Issue 71 Inside Golf by Inside Golf

InsideGolf www.insidegolf.com.au

Issue 71 June 2011

instruction

West’s Best

steve Bann’s four training factors

We tackle perth’s top layouts

legends

gear

the great seve Ballesteros

“Behindthe scenes” tour of ping hQ

tournament previeW

The US Open Will five-time runner-up phil mickelson finally prevail?

Secret Harbour Golf Links Golf Coast Western Australia

plus:the course,the history andthe contenders

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fromtheeditor

Is Scoopon good for golf? RichardFellner In our many visits to golf clubs these days, there is one word that keeps popping up: Scoopon. GMs and marketing managers are all abuzz about the phenomenon, but they are equally wary about how it may affect their clubs in the future. If you’re not familiar with it, Scoopon.com.au is a website that sells online vouchers with heavy discounts on products and services. A direct copy of the successful Groupon model in the US, Scoopon offer daily deals on things like dinners, massages, car service packs...you name it. In golf, an example could be 2 rounds of golf, plus 2 lunches, plus 2 beers, plus a couple of golf balls...all for a crazy price like $49 – of which the club pockets 50 per cent. Like many people that I’ve spoken to, I’m a bit torn on the issue. On one hand, anything that gets more people playing more golf would certainly be a good thing for the game, right? As a golfer, I’d certainly take advantage of a deal like that, as long as there wasn’t too much fine print (although there usually is). On the other hand (putting on a Club Manager’s hat), common sense tells me that if people can get products or services at a really deep discount, then why would they ever pay full price again? In essence, by lowering your prices via a third party, aren’t you cheapening your product in your customers’ eyes? I see the allure to clubs, and it’s very tempting. With tills running near on empty these days, the promise of hundreds of rounds of golf being added to your booking sheets – mostly during slow weekday time slots – can seem too good to be true. And sure,

Contents FEATURES you might get a bit of Food & Beverage spend, and perhaps a couple of membership enquiries or repeat business down the line. But if someone can buy a handful of cheap vouchers in advance, then will they ever really need to join or pay an expensive green fee? I think not. Factor in the the added costs of course maintenance (like fixing the multitude of extra divots or pitchmarks, etc) and potentially upsetting your full-price-paying regulars, and it’s a big gamble for a measly $25 in the till. Plus, your course as a “Brand” could suffer. That’s something which is very difficult to regain. The long-term result, in my humble opinion, is likely a continual and gradual reduction in green fee prices and memberships. While this may seem good for golfers in the short term, I fear that a “price-driven mentality” could prove unsustainable for clubs, and the weaker clubs could eventually die off. So we’ll potentially have fewer clubs to choose from. That can’t be good, can it?

VOTED ’s Queensland

NGoOlf.1 *

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Will golf courses eventually go the way of airlines and hotels? Will green fees change on an hourly basis? Will we soon wonder if the guy sitting in the cart next to us has paid a better price for his 18 holes? As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts!

A tribute to Seve Ballesteros Preview: The US Open West’s Best: Perth’s top courses Behind the scenes at PING HQ 50 Steve Bann’s Four Training Factors

REGULARS Richard Fellner (Group Editor)

YOUR SAY GOLFERS: Have you ever bought/used a Scoopon voucher to play golf? What did you think? CLUBS: Have you used/are you considering using Scoopon? What are the pros & cons? Give us your feedback on our website, www.insidegolf.com.au, or via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/insidegolf, or simply send us an email: ed@insidegolf.com.au.

7 News 14 Industry News 22 Events 28 Stats and Results 42 Juniors 44 Women 46 Gear 52 Tips 59 People 60 Travel 65 19th Hole 66 Directory

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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

June 2011

inthemailbox...................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au  Letter of the month

U S T R A L I A

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O L F

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Pokies in Golf Clubs - Gullibility or Generosity?

E A D E R

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, Anthony Powter, Peter Croker, Scott Beaumont, Lee Harrington, Stephen Pitt, Brian Thorbun, Warren Sevil, Anne Rollo, Darren Chapman, Brent German, Glen Whittle, Bruce Young, Steve Bann, Greg Dowling, Nick Walton 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

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I was astounded when I read Greg Mills’ letter (Gambling is illegal at Bushwood, May issue). I hope he wasn’t including those clubs that don’t have poker machines in the 390 affiliated clubs GolfNSW represents. One glaring question arises: “What did clubs — some nearing 100 years old now —do before poker machines?” I am not against gambling per se. What I abhor is technology designed specifically for the player to lose. This technology can be pre-programmed to take, depending on the venue, between 5 to 30 per cent every time you “turn the wheel”. What the clubs administrators are saying is “we are going to put in, at some considerable cost, an amusement centre to take as much of your hard earned wages as allowable by law.” Letters of the month

There should be a big sign above each machine that says: “I am programmed to take 25% of every dollar you put in me. That means, after one play you will have 75 cents, after your next play you will have 56.25 cents, after 10 plays you will have 5 cents. Best of luck.” If we are to believe what we read, the dependence of many clubs’ financial future is reliant on the ignorance of the clubs patrons and members. The amount of revenue generated through this naivety is truly staggering. Golf administrators must surely have better ways to “stay afloat” than relying on the gullibility— or is it generosity — of the golfing public. Mike Webb

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

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Keep up with us online! 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

A positive approach

After reading Kevin Payne’s letter (Handicapping, May issue) I had a smile on my face. My club had the 1st round of our Championships last weekend, and the holder of Australian long drive record, Daniel Lee, shot 62 nett! I am 66yrs young, have had 2 back operations, and playing off 10hcp now have to catch this hero who hits it 100m longer than me! I still think positive with the thoughts... can win a nearest the pin or fluke an eagle, but at least there will be a cold beer awaiting at the bar and good company! John Marshall

South Africans way ahead

Rob Willis comments “ ...the South Africans deserve to be rated at least the equal, if not superior to the Australians when it comes to winning big championships”. (Hats off to the South Africans, May issue) I think it should really be the other way around and even then it might be considered generous to Australia. South African golfers are way ahead of the Australians when it comes to winning the Majors. By my count it is 21 to 13. (British Open 9-8, US Masters 5-0, US Open 5-2 and US PGA 2-3). If he was referring to recent years then it is even more telling. Since 2000, South Africans have won six majors to Australia’s one. Miles Harvey

Another ‘spin’ on the pokies

Here we go again! Once more the majority of law-abiding Sports people’s simple pleasures are being dictated to by the tiniest minority. This notion that golf clubs will somehow create a wave of problem gamblers is the product of one man’s mania to be recognised in politics. Andrew Wilkie the Independent from Tasmania. Punishing the majority who have no gambling problems to “save” the few by imposing imposts on their pleasures never works. E.g.: Prohibition in the 1920’s USA; Manly city council banning families from taking photos of their children at the beach for fear of 1 or 2 paedophiles doing the same; Speed cameras to save lives but no lives are being saved and the motorist is slugged for the privilege of driving; Banning fast food companies from advertising their products on TV during meal times to discourage children from becoming obese. These knee-jerk reactions have serious ripple effects on people far removed from the perceived problem they are trying to solve. A better solution would be to concentrate the energies on the individuals who need assistance rather than shooting one hundred innocents to get the two guilty parties. We are not broken. Do not try and fix us. Chuck Gard

The good list

Had a good chuckle at the huge list (What to pack for a golf weekend, May issue). Can’t work out why I would need a whistle. But after travelling over 5 weeks through America 2 years ago (with family and an 18-month-old), I am sure that I nearly had taken, bought or borrowed most things on the list. Lol. However there is one more thing that I got told to take.... a small scrubbing brush to make sure the clubs cleared customs. Leigh Williams

Three Aces – in ONE DAY!

Editor’s Note: we received a few letters about our “3 Aces in a day” story in April. Many of you noted that the feat had been accomplished before. Here are a couple of snippets: “On Wednesday 15th December 2004, FOUR NSW Golf Club members holed in one on the same hole with two players playing consecutive shots in the same four. (The 19th hole at NSW Golf Club is a 100m par 3). Max Lindsay, Warwick Richardson, Bob Mercer and Tim Whiteley (Bob and Tim played in the same group).” “Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane achieved this feat twice in the mid-1980s. Three members holed-inone off the third tee on the same day, May 26, 1984. Three other players holed-in-one at the 13th on Saturday November 1, 1986.”

WINNER of the Inside Golf “Where in the World” GolfBuddy GPS promotion: Phil Osborne

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news

Mary’s sublime round

Amateur girls heading for the UK

IN an age where most of the golf talk seems to be about the next, fearless generation coming through, Federal Golf Club veteran Mary Dodds outclassed allcomers to take out the nett section of the Belconnen Women’s Open with an incredible score of 56. Mary, who plays off a 34 handicap, carded a sublime 90 off the stick. From a field boasting numerous single-figure handicap golfers, the overall lowest scratch round for the day was 82, which gives an indication of just how good Mary’s score was. In stableford points, the 56 nett equated to a massive 52 points. There was a distinct purple patch which started with consecutive pars on holes eight and nine, a bogey on 10 followed by four straight pars on 11 through 14. A chip-in par on 13 was a real highlight. For the record, Mary amassed 26 points for each nine. A keen and popular golfer at her home club Federal, Mary regularly plays in regional and district events, pennants and various open days in the Canberra area. She is renowned for her phenomenal memory and her ability as a raconteur. The “Holy Grail” for any golf professional is

Golf Australia has announced that Ashley Ona (QLD), Breanna Elliott (VIC), Cathleen Santoso (NSW), Emma de Groot (NSW) and Minjee Lee (WA) will represent Australia at The Astor Trophy, to be played at the Fairhaven Golf Club in Lytham, England from June 15-19. All five made outstanding claims for places in the Astor Trophy team with strong recent form. Ona, a former Australian junior champion, won the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic on the ALPG Tour in February to earn her place. Elliott leads the Karrie Webb Series and won the Lake Macquarie Amateur earlier this year, while 16-year-old Santoso was successful at the Australian Girls’ Amateur Championship and was a quarter finalist at the Srixon Australian Amateur in March.

Green Acres is the place to be

MELBOURNE’S Green Acres Golf Club has released a 60-year history book titled ‘Hidden Gem on the Yarra’. Written by award-winning writer Brendan Moloney, the collation and preparation of the book was the brainchild of two of the Club’s life members Keith Wood and Maurice Duncan — who have been tireless in their work in ensuring that the Club collects, catalogues and retains extensive records of the Club’s proud history. The Club launched the book at their annual Presidents Trophy event which also coincided with their 50-year members dinner. Past members of Green Acres interested in acquiring a copy of the book may do so by contacting the Club’s Office on 03 9859 1294.

Mary Dodds … 17-under par to shoot 59 on a par 72 golf course – 13-under par – which is a rare feat. Golf followers may remember the excitement of Stuart Appleby shooting 59 at the Greenbrier Classic in 2010. In doing so he became only the fifth player to ever break 60 on the elite US PGA Tour. Mary’s nett score of 56 was a whopping 17-under par.

Great golf special at Burswood Perth’s Burswood Park Public Golf Course is offering a special golf rate of just $45 per person. The rate includes 18 holes of golf, shared Golf cart, Food and beverage voucher and a chance to win an overnight stay and breakfast package at either InterContinental Perth Burswood or Holiday Inn Perth Burswood. The special is available Monday to Friday until 21 October (except public holidays). Bookings open 7 days in advance of playing date. Call: (08) 9470 2992 or visit their website www.burswoodparkgolfcourse.com

Originally from Coffs Harbour and now studying at the University of Chattanooga in Tennessee in the US, de Groot won the Southern Conference Collegiate Championship a short time ago, while Lee, just 14, was a runner-up at the Srixon Australian Amateur Championship after taking out the Australian final of the Aaron Baddeley International. She is also a former Western Australian Amateur champion. The team manager is Golf Australia High Performance Manager Matt Cutler and the coach is former LPGA Tour player Shani Waugh. Prior to The Astor Trophy, which is played every four years and features teams from Australia, GB&I, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand, the girls will compete at the British Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Ireland starting on June 7.

Carbrook honours employee CARBROOK Golf Club has honoured the memory of one of its favourite sons, Henry Martin, with a memorial which was unveiled at the club by his sisters Anna McClymont and Barbara Scholz. Henry, a long-time member and club employee for more than 10 years as part of the greens staff, sadly passed away last August aged 56. Carbrook general manager Scott Wagstaff said Henry would be remembered by all that knew him as a loving and genuine person who loved

Carbrook Golf Club. “He went beyond the call of duty every day in his job and is almost solely responsible for the beautiful gardens that the club now enjoys. “His family has spread his ashes on the 15th hole, which was one of Henry’s last wishes. “He was a great member, and an even greater employee. “Henry’s plaque will symbolise his memory and ensure he will be remembered for his contribution to the club.”

Award-winning pro on song FORGET the US Masters or playing golf at a number of America’s best golf courses. For Queensland Club Professional of the Year John Mellish, the hottest ticket in the US was going to a Celine Dion concert. Mellish’s three-week trip to the States allowed him to spend three days at Augusta National for the Masters and gave him the opportunity to play golf at a number of world-class championship golf courses. “The concert was the personal highlight for me,” Mellish told Inside Golf.

“I put that (concert) at the end of my trip because it was the carrot I used and it was the thing I was looking forward to most of all. “I had that on my second last night and that to me was great.” It was Mellish’s third trip to Augusta so he can be forgiven for not making it the highlight. During his tour of duty, Mellish played golf at Riviera Country Club, the TPC course in San Antonio, the TPC course in Louisiana and Troon North, Estrella and Whirlwind golf courses in Phoenix and finally a round at Las Vegas CC.

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June 2011

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Box Hill gets water-proofed

The new dual-purpose dam at Box Hill Golf Club Melbourne’s Box Hill Golf Club has embarked on an ambitious $800,000 water conservation project, which sees the course gain a 20 Megalitre storage dam, new water reticulation system and a brand-new par-3 in the process. The project all but eliminates the club’s dependence on mains water, thus saving a considerable amount of money, and ensuring that the course can remain watered and lush even during times of drought. But the dam serves a dual purpose, as it also provides a dramatic setting (and challenging

hazard) for a brand-new par-3 11th hole, which plays over the water to a newly-built green. About 15,000 cubic metres of soil was excavated for the 6.5m deep dam, with much of the excavated soil being used to construct the tee and green for the 11th, as well as a new championship tee on the course’s 12th. Club members all chipped in on the project, installing over 3000 plants, laying turf and helping with other general landscaping duties to create a tranquil parkland setting for the hole.

Yanks ‘funny’, Langer funnier BRISBANE professional and Japan Tour player Matt Guyatt says America is a “funny” place. Guyatt, who went to watch the US Masters, says Americans believe their country is the only country. “I certainly love being Australian even if Americans think we live on the smallest island in the world,” he wrote on his website after his US trip. When Guyatt explained to one American he was from Brisbane, Australia the person said, “I have a friend who lives in Adelaide, you must know him”.

“I remember telling one person, to their absolute shock, that two million people lived in my city and that I didn’t know all of them.” During the Masters, Guyatt caught up with Aaron Baddeley who introduced him to twotime US Masters champion Bernhard Langer at a Tour Fellowship night. He (Langer) is an absolute gentleman and actually quite a funny guy,” Guyatt said. “You wouldn’t think it seeing how intense he is on the course, but he was actually quite quick-witted and funny throughout the night.”

Golf property update Since the GFC, many residential golf course developments have had a difficult time attracting new buyers. This has led to great opportunities for purchasers with some developers offering great deals on properties and memberships. Established home re-sales have also become increasingly attractive with vendors being forced to meet the market with realistic pricing. Far North Queensland — which was so badly weather affected over the summer months — is really worth a look, particularly Sea Temple at Port Douglas. This development offers quality home and land packages plus villas and apartments. Originally developed by Pat Boone is the Ocean Shores golf course just north of Byron Bay. The Seagrass development overlooking the 18th fairway there offers first class apartments for sale at very attractive prices. Both the course and the Club House have had major upgrades in recent times.

A reshuffle in the Marketing and Sales for both new and established properties at Sanctuary Cove has now been completed under the direction of John Hughes from Malpha, which own this iconic development. There is an amazing variation of properties on offer there and for members the choice of two golf courses. Properties in the Port Stephens resort of Horizons look very attractive at this time given that there has been uncertainty of ownership over the past twelve months. It is expected that the ownership matter will be resolved in coming weeks and with the likely new owner offering substantially reduced membership packages, this is a location that is really worth a look. New developments are coming on line in NSW, Victoria and South Australia in coming months, so there are plenty of opportunities opening up for those looking for the unique lifestyle of living within a residential golf course development. For more information on residential golf courses have a look at www.golfinghomes.com.au

Ballard wins in PNG

Cullen kicks off WA circuit in style

QUEENSLAND professional Matthew Ballard has taken out the South Pacific Export Papua New Guinea Open. Ballard carded rounds of 71-72-69-71 for a 283 total to win by seven shots from Victorian Heath Reed (70-73-72-75). Tasmania’s Scott Priest (73-75-72-72–292) finished third and NSW’s Dean Meagher (74-7076-73–293) was next. It was one of the biggest wins of Ballard’s professional career and the winner’s cheque ($22,500) will go a long way to setting up his schedule for the rest of 2011. “It’s a great feeling to win the national title of Papua New Guinea and it was great to see all the local support over the final nine holes,” Ballard said. “I was a little nervous at the start of the day knowing that Heath was playing well, but I was able to compose myself when I needed too and walk away with my first national title.” Kiwi Michael Hendry provided the highlight of the final round when he aced the 164m second hole.

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South Australian Nick Cullen began the 2011 WA Pro-Am circuit in the best possible fashion with a comfortable four shot victory in the Stratco Pro-Am. In posting a 36-hole total of 9-under par around the Maylands Peninsular Public Golf Course and WA Golf Club’s Yokine course, Cullen successfully defended the title he shared with local boy Steve Collins in 2010. A sizzling bogey-free 62 from Cullen at Maylands on day one set up the victory. The WA circuit continued at Marri Park with the EZ-GO Pro-Am, with Victorian James McLean the winner, before the series was then set to travel through metropolitan Perth during May before heading to regional WA in June, taking in the towns of Harvey, Capel, Bunbury, Geraldton, Newman and Port Hedland before culminating with the Kimberley Truss/Broome Furnishings Pro-Am on the shores of Roebuck Bay in late June.

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Nairn Golf Club unveils new-look clubhouse

Nairn Golf Club with (inset) its new clubhouse. Nairn Golf Club has unveiled a new-look clubhouse as part of ongoing plans to enhance the members and visitors’ experience at the club and prepare for the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations next year. “We consulted with our members and the feedback we got was the Newton Lounge was simply too small,” explained Graeme Govan, Nairn Golf Club’s marketing convenor. “It was clear the bar had to be upgraded to accommodate the growing demands placed on it by members, guests and visitors. It was a clear-cut decision.”

With the club set to host the Curtis Cup in 2012 and celebrate its 125th anniversary in the same year, the improvements are a timely investment. “These are exciting times for Nairn,” Govan noted. “The improvements are part of a much wider scheme that should be completed ahead of next year’s celebrations. As with all aspects of the club, the rationale is to deliver the best possible service and facilities to our members and visitors, and I think these changes will go some way to doing this.”

Fernando Alonso takes the wheel at Hamilton Island Golf Club Just days after competing in the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso enjoyed driving a different course, this time at the Thomson Perrett-designed Hamilton Island Golf Club. Alonso took a well-deserved break at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, (www.hamiltonisland.com.au) staying at luxurious resort Qualia (www.qualia.com.au). After reaching speeds in excess of 300kph in Melbourne, Alonso enjoyed taking the wheel of a near silent bright red electric buggy while he explored the Island — hitting a maximum speed of 20kph – and loved every minute of it. Alonso’s stay saw him playing golf at the Hamilton Island Golf Club and spending time with the Australian “locals” at the Hamilton Island Wildlife Park. He also enjoyed a number of dinners at the elegant Long Pavilion restaurant at qualia.

“The peace and quiet of Hamilton Island was the perfect way for me to wind down before moving on to the next round of intense competition on the international circuit,” said Alonso. If you would like to get away for a golf trip to Hamilton Island, contact Best In Golf Travel on 03 8698 8014 or email jon.perrett@bestingolfgroup.com

Reed repeats at Morobe Open Defending champion Heath Reed birdied the final hole to claim back-to-back Coca Cola Morobe Open titles. Reed shot a final day 69 to finish 13-under and overtake third round leader Kiwi Josh Carmichael to become only the second player win two Morobe Opens in succession, with Eddie Barr achieving similar success in 2004 and 2005. The Morobe Open, which offered a total prize

purse of $80,000, was played at the Lae Golf Course in Papua New Guinea. Following the Morobe Open the professionals were set to head to Port Moresby Golf Club for the South Pacific Export Papua New Guinea Open. Leigh Deagan was the defending champion, however he would have been expecting strong opposition from the likes of OneAsia winner Mike Hendry from New Zealand as well as the in-form Reed and Carmichael.

June 2011

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West Lakes Golf Club celebrates 60th anniversary

Golf balls made from lobster shells? Researchers at the University of Maine have developed a biodegradable golf ball made from lobster shells — a waste byproduct of the lobster canning industry. The ball is intended for use on cruise ships, can be used with both drivers and irons, and is reported to have similar flight characteristics as a real golf ball, though it doesn’t fly quite as far. Though biodegradable golf balls already exist, this is the first to be made with crushed lobster shells and a biodegradable binder and coating. UMaine has filed a provisional patent for the lobster-shell mixture, which can also be used for such products as plant pots that decompose in the ground, surveying stakes and other applications.

Riverside Golf Club is changing its name to West Lakes Golf Club, and celebrated 60 years of golf with significant upgrades to the course and clubhouse facilities. The original name of the club was Woodville Gardens Golf Club, and in 1951 the club relocated to the current site which was in close proximity to the Port River. A change of name to the Riverside Golf Club was initiated to define the new location. The West Lakes development has resulted in significant changes to the urban area surrounding the club which is now more closely located to the lake complex rather than any river, thus leading to the new change. General Manager of West Lakes Golf Club, Paul Curtis says, “The name now more specifically defines the clubs geographic location, and enables the association with the West Lakes development that has achieved international acclaim and recognition.” Curtis says, “West Lakes Golf Club has received a number of significant upgrades, with the fairways, greens, bunkers, and surrounds of the course all receiving redevelopment, as well as a new chipping practice area. State-of-the-art equipment has been purchased to maintain the impeccable look of the course.” The clubhouse has had extensive renovations, now boasting state-of-the-art function facilities overlooking the beautifully manicured lawns of the course. The club provides both a challenging course and excellent facilities for golf trade

West Lakes’ reconstructed 18th green & surrounds and fairway with new bunkering days for corporate business. President of West Lakes Golf Club, Alan Fielder says, “The club is a friendly, and inviting environment for all age groups, and offers the most competitive green fees in the Adelaide metropolitan area. We’re currently experiencing an increase in younger members joining the club which is likely due to the redevelopments.” A number of local high profile identities, including AFL players, and Australian Cricket players are also club members. Current developments are underway for ladies and junior golf, with the club housing one of the best junior development programs in South Australia. Peter Hardy, member of 60 years says, “It has been wonderful to be part of the club for so long, and the new developments are exceptional, enhancing the club’s reputation as a leading golf club on every level.

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INSIDE Golf journalist David Newbery is inviting golfers to join him on an exciting golf safari to South Africa. The well-prepared 17-day trip includes a visit to stunning Cape Town, the Stellenbosch wine region, the Garden Route, Durban and Swaziland. There’ll be six games of golf at world-class golf courses as well as visits to three game parks, including the Kruger National Park. Departing September 7, it is priced at $9675 and includes return international and domestic air fares, transport, accommodation, breakfast, some dinners, all golf excursions and much more. For more information, contact Dick Cijffers at Journeys Worldwide on 1300-734-788 or email info@journeysworldwide.com.au

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A FIJI resort is upfront when it comes to “house” rules. The facility has a large notice board in the foyer outlining its entry conditions. It reads: 1. Respect the ladies; 2. No shorts; 3. No round neck T-shirt; 4. No round neck T-shirt with jacket over; 5. No hats (except for ladies); 6. No flip flops; 7. No abusive language; 8. No arguments; 9. No choking others; 10. No drinks from outside; 11. No drinking outside. You will be immediately asked to leave if you do not satisfy any of these conditions. It’s fair enough allowing women to wear hats, but we draw the line on Princess Beatricestyle hats.

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news 11

Lisa tees off at Ellis wins 2011 Australian Blind Australian Golf Stableford Championship Heritage Society

INSIDE GOLF contributors Lisa Newling and Loraine Lambert were fortunate to have the Australian Golf Heritage Society play at Eden in April. There were 15 players in attendance, all wearing their plus-four pants, ties and peak caps and armed with their treasured Hickoryshafted clubs. The Captain asked Lisa to start the day’s event by teeing off the first drive. “Tony Doggett handed me the driver, as everyone else looked on. The driver looked beautiful, but significantly smaller than my own!” Lisa told Inside Golf. “I said to him, how do I hit this club? It was very light in weight and whippy in the shaft. He replied ‘swing it nice and slow’. Much to my relief, I hit it 180m straight up the middle of the fairway! It was really nice to see this group of golfers so passionate about keeping the history of golf alive.” For more information about the society visit www.australiangolfheritage.org.au

Victorian Jeff Ellis, with his wife Maureen as caddie, played two days of outstanding golf to win the 2011 Blind Golf Australia Stableford Championship played at the Adelaide Shores Golf Club. Seventeen players took part with interstate entrants coming from NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria. Blind golf has 3 sight categories; B1, B2 and B3 depending on the player’s vision capabilities. B1 players are totally blind. Ellis competed in the B3 category. He shot impressive scores of 43 and 40 points. Doug Sloan, Tournament Director and Blind Golf Australia Vice-President hosted the presentation of trophies, with assistance from Margaret Brown from The Royal Society for the Blind in Adelaide. Other winners included David Blyth of Victoria in the B1 Classification, Brian Gear (B2) and David Wheatley (B3).

Sydney based social club Club 19 recently hosted a fund raiser for the victims of the recent Queensland floods. The event was a huge success. The auction and raffle raised a total of $25,456.00 from Club 19 members. Club 19 donated an additional $5,000.00 making the total contribution $30,456.00. Remember, every little bit helps!

Jones closes in

Blind golfer Jeff Ellis and his caddie Maureen Ellis To learn more about blind golf, go to the Blind Golf Australia website www.blindgolf.com.au or see www.internationalblindgolf.org

Rodger Davis rejoins tour CHAMPION golfer Rodger Davis has come out of semi-retirement and will compete on the European Senior Tour. Davis, a former Australian Open champion, quit the US Champions Tour several years ago to play the Australian Seniors Tour, but now he has itchy feet again. “I am heading over to Europe to play in a

More Queensland flood relief

couple of European Senior Tour events,” the 60-year-old told Inside Golf. “I haven’t played much over the last four or five years and thought it was about time I played (overseas) again. “So, I am going to get out there and start playing again,” said Davis, who won seven tournaments on the European Tour.

With his victory at The Crowns tournament, his 10th win on the Japanese Tour, Brendan Jones continued his climb up the world rankings while at the same time moved into contention for a berth in the International Team for the President’s Cup later in the year at Royal Melbourne. In scoring the playoff triumph at The Crowns, Jones jumped to a career high of 52 on the Official World Golf Rankings (and sits currently at 63), while he is now 18th on the automatic selection list for the Greg Norman’s International Team to contest the President’s Cup. Jones is now the sixth ranked Australian on both lists, behind Adam Scott, Jason Day, Geoff Ogilvy, Robert Allenby and Aaron Baddeley.

Get the latest news from around the world of golf. Visit our website: www.insidegolf.com.au

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June 2011

12 people..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Seve Ballesteros

Golf’s greatest entertainer RobWillis

During my modest career as a tournament professional, I had the opportunity to play with some very special players. I was fortunate to partner Colin Montgomerie twice during the prime of his career. I also played with major champions Vijay Singh and Curtis Strange and more than once with leading Australian professionals such as Stuart Appleby, Robert Allenby, Wayne Grady, Peter Senior, Craig Parry, Geoff Ogilvy and others. The highlight for me probably came back in 1996 when I was paired with Tom Watson for the final round of the Australian Masters at Huntingdale. He was one of my golfing idols. One of my major disappointments was that I never managed to draw Greg Norman. Came close a couple of times, we were on the same total after two, or three rounds, once or twice, but the draw never really worked out in my favour. The other regret surrounded the now late, yet very great, Seve Ballesteros, unquestionably the most charismatic golfer of my generation. It is only now, after his premature passing, that I can reflect on the lasting memories he has left behind. I never really saw Seve up close and in action on the golf course, but from what I saw on television—hitting it out of car parks, getting it up and down out of the proverbial ‘ball washers’, striking wonderful shots mere mortals could only dream of hitting— Seve was the golfer we would all loved to have been. He hit it a long way, had all the shots imaginable and he possessed a short game to kill for. We were polar opposites on the course, he was long and loose, yet he had the imagination to make the best out of the worst situation. On the other hand, I was short off the tee, very straight and I hated being in the rough or out of position. All that considered, I still wanted to play like Seve. I was fortunate to meet Seve on an Emirates Airlines flight the night after playing the Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour in 1996. Following that event in Dubai, where I finished third in what was perhaps the best week of my professional career, an Emirates Airline executive

upgraded me to first class for the trip on that Sunday night flight from Dubai to London. Upon taking my seat up the front – ticket 1B – I settled in, quite to my surprise, next to American Fred Couples. Already star struck sitting next to Freddy, a few minutes later in saunters Seve and his wife, with the pair settling in just across the aisle in seats 1C and 1D. Then in a moment I’ll never forget, Seve taps me on the shoulder and says in his broken English, “I like you (sic) swing. Well played.” In the next five+ hours to London he only leaned over once, to compliment me on a sixiron I had hit into the par three 15th green on the final day. He finished well back that week but had obviously been taking notice of the leading groups. I disembarked the plane that day convinced Seve was thinking he would have loved to be short and straight like me. Deep down I knew that thought process never entered his mind. That wasn’t the way he played the game. In the days following his untimely death I’ve read nothing but high praise and great affection for a man every budding professional golfer aspired to be. From Tiger Woods, who plays with a similar attacking style, to Nick Faldo, who likes to control his ball more like the way I tried to play (yes, I concede on a whole different level), everybody seemed to have a special place in their thoughts for Seve Ballesteros. Young golfers of today will see Bubba Watson taking the driver and hitting it 300+ metres or Phil Mickelson smashing it all over the place and using great skill and imagination to extricate himself from the worst possible situations, and they’ll be thinking these players must have invented the swashbuckling way to winning golf tournaments. Unfortunately what the youngsters of today didn’t see, what they don’t know, is how Seve used to do it. He put the excitement and unpredictability into professional golf and in doing so he inspired generations of golfers with his personality and skill. Without question he also made the European Tour what it is today. Seve was golf ’s greatest ever entertainer and will be forever remembered by those lucky enough, from either near, or far, to have witnessed his genius in action.

(photo courtesy USGA)

Fact file Severiano Ballesteros 91 Tournament wins 9 US PGA Tour victories 50 European Tour victories 6 Japanese Tour victories 31 ‘Other’ International victories 5 Major Championships US Masters 1980, 1983 Open Championship 1979, 1984, 1988 6 time winner – European Order of Merit Born April 9, 1957 in Pedrena, Spain as the youngest of five boys, Seve Ballesteros, who learned the game on the beaches near his home using just a three-iron, gained the attention of the golfing world in 1976 when at the age of 19 he finished second behind Johnny Miller at the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. From there he went on to win five major championships between 1979 and 1988, including the British Open three times, and the US Masters twice. He was also successful

in the Ryder Cup, helping the European team to five wins both as a player and captain. He also made the World Match Play Championship his own, winning a record-tying five titles. His play and personality inspired generations of Spanish golfers, most notably his close friend Jose Maria Olazabal and the similarly flamboyant Sergio Garcia. Mainly due to a series of back-related injuries Ballesteros struggled with his form during the 1990’s but continued his involvement in the game, creating the Seve Trophy and running a golf course design business. He retired from competitive golf in 2007 and in 2008 was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Ballesteros died of brain cancer on May 7, 2011, aged 54. He is survived by his three children Baldomero, Miguel and Carmen and brothers Manual, Vicente and Baldomero.

people 13

I’d pay to watch Seve, says Davis DavidNewbery FIVE-TIME major winner Seve Ballesteros has been credited with having a huge influence on the game – particularly in Europe. Former Australian Open champion Rodger Davis joined a host of golfers and officials to pay tribute to the flamboyant Spaniard, who died last month at the age of 54. “There are two guys I would pay to watch in a game of golf and one was Jack Nicklaus and the other was Seve Ballesteros,” Davis said. “I’d pay to watch Nicklaus because he was the best in the world and Seve Ballesteros because he was the most exciting golfer I ever played with. “Seve was one of the best ever and had the most charisma of any professional I have known. “He was most probably the best chipper the game ever had. “He had every type of shot in the book and the greatest imagination of any player.” Davis got to know Ballesteros during his time playing the European Tour where the Australian won seven times. “I used to play a lot of practice rounds with him and I played against him a lot,” said Davis, one of the few men to have comprehensively beaten Ballesteros at matchplay.

“I actually gave him his biggest defeat in the World Matchplay when I beat him 7/6 (in the second round in 1986).” Ballesteros’s mere presence intimidated many players, but Davis believes he didn’t set out to menace other players. “He was good to play with, but he was a tough competitor on the golf course. “Seve had that aura that he was going to win and you had to somehow try and stop him in your mind. “The way he walked and the way he talked was always very confident. “He had that ‘I’m here to win attitude’. And he had the putter to do it, but I think if he had a weakness it would have been his driver. “When I played him in the World Matchplay in 1986 I had to play really well to beat him.” On that day, Davis decided not to watch or look at Ballesteros. His ploy was to look 10 yards ahead of Ballesteros and when his ball took off he would follow its flight “just in case he hit it off line so I could help him find it”. “Seve said to me after the match that he had noticed I wasn’t looking at him,” Davis said. “Maybe that got to him a little bit. “He was tough to play against, but off the course he was a gentleman – no problems.”

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June 2011

14 industrynews...............................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

The thoughts of an award-winning pro FOR the past 25 years, Queensland Club Pro of the Year John Mellish has gone about his work at Beerwah Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast quietly and professionally. Mellish spoke openly to Inside Golf’s David Newbery about his pride in receiving the award, his dedication to the golf industry and even gave his opinion on a variety of other golfrelated topics.

On the best players

On the award and work

You can’t really say too much to anyone who dreams of being a pro. If I did give advice I’d say, ‘work your backsides off ’. That’s all you can say to them. When my trainee Sam West started here I think it took him by surprise. He wanted to have weekends off and wanted to go out on Saturday nights and sleep in on Sundays. He thought he could hit 100 balls a day and that would be enough, but these days they have got to hit a 1000 golf balls a day. It’s a career for them and they have just got to do it.

Beerwah Golf Club has treated me as part of their family since 1985 and I am delighted that the club feels as passionately about the award as I do. I don’t know if I am any different from any other club pros, but the one thing I do when a visitor or new member comes to this golf course is I make them feel welcome. I’ll introduce him to his playing partners and that in itself makes a difference. You wouldn’t believe the number of people that come back and say, ‘noone has ever done that before’. If every golf club pro did that, it would improve the relationship with the club and the professional. In a lot of cases, the pro won’t even introduce himself to the visitor or new member.

I didn’t enjoy it because hitting off the back markers it’s just too tough, mentally. You mis-hit a shot and you are in the desert – it’s not fun. They do have five tees but people’s egos get in the way and they want to play off the back tees. We played Rivera and its 7500 yards and that’s just to long for the average player. People don’t enjoy playing golf when you are looking for your golf ball all the time. Who wants to go out there and lose 12 balls and shoot 100? At least at golf courses like Beerwah, the average player can play it comfortably and enjoy it. It’s not overly long and they are not looking for golf balls all day. They can walk off shooting around their handicap and say, ‘beauty, golf ’s fun’.

I have just got back from the US Masters and the standard of play from the modern day professional is phenomenal. These young guys are fitter, stronger and are in a completely different league now. They hit the golf ball completely different to when I grew up.

On advising aspiring pros

On teaching beginners

My philosophy with beginners is to teach them the basics. I see a lot of young people today with poor grips. It surprises me because that’s the one thing that was drilled into

On the cost of a round Award-winning club professional John Mellish me as a kid – grip the club correctly. If your basics are fairly sound, it will hold you in good stead for the rest of your life.

On modern golf courses

I think golf courses are being made

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far too long for the average person. Looking at golf courses in general, I can see why people aren’t playing golf. When I was in the US I played Troon North and I can see why people wouldn’t play it because it’s just too hard.

Golf is becoming an expensive sport now. Golf clubs are crazy charging what they do for green fees. We (Beerwah) are moderately priced at $35 and I think that’s reasonable. Some golf courses are charging $50 to play and really they are only just a golf course. I wouldn’t pay $50 to play some of these golf courses.

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June 2011

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‘Marathon’ Merv retires a winner DavidNewbery THERE were lots of laughs, and a few tears, at the retirement luncheon for Oxley Golf Club’s long-serving club professional Merv Uhlmann. Canapés and a two-course lunch were followed by speeches, a poem and the presentation of going away gifts. Some of the speakers had the guests (family, friends and members) in stitches with their light-hearted speeches poking fun at Merv. Of course, they also spoke glowingly of a proud man – a thorough professional who served the club for close to 47 years. Even Greg Norman was there in spirit. The Shark couldn’t attend Merv’s retirement gathering, but he did send a congratulatory message. More than 130 people packed into the clubhouse to hear the Shark’s message, which was delivered by his long-time coach and friend Charlie Earp. Charlie, along with other speakers, reminisced and told some lovely stories about Merv’s long and distinguished career. There were a few wags in the room who playfully threw in the odd barb or two.

Oxley Golf Club’s professional Merv Uhlmann (centre) at his retirement gathering with friend and former club manager Don Gregory (left) and Oxley’s oldest playing member Bert Skilton, 84 Merv was ribbed for being a Canberra Raiders supporter, for being tidy, his monetary skills, his fishing exploits and they even touched on his first car and his early music tastes. Merv is a quiet, unassuming man, but when he first turned up for a job interview the committee waiting to interview him reckon they heard him coming. In the early 1960s, Merv got around in a revved-up old Zephyr with music

speakers to match. “We heard him coming up the road,” one committeeman recalled. “And he was into heavy rock music before it was even discovered.” Those who know Merv know he has a great sense of humour, but he doesn’t suffer fools lightly. One speaker told a lovely story about Merv after he was approached by a female golfer who had hit her ball under a large tree and it came to rest

beside a tree root. “Do I get relief from a root?” she asked. As this is a family magazine we can’t tell you Merv’s response. Suffice to say, it summed up his humour. And equipment suppliers who tried to pull the wool over Merv’s eyes were soon put in their place. While Mer v almost always negotiated a good deal, he discovered his calculators kept disappearing after a supplier’s visit.

After “losing” umpteen calculators, Merv started gluing them to the desk and when the glue started to peel he’d nail them down. Problem solved. His first trainee pro Jim Duncan told the guests that he had learned a lot from his former boss. Aside from learning how to be a good club pro, Duncan said he also learned how to mow grass, vacuum, wash cars, do breakfast delivery runs (in his own car) and even babysit. Growing up, Merv’s son Jason recalls his father being a devoted husband and loving father. “Dad worked up to 14-hour days, sometimes six or seven days a week, but he never brought his frustrations home. “He’d never come home cranky and always had a kiss for mum and a cuddle for the kids.” Charlie Earp said Oxley Golf Club and the PGA was extremely proud of Merv for his dedication and loyalty to the club and the golf industry. As for Merv, well, he’s looking forward to sleeping in and “playing more golf with my mates”. “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,” he said.

June 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au.......................................................................................

Golf Australia StephenPitt We’re at the half way mark of the year and what a busy six months it has been. No less t han 11 Nat iona l Championships, including the Handa Women’s Australian Open, have been conducted with Queensland’s Cameron Smith following in the footsteps of fellow Queenslanders Adam Scott and Jason Day in winning the recent Australian Boys’ Amateur Championship. New South Wales’ Cathleen Santoso won her first girls’ ranking event at the

Australian Girls’ Amateur in Newcastle in the same week. Late in April we provided golfers with a report on the statistics around handicap trends under the Old System and the New System which was based on an analysis of 1 million rounds of golf played in Australia. That report is available on the Rules and Handicapping section of our website. Clubs will have received our May announcements by mail and they are also posted on our website and we encourage members to check there regularly. The second half of this year will be a very busy and important six months

industrynews for Golf Australia. Last month we brought you the excellent news about this year’s Australian Open and we will have more player announcements to come in July and August. The championship is in an excellent position to attract some of the world’s best international players who will come to Australia for the Presidents Cup. To capitalise on all the interest in golf that will peak in the second half of this year, our Game Development department is working hard on a number of exciting initiatives to bring more people into the game and make golf even more accessible for those who already play. It’s a big six months coming up.

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WA’s John Hopkins named chairman of Golf Australia THE Board of Golf Australia has announced the appointment of Western Australian John Hopkins as Chairman. Mr Hopkins replaces Anne Lenagan who retired at the board’s recent meeting after having served in the position for three and a half years. Mr Hopkins was elected unopposed. Mrs Lenagan will remain as a director on the board of Golf Australia. “I look forward to continuing the good work that Anne has been driving,”

Mr Hopkins said. “We want to ensure that the new handicap system aligns with the interests of golfers of all abilities and I look forward to working with Stephen Pitt and all groups in the industry to ensure that Golf Australia continues to drive participation and growth in the game so the whole industry works cohesively together for the promotion of the game at all levels,” he added. Mr Hopkins has been actively

PGA of Australia BrianThorburn The promotion of golf throughout Australia is an issue that draws the attention of all Industry Associations including the PGA, and, with the average age of golfers increasing, the focus has recently been diverted to introducing new and much younger audiences to the game. PGA Members are at the ‘frontline’ of golf in Australia and regularly service the 1.2 million Australians who play the game. With this in mind, the PGA recently launched a new marketing campaign to show some of our PGA Members in a different light and in doing so directly target Gen-Y. Why? Industry research shows that participation in the age group of 18-30 years is decreasing faster than any other age bracket. Growing participation within

ALPG WarrenSevil W e ’ re p r o u d to announce the appointment of Christine Wallace to the ALPG’s governing Board. Wallace, a senior journalist, author and advocate for women’s sport recently accepted the invitation which the ALPG Board saw as a unique appointment aimed at

involved in golf administration for a long period of time and was president of the Australian Golf Union in 1997. He was an advisory member of the R&A Rules committee and a referee at The Open Championship for more than 10 years. Mr Hopkins is the current president of Lake Karrinyup Country Club in Perth and was the president of the Western Australian Golf Association from 2007-2010.

this demographic is therefore necessary for the sustainability of PGA Members as well as the wider industry. Hence ‘Pro Golf Exposed’ was launched. ‘Pro Golf Exposed’ is a digital campaign that featured six young PGA Members, both Touring and Vocational, in a range of fashion-style photos. See it at www.pga.org.au/progolfexposed. At its core, the campaign was aimed at young females, but the radical approach also attracted wider attention of others who were surprised by the novel approach of a ‘traditional’ sport. Will the campaign reverse the participation trend? Certainly not–but the left-field approach goes a long way to representing our sport in a different light to those who may never have even considered it as a recreational activity. On a totally different note, the PGA recently announced its 2010 Trainee

of the Year Award recipient as Kevin Conlong who recently completed his PGA Traineeship at the Heritage Golf and Country Club in Victoria. Kevin was the highest performing Year 3 Trainee as determined by a combination of academic and playing results throughout 2010. A winner of 13 Trainee events over the past three years, Kevin has been a model trainee and on behalf of the PGA I wish him all the best for a successful career within the golf industry. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate PGA Tournament Member Brendan Jones on his recent win on the Japan Tour. Brendan’s win was his 10th on the Japan Tour – an incredible achievement of which he should be very proud. In closing, I wish all our Tour Members the very best for the upcoming month with a particular mention going to those who are heading to the US Open. Let’s hope our next Major win is just around the corner.

strengthening the Board’s perspective on media, marketing and government issues. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in politics and history from the ANU, a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney and a Master of Business Administration from the University of New South Wales. Wallace is the author of biographies of Germaine Greer and Don Bradman and is currently writing a biography of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. She is an advocate of much higher levels of sporting participation among girls and women, greater media coverage of women in sport,

and has a particular interest in building the strength of women in sports with national and international professional career paths–notably, golf, basketball and tennis. In accepting the position, Ms Wallace stated “The ALPG, a model of good corporate governance with broad, balanced board and a specific focus on women, has much to offer other womens sports in Australia concerned with developing the professionalism of their games. I look forward to contributing to their already excellent work.”

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

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

June 2011

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

Club Car going solar

CLUB Car is going solar with a new breed of golf buggy now appearing on Queensland golf courses and lifestyle resorts. Ironically, one of the first SolarDrive golf cars has made its first appearance not on a golf course, but at the Ecovillage, Currumbin, on the southern Gold Coast. The Ecovillage has entered into a supply arrangement with Club Car that will see their vehicles in general use around the village, with the village itself taking delivery of one of the first solar vehicles. Barry Hornby of Club Car says the solar vehicle is an ‘excellent option’ for golf courses in Australia. “The solar golf car has three times the life of a battery only car.

“The normal battery powered vehicle has a life of 50 holes of golf, whilst the solar version has a life of 150 holes per charge,” he said. It is believed that the Club Car version is the only solar golf car vehicle on the market. The company turned to NASA research for solar isolation and temperature in different locations worldwide that show the effect to be expected from the SolarDrive S2E solar roof. It has also been used with success at Sanctuary Cove and Hamilton Island with resorts initialling ‘power charge points’ at several locations for residents to and golfers able to charge their solar Club Cars whilst shopping, dining, or just having a cup of coffee.

Six inducted into Hall of Fame

SIX new members were inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame last month during a ceremony in St. Augustine, Fla. The 2011 Class includes Ernie Els, former US President George H.W. Bush, Doug Ford and Japanese star Jumbo

Ozaki, along with two posthumous inductees, Jock Hutchinson and TV broadcast pioneer Frank Chirkinian. The ceremony also included a tribute to Seve Ballesteros who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

Award-winning Drift Restaurant set to open at Brookwater

MOUTHS are watering and excitement is building in Springfield after one of Brisbane’s most successful restaurateurs announced a move west. David Moore, whose popular floating restaurant Drift was destroyed when the Brisbane River broke its banks in January, has been wooed into the kitchen at Brookwater Golf by appreciative diner and Springfield Land Corporation chairman Maha Sinnathamby. “The plan was always two years down the track to open a second restaurant in North Lakes, Forest Lake or somewhere out in the suburbs, so to come to Brookwater is great,” Mr Moore said.

The existing Brookwater golf club meal areas will undergo a makeover with a new bar, carpeting, furniture and the creation of a piano lounge. “I thought the real tragedy was Drift seemed to have been twice impacted by the floods—first the restaurant was dramatically swept away and later it seemed David would be unable to rebuild his business any time soon, if at all,” Mr Sinnathamby said. While Mr Moore still harbours the desire to reopen the iconic floating restaurant on the Brisbane River, he maintains he will continue at Brookwater. Drift was awarded the title of Brisbane’s best new restaurant in 2010.

Australand secures former Ashlar Golf Club site

Coolum fit for a king

AUSTRALAND has expanded its residential development business after it secured a 38-hectare site at Blacktown for an undisclosed sum. Located on what was known as the Ashlar Golf Course, the site will be redeveloped into a master-planned housing community close to the Blacktown city centre. The golf course is being relocated to new premises at the Stonecutters Ridge Golf Course in the first half of next year. Australand, whose managing director is Bob Johnston, recently issued $US170 million ($156 million) of senior guaranteed notes in the US private placement debt market to raise cash for expansion activities and restructure its debt.

Please congratulate the following General Managers appointments:

HYATT Regency Coolum in Queensland has unveiled the latest in a series of stylish refurbishments, creating a contemporary new look for the resort’s popular King Rooms. The first phase in a complete renewal of 156 King Rooms has been completed, part of a program that has already seen the upgrade of Golf Villas, Lakefront Villas and the extensive health and beauty facilities of The Spa. An initial 12 refurbished rooms are now open to guests – now named Golf Kings and Garden Kings – with others to be completed in coming months. At 46 sqm each, the new King Rooms offer expansive bedroom and living areas, ensuites and outdoor patio areas with views of the golf course, lakes or native gardens. Each has been refitted in contemporary style, with crisp modern tones to complement the sub-tropical Queensland environment that surrounds the property.

Armidale Golf Club (NSW): Nathan Chapman; Port Kembla Golf Club (NSW): Michael Clare; Ipswich Golf Club (Qld): Brett Holdway; Rosebud Country Club (VIC): Brad Groves. Please send all new management postings to be included in a future issue to ed@insidegolf.com.au

Mike Orloff morloff@golfindustrycentral.com.au

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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industrynews 19

www.golfindustrycentral.com.au

Australian Open champion looks to design first Aussie course

Ogilvy Clayton digs in at Bonnie Doon Golf Club

Gary Player Design has appointed Golf Industry Central as its Australasian representative to explore new golf course design projects Down Under. The seven-time Australian Open winner, recognised around the globe as the Black Knight and the International Ambassador of golf, is also a renowned golf course architect with more than 325 design projects in 35 countries on five continents – but never before in Australia. “I have always wanted to design a course in Australia. I have been visiting and playing in Australia for nearly 60 years and absolutely love it. The people are fantastic, the land is incredibly diverse and I can’t wait to find a great project,” said Player. Player’s vision is to build golf courses that respect and pay homage to nature. Native grasses, plants and trees are utilised, more organic material and less potentially dangerous fertilizers are used, and serious attention is paid to water usage. “Maintenance costs are what is hurting the golf course industry world-wide,” said Scott Ferrell, President of Gary Player Design. “A typical 18hole course has about 150 acres of ‘green’ that needs to be maintained and the costs are rapidly rising. Imagine the same course with half of the ‘green’, but with no loss in playability or beauty. This is at the heart of our philosophy – to design courses that take advantage of the natural characteristics of the land keeping maintenance costs down and allowing golf courses to operate more efficiently,” he added.

BONNIE Doon Golf Club, in conjunction with the design team of Ogilvy Clayton, commenced construction on Stage One of the club’s Masterplan last month. The Ogilvy Clayton team, made up of 2006 US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy, former European Tour player Michael Clayton and associates Mike Cocking and Ashley Mead, were engaged by Bonnie Doon in 2010 to develop a Masterplan for the whole course which, once completed, will re-establish the course as one of the best in NSW. The implementation of Stage One represents a major step towards this goal and will involve upgrading five existing holes, constructing two new holes on a former tip site acquired by the club in 2003 and upgrading the club’s practice facilities. The estimated cost of Stage One is $3 million. The project will also have significant environmental benefits for the local community, with plans to remove exotic tree species that have

Gary Player Gary Player Design asked Golf Industry Central to help locate a course to design in Australia because of its strong local network in the golf industry. Headed by golf operations and marketing specialist Mike Orloff, Golf Industry Central helps overseas markets access the Australian golf industry. “It is an honour to be asked to help Mr Player find a project to design in the region. The course will be a very unique and special experience for the golfing community in this part of the world,” Orloff said.

Mike Cocking, Michael Clayton and Ashley Mead been introduced to the site over the years and replace them with extensive Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS) plantings. While the construction work is taking place, golfers will play a 15-hole course. Visitors and corporate groups are more than welcome to continue to play the course and enjoy lower fees during the construction period. The seven new holes will open on the 31st March 2012.

Acushnet sells for $1.2 billion The Acushnet Company–owner of marketleading Titleist and FootJoy brands — has been sold off by parent company Fortune Brands for $1.225 billion to a group led by Fila Korea Ltd. Acushnet is the most profitable golf equipment company in the world, with net sales exceeding $1.2 billion in 2010, with

nearly half of revenues generated in markets outside the United States. Established in Italy in 1911, Fila is a leading sport and leisure footwear and apparel brand that is distributed worldwide. The transaction is expected to close this summer.

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June 2011

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Drewitt claims major stroke title AnthonyPowter Brett Drewitt secured his first major Australian amateur stroke play win with a four-stroke victory at the 2011 Golf SA Amateur Classic at Glenelg Golf Club in Adelaide. Drewitt took a six-shot lead into the final round and carded an even-par 71 to close the tournament at 7-underpar with rounds of 70-64-72-71. First round leader Daniel Bringolf finished a further four shots back. A major stroke play title was something Drewitt needed to add to his ever increasing list of achievements, which include a win at the 2010 Queensland Amateur and an international title, where last season Drewitt was the only Australian amateur to secure an international win with his 4&3 victory over Cory Renfrew at the 109th Pacific Northwest Amateur Championship at Royal Colwood Golf Club in British Columbia. “It was great to finally get a stroke win under my belt,” said Drewitt in Adelaide. “I was a little nervous coming down the final stretch as Daniel [Bringolf] was scoring well. What I take most away from the win is the way I was able to close the tournament out.”

This Australian summer Drewitt played into contention at the Tasmanian Open and at the Riversdale Cup, both National Selection events. Closing bogeys at Riversdale cost Drewitt his chances of making a play-off with Matt Stieger and Nathan Holman after he looked as if to have to a win in the bag coming down the final stretch of holes. At the time Drewitt was gutted from the experience of seeing a major stroke title slip through his fingers. The victory with the SA Golf Classic was important for Drewitt in a number

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

of ways, but mostly it reinforced his belief that he can win four round stroke events. “I did nothing wrong at Riversdale,” said Drewitt. “You learn from those experiences and try not to do the same thing when faced with the opportunity to close out a title. Today, I managed to close the event out strongly and that was pleasing.” In an event where 15 of Australia’s top-20 amateurs were competing at the SA Golf Classic, Drewitt proved

that he has the game to become one of the dominating players of Australian Men’s amateur golf. He came to Adelaide needing a stroke victory and left with a title which was not only timely, but richly deserved. “This is very sweet indeed,” Drewitt said. “I’ll head back to the US with plenty of confidence knowing a main stroke title is to my credit and hopefully I get more this season. That’s the plan.”

Seve and the small boy GOLFING great Seve Ballesteros was a champion in every sense of the word. Even under pressure playing in a tournament in Europe many years ago, the great man showed his gracious and good-humoured nature. The Spaniard was in contention to win the event when he strode purposefully to the 72nd tee box. As he addressed the golf ball, you could hear a pin drop. Suddenly, Seve was distracted by a jingling noise. He stopped and turned around to look for the person who had broken his concentration. He discovered a small child standing there jingling coins in his pocket. Rather than berate the boy, Seve smiled, walked over to the lad and asked, “Are you nervous”? The youngster, looking a little sheepish, said “yes” and Seve responded by saying, “well, so am I”. The great man teed off to rapturous applause as he strode to victory.

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June 2011

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Some fantastic legends of the Holden Scramble RobWillis The success of the Holden Scramble, celebrating its 20th year in 2011, is no doubt due to a whole range of factors. Foremost the Holden Scramble has stood the test of time by offering a unique and exciting format, one which shows no fear or favour to any particular level of golfer. But whatever the attractions to the legion of golfers who turn up every year, an important factor in the ongoing success of the Holden Scramble is the consistent effort and support given to the event by PGA members and local Holden Dealers around the country. As a result of their efforts,a number of PGA members can rightfully claim to be ‘Legends’ of the scramble. While some claim legend status as a result of their success on the course and for consistently winning their way to the Championship Final, many more go unnoticed for their involvement and commitment at club level. These Legends of the Scramble know who they are. They are too many to list, but in providing examples, it should bring awareness to the work being done and the efforts of many.

Tony Howell and Carlie Butler with the 2010 Women’s Holden Scramble champions from Mosman Park

Tony Howell – Mosman Park GC – WA The Holden Scramble in 2010 produced the first winner from WA when Tony Howell and his team from Mosman Park captured the Women’s Final, played in trying conditions on the Sunshine Coast. “It was a big deal for the club, we’re just a nine-hole course,” Howell said. “I’ve been here 14 years and we’ve had a scramble every year, then we also have a women’s scramble, which we started in the second year. With an Open scramble planned for September 11 and a Women’s event just five days later, Howell and Mosman Park are on board in 2011, hoping to challenge for the title again but more importantly looking forward

to enjoying all the Holden Scramble has to offer. “The best thing about the Scramble is being able to get out from behind the shop counter and to get involved with the members, maybe get to show them you can hit a few good shots and play a little bit,” Howell said.

Steve Tieck – Alice Springs GC – NT From Cowra in regional NSW, to Newcastle, Federal Golf Club in Canberra and now Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Steve Tieck has remained one of the Holden Scramble’s ardent supporters and most consistent performers. “I started at Cowra in ’92 and ran my first Scramble in ’93. I went

to Newcastle in 1995 and ran the Scramble there. In 1997 we got to the National Final. Then I was at Federal for nine years and we built it up from 60 players to over 170 and I also started a ladies Scramble with 60 or 70 starters,” Tieck explained. Tieck also expresses the belief that the format and special nature of the Scramble keeps golfers coming back for more. “From a club members’ perspective, it’s not often they play an event where they get lunch, golf balls, nice prizes and the chance to play with better players in an ambrose format,” he said.

And as with a number of the venues which have enjoyed long-term success at the club level, Holden explains he couldn’t have done it without his local Holden dealer by his side. “The Heritage Motor group are great supporters, Michael Taylor is a club member here, although we don’t see enough of him, he’s too busy selling cars,” Holden said. “Before him Peter Wakeman was very good and Lindsay Trotter, who is from around here, has always been a real good supporter of the event.”

Michael Holden – Maitland Golf Club–NSW

For Kevin Law, a former Sydneysider who now calls Queensland home, it has been a case of ‘have Holden Scramble, will travel’. “I’ve been running them ever since I left Sydney and went to Goondiwindi,” Law said of the Scramble. “Then I moved to Maryborough in 1997 and I’ve been doing them ever since. We’ve also done five ladies Scrambles, from the first year they started doing them.” Law and the ladies from Maryborough made it to the finale at Twin Waters in 2009 and he believes it is the friendships forged while on the road, not just at the Championship Final but at the regional stage as well, that makes the Holden Scramble well worth it.

He might lavish praise on the local Holden dealers and he commends his members for their continuing support of the Holden Scramble, but for 16 years now club professional Michael Holden has been the common denominator and the man most responsible for the success of the event in Maitland. “I got to the final five or six years ago, it’s a bit hard to remember exactly when it was,” Holden said. “I’ve done a scramble every year at Maitland. Never missed one. I think it’ll be 16 in a row this year.”

Kevin Law – Maryborough – Qld

20TH ANNIVERSARY

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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.

Suzuki wins Qld double

Quick draw McGraw wins Queensland stroke play G A I L E S G olf Club D aniel McGraw captured the Queensland Men’s Stroke Play Championship at Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club. McGraw returned rounds of 74-71-69-76 for a 290 total to win the title. He finished three shots clear of Toukley’s Dimitrios Papadatos (77-67-76-73). Cameron Smith (Royal Queensland) finished third after rounds of 74-76-71-76). Although the players experienced inclement weather, the Pacific Harbour layout proved to be a fantastic championship facility. The course was presented in outstanding condition.

GOLD Coaster Saki Suzuki is the toast of Queensland golf after winning the Queensland Stroke Play Championship and the Queensland Women’s Amateur Championship. Suzuki, who represents Lakelands Golf Club, carded rounds of 74-73-68 for a 215 total to win the stroke play title at Sanctuary Cove (Pines course). She finished two shots clear of Nudgee’s Elmay Viking (76-71-70) while Ashley Ona (Gailes) was next after rounds of 75-72-73. Emerald Lakes’ Amy Walsh dominated the 54-hole nett championship finishing 17-under her handicap. In the Women’s Amateur Championship (matchplay) final at Arundel Hills, Suzuki edged out Ali Orchard 2/1 in a tightly contested final. Orchard held a 3-up advantage in the morning round, but Suzuki fought back magnificently in

the afternoon to lead 3-up after 33 holes. The conclusion to the championship wasn’t without drama as Suzuki and Orchard played perfect approach shots to within a metre of the hole on the 34th. Orchard calmly sank her putt and left Suzuki the challenge of doing the same to end the match. Suzuki had been consistent from this length all day and wasn’t to be outdone, rolling in the putt and taking the championship for the second consecutive year. To reach the final, Suzuki defeated Ellesha Michie (Emerald Lakes) 5/3, Fabienne InAlbon (Manly) 5/4 and Corinne Swan (Surfers Paradise) 5/4. Orchard accounted for Zoie Cooper (Parkwood) 5/3, Lauren Sinclair (Heldelberg) 3/2 and Lauren Hibbett (Pennant Hills) 4/3.

Stefan Albinski crowned champion – again STEFAN Albinski successfully defended his Australian Men’s Senior Amateur Championship at Tanunda Pines Golf Club in South Australia’s Barossa Valley. Mona Vale’s Albinski finished five strokes clear of Rick Oliver (NSW) with Denis Dale (NSW) third. Queensland’s Peter King and Paul Maslen (NSW) finished in a tie for fourth place. Leading by three strokes overnight, Albinski closed with a two-over par 74 to be at six-over for the championship. “This is the greatest win as it now puts me in the company of the greats of senior golf including Tony Gresham, Rodney Barltrop and Trevor Wood who have won the title three times,” Albinski said.

events 23

“I played solidly all week without any silly errors. “My worst score on any hole was a bogey which was good around this tight layout,” he added. Albinski’s other wins came in 2010 at Royal Canberra Golf Club and in 2008 at Royal Perth Golf Club. The Age Division winners were: 55-59 years – Paul Maslen (NSW) 231; 60-64 years – Peter King (Qld) 231; 65-69 years – Bill Banks (ACT) 232 and 70 Years and over – Tony Gresham (NSW) 234. NSW won the teams’ event by 18 strokes from Victoria.

Boyne Island women best

IN Queensland, a Boyne Island Golf Club team of women has taken out the Central Queensland 18-hole stableford event played at Biloela Golf Club. Kerri Stebbings, Jenny Ogden, Janet Ha d l e y a n d K a y R i e n k s r e t u r n e d a combine d st ableford p oint s core of 113 to win by two from a Biloela quartet. Other results: Gladstone 107, Miriam Vale 105, Capricorn CC 104, Moura 102, Yeppoon 102, Calliope 99 and Rockhampton 93. In the individual event, Kate Bell (M’vale) won with 42 points from Aki Ishikawa (CCC) 38 c/b. In division 2, Kerri Stebbings (Boyne Island) was successful with 39 pts from clubmate Jenny Ogden (38). The Central Queensland Foursome Championships will be played at Capricorn Country Club on June 23 while the CQ Open Championships will be held at the Rockhampton Golf Club on August 1-2.

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June 2011

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Higginbottom tops at Keperra DavidNewbery NSW’S Jake Higginbottom is already a proven winner and a star in the making, but he was almost humbled by Keperra Country Golf Club’s three finishing holes en route to claiming the prestigious Keperra Bowl. The 17-year-old, coming off bogeys at the 70th and 71st holes, needed no worse than a bogey five on the notoriously tough 376-m par-4 18th (72nd hole). His tee shot found the short rough and his approach shot flew the green leaving his ball in double bogey territory. Although his ball was no more than 10 metres from the pin, it’s a kneeknocking downhill journey all the way to the cup. Jason Day was once left scratching his head after taking a seven from a similar position. Higginbottom’s third shot, a chip, failed to reach the putting surface. Now he needed to get down in two to avoid a playoff. His putt trickled slowly towards the cup and settled close to the hole

leaving him a tap-in putt for bogey and victory. Higginbottom may have finished with three bogeys, but his final round also included three birdies and an eagle. With rounds of 67-67-69-70 for a 273 total, the +3 marker finished 15-under par – one clear of NSW’s Matthew Stieger. Queensland’s men’s stroke play champion Daniel McGraw was outright third on 278 (-10). Reflecting on his unexpected finish, Higginbottom said: “I got a bad lie on 16 and got a flyer that went a bit long and I didn’t have an easy chip shot back. “On the par-3 17th I hit it short in the bunker. It wasn’t an easy bunker shot to play and on the last hole I got another flyer over the back which was no good,” Higginbottom said. Higginbottom, who only started playing golf seven years ago, is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of in the future. Last year he won the NSW Amateur and the China Amateur and last month he captured the Queensland Amateur Championship.

Seve and the ladies SWASH-BUCKLING Seve Ballesteros may have intimidated his peers on the golf course, but when it came to women his charm made them weak at the knees. Australian and former US LPGA Tour player Shani Waugh remembers meeting Ballesteros during a corporate event in Sweden where she was seduced by his charm. “I met him once very briefly,” said Shani, who retired from competitive golf in 2008 to have a baby. “He came over and shook my hand and he made a comment and I just melted. “It was more his politeness. He really looks at you when he shakes your hand firmly and is genuinely pleased to meet you. “He was a charming, charming man – in a good way. “He was just magnetic. Greg Norman has this aura, but Seve was magnetic. “I mean, how many women melted in front of him? “It was really sad to hear of his passing and he’s going to be a big loss.”

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

CHAMPION: Jake Higginbottom chips from the back of Keperra’s 18th green. INSET: Higginbottom shows off the Keperra Bowl trophy

Higginbottom is a member of the Australian squad and was selected along with Cameron Smith (Qld), Ryan Peake (WA), Oliver Goss (WA) and reserve Maverick Antcliff (Qld)

to play in the Toyota World junior in Japan. Unfortunately, the event had to be cancelled following that country’s devastating tsunami.

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

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Husband and wife in rare feat

events 25

DavidNewbery

Peg Wallace takes first Ladies Golf Day Series

THE odds of an average amateur golfer scoring a hole-in-one are around 12,000 to 1. The odds of two players from the same foursome acing the same hole are 17 million to 1 and the odds of one player making two aces in the same round is 67 million to 1. But what are the odds of a husband and wife making a hole-in-one on the same hole on the same day? It could be 100 million to 1. Well, whatever the odds, Kew Golf Club’s Ian and Dorothy Chard are the talk of the town after recently achieving the feat when they both aced the golf course’s par-3 14th hole on the same day. Dorothy, who plays off a 24 handicap, got the ball rolling when she aced the hole from 146 metres using her driver. “I was playing in the Thursday comp with the ladies and decided to take my driver rather than my five-wood and hit it on the green and bingo it went in the hole,” Dorothy said. “We didn’t see it go in the hole and when we got to the green I didn’t see my ball so took my sand wedge and putter and walked to the other side of green and it wasn’t there. “Then we looked in the hole and there it was.”

The glitz, glam and catwalk good fun of the Ladies Day Golf Series 2011 started again for Noosa Springs last month when 50 skilled women from as far afield as Melbourne teed off in competition. Series winner for the past two consecutive years Peg Wallace took first prize in the single stableford game with a score of 39 points. The series continues August 16 and concludes December 6 where the overall series winner will be determined by combining the best two of three scores across the year. “Almost every golf club across the Sunshine Coast was represented in this game,” golf operations manager Warren Ellis said. “And we’re expecting greater participation in August when it continues.” Each of the Ladies Day Golf events conclude with a champagne lunch and a fashion parade featuring sporting wear from series sponsors Daily Sports, Jamie Saddock and Duca Del Cosma. A prize of $1000 worth of golfing apparel from the stylish Noosa Springs Golf Boutique will be awarded to the overall series winner.

Dorothy and Ian Chard celebrate scoring a hole-in-one on the same hole on the same day Not to be outdone, Ian, who plays off 17, joined the men’s field on the back nine in the afternoon and aced the 169m 14th using a hybrid club. “When Ian rang to tell me he had a hole-in-one on the same hole that day I thought he was joking,” said Dorothy, who only took up the game five years ago.”

It was their first hole-in-one. Kew Golf Club general manager Paul Vardy said it was the second unique happening at the club in the past 12 months. “Kew’s club champion and pennant captain Chris Dunn created history when he had two holes-in-one in on the same day on April 10 last year,” he said.

First day winners:

1st place Peg Wallace 39 points (Noosa Springs club member) 2nd place Kay Pulbrooke 37 points (Pelican Waters club member) 3rd place Liz Gazner 34 points (Caboolture club member) 4th place Mayumi Crawford 34 points (Tewantin club member) NTP 4th (Nearest the Pin) Joan Reeve NTP 8th Trish Berg NTP 13th Larel Schaler NTP 16th Peg Wallace The Ladies Day series is sponsored by L’Oreal, Eminence, BrightEyes Sunglasses, Daily Sports, Jamie Saddock and Duca Del Cosma. For more information see ‘specials and packages’ on their website www.noosasprings.com.au To register for this event contact Noosa Springs on 07 5440 3333.

June 2011

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

Nyngan pair win NSW Sand Greens Fourball Championship More than 140 participants took part in the 2011 NSW Sand Greens Fourball Championship held at Hay Golf Club recently. 35 clubs were represented in the field, with players travelling from Deepwater in the north to Huntingdale (Vic) in the south. It was a tight battle on the first round of play, with four pairs finishing the day on 33 points. Locals Dean Smith and Garry Bush led the nett section after a fine round of 49 points. A fantastic score of 37 points in the second round of play saw the Nyngan pairing of Guy Monaghan and David Rose take the spoils. The pair scored a total of 70 stableford points (33 and 37), also shooting the only sub-par score for the weekend. Runners up were Brad Hurley and Zac Mitchell from Condobolin, who finished just two points behind. One stroke further back in third place on a countback were Sand Greens newcomers, Michael and Steven Todd (Randwick). The nett events were dominated by Hay members, with Gary Bush and Dean Smith (49 pts and 47 pts) extending their overnight lead to win by two strokes to Leeton’s Phillip Pullen and George Vlatko. One stroke further back were Guyra’s Donald Hill and Colin Mulligan.

NSW Sand Greens Fourball Championship winners Guy Monaghan and David Rose

Prize List:

Winners: Guy Monaghan and David Rose (Nyngan) 33/37: 70 Runners Up: Brad Hurley and Zac Mitchell (Condobolin) 33/35: 68 Third Place: Michael and Steven Todd (Randwick) 32/35: 67 cb Nett Winners: Garry Bush and Dean Smith (Hay) 49/47: 96 Nett Runner Up: Phillip Pullen and George Vlatko (Leeton) 45/49: 94 Nett Third Place: Donal Hill and Colin Mulligan (Guyra): 45/48: 93

1 8 Ho l e s S at u r d ay : B a y l e y Pendergast and Greg Read (Cobar) 33cb 18 Holes Sunday: Derek Beehan and Gary Wilkin (Cobar) 34cb 18 Holes Saturday Nett: Martin Jackson and Irish Melia (Hay) 46cb 18 Holes Sunday Nett:Neil Headon and Robert McCully (Hay) 49 For a full list of scores and results log onto www.golfnsw.org.

OneGolf Club Management System

Golf NSW announced a new initiative developed in conjunction wit h MiC lub t hat has b e en specifically designed to assist clubs ranging from 30–600 members in their golfing operations. OneGolf is a fully-automated Golf Management solution that provides features and efficiencies found at the larger golf clubs, including online time sheets, easy score input, Tier 3 Golflink integration, automatically generated results, live fixture books, member contact details and more. The initial setup fee is $500 but in a gesture of support, Golf NSW is

offering to pay 50% of the setup fee to the first 80 clubs that apply. There is also an annual fee of $5+GST per member, capped at $3000 per club. Golf NSW is aware of the many club administration challenges faced by regional and smaller clubs, in particular the reliance on volunteers, minimum staff and minimal operating budgets and they believe that OneGolf will be of considerable benefit to such clubs. For more information, contact Golf NSW on 02 9505 9105 and speak to Nicky Bethwaite.

Boys’ trip to Japan cancelled Golf Australia selected players to compete at the Toyota World Junior Championships, to be contested in Japan in June, however due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year the tournament has been cancelled. In giving recognition to their

recent performances and talent, Golf Australia still named a squad with Cameron Smith (QLD), Jake Higginbottom (NSW), Ryan Peake (WA) and Oliver Goss (WA) the four team members, while the reserve was to be Maverick Antcliff (QLD).

June 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au...........................................................................

Membership Open Day

Burleigh Golf Club June 19 Burleigh Golf Club, a traditional private club in Miami on the Gold Coast, is hosting a Membership Open Day to showcase the wonderful course and clubhouse facilities to visitors and prospective members. Open to holders of Golf Australia Handicaps (Men’s or Women’s), the day includes a competition round of golf, choice of clinics by PGA member Jamie Brew, 6-hole putting competition and post golf sausage sizzle. In addition the Srixon & Cleveland Demo Centre will be set up with great deals on clubs, clothing and accessories all day.

June Business Girls Cup

June 10 Wagga City Golf Club Wagga City Golf Club has a 100+ year history and in 2011 its Business Girls Competition will be celebrating 50 years of their major event, “The Business Girls Cup”. Former Business Girls Players, Cup Winners, Runners-up and Scratch winners are invited to participate in this grand occasion. The official celebrations will start on Friday, 10 June with a Cocktail Party. All are welcome to play golf on Saturday and Sunday – either 9 or 18 holes. A presentation dinner on Sunday night 12 June 2011 will conclude the celebrations. All those interested in joining the Business Girls to celebrate this special occasion, should contact Colleen Watkins on (02) 6931 2470, or by email on maiah3@bigpond.com.au

Banksia 2011 Victorian Men’s Par 3 Amateur Championship June 11 &12 Kyabram Parkland Golf Club (Incorporating–A & B Grade Scratch, A & B Grade Handicap & Handicap teams (of 3) Championships) 54 Holes of stroke play. Handicap limit of 18. Field maximum of 90 Entry Forms available from: Victorian Golf Association, your home club or Kyabram Parkland Golf Club ENTRIES CLOSE: 5.00pm Friday 3 June For more information visit their website: www.kyabramparkland.com.au, Tel: (03) 5852 3146, or by email: clubhouse@kyabramparkland.com.au

Free golf expo

June 19 BRISBANE’S McLeod Country Golf Club is holding a free golf expo on Sunday, June 19 to celebrate the club’s recovery from the January floods and to introduce new members to the game.

upcomingevents

Tee times are 6:30am to 8:30am, the format Single Stableford with attractive prizes for the winners. The fee is $30 plus $11 Competition Fee and tee times can be booked through the Club on (07) 5572 8266. Burleigh Golf Club has a range of membership options including Full, 6 Day, Limited & Country. Attractive payment plans are available including a monthly direct debit program. The club boasts an active golf calendar including competitions every day. For details on Burleigh Golf Club and the membership options available, go to www.burleighgolfclub.com.au. Vi s i t o r s w h o p l ay i n t h e Membership Open Day and enroll as members receive their course fees back and a new member gift valued at over $150. Conditions apply.

The golf expo will include a putting clinic, a driver demonstration by PGA professionals, a short game clinic, fashion parade, nearest to the pin competition, demonstrations by leading golfing suppliers, lucky door prize, information stands and kits and fun activities for the kids including a jumping castle and face painting. McLeod’s head professional and 2009 Queensland PGA Club Pro of the Year Richard Harris will be there to meet new golfers, golfing enthusiasts and members of the public. Harris is the current coach of the Queensland men’s state team and coaches professionals Ben Pisani and Matt Guyatt. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase on the day along with a sausage sizzle. The expo starts at 9.30am and finishes at 2.30pm. For more information on the expo, telephone the McLeod Countr y Golf Club on (07) 3376 3666 or visit www.mcleodgolf.com.au

August Qld Seniors PGA beckons

THERE’S still 10 weeks to go before the Queensland Seniors PGA Championship tees off, but already the big guns of Australian senior golf are eyeing off the title. A number of leading professionals, including former champion Rodger Davis, will do battle at Redland Bay Golf Club on August 11-12. They will be vying for the prestigious title along with the Seniors Player of the Year. “We believe that Mike Harwood will also be returning to defend his title from 2010,” Redland Bay general manager Aaron Muirhead said. Many of Australia’s best senior professionals will be on show.” The event offers opportunities for businesses interested in sponsoring this major event on the seniors’ playing calendar.

“ There are different levels of sponsorship packages,” Muirhead said. “There are four levels of corporate sponsorship, which allow teams to play. They are Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze, which include playing with the leading players, golf cart, Redland Bay Golf Club shirt, player packs and also includes lunch and tickets to the gala presentation dinner. “And there is the opportunity for advertising signage to be displayed for your business on both the course and in the club.” For more information, contact Aaron Muirhead or club professional Len Beck on (07) 3206 7011 (club) or (07) 3206 8143 (pro-shop) by fax on (07) 3206 8423 or by e-mail aaron@redlandbaygolf.com.au

Australian Social Golf Club Championships August 21-24 Gold Coast The ASGCC is one of the most exciting and enjoyable events for Australian amateur golfers, attracting golfers from around the country who enjoy their golf and the experience of playing in a professional tournament atmosphere. In 2011, the tournament will start and finish at the foundation course, Palm Meadows, with the middle rounds played at the superb Lakelands Golf Club and Robina Woods. There will also be an increase in the prize pool in 2011 to over $12,000 of prizes, trophies and giveaways with Drummond Golf joining as a sponsor and partner. Entry forms available in Drummond Stores around Australia. For more information and a PDF version of the entry forms, go to the Social Golf Australia website at www.socialgolfcc.com.au or contact SGA directly on (03) 5433 3213.

September The 2011 Australian School Teachers’ Golf Championships Palm Meadows Golf Course, Gold Coast Sun 25 Sept – RACQ CareFlight Rescue Charity Day Mon 26 Sept – Day 1 of Teachers’ Championship Tue 27 Sept – Day 2 of Teachers’ Championship Wed 28 Sept – Community Coaching Golf Accreditation Course No handicap necessary. Friends and family who are not teachers are welcome to play. Playing Categories and prizes include: Men’s and Ladies’ A-Grade Stroke Event Men’s and Ladies’ B and C Grade Stableford Event Non-Handicap Points Event Register your interest to: admin@ thegolfschool.com.au. For all enquiries regarding the 2011Australian Teachers’ Golf Championship, please contact: Sean Hughes, Tallebudgera Beach School. 0400 117 210, thehueys1@bigpond.com

June 2011

28 results.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au PGA TOUR

Zurich Classic Big-hitting Bubba Watson sealed victory with a birdie on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff with Webb Simpson at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. It was Watson’s second victory of the 2011 PGA Tour season. For Watson it was a story of length and precision, as he led the field in both Driving Distance (331.4 yards) and Greens in Regulation (80.6 percent), just as he did earlier in the season in his win at the Farmers Insurance Open. For Simpson, it was another showcase of consistency. Already this season, Simpson has recorded two runner-ups, three top-10s and seven top-25 finishes. Simpson tied for third in G.I.R. with a 79.2% mark. The Players Championship K.J. Choi turned The Players Championship into a showcase of shot-making control, determination and perseverance. On the Sunday at TPC Sawgrass, Choi played his 28-hole finale in 4-under par, including a birdie on the par-3 17th that earned him the playoff spot at 13-under 275 (70-68-6770), where he outlasted a strong David Toms. It was Choi’s fifth top-10 finish of the season.

Results Pos Player 1 K.J. Choi 2 David Toms 3 Paul Goydos T4 Luke Donald T4 Nick Watney T6 Jason Day T6 J.B. Holmes T6 Hunter Mahan T6 Alvaro Quiros T6 Aaron Baddeley T6 Jason Dufner Aussies T19 Matt Jones T41 Greg Chalmers T50 Robert Allenby CUT Nick O’Hern CUT Adam Scott

Total -13 -13 -11 -10 -10 -9 -9 -9 -9 -9 -9

Strokes 275 275 277 278 278 279 279 279 279 279 279

-7 -3 -1 3 4

281 285 287 147 148

LPGA Maria Hjorth posted 12 birdies and an eagle over the final weekend at the Avnet LPGA Classic, shooting consecutive 5-under 67s to earn her fifth career LPGA Tour title. Hjorth finished at 10-under 278, two strokes ahead of Song-Hee Kim. Na Yeon Choi tied for third, two shots behind Hjorth, while Kraft Nabisco champion Stacy Lewis finished alone in fifth, another two shots back.

CANADIAN TOUR Jose de Jesus Rodriguez birdied the first hole of a sudden death playoff with Roger Sloan to win the Mexican PGA Championship. Rodriguez made back-to-back birdies on Nos. 16 and

17 to force the playoff, shooting a final-round 5-under 67 to finish at 14-under 274. Sloan closed in 2-under 70. The win was the first of Rodriguez’ Canadian Tour career.

CHAMPIONS TOUR Tom Lehman took home his second senior major championship trophy with a playoff victory over Peter Senior at the Regions Tradition at Shoal Creek. After tying Senior in regulation at 13-under 275, Lehman tapped in for par on the second playoff hole to win for the third time in his last seven Champions Tour starts. Lehman closed with a bogey-free 3-under 69, while Senior shot 4-under 68. Lehman made just four bogeys the entire week, finishing the week tied for second in Greens in Regulation (77.8 percent).

EUROPEAN TOUR

Lee Westwood solidified his World No. 1 ranking with back-to-back victories last month at the Indonesian Open and the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea. At Ballantines, Westwood fired a final round 5-under 67 on a windy day to finish at 12-under 276, coming back from three shots behind at the start of the round to earn a one-shot victory. Westwood now has 21 career European Tour titles and 35 total victories worldwide. Aussie Results: Brett Rumford T7 (281), Matthew Zions T13 (283), Marcus Fraser T27 (286), Rick Kulacz T35 (288), Andrew Dodt T41 (289), Unho Park T43 (2990), Scott Hend T47 (291), Scott Strange T58 (293). MC: Daniel Gaunt, Scott Barr, Marcus Both, Gavin Flint, Darren Beck, Kunal Bhasin, Tony Carolan Open de España After earning his first European Tour title at the Open de España, Thomas Aiken dedicated his victory to legendary golfer Seve Ballesteros, a three-time winner of the event. Aiken closed with a 2-under 70 at the Real Club de Golf El Prat outside Barcelona, finishing at 10-under 278, two shots ahead of Anders Hansen.

ASIAN TOUR Berry Henson captured the ICTSI Philippine Open after closing with a 1-over 73 in gruelling, windy conditions. Henson posted a 5-under 283 total and one-shot victory over Jay Bayron. A typhoon that struck the country at the beginning of the week resulted in difficult weather conditions for the entire event.

ONEASIA TOUR 24-year-old Kim Kyung-tae’s performance at the GS Caltrex Maekyung Open was the most dominant in the tournament’s 30-year history, as he fired four

consecutive rounds in the 60s (67-68-66-66) for a 21-under 267 total at Namseoul Golf & Country Club in South Korea and won by eight shots. Kim managed 24 birdies and one eagle over the four days, making just two bogeys over his final 31 holes. Last season’s Japan Tour money list winner, Kim birdied four of his first six holes after the turn Sunday to hold off a charge from Kim Hyung-sung, who also closed with consecutive rounds of 6-under 66.

ONEASIA Order of Merit

Following the GS Caltex Maekyung Open Pos. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Name Andre Stolz (Aus) Kim Kyung-Tae (Kor) Kim Hyung-Sung (Kor) Cho Min-Gyu (Kor) Gareth Paddison (Nzl) Han Chang-Won (Kor) Park Eun-Shin (Kor) Aaron Townsend (Aus) Choi Ho-Sung (Kor) Bae Sang-Moon (Kor) Thaworn Wiratchant (Tha) Anthony Brown (Aus) Matthew Millar (Aus) Terry Pilkadaris (Aus) Paul Sheehan (Aus)

Total (US$) 198,959.08 181,328.59 94,581.58 85,224.44 63,018.60 57,807.64 57,750.00 53,207.75 43,143.52 40,390.78 40,000.00 38,988.44 36,674.59 34,437.16 34,000.00

PRESIDENTS CUP TRACKER Following The Players Championship

UNITED STATES Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Player Matt Kuchar Phil Mickelson Bubba Watson Steve Stricker Nick Watney Dustin Johnson Jim Furyk Hunter Mahan Bill Haas Brandt Snedeker

Points 10,273,842 10,010,280 9,267,485 9,001,253 8,620,249 8,114,879 7,711,562 7,669,550 6,348,680 6,286,674

INTERNATIONAL Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Player Charl Schwartzel KJ Choi Ernie Els Adam Scott Jason Day Retief Goosen Geoff Ogilvy Tim Clark Louis Oosthuizen Robert Allenby

Avg Pts 5.03 4.66 4.16 4.10 4.07 3.65 3.36 3.33 3.26 3.19

World Rankings Following The Players Championship Top 20 Australians Top 20 Rolex World Rankings in Australia 1. Adam Scott (19 in world rankings) 2. Jason Day (20) 3. Geoff Ogilvy (29) 4. Robert Allenby (33) 5. Aaron Baddeley (50) 6. Brendan Jones (63) 7. Richard Green (79) 8. Stuart Appleby (80) 9. Marc Leishman (95) 10. John Senden (102) 11. Matthew Jones (129) 12. Brett Rumford (130) 13. Greg Chalmers (147) 14. Nick O’Hern (165) 15. Daniel Gaunt (170) 16. Michael Sim (174) 17. Marcus Fraser (183) 18. Mathew Goggin (204) 19. Andrew Dodt (231) 20. Steve Elkington (233)

1. Karrie Webb (8 in world) 2. Katherine Hull (24) 3. Nikki Campbell (39) 4. Kristie Smith (88) 5. Lindsey Wright (95) 6. Tamie Durdin (97) 7. Sarah Jane Smith (121) 8. Sarah Kemp (141) 9. Frances Bondad (193) 10. Karen Lunn (196) 11. Nikki Garrett (211) 12. Ashley Ona (237) 13. Stephanie Na (245) 14. Rebecca Flood (297) 15. Rachel Bailey (320) 16. Rachel Hetherington (321) 17. Anna Rawson (328) 18. Alison Whitaker (366) 19. Wendy Doolan (395) 20. Stacey Keating (396)

Top 5 World Rankings

Top 5 Rolex Rankings

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Lee Westwood (averaged points 8.10) Luke Donald (7.52) Martin Kaymer (7.25) Phil Mickelson (6.41) Graeme McDowell (5.62)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Yani Tseng (11.94) Ji-Yai Shin (9.92) Suzann Pettersen (9.05) Cristie Kerr (8.79) Na Yeon Choi (8.77)

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

US Open preview The par-3 10th at Congressional (Photo courtesy USGA/John Mummert)

Gold Coast-based golf journalist Bruce Young will return this month to the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland where, in 1995, he caddied in the US Senior Open. Bruce takes a look at the Blue Course at Congressional and looks ahead at what this year’s US Open Championship holds in store Despite its significant profile in American golf, the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland will host only its third US Open Championship when this year’s event gets underway on June 16. Situated on the outskirts of the American capital of Washington DC, the club not only emits the smell of American country club wealth, but also that of American political power. It is here where numerous American Presidents and leading figures from the corridors of power in the US have honed their golfing skills while escaping the rigours of Washington politics.

Originally designed in the 1920’s by Devereux Emmet, a highly prolific but perhaps underrated architect of that era, the course has undergone changes on several occasions since. The first significant change came at the hands of the great Donald Ross just a few years after its initial opening although Robert Trent Jones Snr set about a major restoration in the late 1950’s with the 1964 US Open as his main objective. More recently the United States Golf Association’s course ‘doctor’ and son of Robert Trent Snr, Rees, had his turn. Rees Jones undertook a major course facelift in 1989 when essentially he rebuilt all greens, tees and bunkers

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and since the 1997 US Open Jones has again set about making wholesale changes. In 2008 all greens were rebuilt and reseeded although as much as possible the original green contours were retained. The object of this exercise was to build the greens to USGA standards ensuring greater consistency in the surface and allowing for the probability of firmer green surfaces. The course will now measure 7574 yards making it one of the longest–in terms of yardage at least–in US Open history. Only Torrey Pines in 2008 has actually measured longer. The Blue Course, one of two layouts at the facility, has played host to two previous US Opens, one PGA Championship and one US Senior Open in addition to several PGA Tour events including the Kemper Open and the more recent AT&T National tournaments. When the US Open was first staged at Congressional Country Club in 1964, Ken Venturi won what was a highly emotional US Open victory. For Venturi, it was the culmination of a career that had initially been brought to the

American public’s notice when he led the Masters as an amateur by four shots heading into the final round in 1956, only to record a round of 80 and finish second behind Jack Burke. In 1961 Venturi suffered a car accident and it took until 1964 for him to begin playing well again. It all came together that Sunday at Congressional when he produced rounds of 66 and 70 to win despite all but succumbing to the 100 degree heat during his morning round (they played 36 holes that day). In 1995 Tom Weiskopf won the US Senior Open and it was during that week that I got to see this layout first hand. I caddied for Australian golfer Graham Marsh who would eventually finish eighth behind Tom Weiskopf. My lasting memories of Congressional are of Marsh playing the opening 36 holes that year with Jack Nicklaus, the high quality of the layout and one of the more frightening finishing holes in golf. The par-four 18th was demanding enough back then. In 2011 however, a further 50 yards have been added to its length to make it a 521 yard downhill right-to-left shaping hole with

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coverstory 31

Ken Venturi recorded an emotional victory at Congressional during the 1964 US Open (Photo courtesy USGA Archives)

A five-time runner-up, Phil Mickelson is looking to finally break through for a US Open victory

water to the left, right and beyond the green and bunkers protecting its right front and right back. It is sure to provide great theatre. A drive missing the fairway there will no doubt bring all sorts of possibilities into play as any sort of marginal lie in the rough could very quickly destroy an otherwise good round. With the USGA’s Mike Davis putting his finishing touches on the course prior to June 16th the rough will no doubt be graded in such a way that there will be temptation to go for that final green from some potentially dangerous lies. Interestingly the 18th hole in this year’s layout was not used as the finishing hole during the 1997 US Open but rather as the 17th — although funnily enough during the 1995 Senior Open it was played as the final hole. In 1997 the US Open used a par-three set against the backdrop of the majestic clubhouse as its finishing hole. That hole has since been rebuilt in the reverse direction however and will now be played as the 10th to provide a much better traffic flow from the 9th green. The experiment of playing a par-three as

authorities alike and significantly improved the perception and standing of the US Open as an event and its venues as layouts which test a winner’s overall skills. There is little doubt that this year’s venue, in terms of its quality and its location, will prove a success but as to the possible winner–well that is not quite so certain. Changes have been made to qualifying criteria this year and rightly so. The most important is the inclusion of those golfers who sneak inside the top-50 in the world ranking in the final two weeks leading into the event. Last year Justin Rose and Rickie Fowler finished first and second at the Memorial two weeks earlier and made it into the top-50 in the world but they had left their run too late because the fully exempt categories had been settled prior to the Memorial. They then failed to play their way into the event via Sectional Qualifying and thus two of the most in-form players in professional golf were not in the field. This year, however, any player inside the top‑50 players in the world ranking the week of the Championship automatically earns a

a finishing hole for the first time at a US Open Championship in 1997 was not really a success either. Davis was recently appointed as the Executive Director of the USGA but is still its guru in terms of course preparations and set-up. His input over the past few years has changed the perception of the US Open for the better in terms of its fairness and ability to produce a more worthy champion. In earlier years the US Open tended to contain rough that was either black or white in terms of its playability. Now, with the rough being graded, the penalty for missing the fairway is determined by how wide a player hits it off line. Those just missing the fairway are now much better off than those further afield and surely that is a good thing. Perhaps more than any other individual in the modern era, Davis has turned this event into a far more equitable tournament where the element of luck has been lessened and a far greater level of shot-making and skill required. His golf course set ups now reward just that and penalise those not up to the task. He has received universal approval from players and golfing

start. In Major championships the best current players in the world should always be given the greatest opportunity to compete and this small but significant change will assist that cause. The other exemption categories are too many to list here but essentially they include the last ten winners of this Championship, the last five winners of the Masters, the Open and PGA Championships, the winner of the last three Players Championships, the leading 15 from last year’s US Open, the US Senior Open champion, the winner and runner-up at the previous year’s US Amateur Championship and a list of players from various money lists around the world. These players are in addition to those who qualify via Sectional Qualifying which is played two weeks prior to the event and from where approximately half of the final field of 156 will be sourced. If fit, then it might just be that the 2011 US Open Championship sees Tiger Woods increasing his number of major championship titles to 15. Woods has previously won at Congressional in what was his own event, the 2009 AT&T National.

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June 2011

32 coverstory..........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au While it will have been three years since Woods won his last major championship, it should be remembered that in the eight major championship starts since, he has finished inside the top-six on five occasions. If he has fully recovered from his current knee problems then he must be a factor again. If it is possible for a player to have a brilliant record at the US Open and to have not yet won then Phil Mickelson is that man. On five occasions he has been runner-up and with his very good record already this season then he could well add this title to his three Masters and one PGA Championship. Mickelson finished 27th at the 2005 Booze Allen event at Congressional and missed the cut in 2007 in his only recent starts at the venue but the latter was during a time when he was suffering with a wrist complaint. Worth another chance I reckon. Luke Donald has been extraordinarily consistent all season but his record at this particular major is not good. He has yet to record a top-10 in seven starts at the US Open but he is playing just so well now that this might be the year to turn that record around. Steve Stricker is one of the PGA Tour’s most consistent players, hardly ever missing a cut but has yet to be rewarded with a major championship. This is a good opportunity for him however as it is a golf course he plays well, having finished runner-up to K.J. Choi in 2007. Lee Westwood is another in the best players without a major category. He must be a great chance to break through for the major victory that might get some of the critics off his back. So what of the Australians? Those already assured of a start are Adam Scott, Jason Day, Geoff Ogilvy and Robert Allenby with Aaron

The demanding par-four 18th at Congressional (Photo courtesy USGA/John Mummert) Baddeley close enough to the top-50 and to the top-10 on the 2011 money list as this is written for him to a be chance of sneaking his way into the field prior to the fully exempt cut-off date. Hopefully by the US Open, and the following Sectional Qualifying, Australian numbers will have swelled considerably. Scott has missed five out of nine cuts at the US Open and has a best of only 21st at Winged Foot in 2006. He gave us all a pleasant surprise at Augusta National in April however with his best ever major championship finish and with the newly recruited long putter could improve. Scott finished runner-up at the Booze Allen

event at Congressional Country Club in 2005. Day will play in his first US Open this year but given the manner in which he has handled himself in his three major championships to date then he stands a very good chance of contending and possibly even winning. Working against Day’s chances is that he has missed the cut in his only two starts at Congressional in PGA Tour events but he is such an improved and experienced player now – much more can be expected of him. Ogilvy is already a proven US Open campaigner having won the event in 2006 and finished ninth in 2008. He went close at the Masters this year

and all three of our leading ranked players have genuine claims to add a third US Open to those won by David Graham (1981) and Ogilvy. Allenby’s form might not be great at present but neither is it bad. He has played the US Open relatively well in his 13 times to the event making nine of 13 cuts and finishing a major career equal best when seventh in 2004. Importantly for Allenby’s chances is that he has played Congressional well in PGA Tour events. The 2011 US Open promises just so much for world and even Australian golf and if it delivers anywhere near that level of promise then this could be one of the great US Opens.

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Best in the West

Murderous bunkers at The Links Kennedy Bay

From Seaside links to Country layouts to Red-Earth marvels, Western Australia offers a wide variety of the country’s best golf RichardFellner My annual trip to WA is quickly becoming one of my most treasured yearly treks. The weather is almost always perfect, the accommodation is comfortable and inviting and the golf is simply spectacular. And while WA may seem a world away from the East Coast, the trip is surprisingly quick and easy; after catching a morning flight, you arrive in Perth around

Secret Harbour Golf Links Golf Coast Western Australia

lunchtime, which gives you plenty of time for a quick 18 straight away! There are heaps of great facilities in WA. Here are some of our favourites.

Secret Harbour Golf Links

Located just outside of Mandurah, about 40 minutes’ drive from Perth, Secret Harbour Golf Links is one of those courses that falls into the “you could play it every day” category. Designed by Graham Marsh, Secret Harbour features wide and generous fairways, soft

greens and some truly scenic views. Rated among the Top 10 courses in WA, it’s a fantastic course for players of all levels, and it offers plenty of enjoyment and challenge along the way. There are many great holes at Secret Harbour, but as I am always a sucker for a par-3 over water, I rate the 179m 8th as a favourite. As close as you can get to an island green, this baby requires a solid tee shot if you want to get anywhere near the green. A marvellous hole. The par-4 17th is also a cracker. Secret Harbour’s signature hole, this short but challenging hole features treacherous bunkers

as well as a bit of water. With roughly 200 metres to the water (depending on the tee marker) it is crucial that you play for position. The next shot is a knee trembler with the green sloping back to front. It’s important to keep the ball under the pin on your approach, because a downhill putt from the top of the green can roll into the water. For the most part, the par-5s are solid 3-shotters for the average players. Big hitters will be able to go for many of the greens in two, but will be in severe bunker/rough trouble if they miss. Risk-Reward is the name of the game, but you’d better have an impeccable short game to clean up your messes. 

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Golf in Western Australia

June 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au

The beautiful and playable Secret Harbour Golf Links top right: The magnificent new Secret Harbour clubhouse BOTTOM RIGHT: Rolling fairways and cavernous bunkers at The Cut Of course, no review of Secret Harbour would be complete without mentioning the latest addition: their new $2.5 million dollar clubhouse renovation. A stunning facility that can accommodate functions of nearly any size, the Secret Harbour clubhouse – namely their “The Secrets” restaurant – is sure to become one of WA’s more popular function venues. The facility features new locker rooms, professional kitchen, fully-licensed bar and a stunning new function room. The verandah overlooks the practice putting greens and driving range, providing a delightful alfresco setting for business meetings, social golf presentations/ barbecues, or even large-scale events like weddings. Not to be forgotten is the newly fitted-out Secret Harbour Golf Links Pro-Shop, offering a variety of brands such as Callaway, Ping, Titleist and Srixon. From apparel to shoes to balls and more, it’s a one-stop shop for all your gear. It’s also a cracker if you want top instruction, as Secret Harbour is also the home of the Peel Golf Academy. Led by award winning coach Craig “Tappy” Tapp, the Peel Golf Academy offers lessons 7 days a week and boasts an impressive junior golf program. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned ball-striker Craig and his team will guarantee improvement in your game. And they are super friendly too. Overall, the recent upgrades and renovations at Secret Harbour have put it on par with the best courses/facilities in WA, and it really offers the “Total Package”. So do yourself a favour, and make it a point to check out Secret Harbour on your next visit to WA.

Contact: Ph: (08) 9524 7133 Email: info@secretsgolf.com.au Web: www.secretsgolf.com.au Peel Golf Academy Craig and Jo Tapp Ph: 0419 403 508

The Cut

Here is a tip for playing The Cut: In the carpark, prior to the round, take your driver, snap it in half and run over it in the cart. Trust me, it will save you much pain later. And probably a dozen balls or more. The Cut is one of the most beautiful courses I’ve played in Australia. It is also one of the toughest. Like most seaside courses, the wind and elements play a pivotal role, and if you’re not careful (or smart) off the tee, you can find a cricket score in your immediate future. Located on a stunning piece of land adjacent to the ocean, The Cut has a predominantly “coastal” feel to it. As it wends its way up and down massive hills and dunes, the course feels like a natural part of the landscape, and you can be forgiven for becoming mesmerised by the views of the crashing surf or the fabulous ocean sunsets. But it’s best to keep focussed on the golf, as the course also features a multitude of blind teeshots which force you to hit irons or hybrids off the tee, and then hope that you get a good bounce towards the landing area. One such hole is the 400-metre par-4 12th- the signature hole of the course. Do not let the yardage deceive you, as this hole is an absolute monster if played incorrectly.

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Golf in Western Australia

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The smart play is hitting a low 4-iron off the tee, and letting the ball run downhill to the bottom of the valley. This will leave you with a 200-metre uphill, into-the-wind shot to a tightly protected green with a bunker on the left, OOB Ravine on the right, and the ocean behind. Here’s another tip for the cut: Bring a guide. And maybe a Sherpa to carry an extra bag of balls. On our first trip, we were fortunate to play the back nine with a couple of locals. Without their keen insight to the lay of the land, we would never have been able to navigate the blind shots or gentle nuances of the course. The wind is also a major factor here. Though we only had a 2-club “breeze”, we’ve heard of The Cut’s famed “6-club” howlers that can make a grown man beg for mercy. To be fair, I was begging for mercy despite the wind. All that aside, the course is very playable. The fairways, rough and greens are all in fantastic condition, and they play true and consistent. Also, the views are simply spectacular at The Cut, and you’ll not likely find many courses like it in Australia. The turn from the first hole to the second hole is breathtaking. The large expanse of the ocean on your left is very reminiscent of the ocean turn at Barnbougle Dunes. In fact, there are many striking similarities between The Cut and Barnbougle Dunes, and we would place them on equal footing in terms of “Play before you die”. The clubhouse and facilities at The Cut are top notch. It’s the perfect place to sit and unwind after a challenging round on the course. Contact: Ph: (08) 9582 4444 Email: bookings@the-cut.com.au www.the-cut.com.au

The amazing view of The Cut’s signature 12th hole

The Links Kennedy Bay Nestled near the seaside town of Rockingham, The Links Kennedy Bay is a superb facility set amongst rolling sand dunes. 1991 British Open champion Ian Baker-Finch collaborated with architects Michael Coate and Roger Mackay to create an exciting and difficult links-style course among the area’s natural bushland. The terrain at Kennedy Bay makes for some magnificent scenery, with the occasional glimpses of the ocean in the distance. The area is very reminiscent of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, while the gentle (or sometimes not-so-gentle) sea breezes add to the allure. What really grabbed me about the course were the extremely deep and narrow fairway pot bunkers. There is only one word to describe these nightmarish creatures: penal. These are the way bunkers were MEANT to be. In most cases, if

! E C

N A H

C T S

Sweeping fairways at The Links Kennedy Bay you find a fairway bunker at Kennedy Bay, your only option is to ‘take your medicine’ with a 9-iron or wedge. Automatically add 1 stroke to your score if you hit into one of these little buggers (oh, and they are strategically placed everywhere that golf balls tend to congregate.)

Each hole on the course is given a name suited to the specifics of the hole itself, like “Thread the needle”, “Sunrise”, “Temptation” and the bluntly named “Hell”, which is an apt name for the 520-metre, par-5 fourth that features a replica of the infamous Hell’s Bunker at the 14th hole of the Old Course, St Andrews. 

The Links

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Golf in Western Australia

The Swing Driving Range at Wembley Golf Course is Australia’s most state-of-the-art practice facility There’s even one named “The Doctor”, which pays tribute to “The Fremantle Doctor”, the locals’ term for the cooling afternoon sea breeze which occurs during summer months. The greens are all very challenging, with multiple slopes and swales. They are magnificent surfaces, and they are extremely slick and true. Overall, it’s a great course to add to your must-play list. The Links Kennedy Bay also has some fantastic membership packages available (S ee the ad in this feature for more information) Contact: Ph: (08) 9524 5991 Email: admin@kennedybay.com.au www.kennedybay.com.au

Wembley Golf Course Just a few minutes’ drive from Perth CBD, Wembley Golf Course is one of the city’s most popular public tracks. With 36 treelined holes on gently undulating terrain, the course features two courses (the Old and Tuart) and boasts one of the most state-of-theart practice facilities in Australia, The Swing Driving Range at Wembley Golf Course. The $10.6million facility features an 80 bay fullyautomated driving range (automatically teeing up a ball every 6 seconds), dedicated teaching bays, computer bays/access, a separate teaching room, buggy shed for 80 golf carts and golf related tenancy space, a function room that can be hired for corporate training

June 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au

Scenic views abound at Joondalup and events, extensive short game practice area for putting and chipping, a fully-fitted golf shop, full clubfitting facilities and an openair piazza for meals. The Swing Driving Range is THE go-to practice area in Perth, and it’s no wonder that the facility sees over 30,000 balls hit per day. The two courses at Wembley are very playable parkland-style tracks, with plenty of trees to navigate around. Slightly hilly with plenty of challenge, they offer a solid public-access golf experience with some wonderful scenery. The greens are true and the fairways generally well maintained, which was surprising considering that the course is recognised as the busiest golf course in

Australia — with approximately 170,000 rounds of golf played each year. In addition, Wembley has started a “kids play free afternoon” promotion on the last Sunday of each month. The special 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 are set up down the fairways, and there are junior clinics before the events, live music following the events, and a friendly and fun environment throughout! Contact: Ph: (08) 6280 1300 Email: info@wembleygc.com.au www.wembleygolf.com.au 

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Golf in Western Australia

June 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au

large limestone cliff that protects an elevated green. Your drive must be long and straight if you want any chance of hitting your second shot clear of the plateau. Otherwise, you’ll be forced with a 150m third shot to an elevated green that is heavily protected. From tee to green, Joondalup is our favourite course in WA. The perfectly manicured fairways, the soft and true greens and the breathtaking scenery all combine for a 5-star experience. In summation: Play here. Soon. Contact: Ph: (08) 9400 8888 www.joondalupresort.com.au

Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club

The “Valley of Death” guarding the Par-3 3rd green at Joondalup. Don’t be short. Or right

Joondalup If you could play only one course in WA, then it would have to be Joondalup, no question. You’ve doubtless heard heaps of good things about this 27-hole beauty, and all of them are warranted. Rated the #1 Resort Course in Australia, and generally rated one of this country’s best courses overall, it is one spectacular facility. With three 9-hole layouts – The Dune,

The Quarry and The Lake – Joondalup offers something for golfers of all levels. The Quarry 9 is the most spectacular of the layouts, as it wends its way around steep limestone quarries and deep, menacing valleys. It is certainly the star of the facility – and a definite must-play course. It’s hard to name just one standout hole at Joondalup - as there are many breathtaking (and jaw-dropping) choices. But you simply can’t go past the Quarry’s 3rd and 4th holes.

Though only 136m from the back tees, the Quarry 3rd is one of the more intimidating holes in Australia, as hitting the green requires a forced carry over a “valley of death” in the front and right. If you do miss the green right, there is a steep path down to the bunker below (though this is not a recommended approach option!) After navigating this tricky par-3, you then must tackle the challenging par-5 4th, a double dogleg uphill monster which wends its way around a

Thirty minutes south of Perth, near the coastal town of Mandurah, Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club is one of Perth’s most underrated surprises. The “sister course” of Joondalup, Meadow Springs features much of the same scenery and hole layouts as its famous sibling, albeit without the hills and rock quarries. At a recent visit, we were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the entire facility. The greens were extremely soft (with plenty of bite on approach shots), yet they were as fast and true as any course we played in WA. This is a rare feat, and makes the course a pleasure to play. The quiet, secluded parklands-style course feels a world away from civilisation. With few parallel holes, you can feel like the only players on the course, which adds to the tranquillity and enjoyment. Measuring 6189m from the blues, the course offers a good selection of long and short holes.

“Golf Coast Western Australia” Secret Harbour Golf Links

Araluen Golf Resort

All Seasons Sanctuary Golf Resort

Kalgoorlie Golf Course

The Links Kennedy Bay

For information on over 150 golf courses and to get your copy of the official WA Golf Map visit www.golftourismwa.com

Golf in Western Australia

June 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au

Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club

The 160m par-3 8th at Meadow Springs is a real test

The par-5s range from 460m to 503m, but getting home in two is no easy task for any of them. The course is guarded by plenty of bunkers, native trees, and a very thick/dense couch rough – which can swallow your ball and make it nigh impossible for a clean shot. That said, the fairways are generally wide enough to avoid trouble. That is, except for the very tight 5th and 6th, which require you to drive your ball through a tight “tunnel” of trees. The course features some really strong par3s, including the 160m 8th which requires a solid teeshot over a massive lake. This little gem is followed by the 396m par-4 9th, which is guarded by an even larger lake on the right. You need a solid drive to clear the first part of the lake, or else you’ll be stuck in the thick couch rough, with little chance of getting home in two. Overall, we were very pleased with Meadow Springs, and would highly recommend it.

Contact: Ph: (08) 9581 6360 Email: golf@msgcc.com.au www.msgcc.com.au/

Kalgoorlie Golf Course

The brand-new Kalgoorlie Golf Course is an absolute gem, and may very well be one of the most “Australian” courses you will ever play. Designed by Graham Marsh, and owned by the city of KalgoorlieBoulder, this 18-hole par-72 championship course features an extremely playable layout, set in one of the most magnificent settings in the country. With six different tee boxes, Kalgoorlie is playable for any–and I mean ANY–skill level. Played from the black tees, the course measures a staggering 6768m, making it one of the longest courses (if not THE longest) in Australia. The “public” tees are a more manageable 5933m, while other tees are available for members, ladies and even juniors.

Most of the holes are quite straight and wide, meaning that you’ll be relatively safe to hit driver throughout the day. But that doesn’t mean the holes are easy; on the contrary, they are anything but. A few of the doglegs – notably the par-4 12th – will require careful club selection and course management if you want any hope of par. The same can be said for holes like the par5 9th, which features a massive (yet narrow), three-tiered green that slopes from front to back (i.e. AWAY from you), and is guarded by a deep pot bunker on the front-right. If the pin is cut on the first/front tier, prepare for an automatic 3-putt. The par-3s at Kalgoorlie are glorious, especially the 218m 8th. With a slightly raised green, strategic bunkers and plenty of danger on each side, it’s the type of hole that can destroy a scorecard. Especially if the wind is in your face. Same with the 202m 17th, which features its own selection of nightmarish bunkers.

The par-5s are equally strong. All four of them are solid three-shotters, including the monstrous 15th. Nicknamed the “Golden Mile”, this 569m beauty features a blind second shot, a massive ravine along the right, bunkers at every turn and a very treacherous green. A par here feels like a birdie. Of course, the main feature of Kalgoorlie GC is the red earth surrounding the course. It not only “frames” the course in a stunning visual display, but it also provides a notorious hazard for wayward shots. Playing off the red earth is akin to a soft clay, and requires plenty of practice to master (I had plenty of practice during the round!). The same can be said for the various orange-coloured “waste bunkers” throughout the course: pretty, but deadly. The sparse surrounds beyond the rough means you’ll likely find your wayward shots. But it’s a hollow victory, as the numerous prickly desert shrubs and bushes provide their own layer of peril; it is nigh impossible to play out of many of them.

No Nomination Memberships Now Available* For more information on memberships please contact: members@msgcc.com.au

Golf as nature intended

Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club Meadow Springs Drive, Mandurah WA 6210 Bookings (08) 9581 6360 www.msgcc.com.au | golf@msgcc.com.au

Course design by Robert Trent Jones Jnr

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Golf in Western Australia

June 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au

Places to Stay Joondalup Resort Inside Golf has been to Perth 3 times in the last two years, and we have stayed at Joondalup all three times. It is that good. On-site facilities like we found at Joondalup Resort just add to the experience of a great day of golf. With fantastic rooms, superb restaurants and impeccable service, the resort is worldclass all the way. Be sure to take in breakfast while you’re there, and watch as the resident Kookaburras join you for a morning meal on the terrace. Or hop into the Kangaroo Arms pub for some post-round drinks, darts or the night’s sports action on the telly. www.joondalupresort.com.au Seashells Resort – Mandurah Seashells Resort is a beautifully presented resort-style facility, with fully self-contained apartments that would comfortably hold two couples per room. It’s positioned right on the bay, with great pool resort/spa facilities. A short walk to the marina gives you plenty of options for all meals. It’s a great location equally positioned between The Cut, Kennedy Bay and Secret Harbour golf courses. The resort is only four years young so you won’t be disappointed with the fivestar qualities. www.seashells.com.au

8th hole at Kalgoorlie Golf Course Also, much of the course is slightly “raised” off the ground – so if your ball rolls just off the fairway onto the red earth, you can find yourself wedged against a raised grass “lip”, which requires a tricky wedge shot to get back onto the fairway. Despite the fact that the course is new, we were amazed at how playable it already is. Most courses require years of growth before they are as playable as Kalgoorlie is today. The greens (Bent G2) and fairways (Couch wintergrass) are in fantastic condition. Putting is a pleasure, and the greens roll true, despite still being a bit firm in their youth. With a course of this calibre on offer, Kalgoorlie is a fantastic destination for a quick golfing holiday, corporate event or even an annual Social Golf Weekend, as it offers world-class golf, comfortable accommodation, and a unique “frontier town” nightlife scene. (Hint: try one of the thick and juicy Peppercrusted eye fillets at the Balcony Restaurant above the Palace Hotel). After dinner, grab a few beers and mingle with the locals at one of the historic pubs, or kick back in your room at one of the 25 local hotels and dream about the next day’s round at Kalgoorlie GC.

For more infor mat ion on a l l accommodation, visit the WA golf tourism website: www.golftourismwa.com Kangaroos guard the greens at Kalgoorlie All in all, Kalgoorlie Golf Course is an amazing course with a setting that is second to none. We are confident that this course will one day find itself listed among Australia’s top rated courses.

And there’s more...

There are heaps of other quality courses in WA, like Burswood Park, Sun City, Carramar, Mt Lawley, Lake Karrinyup, The Vines, Kwinana…the list goes on. Contact: Overall, we were extremely impressed with the Ph: (08) 9026 2626 quality of golf and accommodation in WA, and DATE Email: golf@kalgoorliegolfcourse.comLOCATION would recommend it in aDAY heartbeat. Whether it’s for sanctuary cove (member only) withwednesday 22nd July www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com a short golf break mates, a family holiday or a

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horton park LOCATION

saturday

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full-fledged golf vacation, you owe it to yourself to “Go West” and encounter some of Australia’s best golf. Golf Tourism Western Australia (GTWA) offers a very cool Golf Map of the area which provides a detailed review of golf courses and accommodation options for the visiting golfer. Get your copy from the Tourism Western Australia TIME website: www.golftourismwa.com or e-mail 9.30am - 1.30pm info@golftourismwa.com 9:00am - 1:00pm DATE

TIME

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June 2011

42 juniorgolf............................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Pump Junior Golf goes on Tour Junior golf continues to gain momentum throughout Australia due to the efforts of the PGA of Australia and the ongoing support of Coca-Cola Amatil as the naming sponsor of the PGA junior program and events. The 2010 Australian PGA Championship unveiled the Pump Golf Junior Zone last December — an interactive area on-site at Hyatt Coolum which featured putting lanes, chipping nets and target walls, with PGA members onsite to provide free tips and lessons to the participating junior golfers. The Pump Junior zone was then also included amongst the festivities at the Surf Coast Knockout, the Victorian PGA Championship and at the ANZ Ladies Masters at the Royal Pines Resort, events where Pump Junior Golf clinics formed a part of the respective tournament programs. As Natalie Ritter, National Events Manager at the PGA of Australia explained, the objective of the Pump Junior Zones is to provide the opportunity for junior golfers to try golf in a fun and safe environment. “Through Pump Junior golf and initiatives such as the junior zones at the PGA Championship and Surf Coast Knockout, the PGA is trying to do everything it can to promote junior golf,” Ritter said. “We are also finding the PGA professionals are more than happy to give their time to provide the free clinics and tips at the events.” The tour professionals got in on the act as well at the Surf Coast Knockout, with the likes of Ashley Hall, Paul Sheehan and Frenchman

Pump Shootouts off and running The 2011 Pump Golf Shootout season has commenced with 20 Junior Shootouts already completed at numerous golf clubs around the country. With an expected 200 events to be completed this year, the Pump Golf Shootout is rapidly becoming the must enter event for junior golfers, and it’s easy to see why. The event is easy to run and at no cost to the PGA Professional, tee gifts and trophies are provided for all players and the winners go into the draw to win a ‘trip of a lifetime’ at the Pump Golf Junior Festival. Make sure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to promote your club and junior golf program! For more information visit the Pump golf website www.pumpgolf.com or call the PGA Events Division on 03 8320 1999. Jean Van de Velde dropping by after completion of their rounds to promote the game and assist in the Junior Golf Zones. NRL player-turned AFL footballer, Karmichael Hunt, who happens to be an avid golfer, was also a popular celebrity guest at the Surf Coast Junior clinic. It is the intent of the PGA to provide further Pump Junior Golf Zones and a variety of tournaments

and major events throughout 2011. In addition, the Pump Golf schedule includes local Pump Shootout events, conducted at local golf clubs and driving ranges around Australia, culminating in the Pump Golf Junior Festival, held on the Sunshine Coast during PGA Championship week. The main aim of Pump Golf is to complement the

programs run by PGA Professionals at golf clubs and driving ranges, and provide a national event for which juniors of all ability levels can compete in a fun competition. The Pump Golf Shootouts provide a natural progression for juniors who are learning the game to move from skills-based programs, such as the Golf Australia program My Golf, to on-course participation in a 9-Hole Shootout.

2011 Pump Golf Shootouts begin

Play in a Pump Golf Shootout for your chance to win a trip to the 2011 Pump Golf Junior Festival. Checkout the website for an event near you.

JUST VISIT WWW.PUMPGOLF.COM

EXPERTS IN THE GAME

Young Blake is one to watch DavidNewbery GOLF coaches get a bit nervous when pundits make predications about how good one of their protégés is going to be. They prefer to wait until the youngster has won a number of state or national titles before they start prophesying. ‘Let the talented young golfers to fly under the radar’ is their motto. Normally, Pacific Golf Club’s head professional Mark Victorsen remains coy about his young chargers, but when it comes to young gun Blake Proverbs, well, he is prepared to jump the gun. “I think he has got another couple of years to go, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he won the Australian junior in a couple of years,” he said. “He’s that good.” “He’s a terrific competitor and as long as he keeps improving at the rate he is improving then I have no hesitation is saying he has a future in the game. “He has a lot to learn at his age, but the thing that stands out about Blake is he is as cool as a cucumber and that’s what you need when you are under the pump. “That’s a hallmark of champion golfers.” There have been whispers around for a while about how talented Blake is, but the 14-year-old is taking it in his stride and keeping his feet firmly on the ground. The two-marker has already represented the Greg Norman Golf Foundation in the annual State of Origin clash against NSW’s Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation. And last year he won the Queensland Schoolboys’ Championship in his age division.

Blake Proverbs surveys the green as he prepares to line up a putt. Blake, who is a member of the Queensland’s development squad, was introduced to golf by his grandfather Barry Ridley. “I started him off as a seven-year-old in a clinic at Pacific,” he said. “I have always had a passion for golf, but have never been that good at it,” the 20 marker said. Barry said his grandson was a natural sportsperson. “He played junior soccer and was very good,” he said. “In one game he scored 11 goals, but he gave it away to concentrate on golf. “He’s a fitness fanatic who trains four or five days a week and plays golf on weekends. “He spends hours on his short game – chipping and putting – because he knows it’s what you do from 100 metres in that makes a good golfer. “He hits a six-iron 200 metres and drives the ball 270 metres.” As for Blake, well, he’s taking the accolades in his stride. He’s a quiet, unassuming kid who

mainly keeps most of his thoughts to himself. He goes about his business in a controlled manner, but it wasn’t always the case. “Blake is so competitive,” Barry said. “When he plays matchplay he is like a silent assassin. “Probably the thing that has helped him the most over the past seven years has been that golf is about having fun. “I believe we taught him how to lose before he could win. “He used to be a cranky little kid when he was young and you had to explain that if you have 100 players in the field you can’t have 100 winners. “We had to teach him when things were going bad not to show emotion, no matter how bad you feel inside. “That was a lot of hard work for him for a couple of years. “But now he’ll be eight-under par or eight-over par and you wouldn’t know. “He’s doesn’t show emotion and that’s one of his stronger attributes,” said Barry, who acts as his caddie.

Moss Vale Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise

juniorgolf 43

Pushy parents out of bounds A FORMER Queensland Teaching Pro of the Year has issued a blunt message to pushy parents and grandparents of junior golfers: stay out of the way. Mark Victorsen’s directive may sound harsh, but he’s been in the business long enough to know what he is talking about. He has dedicated his working life to teaching juniors the finer points of the game. Over the years he has seen many juniors drop out of the game because of overbearing parents. “They (parents) have to understand that if they want the kid to stay in golf they really should stay well out of the road,” said Victorsen, who is head professional at Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane. “I think the best thing parents can do is drive the kid to golf and be a support mechanism. “I have often seen parents drive the kids into the ground and those same children end up not playing golf as adults. “The parents need to be aware that their major role is to make sure the kid has enough money to get a sandwich and to drive them to and from the golf course. “The more the parents stick within those boundaries, the more successful the student will be.” Victorsen says obtrusive parents should take a leaf out of grandparent Barry Ridley’s book. Ridley, who introduced his Blake, who lists Tiger Woods as his favourite golfer, said overcoming his crankiness has helped him improve his scoring when under pressure. “There was a time when I would not be able to put bad shots behind

14-year-old grandson Blake Proverbs to the game seven years ago, kept his distance and made sure the boy had fun. “Barry fits the mould of how a parent or grandparent should go about supporting a young junior in golf,” Victorsen said. “He brings Blake to me and if I say, ‘Barry, Blake needs to get a physical assessment or he needs this or that’ he supports it. “If the kid needs to go and play in a tournament he’ll take him to the tournaments. “He’s such a wonderful support for Blake, no doubt about it.” Over the years, Pacific Golf Club has introduced hundreds of youngsters to the game and Victorsen believes it’s because of the wonderful support received from the members. “We have a fantastic junior club,” he said. “We are told, and it’s not us beating our chest, that we have the best junior development program in Australia. “Anybody that is successful surrounds themselves with good people and we have a great bunch here. “There’s a lot of club spirit at Pacific and the members enjoy the fact that the kids do so well. “The members think it’s marvelous whereas at a lot of other clubs the members just aren’t interested in juniors. “But our members are 100 per cent behind them.” me, but now I realise you can get those shots back,” he said. “I can thank my granddad because he has pretty much been the one who has always been there to support me.” Remember the name: Blake Proverbs.

2 Day Golf School at Moss Vale Golf Club

4 course dinner, breakfast, Accommodation, 18 holes*

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*Offer based on 2 persons per room in a standard room. Minimum 2 night stay, mid-week only. Valid 1st June 2011 - 30th September 2011

Dates: 29th, 30th, 31st May; 4th, 5th, 6th Sept; 11th, 12th, 13th Dec

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Cost: $599 p/p twin share, $699 single Bookings through Dormie House phone: (02) 4868 1800

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June 2011

44 womeningolf..................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Waugh to coach Aussie girls DavidNewbery ALMOST three years after retiring from competitive golf, former LPGA Tour play Shani Waugh is back in the swing – this time in a nonplaying role as coach of the Australian women’s amateur team. Waugh spent 16 years playing the tour in the US and Europe and will draw on her vast experience in an effort to give the Aussie girls the edge when they take on Great Britain and Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand and Canada in the Astor Trophy. T h e A s t o r Tr o p hy ( f o r m e r l y t h e Commonwealth Trophy) will be played at Fairhaven Golf Club in Lytham, England from June 15-19. The Australian team members are Ashley Ona (Qld), Breanna Elliott (Vic), Cathleen Santoso (NSW), Emma de Groot (NSW) and Minjee Lee (WA). “My role is to take the girls out during the practice rounds and help them with their strategy on the golf course and have some input into who should play together and what order they should play,” said Waugh, who these days splits her time between motherhood, being an ALPG board member and her golf school in WA. “It’s a blast from the past – it is years since I’ve done that.” Waugh said her vast knowledge of playing golf in the United Kingdom would benefit the players. “I think I can help them because I played quite a few British Opens on the links courses,” the 41-year-old said.

Shani Waugh has a new role as coach of the Australian women’s team “It can be difficult because one day it’s howling and down wind you are hitting sand irons into the greens and the next day you can’t get there for two.” West Australian Waugh will discuss playing strategies with the players prior to the tournament. She’ll explain to the players that if conditions are tough then pars can be gold. “In tough conditions par becomes birdie,” Waugh said. “You make par and you win your fair share of holes.

“They are such good players who play Australian golf courses all the time and when you are young you are disappointed if you are not putting for a birdie all the time.” For the record, the course record for women at Fairhaven Golf Club is 72. Waugh believes Australia’s strong team has an excellent chance of lifting the Astor Trophy, which is played every four years. “Ashley Ona won the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic on the ALPG Tour in February and is a former Australian junior champion,” she said.

Breanna Elliott, a former Queensland stroke play champion, leads the Karrie Webb Series and won the Lake Macquarie Amateur earlier this year. Sixteen-year-old Cathleen Santoso is the current Australian Girls’ Amateur Championship and was a quarter-finalist at the Srixon Australian Amateur. Emma de Groot currently studies at the University of Chattanooga (Tennessee) and recently won the Southern Conference Championship. And Minjee Lee, 14, was a runner-up at the Srixon Australian Amateur Championship and won the Aaron Baddeley International Australian final and is a former Western Australian Amateur champion. Waugh was quick to point out she is not there to coach the players. “I am not there to coach their golf, but I think it’s important that I contact their coaches and get an idea on what they are working on just in case we get there and one of the girls is struggling,” she said. “I would not get involved in their swing unless they were desperate because I don’t have the history of what they are working on. “I don’t think there is anything to worry about with their golf games. I think it’s more how they cope with the matchplay side of it.” The team manager is Golf Australia high performance manager Matt Cutler. Prior to The Astor Trophy, the girls will compete at the British Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Ireland from June 7-8.

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women 45

Huntingdale’s Karen is the queen of aces

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SIX OF THE BEST: Karen Crawford took her hole-in-one tally to six after potting two in two weeks

Whose ball is that? NT

AS a promising junior tennis player, Karen Crawford was used to serving aces. But when she quit tennis for golf 32 years ago, she had no idea the aces would keep coming. Since taking to the fairways Karen has had six holes-in-one, which is an extraordinary feat for an amateur golfer. Karen, who plays off a six handicap at Huntingdale Golf Club, got her first hole-inone in the 1980s and they have kept coming at regular intervals – except for the last two. Recently she got ace numbers five and six in two weeks at her beloved Huntingdale golf course. On Sunday, April 3 Karen aced the 124m, par-3 third hole using her trusty six-iron and exactly two weeks later she was at it again acing the 110m par-3 15th hole using an eight-iron. “The hole-in-one on the third went past the hole and because it’s a two-tier green the ball went up to slope and rolled back in the hole,” she said. “It was nice to watch.” Karen, her playing partners and the group ahead watched in anticipation as the ball slowly trickled back down the slope and into the cup. Her ace on the 15th was far more rapid – blink and you would have missed it. “The ball took one bounce and disappeared into the hole,” she said. Karen’s other three holes-in-one were

recorded in Portugal where she lived and worked for seven and a half years. “My 77-year-old father has never had a holein-one and he’s quite envious of me,” Karen said. While she has written plenty of 1s on the scorecard, she has also recorded countless 2s. “We have a 2s competition at Huntingdale, which I won three years in a row so on that basis you are getting close,” she said. “I wasn’t sure if I was more excited about having two holes-in-one in two weeks or getting my handicap down to five (she has since gone back to six). “It’s hard to play off low single figures, but I am in a purple patch at the moment. The 50-year-old said she has been swinging the club a lot more freely after assigning a personal trainer. “I have a personal trainer and he’s getting me lifting fairly heavy weights and doing a lot of flexibility work to try and free up the back and everything and it’s complemented it (golf) quite well.” Don’t be surprised if Karen, who plays competition golf on Saturdays and Sundays and practices once or twice a week, achieves her goal of having a par round. “My best score at Huntingdale is one-over par and at the Quinta do Peru golf course in Portugal I also shot a one-over,” she said. “The fact that I turned 50 in December just goes to show you’re never too old and you can always improve.”

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The Grip Master Grips The Grip Master have enjoyed 10 years of steady growth in the Market and on Tour, enabling them to become the Number 1 Leather Grip on Tour. Aussie Geoff Ogilvy is a massive fan of the grips, espousing their benefits on Twitter. At the start of the 2011 Australian Tour Season, The Grip Master introduced the newest model into their line, a sewn Kangaroo swinger and putter grip. Lighter grips are the hot trend these days, as it affords greater clubhead speed, feel and control. Kangaroo is the lightest and strongest of all leathers, and The Grip Master’s sewn Kangaroo grip employs a smooth surface, unlike the traditional wrap. The response from the Tour has been overwhelming. There’s a reason why The Grip Master’s Tour department is swamped with requests for the new grip: the grip works better than any other grip on the market, in all conditions, rain or heat. www.thegripmaster.com

WE TRIED IT BioSlyx™ SportsFit The BioSlyx™ SportsFit range is the latest “performance apparel’ product from Slazenger. Lightweight, cool and comfortable, the SportsFit provides light compression of your muscles, which aids performance and recovery. With SPF 50+ sun protection and their Feran ICA™ for moisture ‘transport’, the gear keeps you protected and dry when on the course. Inside Golf tested the Men’s Longsleeve version on the course, and found it surprisingly effective to stay cool on a hot day (we found it also works well as an under-layer on the cold days). We also tested the Women’s Longsleeve during the recent 100K Oxfam walk, and it was excellent at wicking away moisture, and providing effective muscle stabilisation.

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Ready2Golf A new range of Ready2Golf by Timothy Neate’s luxurious trousers are now in store. Utilising premium fabrics and classic European cuts, their range are the most comfortable and most stylish in the market. Australian Open Runner-Up Alistair Presnell, who wears the trousers, said “I love Ready2Golf ’s fabrics and stylish designs. I have never been more comfortable on the golf course and never had so many compliments about my clothing.”

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48 gear............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Our ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour of PING headquarters It started as a small, garage-based business, and grew into one of the largest American manufacturers of golf clubs. Inside Golf made the trek to Phoenix, Arizona, to peer at the inner workings of PING, one of the world’s most innovative golf club manufacturers RichardFellner What do you do when the putts just don’t drop? Get a lesson? Change putters? Well, for Karsten Solheim, neither option was sufficient. Instead, he simply invented his own putter and, without knowing it, launched an international golf powerhouse in the process. It all started back in 1959 in Redwood City, California. Solheim – an engineer at General Electric – was frustrated with his putting (something we can all relate to!) As he couldn’t find a putter that worked for him, he set about crafting his own putters in his garage. A labour of love, this led to his first PING putter – named after the unique sound that the putter made when hitting the ball. Eight years later, in 1967, due to the growing popularity of PING putters, Solheim resigned his job at GE and focussed fully on PING. He

eventually moved the business to the golfing paradise of Phoenix, Arizona, and the rest is history. PING now produces clubs in every category, including putters, wedges, irons, woods and drivers, and the business is considered the pioneers in custom clubfitting. Tour pros including Lee Westwood, Bubba Watson, Louis Oosthuizen, Angel Cabrera and our own Nick O’Hern are all PING staffers, and the results are speaking for themselves, with multiple wins on tour in recent years. Inside Golf had the pleasure of a behind-thescenes tour of PING headquarters last month. We were amazed by the sheer size of the facility, and the quality of the products created. The privately-held, family-owned company employs a staff of 800 at their Phoenix facility, which has grown from a small stand-alone building into a mammoth 50-acre campus comprising 30 buildings. Indeed, this place is so big that you

Each station—or “cell”— features a strict Quality Control process for each of PING’s hand-made clubs need to drive a car from one end of the campus to the other. Our tour began in the manufacturing facility, which is located in a massive warehouse and is composed of individual assembly stations (or “cells”) which are arranged in U-shaped configurations. Each cell is charged with a single step of the assembly — from engraving the individual serial number, to adjusting the swing weight, to laser-aligning the grip to even painting the unique PING coloured dots on each clubhead. There are around 19 steps for each

hand-assembled club, and each station includes a stringent Quality Control process and ‘Chain of Custody’ checklist to be followed before the club is passed on to the next station. Each club/set has an individual set of specifications to which it will be manufactured. This correlates with the original clubfitting performed by the PGA Pro or Clubfitting/Product specialist. Each step of the assembly process is then carefully tracked by computer to ensure that the final product matches the desired specs. It’s mind-boggling, to say the least.

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Surprisingly, the assembly process combines an intricate mix of leading-edge technology and good old-fashioned elbow grease. In the Loft & Lie station, for example, the clubface is scanned via a high-tech camera and computer that precisely checks the club’s ordered specs. If the club is off by even a fraction of a degree, the operator whacks the clubhead with an extremely low-tech rubber mallet. The club then gets rescanned and the process continues until it is within the exact specs. But the operators are so good that it rarely takes more than one whack to get it just right. It’s almost poetry in motion. The end product is a thing of beauty, with a one-of-a-kind uniqueness to every club. But the manufacturing goes beyond the irons and putters. Drivers and fairway woods are given the same customised treatment, and are tailor-built to each customer’s specifications. It should be noted that, in a refreshing departure from today’s ‘adjustable technology’ trend, PING does not make drivers that are adjustable by the end user. Instead, they believe that a properly fit club—from the start— is the ideal goal. Our next stop was the famous “PING Gold Putter Vault”. It’s golf ’s version of Fort Knox, and it houses over 2600 gold-plated PING putters which commemorate tournament victories. Every pro who wins with a PING putter gets presented with their own gold putter, while a twin replica is housed in the vault. Many of golf ’s greatest names are in there, including Aussie legends like Greg Norman, Rodger Davis and others. Even our very own Rob Willis has a gold PING Anser 5KS putter in there, a result of his victory in the 1995 Dubai Creek Open. And yes, white gloves are required to handle these little gems. With “gold fever” firmly ensconced in our heads, we then moved on to the putter research & test

gear 49

TRAVEL WITH A TWIST PRESENTS

COME AND EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE MOST CHALL EXCLUSIVE AND BREATH TAKING GOLF COUR IN NORTH AMERICA

05th – 18th Oct 2011

This 14 day Amazing tour starts in Las Vegas where for the firs will be able to enjoy the amazing night life and casinos Las V TRAVEL WITH A TWIST PRESENTS TRAVEL WITH A start TWIST PRESENTS We then our golfing challenge on day 2 & 3 at Shadow and the Jack Nicklaus designed - Bears Best Golf Course. We COME AND EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE MOST CHALLENGING, COME AND EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE MOST CHALLENGING, San Francisco were you will get a chance experience this be Clockwise from main: The Ping Vault features over 2600 gold-plated putters from past champions (Inset: Greg Norman’s replica from the 1993toOpen EXCLUSIVE AND BREATH TAKING GOLF COURSES EXCLUSIVE AND BREATH TAKING GOLF COURSES playing at Presidio Golf Club which is near the famous bridge. Championship). The science of putting is painstakingly studied by the engineers at PING. The high-tech test centre features a pull-out pallet of natural grass NORTH IN IN NORTH fairways allowAMERICA forAMERICA great views over the city.

that can be replaced after each player has hit centre. Featuring more computers, cameras and technology than you can shake a flatstick at, this place is THE place to learn about your putting. Players first step onto an elevated platform – which is a massive slab of concrete that is perfectly flat to eliminate all variables and vibrations from the ground. They then take a few putting strokes while an impressive array of cameras and computers record heaps of data – from the swing path to the impact zone to the amount of bounce/skid off the clubface. It can even tell you

th will then th be transferred thYou th range if you are putting with the right type of putter, also features abyfull grass tee platform on a luxury coach to Monterey to ch one of golf’s most famous exclusive courses, Pebble Beach ball or overall swing. pallet that can be and replaced from player to player. Golf Course. starts in Las Vegas where three nights ThisThis 14 14 dayday Amazing tourtour starts in Las Vegas for for the firstfirst three nights Our tour culminated atAmazing the massive driving When a where player/tester is the done hitting balls offyou theyou to enjoy amazing night casinos Vegas to offer. willwill be be ableable to enjoy thethe amazing night life life andand casinos LasLas Vegas hashas to offer. grass, the entire grass pallet is quickly — ready range and test centre. Though it is one of the From Monterey we head to LA where you will play at Ma then start golfing challenge 23&at3south at Shadow Creek Golf Course We We then start ourour golfing challenge on on dayday 2 & Shadow Creek Golf Course forBest theBest next player to have aofhit! longest driving ranges we’ve ever seen (awhich full city is- considered to have one the most breathtaking the Jack Nicklaus designed Bears Course. then head over andand the Jack Nicklaus designed - Bears GolfGolf Course. We We then head over to to than itsthis 18 beautiful holes Championship Go It’stoimpossible to highlight all theof technology block long), PING was forced toyou erect a Southern 3-storey Francisco were you will a California chance toother experience city before SanSan Francisco were will getget a chance experience this beautiful city before playing at Presidio Club which is near famous bridge. the elevated Presidio GolfGolf Club which is near thethe famous bridge. AlsoAlso the elevated net at theplaying back, asat big-hitting Bubba Watson was and cool-as-anything elements behind the As over weover nearcity. the end of our trip you will finish off at one of fairways allow great views city. allow for great views regularlyfairways belting balls into thefor neighbouring busthethe scenes at PING. But suffice to say, they have destinations in North America, we leave LA and fly over to Haw station across the street (easily 400+ metres away). achieved aunwind remarkable balance between highwill you relax and for before heading You will then be transferred by luxury coach to Monterey tonights challenge yourself You will then be transferred by luxury coach to Monterey to 4 challenge yourself at at bac Fullyone wired with the latest technology tech/big-business innovation and one-on-one challenge continues at this breathtaking, spectacular one of golf’s most famous exclusive courses, Pebble Beach Spyglass of golf’s most famous andand exclusive courses, Pebble Beach andand Spyglass Hill Hill and c Mauna Golf Course service. where you will get to play for 2 days. (including PING’s popular nFlight system), theKea personalised Golf Course. Golf Course.

– 18OctOct 2011 0505– 18 2011

Shadow Creek Golf Course Bears Best Golf Course From Monterey head south to LA where at Malibu Country Club From Monterey we we head south to LA where youyou willwill playplay at Malibu Country Club which is considered have of the most breathtaking settings in all which is considered to to have oneone of the most breathtaking settings in all of of Southern California other than its 18 holes of Championship Golf. Southern California other than its 18 holes of Championship Golf.

Presi

TRAVEL Awill TWIST near of our trip finish off at one of the great holiday As As we we near thethe endend of our tripWITH youyou will finish off PRESENTS at one of the great holiday destinations in North America, leave LA and fly over toTHE Hawaii where destinations in North America, we we leave LA and fly over to Hawaii where notnot onlyonly COME AND EXPERIENCE SOME OF MOST TRAVEL WITH A nights TWIST PRESENTS relax and unwind 4 before heading back golfing willwill youyou relax and unwind for for 4 nights before heading back butbut ourour golfing CHALLENGING, EXCLUSIVE AND BREATH TAKING challenge continues breathtaking, spectacular challenging course challenge continues at at thisthis breathtaking, spectacular andand challenging course COME AND EXPERIENCE SOME IN OF THE MOST CHALLENGING, GOLF COURSES NORTH AMERICA Mauna Course where to play 2 days. Mauna KeaKea GolfGolf Course where youyou willwill getget to play for for 2 days. • 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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This 14 day Amazing tour starts in Las Vegas where for the first three nights you will be able to enjoy the amazing night life and casinos Las Vegas has to offer. We then start our golfing challenge on day 2 & 3 at Shadow Creek Golf Course and the Jack Nicklaus designed - Bears Best Golf Course. We then head over to San Francisco were you will get a chance to experience this beautiful city before playing at Presidio Golf Club which is near the famous bridge. Also the elevated Shadow Creek Bears Best Pebble Beach fairways allow for great views over the city.

TakeSpy advantage ofbeour earlybird discount and save over $600 off the YouHill willHill then transferred by luxury coach to Monterey to challenge yourself at Spy Glass Pebble Beach Mauna Course Glass Pebble Beach Mauna Kea Kea Golf Golf Course of golf’s most famous and exclusive courses, Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill tour one price if you book and pay in full before the 30 June 2011 Golf Course.

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From Monterey we head south to LA where you will play at Malibu Country Club which is considered to have one of the most breathtaking settings in all of Southern California other than its 18 holes of Championship Golf. As we near theSingle supplement $1345 end of our trip you will finish off at one of the great holiday in North America, we leave LA and fly over to Hawaii where not only A quickdestinations overview: will you relax and unwind for 4 nights before heading back but our golfing

challenge continues at this breathtaking, spectacular and challenging course • Return economy class airfares • Admissions: Green fees for a round of Mauna Kea Golf Course where you will get to play for 2 days. • Domestic flight between Las Vegas and golf at the following with shared golf San Francisco cart (where carts are permissible on the Shadow Creek Golf Course Bears Best Golf Course Presidio Golf Course • 1 day at Shadow Creek, Bears Best course (Las Vegas), Presido Golf Course (San • Coach transfers Francisco), 2 Days Pebble Beach, 1 day • Thirteen (13) Nights’ Accommodation with Malibu Country Club and 2 days Mauna breakfast Kea (Kona Hawaii)

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June 2011

50 instruction..........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

The Four Training Factors in golf and how to apply these critical factors to your game Inside Golf is proud to welcome Steve Bann to our team of trusted instructors. Coach to Stuart Appleby, Nick Flanagan and KJ Choi, Steve will be sharing his unique training methods and tips to Inside Golf readers each month SteveBann

TECHNIQUE

Introduction to the Four Training Factors Elite Athletes in all sports combine Four Factors into their training. However, it was not until relatively recently that these principles were taught to golfers. The norm used to be for players to go out onto the practice fairway and belt out thousands of balls. That was practice. However, with the introduction of scientific study into sporting performance it became clear that golfers were no different to other athletes in that they too needed a truly balanced approach to training. The result was the introduction of the FOUR TRAINING FACTORS for golf: TECHNIQUE: Technical skill level of the player for all shot types. PHYSICAL: flexibility, coordination and strength. MENTAL: concentration, confidence, ability to play under pressure. STRATEGIC: course management, planning and ability to play to your strengths.

If you go to any driving range or practice fairway around the country you will see lines of golfers belting out ball after ball – usually at some vague target area. These golfers are working, almost exclusively, on their TECHNIQUE. But is this is the most efficient use of their limited practice time? Almost certainly not. Don’t get me wrong, a sound technique is very important. But, you have to careful not to focus on technique at the expense of the other training factors. The correct golf swing for YOU is one that takes into consideration your body type, flexibility, age, available practice time, inherent athletic ability and your commitment to the game. You need to perfect your technique in each of these three main areas: • The Full Swing • The Short Game • Putting

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In each of these areas you need to pay attention to: • Set-up: grip, stance, ball position, posture and aim. • Plane and Position: face, shaft, wrist, elbows &arms. • Pivot: head, shoulders, hips, knees and feet. • Dynamics: rhythm, timing, balance and tempo.

Quite often you will see pros play green light shots for the first few holes until they overcome nerves and get their confidence up. You should do the same. An excellent approach would be to play green light shots for say the first six holes and then a combination of, say, amber and green for the rest of the round. If you find yourself in a situation where a red light shot is called for then go for it, but be very aware of the risks involved.

There have been thousands of golf books written on technique. However, the basics don’t differ that much across the different shot categories. Make sure you get some guidance, preferably before you fall into bad habits, from your teaching pro. Once you have a reasonably good grasp of the fundamentals you will almost certainly find that your fastest path to lower scores will lie in areas other than technique.

PHYSICAL

In many cases, lack of strength and flexibility is the major limiting factor preventing golfers from achieving their true potential. You can only play golf as well as your body will allow. The physical “machine” is critically important. I have seen huge improvements with golfers just doing some basic, fundamental stretching exercises before, during and after play. I have seen tremendous improvements in their golf swing just by focusing on some basic conditioning. Don’t expect to hit the ball 300 meters like a Tour Pro if you haven’t got the physical attributes and conditioning to support it. We can all get into much better shape – irrespective of our age.

MENTAL

I teach the MENTAL aspects of golf in terms of the “Three Cs”:

• Commitment: dedication to practice, overcoming disappointment. • Concentration: ability to think exclusively about the task at hand. • Confidence: a direct result of preparation and the ability to recall past positive experiences. The golf swing takes about 40 seconds to complete. During this timeframe you transition through three separate states of CONCENTRATION: • External Concentration: take in everything around you including wind, lie, distance to target, etc. • Internal Concentration: be aware of what is going on in your body including your energy levels, muscle tension, etc. You need to be able to “internally program” the feel of the upcoming shot. • Control Concentration: this is where you “commit” to the shot at hand. Ignore all distractions Remember, you move through these three separate states as you play each golf shot. Be aware of this. It will help your game a lot. Of course CONFIDENCE is critically important if you are to play golf to the best of your potential.

STRATEGIC

You need to develop a “One Shot at a Time” attitude to playing the game. Always keep in mind WHERE the next shot will be played from but never HOW the next shot will be played. Do not be concerned with OUTCOMES such as score etc. Focus only on the PROCEDURE at hand. Another useful concept that I teach my students is the Traffic Light Strategy. Think of

each shot you play in terms of RED, GREEN or AMBER. A RED LIGHT shot is where you are going for broke. This is a desperation shot. An example would be an attacking shot, over water, to a tight pin position in matchplay. If you pull it off you are still in the game. If you miss it you lose the hole and possibly the match. An AMBER LIGHT shot is one where the element of risk is less than for a red light shot. You can be more aggressive and play amber light shots when your confidence is up and you are swinging well. An example would be a shot to a pin, at the front edge of the green, just over a bunker, where you go for the hole rather than playing safe to the middle of the green. If you pull it off you have an easy birdie putt. If you miss, you can still salvage par or bogey at worst. A GREEN LIGHT shot is one where you have a lot of margin for error. These are safe, conservative shots. They are the “middle of the fairway” and “middle of the green” types of shots. The downside may be that you have less chance of making birdie but there is no real risk involved.

The Four Training Factors A Valuable Lesson The breakthrough in golf comes when you realize that you can make changes to your golf swing and to your game by concentrating on the physical, mental and strategic areas of the game rather than merely technique. If you want fast improvement without having to go out onto the range and hit hundreds of balls then this is your solution. In my experience, the physical and strategic factors are the areas that most golfers neglect. Your playing partners will be amazed by how much you your golf game has improved!

Steven is a co-director of Bann Lynch Golf which operates at Yarra Bend with his co- director Dale Lynch. BannLynch currently serve as coaches to PGA TOUR stars K.J. Choi, Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Arjun Atwal and Marc Leishman. BannLynch Golf has coached professionals to over 55 victories worldwide including a Major Championship, and a most recent PLAYERS victory. Along with continuing to coach their professional players, BannLynch Golf has academies at Yarra Bend in Melbourne and at Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida. www.bannlynchgolf.com

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16 shots to success

Increase your release - gain distance and hit straighter shots

DarrenChapman

LeeHarrington

A guaranteed way to improve your golf score is to improve your chipping and pitching. I have many people come to lessons with questions on how they go about improving this aspect of their game. A lot of people want to be able to play different short game shots but don’t know where to start. To help my clients increase their range of short game shots, I get them to start with my 16 shots to success. The way my 16 shots theory works is simple: using your normal pitching action, it is four backswing lengths (hips, waist, chest and shoulders) with four different clubs (9-iron, pitching wedge, sand wedge and your most lofted wedge.) The way to start learning this system is with your most lofted wedge. Play a few shots with a backswing that has the club swinging back to the height of your hips. Carefully watch the ball flight and carry distance as this information will be important when you go to use it in your round. The next shot you will play is with the same club but increasing the length of your backswing to waist height. Remember to watch the flight and carry. This shot should go slightly further than the first set of shots. From here play a number of shots with a backswing that goes back to chest height and then shoulder height. The idea here is the shots will get progressively longer. This teaches you which swing will give you a shot that carries the height and distance you need.

The left hand of most righthanded players is deemed to be the weaker hand of the two, especially for women. The role of the left hand is to assist steering the clubface to create open and closed positions of the clubface. This steering action of the clubface is called the release. Most people keep the right hand under their left hand and let it dominate the follow through – hence this spin creates a slice. Drill without hitting balls: Grab the club with your left hand. Swing a half swing feeling the thumb pointing up in the backswing (left) and follow through (right).

Repeat the same process with the other three clubs. (Try to use the same type of golf ball with each shot.) This style of practice will improve your scoring because you will develop a feel for how high your ball will fly and how far each shot will carry. This process gives you the confidence to know which shot to play. When you are on the course, you will be able to assess the shot in front of you and then select the right club and swing needed for that shot. When practicing these shots you may find that certain swings will carry or finish at the same spot. These variations will be very helpful in different conditions such as a windy day or a wet 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

Note:

• You should feel the clubface rolling open and closed through both positions of your swing. In addition you should feel a swinging motion from the weight of the club.

• This one-handed drill will benefit all new and existing players of the game, as it helps strengthen the left hand of the player. The more this drill is practiced, the stronger the player will become.

Lee Harrington is a PGA Member and is also the Development Officer at Golf Queensland. Her passion for teaching and an eye for detail is recognised in her reputation as a leading female teacher in Australia. Lee’s experience in teaching provide a basis for programs delivered The Golf School, a Queensland-based teaching facility. Lee teaches at both the Gold Coast Carrara and Oxley facility weekly. www.thegolfschool.com.au. Email: admin@thegolfschool.com.au, or phone (07) 5596 3373. The Women’s Golf Network recently launched its new website. Check it out and register your interest online at www.wgn.org.au The Women’s Golf Network is rolling out a series of FREE ‘Come and Try’ Clinics in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast for the remainder of 2011. The Adidas Ladies Amateur Cup at Pam Meadows is hosted by the Women’s Golf Network and now runs this event on a monthly basis. The next event is scheduled for Monday 6th June.

instruction 53

Exclusively part of the Inside Golf Instruction team

Set yourself up to

Hole more putts GlennWhittle Hopefully a number of you read and put into practice some of the information I discussed in my last article on reading greens. This issue we are going to get you to set up to the ball correctly. The more club golfers I work with on their putting, the more I realise that when we improve their understanding of what we are trying to do with the putter during the stroke, then they appreciate why I am quite particular about the set up position to improve their chances of putting well consistently. Each element of the putting stroke itself is only as good as the elements that come before it. Before I go any further, you’re probably thinking to yourself “But many a great putter —whether at Club level or professionals — have had unconventional putting stances and strokes, haven’t they”? And the answer to this very good question is “yes”. If you have an unconventional style and it works for you, keep it simple and keep doing it. But if you are having trouble and you are looking for some guidance rather than a tip, then I suggest you continue

to follow our putting series through Inside Golf. By the way, some professionals (using conventional putters) that have been good putters over the years that come to mind are Isao Aoki, Fuzzy Zoeller, Ben Crenshaw, Jack Nicklaus and Bobby Locke to name a few. A set up position is one that is relaxed and balanced. It keeps the parts of your body parallel to your aim line. When you have a fundamentally sound setup you will make more solid contact with the ball. An added bonus will be your ability to take your practice game to the course and putt better under pressure. So let’s have a look at the set up close up!

POSTURE The set up posture you adopt should put you in a comfortable and balanced position to allow your arms to move freely during the stroke.

ALIGNMENT Poor putting alignment creates unnecessary problems, ideally your shoulders, hips, knees, and feet in a straight line and parallel to your aim line.

Professional to assess the lie angle of your putter and adjust it to match your putting stroke, he or she is trained to fit golf equipment including putters. If you prefer an upright putting stroke I recommend you use an upright putter and vice versa if you prefer a flatter stroke then I recommend you use a flatter putter.

BALL POSITION The ball should normally be positioned slightly forward of centre (the technical way of saying this is just forward of the bottom of the swing arc). This improves the roll of the ball on the putting surface and reduces bouncing.

GRIP- HAND POSITIONING

In regards to traditional grips, I generally like the putter grip to run through the centre of the left hand and along the lifeline of the right hand (for right handed players). I do not have a problem with back-handed left-handlow-style grips at all.

STANCE

The putting stance varies from person to person. The conventional stance is shoulder-width, feet parallel to your aim line, and with your toes pointing straight ahead or slightly open.

EYE POSITION This depends on whether you want to use a more upright style or a flatter style of putting. If your preference is a

more upright putting stroke then you should set up with your eyes directly over the ball (aim line), if you prefer to use a flatter style then your eyes should be positioned inside the aim line. Please note – Ask your local PGA

GRIP PRESSURE Most golfers would benefit greatly by gripping the putter lightly and importantly maintaining the same pressure throughout the stroke.

Glenn Whittle is an AAA PGA Member and Head Coach of the NSW Institute of Sport, Golf Program. He was also the 2008 NSW PGA Teacher of the year. To book a putting session personally with Glenn, call him direct on 0439 165 750 or visit www.sydneyputtingstudio.com

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Inside Golf Ad.indd 1

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June 2011

54 instruction..........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Building confidence in making solid impact PeterCroker

Impact (Gradient) Exercise – Extension Step

I have been presenting a series of step-by-step building blocks of an orthodox golf swing that is “back friendly”, delivers good control, and is easy to repeat. Moving forward, I will consolidate this knowledge into some of our most effective drills that will deliver solid impact and bring real confidence when needed. The first of these is the Impact Gradient Exercise. Purpose: To get comfortable with and learn how to execute the impact part of the golf swing ﬂawlessly.

Action Deﬁnition of Impact

The clubhead stays on the ball less than one thousandth of a second, but it is unworkable to regard impact as merely this small instant. This results in golfers hitting ‘at’ the ball and not ‘through’ the ball. This produces glancing blows and not compressing the ball. The only really workable viewpoint is to regard impact as the point from when the ball is first contacted until Follow Through. Instead of hitting at the ball, this will result in you hitting through the ball. It is interesting that what happens after the ball has been struck determines how it will have been struck. If you do not hit through to Follow Through, you will have not first contacted the ball solidly. This is a highly workable viewpoint and definition of impact. In order to make the above an ‘Action Deﬁnition’, the word Impact is further defined through a brief exercise so that you can get the proper feeling of it. Drill this in until it becomes second nature. This must describe what you are doing and how you feel through impact in all of your shots: With a 3-iron, set up to a ball at address and place the clubhead directly against the back of the ball. Place all your weight evenly on both feet. The action of your hands pushing the clubhead through the ball will straighten your

right arm and uncock both wrists fully. The right shoulder will move down and the left leg will fully straighten as the left hip rotates anticlockwise. Press the clubhead forward against the back of the ball. You are driving the clubhead down and out and away of your left shoulder. Your left shoulder is not spinning with the shot. You are attempting to push the ball to the right of the target line. Start very slow, and gradually build up the speed at which you can drive the ball forward. You are attempting to keep the ball against the clubface for as long as possible. You will extend deep into Follow Through. Your shoulders will remain parallel to the target line throughout this exercise. This is not a ﬂip, and you do not allow yourself to be pulled out of position. You are pushing the clubhead as deep into the shot as you can, while at the same time not holding onto it, but getting rid

of it. It is in this exercise that you are building the feeling of full extension through the “impact zone”. The clubhead is being pushed as low to the ground as possible. Your hands do not roll over, they ‘uncock’ and while the left wrist rotates left to square the clubface to the ball, the right wrist remains bent and in a vertical plane. You will feel the “uncock and lock in” of both wrists and arms –both elbows will be pointing down at their respective hips and the alignment of the clubshaft to the lead arm will result. This is building solid impact. You are trying to do something that will never happen. You are trying to Push the ball to the right of the target line. The clubface will be rotated through square by the action of the left wrist and the ball will leave the clubface on the intended target line going dead straight. Work with the above until you really gain a feeling for impact.

You can learn anything if you break it down into small enough pieces, where you move at your own pace and gradually acquire personal certainty in the action of hitting a golf ball. When you work with a short stroke, the impact action is just as it is with a full swing. Once you learn how and get comfortable with the hitting action around impact, your entire stroke becomes far easier to learn and it becomes far easier to drill in consistency with a full swing. A full swing is just a bunch of activity tacked onto this exact action, with the aim of making this action more powerful. But it is still the same simple action. Remember and apply precisely the ‘Action Deﬁnition’ of impact from the start of this step. No matter what the length the swing is, you must accelerate through that ball–never decelerate. Begin this exercise with a Pitching Wedge. When you have completed steps A & B–move on to a 9-iron and move through the same steps. In this way, continue on with your 8-, 7- and 6-irons: A) Hit a ball 3 yards (distance in the air). B) Gradually increase the distance you hit the ball until your backswing will go back as far as to where your right forearm is parallel to the ground at the top of the backswing. Get so you can reliably execute impact in this exercise and you will gain a feeling for impact, to build a full swing around! 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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How to vary distance in the bunker

Varying the distance of your bunker shots can be as simple as adjusting the length of your backswing

AnneRollo Varying your distance in the bunker is tricky one, and you will hear advice about taking different amounts of sand, stand closer to the ball, etc. But this is the hard way and you should leave this method to the pros as it requires too much skill to judge how close to the ball to hit and is really too hard for the average golfer. The simplest way to vary the distance in the bunker is to vary the length of your backswing. Keep the backswing short for the shorter shots (still accelerate through the shot) and use a longer, fuller swing for the longer shots.

You can also change your club: use your lob wedge (60 degree) for the short ones where the pin is up close ,and use your pitching wedge for the ones that are further away and you need some distance and/or some run if the flag is back. Make sure you accelerate through all your bunker shots and follow through to a full finish position, tummy to the target and right heel up off the ground, you must commit to the shot and be confident. Anne Rollo teaches at Muirfield Golf Club in Sydney’s North West and can be contacted through her website www.fixmygolfswing.com.au

quicktips 55

Putting drill: The Gate Drill BrentGerman This handy drill can be done with or without a ball. A common misconception among golfers is that they believe that the putter should work straight back and straight through. What I see regularly with my clients is a putter working outside the path of the arc on the backswing. From there many wrongs need to be made to produce a great result. A putting stroke should be an inside-square-inside motion due to the putter shaft being angled at less than 90 degrees. You will find that if you

were to practice this path drill at home for one solid week, say 100 times a day, you should start to see the benefits of an improved arc which will improve contact and therefore distance control. Brent G er man is an AAA Accredited PGA Golf Teaching Professional based at Albert Park Driving Range in Melbourne. He has learnt from some of the best coaches in the world being Jim McLean, Hank Haney, Stan Utley and Peter Cowan and believes in a philosophy of keeping it simple. www.BrentGermanGolf.com

Practice swinging through DarrenChapman It surprises me how many people I see at The Ridge that only rehearse part of their golf swing while on the range. I see them every day working hard on their takeaway, back swing and then into their impact position but they forget about their follow-through and finish position. Then when they play a shot they are not be able to obtain the results they are after. Don’t get me wrong , these aspects are important and may require attention, particularly if this is what you are working on with your qualified golf coach. However, even your coach will

remind you of the importance of your post impact positions. The golf swing requires flow and movement to work effectively and this is required on both sides of the swing. If you are only rehearsing the backswing and downswing into the impact position then you will find that you have a sensation of stopping at impact. This will make the muscles in your body tighten up resulting in poorly timed and misdirected shots. My tip for any golfer who is prepared to spend time working on their game is try not to spend too much of your practice time isolating small aspects

of your swing. Ensure that you spend an equal amount of time creating the correct sensations on both sides of the golf ball. This will lead to a better flowing golf swing with softer muscles at impact which will lead to better shots and a more enjoyable golfing experience. 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

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June 2011

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

The biomechanics of club release ScottBeaumont It has been called several names: club release, wrist uncocking and even club lag. But what is really being discussed and how can we make it work in our swing? Club release or wrist uncocking refers to the angle made between the club shaft and the plane of the arms as they move around the axis of the spine. This is the last link in the kinetic link or the last step in generating optimum power in the golfswing.

Mechanics

During the downswing and into impact, the golfer’s arms drive down to the ball. Using energy created at the lower body – which passes through the core to the upper body — the arms increase in rotational speed. As the arms accelerate, the angle between the arms and the club shaft remain in a cocked position. However, when the arms begin to decelerate, energy passes from the arms to the club, causing it to increase in rotational speed. The visual result is the angle between the club shaft and the arms begins to increase, hence the club release or wrist uncocking. If timed properly, the club accelerates to a maximum velocity through impact with

Throwing the Club

the ball, advancing a large proportion of force to ball, resulting in optimal power.

Misconceptions

Club release is easily seen with the naked eye as the increase in the angle between the club shaft and the arms when the swing nears impact with the ball. Unfortunately, until recent years we have not had the technology to obj e c t ively me asure and analyse this action and numerous misconceptions have evolved while trying to explain the visual perception.

Holding the Angle

A common misconception is that the golfer can “hold the angle”

or force the club to stay in a cocked position until impact. We now know that this is not possible. The action of the arms accelerating around the axis of the spine creates a cocked angle and maintains that angle during the golf swing. When the arms begin to decelerate or slow down, the club will “release” and the angle will increase into impact as the club now accelerates. Tension in the musculature of the wrists and arms caused by trying to “hold” the cocked angle will most likely result in a disruption of natural energy flow. This disruption creates a premature deceleration of the arms and consequently a premature release of the club angle as well as increased stress on the upper body and arm segments.

Another common misconception is that a golfer can force the club release by “throwing the club” from the top. Again the club only accelerates and the cocked angle only releases when the arms decelerate. Trying to force a release most often disrupts energy flow and creates tension in muscles. Effective golf swings create and release a club angle with productive arm action. Productive arm action is a result of a combination of the following: an efficient Kinetic Link generating power using larger muscles of the lower body; efficient transfer of that energy through the core muscles to the upper body; acceleration of the arms and the culmination of energy in club release to optimum power.

Mechanical flaws

The most common flaw in generating power on impact is early club release. This is caused by weakness in swing mechanics and physical limitations. Basically, early club release boils down to inefficient linking and premature arm deceleration. When the arms decelerate, initial energy is passed directly to the club, forcing it to accelerate and release from the cocking angle. This affects the golfer’s ability to make the most of the club release acceleration in the development of power. The golfer must learn to accelerate the arms effectively. Effective arm motion takes a combination of golf swing mechanics and effective Kinetic Link, strength and flexibility.

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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June 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au..........................................................................................................

education

Graduating into the golf industry Three former PGA International Golf Institute students explain how study and hard work has helped them land jobs in the golf industry, writes DAVID NEWBERY WHILE Jason Day, Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy et al are making headlines on the professional stage, a number of former PGA IGI students have been working hard to forge careers for themselves in the golf industry. Brad Newcombe, David Rosenthal and Shahaad Suleman are just three of many former PGA IGI students who are making their mark at different golf facilities around the country. The trio discuss the benefits of completing the PGA IGI program.

“I would recommend the PGA IGI course to anyone who loves the game and is looking for their dream job within golf – whether it’s the playing side or the management side, you’ll have the access, networks and knowledge to get you there. “The coaches they have on board are outstanding and the lecturers are really good because they are all from the golf industry and have first hand experience in the subjects they are delivering, in short they really know what they are talking about.”

All it takes is a passion for the game and a willingness to learn more about the game and the industry.”

Shahaad Suleman

Brad Newcombe

Brad Newcombe, 21, grew up on the Central Coast of NSW and from an early age was attracted to the golf industry. While completing his PGA IGI diploma and Bachelor of Business from Griffith University he worked part-time at the Glades Golf Club. Recently he moved to Pacific Dunes Golf Club – a Troon Golf-managed facility – to work as a pro shop assistant. “I have got a foot in the door with Troon Golf and hope to progress through Troon and eventually work overseas,” he said. Newcome says he has the opportunity to move into the golf shop manager’s role. “The current manager has moved into a membership coordinator role and I am understudying him for a while and taking over a few more responsibilities. “I think doing the PGA IGI course has helped a lot because it’s a lead in to the golf industry in terms of the theoretical things that you learn through the different subjects. “You definitely put the things you learn into practice in the industry. “I was working at the Glades on the Gold Coast for a couple of years while I was at university and it helped me there and it’s helping me here.

David Rosenthal

The fork in the road of life came for Dave Rosenthal in Brisbane a few years ago. Rosenthal, 34, could continue working as a successful sales and marketing manager outside the golf industry or he could resign and complete the PGA IGI diploma. He chose the latter and since completing the course has landed a job as assistant golf operations manager at the Royal Queensland Golf Club. Rosenthal said he would recommend the PGA IGI course to anyone wanting a career in the golf industry, including mature age people interested in switching careers. “The PGA IGI course is definitely something you should do if you want a career in the golf industry,” he said. “I got so much out of the PGA IGI course and I don’t think I’d be where I am today if I didn’t do it. I think without it I would still be struggling to find my feet in the golf industry. “It led me in the right direction and certainly showed me a lot of the avenues that I was unaware of prior to doing the course.

Zimbabwe-born Shahaad Suleman graduated from PGA IGI at the end of 2009 and worked part-time in the golf shop at Brookwater Golf Club in Brisbane. Since then he has risen to corporate sales manager – a position he relishes. “Going through the PGA IGI program was extremely beneficial because it opened up some fantastic opportunities for me,” the 24-yearold said. “I have now been working at Brookwater for two years. “Initially, I started in the golf shop doing some part-time casual work while at university and then I moved to fulltime in the golf shop. “In April 2010, the opportunity came to be a corporate coordinator and I did that for nine months and then came the opportunity to be the corporate sales manager. “I would recommend the PGA IGI course to anyone interested in working in the golf industry,” the three-marker said. “It has opened up a lot of doors for me and I have made a lot of contacts in the industry.” FOOTNOTE: PGA IGI students graduate with Australia’s only Diploma of Golf Management from PGA IGI and a Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Sports Management from Griffith University. For more information, telephone (07) 5657 6116 or go to the website www.pgaigi.com

June 2011

58 golflegends....................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Lee an Elder to be proud of DavidNewbery AMERICAN Lee Elder is credited with a number of career firsts – the first African-American to play in the US Masters at Augusta National and to be selected for America’s Ryder Cup team. He was also the first AfricanAmerican to play in the South African PGA Championship. In 1974, he had his first victory on the US PGA Tour event in the Monsanto Open, which automatically qualified him for the 1975 US Masters. Prior to that, Augusta National’s chairman Clifford Roberts, who was considered a dictator, was asked why all the caddies at Augusta were black but none of the golfers were. Roberts’ response was that no black golfer had proved himself good enough, which was odd considering Charlie Sifford’s achievements. Nevertheless, Elder proved he was good enough when he qualified for the Masters. Unfortunately, he failed to survive the halfway cut. Born in 1934, Elder turned professional in 1959 and had to wait 15 years for his first US PGA Tour win although he twice came close by losing playoffs, including one that went to the

Lee Elder was a trailblazer for African-American golfers (photo: Michael Ragusa/ Creative Xpressions)

fifth extra hole against Jack Nicklaus. Prior to qualifying for the PGA Tour in 1967, Elder played on the minor United Golf Association Tour for black players and recorded 22 wins from 24 starts. Between 1968 and 1978 he only finished outside the top-60 on two

occasions and his best year was ’78 when he finished 13th and banked more than $150,000. Elder won four tournaments on the PGA Tour, including two in 1978. In 1971, Gary Player invited Elder to South Africa for the South African PGA Championship.

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Because of South Africa’s apartheid laws, it wasn’t just a matter of him turning up and taking his place in the field. “Gary Player, being the great ambassador that he is, really worked hard to get me there,” Elder said. “It was really frightening because I had never been to South Africa.” At the time, Elder had a friend in the US State Department who convinced him to travel to a number of other African countries before going to South Africa. He visited Kenya, Nigeria and even Uganda at the time of Idi Amin’s reign of terror. “We went to Uganda when “Big Daddy” (Amin) was there and that was frightening because you didn’t know what to expect.” One of 10 children, Elder was nine years old when his father was killed in Germany during World War II. His mother died three months later. At the age of 12, Elder was moving around the ghettos before being sent to live with his aunt in Los Angeles. He often played truant from school so that he could work as a caddie. Elder played his first full round of 18 holes when he was 16 while working odd jobs in pro shops and locker rooms. He continued to caddie and learned

the art of golf by watching his clients. When his game improved enough he started hustling for money, but his golf improved dramatically after playing golf with heavyweight boxer Joe Louis. Louis’s golf teacher Ted Rhodes took Elder under his wing and, under his tutelage, he was able to hone his skills enough to start playing tournament golf. Elder spent two years in the Army (1959-61) and in 1966 he married Rose Harper. She too was a good golfer, but she gave up her golf career to become his manager. In 1974, Elder and Rose set up the Lee Elder Scholarship Fund, which was developed to offer monetary assistance to low-income young college students. Elder has worked tirelessly to rid discrimination from society and as late as 1990 he spoke out against country clubs that still excluded black people from becoming members. FOOTNOTE: Lee Elder participated at the Sierra Forever Families’ Golf Classic for Kids. He brought auction items he had signed as well as a basketball signed by Michael Jordon. The auction raised more than $7500. Sierra Forever Families is a private, non-profit adoption agency that finds permanent adoptive families for children living in local foster care.

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Dr Tim Hegarty GregDowling G olf t e c h n ol o g y has long focused on maximising the distance a ball can travel. Light-weight drivers and irons, and balls with space-age dimple patterns and inner cores have been the mainstay of R&D programs. But the number of putts taken on the greens often determines if you’ve had a good or bad day on a golf course. Vision science is a new frontier in golf and is becoming increasingly significant as experts in this area develop improved putter designs that help successfully execute such a key shot. Dr Tim Hegarty is a doctor of medicine, golf fanatic and club member for more than 40 years. He was also the tournament director of the Traralgon Classic, which was a big four-round event won by Greg Norman at a very early stage of his great career. Given his long involvement at a high level in both the medical profession and golf, Dr Hegarty gradually developed a special interest in the neurophysiology of the putting

stroke and the role played by the visual cortex in the forebrain. So after investing plenty of time and money studying visual science and securing patents he founded a company called toptechgolf and is now preparing to launch his revolutionary putting system into the marketplace. His prototype putter, which won an episode of the ABC New Inventors program, has identical rectangles manufactured into its top and matched with an identical rectangle on the golf ball. Exhaustive research showed him that the dimensions, number and positioning of the rectangles were comfortably recognised by the visual cortex and were the best fit for visual memory. The system also allows true and accurate alignment to be achieved while producing on-line putts through the consistent squaring of the putter face at impact. Further research showed Dr Hegarty that the ideal size for the rectangles was approximately 250mm2. “With this system, the mind can picture a flat surface striking another flat surface,” Dr Hegarty explained.

“Flat-to-flat produces more accurate striking and hence resultant direction than flat surface to curved surface striking. The visual cortex has difficulty in coordinating messages to deliver an accurate strike when using a flat and a curved surface. Our brain is more comfortable and neurologically accommodating when two flat surfaces are brought together. “With this system, putts of less than a metre should never be missed. It makes them almost impossible to miss. But it’s in the one-to-three-metre range where the system dramatically improves scoring. This is where the opportunity exists to lower scores by three to five shots per round for all golfers. And as the golfer gets more and more comfortable from this range, approach putts, chips and pitches are struck with more confidence, adding to score and handicap reduction.” Alignment aids are hardly new in golf but the science behind them is now breaking new ground. Golf is rather unique in that it presents different visual challenges to most other sports, given we are side on to our target when lining up for a shot. Go to www.toptechgolf.com for more information.

people 59

June 2011

60 insidetravel.......................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Golfing in Paradise NickWalton

It’s early—before eight in the morning—and yet the sky is clear, the sun is out and the air around me is already starting to heat up as we hit the driving range at one of the Indian Ocean’s most beautiful golf courses. This is the Ernie Els-designed course at the Four Seasons at Anahita in Mauritius, a tropical isle that’s blissfully in the middle of nowhere and yet so accessible from Australia. Here old Ernie has outdone himself, carving a stunning 6,741 meter championship course from a landscape dominated by lush tropical endemic forest, sturdy volcanic rock and azure lagoons. Designed for golfers looking to make the most of their day on and off the course, Els has laid out wide, long fairways that reward you for all those hours with the driver at the range, and undulating greens that challenge your long putting precision. With five sets of tees, you can choose how challenging you want the Anahita course to be, although you’ll be forgiven for taking it easier and spending more time enjoying the scenery – especially from the 1618th holes – than on precision driving. Roughs are as rough as you’d expect in tropical climes where everything

and anything grows but with wide fairways, you’ll hopefully spend more time marveling at the views and less time hunting beneath the coconut trees. “The Anahita Golf Course will benefit in as many ways as possible from its beautiful, natural setting,” says Els. “You have spectacular rocky outcrops, large native trees and jawdropping views of the mountains and Indian Ocean. The 18th hole will be one of most impressive in the world.”

The course comes with all the perks of the Four Seasons property adjacent, although guests staying in the stunning, luxurious suites at Anahita, a mixed hotel and residential property that encompasses the course and the Four Seasons resort, all have complimentary access to Els’ creation. There are cold towels on hand, plenty of water stops, expert caddies and modern carts with advanced GPS systems on board.

A snack buggy looks like a mirage as the day’s heat increases and after your game there is nowhere better than the clubhouse, which was designed using traditional Mauritian designs and serves ice cold local Phoenix beer, considered to be among the world’s best (although the local sugar cane rum comes a close second). A comprehensive Golf Academy covers all aspects of the great game, from the full-swing and the short

game to course management, practice techniques, mental training, and golffitness, and even covers properly fitted equipment. The academy’s Studio provides the ultimate in video and computerized swing-analysis systems, so you’ll have no excuse for not getting the most out of your day’s golfing. Anahita The Resort, Beau Champ Grande Rivière Sud Est, Mauritius; Tel +230 402 2200, or vist their website: www.anahita.mu

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Winter Golf Tips Tip 1. In winter one of the difficulties golfers face is that the ball won’t travel as far or spin as much as it usually does. During cold weather, the air can be denser and heavier, which slows ball flight and reduces the distance the ball will travel. You might have to use a different club than you normally would, for example; where you would usually use a 7-iron, a 6-iron might be needed. Tip 2. Keep your hands warm! This is the single most important tip for cold weather golf! Your hands are your only link to the club, and you need feel to play good golf. If your hands are frozen, you lose all of your feel and your game will suffer, especially around the greens Tip 3. Wear thin layers of clothing. Not only do they allow you to move more freely while keeping warm, layering also allows you to remove clothing as you play and the day warms up. Go and see your local

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insidetravel 61

Chill out at warm Sea Temple DavidNewbery RECENTLY my boss called and told me to pack my bags (and golf clubs) and head north to Tropical North Queensland. It was a godsend as winter had finally arrived in Brisbane and I was starting to feel the chill. A friend, who lives in Melbourne, said through chattering teeth that I didn’t know what cold weather was. I laughed and he put another log on the fire. Tucked away at Port Douglas, just north of Cairns, is Sea Temple Resort and Spa – a hidden gem that offers luxurious five-star accommodation, day spa, championship golf course and secluded Four Mile Beach. Up here, they don’t promise warm winter days – they guarantee it. And the preferred golfing attire is shorts and polo shirts. At Sea Temple you have a choice of 194 beautifully detailed studio rooms, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments, 3-bedroom villas with exclusive plunge pool and terrace, 2-bedroom luxury penthouses with rooftop spa and BBQ area. At breakfast, we sit outside and watch swimmers do laps before returning to the privacy of their “swim

out” apartments. The magnificent Lagoon swimming pool is huge and has been voted one of the world’s best. Like most resorts, there’s a gym and spas and sauna to unwind in. Mi i Sp a of fe rs a r ange of performance facials, body and water therapies, massage, hand and foot therapies and therapeutic treatments. Still, you can really spoil your partner with Intimate Mii Moments – a ‘together time’ for indulging and relaxing with your favourite person. Here, your journey begins in the couples’ suite with a ‘Blue Lagoon’ exfoliating sea bath, followed by a full body massage including head, face, feet and hands.

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Afterwards enjoy a refreshing drink and spa cuisine platter. Sea Temple’s championship linksstyle golf course was designed by Thomson Wolveridge and Perrett. In fact, I notice Michael Wolveridge’s stamp is all over this world-class layout. “It’s a lovely old links golf course,” he said. “One thing you can say with some accuracy is it’s not a boring golf course. “It plays differently every day because of our trade winds,” said Wolveridge, who lives a stone’s throw from the course. “It’s also because of the way I have bunkered it in the old style so you

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have choices. “I made the bunkers so if you go in them it costs you at least half a shot because you can’t get the ball out very far.” Okay, so I landed in a few traps and lost the odd half a shot here and there, but I didn’t lose a golf ball. There are 84 bunkers on the golf course, which stretches to 6135m off the back, 5716m (white tees) and 5249m (ladies tees). The impressive Queenslanderstyle clubhouse with wide open sundrenched deck is the perfect location to sit back, sip a cool beverage and appreciate the rich green fairways framed by tropical rainforests and

stunning mountain views. After golf, prepare your palate for some delectable tastes of the Aqua Restaurant which serves a contemporary Australian-styled menu infused with the tastes of Asia. For entrée I went for the Carpaccio of peppered kangaroo with salad and shaved fennel, peppers and Thai coriander followed by pan roasted veal rib on the bone with potato and pea mash, caramelised shallots and horseradish jus. All washed down with some fine Australian wines. We reckon Sea Temple Resort and Spa is the ideal base to explore Tropical North Queensland with easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, Mossman Gorge, Atherton Tablelands, wildlife sanctuaries including Hartley’s Crocodile Farm and the township’s array of shopping and dining. Go on, escape the winter blues and make a bee line for Sea Temple at Port Douglas. The resort offers stay-and-play packages and if you stay three nights there are substantial savings. For further information, visit www.mirvachotels.com/sea-templeresort-port-douglas or phone (07) 4084 3500. For golf club information, call (07) 4087 2222.

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My Masters

moment Brad Harrison is a former professional Rugby player, having represented the NSW Waratahs during the 1990’s. He and 12 other mates decided to celebrate their 40th birthday by attending the US Masters I feel obligated to write an account of my recent trip to the Masters organised by Teed Up Golf Tours. Some of you have been before. Some of you I met whilst at Augusta this year. But most of you have simply watched it on TV over many years like myself. I now feel part of a very select and privileged group who have been fortunate enough to witness this event first hand. Our first day at Augusta National was for the Tuesday practice round. I felt like I had been selected to play for Australia when handed my Masters ticket & lanyard on the bus trip. These are some of the most difficult tickets to acquire in world sport and are so heavily regulated that they must be handed in at the completion of each day’s play. Our liaison then reminded us that if we were unfortunate enough to lose our ticket or have it removed then we were up for

US$7,000 and the next plane home. Suddenly we were on our best behaviour. Then came perusal of the spectators guide. No cameras, no mobile phones, no running, no excessive or inappropriate cheering, no autographs, no flags or banners, no backpacks, no advertising and the list goes on. Fortunately you are permitted to take photographs during the practice rounds. The main entrance is an open air customs/ immigration hall. Remove hats, belt and shoes for the metal detector. Then came “sir could you please remove the label from your water bottle”. Only consumables bearing the Masters logo are permitted. Finally I make it through. Twenty five years of longing comes near to the surface. Here I am inside the gates of the greatest golf course in the world with a bunch of mates.

First stop is to purchase your Masters folding chair. You can set up your chair anywhere on the course and return to it whenever you want. It will not have been touched or moved. Selecting where to place your chair is a very big decision and most people have a very clear preference. Next stop is to witness the mayhem of the merchandise store. The only place on earth you can buy the Augusta National logo. To say it resembles a David Jones Boxing Day sale would be an understatement. It is rumoured that annual takings are in the vicinity of US$100 million per year and that 95% of that is taken during Masters week. And there it is! From behind the massive scoreboard appears the green pastures of Augusta National. The course is perfect. No bare patches or scraggy fringe areas. Bunkers raked to perfection.

Manicured gardens and the clearly defined border between grass and pine straw (pine needles in every other country but what the hey). We also used this first day to lay the foundations of a relationship with the Aussie players that would last until Sunday evening. We invented a catch phrase by which we could be recognised. “All week!” became the phrase by which we addressed the Aussies. We could get very close to them on some holes and they realised we were batting on their team. “All week Badds!” “All week!” was the call every time Aaron Baddeley made a move and he loved it. Stuart Appleby would respond with a fist pump, Badds with a very broad smile, and Scotty with a nod of the head. Jason Day was as excited as a virgin on prom night. You could see that despite being a professional golfer attempting

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to make a living from his sport, he was just as stoked as we were about being on the hallowed turf for the first time. The next day is the fun and frivolity of the par3 tournament. A great opportunity to see the players in a relaxed format. Players too old to compete in the tournament proper e.g. Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, etc, all play in the par-3 comp. I used the par-3 comp to test run a custom-made suit I had done in the pattern of the Australian flag. It proved to be a huge hit. I could not walk more than 10-20 metres without being stopped for a chat or a photograph. Our next day at Augusta is Friday and the 2nd round of the tournament proper. I spent time following Allenby & Appleby, both of whom were out of sorts. It became clear that despite our encouragement they would not be playing on Sunday. Whilst standing at a cross walk with a few of our boys I had a chance encounter with Phil Mickelson the defending champ. He says “hey did you lose a bet?” in reference to my Aussie suit. The reply was swift and unambiguous “no mate, I won the bet!” Sunday. Our day starts very early so we can arrive just in time for the 8am opening of the gates. As it turns out, approximately 10,000 others had the same idea. Our best laid plans of securing a plumb position by the 18th green for our chairs were dashed as we stood in a very lengthy queue. Once again I am wearing the suit and growing somewhat tired of all the attention. Today I really want to watch the golf. I call out to Badds “Hey do you realise how hot I am in this thing? I am doing it all for you mate”. His reply was to offer me some water but quickly realised I was simply starting the day with a light-hearted jab to help calm his nerves. It worked as he came storming

out of the blocks with some of the most amazing ball striking. Unfortunately Badds faded as the day progressed. The crowd noise is amazing. You can hear the roar then make a very educated assessment as to which hole it came from and which player might have sunk a bomb. As it turns out the roars were coming thick and fast. Schwartzel holes his 2nd shot for eagle on the third, then Tiger makes a stunning move to the top of the leader board with eagle on the 8th. The excitement is palpable and suddenly patrons are moving away from us to the opposite side of the course where Tiger is situated. We did not care as we only had eyes for the dream pairing of Adam Scott & Jason Day. I vowed to stay with our boys until the bitter end. They played some outstanding golf and Scotty was very unlucky to not take the outright lead after missing a short putt on 9th. My suit feels

like a sauna today but I view it as a small price to pay for my patriotism. The next roar is when the patrons see the scoreboard and witness the capitulation of overnight leader Rory McIlroy. Suddenly we have many more allies as the Americans realise that Tiger has not done enough to win. They suddenly start supporting the Aussie juggernaut. Jason Day comes through Amen Corner with par, birdie, birdie and finds himself in a share of the lead. Our vocal support has turned from measured to raucous as we sense history in the making. Could this be our year? I hear another roar and turn my head to the scoreboard where I see 6 players tied for the lead on –10 including 3 Australians. Geoff Ogilvy has come from nowhere to join the pack on top. Many patrons have deserted the Aussie group for the coliseum which is the 18th green. We are now down to only the most passionate Aussie

Insidetravel 63 supporters who cannot leave their boys on the battlefield. Scotty is –12, Jason –11, Ogilvy –10, Schwartzel & Cabrera also –10. Scotty & Day pump it up the 18th. The loudest roar of the day is reserved for the approach shot of our man Jason Day who brings it back off the slope to a little over 1 metre. He sinks the putt and goes to –12 with Scotty. We have our boys in the clubhouse with a 2 shot lead. I am convinced we are going to win. As it turns out, agony would soon surpass ecstasy. Charl Schwartzel has been hitting it great all week and has made his move. He has made birdie on 15, 16 & 17. He is now –13 and 1 stroke clear of the field. Secretly I am yearning for him to carve his approach deep into the crowd in the same fashion as Greg Norman did in 1986. Schwartzel calmly hits his approach to 5 metres and sinks a very tricky downhill right-to-lefter for a 2-stroke win. Myself and the other Aussies are absolutely gutted. We sit in silence at the 18th green. We have just had the greatest day in Australia’s golfing history taken away from us. Then the realisation dawns upon us that Schwartzel was simply the better man on the day. Our boys performed admirably but were beaten by a truly spectacular performance. I have walked around 20-25 km today in stifling heat and am completely spent physically and emotionally. The bus ride home is solemn until a rousing rendition of Advance Australia Fair brings us back to life. We have utmost pride in our Aussie boys and feel confident that we can win this thing one day. Baddeley, Scott, Appleby, Day, Allenby, Ogilvy, whoever. We can and will do it one day. They will be back at Augusta someday and so will I. To book your own golf trip, visit the teed up website: www.teed-up.com

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Playing Around New Zealand NEW Zealand might be a rugby-mad country, but when it comes to golf the Kiwis are just as passionate – especially when it comes to showing off their magnificent world-class golf courses. Yes, the Land of the Long White Cloud has a plethora of magnificent layouts with scenery that will take your breath away. During the 1998 World Cup of Golf, Scotsman Colin Montgomerie raved about Gulf Harbour and couldn’t wait to get home to spread the word. You’ll love it too, but wait until you spy courses like Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, Paraparaumu, the Alister MacKenzie-designed Titirangi and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Kinloch, Millbrook, Jacks Point and Hills. Golfers normally end up taking more shots with their camera than they do with their clubs. If we’ve whet your appetite just a little, why not find out what all the fuss is about by joining Playing Around New Zealand’s North Island Tour (11 days) or the Queenstown Tour (eight days) in November. Because the tours are back-to-back, many golfers will choose to do both tours. The tours are well-organised with every last detail taken care of. On each golf day, golfers can enjoy a “friendly” stableford competition with prizes of wine from the region,

Kauri Cliffs golf course key,” Owen said. “Our tours are different to the mainstream coach tours that do the rounds in New Zealand. “We use two 12-seater Mercedes vehicles with a maximum of eight guests in each vehicle. “The concept is for our guests to feel like they are part of an organised golf group, but in a small private tour environment where they have the freedom to experience several sightseeing or activity options in any way they feel comfortable. “On the first and last night of the tours the guides host a dinner at a top local restaurant,” Owen said. Mostly, golfers range in age from

golf balls and pro shop merchandise up for grabs. “There will also be an overall winner on each tour,” said Will Owen, the tour’s organiser. And participants will receive a complimentary BLACK golf shirt. Did I mention the shirt was all black? All accommodation is genuine fourstar and the locations are all within easy walking distance to the main attractions within the various towns. The experienced tour guides have wonderful knowledge of the region and will keep tourists entertained. “With two guides for each group of 16, our guests are very well looked after with flexibility and enjoyment being the

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45-75 and non-golfers are welcome to join the tour. Owen said his company provides pre- and post-tour accommodation on each tour as well as complimentary airport transfers. “We are also able to assist with international flight bookings if required.” The cost of the North Island tour is $A3700 per person (twin share) and the Queenstown tour is $A1850 (twin share). If you can’t make the November tours, Playing Around New Zealand has tours planned for January, February and March 2012. For more information, telephone +64 9536 4560 or log on to www.playgolf.co.nz

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On Friday, May 13, 40 golfers ventured to Worrigee Links in Nowra to participate in the annual Hut Shootout, an Ambrose event that has been going since 2007. The Hut is a meeting place for a few good folk in Bonnet bay NSW and each year the original owner Brad Humphries gathers his merry men and a golf day is held. Worrigee Links played host in 2009 and backed up as host this year. “Rob Nancarrow, the club pro and his support team, are tremendously helpful and I recommend Worrigee for this style of event,” said Brad. The day started around 10 am with a BBQ and then a shotgun start. The wind added a challenge but most players weren’t worried as they enjoyed the comradeship of fellow mates — some of whom hadn’t seen each other for a year. After golf the players freshened up in the resort adjacent to the course, donned a dinner jacket and enjoyed a presentation, and fine food accompanied by Brad’s own Payne’s Crossing wines. As the players enjoyed the evening and talked about old times the cigars were passed around and it was declared the best ever Hut shootout and so the legend lives on of..........a few good men.

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LarryCanning I have no stories on how Seve Ballesteros ‘got it up and down’ from the members bar at the Royal & Ancient, or how he ripped a 65-foot pine tree out of the ground at Augusta claiming it was a movable obstruction. I never even met Seve, but the great man definitely left a lasting impression on a young impressionable golf pro called Larry. The Spanish golfing matador was only one year older than me when I first saw him play at Royal Melbourne in 1981 but the legend was well and truly in full motion. I had missed out on qualifying for the Australian PGA that year but because Seve Ballesteros was playing I chose to suck up my disappointment with the customary 25 schooners... sorry, “pots”... of beer and stay in Melbourne with my mate Philby to see what all the fuss was about. You know when you first set eyes on a sporting legend how you just stare? The first time I saw Jack Nicklaus I was a 14-year-old kid and wasn’t sure if I was going to open the bowling for Australia, take the Wimbledon Title from Jimmy Connors or be the 7th Doobie Brother. I really didn’t take much notice to be honest. It was three years later, when I had devoted all my attention…. well all my daytime attention… to the pursuit of becoming golf’s youngest millionaire, that I really found myself in total awe of Nicklaus. You know, the type of awe which is about one sniff (literally) off being arrested for stalking. When I arrived at Kensington for the 1975 Australian Open I rushed to the 4th tee to see

my stalkee. Suddenly the gallery opened up and there came Nicklaus, gliding through. He was actually gliding, not walking. He must have felt my gaping gaze and he looked straight at me. I hoped I’d only thought it, but I must have really mouthed the words “Shit, his head is perfect”, because the people near me started to shuffle away from me and move their kids behind them for safety. I wasn’t much better in 1981 when I first laid eyes on Seve. He looked like a cross between Elvis Presley and George Clooney. As they say, if I were to jump that great Out of Bounds Fence between hetero-sapien and homo-sapien it would have been for Seve. (If editor Richard Fellner lets that go through, I promise never to bag Americans again). When the Spaniard swung a golf stick it was as if the club was a fifth limb. At the time, I was particularly interested in the mechanics of his action but he hit

so many different types of shots, no two swings were the same. It was like watching an Olympic gymnast go through a routine on the rings. A combination of big aggressive flails, small precise adjustments and all done in perfect balance. At a time when I was wondering if I would ever truly master the modern American upright, no wrist hinge method of swinging a club —which the likes of Tom Watson, Johnny Miller and Nicklaus were using — along comes a bloke who looked like the nearest he’d been to a coach was the bus he once took to school. Seve had an awareness of the golf club I have never seen and will never see again and his hands, which he could alter the angle, direction and speed of at any given time, were the key. He also had that which is impossible to elucidate, but you know when you see it: Presence. I know he made European Golf sexy with his swashbuckling play, handsome looks and his connection with the fans — and was the force behind re-creating what some say is the ultimate golf event, The Ryder Cup — but to me Seve was simply the best golfer I have ever seen. Without knowing it, he taught me to trust my instincts and allow the club to swing me. My playing and teaching philosophy, which I still have today, is based on that simple philosophy. I also realised there was no place on the golf course where a shot could not be conjured. As we speak, I’m trying to find every piece of old footage of Seve to show my sons so they can learn the same thing I did in 1981…. Golf is a game to be played, sensed and loved, not scrutinised, analysed or deconstructed. Thank you, Seve, and Rest in Peace Mate.

The quick nine quiz by David Newbery

1. Who is the defending US Open champion? 2. Geoff Ogilvy is the last Aussie to win the US Open (2006), but which Australian won it prior to Ogilvy? 3. How many players will make it to the first tee at this year’s US Open – 144, 148, 152 or 156? 4. Which golf course will host the 2011 US Open – Muirfield Village, Congressional or Whistling Straits? 5. Amateurs attempting to qualify for the US Open must have a USGA handicap index not exceeding what – scratch, 1.4 or 2.4? 6. Who is credited with being the oldest winner of the US Open – Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Hale Irwin or Old Tom Morris? 7. The first US Open was played on a ninehole golf course – true or false? 8. What is the prizemoney for this year’s US Open - $US5.5m, $US6.5m or $7.5m? 9. True or false: The top eight players in this year’s US Open are automatically invited to the 2012 US Masters. Answers below

ANSWERS: (1). Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell; (2). David Graham in 1981; (3). 156; (4). Congressional Country Club; (5). 1.4 handicap; (6). Hale Irwin at 45 years and 15 days; (7). True (Newport Country Club, Rhode Island in 1895; (8). $US7.5 million; (9). True.

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championship golf courses at your door. Fairways staff specialise in tailoring Stay & Play packages and twin share starts from $65 per person per night - all local courses can be accessed with a Fairway’s Stay & Play package.

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Port Stephens Getaways

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Established 1972 • Full -length 27-hole coursea package • Excellent Ask us to tailor to suitgreens you!. • Professional tuition available • Clubs for hire • Open days - BYO • Electric golf carts available Visitseven us at: www.kanimblamotorinn.com.au

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June 2011

68 demodates. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au View Demo Days on our website: www.insidegolf.com.au/demo-days-australia/ Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Location

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Day

Date

Time

The Ridge Driving Range

Wednesday

June 01

4 - 7pm

Cumberland Country Club

Thursday

June 02

Moss Vale Golf Club

Friday

Georges River Golf Club

Monday

Location

Day

Date

Time

Sandringham Golf Range

Wednesday

June 15

5 - 7pm

Growling Frog*

Saturday

June 18

10am - 2pm

11am - 3pm

Sunshine Golf Club

Tuesday

June 21

3 - 6pm

June 03

10am - 3pm

Kingswood Golf Club*

Wednesday

June 22

10am - 2pm

June 06

3 - 6pm

Victoria Golf Club*

Thursday

June 23

10am - 1pm

Friday

June 24

10am - 3pm

New South Wales

Camden Lakeside Golf Club

Tuesday

June 07

9am - 1pm

Patterson River Country Club*

Shortlands Waters Golf Club

Wednesday

June 08

9am - 2pm

Heidelberg Golf Club*

Saturday

June 25

11am - 2pm

Elanora Country Club

Thursday

June 09

9am - 2pm

Bulleen Golf Driving Range

Wednesday

June 29

3 - 6pm

Narrabeen Driving Range

Thursday

June 09

4- 7pm

Hudson Park Driving Range

Monday

June 20

3 - 6pm

Illawarra Golf Driving Range

Tuesday

June 21

10am - 2pm

Mudgee Golf Club

Wednesday

June 22

11am - 4pm

Dubbo Golf Club

Thursday

June 23

11am - 3pm

Western Australia Capel Golf Club Wanneroo Golf Club Collier Park Public Golf Course Whaleback Golf Club Hillview Public Golf Course

Wednesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Saturday

June 01 June 08 June 10 June 11 June 25

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

Duntry League Golf Club

Friday

June 24

9am - 1pm

Campbelltown Golf Club

Monday

June 27

1 - 5pm

Pennant Hills Golf Club

Tuesday

June 28

9am - 1pm

Olympic Park Driving Range

Tuesday

June 28

4 - 7pm

The Australian Golf Club

Wednesday

June 29

9am - 1pm

Mereweather Golf Club

Thursday

June 30

1 - 5pm

Queensland Nudgee Golf Club Saturday Victoria Park Driving Range Tuesday Sanctuary Cove GC** Saturday Northlakes GC Sunday Drummond Golf Underwood Thursday Gold Coast CC Driving Range Thursday Drummond Underwood @ Lakelands GC Friday Burleigh GC Friday Horton Park GC Saturday McLeod GC Sunday Oxley Driving Range Wednesday Drummond Underwood Instore* Thursday Palm Meadows Driving Range Friday

June 04 June 07 June 11 June 12 June 16 June 16 June 17 June 17 June 18 June 19 June 22 June 23 June 24

8.30am - 2.30pm 4.30 - 7.30pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 9.30am - 11.30am 4.30 - 7.30pm 7am - 9am 1pm - 5pm 9am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 3 - 6pm 1 - 5pm

Indooroopilly GC**

Saturday

June 25

9am - 1pm

Melbourne Golf Academy

Wednesday

June 01

4 - 7pm

Riversdale Golf Club*

Friday

June 03

9am - 3pm

HOG Ringwood*

Tuesday

June 07

12.30 - 5pm

Barwon Heads Golf Club*

Wednesday

June 08

10am - 2pm

Commonwealth Golf Club*

Friday

June 10

10am - 2pm

Yarra Bend Golf Range*

Tuesday

June 14

4 - 7pm

Kingston Heath Golf Club*

Wednesday

June 15

10am - 2pm

Victoria

The Friendly Club

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

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Location

Day

Date

Time

New South Wales Sydney Olympic Park Golf Centre Narrabeen Driving Range Newcastle Practice Centre

Wednesday Thursday Thursday

June 01 June 09 June 16

5pm - 7pm 4pm - 7pm 2pm - 5pm

Dural Driving Range

Wednesday

June 29

6pm - 8pm

Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex Horton Park Pro Shop Mackay Golf Club Driving Range Sea Temple Country Club Brookwater Golf Club Gold Coast Country Club Lakelands Golf Club Horton Park Pro Shop Southport Golf Club

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Sunday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday Thursday

June 07 June 08 June 09 June 12 June 16 June 16 June 17 June 18 June 23

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

Palm Meadows Golf Club

Friday

June 24

2pm - 5pm

Victoria Melbourne Golf Academy Albert Park Driving Range

Wednesday Thursday

June 01 June 09

4pm - 7pm 2pm - 7pm

Sandringham Driving Range

Wednesday

June 15

5pm - 7pm

Western Australia Collier Park Golf Course Melville Glades Golf Club Hartfield Country Club

Friday Saturday Thursday

June 17 June 18 June 30

12pm - 4pm 12pm - 3:30pm 12pm - 3:30pm

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