Issue 72 Inside Golf July 2011 by Inside Golf

InsideGolf

Thomas aIKEN RobERT aLLENbY FREdRIK aNdERssoN hEd aaRoN baddELEY JoNaThaN bYRd aNgEL CabRERa maRK CaLCaVECChIa Chad CamPbELL PauL CasEY KJ ChoI sTEwaRT CINK TIm CLaRK daRREN CLaRKE NICoLas CoLsaERTs bEN CRaNE bEN CuRTIs JohN daLY RhYs daVIEs bRIaN daVIs JasoN daY LuKE doNaLd www.insidegolf.com.au Issue 72 JulydaVId 2011 duVaL ERNIE ELs bob EsTEs Ross FIshER RICKIE FowLER hIRoYuKI iNSTRUcTiON FuJITa JIm sTEPhEN gaLLaChER LuCas gLoVER RETIEF • STEvE BaNN’S gOlf FuRYK imPROvEmENT cyclE goosEN RIChaRd gREEN NaThaN gREEN bILL haas Todd hamILToN • BUNkER BUSTERS: a SEaSONTickET Play‘TickS aNd cROSSES’ aNdERs haNsEN • TiPS ON POSTURE, PUTTiNg aNd PETER haNsoN PadRaIg haRRINgToN PackagEgREgoRY TOTHE THE PERfEcT BackSwiNg hIRaTsuKa ChaRLEY hoFFmaN TREVoR ImmELmaN haVRET TETsuJI PRESidENTS cUP 6 e g a p e e RYo IshIKawa RaPhaEL JaCQuELIN ThoNgChaI JaIdEE mIguEL S HaNdicaP HOPES aNgEL JImENEZ ZaCh gOlf aUSTRalia TwEakS THE JohNsoN dusTIN JohNsoN RobERT KaRLssoN SOUTHERN cHaRm NaTiONal HaNdicaP SySTEm. maRTIN KaYmER JERRY KELLY sImoN KhaN KYuNg-TaE KIm maTT wE REviEw TaSmaNia’S will iT BE ENOUgH? lOST faRm KuChaR maRTIN LaIRd ChIh-bINg Lam bERNhaRdSPEcTacUlaR LaNgER PauL LawRIE OUR REPORTTom fROm LEhmaN JusTIN LEoNaRd sPENCER LEVIN daVIs LoVE NORTHERN EXPOSURE “iNSidE THE ROPES” TEE iT UP iNTROPical NORTH QUEENSlaNd IIIaTTHE saNdY LYLE huNTER mahaN maTTEo maNassERo (a) gRaEmE US OPEN mCdowELL RoRY mCILRoY PhIL mICKELsoN FRaNCEsCo moLINaRI urN EdoaRdo moLINaRIto RYaN mooRE sEuNg-YuL Noh gEoFF ameNKEVIN t prNa e v I eW ogILVY sEaNt o’haIR maRK o’mEaRa LouIs oosThuIZEN IaN PouLTER heRobERT opeRoCK N Cha aLVaRo QuIRos JusTIN RoRY sabbaTINI mpIRosE o N s h Ip sTRICKER adam sCoTTWbRaNdT sNEdEKER hENRIK sTENsoN sTEVE ho WI ll l I f t thVILLEgas e C lareNICK daVId Toms bo VaN PELT CamILo Tom t JuwaTNEY g? waTsoN bubba waTsoN LEE wEsTwood TIgER woods YE YaNg

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Fromtheeditor

The membership model is (nearly) dead A

U S T R A L I A

’

O L F

E W S

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, Matthew Pitt, Corinne Furnell, Graham Bolton, Mark Victorsen, Richard Nizielski, Ross Perrett Design & Layout: Nick Thorn National Sales & Marketing Director: Sam Arthur P: 1300 4653 00 | F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 | E: sam@insidegolf.com.au QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 | E: dg.ross@live.com.au NSW/ACT Sales: Scott Barsby M: 0424 779 199 | E: scott@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M:0402 852 637 E: jon.perrett@bestingolfgroup.com Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 | accounts@insidegolf.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919

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Cover photo © USGA/Steve Gibbons, Michael Cohen It’s official: 40,605 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: October 10 - March 11

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

RichardFellner It’s time for clubs to face the facts: the traditional membership model is stuck in the rough. This became blatantly apparent to me as I recently shopped around for a club to join. Having received the “OK” from my wife to spend some of our ‘hard-earned’ on a membership, I embarked on a quest to some local clubs to see what they had to offer. Firstly, I was looking for a 5-day membership (my weekends are mostly dedicated to my wife and two boys). I wanted a good-quality course (obviously), a club that was family/junior friendly (as this is, after all, a family decision these days), and a progressive/forward-thinking Board. Most importantly, though, it had to be affordable. Maybe I was naive, but I had assumed that with so many clubs struggling to attract/retain members, there would be heaps of innovative offers out there to choose from. In truth, I was amazed at how stodgy and archaic the majority of membership offers were. One club, for example, offered ONLY 7-day memberships; another offered 5-day memberships ONLY to women (fortunately, I don’t look good in a dress); few had any sort of cadet/junior golf program, while many had restrictions and large joining fees. I found myself checking the calendar to make sure I hadn’t been transported back in time. Were they kidding? I mean, these courses were nice, but it’s not as if I were looking to join an upper echelon club like Royal Melbourne (I wish).

Why wouldn’t a club do everything in its power to entice as many golfers as possible? Why not offer, say, a 1- or 2-day membership? How about a membership “credits” system (like Keysborough recently launched)? Why not offer an all-encompassing Family Membership? Why not expand reciprocal clubs to include HEAPS of courses (like RACV/Sandbelt/Yarra golf courses do)? Why not have free golf for kids (like WA’s Wembley Golf Course offers). Why not ALL of these? If you think a new clubhouse is the answer, think again. While it is nice for weddings or corporates, the reality is that golfers will spend 4+ hours on the course, and only 15 minutes in the clubhouse. As long as the beer is cold, the food is hot and the conversation warm, we don’t care what surrounds us (as long as it isn’t a block of pokies, which I’ve written about before). The fact is, there are heaps of great public access courses out there, and most families are timepoor and financially-strapped. So competition for a golfer’s cash is fierce. Even if it is spread out over a monthly payment plan. We want value for our money, quality golf, and a bit of variety. That’s not too much to ask, is it? While I won’t name the club that I ended up joining (that’s not the point) I will say that they are progressive, very friendly, affordable and flexible. The course is nice and my family is welcome. And yes, the beer is cold. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Richard Fellner (Group Editor)

Contents FEATURES

6 Win a season ticket package to the Presidents Cup 7 Handicap system to be tweaked 16 Inside the ropes at the US Open 30 Tournament Preview - The Open Championship 35 North Qld travel feature 46 Tasmania’s Lost Farm

REGULARS

8 News 12 Industry News 20 Events 28 Stats and Results 32 Amateurs 39 Women 40 Juniors 42 Gear 45 Courses 52 Tips & Instruction 60 People 63 Travel 65 19th Hole 66 Directory

July 2011

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

Rosemary Brooker, NSW (via email)

Letters of the month

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 to: The Editor, Inside Golf, ed@insidegolf.com.au or mail a letter to: The Editor, Inside Golf, PO Box PO Box 360 Nunawading, Vic Tell story an interesting story or 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131. Tell an3131. interesting or something funny something funny about golf and you could WIN a about golf and you could WIN a Smoothy Compact buggy valued at Smoothy RRP$230!Compact buggy valued at RRP$230!

The Scoopon debate rages on

Using Cudo, imagine Shellharbour Links’ surprise when in a 24 hour window they sold 1,969 online coupons that generated $116,000 in revenue. After paying Cudo 50%, retained $58,000 for their Club. This was cash up front and they did not have to wait for coupons to be redeemed. Not only did they generate a cash injection, they were supplied the names and email addresses of the 1,969 buyers. People who buy coupons are mainly real golfers. They are not going to hack up your course any more than social players and members would. If you are worried about speed of play introduce compulsory stableford like Muirfield GC (NSW) recently did for social players on Sundays. If

you are worried about limited course capacity on weekends then offer a coupon promoting 9 holes rather than 18; especially during the winter months. Damien (via our Facebook page) Myself and many others will never join a private golf club because of the prohibitive costs combined with not being able to play frequently enough or not wanting to be constricted to playing the same course. A Scoopon deal for us is a ticket to play at courses that we wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to play. I don’t think full fee paying members will mind us playing on quiet weekdays and bringing in more income to the club. Lachlan (via email)

With some of the world’s top players set to compete at Royal Melbourne, The Presidents Cup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting golf events to hit our shores in many years. And you can be there to witness all the action, firsthand! Inside Golf is giving away a pair of Presidents Cup Season Tickets to one lucky entrant. The package includes two tickets all week general admission, two tickets to the opening ceremony, two Radio headsets for the week and one weekly parking pass. To enter, simply click “Like” on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/insidegolf), or enter via our website (www.insidegolf.com.au). Contest ends on July 18, so be quick! (See our website for terms and conditions.)

Keep up with us online! InsideGolf

T B C D D www.insidegolf.com.au D N F INSTRUCTIO s STEVE BANN’S GOLF CYCLE G s IMPROVEMENT BUNKER BUSTERS: ‘TICKS AND CROSSES’ AND A s PLAY TIPS ON POSTURE,PUTTING H THE PERFECT BACKSWING R HANDICAP HOPES A GOLF AUSTRALIATWEAKSTHE HANDICAP SYSTEM. M NATIONAL ENOUGH? IT BE K WILL L OUR REPORT FROM THE ROPES” I “INSIDE ATTHE US OPEN M TOURNAMENT

Issue 72 July 2011

July 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au.................................................................

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Like its sister, The Lost Farm commences on some level terrain to reach the coast, so the first couple of holes build the anticipation as the dunes loomed ahead. By the time we reached the 3rd, the assault commenced. A short par-4 with a small, tiered green sheltered in a dune. It appears innocuous from the tee, but the challenge is all at the green. This hole was a fearsome introduction to a stretch of holes played in and through Clockwise from left: Risk-reward is the some name of the game for the par-4 4th at remarkable dunes in the links land. Barnbougle Dunes. One of the two “betting airstrip for Vortex Air sits nicely beside holes” The short par-3 18a. The the 2nd hole The 4th is a striking par-3 perched on top of the of the greens have such severe undulations dunes overlooking a stretch of beach on that than the first day, although this correspondent Anderson approach shots need to be near perfect Bass Strait. If you want an opinion on for some Bay and looking back across the estuary which is ran out of legs on the closing holes. The towards dunes of pin positions to have a chance to two-putt, the better golf course, you will need Barnbougle Dunes. The 5th is one of let to go there Barnbougle claimed another victim as the most my game alone make birdies. and decide for yourself. Sea Temple Golf intimidating holes on the course with collapsed into the Marram grass! Club a drive We played it on a still day with hardly As for me, I am not the sharpest wedge a breath required to take on the corner of a in the After golf we took some necessary refreshments huge dune of wind and it was a stern test. Those less bag, but I am wise enough not to trust fortunate Theinmagnificent on the right at Cairns, Half Moon Bay, Mossman my own Golf clubs (), swimmers (), shorts the clubhouse Lagoon swimming any shirts, pool chance of reaching andto have polo and then (), thegolf clubs made our wayis to the than us who encounter a stiff northerly hasty opinions and unreliable first impressions. blowing massively undulating green on this 400-metre and Gordonvale. airstrip huge and hasfor been of the world’s thevoted flightone home. Taking off best. in the long sunglasses (), sunscreen (), camera Bass Strait will have a tough time playing I am already planning my next trip so With the important par- SeaoffTemple 4. The(). golf course is a real gem and to And long, uphill I can play shadows like most resorts, there’s 16th is a magnificent of the a gym and sun dunes cast by the par three afternoon anywhere near their handicap. But that both courses a second time and not compare is not reallyspas and arguably the only tropical links golf course one of items packed, DAVID NEWBERY and was asauna them tofinish real feature unwind superb took offthefor Tropical holes ofNorth andin. the course. a great chance to reflect the point of visiting these courses. One all over again. in the world. is almost MiionSpa The two “betting holes” were a great offers a and the weekend range of performance the golf. feature, Queensland where warm winter golfwith obliged to strip is our Editor’s note: visit insidegolf.com.au guaranteed game to its simplest principles,facials, As golf operations manager group enjoying the extra couple of short When we arrive,the to check body and water therapies, massage, it happened, my determination before the ignore trip the limitations out our massive of par photo gallery of Barnbougle Dunes andclubhouse’s simply play eachhandnot David Robertson ushers us to the par-3s in the round of 20 holes. and foot therapies to compare and therapeutic the two courses was an impossible shot and each hole on its merits in the WHEN you imagine the perfect winter vacation and Lost Farm. mountain – not to mention up the sun verandah, conditions which has sweeping views of Thetop the treatments. differences dream. The road to hell is paved with betweensoaking Bill Coore’s design good according to your ability. – one where the average daily winter temperature on palm-fringed beaches at Port Douglas ofgolf and course. The Lost Farmsandy Still, you canand really intentions spoilmy your partner and Tom Doak and Mike Clayton’s despite desire not towith compare hovers around a perfect 26° and doesn’t dip below NOTEPAD (Four Mile Beach), Palmmeans Cove or Yorkeys Knob. This whets our appetite for a round of golf, Barnbougle Intimate Mii Moments them, – a ‘together Dunes time’ for I could not golfers hold back the tide of opinion. have the good Barnbougle Dunes Sunday 17° – you think of a destination like Cairns and And thenofthere’s the golf. before May we kill29 off the hunger pains by fortune indulging andend, relaxing with myself two distinct your favourite In the golf courses with differingbut notAfter I indulged Ph: (03) 6356 0094 with a rather Port Douglas. a great Saturday Golfers southern states just love the night and ordering from the club’s toothsome a healthyperson. menu. flavoursfrom Here,position your journey in the capricious beginsmerits in the same superb www.barnbougledunes.com.au location. Many of on the relative exchange of of the It’s no wonder the region is a haven for lovers opinions north this time onclub ofatthe year because it allows the relative says the golf and themerits resortof thecouples’ theatlanding suite with ‘Blue quite Lagoon’ two courses exfoliating areas The Lost Farm are enormous Robertson andasettled firmly Lost Farm on a preferred two of the outdoors and golfers keen to escape rainy, courses, we them teed to strip down off to one layer of on clothing on Sunday and spa (accommodation) work closely morning tosea bath, (some of the biggest I have ever seen) and by agoing full to body massage layout.followed But I am not Ph: (03) 6356 1124 a number reveal that here. It tackleto cold and gloomy days. The Barna once the fairways. again. together was no lessplayoffer number ofItattractive thrillingincluding head, face, hands. has rightfully www.lostfarm.com.au beenfeet left and behind somewhere over Even rock stars and presidents drop in for a little Not to mention the attraction of playing on and-stay packages. Afterwards enjoy a refreshing drink and rest and relaxation – and to escape the spotlight. world-class golf courses. The day we arrive, a group of 100 American spa cuisine platter. The leisure and recreation opportunities in this At Port Douglas, there’s the magnificent Sea tourists—some golfers—turn up to see what Sea Temple’s championship links-style golf part of the world are endless. Temple Golf Club – formerly known as the all the fuss is about and chose to stay at the course was designed by the formidable team That’s why planeloads of domestic and Links and just down the road from Mirage magnificent Sea Temple Resort and Spa. of Thomson Wolveridge and Perrett, but it has international tourists flock to the region for a Country Club. Before tackling the golf course, we check Michael Wolveridge’s stamp is all over it. once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring the Great Closer to Cairns, Paradise Palms Resort and our accommodation. TM Wolveridge, an entertaining raconteur, has Barrier Reef and world heritage-listed rainforests. Country Club, designed by Graham Marsh There’s a choice of 194 beautifully detailed designed and built more than 200 golf courses, Where else can you take a Daintree River cruise -B and Ross Watson, has stood the test of time studio rooms, 2- and 3-bedroom but he has fallen in love with Sea Temple and A C apartments, AR and glide past inquisitive crocodiles? GU and remains a favourite with amateurs and 3-bedroom villas with exclusive Kplunge pool Port Douglas. Or enjoy the serenity of the Mossman Gorge, professionals alike. and terrace, 2-bedroom luxury penthouses In fact, he has built a magnificent home on the ride the popular Skyrail cable car to the alluring And then there are the good quality member with rooftop spa and BBQ area. border of his beloved golf course.

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After golf we retired to dinner and drinks at the lovely Barnbougle restaurant, and set ourselves for tackling The Farm the next day. Whereas I had read and seen so much about The Barn, The Lost Farm was a mystery. My only preconception was my staunch determination not to compare the two courses.

Saturday May 28

Scoopon: Good For Golf

Most of us now have the attitude of “why pay full price again”. These days, virtually every golf club is offering such deals. Our club has been renowned for many years offering the best winter golf deal around, but now this has been lost amongst the many deals that clubs are offering, all looking for the quick cash grab, without the thought of any of the repercussions of heavily discounting your product. Are we prepared to take what we can, when we can? Where do we draw the line? Are we to price match our competitors? What expectations will the customer be able to ask for when booking golf, lunch, drinks? I feel that in 12–18 months time, there will be no Scoopon, Groupon, Spreets, etc. But by this time, we will all have cheapened our Product so much, that no golfer will play at a course that does not have heavily discounted rates. Sean (via our website)

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Editor’s note: We received heaps (and heaps) of letters and website posts regarding our article on Scoopon (Is Scoopon good for golf? June issue). You are all clearly divided on the merits/drawbacks of this service, with some good points from both sides. Here are a few highlights:

Who is making the money from these deals, The Club or the marketer? Firstly you must come up with a deal. Include golf (one part of the business), Meals (another part of the business), drinks from the Bar, Range Balls, Cart hire (possibly Pro Shop owned); and then discount the lot by a minimum of 50%. Then your selected marketer takes 30% (Scoopon) or 50% (Groupon) of the revenue leaving the club with around 25% of what they could have sold the ‘package’ for. Businesses I have spoken to are still assessing if these deals have been worthwhile and almost all of them have ‘run into’ unforseen problems which has impacted the experience. Why cheapen the experience of golf? Take the example of Shellharbour. For the $58,000.00 income they received, they sold (regular cost) a minimum of $232,000.00 worth of golf and other income. Cudo made an easy $58,000.00 in 24 hours. Is this good marketing? Does it convey to the members and the public that you are an equitable business or scrambling for any income? Peter (via our website)

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Anchor which will prevent a player’s handicap from increasing any more than 4 strokes beyond their best handicap from the previous 12months. GA is silent on any supportive statistical modelling to this retrograde step. If this “anchoring” is to be retrospective, aspirational players who have recently moved from clubs with low AWCR to clubs with much higher AWCR, will be severely restricted in their handicap development at their new club. Another problem could impact on the senior golfers whose handicaps are naturally rising with their reduced strength etc. They may not be able to “play to” their ‘anchored’ handicap. I don’t think they will find this satisfactory. I am not sure that the delays and changes GA proposes will please the majority of active golfers. We are all waiting to see to see a handicap system more closely aligned to the way we play our golf that is suited to our golf culture, i.e. Slope Indexing, portability of handicaps, and ESC.

I’ve used a voucher for Northbridge Golf Course and another for a stay’n’play at Wisemans Ferry. With the restrictions placed upon us, including no public holidays, and the competition for available slots, it’s not worth the effort. Northbridge looked after us well, and they would have looked after us equally well if we’d paid full price, but they’d have gotten all the money. Knowing that they only get half the money means that I won’t buy any more vouchers for golf, because I want to support golf in Australia. I don’t want to support Scoopon. Mark (via our website)

Is this another triumph of golf administration for Australian golfers? Golf Australia has announced that it intends to re-jig the current handicap system, and delay the introduction of Slope Indexing. The “priority” amendments seem to be aimed at the tendency that higher markers are winning more than their “fair share” of prizes in large fields. This bias occurs in men’s field sizes of 50+ and women’s field sizes of 100+. But it is obvious that a high marker is more likely to win in a big field, because there is an increased chance of them having an uncharacteristically excellent result. GA’s own Statistical Analysis notes that the higher marker fluctuates much more than the lower markers. This is not because they are manipulating their scores, but is the natural result of their (more erratic) playing performance. Also, absent in this analysis is the rarity of women’s fields of 100+. In metropolitan NSW, women’s competitions are predominantly graded. Low markers rarely compete directly against high markers in the same field. I wonder if this simple solution was considered. GA has determined that it will introduce an

Scoopon: Bad for Golf

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 Letter of the month

news

New golf handicapping system formula announced

In response to the growing debate (and controversy) surrounding Australia’s new golf handicapping system, Golf Australia last month announced a new formula which will be used to calculate golfers’ handicaps. In a letter to Australian golf clubs, new Golf Australia Chairman John Hopkins detailed the upcoming changes, stating in part that “The Board believes that the proposed changes will please the Australian golf community and we will soon start to see a handicap system more closely aligned to the way we play our golf.” In essence, there will be four amendments to the Golf Australia Handicap System: 1. Alter the current ‘Best 10 of 20’ calculation to ‘Best 8 of 20’. 2. Change the Bonus for Excellence multiplier from 0.96 to 0.93. 3. Introduce an Anchor which will prevent a player’s handicap from increasing any more than 4 strokes beyond their best exact handicap from the previous 12-month rolling period. 4. Golf Link will cap the score that goes into a player’s handicap record at no more than 50 (women) and 40 (men) over the course rating. These four priority amendments will come into effect on Wednesday, 21 September.

The new formula was derived based on an intensive statistical analysis that found that the recent “Best 10 of 20” calculation system had, according to Hopkins “overcorrected the previous heavy bias in favour of low markers to a significant bias in favour of the higher markers”. Inside Golf has spoken to a number of players, industry professionals, handicappers and the like, and the general consensus is that the move is a step in the right direction, but may not be enough. That said, however, most agree that it is probably prudent (and safer) to have initiated a small step like this, and then wait a while for the results to trickle down through the system. Read the full documents regarding Golf Australia’s changes to the Handicapping System at www.golfaustralia.org.au.

The USGA Handicap System Reference Guide

YOUR SAY Do you think Golf Australia’s changes are enough to right the ship? Are they more “closely aligned to the way we play golf ” in Australia? Drop us a line via our website, Facebook page or via email!

Golf Australia partners with Stardeals by Groupon Australia Golf Australia last month announced a promotion with group buying site Stardeals, which is operated by Groupon Australia. The partnership is touted as an opportunity to allow Australian golf clubs offer potential players/members the chance to experience what the club has to offer through a special deal offered via Stardeals. Since its launch in November 2008, Groupon Inc. has led a worldwide movement in e-commerce, using the principles of collective buying to bring millions of dollars in new revenue to local businesses while saving more than US$2 billion for subscribers. In 2010, Forbes Magazine named Groupon the fastest growing company in history. Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said the agreement would mean golf clubs could market themselves to a new audience and increase their growth. “We’re delighted to work with Stardeals by Groupon Australia, who are leaders in their field,” Pitt said. “It’s now more important than ever for us to

offer golf clubs new ways of marketing themselves and getting more people through their doors.” “This new audience presents Australian golf clubs with an exciting element in their marketing strategies and gives clubs the opportunity to tailor packages to suit their key growth focus areas,” Pitt added. The pros and cons of group coupon sites like Groupon, Scoopon, etc., have been the subject of much debate recently, with many clubs and players torn on the issue. While many clubs are enticed by the large cash sums delivered upfront, some businesses worldwide have felt the pinch of discounting their product too heavily. Visit our website, www.insidegolf.com.au, to engage in the debate and share your opinion.

PING Launches iPing putting app! This may be the coolest iPhone golf app we’ve seen in a long time. The innovators at PING recently launched the free iPING app, which can actually help improve your putting! You simply clip your iPhone to your putter, start the app and begin putting. After a series of 5 putts, the iPING app identifies your stroke type, analyses your impact angle and measures your tempo. It then establishes a Putting Handicap™, which gets lower as you improve your consistency. After a few sessions,

you can begin to see which areas of your stroke need work, and you can then launch the “Practice” mode, which gives you instant feedback on any of the three areas you are working on. You can even compare your stroke to a number of PING Tour professionals. Way cool! The iPING app is a free download from the iTunes® App Store™ for the iPhone® 4 and the iPod touch® (4th gen). The iPING app works in conjunction with a PING cradle ($30 RRP, available in retail packaging this month), which holds the mobile device and clips onto the putter shaft just below the grip.

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July 2011

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Indigenous golf program

See Presidents Cup live

LET’S PLAY GOLF: Central Queensland school students get into the swing of golf THE Greg Norman Golf Foundation took its show on the road and found its way to Woorabinda and Baralaba state schools in Central Queensland where students enthusiastically embraced the game. The foundation’s primary schools golf program was conducted on the sports ovals with good results as most students showed a keen interest in the game and are keen to take their skills to the next level. Both primary state schools will each receive four sessions of coaching from the foundation’s

Doug Gardner and Yeppoon’s Dave Cardillo. Twenty students from both schools were selected to attend further coaching from Doug and Dave at Baralaba Golf Club in preparation for a trip to Rockhampton and Yeppoon. The students will get to visit the Dreamtime Centre in Rockhampton, St Brendan’s College golf program and play golf at Capricorn Resort and Zilzie Bay Reef Palms. The program is an initiative of Golf Central Queensland with support from the Queensland Government’s Sport and Recreation.

Sing song after golf WITH golf club membership in decline, golf club general managers and their boards are always open to new ideas that could potentially bring in extra revenue and benefit its members and guests. Brisbane’s Bulimba Golf Club, better known as the Queensland Sporting Club, have been thinking outside the square and recently agreed to introduce its members and guests to karaoke on Friday nights. Top karaoke outfit Rovics, who have a huge following in south-east Queensland, have been a big hit at the club.

Golf club manager Josh Sale said the club introduced karaoke to keep members and guests at the club on Friday evenings. “We were getting a dining crowd and by 7.30 or 8 o’clock everyone was clearing out so we wanted to put something at 8 o’clock to keep people here. “We are trying to get some live entertainment on a few other nights.” If you fancy belting out a few tunes why not head for Bulimba Golf Club – you’ll be in good company. Who knows, the next Susan Boyle may be discovered at Bulimba Golf Club.

THIS November’s Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club is shaping up as a notto-be-missed event. And you could be there courtesy of the Greg Norman Golf Foundation. The foundation is offering readers the chance to join Greg Norman at the Presidents Cup in Melbourne. The foundation’s Presidents Cup package includes two season passes, Qantas businessclass flights to Melbourne, accommodation (November 16-21), transport to the golf

course each day and a photo shoot with Greg Norman. It’ll cost you $100 to be in the running to win the package. And even if you don’t win you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you have contributed to helping develop junior golf. The foundation receives no government funding and has to rely on sponsors and the generosity of the public. To purchase tickets, call (07) 3216 0552 or email gnjuniorgolf@gregnorman.com.au

Sergio’s 11 gives hope

Felton a winner in the west

HACKERS just love hearing stories like this. Spaniard Sergio Garcia recently shot a six-over par – on one hole. Playing in the FedEx St Jude Classic recently, Garcia had an 11 on the par-5 third hole. After hitting a 300-metre drive, the Spaniard proceeded to put three consecutive shots in the water. His eighth shot found a greenside bunker and his ninth shot finished four metres from the cup. He then two-putted for an ugly 11 and finished the day with an eight-over par 78. It’s not the first time Garcia has recorded a high number on one hole. In 1999 and again in 2001, he carded a nine on a par-5 hole and three times he has had an eight on a par-4 hole.

Golf loses an ardent junior supporter Junior golf in NSW lost one of its greatest supporters with the sudden passing of David Hirsch. A driving force behind the juniors of Sutherland Shire clubs Woolooware and Cronulla, Hirsch will be remembered for his passion for the game and his dedication to the junior golfing cause, putting in countless hours of work in a volunteer capacity. In addition to his work as a co-ordinator of the junior programs at both southern Sydney courses, Hirsch was also a Jack Newton Junior Golf rules official and assisted in the administration of the Encourage Shield. Hirsch sadly passed away on the night of his 56th birthday in early June.

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Kim Felton Local Perth professional Kim Felton edged out New South Welshman Peter Welden by one shot to win the $9,000 first prize at the 54-hole McDonalds Wholesalers Spalding Park Open in the WA winter circuit. Felton shot a 5-under par total, made up from scores of 67-74-70 around the par 72 course, with his first day 67 the best of the week and equalled only by eventual runner-up Welden. A week or so earlier on the WA swing, former Sydneysider Richard Ball, who is now based in Perth, took out one of the other major events in the west when he won the Nexus South West Open in Bunbury. Ball’s 8-under par tournament total in the 3-day event was one shot better than South Australian Nick Cullen, with the winner collecting $6,300. Yet to be contested was the $50,000 Port Headland Open and the $35,000 Kimberly TrussBroome Furnishings Pro-am at the Broome Golf Club in capping off what is a lucrative series of events in WA.

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Hamilton Island stay-and-play

Rooster set to challenge the pros Sydney Roosters NRL captain Braith Anasta is hoping to get the all-clear from club officials and his coach Brian Smith to compete in the NSW Open and PGA Championships during the rugby league off-season. A scratch handicapper at the St Michaels course in Sydney, Anasta’s golf has shown a marked improvement over the past 12 months while under the watchful eye of leading coach Gary Barter, with his management currently in negotiations to obtain a sponsors invitation into both events. Anasta is also said to make no secret of his desire to possibly try his hand at professional golf once his rugby league career is over.

Golf and the environment

MEMO to greenies who want to stop golf course development because they believe building courses is environmental vandalism: Give yourself an uppercut. “Golf is an environmentally friendly and sensitive game.” That message was delivered by the world’s greatest golfer Jack Nicklaus. “People think you are going to destroy everything,” said the Golden Bear, who continues to design golf courses around the world. “Golfers play golf because they want to spend time outdoors in an enjoyable environment. They want to enjoy the beauty and love listening to a bird or seeing a flight of ducks. “Golf ’s the creation of tourism jobs, a creation of public access, a creator of income – all these kinds of things are to do with golf.” You tell ’em, Jack.

PASSIONATE golfers who enjoy golfing holidays no longer have an excuse to bypass blissful Hamilton Island in the magnificent Whitsunday Islands. Those who need their daily or weekly golf fix can now fly in to one of the world’s top holiday destinations safe in the knowledge a top-class championship golf course awaits. The Peter Thomson-designed 18-hole championship golf course is located on neighbouring Dent Island – a short eightminute ferry ride across the calm waters. It’s a beauty and the 360-degree views from almost every vantage point on the golf course are spectacular. Don’t forget your camera. Whitsunday Holidays specialise in luxury accommodation on Hamilton Island and have more than 70 properties ranging from twobedroom, fully self-contained apartments through to six-bedroom homes with a pool. Company director Kristie Kaighin says her company can arrange accommodation to suit all budgets.

Talent runs in the family

“The Hamilton Island accommodation and apartments available are of the highest quality and privacy,” she said. “All of the apartments are privately owned and beautifully furnished to the individual’s personal taste. “Visitors can choose an apartment that suits their style and the number of people in their party. “So, come and stay three days or a week in one of the many luxury properties and play some golf,” she said. “Bring your family or a group of friends – there are options to accommodate everybody.” Whitsunday Holidays can even arrange your golf and if you are into boating, they can organise that as well. “We can arrange for a sail guide or skipper so that you can explore the islands,” Kristie said. And as the winter chill continues to bite in the southern states, Hamilton Island is the perfect winter escape. For more information, contact Whitsunday Holidays on 1300 653 997 or log on to www.whitsundayholidays.com.au

Jarrod Freeman, nephew of former Cannon Challenge winner and US PGA Tour professional Paul Gow, continued to make an impression in the junior ranks when he took out the 36-hole Macarthur Junior Masters held at the Campbelltown Golf Club. Played in wet and windy weather, Freeman backed up a first day 5-under par 66 with a second round score of 69 to beat Dylan Perry from the Long Reef Golf Club by one stroke. Freeman, who earlier this year shot 9-under par 63 at the Cumberland course in the company of tournament professional Andre Stolz, plays out of the Concord Golf Club. And speaking of Stolz, his 16-year-old son Zac is also making solid progress, with his first day score of 69 at Campbelltown seeing him up with the leaders. The young Stolz slipped from contention, however, as he struggled in the demanding conditions in the second round. Like Freeman, Stolz also returned an impressive score earlier this year in a schoolboy event, shooting an 8-under par 64 at the Camden Lakeside course. In the girls division at the Macarthur Junior Masters, Tahnia Ravnjak from the Australian Golf Club won by three shots from Strathfield’s Elly Cheon.

Seve’s classic reply

SEVE Ballesteros may be gone, but the golfing genius will never be forgotten. The anecdotes about the brilliant Spanish golfer are legendary and here’s another. In 1990, Seve was playing the US Open when he was asked why only three non-Americans had won the US Open since 1927. The Spaniard hit back with a question of his own: “How many Americans have won the Spanish Open?”

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July 2011

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PowerPlay Golf proves a hit for players and viewers

PowerPlay Golf ’s inaugural Tour-style event –The PowerPlay Golf driven by Saab: IGNITION – teed off last month on The Celtic Manor Resort’s Twenty Ten Course. Hailed as golf’s equivalent to Twenty20 Cricket, PowerPlay Golf is a 9-hole golfing format in which golfers choose to aim for one of two flags on the green – a White Flag and a Black (‘PowerPlay’) Flag. Competitors can use a limited number of ‘PowerPlays” to try and score extra points for net birdie or better when playing to the harder Black Flag. This created pressurised risk-andreward decisions on each tee. Swedish golfer Caroline Hedwall won the event in dramatic fashion, becoming the first Tour pro in the world to win a PowerPlay Golf event. After a late barrage of six-point PowerPlay birdies, Hedwall triumphed over a star-studded field including golfing legend Gary Player, Graeme McDowell, Paula Creamer, Ian Poulter, Paul

Casey, John Daly, Ian Woosnam and Helen Alfredsson. Hedwall’s compatriot Alfredsson and World number 14 Poulter – who almost eagled the last after driving the green – both came with a late charge, matching Hedwall’s last-hole PowerPlay birdie, but the young Swede prevailed to take the £100,000 first prize. “That was a lot of fun. I was in the middle of the pack with three to play but knew I still had a chance with PowerPlays in reserve. I was very nervous on the first tee but playing with Ian and Helen was a great experience” commented Hedwall. In addition some of the players made substantial contributions from their prize money to their respective National Golf Union or Federation, which resulted in a grand total of £158,000 of donations made on the day. For more information visit the website www.powerplay-golf.com

Nearest to the pin – from the fifth floor! The Cut Golf Club hosted the Mandurah Mazda PGA Pro-Am last month with 132 amateurs and professionals competing for cash and prizes totalling more than $12,500. The weather was kind to the competitors with perfect golfing conditions. The wind stayed away as did the rain. Shaun Harmer from Queensland was the eventual winner with a -3 under score of 69 with James Carr from WA coming in second with a 2-under of 70. The amateur team winner was the local team of Rod Corp, Damien Pike and Andrew Coughlin. The day was capped off with the Oceanique Skyline Shootout, with seven professionals competing for $2000 from the rooftop of the Luxury Oceanique Apartments down to the practice putting green in front of the clubhouse 184m away. The professionals included Wayne Smith, Chris Gray, David Wilson and Jarrod Moseley from WA as well as Anthony Choat and Nick Cullen from SA and Glenn Joyner from Victoria.

The seven professionals hit two shots each from the rooftop under lights for $500 in round one, which was won by Wayne Smith. In round two, Davis Wilson won the $500 and in the final round — worth $1000 — Wayne Smith came up trumps again, taking his total to $1500 for the night. Declan McCollam, The Cut’s general manager said that the evening was designed to add something special to the day and was a great way to finish the Mandurah Mazda Pro-Am. McCollam said that The Cut was very grateful to the Butler family, Steve, Jo and Adam for their continued support of golf at The Cut. Other sponsors included Drummond Golf Mandurah, e-Z-Go golf carts, Webb and Brown Neaves. Port Bouvard Ltd the owners of the Oceanique Apartments put up the $2000 prize money for the Oceanique Skyline Shootout and would like to continue with the event in the future.

World’s best to headline JBWere Masters Following months of speculation, IMG last month announced that The 2011 JBWere Masters will return to The Victoria Golf Club from 1518 December, and will feature Luke Donald, Ian Poulter and defending champion Stuart Appleby. Donald is enjoying a phenomenal year winning the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship in February and the prestigious PGA Championship in May which saw him climb to Number 1 on the Official World Golf Rankings. “I have never played in Australia but I have

heard so many great things about the sandbelt courses, the people there, and the country’s culture,” commented Luke. Poulter will make his first appearance at the JBWere Masters, and is enjoying a great year, winning the World Match Play Championship in May. “I am huge fan of the sandbelt courses and really look forward to getting back to Melbourne and playing Victoria for the first time. Hopefully I can replicate England’s win in The Ashes last summer!” joked Ian.

news 11

RACV launches Golf Membership Program If you’re looking for an affordable membership option, but don’t want to be tied to a single course, then RACV may have the answer you’re looking for. The newly launched RACV Golf Membership allows you to experience a wide range of golf courses, receive discounted green fees, and get an official handicap. The program gives you one free round and two half price rounds at each of the RACV golf courses - Cape Schanck Resort, Royal Pines Resort (Gold Coast) and Torquay Golf Club. On top of that, you also get a minimum 20% discount across Victorian golf courses such as Eynesbury, Moonah Links, Settlers Run, Long Island Country Club and Cobram Barooga Golf Club. Additionally, you can get an official golf handicap, the opportunity to play in member events/competitions and more.

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

RACV Cape Schanck Annual subscription ranges from $168-$210 (depending on your RACV Membership level). For more information, visit www.racv.com.au

Four pairs share NSW PGA Foursomes On a cold and windy winter’s day the Concord Golf Club was the winner, with four pairs sharing the spoils after shooting 3-over par scores of 74 at the annual Coca Cola NSW PGA Foursomes Championship. A popular event, attracting 135 competitors and held in conjunction with the NSW/ACT division AGM, the foursomes is always keenly contested amongst the state-based PGA members. Recent OneAsia winner Kurt Barnes was in the field, however he was unable to match the scores of the winners in the demanding conditions. In the end it was Leigh McKechnieNeil Sarkies, Nevan Basic-John Serhan, Ken

Nomination fees waived

Druce-Sean Somers and Martin Dive-Jake Nagle who couldn’t be separated and were named joint winners of the title. At the AGM which preceded the golf. New PGA Australia CEO Brian Thorburn addressed the gathering which included life members and long term PGA members Dan Cullen, Eddie Emerson and Tom Moore. The results of board elections were also revealed, with former Australasian Tour winner Ken Druce, Gary Booby, from the Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range and Legends Tour professional Richard Beer among those elected to represent the NSW PGA membership.

TO kick-start the financial year, Pacific Dunes Golf Club at Port Stephens on NSW has waived its joining fees. Members can now enjoy the flexibility of a full individual or family membership without the obligation of a joining fee. Pacific Dunes is ranked within the top-100 courses in Australia. There are so many great benefits available to members with unlimited golf, preferred tee times, member guest rates and lots more. Pacific Dunes general manager Brendan Currie said the club was excited to be waving the joining fees for external membership packages. “We are looking forward to welcoming an increased number of members to the club and I encourage interested golfers to act quickly to join for the next financial year,” he said. As a member, golfers are entitled access the Troon Golf Advantage Program, which provides members with complimentary vouchers to play other Troon Golf-managed facilities. For further details, contact the membership manager John Harries on (02) 4916 0500, email

The Ridge to take shape

Construction of the second nine holes is set to begin at the popular The Ridge Golf Course. A public course earning rave reviews for the nine holes currently in operation, should all go to plan, during 2012 The Ridge will unveil the second nine holes in what is a much needed golfing facility in that particular part of the Sydney metropolitan area. The course will be built by Turnpoint Group, a premier golf course construction and maintenance company.

pga@pacificdunesgolf.com.au or inquire online at www.pacificdunesgolf.com.au

Keperra Country Golf Club

FOR the first time in five years, Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane has waived its nomination fee in all categories of club membership. “But it’s only for a limited time,” said Col Landsberg, the club’s membership co-ordinator. He said the offer represented a saving of $1000. “It’s rare for an internationally-recognised 27hole championship golf facility to make such an offer,” he said. “There are seven categories, which include juniors, scholars and country as well as five-, six- and seven-day memberships.” Landsberg said since launching the offer, there had been a flood of new members joining the club. “The membership drive is themed ‘Target 150’ and once we reach that number the offer will be off the table,” he said. For further information, call Col on (07) 3355 7744 or download the application form at www.keperragolf.com.au As well as the soon-to-be 18 holes, Ridge has a two-tier driving range which operates seven days and nights, a first-class short game practice area plus a teaching academy headed up by two former NSW PGA teaching professionals of the year in Kurt Stegbauer and Glenn Whittle. Also on the academy coaching staff is Darren Chapman, a contributor to the pages of Inside Golf, respected Women’s Golf NSW coach Denise Hutton and Ridge head professional Gary Booby.

July 2011

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Norman’s ‘Copperclub’ course opens in South Australia

Copperclub Golf Course Australian golfing legend Greg Norman’s first course design in South Australia has officially opened for play. The finishing touches have been put on the first nine holes of the new Copperclub golf course at The Dunes Port Hughes on the Yorke Peninsula, with thousands of golfers expected to tackle the Scottish style links layout in coming months. Already the club has received an enormous amount of enquiries from golfers across Australia wanting to be one of the first to play the course,

with almost 150 members already signed up. To complete the first nine holes, more than 180,000sqm of top quality couch grass has been rolled out at Copperclub to make it one of the first golf courses in Australia to be laid entirely with instant turf, rather than grown from seed. A similar approach will be taken to the second nine holes currently in planning, with major construction set to start next year. For more information phone 1300 788 867 or visit www.thedunesporthughes.com.au.

Sydney’s Stonecutters Ridge now complete The eagerly anticipated Greg Norman-designed championship golf course at Stonecutters Ridge in Colebee has seen the final stages of construction completed – 14 of the 18 holes are fully established, with the remainder growing in over the coming months. Stonecutters Ridge is located just 45 minutes’ drive north-west of Sydney and will offer resort style living and a members-only golf club, complete with a clubhouse and practice facilities. Stage 1 of the development is almost sold out, Stage 2 offers an exclusive selection of golf course frontage lots up to 1086m2, and the eagerly anticipated Stage 3 has just been released. Over the last 6 months, the final stages of

golf construction have focussed on landscape, maintenance and golf hole construction. The spring/summer period has accelerated the growth of the native grassing to upland holes and has also seen the establishment of couch areas. “The golf course is looking sensational with its natural undulating landscape and surrounds which provide stunning views. Congratulations to Greg, his team, and all involved with its delivery. I look forward to its grand opening next year,” said Lloyd Gomez, Stonecutters Ridge Project Director. For more information contact Stonecutters Ridge on 1800 667 626 or visit their website: stonecuttersridge.com.au

It’s all in how you measure things IT’S been quite a while since golf has experienced any signs of growth. However, one category appears to be showing it can happen, reports golfbiz.net. It’s been five years since the USGA gave its blessings with respect to using distancemeasuring devices. According to Golf Datatech, LLC (www.golfdatatech.com), the industry’s leading independent research firm for consumer, trade and retail golf trends, its first-ever Distance Measuring Device (DMD) Study revealed a marketplace that is approaching the on-off course putter market in total sales, and may reach as high as $170 million in annual sales across all retail channels in the U.S. “DMDs represent the fastest- growing category in golf and the biggest single category creation since we started tracking hybrid clubs in 2005,” said Golf Datatech’s Tom Stine.

Among some of the key findings of the study suggest hand-held GPS rangefinders out-sell lasers by a 2-1 ratio, with the average selling price of a DMD around US$249. Among the serious golfer, 43% favoured hand-held GPS rangefinders over 28% for lasers. However, 51% of the respondents stated that laser devices are more accurate than hand-held GPS rangefinders. Additionally, while about two-thirds of the serious golfers surveyed in the study utilize smart phones, less than one-half of those have downloaded/purchased a DMD phone application. Among the most interesting findings in the study, 30% of all respondents (nearly 1,800 golfers surveyed) stated that exact yardage from their ball to the target was “extremely important,” while an additional 64% said it was “important.” Further, 68% of the respondents who use DMDs believe the device speeds up the pace of play.

Glenelg Golf Club appoints new Pro GLENELG Golf Club has announced the appointment of Shane Robinson to the position of Club Professional and Director of Golf Operations. Shane is highly respected and experienced within the golfing industry and is an active member of Golf Management Australia as well as being a Life Member of the Australian PGA Tour. Shane spent a number of years competing on the Australasian PGA Tour, winning the 1994 New Zealand Open and 1995 Coolum Classic. Following a successful playing career, Shane was appointed Director of Golf at McCracken Country Club, Victor Harbour, in 2002, and was responsible for golf operations, member services, and the operational maintenance of the golf course.

Please congratulate the following General Managers appointments: Links Hope Island (Qld): Mark Holland North Lakes Resort GC (Qld): Adam Simpson P l e a s e s e n d a l l n e w m a n a g e m e nt postings to be included in a future issue to ed@insidegolf.com.au

Golf Industry Central partners with Golf Queensland

GOLF Queensland has announced a key partnership with leading industry marketing and golf operations company Golf Industry Central. Golf Industry Central (GIC) will produce Golf Queensland’s quarterly online magazine, Q-Golf Online, and manage all website advertising from July 1 this year. Golf Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer Lindsay Ellis said he was confident the partnership with GIC would assist the organisation in building its profile. “Golf Industry Central’s reputation is regarded very highly and I look forward to a partnership that will strengthen Golf Queensland’s relationship with key industry organisations,” Mr Ellis said. “In the last 12 months our websites attracted about 195,000 visits and we expect this number to increase when we launch the new site in July.”

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industrynews 13

Ross Perrett leads the way for Golf Environment

Gainsborough Greens Golf Course

Twenty-one years to finish golf Reno THE first stage of the Gainsborough Greens Golf Course renovation has now been completed after 21years since its launch. The golf course is the centrepiece of a master-planned residential community being undertaken by the Mirvac Group. The course with undergo further work in the future. Ross Watson has been undertaking the work and said the works are now completed on a new 13th, 14th hole and some slight improvements on the 15th. Mirvac Queensland CEO Matthew Wallace said the $1billion masterplanned residential community being built around the golf course has proceeded well. Our rate of sales has been steady.

One of Australia’s leading golf course architects, Ross Perrett, made history when he acted as the Golf Environment Organisation’s (GEO) official verifier in accrediting The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course as the first GEO Certified™ facility in Asia-Pacific. The Golf Environment Organization is a stakeholder-funded non-profit dedicated to helping the global golf community establish leadership in environmental enhancement and corporate responsibility. Bringing clear insight, cutting edge guidance and golf ’s most constructive, credible and comprehensive certifications, golfenvironment.org is a one-stopshop for sustainable golf solutions. GEO partners with governments, international environmental NGOs, scientists and corporate and individual sponsors including The European Tour, The R&A, The European Golf Association, UNEP, WWF, and the Club Managers Associations of Europe, America and China. Whilst most golf course architects in the world now claim to be environmentally sensitive, Perrett is one that is truly genuine in his efforts towards the environment. Perrett completed GEO’s environmental training course to become

an accredited verifier and also has a tertiary education and real life experience to ensure he can implement his passion for the environment through a thorough understanding of the issues. Perrett has 30 years experience as a golf course architect, working on over 100 golf courses in Australia, Asia and Europe. in 2009 he won the “Outstanding Sustainable Landscape” award at the Architectural & Design Excellence in South East Asia Awards for his work at The National Golf Club. Perrett says “I was delighted to be approached by GEO to assist in the development of their global strategy and the roll out of their programs including The GEO Legacy–Guidance for Sustainable Golf Development. The verification of The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Golf Courses is an important step in the promotion of and recognition of sustainable golf design and management. I am confident that GEO will be able make a valuable contribution to the golf development industry in Australia and the Asia Pacific Region.” To have Ross advise you on environmental issues at your course, you can contact him on 03 8698 8000 or ross@thomsonperrett.com.au

The Eastern Golf Club Doncaster land sold to Mirvac The Eastern Golf Club announced that their current site of 47 hectares In Doncaster has been sold to Mirvac for a yet undisclosed sum. Club Captain Peter Dane said “After a long running sales process involving extensive and detailed negotiations, we are delighted to confirm that Mirvac is the successful purchaser. The sale is conditional on obtaining a planning permit for Yering development site so the Club will not be disclosing the sale price or key commercial terms at this time. When a Yering permit is obtained, details of the sale will be released,” Mr Dane added. The Club has reaffirmed its commitment to Members to obtain a permit for the Yering site in the Yarra Valley, where they propose to develop a world class Greg Norman- designed 27-hole golf course combined with a 9-hole par-3 facility.

Changes at the top The members of one of Queensland’s oldest and most prestigious regional golf clubs, the Toowoomba Golf Club–Middle Ridge, have elected Nancy Young as inaugural female club president. “I am proud and humble to be elected as the president of the Toowoomba Golf Club,” the newly-elected president said in a prepared

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Barry opts for a lesser role DavidNewbery BARRY Shepherd had been considering stepping down as a Golf Queensland board member for some time. There had been one thing stopping him: his enjoyment for his work as a golf administrator. But last month Shepherd, 70, finally pulled the pin after dedicating close to 40 years to golf. “I recently turned 70 and decided I have been around long enough and now somebody else can have an input,” Shepherd said. “The main reason I am pulling out is I am a bit over meetings. “I have been playing golf all my life and I have been on a committee every year, except one, since 1971.” Shepherd, a pharmacist by profession, started his golf administration career at Townsville where he owned his own business. Currently, he serves on three sub-committees – match, technical and high performance and he’s a state selector. His other role is as one of the six administrators appointed to re-rate Queensland’s golf courses. Shepherd’s first foray in golf administration was on the committee at Townsville Golf Club in 1971. He was appointed club president in 1973. “I was 32 and Townsville’s youngest president,” he said. “I had two stints, from 1973-’75 and again from 1979-’81.” In 1981, Shepherd was appointed president of the North Queensland Golf Association and he held the position for 10 years.

Barry Shepherd “I became a delegate to the QGU in 1987. “That’s when Peter Davies rang me and asked me if I wanted to join the board and I said yes and used to come down for the delegates meetings. “I was on the board from 1987 until the QGU and QLGU amalgamated in 2007 to form Golf Queensland.” Shepherd was Queensland Golf Union president from 2004 to 2007 when he voluntarily stepped down. Had he continued in the role he would have become AGU president in 2008 under the rotation system, which would have entitled him to a trip to either the Open Championship or

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the US Masters. Shepherd says he would have jumped at the chance to go to the Masters. The popular golf administrator believes he still has a lot to contribute to golf and has a desire to remain on the sub-committees. He enjoys his role on the match committee and as a state selector. “I actually moved down from North Queensland so that I could get more involved with state teams,” he said. “I managed the Queensland state team for five years and also managed the Colts team in 1996 and ’97.

“One of the highlights was being manager of the state team in 2001 when Queensland won the interstate series for the first time in 22 years. “And I also enjoyed taking away three national teams to places like Argentina and New Zealand.” An avid golfer, Shepherd currently plays off a handicap of 15. “I went out three shots in four games with the new handicapping system,” said Shepherd, who is a member at Royal Queensland and The Grand on the Gold Coast. “I don’t think I have been higher than 14 since 1961. “I did get my handicap down to four at Townsville and my best score was three-under par (off the stick).” Shepherd says he is an “average player”, but he did win a NQ foursomes tournament, a club foursomes tournament at Townsville and a NQ open event at El Arish. I ask Shepherd what he is going to do with all his spare time. “You are kidding me, aren’t you,” he says. “I still have heaps to do and golf is taking up a lot of my time. Golf course rating is time consuming and I still have 11 courses to do.” It’s something he hopes to complete before the end of July. “Then I’d probably like to play more golf than the current three times a month and in August I am going on a golf trip to England, Scotland and Ireland. “It’s only a three-week trip, but we are playing 16 rounds of golf in 19 days.”

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PGA of Australia BrianThorburn

It’s again been an exciting month for the PGA and Australian golf with some more great performances on the world stage. Since my last address Kurt Barnes claimed OneAsia’s SK Telecom Open, Andrew Tampion won his second career European Challenge Tour title and most recently Peter Fowler won the European Senior Masters title by three strokes, only days before his 52nd birthday. Congratulations to all three deserving winners and all the best for the remainder of the season. This month the PGA is again accepting applications from accomplished golfers looking to join our membership through the PGA Trainee program. The Trainee program is open to skilled

golfers, either male or female who have a passion for the sport of golf. Our program is second to none the world over–we currently have PGA Members working in all corners of the globe and demand continues to increase as the global industry grows. Working alongside a fully qualified PGA Member, the 3-year Trainee program provides on the job training in a number of golf industry related areas. If you or someone you know may be interested in applying for the program contact the PGA on 03 8320 1911. Applications close on August 31. I recently returned from China where the PGA finalised an agreement with our long-standing partner, the China Golf Association (CGA). It has now been confirmed that the PGA will host three teams from the China Golf

Association’s Golf Club League at the 2011 Holden Scramble Championship Final. The Chinese teams will compete against our own Scramble Finalists and in return the CGA will host the top three teams from this year’s Holden Scramble Final in China next April. The friendly competition is aimed at further developing the already strong relationship between the Australian and Chinese golfing communities and means an extra special opportunity now awaits our top three Holden Scramble teams for 2011. On the Holden Scramble, as part of our 20th Anniversary Holden Scramble promotion the PGA and GM Holden are for the first time giving away a car, a Holden Cruze, to one lucky Scrambler. Be sure to sign up to your local Holden Scramble to be in with a chance.

In funding our elite amateur players, we are obviously aiming to help them with their development. Over and above that we are hoping to help develop the future champions of Australian golf who will help increase interest in our great game. July will also see a significant number of annual meetings held at The Open Championship at Royal St George’s. The majority of the golfing world attends the Open Championship each year and it is an ideal place to meet with other national bodies and Associations, the R&A and with the Australian players and managers of players on the men’s and women’s tours. Through these meetings, we can expand on some of the development work and other initiatives, do preparatory work for the Handa

Women’s Australian Open and talk to players for the Australian Open. On the subject of the 2011 Australian Open, we are delighted to have Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Geoff Ogilvy, Greg Norman and Fred Couples commit to play at The Lakes and the field has the potential to be one of the best in years. There will be other announcements in the coming weeks. Finally golf clubs should have received the handicapping update from GA Chairman John Hopkins with the Australian Handicap System Implementation Plan. So far the feedback received has been very encouraging. If your club did not receive this, check that your club address details and email are correct on GOLF Link or call our office for assistance.

country. In 1978, Williams and his then business partner David Inglis, founded the Mens Australian Masters tournament, an event which has since established itself as one of the most successful in Australian professional golf of either gender. Later, Williams joined IMG, to whom he had previously sold the Masters, before being appointed by Greg Norman as his manager after IMG and Norman parted ways. Williams represented Great White Shark Enterprises for a period of eight years during a period when Norman became world number one and reached the pinnacle of his stunning golfing career. There is no doubting that the profile of women’s golf has lifted over the past ten or fifteen years due to the increased media exposure surrounding the success of players such as Karrie Webb, Rachel Hetherington and Katherine Hull, and

coverage of major events including the Women’s Australian Open and ANZ RACV Ladies Masters. We felt the timing was right to make a positive and progressive step to boost that momentum and began to investigate how best we could achieve that goal. We owe it to our members and to our existing stakeholders to really drive our product and generate increased support for it, and I approached Frank with this in mind. He is a creative, positive and convincing man who we know has the skill and most importantly a strong belief in our product, enabling him to take it to the boardrooms of Corporate Australia. Until recently Frank knew little about ALPG and we believe there are perhaps many companies who are also unaware of what women’s golf can offer them. With Frank’s involvement I feel sure we can go a long way to changing that.

Golf Australia StephenPitt As the winter months set in, June and July are traditionally the months that our National Squad players and other elite amateurs head overseas to compete on the UK and US summer amateur circuits. Already Queensland’s Ashley Ona won the St Rule Trophy held over the New and Old Courses at St Andrews – just one of many invaluable experiences that these overseas tours provide the players with. In addition to playing exceptional golf courses, these overseas tournaments introduce players to potential future playing partners on Tour. As many pros will attest, friendships forged on the amateur circuits can last many years of professional careers.

ALPG WarrenSevil W e ’ re p l e a s e d to announce the appointment of highly regarded and iconic Australian golf industry figure, Frank Williams, to sp e arhe ad t he promot ion and commercialisation of Women’s professional golf in Australia. Williams, who became a household name in Australian golfing circles during the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s through his role as tournament promoter, entrepreneur and business manager to Greg Norman, has taken the role of Director, Corporate Development and Sales, which is aimed at generating greater opportunity for women’s professional golf while at the same time further promoting and enhancing the existing awareness and profile the female game enjoys in this

July 2011

16 PGAtour..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Inside the ropes at the US Open BruceYoung Those who made the journey to the Congressional Country Club near Washington DC for the 2011 US Open will be delighted they made the effort to do so. The record-breaking feats of Rory McIlroy left many in awe of the 22 year old’s talent, and no doubt those in attendance will feel blessed to have been part of what will remain as one of the most dominant performances in major championship golf. McIlroy’s eight-shot victory was arguably a display that will go down alongside Tiger Woods’ triumph at Pebble Beach in 2000. The facts tell the story. McIlroy’s total of 268 strokes breaks the 72-hole U.S. Open scoring record of 272 previously held by four players – Jack Nicklaus, 1980; Lee Janzen, 1993; Tiger Woods, 2000; Jim Furyk, 2003. His total of 16 under par breaks the 72-hole U.S. Open record for most strokes under par previously at 12-under held by Tiger Woods in 2000. At 22 years, 1 month, 15 days, Rory McIlroy is the youngest U.S. Open champion since Bob Jones, 1923, at 21 years, 3 months, 28 days. He is also the second-youngest player to win a major championship in past 80 years behind Tiger Woods, who was 21 years, 3 months, 15 days when he won the 1997 Masters. With the victories by Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, both from Northern Ireland, this is the first time there have been back-to-back international winners from the same country since Alec Ross (1907) and Fred McLeod (1908), both from Scotland. McIlroy established an initial break with his opening round of 65. It did not take long, however, for the ‘rat pack’ in the Media Centre to raise the ‘old chestnut’ of his implosion on Masters Sunday. McIlroy, though, was ready for them and had it covered. “I took the experience from Augusta, and I learned a lot from it. But I feel like these good starts in the majors are very much down to my preparation and how I prepare for them. I mean, when you’re going into the U.S. Open you can’t be thinking about what’s happened before, you’ve got to just be thinking about this week and how best you can prepare and how you can get yourself around the golf course.”

“Tiger Who?”...Rory McIlroy gave fans at the US Open something to really cheer about (Photo: © USGA/ Darren Carroll) So what was it that he took out of that experience? “I just took mostly from the Sunday just being so tentative and trying to keep ahead of the field instead of playing a free flowing game like I usually do. That’s one of the big differences.” The further the tournament went, the further McIlroy went ahead. His lead after Day One was by three but 24 hours later he had doubled that. By Saturday evening the tournament was all but over. He led into Sunday’s final round by eight shots over Y.E. Yang and even those hoping for a contest on Day Four had resigned themselves to the fact that they were not going to get it. Instead they looked at the glass being half full and joined the sell-out crowds in rejoicing in what they were witnessing rather than what they were not. If there was any prospect of McIlroy giving his chasers any hope early on Day Four, it was soon extinguished. When he hit a great shot to the 1st to set up an opening birdie it became a case of ‘game on’ for the second position. Not only was the huge runner-up purse of US$865,000 up for grabs but so too a huge amount of World Ranking points and the benefits they can bring. Several would put up their hands before Jason Day emerged. As had been the case on Saturday,

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Day was slow to get going in the final round, but a birdie at the 6th got things underway. He was struggling to find fairways but would display an innate ability to score and when he again hit a brilliant tee shot at the par-three 10th for his second birdie of the day, he had moved into a share of second.

I took the experience from Augusta, and I learned a lot from it. He found another birdie at the 16th and had moved into outright second. Day’s round was to a large extent summarised by the magnificent par he made at the last after finding the rough and the greenside bunker. Day’s effort has moved him to 9th in the world—by far Australia’s best—and the good thing for local fans is that we get to see him play in Australia later this year. He is the only player to have finished inside the top ten in his last three majors. All of those on debut at that particular event. McIlroy however was the focus for all.

In the absence of Tiger Woods–and many were beginning to say ‘Tiger Who?’ by week’s end– and with the waning of Phil Mickelson’s star, Rory fever grew as each birdie fell. No more so was this evident than at the 10th hole on Sunday. As he walked along the bank and up to the green after almost holing his tee shot, the roar that rang out from the amphitheatre surrounding that green had to be heard to be believed. As much as I wanted Jason Day to succeed, when it became evident that it was not about to happen, it was a joy to urge McIlroy on. The hairs on the back of the neck stood up when that crowd reaction swept across the 10th hole and you felt then that this was a man who had captured the hearts and attention of America. Rory somehow had the almost total support of the crowd as he strolled through his record breaking feats. Perhaps it was a sympathy vote but McIory had his own ideas on that. “I said to some that I felt I was getting the support for the wrong reasons at times,” he said referring to the sympathy some showed for his demise two months earlier. “I needed to get out and give them something to cheer about for the right reasons.” Rory did just that.

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July 2011

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Porter gets ‘monkey off back’ DavidNewbery IT’S amazing what a breakthrough win can do for a young professional’s confidence. Gold Coast native Timothy Porter has a spring in his step after securing his first win – albeit a shared victory – on Queensland’s Sunshine Tour. The 24-year-old, who has toiled manfully on the tour for two-and-a-half years, last month recorded his first win when he tied for first with Sam West and Clinton Lourens at the Burrum District pro-am. “It’s great to get the monkey off the back,” said Porter, who is back at work in the pro shop at Victoria Park in Brisbane. “We have a bit of a break in the schedule (four weeks) so I’m working in the shop and practicing in preparation for when the tour gets underway again. “Winning was always going to happen,” he said. “I now feel a lot more confident and I think the next win will be a lot easier.” He says his new-found confidence, competitive spirit and quality short game will help him achieve his goal of playing the game on a fulltime basis. “The hardest part of being a professional is making it a full-time job,” he said. “My circumstances mean I can play threequarters of the time, but I’d like to focus primarily on being a full-time tournament player.” The Troppo Tour, he says, is the ideal stepping stone to other tours.

“It’s the perfect place to learn how to travel, measure time and to work towards becoming a more consistent player. “It can be hard playing five or six rounds a week and travelling, but I reckon the guys who perform on the Sunshine Tour can perform anywhere, really.” Porter is competitive by nature and loves challenging his playing partners to the odd “side bet”. “I like being competitive with other pros and betting gives you a competitive edge,” he said. While he has a competitive streak, Porter is blessed with having a calm demeanour on the golf course. “You will never see me get upset on the golf course,” he said. “I have never thrown a club in anger because I don’t want to have to pay for a new one.” His consistency paid off last year when he finished 14th on the Sunshine Tour’s Order of Merit. “I’m happy with that and even happier now that I have had a win.” Now he has his sights set on attending the Australasian and OneAsia tours qualifying schools later this year. “Between now and the end of the year I will play a selection of events on Troppo, but my main goal is to get through qualifying school with a tour card. “I have been there before and it was good experience and allowed me an insight into what it takes to get to the next level.

“If I can get enough money there’s a possibility I’ll try the Asian Tour or Japan Tour qualifying schools and that’ll give me a few more options.” Porter completed his traineeship at Victoria Park and is coached by the complex’s teaching professional Jim Barden.

And it seems the young man with big dreams is placing a lot of trust in his coach. “Jim and I have set goals,” he said. “You can’t go wrong if you have a plan, work hard on the practice fairway and take that to the golf course. “If there’s anyone that’s going to get me somewhere in the game, it’s Jim.”

July 2011

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Holden Scramble regional final venues confirmed An injection of new locations this year for the Holden Scramble Regional Finals has added even further excitement to the Holden Scramble in its 20th Anniversary year. The western and southern states will be venturing into new territory with a range of new Regional Final venues confirmed for this season. Secret Harbour Golf Links will be hosting all Western Australian Regional Finals this year and will provide a different challenge to golfers from all across the state who may not be familiar with the links-style layout. Victoria has also joined Western Australia with four new courses for their Regional Finals in October. Rich River Golf Club will host the Regional and Rural golf clubs in Victoria, while The Sands Torquay is an exciting new inclusion for the Western Victoria golf clubs after the success of the PGA’s revolutionary event, the Surf Coast Knockout, earlier this year. Settlers Run Golf & Country Club and Rosanna Golf Club are the two new venues for the metropolitan Regional Finals in Victoria and will provide a fantastic experience for some of the 4,000 players across Australia expected to tee it up in the Regional Finals across the country throughout October. Also providing a change of venue and layout is South Australia who will host its Regional Final at Mt Osmond Golf Club. Mt Osmond isn’t an

Secret Harbour is one of a handful of new locations to host the Holden Scramble Regional Finals entirely new course as they hosted a Regional Final four years ago, but it will have a different feel with teams adding an extra player since the three person format in 2007. Similarly to South Australia, Tasmania will also return to Launceston Golf Club, who haven’t held a Regional final for over five years, which is sure to provide a different taste to the Regional Final in the North of the Apple Isle. Finally, competitors in the South East of Queensland will be up for a thrill as they get an opportunity to play another one of the Gold

Coast’s best courses, The Glades Golf Club. Their Regional Final is the first one of the 24 mixed Regional Finals across the country, teeing off on Monday the 3rd October. For more information on the dates and venues of the Holden Scramble Regional Finals please visit www.holdenscramble.com or contact the PGA Events Division on 03 8320 1999. Note: Regional Final allocations are at the discretion of the PGA Events Division. The PGA reserves the right to alter Regional Final details where necessary.

HOLDEN SCRAMBLE REGIONAL FINALS Date 3-Oct 3-Oct 4-Oct 4-Oct

State Venue QLD The Glades GC VIC Settlers Run G & CC NSW Riverside Oaks GC WA Secret Harbour Golf Links Metro Final 7-Oct NSW Macquarie Links Intnl GC (AM) 7-Oct NSW Macquarie Links Intnl GC (PM) 9-Oct QLD The Willows Golf Resort 9-Oct QLD Robina Woods GC 10-Oct NSW Bonville Golf Resort 10-Oct VIC The Sands Torquay 10-Oct WA Secret Harbour Golf Links Country A Final 11-Oct WA Secret Harbour Golf Links Country B Final 12-Oct NSW Pacific Dunes GC 16-Oct QLD Capricorn Resort 17-Oct NSW Federal GC 17-Oct VIC Rich River GC 18-Oct NSW Gungahlin Lakes GC 23-Oct QLD Pelican Waters GC 23-Oct SA Mt Osmond GC 24-Oct NSW Magenta Shores GC (AM) 24-Oct NSW Magenta Shores GC (PM) 24-Oct QLD Pacific Harbour G & CC 24-Oct VIC Rosanna GC 28-Oct TAS Launceston GC

Women’s State Finals 10-Oct 14-Oct 21-Oct 24-Oct

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July 2011

22 events..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au Women’s NSWLGU Salver

In the final of the Women’s NSWLGU Salver it was the battle of the young guns, with Celina Yuan (Bankstown Golf Club) taking on Zoe Ticehurst (New South Wales Golf Club). Despite some overall good play from Ticehurst, it was Yuan who took the match, with a convincing 6/4 victory.

Women’s NSW Mid-Amateur Championship Kim Burke (Shelly Beach Golf Club) claimed victory in the 2011 Women’s NSW MidAmateur Championship, finishing with 160. Last year’s State Champion Sue Wooster (Victoria Golf Club) finished second on 165, and Gemma Dooley (New South Wales Golf Club) was third. 26 competitors took part in the Championship, which was played in conjunction with the first and second round of the 72-hole Championship at The Lakes Golf Club.

Women’s NSW Amateur Championship It was a thrilling finale in the 2011 Women’s NSW Amateur Championship Match Play, held at The Australian Golf Club. Number one seed Jessica Speechley (Lake Karrinyup GC, WA) battled against seventh seed Grace Lennon (Kingston Heath GC, VIC) in the 36-hole final. The pair both started strongly, with Speechley taking an early 2-up lead after nine, and stretching the lead to 3-up after the first 18-holes. With rain coming down, the girls continued to battle it out. Lennon kept her composure and continued to fight back, taking it to all square after 32-holes. In an incredible tussle, the girls went through the 36th hole still all square. In what proved to be a battle of

mental and physical stamina, and an incredible match between two outstanding young golfers, 19-year-old Lennon won the match on the 38th hole, following a fantastic shot onto the green. It was Lennon’s first major win, and she was thrilled with the victory against her more experienced opponent. She also defeated a number of outstanding golfers through the rounds of 16, 8 and 4, which made the win even more elating. This year’s field was of exceptionally high quality, including the top four Women’s Australian Amateur players – Jessica Speechley, Ashley Ona, Breanna Elliot and Courtney Massey.

Women’s NSW Margery McWilliam Bowl Elizabeth Buckley from New South Wales Golf Club had an incredibly successful week of golf in the 2011 Women’s NSW Margery McWilliam Bowl, winning the qualifying rounds, and then taking out the title in the Match Play. In the qualifying rounds at The Lakes Golf Club, Buckley finished on top of the leaderboard with scores of 96 and 94 for a total 190. She was four ahead of Lynne Toomey (Beverley Park Golf Club) who finished with 194. Susanne Flack (Kogarah Golf Club) was a further four behind on 198. The top eight qualified for the Match Play,

Celina Yuan which was played at The Australian Golf Club. Buckley played strongly in the Quarter and Semi-Finals of the Match Play, and in the Final met Flack, who had won both her matches 1-up. The game was played in great spirit, and both ladies played very well around the challenging course, however it was Buckley who was the more consistent, winning the match 3/2.

Women’s NSW Club Champions

Chantal Hodson from The Australian Golf Club took out the 2011 Club Champions Championship. Hodson finished with 158, one shot ahead of Olivia Wilson from Catalina Country Club. 25 Club Champions competed in the Championship, which was for female amateur golfers who were the 2010 Women’s Club Champion of a Golf Club affiliated with Golf NSW. This event was played in conjunction with the first and second round of the 72-hole Championship at The Lakes Golf Club.

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Women’s NSW 72-hole Championship Jessica Speechley and Ashley Ona were named joint winners of the 2011 Women’s NSW 72-hole Stroke Play Championship, held at The Lakes Golf Club. On the first day of play, Elly Cheon (Strathfield Golf Club) took an early one-shot lead, finishing the day with an impressive round of even par 74. Ellen Davies-Graham (Redcliffe Golf Club, QLD) scored a one-over par 75 to sit in second position, while Ashley Ona was a further shot behind in third place with a 76. The second day of play saw Ona shoot to the lead with a fantastic two-under par 72 for the day, giving her a total of 148 over 36-holes. Day one leader Cheon shot 77 for a total 151, dropping to second place. Whitney Hillier moved into third position, with consistent scores of 79 and 74 (153), while Shelly Shin (Concord GC) and Jessica Speechley were equal fourth with 154. Speechley also shot an impressive two-under par 72 on the day. Ona continued her strong form on the third day of play, shooting a par round of 74. Ona was sitting on 222 after 54-holes, four ahead of her nearest rival. Speechley and Shin both had fantastic rounds of two-under 72, and were tied for second place. Cheon’s round of 78 saw her finish in fourth position, while Lakes Golf Club member Adrianna Brent was in fifth spot. With a seeded draw for the final day of play it proved to be an exciting finish in the leading group. Speechley’s final round 76 was enough to catch Ona, whose 4-shot lead dwindled with a final round of 80 on the day. The pair both finished on 302 and were named joint winners. Shin and Brent tied for third, both players finishing the 72-holes with 307.

Club, carded rounds of 66-71–137 (five-under par) to join Lee Manning in the playoff. The pair finished one stroke clear of third place getter and local champion Trevor Tougher. Yeppoon’s Ben Harding won the B grade open with rounds of 77-83–160 – five shots clear of Rockhampton’s Wesley Ramm. Keith Jones of Yeppoon won the C grade with a 172 total. More than 150 players took part in the championships.

Women’s 72-hole Stroke Championship Winners - Ashely Ona & Jessica Speechley

Powell conquers sand greens

2011 Men’s NSW Mid Amateur Championship Over 100 competitors took part in the 2011 Men’s NSW Mid-Amateur Championship, held at Cypress Lakes Golf Club. The Championship was open to male amateurs who are between 30-55 years, with a handicap of 9.4 and under. The first day saw defending NSW MidAmateur Champion Guy Wall (Pymble Golf Club) finish with an astonishing four-under par (68) and take a commanding four stroke lead. Wall started well with a birdie three and completed his first nine holes in 32 strokes (3 under par). Two more birdies and a bogey on the back nine completed his round of 68 (4 under par). Q u e e n s l a n d ’s M i c h a e l N e a t o n (Rockhampton Golf Club) sat in second place following an even par round of 72 while one stroke further back was Liverpool’s Daniel Nichols and Dunheved’s Graeme Howland. Unfortunately Wall could not repeat his performance on the second day of play, and ended the day with six over par 78. This allowed for two players to catch him, with

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2011 Men’s NSW Mid-Amateur Winner Michael Neaton Neaton shooting two over par 74, and Nichols finishing with one over par 73. A sudden death play-off commenced at Cypress’ 17th hole. Neaton quickly birdied the first play-off hole and secured the Championship. Nichols finished in second on a countback, while Guy Wall was third. Full reports, results and prize winners can be found online at www.golfnsw.org.

Neaton playoff champion

NEW South Wales Mid Amateur champion Michael Neaton went home with another prize when he rolled in a birdie putt on the first extra playoff hole to win the Yeppoon Open in Central Queensland. Neaton, who plays out of the Rockhampton Golf

ALL year Cameron Powell plays his golf on perfectly manicured grass greens at The Brisbane Golf Club, but now he can lay claim to being a sand green specialist after winning the 36-hole Queensland Sand Green Championship at Miles Golf Club. Powell fired rounds of 66-70 for an eight-under par total of 136 to win by three strokes from Mitchell’s Phillip Burns (69-70). Powell drew on last year’s experience when he finished runner-up in the championship at Boulia. The B Grade Championship was won by Crows Nest’s Russell Gardner after a three-way suddendeath playoff. Gardner, Kenneth Mills (Millmeran) and Dan Eastwell (City) all finished on 162. The playoff started on the 17th hole where Mills was the first to be eliminated, while Eastwell and Gardner both halved the hole and moved to the second playoff hole. Eastwell encountered tree trouble on the second playoff hole (18th) and needed to chip in to keep the playoff alive, but his gallant attempt lipped out and Gardner two putted for victory. The C Grade Championship was won by Robert Pohlner (City), who returned rounds of 86-88 to win by one shot from Longreach’s Rod Harrison.

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July 2011

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

Kingswood Victorian Division 1 pennant champions AnthonyPowter Kingswood club members love pennants, and when Sean Ong nailed his putt into the back on the cup on the 19th hole to win Kingswood’s fifth order encounter against Waverley’s Luke Marino, a sigh of relief was obvious in the Kingswood camp. They knew that Kingswood had won the 2011 Victorian Division 1 pennant. In the process Kingswood had turned around events of twelve months earlier with a nail-bitting 4&3 victory over the defending champions Waverley. The final, held at the majestic Cranbourne Golf Club south of Melbourne, could have easily gone to either of the finalists. Two matches were determined on the 19th, a reflection as to the closeness of their encounter. Yet it was Kingswood’s middle order that secured their team’s victory with their number 4, Gunn Yang, carding a solid 5&3 win over Waverley’s Kevin Smith. Yang’s victory had solidified his team’s position and welded the way towards claiming the prized flag. Earlier, Chris Hanrahan was the first to notch a win for his side as the Waverley Captain won the seventh order match with a 5&3 win over Kingswood’s Tim Burton. This first strike would not be indicative as to the outcome of the final as Kingswood’s middle order regained ground fighting hard to overcome a determined Waverley middle order.

“Where we were able to get this final across the line was in the middle order,” said Kingswood’s team manager, Robert Strain, following his team’s victory. “Waverley earlier in the week lost Ryan Peake to international commitments with an Australian side. Peake had won all his matches and was a tremendous asset to their team. We looked at the likely team layout and knew we had to focus on our middle order to win the final.” Kingswood’s Ash Blake secured a pivotal match playing number 6 against Michael Rice, winning on the 19th. Blake, playing off a plus-2 handicap from Shepperton Golf Club, the same stamping ground as US-based professional Jarrod Lyle, headed into Cranbourne’s 16th with three-up and three to play margin and victory appeared certain. Rice, in similar fashion to his late charge against

Blake McGrory in last year’s final, refused to give in and won the next three holes to force their match down the 19th. A wayward tee shot from Rice on the first extra hole resulted in a difficult approach into the green but a majestic wedge shot to three feet of the pin rejuvenated life back into the Waverley camp. Unfortunately for Waverley, Rice missed the putt and Blake secured the vital win for Kingswood. The win would prove invaluable as the next match, the fifth order encounter between Sean Ong and Luke Marino, had also made its way to the 19th. The final’s outcome was dependent on this match, and spectators rushed towards the first extra hole in support of their team. Kingswood already had three wins in after their number three, James Zappelli, won his encounter 3&2 over Brady Watt. But Waverley’s top order of David Coupland and Brett Drewitt were sitting

pretty with their matches and were certainties to secure a result for the defending champions. Upon hitting arguably one of the shots of the final, a seven iron to four feet of the pin, Ong delivered the fatal blow against Waverley. He knew he’d played a match-winning shot but kept his composure while the Kingswood camp started rejoicing of the prospect for a victory. “Ong played fantastic golf out there for the team today,” remarked Strain, who was also quick to also highlight that the win was a result of a team effort by all his players in the final. “With his match going down the 19th anything could have happened. It certainly was a hard fought victory and we as a club are extremely proud with what the guys have achieved.” Waverley’s remaining two matches were secured by their top order with Drewitt winning his match against Terry Vogel, 2&1, with Drewitt remaining undefeated in the series. England’s Coupland, playing number one for Waverley, also won his encounter with a 3&2 win over Anthony Houston. Kingswood last won the Division 1 flag in 2006. A committed period of talent development with a strong youth program has brought benefits to one of the longest established sand belt clubs in Melbourne. “A lot of effort has been put into this by many club members,” says Strain. “After they get over the celebrations, we’ll start preparing for next year. The members love pennants and that was shown today. It was fantastic to get this win and we will certainly be celebrating for some time.”

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Albinski dominates in Australian Senior Rankings The Australian Senior Ranking System is an annual competition run by Golf Australia with events held throughout the year in every state and territory. Points are awarded to all competitors that reflect the importance of the event and the strength of the field. In the past five years more than 2,000 players have competed in senior ranking events. NSW senior golfer Stefan Albinski has been the dominant player in recent years and once again is a clear leader in the 2011 rankings. Albinski won the Australian Senior Amateur Championship in 2008, 2010 and 2011 for a record-equalling three national senior titles. In an amazing performance Albinski has won sixteen national ranking events in just four years. He has also added the 2008 and 2009 Asia Pacific Senior Championship to his imposing record. Albinski heads a twelve man Australian senior team against New Zealand at Sanctuary Cove Golf Club on July 6-8. This annual event is played in a Ryder Cup format and after four years of competition the national teams are level with two wins each. The 2011 Australian team is Stefan Albinski, Denis Dale, Roy Vandersluis, Rick Oliver, Greg Corben, Paul Maslen (NSW), Peter King, Chris Coats, Grahame MacDonald, Col Hallam

(QLD), John Beaumont (SA) and Ross Percy (VIC). The team captain is former international Phil Billings. General information and all entry forms available on the AUSOOM website www.ausoom.com. July 3-4 – Nudgee Senior Masters September 19-21 – South Australia Senior Amateur Championship October 18-20 – Victorian Senior Amateur Championship October 24-26 – Australian Senior Match Play Championship

Percy leads Victorian Senior Order of Merit The 2011 Doug Bachli Trophy for Victoria’s leading senior golfer has passed the halfway mark and Ross Percy (Cobram-Barooga) holds a commanding lead over John Wheeler (The National) and the evergreen Paul Lulofs (The National). Since its inception in 2006 Percy has won the Bachli Trophy on three occasions and is the defending champion after a convincing win in 2010. Percy is off to the US later in the year to visit son Cameron who is playing on the PGA tour. This might just open the door for other top Victorian seniors to mount a challenge. In August the Doug Bachli competition enters the very popular “Sandbelt Week”. Each tournament has a separate scratch and handicap section with players up to handicaps of 24 eligible.

Seniorevents 25

Entry forms are on the Golf Victoria website www.golfvic.org.au. August 12–Royal Melbourne Seniors August 15–Yarra Yarra Seniors August 16 – Kingston Heath Seniors August 17–Victoria Seniors September 5-7 – Coomealla Seniors

Close battle in NSW Senior Order of Merit At the halfway point in the 2011 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition Twin Creeks golfer Denis Dale holds a narrow lead as he tries to claim the winner’s gold medal for the fifth time. Dale currently leads Mona Vale senior Stefan Albinski with St Michael’s golfer Steve Gibson moving into third place with a magnificent round of 67 to win the recent Cabramatta Seniors Cup. With seventeen events still remaining there are many other talented seniors still close enough to win. While the Order of Merit is a scratch competition each individual event also includes prizes for handicap and age sections. New players are always welcome. Entry forms for the following events are on the Golf NSW website www.golfnsw.org. July 6–St Michael’s Seniors July 30-31 - Port Macquarie Seaside Classic August 14-15 - Mollymook Seniors September 5 – Twin Creeks Seniors September 12 – Kooindah Waters Seniors

Stefan Albinski holds the Kerry Packer Trophy after winning the 2011 Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Tanunda Pines Golf Club 2011 Australian Senior Rankings Player 1 Stefan Albinski 2 Denis Dale 3 Roy Vandersluis 4 Rick Oliver 5 Greg Corben

State Events Wins Avg NSW 8 3 134.2 NSW 9 2 117.8 NSW 8 0 98.1 NSW 9 0 92.9 NSW 8 2 84.4

2011 Victorian Senior Order of Merit Player Club 1 Ross Percy Cobram-Barooga 2 John Wheeler The National 3 Paul Lulofs The National 4 Guy Krall Yarra Yarra 5 Alan Bullas Commonwealth 2011 NSW Senior Order of Merit Player Club 1 Denis Dale Twin Creeks 2 Stefan Albinski Mona Vale 3 Steve Gibson St Michael’s 4 Greg Stanford Mona Vale 5 Terry Small Kogarah

Events Wins Best 8 8 3 1628 8 0 1195 9 1 1080 11 0 992 6 2 966 Events Wins Best 12 14 2 1585 12 0 1416 14 2 1275 16 2 1186 13 2 1173

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July 2011

26 events..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au DJ tops at Stuart Appleby Junior Golf

Howlong junior wins Club Championship

Portsea Golf Club hosted the fifth leg and second “Major” of the 2011 Regional Series for Stuart Appleby Junior Golf. A cold, windless afternoon presented good scoring conditions and the quality field didn’t disappoint. DJ Loypur (The Heritage, h’cap 0) took out his second Series event of the year with an impressive 3-under-par 68 off the back markers. The round included 5 birdies, one of these coming from driving the green on the uphill 266 metre par-4, 13th hole. Long Island’s Grant Williams (h’cap 3) returned the second best score of the day, an even par 71, with James Wendel, Mitch Sheather, and James Bannan all carding +1, 72. The handicap divisions saw great scores returned. Bianca Ling (Kingswood, h’cap 4) winning Division A with nett 69, in Division B Sean Smith (Metropolitan, h’cap 13) and Tyler Marotti (Korumburra, h’cap 13) battling it out with nett 71’s, and in Division C an amazing 48 and 46 stableford points respectively by local boys Stewart Girvan and Gus Rowe.

Howlong Junior Hayden Webb mastered the tricky wind and fast greens to win the Howlong Club Championships by 10 strokes. Hayden displayed a champion’s calm and played four steady rounds in the low seventies to win the overall Club and junior championships. Nineteen year old Zac Grubisa finished second followed by Tony Davis, Geoff Eisenhauer with Pro Shop assistant and Junior Tyler Brown in fifth. Junior Jake Eisenhauer also performed well coming 4th in B Grade. Jake is participating in the Southern Sports Academy Golf Program which is supported by Jack Newton Junior Golf and endorsed by Golf NSW.

Upcoming Events SAJG Club Teams Championship: Green Acres GC, July 11 SAJG Rookie Series: Spring Valley GC, July 4, Oakleigh GC, July 13 SAJG Regional Series: Keysborough GC, July 7, Woodlands GC, July 8 Victorian Junior Classic: Australian Pitch’n’Putt, July 15

Hart wins NT Open

QUEENSLAND’S Tim Hart has taken out the NAB Northern Territory Open at Darwin Golf Club. Hart, who earlier this year represented Australia against England during The Ashes, carded rounds of 68-70-68-67 for a 273 total to finish two strokes clear of New South Welshman Kyle Grant (6866-69-72). It was a thrilling win for Hart who had to battle back from a four-shot deficit going into the final round after Grant, who equalled the Darwin Golf Club course record with a third round six-under 66, strolled to the lead. Fellow Queenslander Marika Batibasaga (6973-68-66) equalled Grant’s course record in the final round to finish third. Another Queenslander, Maverick Antcliff, finished fourth after rounds of 73-68-71-69. Ian Walker and Andrew Wilson were the best of the locals in the closed competition. Walker won the playoff.

Hayden Webb at the Howlong Club Championships

Simon Abbott

New Longdrive Record: 373.9m

Big-hitting Simon Abbott again dominated the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Australia field in Round 4 at Dubbo. Abbott finished Top 2 in both Senior and Open Division, winning the Open, and breaking the Senior Long Drive record, with a 373.9metre smash (Not bad for a 46 year old!) Abbott was the first RWLCA player to win both Open and Senior at the same event earlier this year at Ballarat Golf Club, and is clearly a player to watch.

David Golf 2IC National Final

Victoria have won the 2011 David Golf 2IC National Final, played at the Yarrawonga & Border Golf club last month. Victoria took out the title for the fifth time in the past six years, with a team score of 112 stableford points. The combined team from South Australia and Western Australia ran second with 106 points, while the Queenslanders finished in third place, with 98 points.

The winning team of Matthew, Rod Ferry, Sam Duncan and Steve Ryalles Each team member from the winning state has won a $1000 voucher for their respective club, to spend on David Golf products. Remarkably, for the second time, Huntingdale GC assistant Rod Ferry was the individual winner, with 40 stableford points playing from a handicap of 10. The last time Rod represented Victoria at the final at 13th Beach Golf Links, he also took out the individual award.

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July 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au..........................................................................................................................

JULY The Masters Pennant Divisionals/Finals Various Courses Since 1981 The Masters Pennant has steadily grown from the original 6 clubs to now a total of 94 clubs in 23 Divisions (15 divisions in the Sydney Metropolitan area, four in the Hunter Area, two in Brisbane Waters and two in the Illawarra District). To date the most successful clubs have been St. Michaels [5], Muirfield [4], Bankstown [4], Castle Hill [2], Wyong [2] and Newcastle [2]. GolfNSW now actively supports this competition, which is a tremendous recognition of how far the Pennant has progressed since its formation. The 2011 Pennants have now passed the half-way point with some very close results in some of the games. The 2010 winners Castle Hill have recorded 3 wins as have the 2010 runners-up Oatlands. The Divisional Finals, Quarter Finals, and Semi Finals will be played at various neutral courses this month, with the Final set to be played at Carnarvon Golf Club on 7th August. Further information regarding game results etc. can be obtained by visiting www.masterspennant.com.au

AUGUST 2011 Tropic of Capricorn Veteran Golfers Carnival The Central Qld District Veteran Golfers Association cordially invites all Veteran Men and Women Golfers to join the fun at the 2011 Tropic of Capricorn Veteran Golfers Carnival held over twelve days from 19th to 30th August. Emu Park Open Friday 19th August Contact: Dave Wills 4938 8005 Email: dwi68504@bigpond.net.au Rockhampton Open Monday 22nd August Contact: Col McKendry 4928 8754 Email: moldboard@optusnet.com.au Capricornia Country Club Open Tuesday 23rd August Contact: Ray Kahl 4936 2776 Email: raykahl@aapt.net.au Yeppoon Open Thursday 25th August Friday 26th August Contact: Eric Collins 4939 2778 Email: eric.collins@bigpond.com Capricorn Resort Open Monday 29th August Contact: Simon Sanderson 4925 2621 Email: simon_sanderson@rydges. com CQ Open Championships at Capricorn Resort Tuesday 30th August Contact: Ray Kahl 4936 2776 Email: raykahl@aapt.net.au For more information contact Ray Kahl 4936 2776, Email: raykahl@aapt. net.au. Or visit www.cqdistvetsgolf. wetpaint.com.

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 SGA site www.socialgolfcc. com.au or contact SGA directly on (03) 5433 3213. Entries close July 31, so don’t delay

SEPTEMBER Master of the Amateurs

Qualifying Round September 9th Royal Melbourne (West Course) Ever wanted to play a round with the likes of Rickie Fowler, Jason Day, Brendan Jones or other top players? The Australian Master of the Amateurs is your chance to tee it up with some of the future’s brightest young stars, before they become big. Since its first year in 1997, the Master of the Amateurs has been used as a stepping stone by the world’s top amateurs on their way to professional careers. And if you’ve got a handicap of 3.4 or less, then you can play with these young guns. If you’re good enough, you may even beat them! The Qualifying Round for the 2012 Championship will be played on Friday 9th September at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, on Melbourne’s famous sandbelt. The course will be in top shape in preparation for the upcoming Presidents Cup. This Qualifying Round is open to players with a handicap not exceeding 3.4. The top eight players plus ties will receive exemptions into the 2012 Australian Master of the Amateurs Championship, which is Australia’s top ranked amateur event on the R&A World Rankings list. Entries close soon, so be quick. For more information visit: www.masteroftheamateurs.com.au, email: amann@masteroftheamateurs. com.au, or phone: 03 9877 9155

Captains of Industry Golf Series Final qualifying event September 15th Brookwater Golf & Country Club This annual event continues to grow

events

yearly, attracting over 200 industry delegates from around Australia, offering participants a platform for excellent business networking opportunities. The event is open to all industries. E nt r ant s re c e ive 1 8 h ol e s of championship golf with shared electric cart, Post-round cocktail reception & prize presentation. Entry fee is $280 per Team of 2 ($240 per Team of 2 Troon Card Holders. Brookwater Golf & Country Club Members $70 per person) To enter please contact Shahaad Suleman at Brookwater Golf & Country Club on (07) 3814 5500 or email: ssuleman@brookwatergolf.com

The 2011 Australian School Teachers’ Golf Championships Palm Meadows GC, 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 2011 Australian Teachers’ Golf Championship, please contact: Sean Hughes, Tallebudgera Beach School. 0400 117 210, thehueys1@ bigpond.com

NOVEMBER The 14th Angel Billy Golf Classic November 13th Nelson Bay Golf Club Tee it up on Sunday, November 13th for the Angel Billy Golf Classic, a 4-person Ambrose event that benefits the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, a vital and free service that covers Port Stephens, Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, New England and North West Regions of NSW. Entry Fee is $75 per person and includes one playing position in the field, sausage sizzle, dinner and a great prize pool. Registration 10.00am for 11.30am shotgun start. Generous sponsorship opportunities are also available to companies wishing to support this event and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. For further information, please contact Dianne Every at d i a n n e @ l a . n e t . au or m o bi l e 0418 170 242

July 2011

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

NATIONWIDE TOUR

McIlroy makes US Open history in record-setting victory

Wichita Open

Australian Mathew Goggin became the first two-time winner on the Nationwide Tour this season, holding off Kyle Thompson by one shot to win the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open. Goggin, who started the day with a one-shot lead, finished the tournament with a 7-foot birdie putt to avoid a playoff with Thompson, who was pursuing back-toback victories after winning the Rex Hospital Open. Goggin shot a 2-under-par 69 in hot, windy conditions to post a 72-hole total of 18-under 266. The victory is the fourth career Nationwide victory for the 37-year-old Goggin, who played nine of the eleven previous seasons on the PGA Tour.

Rory McIlroy registered one of the all-time dominating performances in major tournament history, winning the 111th United States Open Championship by a massive eight shots for his first major championship. Over the four rounds at Congressional Country Club, McIlroy set or tied 12 tournament records, posting rounds of 65-66-68-69 to finish at 16-under (268), a red number that U.S. Open scoreboards had never previously displayed. U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Pos Player Total Strokes 1 Rory McIlroy -16 268 2 Jason Day -8 276 T3 Kevin Chappell -6 278 T3 Robert Garrigus -6 278 T3 Lee Westwood -6 278 T3 Y.E. Yang -6 278 T7 Peter Hanson -5 279 T7 Sergio Garcia -5 279 T9 Charl Schwartzel -4 280 T9 Louis Oosthuizen -4 280 AU/NZ SCORES T30 John Senden T51 Marc Leishman CUT Scott Hend CUT Nick O’Hern CUT Adam Scott CUT Aaron Baddeley CUT Greg Chalmers CUT Scott Barr CUT Robert Allenby CUT Geoff Ogilvy

2 6 -

286 290 147 147 147 148 149 150 151 151

EUROPEAN TOUR Saint-Omer Open

Photo credit: USGA/Darren Carroll THE MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT Pos Player Total 1 Steve Stricker -16 T2 Brandt Jobe -15 T2 Matt Kuchar -15 4 Dustin Johnson -12 5 Rory McIlroy -11 AU/NZ SCORES T7 John Senden -8 T45 Aaron Baddeley E T51 Nick O’Hern 1 T51 Rod Pampling 1 62 Marc Leishman 3 CUT Robert Allenby

HP BYRON NELSON CHAMPIONSHIP Pos Player Total Strokes 1 Keegan Bradley -3 277 2 Ryan Palmer -3 277 T3 Joe Ogilvie -2 278 T3 Ryuji Imada -2 278 5 Jason Day -1 279 AU/NZ SCORES T8 Rod Pampling 1 281 T45 Greg Chalmers 8 288 T60 Steven Bowditch 11 291 71 Cameron Percy 15 295 CUT Jarrod Lyle 144 CUT John Senden 144

FEDEX ST. JUDE CLASSIC Pos Player 1 Harrison Frazar 2 Robert Karlsson T3 Camilo Villegas T3 Tim Herron T3 Charles Howell III T3 Ryuji Imada T3 Retief Goosen AU/NZ SCORES T13 Robert Allenby T22 Rod Pampling T25 Greg Chalmers T38 Nick O’Hern T38 Cameron Percy

CHAMPIONS TOUR

LPGA

72nd Senior PGA Championship Pos Player Total Stroke 1 Tom Watson -10 278 2 David Eger -10 278 3 Kiyoshi Murota -9 279 4 Hale Irwin -8 280 T5 Eduardo Romero -7 281 T5 Peter Senior -7 281 AU/NZ SCORES T39 Mike Harwood +4 292 66 Peter Fowler +12 300 CUT Lyndsay Stephen 157

SHOPRITE LPGA CLASSIC Pos Player 1 Brittany Lincicome T2 Jiyai Shin T2 Cristie Kerr 4 Catriona Matthew T5 I.K. Kim T5 Anna Nordqvist AU/NZ SCORES T8 Karrie Webb T20 Katherine Hull CUT Sarah Kemp CUT Alison Whitaker CUT Sarah Jane Smith

passion. performance. history.

Rory McIlroy — Pro V1x U.S. Open – Winner

Strokes 272 273 273 276 277 280 288 289 289 291 146

Total -13 -13 -8 -8 -8 -8 -8

Strokes 267 267 272 272 272 272 272

-5 -3 -2 E E

275 277 278 280 280

Total -11 -10 -10 -9 -8 -8

Strokes 202 203 203 204 205 205

-6 -1

207 212 148 148 155

Australia’s Matthew Zions closed with a 2-under 69 to win his first European Tour title at the Saint-Omer Open. The overnight leader, Zions made four birdies and two bogeys on Sunday en route to an 8-under 276 total, seven strokes ahead of three players. Zions’ previous best result on the European Tour was a ninth-place finish at the 2007 New Zealand Open.

PRESIDENTS CUP TRACKER Following the US Open

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

Player Matt Kuchar Steve Stricker Phil Mickelson Bubba Watson Dustin Johnson Nick Watney Hunder Mahan Jim Furyk David Toms Brandt Snedeker

Points 12,211,399 11,445,063 10,279,544 9,350,605 9,003,823 8,958,249 8,170,097 7,778,936 7,663,347 6,916,413

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

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

Avg Pts 5.47 5.24 4.39 3.98 3.82 3.65 3.30 3.22 3.15 3.15

World Rankings Following the US Open Top 20 Australians

Top 20 Rolex World Rankings in Australia

1. Jason Day (9 in world rankings) 2. Adam Scott (21) 3. Geoff Ogilvy (35) 4. Robert Allenby (41) 5. Aaron Baddeley (51) 6. Brendan Jones (66) 7. John Senden (83) 8. Stuart Appleby (89) 9. Richard Green (94) 10. Marc Leishman (105) 11. Marcus Fraser (140) 12. Matthew Jones (144) 13. Brett Rumford (145) 14. Greg Chalmers (156) 15. Mathew Goggin (172) 16. Nick O’Hern (182) 17. Daniel Gaunt (183) 18. Michael Sim (199) 19. Andre Stolz (249) 20. Alistair Presnell (255)

1. Karrie Webb (9 in world) 2. Katherine Hull (26) 3. Nikki Campbell (41) 4. Kristie Smith (88) 5. Tamie Durdin (108) 6. Lindsey Wright (117) 7. Sarah Jane Smith (129) 8. Sarah Kemp (162) 9. Nikki Garrett (183) 10. Karen Lunn (191) 11. Frances Bondad (193) 12. Ashley Ona (256) 13. Stephanie Na (268) 14. Rebecca Flood (305) 15. Stacey Keating (331) 16. Rachel Bailey (347) 17. Rachel Hetherington (352) 18. Anna Rawson (387) 19. Alison Whitaker (392) 20. Vicky Thomas (445)

Top 5 World Rankings

Top 5 Rolex Rankings

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Luke Donald (averaged points 9.06) Lee Westwood (8.80) Martin Kaymer (7.22) Rory McIlroy (7.19) Steve Stricker (6.50)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Yani Tseng (12.68) Cristie Kerr (10.55) Suzann Pettersen (10.39) Ji-Yai Shin (9.82) Na Yeon Choi (8.64)

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

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Tournament Preview:

Championship RichardFellner Say what you will about the other Majors, but for the true golf purist there’s nothing that compares to The Open Championship. For over 150 years, this historic event has seen the world’s best players battle on the toughest courses for one of the most prized trophies in the game, the illustrious Claret Jug. This month, from July 14-17, the world’s top golfers will descend upon Royal St George’s Golf Club in Kent, England, for the rare privilege to lift the Claret Jug, and add their name to the trophy that features such iconic names as Morris, Hagen, Thomson, Nicklaus, Palmer and Woods. Having hosted the Open Championship 13 times (including 1993 when Greg Norman hoisted his second Claret Jug), Royal St George’s (www.royalstgeorges.com) is arguably one of the sternest tests of golf. With all the traditional linksstyle characteristics of firm fairways, thick rough, nightmarish bunkers and speedy greens, the course also features massive dunes, blind tee shots and round-destroying hazards, notably the “deepest bunker in championship golf ”, which is located on the fourth hole. Indeed, players will need to be dead-accurate off the tee and possess a strong short game for any chance of victory.

Tipping Form

So who will lift the Claret Jug this year? As with any tournament, it’s anyone’s guess. There will be 156 players contesting the Championship, with the top 70 (plus ties) making the cut. And there will doubtless be the usual surprises atop the leaderboard on any given day (like John Daly being T3 in Round 1 last year, or Tom Watson nearly winning it in 2009), but for those of you in the office Tipping Comp, here are some of the names to watch: There’s no doubt that Rory McIlroy comes in as the hot favourite. Having

shattered a host of scoring records at last month’s US Open, McIlroy returns to Europe full of confidence. His performance at last year’s Open Championship at St Andrews was a roller-coaster ride, opening up with a course-record-tying 9-under-par 63 (the lowest in the 150-year history of The Open Championship), followed by a weather-battered 80 in Round 2. He fought back with rounds of 6869 to finish a respectable T3. We believe in this kid (read our May issue for more on this), and we feel that he could well and truly become golf ’s next dominating force. Luke Donald comes into the Open Championship having missed only one cut in ten events this year, including an impressive nine top-10s. While his game isn’t terribly exciting, it is solid and consistent, thus justifying his World No. 1 ranking. Following his T45 at the US Open, Donald announced that he was taking a short break/holiday, and was going to “put his feet up” for a bit. He did the same thing prior to The Masters and ended up T4. So keep an eye on him. Hot on Donald’s heels is Lee Westwood, who is doubtless looking to improve on his runner-up finish behind Louis Oosthuizen at St Andrews last year. Having finished T3 at the US Open, and with a string of top-20s on the European Tour this year, Lee will certainly have his eye on the prize. Dark Horses: Watch out for Robert Rock, Y.E. Yang, Graeme McDowell and anyone from South Africa or with the last name of Molinari. And if you’re expecting a Curtain Call from a “Legends” golfer, give Bernhard Langer a look.

The Aussies

What more can we say about Jason Day? The young Queenslander has secured second place at the last two majors, has made 11 of 13 cuts, and secured 7 top-10 finishes. He’s racked up over US$2.7million in prize money

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The scenic 5th hole at Royal St George’s (Photo courtesy of Royal St George’s Golf Club) As of press time, other Aussies in the field include Robert Allenby, Aaron Baddeley, Kurt Barnes, Richard Green, Nathan Green, Rick Kulacz, Matthew Millar and young Amateur Champion Bryden Macpherson. We’ll be pinning our hopes on Macpherson to follow in the footsteps of fellow Melbourne resident Jin Jeong and bring home the Silver Medal for Amateurs. No matter how you score it, the Open Championship is sure to have its share of excitement. It always does. For further information visit the Open Golf website www.opengolf.com

this year, and it looks like he is just getting warmed up. Day’s final score of 8-under at this year’s US Open would have been good enough to win any previous US Open in the history of the event, barring Tiger Woods’ victory in 2000. This kid is the real deal. Geoff Ogilvy comes into the Open with a question mark surrounding his game. Plagued by a pair of minor injuries, Ogilvy has been up and down throughout 2011. He hasn’t cracked the top-100 in his last three Open Championship appearances, and with a missed cut at the US Open, it’s anyone’s guess as to his form coming in to the event. On the bright side, he’s made 8 of 11 cuts this year with two top-10’s, including a T4 at The Masters and T9 at the WGC. Another big question mark surrounds Adam Scott. Adam is in a bit of a ‘transitional phase’, having changed putters, caddies, girlfriends and who knows what else in the last 12 months. Despite missing the cuts at the US Open (with Tiger’s caddy Steve Williams on his bag), and at The PLAYERS Championship, Adam’s 2011 campaign includes 6 of 10 cuts with a pair of top-10s, including T2 at The Masters. The key: If his flatstick gets hot, he is as good as anyone out there.

SCORECARD – Royal St George’s HOLE PAR YARDS

1 4 444

2 4 417

3 3 240

4 4 495

5 4 419

6 3 178

7 5 564

8 4 453

9 4 412

OUT 35 3622

HOLE PAR YARDS

10 4 415

11 3 243

12 4 381

13 4 459

14 5 547

15 4 496

16 3 163

17 4 426

18 4 459

IN 35 3589

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July 2011

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Bryden Macpherson Playing in the Zone!

AnthonyPowter Bryden Macpherson has every reason to be smiling after winning the British Amateur championship with a 3&2 victory over Scotland’s, Michael Stewart. Macpherson’s stellar effort has secured the US-based Aussie a start in the 2011 Open Championship and the 2012 US Masters and provided a career pathway towards the world’s richest tours. The 20-year-old can also now pick which main amateur tournaments in the US he wants to play upon returning his base at the University of Georgia. He’s been given the perfect opportunity to take his game to the next level and Macpherson knows it. “The Amateur tournament was the one for me, and it was the one that I really wanted to win especially as an amateur,” said Macpherson. “My one as a professional is The Open Championship and now I’ve got a start in that and to be playing in the next two of the three Majors is an amazing experience that’s being laid before me.” In sport results speaks volumes yet

Macpherson’s achievement in winning the British Amateur —and in the process becoming the first Australian to do so in fifty-seven years— was a long time in the making. A product of hard work and self-belief that he could take his game to the next stage and be comfortable in that zone. L ess t han six ye ars ago, Macpherson—a member of Peninsula Golf Club south of Melbourne— was playing Ivo Whitton events in Victoria, which is the equivalent of state level golf. He knew he could play the game and play it well, but was unsure if he could advance to the national level and then onto the international arena. He sought help and enshrined himself with a team of professionals to guide him on his journey. Macpherson has never lacked self-belief as a player, but he knew to progress to the next level that he needed to make changes, both on and off the course and build the right team environment around him. That’s now history as a new set of challenges will confront Macpherson with the international spotlight descending upon the likeable Aussie over the next twelve months where

he and his game will be tested to the limits. “Bryden has gotten to understand the various areas of the comfort zones over the years, and we saw that no more so than what he did at the British Amateur,” says Jamie Glazier, who’s been working with Macpherson for the last seven years regarding the mental and preparation aspects of the game. “Bryden has always played the Australian scene well and the world scene he saw as a challenge. We spoke after each of the match play rounds during the British Amateur about the extreme environment he was in. He was able to focus upon the present and not get distracted. That’s how much of a player he’s now become.” The British Amateur was not Macpherson’s first international win, yet it was by far the most important. In 2009 he won the New Zealand Amateur stroke play title the same year he won the Australian Amateur stroke play. Domestic titles aside, the British Amateur crown arguably has more significance regarding player development and advancement. Macpherson, however, remains determined not to let his recent

Bryden Macpherson brings home the hardware. (Photo courtesy of R&A/Getty) achievement change in his next journey the foundations as to how he plays, who helps him and where he is from. “I was full of national pride with winning the British Amateur and so proud to be an Australian,” he said, following his win. “I, and those close to me, have put a lot of effort into achieving this win. This is a real life changing experience and there’s an amazing journey ahead for me.” Macpherson moved from Australia in late 2009 to attend the University of Georgia. Life as he knew it has

changed considerably from the days of the Victorian Institute of Sport and living on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula. “Moving to the US was a bit of a ‘life-grow-up’ exercise for me. I got distracted and I was able to take everything out of my life that I did not want and just throw it away and start fresh.” Macpherson has no regrets with the cloth he’s cut. His journey is proof that with dedication, acceptance towards confronting different challenges and a preparedness to go beyond your comfort zone, benefits will come.

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Mitch Krywulycz The All-Aussie American

AnthonyPowter American-based Aussie Mitch Krywulycz has achieved something most Australian amateur players haven’t, namely consecutive collegiate wins with Augusta State in the tough American NCAA Championship. Augusta State won its second consecutive National Championship when the Jaguars defeated Georgia, 3-2, in the Match Play Finals of the NCAA Championships last month at Karsten Creek Golf Club. With the victory, the college became the first men’s golf program to repeat as National Champions since the Houston Cougars in 198485. Krywulycz is also the only Australian to have played in successive winning collegiate golf teams within the NCAA format. A Senior majoring in History & Sociology, Krywulycz has been instrumental in the last two NCAA championship finals for the Jaguars and the latest win caps off a stellar US collegiate career for the Sydneysider who grew up in the southern suburb of Sylvania before moving to Augusta. “I’ve finished my degree, so now it is time to go professional,” said Krywulycz after the final. “I’ve had many memorable experiences playing collegiate golf and it has placed me well for my next challenge.” In the 2010 final Krywulycz secured the clinching point in the Jags’ victory over US Collegiate powerhouse Oklahoma State. His efforts in this year’s final were equally impressive as the 21-year-old secured the first four holes against Georgia’s Hudson Swafford and never trailed. It might not have been as dramatic as Krywulycz’s fighting efforts of 2010, where from 4-down against Kevin Tway he won the match on the 19th, but it wasn’t far from it. Swafford birdied the 16th to cut Krywulycz’s advantage to 2-up before the Aussie made arguably the best bogey in school history on Karsten Creek’s difficult par-4 17th. After driving into the right rough, Krywulycz’s

second shot hit the left side of the green and rolled down the shaved bank into Lake Louise. After taking a penalty drop, Krywulycz wedged his fourth shot to within five feet to then step up and drain the putt for bogey, halving the hole and closing out Swafford and the match. “Match play rewards the team that plays best under pressure,” said Krywulycz. “It doesn’t necessarily reward the best team, but every match is under the pump, all the time, every hole. We all contribute in our own way and in the last two finals, I’ve certainly been in the thick of it.” Krywulycz has been based in Augusta for the last four years since leaving Sydney and has found the challenges in playing the tough US Collegiate system combined with achieving sound academic results both rewarding and demanding. “The depth of the fields in top flight college fields are extremely deep which will hopefully help me in the professional arena,” says Krywulycz who has turned professional following the final and will focus initially on the feeder tours including the Tarheel, Hooters events and Nationwide qualifiers up to Christmas. “I’ll return home for the Australian Q-School and then head back to the US in 2012 to play the same mixture of events and culminate that with 2012/2013 PGA tour school.” In 2007 Krywulycz left Sydney and his base at New South Wales Golf Club to take up a scholarship with Augusta State. He had played pennants for NSW Golf Club and went to the US with his best achievement winning the 2006 Australian Schoolboy Championship. At the time Augusta State hardly featured on the US golfing collegiate map, yet the college was making moves with a discreet selection process of sourcing exciting and fresh international talent. The strategy would prove effective as the college has become one of the strongest in the system. Of the Jags’ current 11-man roster, five players hail from outside the US with four Swedes, Olle

2011 Augusta State Team (inset) Mitch Krywulycz Bengtsson, Jacob Carlsson, Henrik Norlander and Alex Wennstam and Aussie Krywulycz. A quick look at the history books and NCAA statistics reveals that Augusta State has an enrolment of just over 7000 and plays at Division II within the NCCA system for all sports except men’s and women’s golf. “It’s a small but close college,” says Krywulycz. “As an Aussie you cannot fathom what it is like to play college golf here unless you actually experience it and you then get a feel as to how important it is to everyone. You build relationships that will last a lifetime and you get introductions you otherwise probably would not get.” This networking element is what Krywulycz sees as one of the best attractions within the collegiate system and one emerging Australian amateurs should consider. “The ability to form a solid base in the States and build relationships that will last me a lifetime is just invaluable and the best thing I’ve done,” says the 2008 Southeastern Amateur champion. “I have graduated with my degree so now it

is time to play professionally. Either way I can fall back onto something and that’s the benefit of being based in the States, as there are always options.” Krywulycz is content with where he’s at and what he’s achieved to date. It’s a classic ‘Aussie does good in the US’ story. It sends a message that other Australians need to consider the pathway that Krywulycz has taken, which is certainly not for the faint hearted as you need to not only excel in sport, but also retain your academic results. For those like Krywulycz who achieve this, the rewards are there. Like a magic lesson in life’s challenges you get the full works under the US collegiate system. Individual and team pursuits combining against the might of the US Collegiate system not only develops great sportspersons and individuals, it creates life long bonds. “I wouldn’t trade this for anything,” said Krywulycz. “Pro golf is always going to be there, but what I’ve been through with these guys the last few years, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

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July 2011

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The numbers don’t lie RobWillis While on a working holiday at the end of 2009 my then 13-year-old son and I went along to the US PGA Tour’s Fed-Ex Cup finale, the Tour Championship in Atlanta. Being a friend and former Tour colleague of John Senden, we decided to follow the laid-back Queenslander during the tournament. His partner on that day was Luke Donald. To the uninitiated Senden looked flawless with his effortless swing, while Donald appeared like his pro-am partner – and I mean as the ‘am’. His swing was somewhat out if sync, his ball flight all over the place, with the expression of frustration on his face evident for all to see. Donald battled around as best he could that week, leaning heavily on his outstanding short game finishing back in the pack, giving no indication as to what lay ahead. In seeing what I had described above, it came as a major surprise to Corey, now 15, that Donald had beaten Lee Westwood in the PGA Championship and as a result had climbed the rankings list to become the number one player in the world. “How could that be,” he wondered out loud. He had seen Donald hit the ball all over the Eastlake Golf Club course in making the game seem only slightly less difficult than his ageing and washed up father does. My response was a fairly simple one. In golf, the numbers don’t lie. Shoot the lowest score, you win. As a professional if you shoot low scores, in big events, more often than anyone else, not only

do you collect a sack full of money, the official world golf rankings also reward you accordingly. Donald had done all of that. A model of consistency, the diminutive yet extremely fit figure of Donald might not win all the time, but what he does is aim up seemingly every week, certainly justifying his place at the pointy end of the world rankings. But even in explaining that to an impressionable teen, he still failed to appreciate how it all works. He marvelled at Tiger Woods that week. Before injuries and his documented troubles derailed him, Tiger was an imposing physical presence, hitting shots very few could emulate. The same could be said for Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson. He sees them contend and occasionally win the big events. “Why aren’t they number one,” he questions. My response remains the same that in golf the numbers don’t lie. As an aspiring rugby league player and before that a baseballer of reasonable ability, Corey would make the odd junior representative team, he still does. But at the same time he sometimes misses out on other squads he believes he also should have made. I explain that in a lot of other athletic pursuits, it isn’t always about the numbers; rather it can have more to do with opinions of others, the biases selectors and somebody’s perception of physical prowess. But in golf, especially at the highest level, all that matters is what you shoot. Tall, short, fat or skinny, with a picture perfect technique or the swing of an axe murderer, shoot the scores and nobody will be in a position to tell you whether or not you

are good enough. Shoot the scores and you line up for the trophy at the end of the day. Shoot the scores and you collect the fattest cheque. Were Luke Donald to play rugby league, basketball or baseball—activities involving size and strength — someone along the way may have said physically he wasn’t up to it, looking beyond his talents to highlight his shortcomings. In doing so they would have failed to notice his heart, his desire and a superior golfing mind, one which allows him to play at the level he does. Love or hate the convoluted system that is the official world rankings, what it does is reward those, who almost never throw in a poor outing, with a brief run through Donald’s results for 2011 backing his claims and silencing the doubters. Amazingly, since winning the Accenture

Matchplay in late February, that win coming against the best 64 players in the game, in ten starts following, eight in the US and two in Europe, Donald has finished outside the top 10 only once. Included amongst those finishes are a win at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and a playoff loss to Brant Snedeker at The Heritage Classic. The best of all, at 5’9” Donald doesn’t overpower courses in what is almost the modern way, going about his business without any fuss or fanfare. And at 33 his best could still be in front of him. As you may have gathered for this column, I have been converted into his number one fan. Now sitting on top of the golfing world, Donald shows that talent, perseverance and application will often shine through, confirming the adage that in golf, the numbers don’t lie.

A place in the

sun

Golf clubs (), swimmers (), shorts and polo shirts, (), sunglasses (), sunscreen (), camera (). With the important items packed, DAVID NEWBERY took off for Tropical North Queensland where warm winter golf is guaranteed WHEN you imagine the perfect winter vacation – one where the average daily winter temperature hovers around a perfect 26° and doesn’t dip below 17° – you think of a destination like Cairns and Port Douglas. It’s no wonder the region is a haven for lovers of the outdoors and golfers keen to escape rainy, cold and gloomy days. Even rock stars and presidents drop in for a little rest and relaxation – and to escape the spotlight. The leisure and recreation opportunities in this part of the world are endless. That’s why planeloads of domestic and international tourists flock to the region for a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring the Great Barrier Reef and world heritage-listed rainforests. Where else can you take a Daintree River cruise and glide past inquisitive crocodiles? Or enjoy the serenity of the Mossman Gorge, ride the popular Skyrail cable car to the alluring

mountain top – not to mention soaking up the sun on palm-fringed sandy beaches at Port Douglas (Four Mile Beach), Palm Cove or Yorkeys Knob. And then there’s the golf. Golfers from southern states just love the north at this time of the year because it allows them to strip down to one layer of clothing on the fairways. Not to mention the attraction of playing on world-class golf courses. At Port Douglas, there’s the magnificent Sea Temple Golf Club – formerly known as the Links - and just down the road is Mirage Country Club. Closer to Cairns, Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club, designed by Graham Marsh and Ross Watson, has stood the test of time and remains a favourite with amateurs and professionals alike. And then there are the good quality member

golf clubs at Cairns, Half Moon Bay, Mossman and Gordonvale. Sea Temple golf course is a real gem and arguably the only tropical links golf course in the world. When we arrive, golf operations manager David Robertson ushers us to the clubhouse’s verandah, which has sweeping views of the golf course. This whets our appetite for a round of golf, but not before we kill off the hunger pains by ordering from the club’s toothsome menu. Robertson says the golf club and the resort and spa (accommodation) work closely together to offer a number of attractive playand-stay packages. The day we arrive, a group of 100 American tourists—some golfers—turn up to see what all the fuss is about and chose to stay at the magnificent Sea Temple Resort and Spa. Before tackling the golf course, we check our accommodation. There’s 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.

Sea Temple Golf Club

The magnificent Lagoon swimming pool is huge and has been voted one of the world’s best. And like most resorts, there’s a gym and spas and sauna to unwind in. Mii Spa offers a range 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. Afterwards enjoy a refreshing drink and spa cuisine platter. Sea Temple’s championship links-style golf course was designed by the formidable team of Thomson Wolveridge and Perrett, but it has Michael Wolveridge’s stamp is all over it. Wolveridge, an entertaining raconteur, has designed and built more than 200 golf courses, but he has fallen in love with Sea Temple and Port Douglas. In fact, he has built a magnificent home on the border of his beloved golf course.

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“It’s a lovely old links golf course,” he said proudly. “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. “It’s also because of the way I have bunkered it in the old style so you 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. “It’s a good golf course – a little gem sitting up here.” What I like about the golf course is its fairness – you have to do something really stupid to lose a golf ball. I ask Michael to nominate his favourite hole but he declines, saying there are many. Secretly, the short par-4 ninth is close to his heart. “I call it Ulysses because it’s the end of a journey,” he said. “It’s a short par-4 (310m) to close the first nine and a picture postcard hole which merges into a splendid cul-de-sac formed by the surrounding rainforest. “It is around here that the Ulysses butterfly in iridescent blue can be seen to make its erratic journey in and out of the canopy. “It’s a teasing little hole which requires a careful tee shot, followed by a precise pitch to an elevated green. “The green is defended by slopes all around and designed to be approachable in wind by a low pitch and run shot – if the talent is there. “I try to tell players how to play the shot, but they often get the wedge out,” he said. “It’s quite ingenious because if you walk off with a four you are quite pleased. “Win or lose, golf in the tropics deserves a break at half-time and a short trip through the forest brings relief with the sight of one of the most picturesque clubhouses in golf and the prospect of a long, cool drink on the verandah.” Just a short drive towards Port Douglas you’ll come across the Thomson Wolveridge-designed Mirage Country Club. The complex includes 294 rooms, six bars, an 18-hole golf course and beach frontage via a tropical forest. Mirage is where Skins golf was played around the time of opening in 1988. For years players like Greg Norman, Jack

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Picturesque Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club Nicklaus, Curtis Strange and Nick Faldo locked horns on the lush layout for huge sums of money. The layout is unusually composed, having six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s. Melbourne investor David Marriner recently purchased the complex with a view of giving the property a $170m makeover. The Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club, 22 kilometres from Cairns Airport, is one of the best, and toughest, courses in Queensland. The club’s director of golf, Des Shearer, said it was rated in the top-20 in Australia. Nestled against the foothills of the heavily forested McAllister Range, with views of the Coral Sea, Paradise Palms is a tough challenge. According to Shearer, course designers Marsh and Watson were given a brief to build a golf course that would challenge the world’s best professionals. Greg Norman reported said it was one of the most difficult golf courses in the world. At 6394m, the average length of the par-3s is 154m; the par-4s 356m and the par-5s 498m. Still, there are forward tees to ensure it’s less demanding for the average player. The signature hole is the 182m par-3 seventh hole. “It’s an elevated tee with ocean views to a green protected by a creek and a lake,” Shearer said. An accurate tee shot to a narrow green is required otherwise it can lead to a double or even triple bogey.

Mirage Country Club “But I think the best hole is the 387m par-4 11th,” Shearer said. “There’s a creek down the left, fairway bunker 150m out from green and the green is surrounded by a natural creek on three sides.” Local knowledge comes in handy because what you don’t see until you get down the fairway is the creek that cuts across from the left of the fairway, directly below the front apron of the green, then hugs the edge of it all the way around to the back. And even when you find the putting surface it’s no certainty you’ll get down in two putts. “The other great thing about this golf course is whether there are 10 players on the course or 200, you always feel you have the golf course to yourself,” Shearer said.

“You can’t see any other fairways from the one you are playing.” The magnificent Queenslander-style clubhouse offers sweeping views of the golf course. The club’s Fifty Nine Restaurant and Bar offers reasonably priced food. Sourcing the best seasonal produce from local farms and producers, executive chef Matt Dye has created an inspired menu of modern Australian, pan Asian and European dishes for all-day dining. Choose between the cool air-conditioned contemporary surroundings indoors for a serene dining atmosphere or opt for an al fresco ambience on the terrace.

THE BEST DRIVE AROUND The Cairns Golf Club is the oldest golf course in Cairns (established in 1923) and is the most conveniently located golf course to the city - only a few minutes from the centre of Cairns. • 18 hole championship course • Over 60 motorised golf carts for hire • Concrete cart paths on all holes • Fully licensed & airconditioned clubhouse • Driving range - day & night • Fully stocked Pro-Shop & equipment hire

• Social and corporate days welcome • On course drinks & snacks • BBQ lunch or buffet meals available • Open air verandah & deck overlooking the golf course • Ample off street car parking

www.cairnsgolfclub.com.au Contact Cairns Golf Club: (07) 40 541 208 (Phone) (07) 40 544 709 (Fax) Email: info@cairnsgolfclub.com.au

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The ultimate destination. Sea Temple Golf Club Port Douglas

Tee off in paradise... Unwind in luxury. Get away and experience the ultimate golf course in true paradise – Tropical North Queensland’s Port Douglas. 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 locations.

Sea Temple Golf and Resort Package $299* per person (based on twin share) • 2 nights accommodation including breakfast for two • 18 holes of golf per person and shared motorised cart • Sea Temple Golf Gift Pack each To book, simply visit www.seatempleresorts.com and enter promotion code GOLFSTAY.

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* Accommodation at Sea Temple Resort & Spa Port Douglas in a Studio Spa Room. Also available on Two Bedroom Apartments (surcharges apply). Offer valid until 30 December 2011. Offer subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

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The clubhouse at Sea Temple Golf Club and rainforest. There are a number of tight fairways so accurate tee shots are required. Mossman Golf Club, 20 minutes north of Port Douglas, typifies the real taste of north Queensland. We were met by club manager Jock O’Kane and a number of friendly locals at the “19th hole”. He speaks glowing about the golf course, which is set amid thick natural rainforest with a spectacular mountain backdrop. The golf course is lush and home to a diverse range of wildlife. Mossman Golf Club is popular with tourists, including the grey nomads, who take advantage of the club’s temporary membership. “Holiday makers turn up in droves and end up staying for months at a time,” O’Kane said.

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Cairns Golf Club, which stretches to 6159m, was redesigned in the 1990s by Ross Watson and is a golf course that can be enjoyed by all levels of players. One of the feature holes is a challenging 158m par-3 11th. Golfers are faced with a carry over a large lake to a green is framed by pandanus palms. Club president Paul Chiro said visitors were always welcome. The golf club is located just minutes from the city centre. In the mid-1990s, Half Moon Bay Golf Club at Yorkeys Knob on Cairns’ northern beaches was given a facelift by designer Graham Papworth. The 18-hole golf course features two different characteristics – the front nine is links-style with great views over the Coral Sea while the back nine moves through sections of native bushland

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Sea Temple teaching pro a big hit with students INSIDE Golf’s Queensland sales manager David Ross was baffled. He was playing golf at Sea Temple Golf Club at Port Douglas and hooking the ball to places no golfer had been before. Try as he might, he just couldn’t find the fairway. That was until Sea Temple Golf Club teaching professional Graham Bolton pulled him aside and explained the mechanics of the swing. Graham had pin-pointed a minor flaw in David’s technique, corrected it by demonstrating with a piece of timber and lo and behold David’s next tee shot was gun-barrel straight – and long. The AAA-rated PGA professional only recently joined the Sea Temple Golf Club (Port Douglas) team and is already attracting the attention of locals and visitors. He has certainly impressed the club manager David Robertson. “Graham is an excellent coach and offers coaching classes to suit members and guests,” he said. “He teaches in a relaxed and friendly manner. He is well-liked, well respected and his clients get excellent results.” Graham’s philosophy to teaching is, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. He says not all students need their swing pulled apart for the sake of conforming to a text book. “It’s more important to understand the goals of the student and work out a plan together to achieve them,” said Graham, who previously worked at Paradise Palms in Cairns. Prior to that, he worked at Kingston Links and Ranfurlie golf courses in Melbourne. Graham says he enjoys teaching all facets of the

game. If you are having problems with your driver, irons, short game or putting, Graham can fix it. For the majority of players, working on these areas will lead to the greatest improvement in scoring and enjoyment of the game. This method of coaching has seen Graham build a large following from the members and players in Tropical North Queensland. As a student of the game, he is constantly studying new techniques, methods and tools to give his students the edge. Over the past four years he has learnt from some of the greats of modern coaching such as David Leadbetter, Peter Cowan and Stan Utley and Australian coaches Steve Bann and Dale Lynch. “Sea Temple Golf Club can now offer half hour, one hour and playing lessons as well as golf schools with Graham Bolton,” David Robertson said. “As the premier golf club in Tropical North Queensland, we are very pleased to offer this extra service for our members and guests.” For more information, bookings and enquiries telephone (07) 4087 2222.

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womeningolf 39

Karen’s a driving force in Europe DavidNewbery When you talk legendary Australian names of women’s golf, you’re usually speaking of Karrie Webb, Jan Stephenson et al. But when you are talking golf ’s great Ladies European Tour (LET) survivors, you think of Karen Lunn. With far less career earnings than Webb and Stephenson, Lunn is a 26-year tour veteran who has had success in her own right. Her highlights reel includes winning the Women’s British Open while her off-course achievements are just as impressive. She is the Ladies European Tour chairman, a position she has held since 2004. “It’s had its up and downs but it’s been rewarding,” said Lunn, who joined the board of directors in 1999. Lunn has helped guide the tour out of troubled financial waters and the tournament schedule has grown. Away from the boardroom, the 45-year-old remains highly competitive and only last year won the Portugal Ladies Open. In fact, 2010 was a stellar year for Lunn courtesy of a number of top-10 finishes and in 2009 she finished inside the top-25 on the money list. “It may have come as a bit of a surprise that I won in Portugal, but it wasn’t a total shock to a lot of people because I have been playing some pretty good golf in the last three or four years,” she said. “I am really enjoying my golf again.” While the two roles (chairman and player) keep her busy, Lunn ensures she finds time to help the tour’s rookies find their feet. “I mentor them on how to adjust to life on tour,” she said. “The transition from amateur to professional is tougher than people think. “When you are out there on your own, the biggest adjustment is getting a schedule organised, working out how to get from A to B, how and when to practice and adjusting to being away from home. “Some players don’t need help, but others use the process a lot.

“My body will tell me when I have had enough and if I don’t feel I can compete or contend I won’t be making up the numbers. “When I walk away from golf I want to walk away playing well, not badly.” I ask Lunn how she’d like to be remembered when she finally pulls the pin. “As someone who gave back to the game as much as she took out of it,” she said. “As LET chairman, it’s important to me to leave the game in a better state than when I came into the game. “And as someone who gave 100 per cent and worked really hard. “I haven’t made as much money as Karrie Webb and when I finish playing I will have to go and look for another job. “I won’t be taking the boat out fishing every day or going to the beach. I’ll be looking for another career after golf.”

KAREN LUNN PROFILE STILL WINNING: Karen Lunn shows off the Portugal Ladies Open trophy “I spent quite a bit of time with Australians “She has completely turned my short game Rebecca Flood and Kristy Smith last year. around, which was always a weakness. This year Bree Arthur, Stacey Keating and Rachel “I have always hit the ball decently, but my Bailey are the beneficiaries of Lunn’s sage advice. short game has let me down a lot in my career. Now it’s probably the best it’s been at any time “Rebecca, Kristy, Stacey and Bree are good throughout my career. young players and it’s exciting to watch them “Of course, holing a few putts is the difference starting out and I hope they do great things,” between finishing 30th and winning.” she said. By her own admission, Lunn is a “golf tragic” Playing wise, Lunn is enjoying contending – a person who just can’t get enough of the game. again especially after her career was almost cut “I am a student of the game and love learning short by injuries. about golf,” she said. “It’s why I have kept playing “I have had some nasty injuries over the last for a long time. 10 years like ankle, elbow, shoulder and lower “For a lot of people it’s just a job and a living back,” she said. Another reason we are seeing her name on and they probably couldn’t think of anything the leaderboard again is courtesy of an improved worse than playing golf when their career ends.” short game. Lunn is grateful she has had the opportunity LOCATION DAY DATE “Seven years ago I started working with Diane to “make a decent living and travel the world” sanctuary (member only)she loves. wednesday 22nd July Barnard, who used to play on the tour,” Lunn said. cove playing a sport

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Born: Sydney 21-3-1966 Height: 168cm Hobbies: Music, reading, cooking, all sports, football and cricket. Turned pro: 1985 Pro career wins: 14 Amateur highlights: NSW Junior champion 1982; Australian Schoolgirl champion 1982; Queensland champion, Victoria Matchplay champion, Queensland Junior champion, Australian Strokeplay champion 1984. Pro highlights: 1986 Borlange Open; 1988 Godiva European Masters; 1990 BMW European Masters; 1992 Slovenian Open; 1993 Women’s British Open and KRP World Classic; 1997 Amex Tour Player’s Classic and French Open; 2009 Ladies Italian Open; 2010 Portugal Ladies Open. Other victories: 1988 Thailand Open; 1990 Daikyo Challenge (Australia) and 1992 TIME Malaysian Open.

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July 2011

40 juniorgolf............................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

DeeDee’s ‘awesome’ and ‘cool’ DavidNewbery THE nice thing about this job is just when you finish writing a story about a promising junior another one pops up on the radar. Last month we introduced you to young Blake Proverbs and this time it’s DeeDee Russell, a 14-yearold dynamo from the Gold Coast in Queensland. Okay, so she hasn’t yet won any major junior championships, but the word is she has the potential and determination to go all the way in the game. DeeDee first picked up a club when she was “seven or eight” and joined the Greg Norman Golf Foundation where she has been able to hone her skills. She is a member at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club and plays off a handicap of three. A year 10 student at Kings Christian College on the Gold Coast, DeeDee is no different to other teenagers. Words like “cool” and “awesome” are part of her vocabulary, but unlike a lot of teenagers DeeDee is a delight because she doesn’t give one word answers to questions. When I called she was in the middle of her maths homework, but said it was “cool” to chat. When I told her I planned doing a story on her for Inside Golf she said “awesome”. Then she really opened up about her golf – a subject she loves talking about. “I really love golf because it gets me out of the house and allows me to use my brain,” she said. “I also like playing in competitions.

SAND SAVE: DeeDee Russell … another rising star on the Queensland junior scene. “My dad (James) got me into golf when I was about seven or eight and I am glad he did because it’s a great game. “My whole family, but mainly dad, has always been there to encourage and support me with my golf. Since taking up the game, DeeDee has improved at a great rate of knots. Part of her development will see her compete in the World Junior in San Diego in the US later this year. “My main goal is to become a professional and play on the US LPGA Tour, but I have smaller goals to achieve first like representing Queensland and

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Australia,” DeeDee said. A strong driver of the golf ball and a good mid-iron player, DeeDee is currently working on improving her short game under the guidance of her coach Therese Hjertstedt. I ask DeeDee what her skills are like with the flat stick. “I am close to being a good putter, but mostly I need to do a lot of work on my short game,” she said. She lists Katherine Hull as her favourite

golfer because “she’s from Australia and she’s a great Christian golfer”. Before taking golf seriously, DeeDee dabbled with AFL, soccer and karate. “I played those sports at school and did karate because it’s good for discipline.” DeeDee is a recipient of the Alan Davidson Scholarship, an initiative of the Greg Norman Golf Foundation. The money goes towards lessons, equipment and travel. “It’s wonderful and I really do appreciate it,” she said. The Greg Norman Golf Foundation has really helped me a lot and I recommend all juniors to join. “It’s a good environment to be in and they are very encouraging. It’s a good place to improve your skills and it’s also a great place to meet new friends. “I started there when I was seven playing in the nine-hole division and advanced to 18 holes when I was about 10.” Last year, DeeDee achieved a rare feat when she had a hole-in-one at her home course. She used an eight-iron on the 120m third hole to find the bottom of the cup.

YOUR SAY

Do you know a young junior golfer who belongs in our “Rising Stars” section? Send us an email at ed@insidegolf.com.au, and let us know!

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44 celebrities.............................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Catfish talks golf DavidNewbery NO-ONE is more respected in cricket circles than Queensland Bulls cricket captain and Australian representative James Hopes. In his first season as captain of the XXXX Gold Bulls (2009-10), the all-rounder was the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year, claimed the Ian Healy Trophy as the Bulls Player of the Year and was the Bulls Players’ Player and KFC T20 Player of the Year. Popular with teammates, Hopes goes by the nickname Catfish, which was given to him by Andrew Symonds. But because of his dedication and commitment to his State, his country and teammates he could easily go by the moniker Mr Reliable. That’s because whenever his team needs a wicket or two or a quick fire 50 the energetic Hopes is often the go-to man. “I have always heeded the advice I was given early in my career and that’s play for your team all the time because if you don’t go as far as you want to go at least you will have friends at the end of it,” he said.

His greatest thrill was debuting for Australia in New Zealand and having his parents watching from the stands. “The other was winning the ICC Champions Trophy with Australia in 2009,” he added. On the flip side, missing out on making the World Cup squad earlier this year was a huge disappointment. “It was the worst moment of my career,” he said. “Of course, getting knocked out of the T20 World Cup in England when we were favourites was also a disappointment.” I ask the 32-year-old how he’d like to be remembered when he quits the game. “I want to be remembered as someone who played for the team and got the most out of the talent they had,” he said. Hopes, who has a degree in international business and economics, has a desire to remain in cricket when he pulls the pin. But not before taking a decent break away from the game. “I will take 12 months off and get completely away because I don’t think there will be anything worse than being in a coaching position when you are looking after players you have played a lot with.” Undoubtedly, he’ll be spending plenty of time playing golf. Hopes, who recently returned from the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he captains the Delhi Daredevils, tells Inside Golf about his passion for golf. What’s your handicap? I am off 2. Are you a golf club member? Yes, Keperra Country Golf Club. I joined the club when I was a junior. How often do you play golf? Normally, about four or fives times a week, but since I took over the captaincy of the Queensland Bulls it’s been far less. If you weren’t a professional cricketer what would you be doing? Probably (school) teaching.

Sporting a handicap of 2, cricketer James Hopes is as passionate on the course as he is on the pitch Best golf course you have played? Cape Kidnappers (NZ) or Barnbougle Dunes (Tasmania). Name a golf course you would like to play? That’s easy – Augusta National or Sawgrass. What’s your lowest score? A three-under 69 at Keperra. I also shot oneunder at Pacific Harbour. What’s your highest score on one hole? A 10 on the first hole at Keperra. What’s in your golf bag? All Titleist gear. Could you have been good enough to play golf professionally? Maybe when I was in my mid-20s and playing off scratch, but not now. Name your dream fourball playing partners? Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan. When cricketers get together for a game of golf is there a lot of friendly banter between the players? There is and there’s plenty of betting as well. Of the cricketers, who is the best golfer? Ricky Ponting. He’s exceptional and could be a professional if he wanted to. What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen a teammate do on a golf course? I’ve seen a player’s club finish up stuck in a tree, but I won’t name that player.

What’s your worst habit? Biting my fingernails. If you could choose to be another sportsperson, who would it be? Jason Day. Do you have a hidden talent? I can cook. The strangest place you have been recognised? The Louvre in France. Are you superstitious? No, but I always put my left pad on first. The cricket team you get the most satisfaction beating? Victoria. On the international stage it’s India or England. What’s your view on gamesmanship in sport? I am fine with it as long it doesn’t get personal. There are guys who are good at it and guys who are terrible at it. Sometimes it’s funny and sometimes it works. I don’t have a problem with it and I don’t have a problem with guys not walking – it’s been that way for 100 years. What about cheating at golf? Cheating annoys me in golf – if I see someone cheating I walk off. Have you ever had a hole-in-one? No, but my brother John, who plays off six, has had two and it’s frustrating that I haven’t had one.

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courses 45

Thinking ‘outside the (tee) box’ Keysborough Golf Club launches innovative ‘lifestyle’ membership plan – a refreshing change from the norm RichardFellner It’s no secret that golf club memberships are generally stagnating in Australia. As more golfers find themselves hamstrung with family commitments, time constraints or the squeeze of financial difficulties, the traditional golf club membership is often either abandoned (as too expensive to justify) or eschewed in favour of a more flexible social golf model. While many clubs have battled with the declining numbers via membership drives, family specials, online vouchers or reduction/elimination of the Joining Fee, one can’t help but wonder if this is really enough to make a difference. Golfers today are looking for golf options that offer flexibility and value for money. Yet many clubs still follow the strict 6/7-day membership model, with no concern for the golfer who may only want to play, say, once a week (or fortnight/ month, etc.) That said, there are some smart clubs out there that are going the extra step – introducing truly innovative and flexible plans that speak directly to the time-poor, cash-strapped golfer. One such club is Keysborough Golf Club, on Melbourne’s famous Sandbelt. Keysborough recently launched a very clever ‘Lifestyle Membership’ program – a multiple-tiered system

that uses a credits-based approach to membership. In essence, you choose a package that suits your lifestyle, and are given a set amount of ‘credits’ which you redeem as you play. The “Flexi Golf ” package, for example, is only $400 for the year and includes 25 credits. The “Extra Flexi” package is $720 for the year (includes 60 credits), while the “Maxi Flexi” package is $1,050 per year (includes 100 credits). Each package includes Administration fee, Golf Victoria affiliation, Golf insurance, Daily competition fees, etc., but when the sums are done, each credit is valued around $9 or $10. A round of 9 or 18 holes can run anywhere from 1 to 10 credits (depending on day/season – see below) and you can purchase additional packages of credits as needed throughout the year (Minimum is 25 credits for $250). 18 holes

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“This is an initiative to meet the changing demands in the golf market,” explains Darren Eckhardt, Director of Golf at Keysborough. “Keysborough Golf Club has recognized the demand from younger generation golfers for choice and flexibility that fits with work and family commitments. The package accommodates everyone at their chosen level of participation, from social to competition golf, and others,” he adds. Inside Golf had the chance to play at Keysborough recently, and we were extremely impressed with the quality of the course. The wet winter has been a real treat for the greens, as they are soft, lush and in fantastic condition. The fairways – while still slightly squishy in a few places – were equally well maintained, and were a treat to play from (when we actually hit

the fairway, that is!) The course is challenging but fair. The par-5s are solid 3-shotters for the average player (with some good risk-reward options), while the par4s and par-3s provide a variety of challenges throughout the round. Stray balls are generally easy to find (good news!), while the relatively flat course is a pleasure for walking. And the general parkland layout offers a tranquil and relaxing setting for a grand day out. Overall, we’d recommend that you give Keysborough a look if you’re in the market for a flexible membership package that doesn’t bust the wallet. For further information, visit www.keysboroughgolf.com.au, or phone: (03) 9798 1333.

MITSUBISHI WORLD MASTERS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 23 to 29 October 2010, Gold Coast, Australia

Voted Australia’s biggest and best week of golf and fun, why not find out for yourself? Join Go Golfing for the 16th annual Mitsubishi Masters World Championships held in October 2011. Four days of tournament golf, nightly activities and 10 major prizes to be won including a brand new Mitsubishi Lancer SX! This is one week you do not want to miss out on! Take advantage of South East Queensland’s warm sunny days on our post tour to the Sunshine Coast. Staying four nights and two rounds at the renowned Hyatt Coolum, why let the good times end.

TOURNAMENT INCLUSIONS: • Championships rounds at The Glades, Lakelands, RACV Royal Pines and The Colonial including motorised carts • Share in $120,000 in trophies and prize draws • 10 major prizes to be won • Welcome reception and Gala Presentation dinner • 19th Hole festivities each night at Jupiters Casino • One dozen Taylor Made Penta TP ‘tour’ golf balls (valued at $79) • Discounted accommodation and golf transfers • Plus much more!

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A Golfer’s Diary:

The pilgrimage

to Barnbougle Dunes and The Lost Farm

MatthewPitt Since it opened in 2004, Barnbougle Dunes has very quickly been rated by many as among the great golf courses of the world. With the opening in 2010 of its sister course, The Lost Farm, the facility has become an essential golfing destination for every golf tragic. Like many golfers, I have been intrigued to find out for myself what all the fuss is about.

The Plan

One evening at a golf course somewhere, a plan was hatched among a group of mates to tackle this great Australian golfing odyssey together. As we chatted, the speculation commenced on which is the better course. I decided that I was not going to compare them. My goal was to simply enjoy the indulgence of playing these two superb sister courses.

The winding par-4 5th at The Lost Farm After a few colourful planning sessions, we decided on 54 holes over three days with two rounds at Barnbougle Dunes and one at The Lost Farm. To make the time to play three rounds, we decided to take the deluxe option and fly directly to the courses on private charter planes with Vortex Air.

Friday May 27

When the day finally arrived, the excitement was palpable. We met at Moorabbin Airport early on a drizzly, overcast morning and, as the planes were packed, we had brekky in the departure lounge and indulged in some loose speculation on the days ahead. After take off, we enjoyed an aerial tour of Melbourne’s sandbelt courses to start the 80-minute flight. After an hour, the clouds below us cleared and the northern coast of Tasmania came into view. As we crossed the beach, the sun skimmed across the surface of

Bass Strait and we made a long, arching turn that offered a breathtaking view of both golf courses. We landed next to the second fairway of Barnbougle Dunes on a crisp, sunny morning with hardly a breath of wind. We were met by Eric who made us feel most welcome and transferred us to the clubhouse that sits on one side of a cosy amphitheatre of coastal dunes covered in Marram grass. Facing the clubhouse is a row of cottages and in-between is a small carpark and the practice facilities that include a driving range, a pitching and chipping green and a large, sloping practice putting green that sits on the path to the first tee. We had arrived in golfing heaven. And so, late on Friday morning, we played Barnbougle Dunes and what an experience it was. Superbly crafted golf holes unfurled across a landscape so perfectly suited to golf that one is suspended in an almost continual state

of excitement and anticipation. The opening sequence of holes was as captivating as any I have played. By the time we had negotiated the superb fourth with its cavernous fairway bunker, made the turn past Reg’s Hut for that famous walk along the beach to the fifth tee, I was so intoxicated with the golf I was in danger of losing my equilibrium. The highlights just kept coming. The tiny par three 7th known as Tom’s Little Devil is a wonderful golf hole. Then there is the split fairway on the 8th, the mighty finish at the ninth, the exquisite short 12th, the enormous 13th green and so it goes on. Time and again the course makes a searching inquiry into your decision making and ability to execute shots. Some of my favourite moments were standing on tees in complete bewilderment as I considered the options and tried to decide how much to risk, which direction and what club to take.

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Courses 47

After golf, we retired to dinner and drinks at the lovely Barnbougle restaurant, and set ourselves for tackling The Farm the next day. Whereas I had read and seen so much about The Barn, The Lost Farm was a mystery. My only preconception was my staunch determination not to compare the two courses.

Saturday May 28

Clockwise from left: Risk-reward is the name of the game for the par-4 4th at Barnbougle Dunes. One of Lost Farm’s two “betting holes” - the short par-3 18a. The airstrip for Vortex Air sits nicely beside the 2nd hole of Barnbougle Dunes shots need to be near perfect for some pin positions to have a chance to two-putt, let alone make birdies. We played it on a still day with hardly a breath of wind and it was a stern test. Those less fortunate than us who encounter a stiff northerly blowing off Bass Strait will have a tough time playing to anywhere near their handicap. But that is not really the point of visiting these courses. One is almost obliged to strip the game to its simplest principles, ignore the limitations of par and simply play each shot and each hole on its merits in the conditions and according to your ability.

Sunday May 29

After a great Saturday night and a healthy exchange of opinions on the relative merits of the two courses, we teed off on Sunday morning to tackle The Barn once again. It was no less thrilling than the first day, although this correspondent ran out of legs on the closing holes. The dunes of Barnbougle

NOTEPAD

Barnbougle Dunes Ph: (03) 6356 0094 www.barnbougledunes.com.au Lost Farm Ph: (03) 6356 1124 www.lostfarm.com.au Vortex Air Ph: (03) 8586 7474 www.vortexair.com.au

...That’s My Ball

MONE

-B

As for me, I am not the sharpest wedge in the bag, but I am wise enough not to trust my own hasty opinions and unreliable first impressions. I am already planning my next trip so I can play both courses a second time and not compare them all over again. Editor’s note: visit insidegolf.com.au to check out our massive photo gallery of Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm.

Whose ball is that?

30 DAY

claimed another victim as my game collapsed into the Marram grass! After golf we took some necessary refreshments in the clubhouse and then made our way to the airstrip for the flight home. Taking off in the long shadows of the dunes cast by the afternoon sun was a superb finish and a great chance to reflect on the weekend and the golf. As it happened, my determination before the trip not to compare the two courses was an impossible dream. The road to hell is paved with good intentions and despite my desire not to compare them, I could not hold back the tide of opinion. In the end, I indulged myself with a rather capricious position on the relative merits of the two courses and settled quite firmly on a preferred layout. But I am not going to reveal that here. It has rightfully been left behind somewhere over Bass Strait. If you want an opinion on which is the better golf course, you will need to go there and decide for yourself.

Like its sister, The Lost Farm commences on some level terrain to reach the coast, so the first couple of holes build the anticipation as the dunes loom ahead. By the time we reached the 3rd, the assault commenced. A short par-4 with a small, tiered green sheltered in a dune. It appears innocuous from the tee, but the challenge is all at the green. This hole was a fearsome introduction to a stretch of holes played in and through some remarkable dunes in the links land. The 4th is a striking par-3 perched on top of the dunes overlooking a stretch of beach on Anderson Bay and looking back across the estuary towards Barnbougle Dunes. The 5th is one of the most intimidating holes on the course with a drive required to take on the corner of a huge dune on the right to have any chance of reaching the massively undulating green on this 400-metre par-4. The long, uphill 16th is a magnificent par three and one of the real feature holes of the course. The two “betting holes” were a great feature, with our group enjoying the extra couple of short par-3s in the round of 20 holes. The differences between Bill Coore’s design of The Lost Farm and Tom Doak and Mike Clayton’s Barnbougle Dunes means golfers have the good fortune of two distinct golf courses with differing flavours in the same superb location. Many of the landing areas at The Lost Farm are enormous (some of the biggest I have ever seen) and a number of the greens have such severe undulations that approach

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July 2011

48 courses..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Eynesbury Golf Course While Melbourne’s most celebrated golf courses are either found in the east (Sandbelt) or the south (Mornington Peninsula), golfers are now starting to venture west to tackle the spectacular Eynesbury Golf Course, one of Victoria’s most exciting layouts Just 40 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, Eynesbury Golf Course has been quietly turning heads since its opening a few short years ago. Featuring an endearing combination of worldclass golf and tranquil Aussie bushland surrounds, Eynesbury is now firmly entrenched as one of Victoria’s “must-play” courses. We’ve played Eynesbury a few times now, and each round has offered a different perspective on this magnificent course. Whether it’s been warm and sunny or cold and windy, Eynesbury has shown a different set of challenges and risk-reward options, and it has proven its playability in even the most brutal of weather conditions. Eynesbury is simply an outstanding golf course, and it is one of our favourites in Victoria. The clubhouse and surrounds are striking and serene, featuring transformed bluestone buildings built by a mid-18th century pastoralist. The course is a symphony of superb golf holes in a uniquely Australian landscape. It is a bushlands-style course, punctuated with magnificent eucalypts through gently undulating terrain. Time and again the holes require planning and thoughtful decision-making to navigate the challenges and complexities of the journey and on most holes,

the tee shot demands careful consideration of what lies ahead. The course’s wide fairways (Santa Ana couch) and spectacular greens (G2 bent) provide a great playing surface, and they are in absolutely fantastic condition. The team at Eynesbury work very hard to ensure that the greens are smooth and fast, and that they are poa-free, which means that you won’t get those pesky dark green patches that can cause the ball to bobble when rolling. Like most of Graham Marsh’s designs, Eynesbury is a fair, playable and truly enjoyable test of golf. But it’s no picnic–If you’re stuck in the brutal bunkers, rivers, rough or various other hazards, then you’ll have a fair bit of work to do. But that’s half the fun of golf, isn’t it? And while it may seem like a fair distance to travel for a round of golf, at 40-minutes from the CBD it is still closer (for some) than travelling down the Mornington Peninsula. This is an important point for those who can’t wrangle a leave pass for more than a few hours in the day. For social groups, corporate groups or even large-scale tournaments, Eynesbury is a real winner. With first-class practice facilities, topnotch tournament management, a full fleet of 56 carts and a great set of entertainment/

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The 18th hole and clubhouse at Eynesbury food facilities, it’s sure to help make any event memorable and successful. The course currently has three promotions running – each catering to a different golfing groups. Their winter warmer program is already a popular promotion. For just $49.50 per person, you get a free Eynesbury beanie and bowl of soup to keep the chill away. If you’re interested in a membership, their 12-month Foundation membership includes a year of free cart usage for only $162.50 per month (midweek at $100 per month). Finally, they also have a social group barbecue pack, where each player gets a free BBQ meat/bread/salad pack and a pot of beer with their golf. So whether you’re looking for a quick round with a friend, or planning a large corporate/social golf outing, be sure to check out Eynesbury. You won’t be disappointed.

NEED TO KNOW Eynesbury Par: 72 Length: 6,577 (Black), 6,329 (Blue), 6,096 (White), 5,650 (Red) Designer: Graham Marsh Address: Eynesbury Rd, Eynesbury, Vic 3338 Golf Bookings: 1300 396 372, or (03) 9971 0403 www.eynesbury.com.au Green Fees: (all prices exclude carts) 18 Holes: $49.50 weekday ($44.50 online), $59.50 Weekend ($54.50 online). Social Golf Groups of 12 or more players may apply to Eynesbury management for a discount on their golf package. Discounts will be subject to seasonality and demand.

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clubs 49

Twice the golf at Cool Tweed

Watson and Palmer happy to share

Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club offers great value for golf

The first corporate day at The Palms was a real success

It is hard to imagine what it would have been like playing a round of golf at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club when the first game was played there back in 1932. Almost 80 years on, the Club’s entire 101 hectares is a dedicated nature reserve and both 18-hole courses, the River Course and the West Course, were recently named in the top 100 Australian public access courses. All 36 holes are rated as good golfing challenges– relaxing but testing, gently undulating to flat, wide fairways guarded by groves of well-established trees, and plenty of bunkers and water hazards to keep golfers’ minds on their game. A small rainforest in the middle of the River Course is home to an abundance of goannas and bird life, generations of which have happily shared their lush riverside habitat with golfers. When all the features of Coolangatta & Tweed

Heads Golf Club are taken into account–two championship courses, reasonable price and unbeatable location–it is easy to see why it is regarded by many as one of the best-optioned courses on the ‘Golf Coast’. A round at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club is a fraction of the cost of many Gold Coast courses and is available all year round. Because there are two 18 hole championship courses, usage is less intense, so there is no need to race through the course, feeling pressured to rush every shot. Savings made on the course can be used to enjoy some of the other great facilities at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club. There is a restaurant, bars, coffee shop and entertainment at the Club, which is open to members and visitors seven days a week. To book a round of golf, contact Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club on (07) 5524 5545. www.cooltweedgolf.com.au

The Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club was proud to unveil The New Palms Golf Course at the inaugural Members Opening Day. The Palms has been closed for the past two and a half years and has been redesigned by golf course architect Ross Watson. Along with Member anticipation, it has also been an experience for a numb er of cor p orate groups that have had the pleasure of playing the 18 holes, including ANZ, BDO and Bottlemart. “The first corporate day on The Palms Golf Course was a tremendous achievement and success for all”, said Head Golf Professional Bob Weir. “The ANZ Corporate Day held host to

over 200 players who enjoyed the beautiful undulating fairways and challenging bunkers. It was a milestone in the history of The Club and Sanctuary Cove”. Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club also announced the recent release of leisure golf available on The New Palms and The Pines Golf Courses. Prior to May, The Arnold Palmerdesigned golf course was a ‘members’ only’ facility allowing only Members, their guests and Hyatt Regency Visitors to play. Now, non-members with a home club and Golflink Handicap are allowed to play on The Pines and The Palms. Memberships and golf bookings can be obtained by visiting The Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club’s website www.sanctuarycovegolfclub.com.au

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July 2011

50 clubs......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Brookwater a favourite, says Shark DavidNewbery IN Greg Norman’s opinion, Brookwater golf course just 25 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD is “beautiful”. He also has another word for the layout he designed and built, “demanding”. Don’t think he’ll get any arguments on those two counts. “It’s a demanding golf course for one reason,” Norman said. “It’s because of the environmental restraints we had put on us. “Let me say, it’s a beautiful and demanding golf course because it’s a narrow corridor. “To tell you the truth, it’s one of my favourite golf courses in Australia,” the Shark told Inside Golf. For the past five years, Brookwater has been rated Queensland’s number one public access golf course. Recently I reacquainted myself with the championship golf course and to my surprise I finished the round with the same golf ball I started with. Mind you, we weren’t playing off the Tiger tees. One of the joys of playing Brookwater is each heavily tree-lined fairway is secluded and you get the feeling your group is the only one on the golf course. That’s because the par-72 layout weaves its way through natural, undulating Australian bushland. Still, there’s plenty of wildlife to keep you company. We shared one fairway with three kangaroos and three kookaburras.

Brookwater is a credit to Greg Norman that the environmental surroundings have not been broken by the golf course. Of course, Norman is right when he says it’s a demanding golf course, but those who bear down and concentrate can head for the 19th hole and celebrate a good day out.

The cost is $100 per person (Monday to Sunday) includes 18 holes with electric cart, Brookwater shirt to use for your golf day prize, choice of gourmet burger for lunch or $15 voucher for each guest and a glass of wine or tap beer for each guest.

Monday madness

The award-winning Drift Restaurant has moved in at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club. The restaurant features renowned and former Il Centro chef Romain Bapst.

On Mondays golfers can play 18 holes for $69 and that includes electric cart and 30 range balls.

Social group package

Brookwater’s social group package provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day out with a group of friends.

Wine and dine

Captains of industry

The annual event attracts more than 200

industry delegates from around Australia. It offers participants a platform for excellent business networking opportunities. There are three qualifying events and plenty of prizes up for grabs including a five-day Dubai golf holiday for two flying business-class. The prize includes accommodation and golf at The Montgomerie and The Els – both managed by Troon Golf.

Corporate golf

Brookwater has a number of corporate golf packages starting from $100 per person. The club can even arrange group transfers from your office to the golf course and back. www.brookwatergolf.com

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clubs 51

The Range Robina REMEMBER good old-fashioned pro shop service? Well, it’s still available and is working a treat at The Range Robina on the Gold Coast. Located adjacent to Robina Woods golf course’s 10th fairway, The Range Robina is operated by Peter Shaw, a service-oriented professional golfer. As a professional, he expects the best practice facilities and that’s why he has worked hard to give the members of the public “professional service” when they visit the range. “What we have introduced here is what I would expect if I went to a tournament,” he said. “I want to be hitting quality golf balls off quality grass areas and expect to get help if I need it. “That’s the experience we are providing at The Range Robina, which is a public range where golfers of all levels are made welcome. “We are trying to make it a tour range and give the average punter that experience.” Top teaching professional Kevin Healy has joined the team and is available for lessons, clinics and offers equipment advice. “Kev is one of the better coaches in Australia and anyone can walk in for a lesson,” Shaw said. “He’ll give a free assessment on where a golfer is at and let them know what they have to do to improve. “We want to make sure people enjoy their practice, get good value and leave the place with a good feeling. “Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are always there if someone needs a hand. “We offer quality advice about what gear is going to work best for golfers.

“So, when they leave the place they know they have the best equipment for their game and have been offered the best service.” Shaw said The Range Robina was one of the best short game areas on the coast. They have even set up a skills challenge for all golfers to test their short game. “It’s a nine-hole course around the chipping facility and we are encouraging everyone to have a go,” he said. The Range Robina offers quality two-piece golf balls, quality club repairs, adjustments to lies and lofts, new and second-hand equipment, private lessons and clinics and Corporate days. “We don’t just try and sell customers new gear,” Shaw said. “We’ll re-shaft a person’s club rather than selling them a brand-new set.” Starting at just $6, a player can get a bucket of balls (50). “I would rather sell more at less than less at more,” said Shaw, who boasts a high return of repeat business. “I want people coming through and seeing what we have to offer and guarantee they won’t be disappointed.” The range stretches to 270 metres and has plenty of target greens that allow golfers to work their way through the clubs in the bag. “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get more enjoyment out of your golf,” Shaw said. “We have demo days where golfers can come down and have a hit of new gear. “The experienced, friendly staff will even

offer you the use of a demo club if they see you are having trouble with your gear. “We can fit a player to see what suits their game – maybe it’s a better driver, an iron or maybe they are playing with the incorrect shafts.

“The advice and service we offer is in a stressfree environment.” For more information, phone (07) 5593 2757 or log on to www.therangerobina.com or www.purebalancegolfacademy.com.au

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July 2011

52 instruction..........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

The Golf Improvement Cycle and why it will change your game SteveBann Most golfers base their practice on what is known as the “Reactive Cycle”. It works like this: 1. You go out on the golf course and you hit a poor golf shot – perhaps a slice or a hook. 2. You react to this poor shot by trying something different on your next shot in the hope of correcting the problem – perhaps using a tip, some advice from a friend, etc. 3. You may or may not appear to have some success with this different approach – but in any event the result will be short-lived – you will likely repeat this “reactive cycle” over and over and you will end up very frustrated. Sound familiar? I see golfers practice in this way all the time. It is one of the major reasons why golfers fail to achieve anything like their true potential.

The Golf Improvement Cycle

Whether I am training an elite golfer or a recreational golfer, I always base my training around the “Golf Improvement Cycle”. This is essentially a three-phase process: Phase 1: Make an assessment of where your golf is at present (for a particular area of your game). Phase 2: Set some realistic goals and an appropriate timeframe.

Phase 3: Carry out some specific tasks/drills/ practice programs that are specifically aimed at improving that part of your game. How do we apply the Golf Improvement Cycle? I always like to work on, say, a 21-day or one month improvement cycle and repeat this process over and over. In theory, a golfer using one month improvement cycles would be able to go through 12 improvement cycles in a year – each cycle would have the effect of ingraining a particular skill. At the end of 12 months, you will be a much improved golfer as a result. There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that a month is the ideal time for a human to adapt to change. However, I do know that every golfer I have worked with in applying the Golf Improvement Cycle concept has done just that – improved. In Phase 1 of the cycle I like to make an assessment in each of the 4 Golf Training Areas that I discussed last month: 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. Whether I am dealing with a Tour Pro or a recreational golfer I still need to know where the player fits in each of the 4 Training Areas. I then work with the player to set some realistic goals in each of these training areas. Over the following

By carefully assessing your current game, setting goals and then establishing specific drills to improve individual parts of your game, you will see a marked improvement in your overall game month we will then work on a specific action plan aimed at providing a small improvement in one or more of the 4 training areas. In Phase 2, we look at Goals. Goal-setting is an important part of The Improvement Cycle as it helps you narrow your focus down to what exactly it is you are trying to accomplish in a particular area of your golf game. Finally, the 3rd Phase of The Improvement Cycle is to set specific drills and activities for yourself to achieve the goals you have set in Step 2. As an example: The chart below shows the different skill

levels for a drill where you must hit your Driver through a 25-yard wide target 200 yards away. In this case, an Elite player should expect to hit at least 7/10 shots successfully through the target, while a B Grade success rate would be 4-5 shots out of 10, etc. Skill Level Elite A Grade B Grade C Grade Novice

Score 7-10/10 5-6/10 4-5/10 2-3/10 0-1/10

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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Instruction 53

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Encourage your child into golf

MyGolf Nationals Skills and Awards Program

LeeHarrington The amazing thing about golf is no matter who I teach – Juniors, Ladies or even more advanced players — the fundamentals never change. Everyone can learn something – even if it is small —from all golf advice. From a young age all juniors can grab a putter and start putting. It is simple and it also can be a lot of fun. MyGolf starts the skills for ROLL IT with the following challenge for the junior at the bronze level. Instead of just putting away with no goals, give them the following challenge and see how they go. One metre 2/10 3/10 4/10 5/10 6/10 flat putt 2 putts from 2/10 3/10 4/10 5/10 6/10 4 metres

Keys to successful putting

1. Always fit the putter to the player – everyone gets so caught up in fitting their driver they forget about the flat stick. As shown, too long a putter puts your shoulders and head too far away from the ball and you cannot get in a position with your eyes over the ball. Juniors are often given too long a putter.

See your local PGA professional to get the putter cut to the correct size from the beginning to promote correct set-up. 2. The triangle formed with your arms and shoulders needs to be maintained in the backswing and forward swing so the shoulders rock back and forth. Head and hips stay centered throughout this tick- tock motion from the shoulders. This can take a bit of practice from juniors and beginners. The MyGolf skills program is being introduced at a local golf club near you. Check out www.golfaustralia.org.au/mygolf, and put in your postcode to find your nearest centre and give you junior the best start in golf from qualified PGA professionals.

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 the Gold Coast Carrara weekly. www.thegolfschool.com.au. Email: admin@thegolfschool.com.au, or phone (07) 5596 3373.

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July 2011

54 quicktips. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Improve your hip motion

GrahamBolton A poor hip motion robs a golfer of the ability to use their entire body effectively to create power. During a golf swing, a principle called “summation of force” is used to help gather speed and power. Summation of force during the downswing sees the golfer’s hips or “core” start the downswing – from here, in a gathering effect, each body segment moves and pulls the next in turn. This will see the hips, chest, shoulders, arms and then finally the club accelerate. In general the more effective the hip turn the more effectively the club will accelerate into the ball. One of the drills I use most often during lessons to work on hip motion is the “club across the front of the shoulders and turn” drill. It can give a golfer the feeling of a lot of what is needed in a good swing – a correct shoulder turn, hip turn, weight shift and a balanced finish. Couple this with a little work on the set up

and on maintaining spine angle and we have a drill which can improve a lot of the problems in your game. Another drill that I use frequently is a variation of the “club across the shoulder” drill. I ask the student to take a club and hold it along the front of their hips in their golf posture (pictured). From here make a 45-degree hip turn, staying in posture and keeping the club firmly against the hips. Notice how the front knee moves slightly down and the rear hip lifts? The back leg will in turn straighten a little. From this position, let your weight move to your front foot, let your hips move with a little speed to face the target and then let your right foot move up onto its toe. Try this for yourself, and feel your hips now leading your upper body on the move forwards. Graham Bolton is an AAA PGA Professional at Sea Temple Golf Club, Port Douglas.

Do these 3 things for the perfect backswing

Pic 1

Pic 2

AnneRollo A really common fault I see is where golfers don’t turn their body enough in the backswing. And let’s face it, if the backswing is good, the rest can almost take care of itself. I see a lot of ‘arm-ie’ golf swings, with very little shoulder turn and too much bend in the left arm (pic 1).This causes you to top the ball, hit the ground before the ball as well as struggle to get distance on your shots. If you turn your shoulders on the backswing you will be able to keep your left arm straight (pic 2) which is crucial to a consistent strike and good power and distance.

Get the left shoulder under your chin on the backswing and keep your left arm straight, and you are well on your way to the ‘perfect backswing’. The three crucial things for a good backswing are: 1. The left wrist breaks early on the backswing 2. The left shoulder turns underneath the chin 3. The left arm stays straight Anne Rollo teaches at Muirfield Golf Club in Sydney’s North West and can be contacted through her website www.fixmygolfswing.com.au

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Eyes for the hole only

quicktips 55

Perfect posture makes perfect

BrentGerman Has your putting been getting you down? Have you considered not even looking at the ball when you putt? Johnny Miller did this in his last PGA Tour Victory at the 1994 Pebble Beach ProAm. This is similar to a basketballer, who only looks at the hoop when he shoots, and is based on the theory of the brain focusing on the target more than the actual mechanics of shooting the goal. As my tendency is to focus too much on mechanics when I am playing, I like to look at the hole during my pre-round warmup. I have found that after 10 to 20 putts my feel and distance control is much better and I actually putt better. This helps me immensely on the course as it helps build trust in my stroke in competition. This theory has also been proven by Eric Alpenfels (a top teacher) and Dr. Bob Christina (Dean emeritus of the School of Health and Human Performance at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro). On tests done with 40 players — handicap ranging from 8 to 36— they found that looking only at the hole when putting improved results by 24%. So, next time you practice, set up and aim the putt, then look only at the hole when you putt. You will be surprised by the improved results you will start to see in a short amount of time.

MarkVictorsen

Brent German 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

I think anybody who watches golf at the top level will understand that there are very individual styles, different swing lengths, different tempos etc., with the best players in the world. In my opinion the one constant with all the top players is that they basically start from the same position. In other words, the address position is the only thing that they all seem to do the same way. By comparison, most club golfers have poor posture when setting up to the ball, be it standing the incorrect distance from the ball, having the ball position incorrect, having poor alignment, having incorrect weight distribution, having poor spine tilt, etc. A mirror offers the perfect feedback to a person attempting to get their posture correct. Remember: it takes great athleticism and talent to swing like Tiger, but we can all achieve a perfect setup. Here is my checklist for perfect posture:

1. Bend from the waist, keeping the back straight to about 30 to 35 degrees, neck to follow spine line. 2. Knees “off lock” and flexed enough to allow the balance to go to the balls of the feet. 3. Arms hang from the shoulders with relaxed grip. 4. Right knee kinks towards left at address (for a right hander), allowing proper hip setting 5. Head to follow shoulder tilt away from target 6. Ball position correct. 7. Alignment correct. Set your game up for success Mark Victorsen is the Senior Teacher at Pacific Golf Club Brisbane, and was QLD PGA Teacher of the Year in 2008. www.pacificgolf.com.au

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July 2011

56 instruction..........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Left hand: Push exercise PeterCroker Good Golf is EASY–that means done with EASE! Bad golf is stressful and a strain on body and mind. Doing this Left Hand Drill requires this “with ease” approach and to swing small and very slow at first to feel the momentum and the gravity that is there to be utilised. The “education” of the left hand means that correct alignments through the “impact zone” as well as from the “start” of the swing can be achieved and a consistent hit on the ball is the product. The purpose of the left hand push exercise is to teach that it is the principal responsibility of your left hand to push out down the clubshaft. This is the single most important factor in the golf swing. Your left hand pushing the clubhead through the ball causes your left shoulder to support this pushing action by working up and back. This single factor is what guarantees a steady head and a solid impact on a more consistent basis. If the action of your left hand pulling (not pushing) the clubhead through the ball results in your left shoulder pulling forward, your head will be caused to move erractically and thus inconsistent impact results. A ‘balanced’ hit will force your left shoulder up and back toward your chin.

Part 1

Hold a club at the top of a one third backswing position in your left hand only. Another person will push the clubhead forward in the throughswing. At the same time they will apply light pressure up the clubshaft toward you. You must keep a light pressure against this push going out down the clubshaft for structure. To maintain a position of power, you must not allow your hand to pull forward or pull backward. You must push from your centre right out in front of you the entire throughswing.

Part 2

At Address Position, hold a club in your left hand only. Imagine the dial of a clock, where 6

o’clock is right in front of you. Allow the club to swing back and forth in front of you from about 8 o’clock to 4 o’clock. Get so that what generates the motion on the downswing, is your left hand uncocking and pushing the clubhead on the forward part of the swing.

successful feeling yon can initially acquire as you learn The Croker Golf System. 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

Toe Down

Your left thumb pushing the toe of the clubhead down as you drive the clubhead through the ball on the throughswing, will force your left shoulder up and out through impact. Consciously pushing with your left thumb is not something you think or worry about when you play golf, but working with pushing the toe of the clubhead down through Impact is the most

You can also contact Peter on 0415 292 549

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instruction 57

Have you lost your direction? CorinneFurnell Check your aim

How to aim is often overlooked, and errant shots are often blamed on poor technique instead of poor alignment. If you don’t aim correctly at your target you will be constantly making compensations during your swing to get the ball to go in the direction you want it to. Many swing faults are the result of poor setup and alignment. The most common mistake made by many golfers is aiming their body and feet to the target. This causes us to aim right of our intended target and compensate in our swing by coming “Over the Top” to try and pull our shots back on line, usually resulting in pull shots to the left with short irons and a big slice with longer clubs like driver.

Aiming correctly

When you decide the location to where you want to hit your shot, chose a specific landmark; always look at your shot standing a couple of paces behind the ball. You need to line up your shot looking straight down your target line. If you stand side-on to line up your shot, your eyes will now be looking across your target line; this will change the line you are seeing it on. Similar to lining up a putt, when you address your ball it sometimes looks different and you want to change your aim. Don’t! What you saw looking from behind your ball was correct, stick

2. Ball lines up to target

1. Feet line up left of target with your first choice and commit to your shot, and visualise your ball flying to your target. Some people think lining up or taking aim from behind the ball is being posy or time wasting, it’s not and you can easily do this without being slow. In fact you may actually save time in your round as you find you are taking fewer shots. • Look at your target. If you have trouble aiming at something in the distance try choosing an intermediate target on the ground, like a leaf, a divot or a different coloured piece of grass. (Something that stands out to you) • Aim your clubface at your target, and your feet and body parallel to your target line. Always ensure you align the clubface to target first

before aligning feet and body. (Your body will be slightly left of target) • When you aim your clubface make sure your clubface is square to your target. When aiming an iron look at the bottom groove on the face of your club to square it up. When aiming a Driver, Fairway Metal or Hybrid look at the top edge of the club. (Where the paint line ends)

• You will be amazed how much easier it is to square the club face up at impact, and how much easier it is to turn or rotate through your swing. • Using alignment sticks (or even a golf club on the ground) during a practice round is a great way to help develop your skills at aiming.

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July 2011

58 instruction..........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au Exclusively part of the Inside Golf Instruction team

Practice does not make perfect! GlennWhittle The way you practice has a bigger influence over how you perform under pressure than anything else. If you are like most golfers you get to the golf course half an hour or so before you play and putt a few balls across the practice green, try and work out whether they are fast or slow and whether you are putting well or not today. If you are going to take your putting to another level then you need to dig a bit deeper Practice does not make perfect – it only creates habits. If the practice is good quality then this will help you under pressure, but if the practice is poor quality then it normally will not help

QUALITY Pay particular attention on what you are trying to learn, and practice specific aspects of putting. Most golfers think just hitting short putts or moving around the putting green from hole to hole is all that is needed. If your hope is to master a skill and commit it to memory, either intellectually or physically, you should make a conscious effort to understand the procedures of competence for the skill. With a focus on the procedures of the skill, combined with the intention to “learn” through practice,

the procedures get committed to long-term memory faster. In putting, there are many specific procedures; reading putts, setting up squarely, taking your grip, placing and aiming the putter face, keeping a good tempo, etc. Most “drills” are ill-suited to help you focus on the essential aspects of putting, because they are designed to “get you a result” without letting you work out how to get the result. As you practice, you will build up a resistance to maintaining focus, so you need to take breaks to stay sharp and keep the learning process from breaking down. People who persist too long in practice without a break lose focus and find themselves just going through the motions for periodic stretches of the session. If you want to putt for two hours straight, take one ten-minute break somewhere in the middle.

WHAT Putting strokes account for nearly one half of all strokes in a round, and yet hardly any golfers spend half of their practice time on putting. Many short-knockers have shown that keeping the drive in the fairway and getting the approach somewhere on the green is sufficient to keep pace with the long-knockers who don’t have the same skill with the putter. Similarly, you should practice the length of

putts that matter most. A typical first putt when you reach the green in regulation is 20 to 30 feet. A typical first putt when you chip on is three to eight feet. Any second putt from either of these ranges should be a tap-in, so those are irrelevant. Accordingly, many pros advise practicing from within 8-feet as well as some long ones, and forget the middle-range putts. In addition, long putts are much better for teaching distance control and line precision, so it probably would not hurt to tilt the balance of putt lengths to the long range. You should never miss any putt inside of 3-feet, so if you do, you should hit lots and lots of very short putts for confidence and competence under pressure.

HOW & HOW OFTEN

During the session you should not use more than two practice balls. The balls should be the same every time if possible, and you should vary the putts constantly. With three balls (or more), golfers “putt and rake,” focusing almost totally

on whether the putt goes in or gets closer than the last, instead of focusing on what you are working on technically. Beginning golfers should probably spend as much time on long and short putting practice as they do on all other aspects of the game. More accomplished golfers should practice twice a week for at least an hour, and one two-hour session in advance of any important game or tournament. Serious putters practice daily, or very nearly so, for anywhere up to two hours a day, six days a week. 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 find out how to book a putting or swing lesson with Glenn visit www.sydneyputtingstudio. c o m o r w w w. w h i t t l e g o l f . c o m . Visit www.youtube.com/glennwhittle for a few good putting pressure drills.

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fitness 59

When ‘working hard’ is hardly working RichardNizielski It is very easy to waste precious time at the gym working hard doing the wrong exercises which give results, just the wrong results. Each sport has a different set of requirements, and the training that works for one more than likely won’t be ideal for another. For this reason I am never surprised when golfers are skeptical about the benefits of training for golf. Many have at one time or another participated in other sports or used a gym facility. I am often told the gym exercises they have tried for their golf either didn’t help or made things worse. However, after doing some more investigating, it is often revealed that the type of exercises weren’t exactly conducive to improving golf, and often were more about aesthetics than athletic development. Good information is invaluable to improvement. For this reason, even the professional golfers at the top of their game retain coaches for their golf and fitness, always seeking out the latest information to improve their ability to play the game. I am sure all of us at some point have had a mentor, a coach or someone who, at a certain point of our personal journey, said or demonstrated something which just stuck. Something that resonated an undeniable truth from the first time you heard it and possibly still has an influence on you.

Two comments/quotes have influenced me and in fact still do. One is by the famous American football coach Vince Lombardi who is quoted with the following: “The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work”. The second quote, I will have to paraphrase as I can’t remember where I heard or read it (apologies to the author), however it was something to the effect of: ‘If you’re not training, somewhere in the world, someone else is. And when you meet them, they will beat you’. I am sure that, like you, I could recite a dozen or so more of these notable quotes from the hundreds if not thousands of quotes out there, but I won’t. For the simple reason that what I extract from one of these quotes will possibly be completely different from what other people extract. From the quotes that I have noted, it may be seen that success only comes with work and consistency of effort. However, what these quotes were telling me is that only with the correct training and the right amount of work would I then give myself the opportunity to reach the success I was pursuing. When I applied that principle, the result was a greater amount of success in a shorter amount of time. Or, simply put: Not all work efforts are equal. Quotes and mentors aside, it is safe to say that this principle is applicable to the majority of situations and pursuits that we all encounter. Golf and golf fitness training should be no different.

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

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Qld selector hails Jason Day Of all the talented golfers Queensland state selector Barry Shepherd has seen emerge from the state’s talent pool, Jason Day remains the stand out, writes DAVID NEWBERY IT’S a big call but golf administrator Barry Shepherd reckons Jason Day is the best golfer to come out of Queensland. “As far as Queenslanders are concerned I have always said that Jason Day had the most talent,” Shepherd told Inside Golf. “I didn’t have a lot to do with Adam Scott although I watched him shoot 64 as an amateur at Coolangatta Tweed Heads. “I thought he had a lot of ability, but I thought Jason was a lot more consistent. “Jason didn’t have those bad rounds whereas Adam would and Jason’s putting was always better than Adam’s.” Shepherd’s 39-year golf administration career allowed him to walk “inside the ropes” at leading amateur events where he was able to assess the players. Other notable players who came under his gaze as a state selector and state and national team manager include Aaron Baddeley, Shane Tait, David Podlich, David Gleeson, Jon Riley, Marc Leishman, Matt Griffin, Tim Stewart and Rohan Blizard. Blessed with natural talent, Shane Tait was a brilliant amateur who looked set to make an impact as a professional. I remember the late QGU boss Bill Kennedy

telling me he thought Tait was two shots better than Greg Norman at the same age. Unfortunately, Tait’s career in the play-for-pay ranks never reached any great heights. “I remember caddying for Taity in an amateur tournament in 1991 in Adelaide and he finished third,” Shepherd recalled. “That was when Robert Allenby and Stuart Appleby were in the field. “Shane’s course management let him down – he was trying to cut the corners all the time.” Shepherd said it was a different era – a time when the young amateurs were still interested in having fun. “Those days the players were there for a good time,” he said. “Even though Queensland often had the best team on paper they didn’t win the interstate series. “These days you take a state team away and they hardly drink and there’s a lot more discipline, fitness and doing the right thing. “The biggest change is the physical fitness and training for golf rather than muscular.” Of the current crop of talented young Aussie amateurs, Shepherd predicts a big future for New South Wales’ Jake Higginbottom and Queensland’s Cameron Smith. “Jake (Higginbottom) is such a good player and

Jason Day is the real deal, according to Barry Shepherd very mature for a 17-year-old,” Shepherd said. Last year he won the NSW amateur and this year he has taken out the Queensland amateur, Keperra Bowl and the Handa Junior Masters in Perth in the space of two months. “Cameron Smith has huge talent and is one of the best amateurs in Australia. “He’s got a fantastic short game, but probably needs to develop more of a killer instinct. He’s matey with everybody which, I suppose, is not a bad thing.”

Shepherd says it’s a far cry from a few years ago. “I can remember years ago a Victorian team manager wouldn’t let his team talk to the other teams during the interstate series. “They would go and sit in the bus and listen to motivational tapes, but these days the kids are all friendly and there’s no animosity.” FOOTNOTE: Golf fans can judge for themselves when Jason Day plays in the Australian PGA Championship at Hyatt Coolum from November 24-27.

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Les has a passion for the game RichardFellner At a young 96 years of age, Les Smith could very well be one of Australia’s oldest golfers. But don’t let his age fool you – he still has a zest for the game of golf that rivals even the most fervent of players. “I love the challenge. I love the fact that it drives you bloody mad. And I love the freedom of it,” he says. “I don’t think anyone can go out on the course and think about their worries. Your worries are gone when you step on that tee. You’re playing golf.” Indeed, Les is a true lover of the game, and his opinions on golf embody what the game is all about. “It’s the most honourable game in the world. There’s no other game where people take penalties on themselves. In every other game there are penalties imposed by an umpire or somebody. The other day I was playing on the 12th and one of the boys got in the trees. I saw the ball fly out and I said ‘you got out of that well’, and he said ‘the ball rolled while I was in there’. What other sport do you see that? It’s a true sportsman’s game. I hope that never leaves the game.” Most importantly for Les, however, is that golf is also about simply being with your mates. “For the young hotshots, it’s about the game of golf, but for us blokes it’s the companionship and the bit of fun, and the fact that we all play about the same.”

Eastern’s Les Smith (far right) celebrates his 96th birthday via a round of golf with Club President Des Shady and fellow Eastern members Don Ware and Rod Perrin A Life Member of Eastern Golf Club, Les joined the club in 1947 and spent more than 20 years on The Committee, including positions like Editor of the club magazine, Chairman of Greens, Chairman of House and Club President. Over the years, Les has seen the club go through many changes. Like most courses in the early days, the members WERE the club; they planted the trees, mowed the fairways, pulled weeds, tended the gardens and kept the course

in top condition for the week’s play. It’s a far cry from today’s usual membership requirements, which are often no more stringent than spending a few dollars at the 19th hole! “My fondest memories of the early days were the parties we had, and the social life. They’re trying to bring that back now...but back then, we had an opening night here and they had a platform with a dance floor under the marquee... I think there were 500 people!”

He’s seen the hard times as well, with the likes of drought, financial hardships and the encroachment of property development all chipping away at the club. Recently, Eastern has been under the media’s microscope with their decision to sell their valuable Doncaster property and move east to the Yarra Valley, where they are in the process of creating an exquisite Greg Norman-designed facility. For Les, the move is not without a bit of sadness. Originally a landscape gardener, he is responsible for planting most of the trees that line the fairways at Eastern. “It will hurt a little bit,” he says, looking fondly at a stand of trees that line a nearby fairway. “From a philosophical point of view, it’s jarring, and I’ll miss it, but I realise that it’s gotta go.” That said, Les is fully behind the Club’s move, stating that it is an exciting opportunity. “I’m rapt. I think it’s a wonderful move. It will give new life to this club and will be a wonderful complex. I reckon in 10-15 years’ time, that area up there will be equal to the Peninsula. And it’s handy – only half an hour’s drive.” Les’ next goal in life is to hit the first ball at the new course, which is currently slated to be open in early 2014. In the meantime, though, he’s happy to play his regular two rounds a week— with his close mates—and simply enjoy his time on the course. Note: Inside Golf is calling out to all senior golfers as old as (or older than) Les. Are you out there? If so, let us know. Send us an email or drop us a letter in the post. We’d love to hear from you!

July 2011

62 insidearchitecture. ....................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Signature holes in golf:

The seventh hole -The National Golf Club, Cape Schanck RossPerrett In the Golf Course Architecture industry, one often hears the term ‘Signature Holes’ bandied about. And when such language arises, the discussion inevitably leads to arguments as to the relative merits of golf holes. Marketing people love to promote Signature Holes in the hope they can secure a cover shot in magazine and increase the exposure of the course. Often it is the brilliant view rather than the strategic quality of the hole that gets the attention. Occasionally a hole has both a stunning setting and is a genuinely great strategic golf hole. The short par-three seventh hole at The National Golf Club – which abuts a National Park and played across a deep ravine to a small, cliff-side, island green— is such a hole. From day one it has been a favourite among members and visitors, alike, and is one of the most photographed holes in Australia. In truth, this little jewel owes its very existence to chance: the hole was initially designed as the fourth hole— to be played in reverse in the original layout. A loop of holes comprising the second through fourth holes was reversed to reduce the earthworks required to build the third hole. Equally importantly, it was a way of capitalising on the stunning coastline view that one of the course shapers spotted from high in his bulldozer cabin. While luck played its role in the birth of the second hole, great credit should be accorded to the designers (Robert Trent Jones Jnr, and his team)

and the developers for having the courage to reroute the course during the construction phase. Following the development of The National’s two new courses (The Ocean Course and The Moonah Course), and a new clubhouse in 2002, the second hole on the Old Course was renumbered to be the seventh. The hole itself hasn’t changed, but the consequences of its changed position in the round have been significant. When played as the second hole, it required a very accurate shot when barely warmed up. Sure, one could encounter a troublesome breeze at the first, but being lenient in fairway width, it hardly made your knees tremble! The second hole, though, was the golfer’s first real confrontation where the wind had such a profound influence on your game and state of mind. Played as the seventh hole, however, a golfer’s joints are well ‘oiled,’ and ample time has passed to

acclimatise to the wind of the day. When it was the second hole, one drawback was the high likelihood of arriving at the tee to find a hold-up in play—often at club championship time when members were extra vigilant. The necessity of teeing-up in front of waiting groups only increased the intimidation factor. Measuring 139 metres from the black championship tee, golfers are faced with a tee-shot that is all carry— nothing but dense scrub in the ravine between you and the green. Fear is the architect’s great weapon here, brought about by a combination of a target that is over forty-five metres wide, plus only eight-to-fifteen metres deep in places, and surrounded by severe penalty. And, of course, there is the ever-present wind howling down the coastline. Played into the teeth of the prevailing south-westerly, it is not unknown for powerful golfers to hit a three-iron or more (So, having the

Moss Vale Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise

honour is not always wise!) With the summer easterly helping, however, the hole can be reduced to a mere flick with a pitching-wedge. Club selection, allied to an accurate assessment of the strength of the wind, is crucial. There are two alternatives to landing on the green: ‘bailing’ out to a large bunker situated at the back, right-hand side of the green; or playing toward the fairway even further to the right. When the fierce south-west wind is in operation, faith in one’s game and a solid constitution is required. The prospect of aiming well left of the green—out to sea and in the direction of native ‘jungle’—in the hope the wind will bring the ball back to the green, is not everyone’s idea of a relaxing, good time! No doubt, the black tee confers the best view of the coastline and the beaches beyond. From this tee, one finds the angle of the green is dished, with a gentle ‘backboard’ that rewards a longer shot. And with the ravine

staring you in the face, long is far preferable than short. George Munn, the shaper, ‘buried an elephant’ in the front of the green, and this needs to be cleared to avert your ball getting a nasty kick forward, or being repelled backward off the green. Aside from the middle-left portion of the green, an alternative pin placement can be found many metres away, well to the right, and short of the bunker on a narrow extension of the green. When the flagstick is positioned in this tight slither of land, the tee-shot is shorter— perhaps by a full club—than when the pin is located in the main body of the green, and it calls for precision play of the highest calibre. Golf at its best is a game in harmony with nature—a proposition that is evident in abundance at the National. The setting for the seventh hole is exceptional: a borrowed landscape of massive scale with long, distant views; and the ever-present noise of the sea below. The indigenous vegetation has been respected and this enhances a heroic hole that takes advantage of the natural terrain. Great holes abound everywhere, but the seventh hole will always be a favourite and can claim to be a genuine signature hole. Ross Perrett is Managing Director of Thomson Perrett Golf Course Architects, one of the world’s premier golf course design companies. Together with Australian legend Peter Thomson, Thomson Perrett has worked on over 250 projects around the globe. They can be contacted on +61 3 8698 8000, or via thomsonperrett.com.au.

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insidetravel 63

You say ‘hello’ – we say ‘Bula’ Fiji is well known for its sun, surf, the mystical colors of the coral reefs and of course the enthusiastic ‘BULA’ from the locals. Fiji is also no stranger to being linked to golf. After all, it is the home of former world number one Vijay Singh. Vijay was first introduced to the game of golf by his father and honed his skills at the humble Nadi Airport Golf Course. Vijay went on to become a regular winner on the PGA Tour and in September 2004 became the world number one golfer, ending Tiger Wood’s streak of 264 weeks in the top spot. Fiji continues to proudly claim Vijay Singh as their hometown hero and is now enjoying worldwide recognition for being the home of Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course. Natadola Bay is a stunning golf course located on the northern end of the popular and beautiful Coral Coast on Fiji’s main Island Viti Levu and is linked to the award-winning Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. Golfers are met by an enthusiastic ‘BULA!’ as they arrive at the Fijian-inspired clubhouse that is perched on the highest point of the golf course. The views from the clubhouse across the golf course and out to the surf breaking on the coral reefs are breathtaking. Golfers enjoy lunch and a cold Fiji Bitter after their round in the Bar and Restaurant. You will find just as many non-golfers wandering around the clubhouse—all with cameras at the ready as they snap away at the marvelous views enjoyed from all aspects of the clubhouse.

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course Natadola Bay was developed by the Fiji National Provident Fund, Fiji’s superannuation fund, meaning that Natadola Bay is owned by the people of Fiji. A round at Natadola Bay is a smorgasbord of championship golf, pristine playing conditions, breathtaking views and a journey through lush beachside landscapes, all delivered with the renowned Fijian smile. With Coral Rock tee signage, traditional “neck breakers” as tee markers, carved faces on the

Balabalas denoting the 150-metre mark and the Village church in the middle of the golf course, there is no mistaking you are experiencing the true Fiji. “People are always asking which hole I think is the signature hole? It is a tough question to answer because there are about 15 of them out there,” says James Cooper of Avid Sports, the company that manages Natadola Bay. Natadola Bay offers a complete contrast of golf holes, which is sure to challenge players of all

levels. The first five holes take you down from the clubhouse to the water’s edge of the worldrenowned Natadola Beach, through to the long par-5 fifth leading up to the clubhouse. The second chapter of the golf course awaits over the ridge as the par-5 sixth tee sits you high above the fairway looking through an inviting corridor of precisely manicured fairway. This is the start of one of the most aesthetically amazing stretches of golf holes you will see anywhere in the world. The tenth hole starts the ‘Ocean side’ where uninterrupted views of the white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters of the Coral Sea frame each and every hole. Natadola Bay has quickly been identified as a first-class golf course as it has already hosted two Fiji Open Championships and is the venue for the 2011 Asia-Pacific Teams Event (Nomura Cup) in August. After your round, luxury awaits at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. The award-winning 271 room resort is nestled in tropical landscapes and the lapping waters of Natadola Beach. The family-friendly resort boasts 5 bars and restaurants, an enormous oasis pool, an adult’s only infinity pool and The Spa is one of the best you will find. Fiji is serviced daily with flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and is close enough for a weekend getaway and perfect for a long winter break. However, be warned no matter how long you stay you will be sad to say ‘ni sa moce’ – Fijian for goodbye.

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Tom Watson’s love of the links DavidNewbery ONLY one man, Harry Vardon, has won more Open Championships than Tom Watson. Vardon, an Englishman, won The Open six times between 1896 and 1914 – one more than Watson, James Braid (Scotland), John Henry Taylor (England) and Australian Peter Thomson. Watson, who won his Opens in 1975, ’77, ’80, ’82 and ’83, is regarded as one of the greatest links players of all time courtesy of his five Open victories and his three Senior British Open Championships in 2003, ’05 and ’07. The American should have equalled Vardon’s feat in 1984, but his putter went cold and he had to settle for a tie for second with Bernhard Langer behind winner Seve Ballesteros. In 2009, Watson came close again – this time at the ripe old age of 59 and 26 years after his last major victory. He l e d m o s t of t h e O p e n Championship, but eventually lost a four-hole playoff to Stewart Cink. So, why did Watson win five Open Championships and what’s his affinity with links-style golf? His answer to the first part of the question was that he was playing well when he went over there (UK).

Tom Watson is one of the all-time greats (Photo © John Mummert/USGA) And as for his affinity with linksstyle golf, well, it sort of grew on him over the years. At first, he wasn’t a fan because he hit the ball high and left-to-right. The game was all carry for Watson, but he quickly adapted and developed a liking for links golf where the wind and weather requires a ground game. “The most fun is playing the game, playing the course,” Watson was quoted as saying. “I have always enjoyed the challenge of bad weather – the wind.” Born in Kansas City in 1949, Watson attended Stanford University and

turned professional in 1971. In the 1970s and ’80s, he was one of the leading players in the world and his battles with Jack Nicklaus are legendary. In 1982, Watson moved from being a great modern player to one of the great players of all eras when he won the Open and the US Open. Watson has won eight major titles (five Opens, two US Masters and one US Open). The only major that eluded him is the US PGA Championship. He has great admiration for Nicklaus and concedes even when he was playing at his best, Nicklaus

was, and remained, the dominant player. Says Watson: “Nicklaus was a very, very long hitter – and straight – and a great putter.” Like Nicklaus, Watson dabbled in golf course design and has a belief that water on golf courses is over-used. “There are too many forced carries over water and bunkers,” he once said. Watson likes uphill and blind shots and raised greens where only part of the flag is showing. That, he says, is where judgement comes in. Some of his work includes redesigning the fabulous Ballybunion and County Kerr y courses in Ireland. And when it comes to playing for money, Watson is up for the challenge because it “makes you more competitive”. In the lead-up to the Open at Muirfield in 1980, Watson and Arnold Palmer were challenged by Jerry Pate and George Burns. Well, it was a mis-match because Watson and Palmer cleaned up big time and they weren’t playing for a $2 casket ticket. Watson’s putter was red hot that day as he made everything and continued making everything throughout the tournament.

He scored a runaway four stroke victory over Lee Trevino to win his third Open. While the legendary South African Bobby Locke, who won the Open four times, believed in holding the putter tenderly, Watson had the opposite theory. He feels that too loose a grip tends to allow the clubhead to waver from being square to the line. Watson’s putting wizardry wasn’t his only strength when he was in his prime. At 5’9”, he was only 10 or 15 yards shorter than the longest hitters and was highly rated as a bunker player. Even today, 40 years after turning professional, Watson is a force to be reckoned with and it wouldn’t come as a shock to anyone if he won another Open title. In May this year, he won the Senior PGA Championship on the Champions Tour – his sixth senior major title (three Senior British Opens, two PGA titles and the Jeld-Wen Tradition.) Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988, Watson has 70 professional wins including the 1984 Australian Open. He was the US PGA Tour money leader in 1977, ’78, ’79, ’80 and ’84 and PGA Player of the Year in 1977, ’78, ’79, ’80, ’82 and ’84.

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LarryCanning It’s July and that not only means I’m writing this in June but also a cold snap has just hit the NSW Southern Highlands like nothing seen for years. The other day on the course I kept hearing the constant ring of cowbells and golfers swearing in Norwegian. Last Saturday 125 players hit off in the monthly medal and only 81 returned. Rescue workers had to call off the search due to poor visibility. It’s bloody freezing! July also is the time of the year when I, like many others begin the process of retrieving my game for the Spring Golf season. I thought I’d begin by checking my position on the Legends Tour Order of Merit. When I finally found Larry Canning it didn’t actually have a number next to my name, just the word “Languishing”. Without any sensible reason I suddenly wondered where Larry Languish might be on the Sony World Rankings. Ever wondered how the world rankings work? I certainly do, which is a little disappointing because I’ve just read the instructions. When Tiger was in full flight both on and off the course it was easy. All we had to do was wait until Monday morning to see how much further he had moved in front of Mickelson. Nowadays the Number One spot can change in the time it takes me to write Rachel Uchitel. Anyway, here’s how it works, straight from www. SonyWorldGolfRankings.com.

Points for each player are accumulated over a two year “rolling” period with the points awarded for each event maintained for a 13-week period to place additional emphasis on recent performances. Ranking points are then reduced in equal decrements (of 1/92nd of the original amount), for the remaining 91 weeks of the twoyear period. Each player is then ranked according to his average points per tournament, which is determined by dividing his total number of points by the tournaments he has played over that twoyear period. There is a minimum divisor of 40 tournaments over the two-year ranking period and a maximum divisor of a player’s last 58 events. The official events from the six professional tours together with the Canadian, OneAsia, Nationwide and European Challenge Tours are all taken into account and points are awarded according to the players’ finishing positions and are generally related to the strength of the field based on the number and ranking of the top-200 world ranked players and the top-30 of the home tour players in the respective tournaments. Winning a major is worth 100 points with 60 points being awaavaak KJyangchoi bubbastiltskin ….. I think I’ve just suffered a brain uranusism... With a system this convoluted, does anyone really understand it outside of perhaps Stephen Hawking or the people who write the instructions from IKEA. I actually have a conspiracy theory. We have always suspected that it’s not the likes of Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela or Lady GaGa who run the world. It’s big corporations. I reckon the people at Sony developed a ranking system so difficult to understand that no one actually

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does. This gives them the opportunity to have all their Sony-sponsored players at the top. Mark my words; very soon we will be seeing ads with Luke Donald saying “SONY, the torch I use when I light up the course” or “When my game lacks a little ‘byte’, I turn to a Sony AITI390”. It’s time I brought this corporate giant down or maybe worked out a way to use it to my advantage. I reckon I can put my name into the rankings without actually playing any better if I just buy enough Sony Products. The only flaw in this plan is I don’t have any money and my credit card is covered in Bandaids and Mercurochrome. I know! I’ll get a job at Harvey Norman and sell the gear. Sure it will take more than a couple of laptops to push me past Steve Stricker and into the Top 5 but with some passion and commitment I reckon I can break into the Top 10. At the very least I should be able to climb out of “Languishing”.

This morning I waded across a raging river... Escaped from a bear in the woods, Marched up and down a mountain, Stood in a patch of poison ivy, Crawled out of quicksand, And climbed up an enormous tree!... My friend said, “You must be some outdoors man!” “No,” I replied, “I’m just a lousy golfer.”

The quick nine quiz by David Newbery

1. Which Open champion has shot the lowest final round – Ian Baker-Finch, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo or Tiger Woods? 2. What is the largest 54-hole deficit a player has overcome to win the Open Championship? 3. Who was the last Open champion to win on debut – Tiger Woods, Ben Curtis, Seve Ballesteros or Nick Faldo? 4. Since 1963, which Open Championship competitors have finished under-par more times than any other? 5. Name one of two Open champions who have won and lost a playoff? 6. Which Open champion had the most appearances before his first victory – Nick Price, Bob Charles, Old Tom Morris or Stewart Cink? 7. Which course has hosted The Open Championship more than any other – Muirfield, St Andrews, Prestwick or Royal St George’s? 8. Which competitor has twice failed to win The Open despite carding four rounds under 70? 9. Who is the oldest winner of the Open Championship – Jack Nicklaus, Old Tom Morris, Mark O’Meara or Tom Watson? Answers below ANSWERS: (1). Greg Norman 64 at Royal St George’s in 1993; (2). Paul Lawrie came from 10 strokes behind to win in 1999; (3). Ben Curtis, Royal St George’s, 2003; (4). Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo with 14; (5). Tom Watson won in 1975, lost in 2009 and Ernie Els won in 2002 and lost in 2004; (6). Nick Price with 15 in 1994; (7). St Andrews (27), Prestwick (24), Muirfield (15) and Royal St George’s (13); (8). Ernie Els in 1993 (68-69-69-68) and 2004 (69-69-6868); (9). Old Tom Morris in 1867 – 46 years, 99 days.

Larry Languish and the conspiracy theory

the19thhole 65

July 2011

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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

Day

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

Time

New South Wales

Location

Day

Date

Time

Sandhurst Club*

Thursday

July 07

10am - 2pm

Morriset Golf Club

Friday

July 01

11am - 3pm

Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range

Tuesday

July 12

4 - 7pm

Georges River Golf Club

Monday

July 04

11am - 3pm

Spring Valley Golf Club*

Wednesday

July 13

9am - 3pm

Thursday

July 14

10am - 2pm

Bayview Golf Club

Tuesday

July 05

9am - 1pm

Long Island Country Club*

The Ridge Driving Range

Wednesday

July 06

4 - 7pm

Royal Melbourne Golf Club*

Saturday

July 16

10am - 2pm

Royal Sydney Golf Club

Thursday

July 07

9am - 2pm

Green Acres Golf Club*

Tuesday

July 19

1 - 5pm

Wednesday

July 20

5 - 7pm

Bateau Bay Driving Range

Friday

July 08

9am - 2pm

Sandringham Golf Range

Hudson Park Driving Range

Monday

July 11

4 - 7pm

Bulleen Golf Driving Range

Wednesday

July 27

3 - 6pm

Concord Golf Club

Tuesday

July 12

1 - 5pm

Kew Golf Club*

Friday

July 29

10am - 2pm

Monash Country Club

Wednesday

July 13

9am - 1pm

Narrabeen Driving Range

Thursday

July 14

4 - 7pm

Highlands Golf Club

Friday

July 15

11am - 4pm

Oatlands Golf Club

Monday

July 18

1 - 5pm

Forster Tuncurry Golf Club

Tuesday

July 19

11am - 3pm

New South Wales

Taree Golf Club

Wednesday

July 20

11am - 3pm

Kempsey Golf Club

Thursday

July 21

Port Macquarie Driving range

Friday

Illawarra Driving Range

Tuesday

Olympic Park Driving Range Terrey Hills Golf Club

Callaway RAZr power hours Day

Date

Time

Waratah Golf Club

Friday

July 01

1 - 4pm

11am - 3pm

Sydney Olympic Park Golf Centre

Wednesday

July 06

5 - 7pm

July 22

9am - 2pm

Terrey Hills Driving Range

Thursday

July 07

5.30 - 7.30pm

July 26

10am - 2pm

Narabeen Driving Range

Thursday

July 14

4 - 7pm

Tuesday

July 26

4 - 7pm

Moore Park Driving Range

Thursday

July 21

4.30 - 7.30pm

Wednesday

July 27

11am - 3pm

Morisset Golf Club

Friday

July 22

1 - 4pm

Maitland Common

Saturday

July 23

10am - 2pm

Queensland

Location

www.callawaygolf.com

Redcliffe GC

Friday

July 01

3 - 5pm

Dural Driving Range

Wednesday

July 27

6 - 8pm

Victoria Park Driving Range

Tuesday

July 5

4.30 - 7.30pm

The Ridge Golf Driving Range

Wednesday

July 27

5 - 7pm

Palm Meadows Driving Range

Friday

July 08

1 - 5pm

Queensland

North Lakes GC

Sunday

July 10

10am - 2pm

Peregian Springs Golf Club Ltd

Friday

July 08

2 - 5pm

Indooroopilly GC**

Saturday

July 16

9am - 1pm

Horton Park Pro Shop

Wednesday

July 13

10am - 12pm

Palm Meadows Driving Range

Friday

July 29

1 - 5pm

Woodford Golf Club

Thursday

July 14

1 - 3pm

North Lakes Country Club

Sunday

July 17

10am - 12pm

Victoria Woodlands Golf Club*

Saturday

July 02

10am - 2pm

Victoria

National Golf Club*

Sunday

July 03

10am - 2pm

Melbourne Golf Academy Pty Ltd

Wednesday

July 6

4 - 7pm

HOG Ringwood*

Tuesday

July 05

12.30 - 5pm

Albert Park Driving Range

Thursday

July 14

2 - 7pm

Heritage Golf & Country Club*

Wednesday

July 06

10am - 2pm

Sandringam Driving Range

Wednesday

July 20

5 - 7pm

Melbourne Golf Academy*

Wednesday

July 06

4 - 7pm

Yarra Bend Driving Range

Thursday

July 28

4 - 7pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. ‡ Callaway fitting day. Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending.

Vineyard Hill a golfer’s retreat in NSW’s Hunter Valley

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Hotel Neath

Gateway to Hunter Valley Golf Country • Golf Deal: Accommodation $35pp share incl Cooked Breakfast. (mention this ad) • Courtesy Golf Transfers Available • Great Food 7 days • TAB – SKY – KENO • Live Music Saturday Nights • Cessnock Road, Neath, NSW, 2326 Ph. (02) 4930 4270 Email: theneath@gmail.com | Web: www.neathhotel.com.au

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