use a launch monitor to best help you choose the right club for you. Fitting days are usually run by appointment, can take between 20-60 minutes, and you get the full attention from the fitter. Anybody seriously considering a purchase should make an appointment at a Fitting Day. Check our Demo Day Directory in the back of every issue of Inside Golf, or visit our website: www.insidegolf.com.au, and look under the GEAR tab.

Book yourate r o p r o c n o i t c fun w! no

Sanctuary Cove

THE PALMS IS NOW OPEN! Design by renowned architect Ross Watson

The Legend of Gold Coast Golf returns May 1, better than ever. Corporate Functions and Conference catering available.

Corporate Golf Enquiries: Brett Lenertz – Corporate Golf Manager 07 5699 9056 sanctuarycovegolfclub.com.au

• The Palms Golf Course at Sanctuary Cove is another masterpiece from renowned Golf Course architect Ross Watson. • With gently undulating fairways dissecting critically placed bunkers, it offers a wonderful challenge for all golfers. • With a par of 70, it has a mixture of long and shorter holes, with some par 3 holes that are sure to attract critical acclaim. • Visually it has that links style appeal, and the more golfers play it they will appreciate its strategic qualities. • A Great Golfing Experience.

April 2011

38 amateurs.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Turner’s

time in the sun

A far cry from the chilly fairways of Aberdeen, impressive Scottish ladies amateur Jane Turner has spent the past few months preparing for her 2011 season in ideal conditions at the Joondalup Golf Resort. The young Scot made Joondalup her base as she embarked on a two-month intensive training program, using her time in the sun to strengthen all aspects of her game in pursuit of adding to her growing list of championship titles. The 21-year-old is on a sports scholarship with Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University, allowing her to balance international golf commitments with a Graphic Design degree. Supported by the RGU: SPORT program, Winning Students, the R&A and in conjunction with the Joondalup Golf Resort, Turner was granted temporary membership, allowing her full access to the world-class facility including its two practice greens, driving range and 27-hole course. Managing director James Chan spoke highly of Jane. “It is a pleasure to have Jane—a young, energetic and enthusiastic lady—join us all the way from Aberdeen in Scotland. We are delighted that Jane has chosen Joondalup Resort to advance her training. Our excellent golf training facilities will help in her quest in achieving even greater results,” said Chan.

“Myself and all my staff at Joondalup Resort wish Jane a memorable and enriching time in Perth and we wish her every success in her golfing career and future endeavours.” Turner is looking to build momentum off a successful 2010 with the Scottish ladies team, which saw them win the Home International for the first time in 19 years and take bronze at the European Team Championships. The two-time British Universities Ladies golf champion is hoping to make it three in a row when she defends her title this month at West Lancashire Golf Club, Liverpool, and believes her time in Perth is going to give her the edge over fellow competitors. Her training schedule consisted of rigorous gym sessions for endurance building with time on course to develop the mental and physical side of her game. Coach Stephen Murray was able to track Turner’s progress through regular communication online, watching videos of her swing and analysing her latest statistics to provide almost instantaneous feedback, despite being halfway around the world. The whole experience has made the determined amateur excited about her upcoming year.

Scotland’s Jane Turner hones her skills at Joondalup Golf Resort in advance of this month’s British Universities Ladies golf championship in Liverpool Turner, who’s played some of the world’s best courses, had high praise for the Joondalup Golf Resort. “It has it all, great practice facilities, a great course and the people have been very approachable and friendly. All the facilities here

make it easier for me to work hard and that hard work is going to give me the best start to my season,” she says. And if all goes well, she hopes to be back in training at Joondalup next year, preparing for another successful season.

amateurs 39

Smith wins Amateur Stroke Play Championship AnthonyPowter Cameron Smith has nerve, and plenty of it! This was evident during the Srixon Australian Men’s Stroke Play Championship at the majestic Victoria Golf Club last month. During the final round of the Australian Amateur Stroke title, Smith overcame a determined Englishman, David Coupland, to win the title with a birdie on the first play-off hole after the pair finished locked at 13-under-par. Coupland had fired a closing 7-under-par, 65, on the final day to place pressure on Smith who’d finished with a 4-under-par 68, after holding the tournament lead since Thursday and having entered the final day three ahead of New Zealander Ben Campbell and the Englishman. Had it not been for clutch birdies flowing from the Smith putter on the 17th and 18th holes at Victoria, the title could easily have fallen into foreign hands and been claimed by the English again, a feat last achieved by Dale Whillett at Royal Adelaide in 2008. Smith displayed a style of golf full of pure determination and focus as he hunted down Coupland after the Englishman was quick out of the

blocks, turning the opening nine in 5-under-par to have a two stroke advantage at the turn. Coupland delivered a display of precision golf as if he had the Victorian layout in his hands, and at one stage looked to threaten the course record of 63. The final round effectively turned into the classic match play scenario as

Smith and Coupland battled for the title hole-for-hole during the closing stages of the round. Smith’s 6-footer putt on the 17th, after finding the fairway bunker from the tee, will probably be considered the match clincher. Having said that, there were numerous clutch scenarios made by Smith during the

final round. A par-saving approach on the 14th certainly kept Smith in the mix, as did his 6-footer putt on the 18th to respond to Coupland’s birdie putt to force the play-off. Smith’s round arguably goes down as one of the classics of Australian Amateur golf in recent years.

“I’m lost for words,” said Smith about his win after rounds of 6671-70-68. “I held some clutch putts there toward the end and that kept me in there with a chance and got me across the line.” “It was certainly a tight situation over the last few holes,” said Smith. “This is easily the biggest thrill so far in my career to win this title. I’m feeling confident and will head into the match play with plenty of confidence.” New Zealand’s Ben Campbell secured another stellar finish in a main amateur event with a 3rd place finish at 9-under-par after rounds of 71-69-70-69 to finish well clear of nearest rivals, Marika Batibasaga and Vaughan McCall, who both finished at 3-under-par and in a tie for 4th position. The Australian Amateur Stroke title represents Smith’s biggest amateur win to date and he secured the title in style, hanging in there when the pressure mounted. No longer will Smith be considered the formative player from the Australian junior ranks, as he displayed a style of golf well beyond his years and sent a message in the process that he has game, form and style to win events of this nature.

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

Considered one of the top courses in Australia North Lakes Resort Golf Club features some of Brisbane’s best 18 holes of championship golf. The gently rolling terrain creates a unique course that is quickly maturing into a classic layout. Designed by Graham Marsh, the course is a combination of beauty and challenge. The club is open to the public 7 days a week and offers excellent facilities in addition to golf. The 2,000 square metre clubhouse is designed to make members and guests feel at home. Great food and service are available daily and provide the perfect end to a round of golf or just a quiet time to get away with friends. The club offers golf instruction, an excellent practice range, practice greens, and bunkers. Everything at North Lakes points to management’s philosophy – to create the best experience for every guest. The public are always welcome, and North Lakes is now offering a limited number of annual memberships for individuals, families, juniors and corporate and social golf in the form of our Premier Players Club. Special incentives are available for a limited time, making this the right time to consider joining. Transfer your golf membership to North Lakes Resort Golf Club by 30th June 2011 and we will waive the joining fee, give you a $50 range pass, and include a lesson with AAA rated Golf Professional Nick Tonga. Memberships are all inclusive of motorised cart, and monthly payment plans are also available. North Lakes Resort Golf Club has capped our seven day membership to 450 so as to ensure that members can access the course 7 days a week. Best of all, North Lakes is in the perfect location – Just 30 minutes from Brisbane CBD and 25 minutes from Brisbane Airport. For further information or bookings, contact 07 3480 9200 or visit www.northlakesresortgolfclub.com.au

April 2011

42 clubs......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

What’s in a name?

ALL 18 holes on Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club’s new Palms course have been named. That’s because each hole on the 5894m par-70 golf course is unique and has a story to tell. It’s a nice touch and a great talking point, especially for those members and golfers familiar with the original Palms course. Some of the names are a reminder of the old Fred-Bolton-designed course while others were named during construction. For example, the name of the 163m par-3 12th hole has an association with Ross Watson, the course designer. It’s called What-O-Hole and virtually has three meanings. “It’s a play on words because there’s water so you say water hole,” Watson explained. “Or you could say, wow, what a hole and finally my nickname was Wato so you can say Wato hole.”

Sanctuary Cove’s new-look Palms gets the thumbs up A kangaroo bounds down the Palms’ first hole

DavidNewbery SANCTUARY Cove Golf and Country Club’s brand-new Palms golf course has been given the thumbs up by the members who have had a sneak peek at the Ross Watson-designed layout. “They say it’s going to be fantastic and can’t wait to play it,” Sanctuary Cove’s general manager Stephen Turner said. “A couple of the greens committee people also had a look at it the other day and they just think it’s going to be very challenging and very strategic.” For the past two years the club’s 1200 members have waited patiently for the golf course to open and that day has arrived. The soft opening is on April 9 and that’s when the members will get the chance to play it for the first time. A corporate day has been planned for April 16 and the official gala opening will be held mid-year. The golf course isn’t the only new development at Sanctuary Cove. A brand-new clubhouse at the Palms is scheduled to open on Monday, May

2, which happens to be the May Day long weekend. When the members do get to play the new-look Palms course, the first thing they will notice is there are no similarities between it and the old Fred Bolton-designed course. Course designer Ross Watson, who has designed around 70 courses worldwide, says it’s a “risk and reward” course. “I am quietly confident that the bulk of members will rush to get tee times,” he said. “The course requires decision making and course management skills because there are a lot of options out there. “That’s by design. I purposely made it that there is more than one way to get to the hole. “It will tantalise people – you want golfers thinking, ‘can I, can’t I; will I, won’t I.” Watson believes he has come up with a layout that will attract the masses – low and high markers. “I had to come up with a design that keeps you coming back, but at

The par-3 third hole. The rugged appearance of the bunkering creates a character that is unique to the Gold Coast. (All photos courtesy of Mulpha Sanctuary Cove (Developments) Pty Limited) the same time keeps the scratch player stimulated,” he told Inside Golf. “I believe I have done that at the Palms.” Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club has plans to open the Palms golf course to corporate groups and golfers with a Golf Australia handicap, but only on certain days. The good news is there will be other opportunities to play the Palms. Sanctuary Cove has been in discussions with the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove hotel with the hope of

offering members of the public playand-stay packages. “We have a very good relationship with the people at the Hyatt so we are looking at putting packages together,” Turner said. “That’s the only way you can get on the Pines golf course – you have to stay at the hotel or are a member’s guest.” For more information, contact Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club on (07) 5699 9000 or log on to www.sanctuarycovegolfclub.com.au

Hole Name Length 1 Palms 484m 2 Casey’s Road 387m 3 Regal 190m 4 Temerity 326m 5 Wavelength 173m 6 Fred’s Hill 387m 7 Chance 360m 8 Amen 146m 9 Lang Whang 392m 10 Adam’s Alley 472m 11 Old Digger 331m 12 What-O-Hole 163m 13 Respite 414m 14 Murphy’s Island 498m 15 Double Trouble 374m 16 About Turn 162m 17 Daintree 367m 18 St Andrews 368m

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April 2011

44 mastersfeature....................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

The

‘Where were you when’ RobWillis

Masters moments

People of my vintage will talk about ‘where they were’ when they heard of John Lennon’s shooting... or the tragic death of Princess Diana... or the assassination of JFK. And every Australian was glued to a TV set somewhere or other — if they weren’t lucky enough to be in the stadium — when Cathy Freeman won gold in the 2000 Olympics. I was only 500 metres away—watching the Australian basketball team— and, hearing the roar literally metres down the road, everyone rushed outside at half time to see a replay on the television monitors (Yes, I had the wrong ticket that night, but that’s another story.) I also remember golf tournaments. The 1982

US Open at Pebble, when Tom Watson chipped in at 17 before making another birdie at the last–I can still see that 20-footer, downhill, leftto-right going in–to beat Jack Nicklaus. If you saw it, you couldn’t forget. Another for me was the Jean Van De Velde meltdown at the British Open in 1999. Paul Lawrie was the Steve Bradbury of golf, the last man standing when all those around him crumbled under the pressure. Most of the other memorable golfing moments for me, however, had to do with the US Masters. It was the tournament which attracted generations of young golfers to the game through those early morning telecasts, with the winners elevated to ‘Legend’ status as a result of their play around Amen Corner and on those treacherous greens.

The Shark was drowning and there was nobody there to save him. The chip shot on 15 was the one. The first one I remember like yesterday was the Masters of 1986. The day Jack Nicklaus, at age 46, beat off the challenge of Greg Norman to win his fifth green jacket. Having just completed a practice round for a college tournament while playing for the University of Nevada, I sat back in the bar of Stanford Golf Club in California to watch the concluding holes. I was cheering for Greg Norman, the other 234 people who had seemingly crowded into the room and around a small television screen, being Americans, were understandably in the Nicklaus camp. To and fro the back nine went, with Norman looking like claiming his first Masters crown and only Nicklaus standing in his way. The bar at Stanford erupted when the ‘Golden Bear’ made that putt on the 17th green, a putt

immortalised by the photo of Jack, his putter in the air and a big grin on his face. They cheered a second time when The Shark pushed his approach into 18, leaving Nicklaus the winner. I will never forget the day and can envisage my surroundings as if it were just last week. And just for good measure, I went through it again the next year when watching the final round in the common room at my dormitory while still UNR. The Americans thought it was terrific that Larry Mize would hole that improbable chip shot in the playoff. I wasn’t so thrilled and neither was Norman who had again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Another ‘where were you’ event for me came in 1996 and again it was all to do with Norman and

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with the US Masters. This time he entered the last day at Augusta with an insurmountable lead over Nick Faldo. With my feet up on the recliner in my lounge room I was ready to share in his glory. It all started to go horribly wrong for Norman, who appeared uncomfortable and nervous. Despite his early struggles I thought it was still going to be his day, surely he was too far in front to be beaten. As his lead diminished, I felt his helplessness and headed for the shower. Stayed in there long enough for him to hopefully right the sinking ship, maybe make a birdie in my absence, then all would be well and we could march to victory together. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case. The Shark was drowning and there was nobody there to save him. The chip shot on 15 was the one. Slip that in and he was still a chance, however the golfing gods weren’t smiling down on him and Norman famously fell to his knees a deflated figure as the ball lipped out. Faldo marched to the par three 16th tee with an arrogance that showed he knew he was going to win and Norman with a look that indicated he knew it as well. The tee shot off 16 was the last straw, the fatal blow. Shocked and shattered by what had gone before, Norman pull-hooked a mid iron into the middle of the lake – I reckon I’ve watched the Masters every year for 30 years and I can’t recall anyone else ever hitting it in the lake left of 16. I switched off the television screen and walked out the door. I couldn’t take it anymore. From there I remember hearing of the final result on the radio driving to the New Brighton Golf Club for a bit of my own practice. The news came as if someone had died after a long illness. I knew it was coming but hearing it was difficult. The next ‘where were you when’ moment I hope is on its way this year and unlike years gone by, maybe this time there will be a happy ending. In

mastersfeature 45

Players like Adam Scott, Jason Day and Aaron Baddeley will give it their best at Augusta over the first two days) shows his inconsistency. 2011 a handful of Aussies will be teeing it up in He can play with anyone on his day, but we are search of that elusive first Masters title and while getting impatient waiting for that day to arrive. none are expected to win, you never know. The next ‘where were you when’ golfing moment could (Editor’s note: We’ve got a good feeling about be coming, we just don’t realise it. Adam Scott at Augusta. Could this be his year?) Aaron Baddeley has the short game to contend Stuart Appleby has contended before, led and his swing is back on track after a couple of in 2007 going into the final round before being years in the wilderness. With a win at the Northern run down by eventual winner Zach Johnson, Trust Open, and a top-10 at the Pebble Beach Prowith possibly his best chance if the wind blows, Am, things are looking brighter for Badds. Robert probably the harder the better. Those who played the 2009 Australian Open at NSW Golf Club said Allenby is world-class from tee to green when his display in gale force wind on the opening two at his best, although his claw-grip putting stroke days was unbelievable. carries major question marks. His best finish this year has been T4 at the Northern Trust, and he Then there is Geoff Ogilvy. He occasionally currently has 3 top-25s (and two missed cuts). steps up in the big events, on the toughest golf And then there is Adam Scott. Scott is a bit of courses. Winner of the 2006 US Open and a an enigma. This year his best is T6 at the WGC, couple of WGC Match Play Championships, but a missed cut at the Honda Classic (with a +19 Ogilvy is no doubt the real deal when in the mood,

unfortunately Augusta doesn’t seem to light his fire. In five appearances since his Masters debut he has a best finish of 15th. Ogilvy plays with the required high ball flight, he is a dependable putter, has all the characteristics for success at the Masters, but so far the Victorian has failed to deliver. As for Masters rookie Jason Day, if he shows the same nerve he did in beating Paul Casey at the Accenture Match Play—where he did it with a dose of gamesmanship—maybe he is one to break the duck. Day made it obvious against Casey he isn’t out to make friends, only to be in position to win golf tournaments. I hope one of them can make it a Masters to remember. Twenty years on, with the grandkids on the knee, I’d love to be able to tell them where I was the day an Aussie beat the world and became a Masters champion.

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April 2011

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The history - about the US Masters BrianEagle

The Masters Jacket

THE US Masters is upon us and promises to be just as intriguing as when it was first played at Augusta National in 1934. For many golf fans, the annual golf calendar doesn’t start until Masters week in April. So, what is it about the Masters that intrigues the millions of golf fans around the world? Is it the history, the pristine fairways that look as if they have been painted, the azaleas and majestic pines, the unpredictability or the secretive gentlemen-only membership? Inside Golf has delved into the archives and come up with a comprehensive list of things you may or may not know about the Masters and its home – Augusta National.

Horton Smith, the first Masters Champion (Photo courtesy USGA Archives) 1934 The first Masters Invitation was played with the nines in reverse. A year later the format was switched because of frost delay. Horton Smith won the inaugural event with a 284 total – four-under par. Bobby Jones, the club and tournament cofounder, makes his first appearance. Ross Somerville records the first hole-in-one at the 16th.

1935 Gene Sarazen holes a 4-wood from 235 yards for an albatross 2 on the par-5 15th hole in the final round. Since then it’s been known as “The shot heard around the world”. 1937 Augusta National members first wear the green jacket so patrons could identify a reliable source of information. 1939 The tournament is officially named The Masters. 1940 Lloyd Mangrum scores course a course record 64 in opening round – a record which stands for 46 years. The Green Jacket 1941 Craig Wood becomes the first wire-to1965 Butler Cabin begins serving as television wire winner. studio. 1942 Byron Nelson defeats Ben Hogan in the first Masters playoff. Gene Sarazen receives a harsh reprimand 1943-1945 The Masters is not played due to from Augusta co-founder Clifford Roberts for World War II. wearing his green jacket on a televised golf show. 1947 Jimmy Demaret becomes first golfer to 1966 Jack Nicklaus becomes the first backbreak par in all four rounds. to-back champion. 1967 Television announcer Jack Whitaker is 1948 Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes a banned for referring to the patrons in the 1966 member at Augusta – four years before being playoff as a “mob”. elected president of the US. 1949 Winner Sam Snead is the first player to 1968 Bob Goalby wins when Roberto De be awarded with a green jacket. Vicenzo signs an incorrect scorecard showing a 4 1950 Jimmy Demaret becomes the first threeon the 17th instead of a birdie 3 to miss a playoff. time Masters champion. 1971 Bobby Jones dies aged 69. 1952 Ben Hogan starts the champions’ dinner. 1975 Lee Elder becomes first African1955 The first bridge at Augusta National American to play in the tournament. 1977 Clifford Roberts, Augusta National’s conamed in honour of a player is dedicated to Gene founder, is found dead on the course from a selfSarazen. The Sarazen Bridge crossed the hazard inflicted gunshot wound. in front of the green on the 15th hole. 1979 Colourful character Fuzzy Zoeller wins 1956 Television coverage starts. the first sudden-death playoff. 1957 For the first time, a 36-hole cut is 1980 Seve Ballesteros becomes first European introduced. champion. 1958 “Amen Corner” – holes 11-13 – christened by writer Herbert Warren Wind. 1982 Craig Stadler defeats Dan Pohl in the Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson have bridges tournament’s first one-hole playoff. 1983 For the first time, players are given the named after them. The Hogan Bridge crosses option of using their own caddies. Rae’s Creek, which takes golfers to the 12 green and the Nelson Bridge crosses Rae’s Creek taking 1986 Jack Nicklaus win his record sixth golfers to the 13 tee. Masters at age 46. 1959 Arthur (Art) Wall becomes the first Greg Norman and Nick Price both shoot champion to win with a birdie on the final hole. tournament-record 63 1961 South African Gary Player becomes the 1987 Larry Mize chips-in to beat Greg Norman first non-American champion. in a sudden-death playoff. LOCATION 1964 Arnold Palmer becomes the first four1991 Ron TownsendDAY becomes first DATE Africansanctuary cove (membermember only) wednesday 22nd July time winner. American admitted to the club.

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1992 Mark Calcavecchia scores a record 29 on the back nine in the fourth round. 1995 Gary McCord is booted off TV coverage for saying the greens were so slick they looked as if they’d been “bikini waxed”. Ben Crenshaw wins his second Masters. 1996 Greg Norman blows a six-shot 54-hole lead to hand Nick Flado the title. 1997 Tiger Woods becomes first AfricanAmerican winner. 1998 Mark O’Meara, at 41, becomes the oldest first-time winner. 2000 The Big Fijian Vijay Singh wins the green jacket. 2001 Toshi Izawa shoots 281 – the lowest score by a first-time contestant. 2003 Mike Weir becomes the first left-hander and first Canadian to win the Masters. 2004 Arnold Palmer plays in 50th consecutive and final Masters. The golf course is lengthened to 7445 yards (6808m) – 502m longer than it was in 2001. 2007 American Zach Johnson ties the highest winning score of 289 – one-over – with Sam Snead (1954) and Jack Burke (1956). 2008 Trevor Immelman becomes the second South African to win the Masters – 47 years after Gary Player won his first green jacket. 2009 Argentinean Angel Cabrera captures the title. 2010 Leftie Phil Mickelson wins his third green jacket in a seven-year stretch.

Arnold Palmer helps Jack Nicklaus into the green Masters jacket, as Gary Player (2nd from left)TIME and Robert T. Jones Jr. (Bobby Jones), right, look on. (Photo courtesy USGA Archives) 9.30am - 1.30pm 9:00am - 1:00pm DATE

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mastersfeature 47

The course - Augusta National Golf Club RossPerrett

April is a special time in the golfing calendar as it heralds the arrival of The US Masters – the first Major golfing tournament of the year, played at the picturesque Augusta National Golf Club. Ironically, it was not originally built as a tournament venue. Rather it was conceived as a place where legendary golfer Bobby Jones could enjoy a game of golf with friends in private away from his fans. In 1930 after he had won the US Open, The US Amateur, The British Open and The British Amateur, Jones, retired and supported by New York businessman Clifford Roberts, set about to build his dream course. Both men had visited the area to play golf in the winter as Augusta enjoyed a more moderate climate than New York or Atlanta where Jones lived. The site selected was a former Nursery with many established trees and a colonial villa that is now the clubhouse. Scottish golf course architect Alistair Mackenzie was engaged to assist with the course layout and a successful design collaboration followed. Jones and Mackenzie both had a deep understanding of strategic golf course design and they set out to create a classic course that captured the essence of golf. Whilst Mackenzie never got to see the completed course, his involvement in the trio of Royal Melbourne, Cypress Point and Augusta National -- all ranked in the world’s top 10 courses -- has ensured his position as one of the greats of golf course architecture. The course was completed in 1934 and shortly after Jones invited some friends -- including professionals and leading amateurs -- to play in a friendly private tournament. From this humble beginning the The Masters was born. The course is a classic parkland layout with two returning loops of 9 holes on a surprisingly steep piece of land. The clubhouse is located on a hill dictating that both nines commence with a downhill hole and finish with uphill holes. Apart from the trees the most significant natural features is Rae’s Creek which is utilized particularly well on the back nine.

9 1

14 12

2 3 4

6 5

There are relatively few bunkers on the course and generally they are greenside bunkers. The fairways are generously proportioned but the ever present slopes demand careful positioning of drives to get the best approach to the greens. Given that the putting surfaces are large and fast, approach shots require a well-thought-out strategy and excellent execution to put the ball on the right side of the hole. Putting at Augusta is extremely challenging and has been the downfall of many aspiring champions. Whilst both nines are of similar length and difficulty it is the back nine that is best known and it has been the scene of some of the most memorable golf in history. Originally it was the outward nine but with great insight Jones reversed the nines following the first Masters. In 1986 Jack Nicklaus, at the age of 46 shot an inward 30 to pip Tom Kite and Greg Norman for the Green Jacket. The tenth is a challenging downhill par-4 that is followed by the infamous Amen Corner, a treacherous but stunning stretch of three holes. The eleventh is a strong par-4, but the real teeth of the hole is the water guarding the left-hand approach to the green.

Originally Mackenzie had placed a large bunker there, but this was later replaced with the pond that hugs the green. The short twelfth looks harmless enough but it is played to a narrow green that is guarded by Rae’s Creek in front and flashed up bunkers front and back. Shots from the back bunkers are frightening, given the narrowness of the green and the fast drop off in to Rae’s Creek. The short par-5 thirteenth completes the trio and is one of the most beautiful and copied holes in golf. It is a sharp dogleg left and easily reached in two but again the green is guarded by Rae’s Creek and four bunkers behind the green. All three greens are framed by a dense backdrop of azaleas and mature trees. The par-4 fourteenth offers some respite before another testing par-5 played across water to the green. The short 16th is also played over water and always features on the final afternoon. Hole seventeen was narrowed and hole eighteen lengthened as part of the ‘Tiger proofing’ of the course that followed Tiger Woods’ win by 12 shots in a record-breaking 270 back in 1997. Since the 1960’s television has had been a major force in the promotion

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of golf worldwide with heroes of successive generations like Palmer, Player and Nicklaus, Ballesteros, Faldo and Norman. Augusta is brilliantly set up for television with its manicured fairways, stark white bunkers, flowering azaleas and colourful crowds and this has resulted in a worldwide TV following of golfers. Consequently, many aspiring golf course developers attempt to create another Augusta, which is an unrealistic expectation that cannot be delivered – especially in Asia where the climate is very different and where golf is still an emerging sport. In reality Augusta is for all but one week a year an extremely private members club that caters for a small elite membership that draws members from all over the United States. The presentation of the course at Augusta is of the highest standard possible and this is a result of a commitment to excellence that is backed by the best technology money can buy. For example, Augusta was the first course in the world to install a SubAir system and heating coils in its greens. This allows the green temperature and moisture levels to be monitored and to

either suck water from the soil profile or to pump air through the profile. The towering trees create a lot of shade which is the enemy of growing healthy turf. Prior to the tournament the course will be over sown with a rye grass that will shoot just prior to The Masters which together with the flowering azaleas that bloom on time produces a spectacular setting. No doubt at this year’s Masters the course at The Augusta National Golf Club will be brilliantly presented and The Masters will produce some more memorable moments that would greatly please the great Bobby Jones and be an inspiration to all those that follow in his footsteps. Ross Perrett is Managing Director of Thomson Perrett Golf Course Architects, one of the world’s premier golf course design companies. Together with Australian legend Peter Thomson, Thomson Perrett has worked on over 250 projects around the globe. They can be contacted on +61 3 8698 8000, or via thomsonperrett.com.au.

April 2011

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Rookie Taylor takes aim at US DavidNewbery

“Although he’s highly competitive and knows how to win, he is also very humble and levelheaded,” James said. “He’s always willing to learn and can go as far as he wants to in the game. “He’s an athlete, which is going to be in his favour because by the time he stops growing he’s going to be 6’2” and 90kg. “So, he’s going to be able to crunch the ball as well as holing putts.” Cooper was just four years old when his dad introduced him to the game, but there was never any pressure put on him to pursue a career in golf. In fact, he excelled in most sports including cricket, rugby league, swimming and athletics. “I played five sports when I was growing up and represented Queensland in all of them,” Cooper said. He rates playing in last year’s Australian Masters as one of the highlights of his short professional career. He even brushed shoulders with Tiger Woods, who was finishing his round as he was about to tee off. “Tiger was finishing his round on the ninth and I was starting my round,” he explained. “He shot off to go and sign his card and the crowd, which was about five deep, hung around when I was teeing off.

  

GOLD Coast-based professional Taylor Cooper is aiming to make his mark in the United States after being named the Queensland PGA rookie of the year. The 19-year-old finished 15th on the Queensland Sunshine Tour last year courtesy of eight top-10 results including two runnerup places at Bargara and Woodfood. He turned professional at the end of 2009 and became the youngest player to secure his playing card for the Australasian Tour. Before turning professional, the Gary Edwin-coached youngster represented Queensland and Australia. His father James, also a professional golfer, believes his son has what it takes to be a successful professional. “He’s a great kid, dedicated and hard working,” said proud dad James. “Taylor’s got a lot of experience under his belt because we chased a lot of four-round events for a couple of years before he turned pro. “His all-round standard is pretty high, but putting is his strength. “He knows how to shoot low numbers – seven- and eight-under par – and you have got to be a good putter to do that.

    

Queensland PGA rookie of the year Taylor Cooper is bound for the US “I was really nervous, but I flushed a threewood down the middle and it was the biggest roar I’ve ever heard.” Cooper told Inside Golf he was working on improving his fairways hit and greens in regulation stats. Later this month, the young man with big dreams sets off for North Carolina to compete on the eGolf Professional Tour and the Hooters Tour.

“I am looking forward to getting over there and start playing,” Cooper said. “My plan is to play 20 four-round tournaments to gain more experience and my goal is to be playing on the US PGA Tour in about three years. “And hopefully in five years I will have won on the PGA Tour and won a major – maybe. “But to do that I know I am going to have to be patient.”

            

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B u i lt f o r t h e t o u r t h at i n s p i r e d t h e M .

April 2011

50 people..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Teeing off with:

The Sports Media Masters GregDowling A corporate golf day that exceeds all expectations is an extremely powerful marketing tool. But achieving such an outcome requires meshing together many key elements that tick every box and then some. One of these special days is the Sports Media Masters, an annual event in Melbourne delivered by PR World. Influential members of the sports media take part in a special day of golf and entertainment sponsored now for three straight years by Sportingbet, Australia’s biggest sports betting company. Participants include sports writers, editors and photographers from leading daily newspapers and key news organisations, on-air presenters and producers at metropolitan sports radio stations, editorial and features staff producing sporting magazines and selected television broadcasters. Winning teams so far have been the Herald Sun, led by senior AFL writer Mike Sheahan, while renowned sports announcer Andrew Kuuse anchored a Sport 927 victory. Last month the highly-rated Sanctuary Lakes

was the venue for the 2011 staging of this now must-play corporate golf event. Sixty players teed off on the Greg Normandesigned course, with sports-focused radio station SEN emerging victorious with a score of 74 stableford points (the event format combines the two best individual scores on a team). Runner-up on 70 points was 3AW, headed up by team captain and football director Graeme Bond. Well-known SEN and Network 10 broadcaster Anthony Hudson (handicap 24) contributed 35 points to the winning team, not bad for a guy having his first game in 10 months. Huddo’s first memory of golf is tagging along as a kid when his mum took up the game. But these days he enjoys a hit in the company of friends, but only plays intermittently due to work commitments. “I absolutely love the game and in the old days I would play twice a week in summer but rarely in winter. These days, with two young girls and football commitments I only get to play three or four times a year. Eventually, I will join a club and try to get my handicap down.” Nathan Thompson is remembered as a former Hawthorn and North Melbourne power forward but now works as an AFL commentator for SEN.

The SEN Team at the Sports Media Masters (from left to right): Tim James, Ross Flegeltaub, Anthony Hudson and Nathan Thompson He was amazing off the tee at Sanctuary Lakes, missing only a couple of fairways and cranking out a few “bombs” along the way. “We had a great day and all the media really look forward to it (the Sports Media Masters) now and getting together away from a work environment,” said the member of Huntingdale, who boasts a nine handicap. “I’ve always enjoyed golf since I had my first hit when growing up in Kyneton (regional Victoria). It was a good sport to play in-between footy seasons. We used to ride our bikes to the course with our clubs tied to the pack-rack.” Some of the prizes on offer at the recent Sportingbet Media Masters included a fullycatered corporate box for 10 people at the Moonee

Valley racetrack, a golf holiday to Peninsula Golf and Country Club for four people, a Greg Norman signed photograph and hat, a Presidents Cup flag signed by both Fred Couples and Greg Norman (this year’s Presidents Cup captains) and four seats at the presidents function at an upcoming Carlton FC home game. Greg Dowling is a 30-year member of the PGA of Australia and the Principle of PR World, which provides Public Relations and marketing expertise to businesses and industry bodies in the world of sport. They also provide corporate golf services. For more information visit: www.prworld.com.au or contact Greg by email greg@prworld.com.au

Gavin rises to the occasion DavidNewbery GAVIN Lawrence’s introduction to golf club management has had its frustrations, but he’s not complaining. For Lawrence, who was appointed general manager at Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane late last year, making his first foray into the club industry has been a steep learning curve. “The weather certainly created some challenges for the club,” he said. Yes, just after he took the helm, the heavens opened and the golf course was closed for a short period. From his modest office window all he could see was water as the rain kept falling. At the time he must have thought he’d pulled the wrong rein entering golf club management. “When I started on November 1, the weather that month wasn’t too bad, but post-November the weather certainly created some challenges for the club,” Lawrence said. “In fact, we have been exposed to some major weather events since November 2008 and we saw some big storms in May 2009. “But the extended period of this wet weather probably created a bigger challenge. “Our interim results for this financial year are showing we are over $200,000 down on where our budget historically would have been.” That’s hard to swallow, but Lawrence knows his club isn’t alone when it comes to being weather-beaten. “The course has bounced back well thanks to a lot of hard work by the greens staff.” Before taking the reins at Keperra, Lawrence enjoyed a career in the banking and finance sector and was a regional manager at Suncorp. Although he is a newcomer to club management, he is no stranger to golf clubs. He has spent a lifetime around Keperra, a club he joined as a junior. Later, he played pennants for the club off a two handicap and has had a stint on the club’s board. He currently plays off four. He says the transition from corporate sector to club management has been an eye opener. Still, his time on the club’s board was invaluable and gave him an insight into the management side of the organisation. “Mind you, I don’t think it gave me an indepth knowledge of the operational side of the business so the learning curve has been reasonably steep,” he said.

clubs 51

Keperra Bowl looms large DavidNewbery

“From a business perspective it did give me a reasonable grounding on how a club runs. “There are a lot of parallels between the business world I came from and the golfing fraternity. “A company like Suncorp has well-defined structures and well-defined and robust processes. “A club like Keperra has good practices, but they are nowhere near as defined as an organisation like Suncorp. “That’s where I have been able to introduce some knowledge and process ideals into the business. “It’s been an eye-opener, but at the same time it’s been rewarding. “In the short term, we have been able to introduce some of the processes – particularly around human resources, compliance and governance.” Lawrence’s assistant manager is John McDonald, a man with plenty of experience in golf club management. McDonald spent some time at the helm at Keperra and was the general manager at Redcliffe Golf Club prior to rejoining Keperra. “I am fortunate I have an excellent assistant manager in John McDonald. He has a wealth of industry knowledge and has been invaluable from a personal perspective,” he said. Lawrence is a ‘people person’ and he and his team go out of their way to make the members feel at home and visitors feel welcome.

He says one of his priorities is to improve members’ services. “My aspiration is to further enhance the value of our membership proposition,” Lawrence said. “I want our members genuinely to feel their decision to join the club and the value that is associated with it matches or exceeds those expectations. “I think at times that doesn’t happen. Some people are paying their membership and don’t see the value. “One might be that they are not playing enough and that’s fine. “You can not play a lot of golf, but still think your membership represents value. “Conversely, you can play a lot of golf and think your membership doesn’t add value. “So I think we need to get close to our members and understand what they want and don’t want and what they perceive as value and then try to deliver on that. “Obviously I am very passionate about the club,” he said. “We have got a fabulous golf course that has stood the test of time over 80 years. “We have fantastic history and have always had a strong culture. “With 27 holes, we have got a facility that will allow us to attack the next 80 years with some confidence.”

Next month the best amateurs in the country will converge on Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane for the internationally-recognised Keperra Bowl. It’s one of the most exciting 72-hole tournaments on the golfing calendar and one the amateurs enjoy playing. The winner receives an automatic entry into the Australian Open. Once again a star-studded field is expected to line-up to play the 72-hole Keperra Bowl, which tees off on May 10. Keperra’s general manager Gavin Lawrence said the course was in good condition and the club was looking forward to hosting the event. “The scores seem to get lower every year,” he said. Last year’s winner Gavin Fairfax finished 23-under-par and the 2009 champion Matt Griffin was equally impressive. Griffin and a number of other past champions have joined the play-for-pay ranks and are making a mark on circuits around the world. The experience gained playing four-round tournaments like the Keperra Bowl has been invaluable in their development. Golf fans can again expect another feast of birdies and eagles when the tournament rolls around. Sure, the tournament’s organisers could tighten up the course by growing the rough and tricking up the greens, but that’s not what the fans want. Anyone who appreciates good shot-making should make a bee line for Keperra from May 1013. Entry is free. The strange thing is, as soon as players like Jason Day et al turn pro people pay good money to go and watch them play. Yet, when they are amateurs it’s a different story. Guess what, they don’t suddenly become stars when they turn pro. Queensland sensational Cameron Smith, 17, is a star in the making and is definitely one to watch. Even the pros are tipping him as a future champion. Recently he played in the Queensland PGA Championship and finished in a tie for 11th against some tour hardened pros. So, get out to Keperra and cheer on these talented amateurs. They won’t disappoint and will almost certainly put on a shot-making display that will amaze you.

Coaching Quick Tips Being able to concentrate for the entire 18 holes is an impossible achievement. This is because you are normally out on the golf course for at least 4½ to 5 hours. To combat this problem we need to switch on and switch off as required. The time to switch on is when you are playing your golf shot and the time to switch off is when walking between your shots. I recommend a pre shot routine before each shot. After your pre shot routine and your golf shot has been hit, you need to relax. By having a pre shot routine you will be able to concentrate on every shot when it is required without having to concentrate for every single minute you are out on the golf course. Go and see your local

Wayne Rogers On Course Professional Growling Frog Golf Course, VIC

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

April 2011

52 tips. ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

How to hit it high and low RichardJumrukovski A key element to becoming a better player is learning to create different ball trajectories on command. It’s an aspect of the game that will allow you to effectively tackle a wide range of situations ranging from lob pitches to knockdowns to recovery shots. Here are six factors of flight to help you learn to throw it high or keep it low.

Keep it Low

1. Ball Back: Position the ball anywhere between the center of your stance and your rear foot 2. Weight forward: This helps to deloft the clubface and promotes a steep, descending blow 3. Shoulders level: The shoulders need to be leveled out 4. Hands forward: Leaning the hands forward and shaft toward the target helps with de-lofting the club face 5. Swing slow: A slower swing pace will help to lower the ball’s spin rate and prevent an up-shooting flight 6. Finish low: Try to abbreviate the follow-through so the club head doesn’t get past your waistline

Throw it High

1. Ball forward: Position the ball off the left heel to help catch the ball on the upswing

2. Weight back: Position your weight to help favor your right side 3. Right shoulder low: Be sure to lower your right shoulder lower than your left 4. Hands neutral: Maintain a neutral hand and shaft position; this allows the loft built into the face to be maintained Keeping your hands in the center of your stance works well in this situation. 5. Be aggressive: Speed creates lift; don’t be afraid to go after the ball 6. Finish high: A full follow-through will promote that high shot with the hands finishing over the left shoulder In addition to these setup and swing cues, one of the easiest ways of dictating flight is choosing the right club. Take more club for low shots and less club for high shots. Remember, practise these shots on the range and you will effectively increase your arsenal of shots in no time and be better equipped to handle what the course and conditions throw at you. Richard Jumrukovski is an AAA PGA Professional at The Links Shell Cove in Shell Cove, NSW. For lesson bookings please phone (02) 4237 5955 or email richpga2004@yahoo.com.au

To hit a low shot, begin by positioning the ball in the back or centre of your stance, weight forward (A) , then swing slow and abbreviate the follow-through. (B)

To throw it high, put the ball forward in your stance, weight back, and right shoulder low (C), then keep your hands neutral, be aggressive and finish high. (D)

Kooindah Waters MEMBERSHIP FROM JUST $23 PER WEEK Become a Member of Kooindah Waters and you will have one of the top courses in Australia to enjoy at your leisure! With a number of options available, it has never been so easy to join the best valued membership on the Central Coast. Visit www.kooindahwaters.com.au or phone (02) 4351 0700 to discuss our membership options.

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tips 53

Against the wind CharlesKares The most common approach players take on a windy day, particularly when they are playing into the wind, is to try hitting the ball harder. This is the wrong approach to take. By trying to hit the ball harder, you are causing the ball to spin more, which will make the ball go higher, effectively blowing the ball around the course. The aim when playing into the wind is to try and create less spin which will ensure the wind affects the ball less. The question which you are probably asking now is; how do I do this? The simple answer is: swing smoother and slower. You still need to accelerate on your downswing, but do not try to hit it as hard as you normally would. Clearly, you will not hit as far as normal, but it will go further in the wind if you swing it this way. Blasting the ball as hard as you can causes the ball to ‘balloon’ into the air and not go very far. Many players get intimidated by the wind, when you should be using the wind to your advantage. When you have a breeze blowing across your body from left to right, don’t try to hit a draw against it unless you are a player that can do this effectively. The best thing to do is to aim to the left and hit the ball into the direction from where the wind is blowing and let the wind blow it to where you want it to finish. The same applies when the wind is blowing in the other direction. When playing into the wind, be sure to take at least a club more and swing it smoothly. You

will be amazed at how much better the ball will fly. Do not take your normal club and then try to belt it to the green. It won’t make it. The most common mistake for players to make in the wind is to not take enough club when approaching the green. When playing downwind, you will have to take at least one club less, but remember once the ball lands on the green, it will not stop as normal. Plan to land the ball a little shorter than normal and let the wind take the ball closer to the hole for you. When putting, especially on a fast green, you will have to allow for the wind. Downwind, it will make the ball roll more. When lining up your putt, aim for less break than normal. When you have a cross wind, you should allow for the wind to take control of the ball, so allow for a little more break from where the wind is blowing. Finally, when putting into the wind, make sure you hit the putt a little firmer. The wind will try to slow your putt down. A little tip to keep in mind; when you are hitting the ball into a left-to-right breeze, it is common for the ball to go a little shorter and land softer. When playing with a right-to-left wind, the ball will land with more top spin and run further when it lands. Be aware of this when making your club choice. Charles Kares is an AAA PGA Professional at Royal Canberra Golf Club. For lesson bookings please phone (02) 6281 3882 or email Charles@royalcanberra.com.au

A smooth and controlled swing like that of “The Big Easy” Ernie Els is a key to success on a windy day. Remember the phrase: “When it’s breezy, swing it easy”

Quick tip: crack the whip for more distance MarkVictorsen Often while teaching, I will grab a golfer’s club and try and move them and their club into the position required. I am often amazed by the stiffness in peoples’ wrists caused by tension in their arms and too tight a grip pressure. Fact- Good Squash players always look so relaxed but develop fantastic racquet speed. Fact- A stockman cracking a whip looks fluid in that exercise as well. Fact- Good golfers look relaxed and whip the club at speeds of up to 125 miles per hour with very little

apparent effort. Having tension in the arms and grip is like driving along in your car with the accelerator down and pulling on the handbrake as hard as you can. If you rated your grip pressure from 1(softest hold) to 10 (tightest grip-knuckles white), what would it be? From my experience, 4 is the number you need to maintain control and “whip” the club at speed. 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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April 2011

54 instructionalseries.................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

The source of stability in the golf swing - Part 1 PeterCroker Everyone knows that you have to keep your head steady as you are hitting a golf ball. This is fundamental to all great golfers. No statement about golf was truer or more basic. In order to have stability in your swing, the centres that you are swinging around must be stable. Stability in golf means more than just maintaining balance, and has more to do with remaining centred while winding up in the backswing and unwinding in the downswing. Backswing stability is critical to having a consistent strike on the ball. However the backswing is only the first element. From a stable stance you build a solid backswing platform to launch the clubhead down, out, and through the golf ball to a full and complete finish in complete balance over the front foot. Stability also means remaining centred during the downswing and through the impact zone and then finishing centred and balanced over your front foot at the finish. In these next lessons we will discuss how to create this stability from start to finish in the swing. It starts with the backswing. Imagine that your feet are anchored in the ground with 1000lb weights holding each foot in the ground. The right knee remains flexed and any motion in the left knee is moving out in the direction of the left toes. Study the illustrations to gain a stronger insight into how stable this backswing loading can be.

Start of Backswing Left Knee motion

Coiled backswing against left foot and knee anchors

A stable and consistent hip turn requires a stable base of feet and knees

Backswing against a stable base of feet and legs

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

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April 2011

56 quicktips. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au Proudly supporting the benefits of golf club memberships

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What is a Reverse Pivot? LeeHarrington

A reverse pivot occurs when the head and upper body tilt toward the target in the backswing and the weight shifts onto the front foot rather than the back foot. This is the exact opposite of what should happen. Since your weight falls away from the target during a reverse pivot, it’s difficult to finish balanced and on the front foot at the end of the swing (see picture 1).

Reason 1

Firstly this can happen when you try to keep the club face pointing at the ball through the entire backswing. When you start your takeaway trying to keep the clubface pointed at the ball, the only way to complete the swing is to raise the arms, thus pulling the left shoulder and head down going into a reverse pivot.

Fix 1

The club face does not point at the ball in your takeaway - the club face must slowly fan open in the takeaway. At the position where the club is pointing parallel to the ground (see picture 2) you can check to see if the toe of the club is pointing straight up to achieve these proper angles.

Reason 2

Time and time again you have been told that you are 1) swaying or 2) to keep your head still. This often leads to you standing still and results in no rotation and improper weight shift in your golf swing. As a result, no body rotation means you must use your

Picture 1: a Reverse Pivot

Picture 2: Check that the club’s toe is pointing straight up

Picture 3: A correct position

arms only to swing. An arms only swing equals a reverse pivot.

ball. A good, upper-body pivot will naturally shift your weight onto your right leg without a conscious effort to do so. Now you’re in a powerful position and poised to deliver the club on plane (see picture 3). Contact your local PGA Professional or Coach for assistance: Your golfing partners mean well when they

say “keep your head down” or “don’t sway” but these negatives do not fix your golf swing. Often these comments can lead to even bigger swing faults. This is a real good reason “NOT” to listen to their advice but to instead get a lesson. Be advised by a pro on any swing issues to give you positive thoughts and fixes to play and practice with.

Fix 2

To correct a reverse pivot you must get out of you mind that you have to stand still over the ball. The golf swing requires a weight shift and rotation back (think of your body winding up like a spring) and then uncoiling to create power on the downswing and through impact. Allow your chin to rotate slightly away from the target. This allows the left shoulder to turn under the chin and your upper body to coil into the correct position behind the golf

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Flex your knee for a better turn

Feel with your eyes DarrenChapman Do you have trouble getting the right distance on your putts? Where you look when you have a practice putt can affect your ‘feel’ when you putt. When you have a practice putt, are you looking at the clubhead or where you want the ball to go? If you are concentrating on the clubhead and what it is doing during the swing, this will lead to you watch the club during your shot. This can make it very difficult to achieve distance control. The best way to develop feel is to look at your target when you have your practice strokes. The idea is that your eyes will guide your body into making the right movements. Once you have selected the line of the putt, you then need to select a spot for speed. If the putt is downhill your spot may be short of the hole or for

quicktips 57

an uphill putt it may be past the hole. Once you have selected your target spot, you want to focus on the feel. Set up behind or beside the ball, shift your eyes to your spot then start making your practice strokes. Once you have made a couple of practice strokes that feel right, step into your putt, check your aim, take one last look at your spot and then putt. To help develop this skill during practice I suggest that you stand in the middle of your practice green with a few golf balls. Instead of putting at a hole, putt to the edge of the green. This is a great way to warm up before a round and gain a feel for the pace of the greens especially on a new course. 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

String your putts for consistency BrentGerman AnneRollo It’s very important to keep some flex or bend in your right knee at the top of the backswing (see picture 1). This helps your body to turn correctly, as well as shift the weight back and forth in the right direction too. If you lock your right knee straight on the backswing (Pic 2) you’ll lock your body in place and tend to tilt your body, leaving your weight on the left side at the top of the backswing. This encourages hitting too steeply into the ground

and/or topping the ball. Next time you have a practice swing, stop at the top and check your right knee. If it’s locked straight, practise keeping some flex in it or come and see me and I can show you how to do it. 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

Here’s a quick tip to improving your putting and your putting stroke. You will easily be able to see your aim, path, face control and a pattern for your stroke which will lead to improving your confidence. Affix a length of string to two pencils, golf tees or barbecue skewers (as pictured) and stick them into the putting green so that the string is tight. Place the centre of the ball under the string and use it as your guide while you practise putting. This would be a great warm up for you preround as well. Brent German is an AAA Accredited PGA Golf Teaching Professional at Albert Park Driving Range in Melbourne. Visit www.BrentGermanGolf.com or email Brent at bgerman@pgamember.org.au or call 0412 533 555 for more information.

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Management of bar, restaurant, function room and gaming operations Management of finance, human resources, information technology and office administration operations Management of golf course and lawn bowls facilities Management of all golf and bowls operations including a public access pro-shop and driving range Management of public relations, communications, marketing and promotions Management of strategic planning processes and customer service standards

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April 2011

58 fitness................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Take a one-sided approach to fitness RichardNizielski Golf is a sport that requires a movement which is repeated on one side of the body often. If not addressed, the result will be one side of the body being stronger, more coordinated or agile than the same muscles on the other side of the body. While this dominance of a skill set on one side of the body may be, in all essences, a benefit for golf, it can increase the risk of injury when performing other tasks. Unilateral training exercises can be a way of correcting the imbalances which occur from the one-sided aspect of the golf swing. A bilateral exercise is one in which both legs and/or arms are working in unison to move a load. Exercises such as barbell squats, barbell bench press and barbell shoulder press are examples of a bilateral movement. Bilateral exercises are both necessary and of a great benefit to a training program. However, if there are muscular imbalances it is all too easy for the dominant muscle groups to take over, affecting both the development and athletic performance of the weaker muscles. Performing unilateral exercises can be an effective option for improving muscle imbalance in all areas of the body and assist in gaining overall strength for many of the traditional bilateral exercises. Unilateral exercises are those which focus on a movement performed by a single limb or side of the body independently from the opposing limb.

Unilateral or single-sided exercises can help improve muscle imbalance in all areas of the body These include those which require dumbbells such as the dumbbell chest press or shoulder press. Even though both sides of the body are in use at the same time, the load is controlled and moved by the individual limb—in this case the arm. Perhaps more effective for addressing the imbalances in opposing sides of the body, however, are the single side exercises, those which use one side of the body only. The single arm lat pull down, seated row and dumbbell chest press are a few examples. Many of the exercises—which can be done with both sides of the body at the same time— can be modified to be performed single-sided. When performing any of these exercises it is

important to remember the following: • Start with a relatively light weight, allowing for adaptation and injury prevention. • Have your stabilising muscles (core torso muscles) engaged to help control the movement. • In the beginning, do the movement slowly working on getting the technique before the strength.

• If needed, have someone spot for you while you do the exercise. Preferably a gym staff member or someone who has spotting experience. Injuries from muscular imbalance can be prevented and if addressed can be the resolution to many of the swing problems golfers experience. So when you are in the gym next time perhaps it is a one-sided approach that is needed.

Richard Nizielski is a Brisbane-based golf fitness expert and the Director of Golf Fit Solutions. A three-time Olympian and medallist in the sport of short track speed skating, Richard is a qualified sports and personal trainer designing individual fitness and nutrition programs for both professional and amateur golfers here in Australia and overseas. Richard Nizielski from Golf Fit Solutions can be reached on 0438 027 768 or richardniz@gmail.com and richard@golffitsolutions.com

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insidebiomechanics 59

Ground forces and lower body mechanics ScottBeaumont

In last month’s issue we explained muscular loading. This month we are going to explain the most important foundation of the kinetic link which initiates muscular loading: Ground Forces. No singles link in the process of creating clubhead speed is considered more important than any other; however, your swing is only as strong as your “weakest link”. During the golf swing, the transfer of energy and power from the lower body to the upper body is certainly the most pivotal, and thus the most common “weakest link”. The role of the trunk musculature in the golf swing is the same as the role of a crank shaft in an automobile. Just like the crankshaft turns horsepower created at the drive wheels, the trunk musculature turns energy created by the lower body into power at the upper body. This in turn creates clubhead speed. With maximum energy transfer comes maximum power. Just like a house, a solid golf swing must be built on a solid foundation. That foundation is lower body mechanics or ground forces. The movement of the lower body is composed of both Linear components and rotational components. It is this proper interaction between the two that creates a stable basis for the rest of the swing. Your feet generate forces when they push against the ground. These forces act to propel your body and create motion. There are two kinds of forces that are important to the golf swing: Normal and Shear forces. Normal forces are used to define the linear component of the swing. Shear forces are used to define rotational forces of the swing.

The Linear Component

Normal force is applied by the feet downward or perpendicular to the ground (see Figure A). Weight is transferred to the back foot during the backswing and to the front foot during the downswing. When weight is shifted to one foot, the amount of normal force applied by that foot increases, while the normal force applied by the other foot decreases. This action defines

Fig A: Normal forces the linear component of movement. The linear component of the lower body during the swing is very important, because from this movement that the body develops momentum and enhances the rotational speed and power the hips.

Rotational Forces

Shear force is applied by the feet along the surface or parallel to the ground (See Figure B). Throughout the swing, shear forces are being applied by both feet. These shear forces create torque that turn the hips around the axis of the trunk. This defines the rotational component of the lower body movement. The rotational component provides the basis for power during the golf swing and can be the most directly related to ultimate clubhead speed.

Faults in Energy Transfer

The most two common breakdowns in transferring energy from the lower body to the upper body originate with the hip segment.

Figure B: Shearing forces The first of these is called sliding hips, which occurs when the hips move laterally to the left without rotating. No rotational speed is created. Muscles aren’t properly loaded and there is diminished energy created to be passed to the upper body. In many cases, sliding hips also indicates an excessive spine tilt. When the spine tilts, muscles that work to rotate segments around the axis of the spine become asymmetrical in that one shortens and the other side lengthens. This asymmetry cause inefficient generation of power or speed and can cause increased stress on the back and joints, resulting in back injuries.

The second is called “spinning hips” which occurs when the golfer forces the hip segment through the swing too quickly. This creates excusive lag between the lower body and the upper body. The upper body typically never catches up. The trunk musculature is never used to pass energy created by the hip segment rotation to the shoulder segment which means lost power and lower club head speed. By building a solid foundation from the ground up, and then working on the efficient transfer of energy from the lower body towards the upper body, you can effectively increase power, distance and accuracy throughout your game.

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

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April 2011

60 insideyourmind.........................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Narrow your FOCUS for better tee shots JamieGlazier We all know that putting is one of the most important aspects of golf. But an equally important aspect is what are you actually putting for? Are you normally putting for par or bogey? Or do you generally hit the greens in regulation and end up putting for birdie? This will generally depend on whether or not you have hit a good tee shot. Golfers generally have a tendency to step up on the tee and straight away focus on where they DO NOT want to hit the ball. They will generally stay focused on that section of the hole, and then wonder why they end up driving it in the garbage all the time. Fortunately, this is just part of what we call “Human Nature”. But there is actually a simple fix that will improve your golf immensely. Narrowing your focus is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to driving the ball in the fairway. There are two different types of Focus: Focus of Vision and Focus of Thought. In this article we are going to discuss your Focus of Vision. Focus of Vision is all about what your eyes are looking at in the pre-shot routine phase. Are your eyes focused on the massive lake that juts into the fairway… or the thick tree that is hugging one side of the fairway? If that’s the case, you are setting yourself up for disaster and a round that is plagued with pressure.

You see, when the eyes are focused on a specific part of the hole – whether it be a landing zone, bunker or whatever — when you then look down at the ball to start your swing, your mind will have that section of the hole in clear view. Even if you have said to yourself “Don’t hit it there”. It’s the same as the old saying “Don’t picture a Pink Elephant” — you almost always see the pink elephant or you might see something totally opposite. Now how does this impact our drives? If you say you don’t want to hit it in the bunker, your brain will either have a clear picture of the ball going into the bunker or will create a picture of anything else…and as we know with golf, there are a lot of anything else’s. If you can pick a small, specific target in the distance of where you WANT your ball to finish—making it something that you can recognize after you have taken your eyes off that spot— then you are going to have a great chance of having your brain create pictures of where you want the ball to finish. A very useful thing in the game of golf! So, before you take the club away, make sure that your last look towards the target is focused precisely on that specific spot… whether it is in the middle of the fairway or any other specific landing zone you have identified. If you can do this, you will have greater control over what types of images your brain creates before you start your swing, and that has to be a good thing!

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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

• Group I top class club established 78 years • Situated in the heart of Sydney. Less than 10 minutes drive along Homebush Bay Drive from Rhodes Shopping centre • Special offer no joining fees if you join before June 30 2011. Each new member will receive a free golf lesson from Mark Reeve and a Complimentary Visitor Voucher (value $100) • Join in May 2011 and play 14 months golf for the price of 12 months

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Calderwood Valley Golf Course DavidFletcher I was recently fortunate enough to be invited by some new-found golfing mates to a biannual social golf gathering called ‘The Holy Grail Invitational’. The 16-strong gathering has established a five year tradition of meeting over a weekend at Lake Illawarra to play for the bragging right of Holy Grail Champion. The venue for this esteemed event was Calderwood Valley Golf Course, a layout I freely admit never knew existed before this date with good fortune. I had been furnished with plenty of my mate’s rapt descriptions of the course on the surprisingly short drive from Sydney, and as the buildings and homes of Albion Park slid away to the sprawling rural properties of the valley, my anticipation was keen. The first thing that struck me about the course when I finally laid eyes on it was how lush and green it looked. As I stepped around to the front of the small clubhouse, I noticed the second thing; the dramatic backdrop of the Illawarra escarpment, which left a stark impression that this patch of land would not

take long to return to the sub-tropical forest of the encroaching hills if left untended. I love it when a strong initial visual impression serves to whet your appetite even more for the golfing experience ahead. So it is that visual impression that I feel I should focus on firstly before discussing the finer points of the course. It truly is a layout blessed by its location. Often throughout both rounds I found myself distracted by the surrounding hills and forests, more so perhaps on the second day with light drizzle and a framing of grey cloud making me feel I should ditch the clubs, throw on a backpack, and head off looking for gorillas (maybe it was my hungover form that made think that though). But it was the subtle and interesting ways these forests had been allowed to creep back on to the course to make their presence felt, via ravines and little gullies, that proved to leave the most lasting impressions of the layout, not the views of the hills. The most stunning example of this has to be the par-3 6th hole. It is one of the most beautiful– if treacherous – par-3s I’ve had the pleasure of

playing, with the green precariously perched on a sloping foothill of the escarpment surrounded to its left and back by a deep and heavily-forested ravine with a creek running through it. It is well deserving of its reputation as the course’s signature hole. But to the course itself: yes, believe what you may have heard–it is short. There are plenty of par-4s that the longer-hitting lower handicappers can attempt to drive the green. The par-5s are generous in length, with a good drive on most leaving you with an option of going for the green in two. But I’m not one of those snobbish low markers that would deride a course for a lack of length alone. I would much sooner criticise a layout of formidable length if all the par-4s were merely slight variations on the clichéd riff of the medium-to-long dogleg (far too many resort courses do that, for my money). No, the shortness of the course is for the most part defended well by the gnarly little pockets of forest and creeks. Sure, you can bomb a drive onto the relatively open green of the 252m par-4 14th. Then succumb to the overwhelming temptation

Calderwood’s beautiful 8th tee to try and do it again on the downhill 264m 15th, only to find your drive shunted off to the right or the back of the green where forest and a creek awaits. And as for the par-5s, the 12th is a perfect example of length alone being no clear indication of the difficulty of a golf hole. At 468 metres, it is ranked the hardest hole on the golf course. Hit a perfect drive down the slope to reach the dogleg left and a view of the green, and you’ll understand why. Miss your drive either left or right...well, you’ll understand even more. Maybe it’s the holes sprawling though the inner former pastureland of the course that have unfairly burdened Calderwood Valley with the reputation of being merely a walk in the park for ‘serious’ golfers. To be sure, the fairways are wide on these holes, and the rough is generous when you miss them, if a little thick in places, as it should be. But lurking within these inner holes are the treacherous par-3s, 8 and 11–with the same large sprawling lake very much in play on both holes, as it is on the otherwise-welcoming par 5 1st. And the final 3 holes are set up beautifully to command that even the best golfers have just

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courses 63

Burleigh’s membership deal The beautiful and treacherous par-3 sixth hole at Calderwood Valley the right mixture of conservatism, execution and bravado if they hope to finish their round well. As for the condition of the course, I really couldn’t fault it. Even if it were a resort course with the greenskeeping budget of an African nation’s GDP I’d still have trouble finding fault– the fact that this course is family owned and maintained makes its condition a minor miracle in my book. The greens are consistent, true and deceptively quick, and the fairways are lush. Even with the heavy weekend traffic of mostly social golfers (who we all know are not as wellversed in sand bucket and pitch-repair etiquette as others) the quality of the greens and fairways of Calderwood Valley added to the pleasure of my weekend. Indeed, the casual atmosphere of the surrounding social golfers and the lack of airs and graces at the essentials-only ‘clubhouse’ (byo boozers, no bar!) added to the unique charm of this course. Alas, the recent loss of vital shots from my

handicap along with my poor finishing at those final 3 holes scuttled my chances of being in contention for the Holy Grail–and a place on the clubhouse wall–on my first hit-out. But such was the pleasure of Calderwood Valley, and the company of extraordinary gentlemen, that I can’t wait to have another crack at it. For a weekend away with mates, or even just a day trip for a casual hit, I can’t recommend Calderwood Valley highly enough. And you A-grade snobs... bring your A-grade game, you’re going to need it! www.calderwoodgolf.com.au

Be a course reviewer! This review was written by an Inside Golf reader as part of our Carpark to the 19th series. If you’d like to review a course, and see your name in print, email us at ed@insidegolf.com. au, or visit our website and look under “Course Reviews.”

WHEN it comes to golf club membership offers, Burleigh Golf Club on Queensland’s Gold Coast would have to be one of the most enterprising clubs in Australia. Centrally located in Miami, Burleigh Golf Club has been both proactive and imaginative when it comes to boosting its membership potential. The club offers a range of membership options including full, six-day, country, restricted, limited, youth, junior and cadet. And to win the battle to attract more members, the club has introduced a flexible payment option for its full and six-day categories. Golfers joining the club as full members pay only $175 per month while the entry fee is charged over five years within the monthly subscription amount. The six-day membership, which permits course access each day except Saturdays, is $155. (Conditions apply). “It’s proving to be a big hit with those seeking a championship course and private members clubs and flexible ways to pay the entrance fees,”

general manager Mark Holland said. The private members club offers a first-class golf course and clubhouse facilities. The championship golf course caters for golfers of all standards and there are competitions held daily. “The golf course, which remained playable throughout the recent heavy rains, offers a diverse experience with a woodland-type forest front nine followed by a sandbelt heath back nine,” Holland said. And when golfers finish their round they can relax in comfort in a modern clubhouse that offers a variety of meal options. The Gumtrees Brasserie and the club’s awardwinning chef Nigel Coulson offer a full snack and a la carte menu and is open for lunch seven days a week and dinner Wednesday to Saturday. And it’s even open Sunday mornings so golfers can enjoy a scrumptious breakfast. For more information, go to www.burleighgolfclub.com.au or contact Mark Holland on (07) 5572 8266.

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EXPERTS IN THE GAME

April 2011

64 clubs......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Bonville provides Masters fix DavidNewbery THIS year I couldn’t make it to the US Masters at Augusta National in eastern Georgia. Instead, I point my car in the direction of Coffs Harbour on NSW’s mid-north coast, set the cruise control and headed for what has been described as Australia’s Augusta National – Bonville Golf Resort. “Wow,” says my partner Barbara as we enter the Federation-style clubhouse overlooking the stunning 18th fairway and green. The resort’s general manager Brad Daymond and marketing manager Damien Tarbox suggest we lunch on the verandah overlooking the 18th. Bonville Golf Resort really does resemble Augusta National’s heavenlike setting of impeccably manicured fairways and greens set against a breathtaking backdrop of colour and tall timber. The championship golf course boasts magnificent tall flooded gums – Augusta has pines. If first impressions are important, it’s no wonder Bonville has many fans including plenty of sporting heroes and celebrities. Ken Rosewall, Pat Rafter, John Eales, Mark Waugh, Mark Taylor, Ian Healy, Mal Meninga, Herb Elliott and TV host Kerri-Anne Kennerley have all visited the resort. Photographs of them and others adorn the clubhouse walls. We are booked in to play golf, but only after we settle into one of the resort’s 30-twin-room accommodation suites. The suites, which overlook the first fairway, recently received a major refurbishment and are perfect for couples and groups alike.

And there’s a fine selection of wines to wash down the entrée of Garam Masala duck breast with jamon, duck rillettes, baby beetroot and blackcurrant jus followed by the main eye fillet of beef, risotto of kipfler potato, bok choy, dried oyster mushrooms, aioli and veal jus. Guests can also enjoy a light or full breakfast and lunch at the resort where the service is five-star. Bonville Golf Resort is terrific fun, a great place to stay and certainly worth the green fee. “Wow,” I’ve enjoyed every minute of the Bonville experience,” said Barbara over breakfast. “Can we stay another day?” And we did.

FACT FILE The executive rooms include a king size bed, plasma TV, ensuite with spa and a mini bar, of course. Everything about Bonville is special – even the pro shop, which is large and caters for all golfers’ needs. It comes under the direction of golf operations manager Matt Dagger and offers some wonderful logoed mementos, from golf balls, ball markers, caps and hats to shirts and much more. And if it’s a lesson you want then head teaching pro Craig Chandler is your man. Matt hands me a “cheat sheet”, which gives a brief description of each hole and highlights the dangers that lie ahead. “You mostly have to be straight off the tee,” says Matt. “It’s not a long golf course, but you need to be in the right position because you can get a lot of undulating lies.

“Keep your ball under the hole,” is Matt’s last piece of advice as I hit the golf cart’s accelerator and head for the first tee. That turned out to be excellent advice. The 470m par-5 seventh hole is a definite birdie opportunity while the 404m par-4 12th is arguably the toughest hole on the course. Almost every hole has that wowfactor, but the second, fourth and 15th are feature holes. The golf course has that intimate charm that gives the feeling you have the place to yourself. There are virtually no parallel holes and although there are other groups out there, you hardly ever see them. And some of the trips between greens and tee are through gorgeous rainforest corridors. Even if you do record a double bogey your stress levels will be back to

normal before you reach the next tee. The fairways are generous, but if you do miss the short grass you could be looking at bogey – or worse. But that’s the beauty of the challenge. During our visit a group of eight, some from Sydney the others from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, arrived to stay-and-play, wine and dine and play some more. They’re an eclectic group – Aussies, Scots and a South African. Naturally, there’s plenty of friendly banter and the competition is fierce and even continues at day’s end when they decide a putting competition is the perfect pre-dinner activity. They keep going until about 7.30pm when hunger pains intervene. The resort’s award-winning Flooded Gums Restaurant has an unmatched combination of setting, atmosphere, good service and food prepared by executive chef Lee O’Carroll.

Address: Bonville Golf Resort, North Bonville Road, Bonville, NSW. Contact: Telephone (02) 6653 4002 or pro shop (02) 6653 4544. www.bonvillegolf.com.au Course: Length 6079m (championship); 5876m (men); 5092m (women). Green fees: $110 (Monday to Thursday); $125 Friday to Sunday (including golf cart and Quick Shot laser rangefinder). Getting there: The resort is 10 minutes south of Coffs Harbour Airport. There are regular flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. By road: Six hours from Sydney and five and a half hours from Brisbane. Other facilities: Restaurant, full bar facilities, tennis and swimming pool, function room ideal for weddings and conferences. Stay-and-play packages are available.

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The time is right, says Merv DavidNewbery WHEN club professional Merv Uhlman exits Oxley Golf Club’s pro shop for the last time on April 30, he will have chalked up 46 years, eight months and 27 days of continuous service. That’s a huge contribution to one club but, for Merv, it’s been a wonderful journey with lots of good memories. “It will be sad to leave, but the time is right,” Merv said. “I am going to start playing more golf with my mates who keep saying, ‘Merv, when are you going to come out and play’? “But when you are working there are always other things to do. “There are a few grandkids I’d like to spend time with and it’s an opportunity to do a few things with my wife.” Merv served his apprenticeship under the guidance of Doug Katterns at Keperra Country Golf Club in the early 1960s and virtually walked straight into the job at Oxley. In his early years Merv won a number of tournaments, but one of his fondest memories was playing alongside and finishing third to twotime major winner David Graham in Mackay.

TIME’S UP: Popular Oxley Golf Club professional Merv Uhlman has pulled the pin on a long career “I remember he finished eagle, eagle and the next day he started with an eagle,” Merv recalled. “We played 36 holes on the first day, 36 on the second day and when we finished at 4.30pm David went to the practice fairway and was still there when we went home later.

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“I saw him the next year at Surfers Paradise and he was there hammering balls again. “It’s amazing how much practice he did, but it paid off. “It was the same with Greg Norman and Wayne Grady and those boys.”

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Another highlight was caddying for Arnold Palmer in 1963. Palmer was brought to Australia to play an exhibition match at Royal Queensland and Merv was on the great man’s bag. Bob Charles, who was the British Open champion, Charlie Earp and

Japan’s number one Hideyo Sugimoto joined Palmer at RQ. “I remember he landed at RQ in a helicopter,” Merv recalled. “It was tremendous caddying for Palmer – he was a top bloke.” In 1986, Merv organised a reunion during Palmer’s visit to play in the World Series Championship at Coolangatta Tweed Heads. It was a successful reunion because everyone involved in the exhibition match 23 years earlier turned up. Now, after a long and distinguished career, Merv will close the pro shop door of his beloved Oxley Golf Club for the last time and ease his way into retirement. “Oxley has been a great club. I have made a lot of friends and I’ll leave with a lot of good memories.” What he won’t miss are the early starts and late finishes. “The hours are demanding and they are not getting any less. “This morning we were here at 5am and we won’t get out until about 6.30pm after we have put away the golf carts and tomorrow it’s a 4.30am start because it’s members’ day. “You have got to get there an hour early to get the carts up so they are all out there ready to go. “You get to a stage when you say, ‘that’s it – it’s time to give it away’.”

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Australia’s unassuming world champ RobWillis There is one Australian world champ who spurns the spotlight. For him it’s not about the glitz and the glamour, not about the headlines or the notoriety. None of that is what he, nor the game of golf he prefers to play, is all about. His game, hickory golf, is about the sport itself, the traditions, played the way it was designed to be played, way back in a time before metal heads, cavity backed irons and square grooves. For that matter, even before clubs were fitted with metal shafts and rakes were used to smooth out bunkers. Australian PGA member Perry Somers is the World Hickory golf champion. He also holds national titles right across Europe and also won the Australian Hickory Championship in 2010. He is good at the game he plays, maybe the best going around. Not that anyone would know, with his World Hickory Open win escaping mention on any Fox Sports news broadcast. Now based in Cologne, Germany, where he

teaches at the Golf and Country Club Velderhof, while at the same time supporting his German wife Henriette in her career with the Cologne City Council, Somers is a throwback to a time when golf was pure. “I feel I was born 50 years too late,” Somers said. “Specifically the 1920’s to 1940’s were a golden time in sport in general and for golf in particular. The way people behaved and dressed was something special. “One only needs to mention names like Bradman and Bobby Jones to have examples of sportsmanship and class that sadly are no longer with us. Simply by donning the plus 4’s and tie and flat cap I feel, for a few hours at least, that I am back in the time in which I would have preferred to live.” Somers, the brother of long-time Burleigh Heads pro Vaughan, was once a solid player with the conventional equipment, more than holding his own against the competition of his day. “I was NSW trainee champion and trainee of the year in 1979 and on completing my

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apprenticeship I went straight onto the Australasian Tour playing the Pro-Am circuit,” he explained. “I played some good golf at times but in such obscure locations and for so little prize money that I didn’t benefit from the successes.” Good enough to win the prestigious 54-hole Mt. Isa Open in 1987 with an impressive 201 total, Somers still never quite managed to find the confidence to take his game to a higher level. Shortly after Somers caught the travel bug and with his clubs in tow headed overseas. Twenty years later, and apart from a 14-month hiatus when he returned to Australia and worked as assistant to Chris Rutherford at Royal Queensland, he has called Europe home, holding Director of Golf and Head Professional positions at various golfing facilities. While his competitive career—not to mention his love of Hickory Golf—has flourished in Europe, ironically Somers became aware of the ‘traditional’ form of the game through the Golf Society of Australia. It was at a day held at Kingston Heath Golf Club where he was

introduced to Hickory golf in what turned out to be a major turning point in his golfing life. “I’ve always had an interest in the history of the game and this has grown into a passion over the last few years. My enjoyment of golf has increased tenfold through the appreciation and learning of golf ’s rich history,” Somers said. “The reasons why I enjoy it are so many and varied I couldn’t list them all and I discover new ones all the time. One of the main reasons is the connection with the past. “My fellow Hickory enthusiasts are all well aware of what we are doing and conduct themselves with little fuss and fanfare. We play in under four hours free from measuring devices and over-read putts. We have six to 10 clubs in a little canvas bag over the shoulder and regardless of the standard, the game is celebrated.” The next step was for Somers to acquire some Hickory clubs of his own, which involved a constant process of testing, buying and rejecting. “Which is part of the fun,” Somers said. “I was amazed how well the clubs performed.

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Initially one fears the club will break, especially unpleasant if they are borrowed clubs, after some shots however it is clear they have survived 90 years and will probably also survive that round.” With a technique that friend and former mentor David Mercer, the legendary Killara professional, described as suited to the clubs of old, Somers went about making his mark in significant Hickory Golf events around the world. “Dave Mercer is of the opinion that my technique lends itself to the Hickory game as I am a swinger with a shallow bottom to the swing. That means I don’t exceedingly stress the clubs. To this point I haven’t broken one, although apparently it is only a matter of time,” Somers said. “The World Hickory Open was the largest title (Somers won) but due to numbers and the weather, not the most impressive win. My first win was still my best golf as I was paired with the seven-time US champion, Randy Jensen, and it was only my second Hickory event. That gave me confidence for this year and having played nine events I have six wins, one second and two thirds,” Somers said of his remarkable run in 2010. “To finish the year with the win in Australia, was very satisfying and despite the course being waterlogged, the 74 was respectable.” So now that Somers has mastered Hickory golf to a degree, beating off most of the challengers on a regular basis, the question of whether he contemplates a competitive return to the modern game was dismissed very quickly. “I rarely play with modern equipment and when I do I don’t enjoy the game as much,” he said in response. “I have a better attitude toward myself and my game with the Hickories in that I am prepared to accept poor or less than ideal

Perry Somers at the 2010 Dutch Hickory Championships shots. Something I can’t say the same for my attitude when playing the modern clubs.” The Hickory “movement” is gaining momentum, certainly in Europe, with National championships conducted in Scotland, England, Wales, Sweden, Germany, Holland, France, Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland, and also in the USA, with Somers keen to see more Australians involved in the near future. “It is an interesting time to be involved in the movement, back to the roots and traditions of the game. Australia hasn’t picked up the ball as yet but I try to motivate from a distance and by participating in the Australian Championship each year,” he added. So what is it like hitting the sticks of old?

t en g & s l l e e xc orkin niti E u ng etw port i r N p fe Of ness ip O si sh Bu nsor o Sp

There are a few tricks to Hickory Golf, as Somers explains. “It is helpful to sweep the ball rather than have a steep angle of attack. An attempt to overpower the shot generally ends in disaster, even more so than with the modern technology,” Somers began. “Given the fact that I only take nine clubs, I am constantly required to shape and work the ball. The Hickories are much more responsive than the modern club, where changes have been undertaken to help golfers keep the ball straight.” Somers — said to be sneaky long for the Hickory scene, hits his driver as long as his modern 3-wood, which equates to a loss of about 10 per cent from modern equipment. But that is obviously when the ball is struck out of the

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centre of the club. “The miss hits are much shorter and well penalised,” Somers warns. And for those who have always thought practice to be a somewhat overrated exercise, Hickory golf might just be for them. “Practice is very limited as the shafts would not cope with too much stress. The players of that era often had clubs they kept for tournament play and others, of only similar feel but nothing like identical, for practice to save the shafts,” Somers said. “Modern range balls tend to be too hard and hence another reason why one doesn’t overdo the practice. I have a dozen balls and work on my short game with the mashie niblick and niblick, but that is the extent of the practice. “On tournament days, it is like the days of old, where players walk from the clubhouse straight onto the tee.” As for the balls, there is no need to source a brand and make from a century ago, with a relatively soft ball the only real requirement. “The balls need to be soft so as not to damage the shaft through too much resistance. I use the Titleist Pro V1 however anything of the type of the So-Lo or Laddie from Precept.” So if you’re game, get involved in Hickory golf. Check out the relevant golf society or Hickory web-sites and turn up to a hickory day. Hire clubs are always available for first timers. All dates for Championships are on the web-sites. For more information on Hickory golf, visit any of the following; www.worldhickorygolfer.com; www.hickorygolf.com; www.britgolfcolectors.wyenet.co.uk; www.golfsocietyaust.com; www.australiangolfheritage.org.au

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April 2011

68 Caddyshack........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Be the ball

It’s just over 30 years since Caddyshack graced our screens, providing us a heck of a lot of laughs and still-quotable quotes. But did you know that watching Caddyshack can also improve your golf? MattCleary As most golfers know, Caddyshack is the greatest movie in the history of movies. Not just best golf movie...not just best sports movie. Best movie, period. Released in 1980, it was Harold Ramis’ first gig as director (he would later know fame as a Ghostbuster) and stars Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield and Bill Murray as a lunatic greenkeeper who dreams of Augusta. Haven’t seen it? Well, once you’ve read this magazine, get yourself a copy of this gem and watch it. And watch it again. Watch it 30 times — once for each year it’s been out. For not only is Caddyshack nuanced, quotable and funnier on subsequent viewings, you can also learn from it. True story: Caddyshack can improve your golf. Let us count the ways:

The Dalai Lama

The Scene: Assistant Greenkeeper Carl Spackler (Bill Murray) is telling a long-winded story to a caddy, emphasising his point with the prongs of a pitchfork. The Quote: “So I jump ship in Hong Kong and I make my way over to Tibet, and I get on as a looper at a course over there in the Himalayas.

A looper, you know, a caddy, a looper, a jock. So I tell them I’m a pro jock, and who do you think they give me? The Dalai Lama, himself. Twelfth son of the Lama. The flowing robes, the grace, bald ... striking. So I’m on the first tee with him. I give him the driver. He hauls off and whacks one — big hitter, the Lama, long — into a ten-thousand foot crevasse, right at the base of this glacier. And do you know what the Lama says? Gunga galunga ... gunga, gunga-lagunga.” The Lesson: Have a Plan “Amateur golfers, particularly high handicappers, frequently play spontaneously, making up strategy on the fly,” writes Dr Bob Rotella in his seminal mental instruction manual Golf Is Not A Game of Perfect. “A good professional never plays a tournament round without examining the course and preparing a plan to play it. The plan encompasses target and club selection for each shot, the preferred landing area on every green, and hazards to be avoided.”

“Be the ball”

The Scene: Ty Webb (Chevy Chase) blindfolds himself then hits a beautiful shot which lands near the flag. He tries to show caddy Danny Noonan how to do it.

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“Spaulding!”

The Scene: Judge Smails is introducing his niece, Lacey Underall, to Dr Beeper and The Bishop. In the background Smails’ nephew Spaulding is attempting to tee off–without success. The Quote: “Turds! Double turds!” The Lesson: Develop a post-shot routine To avoid carrying the baggage of a bad shot through to the next one, “Go through a process after you’ve hit your shot,” advises Niethe. “Hold the pose, watch the result. The purpose is to get you back into a functional state and help preserve your self-image. You hear golfers swear after bad shots, and call themselves idiots. And it can be ongoing.” Greg Green, a pro from Sydney’s Beverley Park, who holds a psychology degree from Georgia Southern University, says you should place equal importance on every shot that you

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The Quote: “Hear nothing, feel nothing... relax, find your centre, picture the shot, Danny, let it happen, and BE the ball.” The Lesson: Develop a ‘Third Eye’ “It’s similar to Olympic shooters,” says David Niethe, Mental Performance Director at the New Zealand Institute of Golf. “They get to a point when they’re relaxed and their focus is only on the smallest target. There’s no internal dialogue, their peripheral vision disappears and they get into ‘The Zone’. Try and achieve that as you’re standing over the ball. Focus on what you want rather than what you want to avoid.” Adds Rotella: “Nick Price told me that once he had picked out a target he could look back to the ball, but continue to ‘see’ the target in his mind. Other good players tell me they feel almost as if they had a third eye on the left side of their head.”

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play. “Concentrate on every shot like it’s the only shot you’re playing that day. Tigers says he tries to do it every round. For him – and Stuart Appleby said something similar after he shot 59 – the ‘perfect round’ is one that on each shot he’s had nothing on his mind but that shot.”

“Gambling is illegal at Bushwood, sir, and I never slice” The Scene: Judge Smails is lining up a short putt and taking his time. Al Czervik approaches the green and bets him “a thousand bucks you miss”. Smails misses. Enraged, he hurls his putter towards the clubhouse where it strikes a member’s wife. There is conflict. Danny Noonan helps Smails with the disagreement. The Quote: “I noticed your grips were worn, sir, it’s my fault.” The Lesson: Grip pressure To find out the pressure, “grip the club so lightly that it slides out,” says Institute of Golf instructor Craig Dixon. “Call that grip pressure 1. Then squeeze it as hard as you can. That’s a five. For short game shots you want about 2.5 grip pressure. Full swing, go with a three.” To keep your grips in good order, Dixon advises washing them in soapy water, scrubbing vigorously and drying with a towel.

“At Augusta”

The Scene: Carl is whacking the heads off flowers with a garden tool, commentating to himself that he’s “at Augusta”. The Quote: “Here he is, Cinderella boy, tears in his eyes, I guess. About to become, the Masters champion. [Whack]. Oh! He got onto that. It’s a mirac- it’s in the hole! It’s in the hole!” The Lesson: Practise like you’re playing

“On the driving range, pretend you’re playing a round at your home course,” advises Green. “If it’s a par-5, hit the driver. If you slice it, next take the club you would from the right rough. If you hit it straight, take a 3-wood (or whatever). Get ‘close’ and hit wedge. Practise your technique on the range, and then on the course just play. There’s too many other things to think about when you’re playing.” Niethe advises you spend the last ten per cent of your practice time hitting balls with your preand post-shot routines. “The last thing you take away from the range is what you take to the course.” On the practice green, try to simulate pressure. “Take ten balls and place them a putter’s length all around the hole,” says Green. “And then try to sink them all in a row. If you miss one, start again. The pressure rises as you get closer to ten. It’s the only one I ever used as a touring pro.”

The Storm

The Scene: The Bishop is playing the best round

of his life in a raging, cyclonic lightning storm that becomes ever fiercer. His advisor and caddy is greenkeeper Carl. The Quote: “I’d keep playing. I don’t think the heavy stuff is going to come down for quite a while.” The Lesson: Be prepared “In the wind, watch your tempo. Players try to hit the ball harder and it puts more spin on the ball which sends it up in the air. Take an extra club and swing easily. This should lower ball flight.” In the rain, stick to routine, says Green. “For serious golfers I’d recommend they practise in the rain; that way there aren’t any curveballs coming your way.” But, Dixon warns: “Don’t play in the lightning!”.

Playing Through

The Scene: Ty hits a ball through a window of Carl’s shack. He goes in to retrieve his ball and asks if he can play through. While there, they drink and talk about the upcoming bet against Judge Smails.

The Quote: “What you got to do with Smails is, you cut the hamstring on the back of his leg, right at the bottom. He’ll never play golf again. Because he goes back, his weight displacement goes back, and he stays there, all his weight’s on his right foot and he’s pushing everything off to the right. He’ll never come through on anything. He’ll quit the game.” The Lesson: Finish with your weight on the foot nearest the hole “To improve weight transfer, lift your feet as you take a practice swing,” says Green. “[For right-handers] lift your left foot as you go back. As you swing through, lift your right. But someone who gets stuck on their back foot, typically something else needs to be fixed. It’s cause and effect. Maybe their hip flexors are too tight. It’s individual, there’s not a blanket answer. See a pro.”

The Party

The Scene: After gopher holes explode in mushroom clouds across Bushwood Country Club, and with the competition/bet finished, Al Czervik sends his goons away to get money out of Judge Smails. Al turns to a large gathering of people and exclaims that a “celebration” is in order (that’s our G-rated explanation, anyway.) The Lesson: Perspective “After your round, make sure you let go of the negative emotion and preserve the learning,” says Niethe. “Debrief post-round and think about what you can learn. People have an expectation that they’ll play to their handicap, but handicap is only an indication of what you’re capable of. And we’re not all professionals.” Try explaining that to Carl Spackler.

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Arnold Palmer – the King DavidNewbery ARNOLD Palmer still laughs about the time he paid his caddie Nathaniel “Ironman” Avery 10 times more than he should have after one tournament. Palmer had just won the US Masters and in the excitement Ironman received a cheque for $14,000 – $12,600 more than he should have received. Palmer’s wife Winnie was supposed to write a cheque for $1400, but she inadvertently paid him $14,000 – Palmer’s prize for winning the Masters. “We still laugh about that slip up,” Palmer said in his book A Golfer’s Life. As a bagman, Ironman wasn’t overly talented. He often provided Palmer with inaccurate distances, but he had other qualities so he kept his job. Ironman knew what made Palmer tick and was able to keep his player’s mind on the job. On one occasion, Palmer messed up a simple chip and threw his wedge in Ironman’s direction. Well, he fixed his boss with an eerie stare and said, “Mr Palmer, are we chokin’?” Ironman’s scowl was reminiscent of the disapproving glare his father gave him if he threw a club when he was a kid. If he thought young Arnie was getting too big for his boots he would haul him aside and give him a dressing down. “Listen here, any time you think you are the best you can be, just remember there is always some guy out there waiting to beat you,” his dad would say. “Don’t brag about what you’ve accomplished and don’t tell people what you’re gonna do – keep you mouth shut, keep your mind on your business and show them.” Later, when Palmer turned professional he was able to tap into that advice. In fact, he showed the great Ben Hogan how good he was after he had overheard a comment Hogan had made about him during a practice round at Augusta National. It was 1958 and Palmer had driven all night to get to Georgia for the Masters, but he still agreed to play a practice round. “My pal Dow Finsterwald had arranged for us to team up and play with Ben Hogan and Jackie Burke,” Hogan said. “I went out on the course and played abysmally and I felt doubly bad that Dow had to carry us. He played brilliantly and we collected $35 apiece off the wager.

One of the greatest players in the history of golf, Arnold Palmer won 94 tournaments, including 62 on the PGA Tour (Photo courtesy of Golf Australia) “A little while afterwards, as we were changing in the locker room, I heard Ben Hogan remark to Jackie, ‘Tell me something, Jackie. How the hell did Palmer get an invitation to the Masters’?” Hogan continued: “Palmer’s swing might work for him, but no one else should try it.” The cutting remarks really hurt Palmer. “The question burned me up and set my mind on showing him why the hell I’d been invited to the Masters,” he said. So, Palmer went out and shot rounds of 70-73-68-73 to win the tournament. Still, an officious rules official almost cost him victory. In the final round, Palmer had a onestroke lead when he got to the infamous 12th, arguably the toughest par-3 in golf. “My tee shot carried over the green and imbedded in the soft turf behind the putting surface and the rear bunker,” he recalled. “When I saw the situation, I called the rules official over and explained to him that I intended to take relief without penalty.

“Because of the heavy rains earlier in the week, the tournament was being played under wet-weather rules. “This meant that a plugged ball could be lifted, cleaned and dropped without penalty. “The official, Arthur Lacey, shook his head and said, ‘You don’t do that at Augusta.’ “I beg your pardon?” Palmer replied. “We’re playing wet-weather rules.” “No sir,” he said. ‘You can’t do that. You’ve got to play it as it lies.’ “For a moment I thought about my dilemma, trying to keep my growing anger at this injustice at bay. “Finally, I told him I would play two balls and appeal the verdict to the tournament rules committee. “No sir, you can’t do that either,” Lacey said. By now Palmer was really fired up. “Well, that’s exactly what I’m going to do,” Palmer said. “I dug the ball out with my wedge, moving it only about 18 inches, and then chipped into the green and two-putted for a double bogey five.

“Then I walked back and placed the ball on the same spot where my tee shot had come to rest. “I chipped the second ball to a few feet from the hole and coaxed the putt into the cut for a par.” Ken Venturi, who was in contention, felt Palmer’s action was not in the spirit of the game. But Palmer knew the rule and believed what he had done was right. At the par-5 13th, Augusta’s co-founder Bobby Jones arrived in a golf cart which sent a shiver down Palmer’s spine. “I wanted to show him what I was made of, so I took out my three-wood and smoked my second shot to the rear of the green,” he said. “I made a 20-foot putt for eagle and parred 14. “Then, in the 15th fairway, I was summoned over to meet with the tournament’s rules committee, all of who had gathered around Mr Jones’s cart. “Jonathon Winters, the committee chairman, said: ‘Mr Palmer, the committee has ruled in your favour. You will have a three at the 12th hole.’ “That was music to my ears and I finished 18 with a birdie for a final round of 73.” Palmer won by one from Doug Ford and Fred Hawkins. Nicknamed the King, Palmer went on to win seven majors – four green jackets, two Open Championships and one US Open. Three times he finished runner-up in the US PGA Championship. In 1963, he became the first golfer to win $100,000 in a year – a feat critics said would never be achieved. To his legion of fans known as Arnie’s Army, Palmer is a charismatic hero. They believe there has never been another golfer to rival him. He was an exciting player to watch and played aggressively, irrespective of his position in the field. He was famous for coming from behind to make a bold last-minute charge to victory. And that’s why he won 94 tournaments, including 62 on the PGA Tour. Palmer once commented that if he had played more conservatively in the majors he probably won have won another seven. But that wasn’t his style. He was one of the “Big 3” in golf along with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, who were credited with popularising and commercialising the game. During a visit to the Gold Coast in the 1980s Palmer was approached by a fan who asked for a tip. “Get rid of any silly thoughts in your head and just hit the ball,” Palmer said.

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insidetravel 71

Who’s up for an African golf and wildlife adventure? INSIDE Golf’s senior golf writer David Newbery is on a mission. He is leading a golf tour and wildlife safari to South Africa in September and is inviting readers and fellow golfers to join him. “It’s a great time to visit the Rainbow Nation because the strength of the Australian dollar means big savings,” he said. The 16-day adventure includes six rounds of golf at some of the best golf course in the Republic. “We’ll be playing at some world-class golf courses including Jack Nicklaus and Gary Playerdesigned layouts,” Newbery said. “I was in South Africa last year and can assure travellers the golf courses are easily on par with some of the best in the world.” South Africa is a country of natural beauty and the food and wine is outstanding – and inexpensive. The 2011 itinerary includes a four-day visit to Cape Town which has been described as one of the world’s most picturesque cities. Table Mountain looms large over the Mother City. A cable car ferries visitors, 65 at a time, to and from the mountain’s summit. Newbery lived in Cape Town for 15 years and has an intimate knowledge of the country. The tour starts in Cape Town and moves north to the historical town of Stellenbosch, which was founded in 1688. “It’s wine country and is known for its Cape Dutch architecture and has some excellent

handicraft markets. “Ernie Els has a share in a vineyard and owns a restaurant/wine bar in the town appropriately named the Big Easy. “And then there are the magnificent mountain ranges and picturesque winelands. “If it’s beaches you want, there are thousands of kilometres of them.” Other highlights include a drive along the scenic Garden Route and a visit to Shakaland, a cultural Zulu village. “We will visit a national park that houses the

world’s largest elephants and another game park that is home to the largest Rhino population in Africa,” Newbery said. “And that’s not all – we are going to slip across the border into Swaziland to play some golf and explore the diverse culture of the country before returning to South Africa and the Kruger National Park – home of the big five (elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo). “Of course, there are plenty of other animals and birdlife on show.” The cost of the golf safari is $9,675 per person

twin share and includes return airfares, SA domestic airfares and transport, accommodation, breakfasts and some dinners, all golf, excursions and much more. David Newbery’s golf safari (September 7-23, 2011) is being organised through Journeys Worldwide, a company with more than 20 years’ experience in African tours and safaris. For m ore i n f or m at i on a n d a f u l l itinerary, contact Dick Cijffers or Kirsten on tol l f re e 1300-734-788 or e mai l info@journeysworldwide.com.au

April 2011

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Playing with BMS LarryCanning Have you ever had that feeling where you just can’t take the club back for fear of losing your ball? I mean, pro shops are full of the little suckers, and they’re not running out soon. And what’s more, when you’re a pro, usually you don’t have to pay for them. But for some reason your head just can’t deal with the impending loss. I know I’m not the only sufferer…actually I’m going to be the first to give it a name: Ball Misplacement Syndrome (BMS). Of course there is also the atypical BMS condition which happens if you play forward to Shaun Tait and he gets one to lift off a good length. I just experienced BMS on my recent attempt to pillage some cash from the Bald Spot Tour in New Zealand. On a side note…has anyone over 50 noticed how every hair you lose off your head suddenly appears on some other part of your body? I mean, if I lose any more off my forehead my ass is going to look like an Echidna. I’ll finish up waddling around a golf course looking for an ants nest to sit on! The golf courses I competed on during this terrifying week were really quite beautiful and probably very playable, but for some of us Seniors they proved to be scarier than Helen Clark. Wairakei Golf Club near Lake Taupo is gorgeous and the course is world class, but my fragile nerves didn’t need fairways narrower than the driveway to the clubhouse. My partner for the first round was former US Tour player and Australian Open runner-up Jeff Woodland— who had been mysteriously missing from the leader’s board in the lead-up tournaments. Easily one of the best strikers I have ever played with, Woody was just not himself early, and it was clear he was showing some classic symptoms of BMS. On the tight par-four 4th hole he tried to steer a 3-wood between a massive pine and some jungle, only to steer a 5kilo divot barely to the end of the tee! Seriously, this thing looked like it belonged on top of Doug Bollinger’s head. After I helped Woody re-plant the sod back in the ground I noticed the tee still sitting in it, but no sign of the ball. We didn’t have far to walk to find it. The next round I drew an old mate of mine who also usually knows where it’s going: Mark Wilson. Willo had played great late last year, including finishing second in the Australian Legends Tour Championship to Mike Harwood. After a couple of shaky holes, he hit the worst shot I had ever seen him hit. He looked at me with the same look as Woody the day before and I could tell straight away….BMS. The thing with Willo is, here is a bloke who used to be a detective back in the seventies, a time when organised crime was rife and he had seen it all. After a drive that took off like a Frisbee in a cross wind, Willo said “You, know Larry, I would reckon after being shot at by some mug with a .38, wouldn’t you think I could address a Pro V1 without too many worries?” By the time I had arrived at The Lakes Resort at Pauanui for the final event, I looked like I was about to be the next victim in Halloween ll. Despite feeling like I was

wrapped in chains and placed in a tank next to Houdini before his last gig, I managed to get through most of the tournament until I stood on my second last hole. By Pauanui standards, this bad boy has a reasonable width fairway, but I was scared by the loss of two precious Taylor Made Penta Tour’s on my first two attempts during rounds one and two. It was down wind so I pretended to check my yardages and suggest out loud to my playing partner Neil Wall that I could run out of fairway with anything longer than a 3-iron. It worked, Neill nodded (maybe he was just being polite) and I pulled old number three from the bag. “Even if I hit this like Betty White, it won’t reach the garbage” I said to myself. This worked as well. I did hit it like Betty White and gave it just enough acceleration to get the club head back out of the ground. My ball was safely down the fairway some 120 metres. At this point I would like to offer some advice on Ball Misplacement Syndrome but to be honest; I have absolutely nothing. Well, outside of getting on the right side of your local club professional so he can lend

you some of his range balls to play with. Or, if you are a professional and it’s costing you money then hang around someone who has just been left a large inheritance. No doubt I will be back there next year

chains and all – which, by the way, Kiwis think we still wear over here. Good luck my fellow BMS sufferers and see you soon….I’ll be the bloke measuring the fairways with my GPS unit. Not the length...the width!

Calling all course reviewers Historically, golf course rankings have been written by golf pros, journalists, course architects and industry professionals. The ratings have been based on features like design, condition, length, number of hazards, etc, with sometimes a hint at the “Wow Factor”. And while these rankings are a critical part of golf, it doesn’t always tell the whole story. Isn’t a great golf experience more than just the sum of the parts? For the average punter, a great golf course may simply be one where he or she doesn’t lose a dozen balls in the round. Or perhaps one with wide fairways …or a friendly staff …or just amazing scenery. So, Inside Golf has launched our new “Carpark to the 19th” course experience series: written BY punters, FOR punters. Measuring a golfer’s “Overall Experience” at a course, our Carpark

series brings course reviews to those who know it best: everyday Australian golfers! Our course reviews are performed via a course Scorecard, a 36-point checklist which asks golfers around Australia to award points based upon various features of a course. Points from the scorecards are tallied, and then combined with Inside Golf ’s internal ratings factors to derive an overall course rating. Inside Golf will tabulate the overall results, and determine the “Golfers’ Choice” Award for Australia’s best golf courses. And our top reviewers will even collect some prizes along the way. The Carpark to the 19th Course Experience Ratings program is open to all golfers. Visit www.insidegolf.com.au to download a copy of the Course Scorecard, or to enter your ratings today.

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GREAT SHOTS  That’s Ace – on a Par-4!

Anyone who has played The Dunes on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula will know that the 310m par-4 tenth hole can make or break a round. The uphill-then-downhill dogleg-left bends around an imposing tree before settling into a well-guarded green at the bottom of a small valley. For one golfer, however, it proved to be the setting for a once-in-a-lifetime shot. Last month, Hakan Bilal – a casual golfer of 5 years with no official handicap — stepped up to the 10th tee as a light rain began to fall. “We decided to play on through the rain, and I was the last to hit off,” Hakan told Inside Golf. “The ladies in front of us were still on the green when I set up to tee off with my 3 wood, I struck it real well but it was heading towards the top of the tree on the left. As we drove our buggie towards the tree I had this sinking feeling that I had lost my ball. I get out at the tree and start looking through the long grass under the tree. Then I hear the ladies from the 11th yelling out “hole in one!” “I respond with ‘Noooo’ and they repeated it over and over again!!! As I found it hard to believe, I continued looking for my ball while my playing partner went towards the hole. He looked into the hole and yelled out to me ‘there’s nothing here!’ That made me feel even worse because I thought the ladies were having me on. Then my (supposed) mate pulls the ball from the hole and holds it up!!! What a feeling!

“When we got back to the clubhouse the ladies were there and clapped me in, they explained how they had to move as the ball rolled between one of their legs into the hole. It was nice to be acknowledged with a trophy. It is all I have spoken about for the last few days... Awesome!”

The Two-Shot Combo

Roderick Young will remember February 18th for a long time, as on this date he accomplished a very rare feat while enjoying a round at his favourite getaway, Bribie Island’s Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club. With two swings, Rod went Eagle – Eagle on holes 12 and 13, which happen to be a Par4 and Par-3. That’s right, from approximately 150m, Roderick’s 5-iron second shot rolled in for a 2 on the 315m Par 4 12th. Then, stepping up to the 130m Par-3 13th with honours from the previous hole, barely off the clouds from his first ever deuce on a Par-4, Rod’s 8-iron landed on the green and rolled into the cup fully in view of his group for his first ever Hole-In-One! An amazing achievement and incredibly rare 2 - 1.

YOURSAY Got a great shot (or shots) that you want to tell the world about? Email it to us at ed@insidegolf.com.au

Hakan Bilal at The Dunes

Congratulations!

Winner of last month’s Callaway RAZR driver “QR Code” giveaway Neil Blencowe

Drive for Show: Part 2

If you play golf video games, you’ll know that they are generally similar in style and controls. Power bars, sweet spot zones, slope arrows...you know the drill. And in many cases, the short game is usually the most frustrating part. Well, a new game for mobile phones has hit the market. And it does away with the bothersome short game altogether. In Golf Battle 3D, the goal is simple: belt the longest drives possible in a short amount of time. In essence, it’s a Long Drive blast-fest. Developed by Imperial Game Studio, Golf Battle 3D (www.golfbattle3d.com) is a networkbased, action golf game that uses the driver... and ONLY the driver. It’s available on 5 different platforms (we played it on the iPad for maximum viewing size), and it can be either played as a solo/ Arcade game, or –and this is the cool part – in a two-player “Battle Mode” where you compete against your mates or other players. We’ve tested the game and had a blast. While it takes some getting used to (the lack of a power

bar does make it more challenging to time your swing, but that adds to the fun), it does offer some cool features like being able to “steer your ball” by tilting your phone, choosing among four different Driving Ranges (including a decidedly Aussie setting), and the opportunity to earn game coins to “buy” premium equipment or “pimp” your player (for more skill and power). It has just been released, so there will likely be a few updates/bugs to work out. But the developers seem like a very receptive bunch. At press time, the app is $1.19 on iTunes, but the price may vary. At any rate, it’s certainly worth a try.

The quick nine quiz by David Newbery 1.

Who is the US Masters defending champion?

The entrance lane to Augusta National, home of the US Masters, is known as what?

Who was the last non-American to win the US Masters?

In 1996, Greg Norman blew a six-shot lead going into the final round of the US Masters. Who defeated the Shark?

Who has won the most US Masters green jackets – Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods?

What is the name of the historical cabin at Augusta National where the US Masters winner is presented with the green jacket?

Who was the first African American to tee it up at the US Masters – Lee Elder, Calvin Peete or Jim Thorpe?

Name the two co-founders of the US Masters at Augusta National?

Who was the first non-American to win the US Masters?

Answers at the bottom of the page

ANSWERS: (1). Phil Mickelson; (2). Magnolia Lane; (3). Nick Faldo; (4). Butler Cabin; (5). Gary Player in 1961; (6). Angel Cabrera in 2009; (7). Jack Nicklaus with six, Palmer and Woods have four wins; (8). Lee Elder in 1975; (9). Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts.

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Luxury Golf Cruise Vietnam

9-18 November 2011

Hosted by Ian Stanley

Our all Suite Orion II luxury cruise is simply amazing! A one off cruise including 5 rounds of golf, all transfers, all meals and snacks, wine with dinner, all sightseeing, golf prizes, great merchandise and our fabulous gourmet Vietnamese dinner in historic Hoi An. There is even a hosted Bridge Club for a limited number on board. It doesn’t come any better than this and you will talk about this trip for the rest of your life. A $500 rebate is available for all flights to Vietnam.

Call us now on 1300 788 666 or send an email to golf@events.com.au for a detailed brochure and information

Port Stephens Getaways Fairways Resort – Stay & Play at Fairways 70 rom$ y Star on course Accommodation Golf & 4Accommodation…from only er da p Brand new accommodation on F

✓ Play any day & with any number of people!

Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the Fairways Resort is located on the Rosebud Country Club - enjoy 2 championship golf courses at your door. Fairways staff specialise in tailoringPort Stay & Play packages and ✓ Golf and accommodation from a choice of Stephens Golfing Holidays twin share starts from $65 per person 13 Sandpiper Ave, Salamander Bay, NSW 2317 motels, hotels, units & resorts. per night - all Phone/Fax: local courses (02) can 4982be 0477 accessed with a fosterpj@bigpond.net.au Fairway’s Stay & Email: ✓ Established in 1996 Contact: 1300-363-349 Email:stay@fairwaysresort.com.au www.psgh.com.au Play package.

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

0438 581 269

www.portdouglasgolftours.com.au

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

Motor Inn +++, Three Day / TwoKanimbla Night Golf Package

Includes: Unlimited golf, two nights accommodation, breakfast each morning, 2 x evening meals (vouchers up to the value of $20) per person per night • Fully Irigated Greens & Fairways • Full Bar & Bistro Facilities Tocumwal, Cobram-Barooga, Finley • Abundant Wildlife including Kangaroos • Courtesy Bus Available This Excellent package includes:

GREAT GOLF PACKAGES From $85.00 Play at

www.benallagolfclub.com.au - Double (twin) share accommodation & cooked breakfast. (03) 5762 1920 benagolf @bigpond.net.au - 18 holes of golf (at the course of| your choice). - $20 Dinner Voucher for use at a local restaurant.

• GREAT SOCIAL CLUB RATES • SOCIAL GOLF AVAILABLE 7 DAYS • FULL BAR AND BISTRO MEMBERSHIP • PLAY & STAY PACKAGES AVAILABLE

PH 4787-8406 PRO SHOP 4787-5643

FROM

$310

(No Joining Fee Conditions Apply)

Visit our Website: www.blackheathgolf.com.au

MONDAY ALL DAY GOLF PASS On presentation of this advert

Subject to availability, N/A Public Holidays

$13

- Non-golng partners catered for.

Vineyard Hill

- Weekend rates starting from $95 p.p p.n

BLU

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- Special arrangements for groups. a golfer’s retreat in the NSW’s Hunter Valley - 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

Phone: (03) 5874 2755 Fax: (03) 5874 2662 41-47 Dean Street (Newell Hwy) Tocumwal, NSW

STAY 3 NIGHTS - 4TH NIGHT FREE • STAY on 27 acres in the heart of wine/golf country – great views. • RELAX in our 4 x 2br and 4 x 1 br self contained villas, large terraces, wi fi access. Licenced mini bars. • PLAY at Cypress Lakes, The Vintage and Hunter Valley Golf Club – just a drive away and have the best rates for you.

• ENJOY our pool, spa, Pamper House, Golf pitching hole, Café and BBQ area. • SAVE on our special deal – stay 3 nights and 4 th night free – tariff is $140 per double per night mid week and $190 per double per night weekends. • FREE Winery Tour included. TROPHY for groups of 8 plus. • BOOK NOW – Phone Helen on 02 4990 4166

www.vineyardhill.com.au | email: relax@vineyardhill.com.au

Stay Around – Play Around 1,2,3 & 4 Bedroom Villas and Apartments Overlooking Sea Temple Golf Course

Corporate packages available Social Players Welcome 7 Days The Grange Golf Club Kembla Grange NSW 2526 Ph: 42 61 1647 E:info@thegrangegolfclub.com.au

Club

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

pp $185 From share n i w t week mid

Blue Mountains Number one 18 Hole Golf Course

16 Golf courses!

Tocumwal on the Murray River Benalla Golf Club

BLACKHEATH GOLF CLUB

New Management catering for all size groups, generous discounts to ALL GOLFERS enquire now Email: info@paradiselinks.com.au | Ph: 07 40991511 | web: www.paradiselinks.com.au

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

(

golfdirectory 75

Play anytime - No waiting Howeston Golf Course Enquiries welcome 15 Weekdays

1850 Weekends & Public Holidays *

100A Creek Road, Birkdale, Qld | Phone (07) 3207-2452

Hotel Neath

Gateway to Hunter Valley Golf Country

The Friendly Club

• Golf Deal: Accommodation $35pp share incl Cooked Breakfast. (mention this ad) • Courtesy Golf Transfers Available • Great Food 7 days • TAB – SKY – KENO • Live Music Saturday Nights • Cessnock Road, Neath, NSW, 2326 Ph. (02) 4930 4270

36 Hole Complex • Social Play Available 7 Days Nomination Fee Special 2 for the price of 1 ($440 each) Junior Members (10 - 17) Nomination Fee $0 - Subscription $100 Midweek Club Competition Wed & Fri 10 + 10 Visitors $10 Comp Fee and $10 Green Fee Motorised Carts at Members Prices

Email: theneath@gmail.com | Web: www.neathhotel.com.au

‘Protecting the traditions of Australian golf’

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

Phone: 3267 7744 | Email: golf@nudgeegolf.com.au | www.nudgeegolf.com.au

Warragul Country Club ‘West Gippsland’s Finest Golf Course’

$265

Let us organise your Gold Coast golf tours

Hassle Free

Country Memberships available now full 7 day playing rights, no additional green fees

TOURS TO SUIT EVERY NE

For Great Social Group Deals visit www.warragulcountryclub.com

41 Sutton St Warragul. Ph: 5623 2135 golf | bars | bistro | functions | beer garden

T E E D D

E xx cc ll uu ss ii vv ee E

MELBOURNE CUP 2010 MELBOURNE CUP 2010 Oct 31 - Nov 3 Oct 31 - Nov 3

US MASTERS 2011 US MASTERS 2011 April 1 - 11 April 1 - 11

Join Teed Up Golf Tour’s Last year’s tour was a Join TeedofUp Golf Tour’s Last year’s tour was a Director Golf, Michael great success with many Director of on Golf, Michael great success with many Mosher his 11th booking again for this Mosher on his booking again this Masters trip!11th year. for US MASTERS Masters You will spendtrip! the first 3 We play 3year. games of golf March 30 - April 9 2012 You spend themecca first 3 Weincluding play 3 games of golf dayswill at the golfing a round at days at the- America’s golfing including aUp round at Director Join Teed Golf Tour’s of Golf, Michaelmecca Pinehurst No 1 Kingston Heath. Choose -and America’s Kingston Heath. Choose Mosher on his 12th Pinehurst Masters trip! golf resort host ofNo the1 from a range of marquee golf resort andMecca host the from a range of marquee will spend the first 3 days at the golfing 2005 US Open. Thenofyou orYou grandstand seating 2005 US Open. Then or grandstand seatingNo 1 golf Pinehurst American’s resort and host of theyou head onto the masters for options at- Flemington head onto7the masters for options at Flemington days. for Melbourne Cup2005 Day.US Open. for Melbourne Then you Cup headDay. on to the masters for77days. days.

www.teed-up.com www.teed-up.com

U U PP

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

G G oo ll ff TT oo uu r r ss

BRITISH OPEN 2011 BRITISH OPEN 2011 July 4 - 18 July 4 - 18 a real We have produced

PRESIDENTS CUP 2011 PRESIDENTS CUP 2011 November 14 - 20 November 14 - 20 Join us as we watch

We have produced real “bucket list” golf tour.aPlay us worlds as we watch 20Join of the best “bucket golfincluding tour. Play 20 of the best 9 games list” of golf players goworlds head to games of golf including players gocombine head to head. We will 79of the British Open host head.accommodation We will combine great 7 of the British Open courses. Starting withhost St. with games of golf and great accommodation courses. Starting St. Andrews Old and with Castle 3 days watching theand with games of golf July 9 23 2012 Andrews and Castle courses Old followed by matches. Space will the be 3 days watching courses followed by a real “bucket Carnoustie, Kingsbairn, We have produced list” golf tour. limited so email uswill now matches. Space be Carnoustie, Kingsbairn, Muirfield, Turnberry,Troon, tolimited register your interest. email us now Play 9 games of golf including 7 of theso British Open Birkdale and Royal Muirfield, Turnberry,Troon, Once tickets are to register your interest. host courses. Start with St Andrews Old and released wetickets will Castle contact Liverpool. Birkdale and Royal Once are courses followed by Carnoustie, Kingsbairn, Muirfield, you first with choice Finish theLiverpool. tour watching the released we our will contact of packages. Turnberry, Troon, Birkdale and Royal Liverpool. you first with our choice British Open on Saturday Finish the tour watching the of packages. and Sunday at Finish tour byStwatching the British Open at British Openthe onRoyal Saturday Georges. and Sunday at Royal RoyalSt Lytham St Annes. Georges.

BRITISH OPEN

call us today on (02) 8458 9000 or fax (02) 8458 9005,

email us at info@teed-up.com visit our to see all itineraries pricing call usortoday on website (02) 8458 9000 or fax (02)and 8458 9005, ABN 11083606848. email us at info@teed-up.com or visit our website to see all itineraries and pricing Marketed on behalf of Teed Up Travel Lic No 2TA4733 ABN 11083606848.

1300 26 20 55 For more information go to

www.golfaccom.com.au

All Enquiries/Quotes Welcome

info@golfaccom.com.au

Marketed on behalf of Teed Up Travel Lic No 2TA4733

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

*prices include GST

Established 1972 • Full length 27-hole course • Excellent greens • Professional tuition available • Clubs for hire • Open seven days - BYO • Electric golf carts available

April 2011

76 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

Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com

Day

Date

Time

Belmont Golf Club

Friday

April 01

9am - 4pm

Georges River Golf club

Monday

April 04

4 - 7pm

Port Kembla Golf club

Tuesday

April 05

9am - 2pm

Monash Country Club

Wednesday

April 06

9am - 1pm

The Ridge Driving Range

Wednesday

April 06

4 - 7pm

Royal Sydney Golf Club

Thursday

April 07

9am - 2pm

Elanora Country club

Friday

April 08

11am - 3pm

Hudson Park Driving Range

Monday

April 11

4 - 7pm

Camden Lakeside Golf Club

Tuesday

April 12

9am - 2pm

Moss Vale Golf Club

Wednesday

April 13

12 - 4pm

Narrabeen Driving Range

Thursday

April 14

4 - 7pm

Highlands Golf Club

Friday

April 15

12 - 4pm

Randwick Golf Club

Monday

April 18

1 - 5pm

Bayview Golf club

Tuesday

April 19

9am - 1pm

Olympic Park Driving Range

Tuesday

April 19

4 - 7pm

New South Wales

The Australian Golf Club

Wednesday

April 20

9am - 1pm

Toronto Golf Club

Thursday

April 21

1 - 4pm

Royal Canberra Golf Club

Wednesday

April 27

Canberra Int Driving Range

Wednesday

Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club

New South Wales

Location

Day

Date

Time

Lake Karingup

Saturday

April 02

10am - 2pm

Lakelands

Wednesday

April 06

10am - 2pm

Collier Park

Friday

April 08

11am - 3pm

Royal Fremantle

Saturday

April 09

10am - 2pm

Melville Glades

Wednesday

April 13

10am - 2pm

Maylands

Thursday

April 14

12 - 4pm

Marangaroo

Saturday

April 16

10am - 2pm

Burswood

Saturday

April 30

10am - 2pm

Western Australia

Callaway RAZr power hours Day

Date

Time

Wagga Wagga Country Club

Friday

April 01

10am - 2pm

Toronto Golf Club

Friday

April 08

2 - 5pm

9am - 1pm

Killara Golf Club

Wednesday

April 13

10am - 12pm

April 27

4 - 7pm

Nelson Bay Golf Club

Thursday

April 14

2 - 5pm

Thursday

April 28

9am - 1pm

Newcastle Practice Centre

Thursday

April 21

2 - 5pm

Yass Golf Club

Thursday

April 28

3 - 5pm

Queensland

Federal Golf Club

Friday

April 29

9am - 2pm

Tweed Heads Golf Club

Friday

April 01

3 - 6pm

The Golf Shop-Virginia Golf Club

Friday

April 01

3 - 6pm

Coolangatta Tweed GC

Friday

April 01

2 - 5pm

Toowoomba Golf Shop

Saturday

April 02

10am - 1pm

Toowoomba GC

Saturday

April 02

9am - 1pm

Victoria Park Golf Complex

Tuesday

April 05

5.30 - 7.30pm

Victoria Park Driving Range

Tuesday

April 05

4.30 - 7.30pm

Brisbane Golf Club

Wednesday

April 06

10am - 1pm

Brisbane GC**

Wednesday

April 06

9am - 1pm

Drummond Golf Underwood

Thursday

April 07

3 - 6pm

Racv - Royal Pines Resort

Thursday

April 07

12.30 - 5pm

HOG @ Virgina

Friday

April 08

2.30 - 6pm

Southport Golf Club

Thursday

April 07

10am - 1pm

Sanctuary Cove GC**

Saturday

April 09

7am - 12pm

Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club

Saturday

April 09

9am - 1pm

Oxley Driving Range

Wednesday

April 13

3 - 6pm

Horton Park Pro Shop

Wednesday

April 13

10am - 1pm

Gold Coast CC Driving Range

Thursday

April 14

4.30 - 7.30pm

Brookwater Golf Club

Thursday

April 14

9.30am - 11.30am

Royal Queensland GC**

Friday

April 15

1 - 5pm

Big Easy Driving Range Carseldine

Thursday

April 14

5.30 - 7.30pm

Horton Park GC

Saturday

April 16

9am - 1pm

Indooroopilly Golf Club

Saturday

April 16

10am - 2pm

Indooroopilly GC**

Saturday

April 16

9am - 1pm

Horton Park Pro Shop

Saturday

April 16

9am - 1pm

HOG @ Lakelands GC

Wednesday

April 20

9am - 1pm

Gold Coast Country Club

Thursday

April 21

4.30 - 6.30pm

Drummond Golf Fortitude Valley

Thursday

April 28

3 - 6pm

Golf World Townsville

Wednesday

April 27

10am - 1pm

Palm Meadows Driving Range

Friday

April 29

3 - 5pm

Drummond Golf Townsville

Wednesday

April 27

2 - 5pm

Mt Warren Park

Saturday

April 30

9am - 12pm

Drummond Golf Cairns

Thursday

April 28

2 - 5pm

Mossman Golf Club

Friday

April 29

8am - 10am

Tocumwal Golf Pro Shop

Saturday

April 02

10am - 2pm

Green Acres Golf Club

Tuesday

April 05

1 - 5pm

Melbourne Golf Academy

Wednesday

April 06

4 - 7pm

Flinders Golf Club

Thursday

April 07

10am - 2pm

Ballarat Golf Club Pro Shop

Friday

April 08

12 - 4pm

The Metropolitan Golf Club

Saturday

April 09

10am - 2pm

Queensland

Victoria

Location

www.callawaygolf.com

Victoria

Yarrawonga & Border Golf Club

Friday

April 01

10am - 2pm

Rich River Country Club

Saturday

April 02

10am - 2pm

Murray Downs Golf Course

Sunday

April 03

10am - 2pm

HOG Mildura

Thursday

April 07

3.30 - 6pm

Commonwealth Golf Club

Friday

April 08

10am - 2pm

The Sands Torquay

Saturday

April 09

10am - 2pm

Patterson River Country Club

Tuesday

April 12

10am - 2pm

Kingston Heath Golf Club

Wednesday

April 13

10am - 2pm

Clifton Spring Golf Club

Saturday

April 09

9am - 4pm

10am - 2pm

Albert Park Driving Range

Thursday

April 14

2 - 7pm

9am - 3pm

Morack Driving Range

Thursday

April 14

4 - 7pm

10am - 2pm

Werribee Park Golf Club

Thursday

April 14

9am - 2pm

9am - 12pm

Freeway Golf Club

Friday

April 15

9am - 2pm

Friday

April 15

4 - 8.30pm

Sandhurst Club Riversdale Golf Club Woodlands Golf Club Medway Golf Club

Thursday Friday Saturday Monday

April 14 April 15 April 16 April 18

Morack Public Golf Course

Tuesday

April 19

3 - 6pm

Kingston Links

Kingswood Golf Club

Wednesday

April 20

10am - 2pm

Commonwealth Golf Club

Saturday

April 16

10am - 2pm

Sandringham Golf Range

Wednesday

April 20

5 - 7pm

Barwon Heads Golf Club

Saturday

April 23

10am - 2pm

Victoria Golf Club

Thursday

April 21

10am - 2pm

Yarra Bend Driving Range

Thursday

April 28

4 - 7pm

Spring Valley Golf Club

Wednesday

April 27

9am - 3pm

Victoria Golf Club

Thursday

April 28

10am - 1pm

Ballarat Golf Club

Friday

April 29

11am - 4pm

Kingston Heath Golf Club

Saturday

April 30

10am - 2pm

April 30

10am - 3pm

South Australia Wednesday

April 06

3.30pm - 6.30pm

Lonsdael Golf Club

Saturday

Adelaide Shores Golf Course

South Australia and Northern Territory Alice Springs Golf Club

Saturday

April 02

10am - 2pm

Western Australia

Darwin Golf Club

Sunday

April 03

10am - 1.30pm

Royal Perth Golf Club

Saturday

April 09

10am - 1pm

Drummond Golf Driving Range

Wednesday

April 12

4 - 7pm

Carramar Golf Course

Saturday

April 16

10am - 2pm

Adelaide Shores Driving range

Thursday

April 13

8 - 11am

Lake Karrinyup Country Club

Wednesday

April 20

11am - 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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