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www.insidegolf.com.au Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Senior Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Contributing Editors: Larry Canning, Mike Orloff, Rob Willis, Peter Croker, Lee Harrington, Stephen Pitt, Brian Thorburn, Anne Rollo, Brent German, Glen Whittle, Steve Bann, Peter McConnell, Jamie Glazier, Tony Wells, Michael Green

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Do we have too many golf courses? RichardFellner When I first moved to Melbourne from the US, I had little knowledge about the area’s golf courses. An avid golfer since the age of four, one of the first things I did after unpacking was to grab a copy of the Golf Course Guide to study the ‘lay of the golfing land’. Needless to say, my jaw dropped at the sheer number of courses around Melbourne. (To this day, my wife still claims I squealed gleefully like a schoolgirl). Surely, I had died and gone to heaven – there were courses galore – and the green fees/memberships were extremely reasonable compared to similar courses in America. Unbeknown to me, I had landed in a country that has the third highest number of golf courses per capita in the world (behind Scotland and New Zealand), with the majority of these courses in my own backyard. What’s more, I soon learned that there were heaps more courses being built or designed. And this wasn’t just in Victoria – there were world-class public courses popping up all over Australia. Courses like Eynesbury, Growling Frog, Barnbougle Dunes, Kalgoorlie, Hamilton Island, St Andrews Beach and others started staking their claim for the almighty Golfing Dollar. Indeed, the golf scene in Australia was mouth-wateringly good. Fast-forward to today. Many private/member clubs have seen their numbers slowly dwindle over the years as golfers began to migrate to the spectacular new public

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courses. A study last year showed that social golfers outnumbered member golfers for the first time in our history, representing a troubling trend for clubs that had become dependent upon joining fees and member subscriptions. But that wasn’t the half of it. After enduring severe droughts, a crippling GFC (with a sequel potentially on the way), horrible winter weather and a few floods/disasters across the country, the golf industry as a whole is enduring difficult times, and the share of the Golf Dollar has diminished significantly. Courses are seemingly being sold/bought every month, while new projects have all but dried up (forcing some architects to venture to growth areas like China/Asia). So what can be done? While some clubs are choosing to take a “wait-and-see” approach, others clubs are aggressively promoting to this social market. Whether they are dropping joining fees, creating unique membership models, giving away prizes or participating in the “Daily Deals” phenomenon/fiasco like Scoopon (which we have detailed extensively – see our articles online), many clubs today are scrambling to stay out of the rough. But that may not be sufficient. Unfortunately, many in the industry believe strongly that there are simply too many golf courses to go around, and that consolidation is the key. This means that some courses will be forced to close their doors permanently or amalgamate with neighbouring clubs. Melbourne’s sandbelt and southern/outlying

regions are rife with top-quality, middle-tier clubs that simply cannot survive in the current economy, and there are many areas across the country that are in the same boat. So they need to act soon to survive. Sad, yes. But very necessary. As a golfer, this kills me. Every time a golf course closes, I honestly feel empty inside. Even if I have never seen the course, I think about the members, the good times and the rich history that the club represented. And I lament the fact that there is one more course that I will never have the opportunity to play. But as a lover of golf, I understand that we must do what is necessary to ensure our industry stays strong and healthy. While ‘survival of the fittest’ may be a natural part of life (depending on your beliefs), it’s a fact that mergers and acquisitions (and insolvencies and closures) are part and parcel of business, and we would be foolish to think it cannot happen to golf. But we need not look at Amalgamation as entirely a sad thing. Indeed, some of history’s greatest companies/inventions/creations came about through mergers and collaboration. And the same will happen with Australian golf, eventually, if we can bear the short-term pain for the long-term gain. See you on the fairways (I hope)

Richard

February 2012

insidethemailbox................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au Letter of the month

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YOUR SAY Remember, at Inside Golf, 2012 is the Year of You!

Inside Golf is opening our pages to you, our loyal and passionate readers. We’re rewriting the book (so to speak) on what goes inside a golf magazine. And you are calling the shots! From reader-submitted course write-ups, to equipment reviews, to golf course photography and even fictional stories, poems, jokes and more, we’re setting aside space in every issue for your interesting and fun content. In essence, we’re making Inside Golf YOUR magazine! Best of all, we’ll be offering great prizes along the way. So warm up your keyboards, and get writing. Visit our website for information on submitting your stories or photos, or simply email your submissions to ed@insidegolf.com.au. It’s that simple. throw four balls in the air. However on this particular day the balls were thrown a little askew and one went missing, never to be found. I wonder if that would be the first time a ball was lost on the first tee without ever being hit? Jennie (via email)

Hey, that kangaroo stole my ball... Here is a photo taken at Fleurieu Golf Course in Mt Compass, South Australia. My daughter Liza delights in the Kangaroo Steward mobs we have for company. They are all around the course, one or two large males do keep a close eye on us and the mums & babes snooze alongside the tee. Sometimes they live dangerously and sit-up 20 metres in front. Maybe just stupid ? Or daring us to use them as targets?

Letters of the month

Fleurieu is a lovely par-73 course (somewhat undiscovered - we feel) and we rookie players score well. Liza has a 28 Handicap since commencing golf one year ago. Such a great game to focus the mind away from one’s job!! Very interested to read the Callaway input in the Jan issue. I have just purchased Callaway Irons RAZR X HL, having wasted too much time with a given set - they are a blast! Lynn Hague (SA)

Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via email at

Have you got something to say? Thenortell us!a Write to us emailInside at Golf, ed@insidegolf.com.au mail letter to: Thevia Editor, ed@insidegolf.com.au mail a letter to: The Inside Golf, PO Box PO Boxor360 Nunawading, Vic Editor, 3131. Tell an interesting story or 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131.funny Tell an interesting or something something about golf and story you could WIN a funny about golf and you couldCompact WIN a Smoothy Compact buggy valued at Smoothy buggy valued at RRP$230! RRP$230!

Money matters

Congratulations to Ian Poulter on his JBWere Masters win, which he well and truly deserved. I think the amount of the First Prize written on the cheque should be kept in confidence. $180,000 for one of our Major Tour events I believe is an insult. Surely we could get a few more sponsors to bump this up? Normal American Tour events each week have a First Prize of between $900,000 and over $1 Million; second place around $700,000 and I think you would have to get down to maybe Tenth place to equal our first place prize money. Australia, one of the richest countries in the world, and first prize is $180,000? What about our Mining Magnates? Tiger Woods said he would give his cheque to his mother for Christmas shopping.

As for our commentary team - Ian Baker Finch, Jack Newton and Wayne Grady - the best! But what happened to all the other players we used to switch across to in the coverage? Apart from the leaders they seemed to be nonexistent. Is there a shortage of cameras now? I think to increase prize money to encourage foreign players to come, a concerted effort should be made to increase sponsorship. Sadly we really don’t seem able to compete with the American or European Tours. Peter Godsall

Lost ball, part II

Have just read the letter “A Leprechaun’s got it” from your January issue. My partner, Shane used to play at Box Hill Golf Club with a group of mates. There was usually a financial incentive involved, and to determine partners they would

The question mark

My bag is full of rather old technology (Inside Golf- The Question Mark, Jan issue). Especially the driver. I can’t swing the new larger ones as easily so I just leave them for Ambrose rounds (it goes further, but not worth the problems). I have a 3-wood (no hybrids) which I purchased for the second shot on our 15th, a par 5. The first time I was in range (about 2 years after purchase) playing in a Canadian I had to walk back about 50 metres to play my son’s drive. I’ve used it a couple times since. My putter is a Scotty Cameron which putts really well when I’m putting well. My practice putter is a 70-year old blade, this really teaches you how well you are putting and how to putt. I find new technology has taken the fell out of most of the clubs/shots nowdays. David Anderson

Natural aces

My sister and I took up golf about 2 years ago, and we are all bitten by the golf bug. We come from a hockey background, and I still play, so golf was fairly natural. We both joined the Women’s Golf Network and got our GA handicaps. We started playing in a ladies comp on a Wednesday morning at Carrara on the Gold Coast. About 2 months ago we were playing in the comp, and on the 2nd hole my sister hit a lovely shot on a par-3 and it bounced onto the green and rolled straight into the hole. We went ballistic!! Just last Saturday we thought we would have a game at Carrara, as I was playing in the monthly medal final. My husband thought he would come too. We were on the 3rd hole, a par 3. I used my 9 iron and, sure enough, it went in the hole! We were all high five-ing and laughing.

I’m glad both my sister and husband were there to enjoy the moment. (My husband may not have believed me otherwise.) As my sister and I are a little competitive, I make sure everyone knows my hole-in-1 was longer. Two Aces in two years is pretty exciting. Both our parents played golf and I don’t think they ever experienced an Ace, I hope they’re watching from above. Di Hutchesson

Did Nick get the flick?

David Newbery’s 2011 report card on Australia’s best male professionals seems to have one glaring omission in Nick O’Hern, currently ranked #136 in the world. As one of the 20 or so Aussies on the US PGA Tour in 2011 he would come in at # 12 on David’s “best” list in world ranking & # 7 in earnings (US$940,000), despite having returned via medical exemption status after a career threatening knee reconstruction in 2010. Mel O’Hern. PS. Thank you for your very interesting & informative publication. Editor’s note: Hi Mel: We might take a note from Jennie’s letter and “blame the Leprechaun” for the omission. In truth, we had many, many great players that we wrote about for the feature, but when it comes down to the editing/production phase we sometimes need to make tough decisions in order to fill the limited space in our magazine. But rest assured we will have a full feature on Nick in a future issue. Stay tuned!

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

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news

It’s raining aces

IT took a while, but the ETS hole-in-one promotion, exclusive to Keperra Country Golf Club members, has clicked into gear. The promotion kicked off in November and at first the members were a little “gun shy” but come December and it was raining aces with three in 11 days including two on the same day (December 14). John Bramich got the ball rolling on December 4. Ten days later Robert Addison, a 38-year member, got into the act when he aced the par-3 fourth hole using his trusty three-wood. It was the perfect strike. The ball landed on the front of the green, rolled up and rattled the pin before dropping in to the cup. The feat created plenty of excitement among his playing partners. Keith Howells, of the ETS group, personally initiated the sponsorship with KCGC and he was ecstatic to witness the winning of one of the ETS sponsorship packages. It was Addison’s third hole-in-one at Keperra CGC. Later in the day, Ken Williamson aced the par-3 27th hole using a five-iron. It was his first ever ace. One of his playing partners, Tony Streeton, still can’t believe he birdied the hole to collect four stableford points and still lost the bet to Ken’s five pointer. Each player will receive a trophy as a momentum and an overnight stay at the Crowne Plaza Pelican Waters Golf Resort and Spa on the Sunshine Coast. The ETS “play-and-pamper package” is valued at up to $400.

Redland Bay’s Christmas cheer

Aaron Muirhead (Redland Bay Golf Club), Rachele Hass (B105 fundraising manager) and Peter Harrison (Redlands RSL) with the cheque THE Christmas spirit was alive and well in club land. In December, Redland Bay Golf Club in Brisbane held a successful charity golf day to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital Christmas Appeal and managed to collect more than $10,000 for the hospital. Redland Bay Golf Club general manager Aaron Muirhead said the day was a combined club effort between the golf club and the Redlands RSL. “Due to the wonderful support of the Redlands community, the day was a huge success,” Muirhead said.

“I’d like to thank the Redlands RSL and Redland Bay Golf Club members, guests and volunteers that participated in the day. “I would also like to thank the long list of sponsors and supporters that donated prizes for the event.” FOOTNOTE: Redland Bay Golf Club received the Queensland PGA Metropolitan Golf Club of the Year Award in 2004, 2008 and 2010. In 2009, the club received the Best Club Redevelopment or Alteration Award (under $1m).

Steve Williams the best BONNIE Doon Golf Club stalwart and top amateur David Meredith reckons Steve Williams is the best caddie in the business – bar none. Meredith, who caddied for 1981 Australian Open champion Bill Rogers, first met Williams in the mid-1970s. In fact, he helped Williams get his first assignment in Australia. “I have known Steve for more than 30 years,” he said. “I went to caddie for Bill Rogers and I got Steve his first caddie job. “I was sitting beside him and I asked the caddie master to get him a decent player to caddie for and I think it was Ian Baker-Finch. “He has never forgotten it. I met up with him again at the recent Australian Open,” said Meredith, who has been the locker room attendant at the past five Australian Opens. “We chatted and he suggested when there was an opportunity we should get together for dinner. “Steve’s very respectful, handles himself well and was very nice to me in the locker room. “He’s is the best caddie in the game, the best yardage man in the business and never gets it wrong.” Of course, Williams has worked with some of the biggest names in golf including Greg Norman, Raymond Floyd and Tiger Woods. These days he’s on Adam Scott’s bag.

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Oh masters Tiger first – not Donald Shark event

Greg Norman Junior Masters winners Anthony Murdaca and Su Hyun Oh RECORDS are meant to be broken and Su Hyun Oh of Kingswood Golf Club in Victoria did just that at the Greg Norman Junior Masters at Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club. Playing in the 15 years and under division, Oh beat all-comers with rounds of 71-71-6970 for a 281 total. She finished 11-under-par and seven strokes ahead of 2009 winner Annie Choi of Robina Woods Golf Club. In the boys’ championship, Anthony Murdaca (Grange, South Australia) fired rounds of 6868-73-70 for a 279 total (nine-under-par) and a one shot win over French Polynesia’s Teremoana Beaucousin, who made up some ground on the final day when he aced the 179m seventh hole on the River Course. French Polynesia also won the International teams’ event while Victoria took out the Interstate teams, Gold Coast Golf Association the Queensland Inter-district teams with the Graham Marsh Junior Golf Foundation taking out the Inter Foundation Teams event. More than 220 junior golfers participated in the 21st Greg Norman Junior Masters. For a full list of results, visit the Golf Qld website www.golfqueensland.org.au

ENGLISHMAN Luke Donald might have been the first player to capture the money list on both the US PGA and European tours in the same year, but he is not the first player to win the most money. According to European Tour records, Tiger Woods (pictured) won the most money on that tour in 1999, ’00, ’02, ’05, ’06 and ’07. But his achievements didn’t count because he wasn’t a full member of the European Tour and the Order of Merit title in those years went to Colin Montgomerie (1999, ’05), Lee Westwood (2000), Retief Goosen (2001), Padraig Harrington (2006) and Justin Rose (2007). For the record, Woods took out the Order of Merit on the US PGA Tour in 1999, ’00, ’01, ’02 and ’05. Had Tiger decided to play more events in Europe in those years he would have been the first to achieve the feat. To be eligible for a money title, a player must be a full member of that tour, which requires a minimum number of events to be played in a calendar year. World Golf Championship events and majors count on both the US PGA and European tours, but it still requires a lot of travel to be a full member of both tours. In 2011, Donald played 25 tournaments between the US PGA Tour and the European

Tour – 19 on the PGA Tour and 13 on the European Tour. “It’s not easy to be a member of both tours and do what I’ve done,” Donald said. “There are only really a handful of people that do it, so obviously there’s a limited number of people that can do it in any one year.” Tiger did come close to European Tour membership in 2006 when he played 10 times (the minimum for membership then was 11 tournaments). Still, Woods wasn’t interested in applying for European Tour membership. Therefore, Donald has the honour of being the first to win both money lists in the same year.

Townsend, Cullen and Hall qualify for Open Aaron Townsend, Nick Cullen and Ashley Hall have qualified for the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes thanks to their top three finishes at Australasia International Final Qualifying (IFQ). In unseasonal conditions at Kingston Heath, which saw 91km wind gusts and lightning storms, players were forced off the course for over two hours before Aaron Townsend eventually finished atop the leaderboard with a 4-under-par 140. “It was such a grind out there today it was so hard to hit the right club any kind of distance so it was just a guessing game,” said Townsend

“Thankfully my short game was brilliant, I was able to hit the ball up and down a lot and just keep things going along in the right direction. Also finding the conditions challenging were Nick Cullen and Ash Hall who, along with Peter Senior finished tied for second at one-under the card. Just one playoff hole, the 7th was needed to decide the final two qualifiers as Cullen and Hall each birdied the par-5 hole to leave Senior out of The Open when he made par. For all three this will be their first trip to a Major Championship. The Open Championship will be played at Royal Lytham and St Annes from July 15–22, 2012.

Howlong wins Club of the Year

The Howlong Country Golf Club took out the prestigious award as the Jack Newton Junior Golf Junior Club of the Year. “The support that we have received from Jack Newton Junior Golf has been outstanding and has enabled us to launch a very successful junior golf program,” said Howlong Golf Club President and Junior Golf Coach Ken Walton. “This award recognises the hard work that our group of dedicated volunteers have put into our clinics.” The Club has seven volunteer coaches; Michael Walker, Janet Rogers, Steve Coonan, Bill Tanks, Susan Tanks, Jan Wilson and Ken Walton who have each been through an Australian Institute of Sport Golf Training program. JNJG CEO, Peter Van Wegen added: “This year’s awards were extra special with JNJG celebrating its 25th year anniversary. The Junior Club of the year Award recognises the work that the Howlong Country Golf Club has put into the development of their Junior Golf Program. The Club has added many interesting aspects to their program to create an exciting environment for the juniors to learn.”

Oh Canada!

THE US PGA Tour has thrown a lifeline to the struggling Canadian Tour. This year the PGA Tour will help its Canadian cousins develop its tournament schedule and find new sponsors. Ed Moorhouse, the PGA Tour’s co-chief operating officer, said the PGA Tour had agreed to lend support in an effort to stabilise the Canadian Tour in 2012. He said the Canadian Tour was a valuable system that had played an important role in professional golf over the years. Moorhouse said the PGA Tour would assess the situation with the Canadian Tour to determine what level of support should be provided. Canadian Tour Commissioner Rick Janes said the PGA Tour’s support beyond 2012 would depend on the Canadian Tour’s ability to grow the tour. The Canadian Tour became a full member of the International Federation of PGA Tours in 2009.

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news

Remodel of Manly Golf Club already a huge success The full remodel of the Manly Golf Club is nearing completion and has already proven to be a huge success having received the tick of approval by the Golf Club and its members. Feedback from members has been extremely positive and the remodel has led to 122 new members signing up since the works began in September 2009. A club rich of history but needing a refresh, the club gave leading golf course architects Thomson Perrett a clean canvass and commissioned a full rebuild of its course. Thomson Perrett set about building a course which would give members a greater challenge in a more aesthetically enjoyable landscape. The rebuild has led to new estuaries and waterways, new green complexes, strategic bunkering and a completely new course routing. The first new nine holes has been open for play since mid 2011 and the feedback has been sensational. Manly Golf Club general manager Ed Hynes said “The members have embraced the new layout after much anticipation. The general feedback is that it is a lot more challenging than the old course due to the newly introduced waterways and native planting. In addition, the turf has been changed from Kikuyu to Windsor Green Couch which is a much different surface to hit off, initially a lot firmer under the ball. The members are delighted with the new green complexes that provide far more movement and undulation than the original greens. However, the club has maintained the tradition of small greens that are ‘well protected’.

In relation to the playability of the course, club head professional Phillip Baird said “While Manly Golf Club may be viewed by some as a shorter layout measuring 5913 metres from the Championship Tees, what is lost in length is certainly gained in the strategic bunkering, water hazards and new green complexes. The new North Links course calls for well placed driving and accurate iron shots. A major emphasis is now placed on members’ short game with the demands of the firm and fast running greens. We are very proud of the new layout and design and look forward to the completion of the South Links later this year.”

Asked about his favourite holes, Phillip said “The Par-3s are proving to be strong with both holes number four and seven providing tricky targets. The fourth has an elevated green surrounded with bunkers front and back and the seventh hole is 143 metres in length without any bunkers but probably the toughest of targets throughout the new layout. Holes five and eight, both Par-4s are my personal favourites as they demand accuracy off the tee which set the golfer up for an attacking approach shot to undulating greens.” Subject to weather, the club hope to open the entirety of the course in June 2012 once the South Links has grown in.

iPING app adds Skins Game feature For those of you who love the iPING App on your iPhone/iPod touch, the App can now test the consistency of your putting stroke against your mates! The iPING Skins Game allows players to compete from anywhere in the world or side-by-side. Now, you and three mates can battle it out for putting honours in three-, six-, or nine-hole matches. The game format follows a traditional skins competition where holes have point values, which increase throughout the match, and ties on a hole carry over until someone wins a hole (and the skins) outright. On each hole, a competitor rolls five 10foot putts to establish his or her Consistency Score, reflected in a number similar to a golf handicap. The player with the best Consistency Score wins that hole and plays first on the next hole. The person with the most points at the end of the match wins. iPING Skins Game also has a Party Mode for contestants in the same location. Party Mode uses Apple’s AirPlay to show a live leader board on your HD television using your existing wireless network and an Apple TV.    “With every feature we add, the iPING App becomes more valuable for the user,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman and CEO. “The new iPING Skins Game feature is exciting because it promotes friendly competition, which will grow and strengthen our global PING community. Of course, the real benefit of winning is that your putting stroke is consistent, which is the key to making more putts on the golf course.”   iPING Skins Game is a new feature of the iPING App, available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

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February 2012

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Courtney Massey

Massey secures ALPG membership Southport’s Courtney Massey has jumped to a great start in her inaugural event as a professional, securing her membership of the Australian Ladies Professional Golf Association. Despite missing out on getting through to the final stage of LPGA Tour School, Massey finished second at the Hahn Premium Light & Konami Port Kembla Golf Club Pro-Am, followed by four more top-20 finishes, placing her in 12th position on the Order of Merit.

Qlders through to PGA Tour of Australasia

Queenslanders Chris Wood, Gavin Fairfax, Rika Batibasaga and Luke Marino all earned status on the 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia, following three rounds of Qualifying School culminating with the final at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club. Wood finished in sixth place, the highestplaced Queenslander, with rounds of 73, 69 and 70 (212). The Golf Queensland State Team and Queensland Academy of Sport squad member is also a member of the Wynnum Golf Club.

TH EAR Y

Massey is a past member of the Queensland Women’s State Team and a current member of the Queensland Academy of Sport Golf Program. She is also coached by Golf Qld’s High Performance Coordinator Garry Calder. Another Queenslander starting the season well is former Golf Queensland’s State Team representative Bree Arthur. Arthur is second on the Order of Merit after successfully competing in the first five events for the season, two of which she won back to back. Fairfax, Marino and Batibasaga are all former Queensland representative players. Victorian Daniel Popovic finished on top of the leaderboard after carding rounds of 68, 67, 71 (206). All 62 players that teed it up in the final round earned themselves status on the Tour.

Golf Qld board elects new director

The Golf Queensland Board has announced the appointment of Lorraine Matthews as a replacement Director following the recent resignation of Carmel Smith.

In accordance with Golf Australia’s constitution, Carmel Smith was required to vacate her Directorship on the Golf Queensland Board following her election to the Board of Golf Australia in November. Golf Qld Chair Tom Crothers thanked Carmel for her significant contribution to Golf Queensland. “Although we have lost Carmel from the Board of Golf Queensland, she will remain a vital supporter of the state’s golf industry,” Mr Crothers said. Mr Crothers said he was pleased the Golf Queensland Board now had the opportunity to elect a representative from the north of the state with some considerable experience in golf administration. “Lorraine has been a Councillor to Golf Queensland for two years and was in her second term as President of the Far North Queensland Ladies District,” he said. “She was a member of the Gordonvale Golf Club for 10 years and during that time she served as Captain and as Vice-President before relocating to the Half Moon Bay Golf Club.” Lorraine is currently employed by Queensland Health as the FNQ Elective Surgery Coordinator and her work brings her to Brisbane regularly. The Golf Queensland Board consists of: Tom Crothers (Chair), Peter Castrisos, Trish Harding, Matthew Toomey, Carmel O’Keeffe, Graeme Mathers, Brad Petley and Lorraine Matthews.

It’s not all about the golf If you are one of the 250,000 Australian women who play golf for the love of it or would simply love to learn how, Queensland’s Women’s Golf Network (WGN) have some great golfing events that will suit your level. All ages and abilities will benefit from the vast schedule of events, from clinics and tuition programs, to pitch / putt and 9-hole games, through to 18-hole events and tours away. The WGN is not all about the golf, offering a great array of networking opportunities through its affiliate memberships. Events such as wine tasting, corporate lunches and other networking opportunities are

PORT STEPHENS Golf

offered throughout the year. Along the way you will meet some fantastic golfing friends. WGN also provides opportunity for members and guests to participate in “Give Golf a Go” clinics across various venues:

February “Give golf a go” Events Palm Meadows Driving Range – Sunday, February 5th, 10am - 12pm Victoria Park Golf Complex – Saturday, February 18th, 10am - 12pm Oxley Driving Range – Sunday, March 4th, 10am - 12pm To book your spot at a clinic, or to Join Women’s Golf Network, please contact L ee Har r ington on 0413 163 312 or email lee@golfqueensland.org.au.

Premier amateur events scheduled in Qld The Southport Golf Club will host the highly coveted Queensland Men’s Stroke Play Championship (72 holes) from October 21 to 23, with a field of 156 players expected. The event follows Queensland’s primary national ranking event, the Keperra Bowl, to be played from October 16 to 19 and it is anticipated many of the Nation’s top players will stay in Queensland to compete in the Stroke Play. New for 2012, the Queensland Champion of Champions event will be played over the first 36 holes of the Queensland Men’s Stroke play and Women’s Stroke Play. This incorporation will add extra value to Club Champions wishing to gain an exemption into the Elite Stroke Play field. There will not be a pre-qualifying event this year for the Men’s Stroke Play; the field will be based on exemptions and excess entries will be balloted out based on handicap. The field will be cut to 50 players plus ties after round two. In line with the Men’s Stroke play on the Gold Coast, the Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club will host the Queensland Women’s Stoke Play Championship. The top 16 players from the Queensland Men’s and Women’s Stroke play will gain a place in the Queensland Amateur Championship which will also be held at the Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club from October 25 to 27.

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news 11

Arnold, Klatton tops at Vic Open In a thrilling finish to the 2012 Victorian Open, Scott Arnold claimed his first professional win at the Spring Valley Golf Club. Starting the round tied with New Zealand’s Michael Hendry at 9-under par, it was an exciting round of golf which saw the lead change many times before Arnold eventually prevailed. With scores of 71, 66, 67 and 68 for a tournament total 12-under the card Arnold showed composure when his playing partners made charges for the title. Kurt Barnes headed into the final day three shots back from his playing partners, Arnold and Hendry, but with a birdie on his opening hole followed by birdies on the 5th and 6th and an eagle on the 7th he looked unstoppable. A double bogey on the 11th followed by two more bogeys on 13 and 14 had all but worked Barnes out of the Victorian Open until an eagle on the 17th had him back in contention. Barnes finished with a final round score of 5-under 66 to take him to a tournament total of 11-under par, one shot back from Arnold in second place. Hendry, who had dominated the tournament throughout the first two rounds — earning himself a six stroke lead heading into the weekend — unfortunately couldn’t finish the way he started, with his putting let him down.

Scott Arnold Hendry’s final round saw him record four bogeys to finish the day at 2-over. With scores of 65, 66, 73, 73 to be 7-under the card and five shots from the lead, Hendry finished the Victorian Open third. Daniel Bringolf finished as the highest ranked amateur at 2-under par. For the first time the Men’s Vi c t or i a n O p e n w a s p l ay e d simultaneously with the Women’s Victorian Open at Spring Valley Golf Club with Frenchwoman Joanna Klatton claiming the title with an 8-under par 212. Klatton, who started the day five shots behind leader Rebecca Flood, managed to overcome the deficit to finish two shots ahead of the field.

Sitting as the clubhouse leader, the 26-year-old was offered a celebratory drink, despite play still in progress on the course. Korean Haeji Kang then made things interesting, holing a 100 metre shot on the final hole for eagle, forcing a playoff with Klatton. “I don’t drink, so one beer got me a little bit tipsy,” said Klatton. “I was a little bit worried. I went to hit some balls and I tried to chug as much water as I could to sober up.” Klatton managed a long par-saving putt on the first playoff hole to beat Kang and win the tournament.

Play golf – it’s cheap PLAYING golf and being a member of a golf club in Australia is inexpensive, according to US PGA Tour star John Senden. “It is cheap to play golf in Australia,” Senden said. “A lot of people don’t realise that. “To be a member of a great golf club in Australia will cost between $1000 and $3000 whereas in the US, especially Florida and Texas, you are paying 10 times that amount. “We do get cheap golf in Australia even though we think it’s expensive to play. “A lot of kids can play the game for a small amount of money and that’s a good thing.”

iPhone GPS apps now banned on course RichardFellner While the USGA’s new rules for 2012 generated a lot of headlines regarding situations like the wind affecting the ball, raking bunkers, etc., one new rule was almost lost in the fray, and affects anyone who uses iPhones or other smartphones with GPS programs. At the heart of the matter is the fact that smartphones like the iPhone have applications (Apps) built in to the phones that could give golfers information on weather, slope and even compass bearings. While the USGA and the R&A have, over the years, permitted the use of electronic devices for distancemeasuring only (under local rule), the rise of smartphones forced the associations to make clarifications to the rules. In 2009, they stated that it was permissible to use a smartphone with a weather/compass/etc., app installed, as long as you didn’t actually use the apps. Now, according to the new 2012 rules, simply having an offending app on your phone is cause for disqualification if you use your phone’s golf app during a round. The rule in question (14-3) reads: “A multi-functional device, such as a smartphone or PDA, may be used as a distance measuring device provided it contains a distance measuring application that meets all of the above

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limitations (i.e., it must measure distance only).  In addition, when the distance measuring application is being used, there must be no other features or applications installed on the device that, if used, would be in breach of the Rules, whether or not they are actually used.” In a letter to one of our readers, Paul Swan (who alerted us to this story), the R&A stated: A compass can aid a player in determining the direction of the wind (For example, if a player is in a sheltered spot on the fairway.) If the player knows from an earlier forecast that the wind is coming out of north east, but can’t feel it and because the flag is not moving in a way to make it obvious, a compass would, in theory, assist the player in determining the wind’s direction.” So why not just remove the offending apps from the phone, you may be thinking. It’s not that simple. In fact, it’s impossible for some phones. Apple, for example, has hard-coded the weather app into the phone’s operating system. Same thing with the built-in web browser (which would allow users to look up any weather/wind information on the internet.) That all said, it’s still ok to have a smartphone in your bag — i.e. to use it as an actual telephone. (Unfortunately, that is the one thing my smartphone isn’t that good at!)

February 2012

12 insidetheindustry............................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Letters from the CEOs

Qld Golf Industry events announced

PGA of Australia

Golf Australia

BrianThorburn

StephenPitt

CEO, PGA of Australia

With the 2011 year now well and truly behind us, the PGA is now looking forward to all that lies ahead in 2012. Already the PGA Tour of Australasia season is well underway with the staging of the Victorian Open at Spring Valley Golf Club and the Adroit Insurance Group Victorian PGA Championship is just around the corner, this year to be staged for the first time at Forest Resort, Creswick. This year the PGA has welcomed 66 new PGA Professionals to the membership who completed their traineeships in 2011. Since its inception, the Australian PGA Traineeship continues to produce some of the most highly-skilled industry experts and we are again proud to see so many successfully navigate what can no doubt be a gruelling three-year course. I would like to make particular mention of Paul Hayden who has been named as the 2011 Trainee of the Year. Paul was unrivalled by any other third year trainee in

both playing and academic areas. He not only recorded playing results that saw him a favourite in all tournaments he entered but he consistently submitted Distinction level work across all his assessments. Congratulations Paul. On a sombre note it was with immense sadness we farewelled a great supporter and integral member of the Australian golf community, Ramsay McMaster. Through his exceptional knowledge, skill and passion for the game, Ramsay helped many PGA Tour Members to enhance their game through the biodynamic of their bodies and golf specific fitness. Further, he worked with many Vocational PGA Members to help them enhance their lesson experiences and become complete coaches of the game. Ramsay will be greatly missed yet is sure to leave an enduring legacy on the Australian golf community. Finally, I look for ward to working with all within the industry throughout 2012 in what will surely be another great year for Australian golf.

CEO, Golf Australia Every year, February is a busy period as it marks the annual showcasing of women’s golf in Australia. This year, however, will be a particularly special year for the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. By world rankings, it’s hard to imagine a better field for golf in Australia. World Number 1 Yani Tseng returns to shoot for a record setting third consecutive title and is joined by Top 10 players Cristie Kerr, Suzann Pettersen, Jiyai Shin, Brittany Lincicome and Stacy Lewis. We’ll have all of the 2011 major winners in Melbourne, including US Women’s Open champion So Yeon Ryu. This is a year of many firsts for this championship. As a fully sanctioned LPGA Tour event for the first time, the Women’s Australian Open is the season opening event on the 2012 LPGA Tour season. We’ve also raised our prize money to US$1.1 million – a record amount for women’s professional golf in Australia. In addition to the US Tour sanctioning and increased prize money, the championship will be the first Major women’s professional event to be

played across the composite layout at Royal Melbourne. We are aware that many players have never played the composite course, in or outside of competition and there is a great deal of excitement about the opportunity and the title at stake. It’s been an extraordinary period for the championship since it returned to the Australian schedule in 2007 at Royal Sydney where Karrie won the title for the third time. In recent years, the championship has benefited greatly from the support of Melbourne’s sandbelt clubs, being played at Kingston Heath, Metropolitan, Commonwealth and now Royal Melbourne in 2012. Popular champions over those years including Karrie, Laura Davies and Yani Tseng, who will be shooting for a third consecutive Open title, have also helped to build the event’s profile. There are exciting times ahead for this championship and we’re delighted to have it on a platform that showcases the best of Australian golf and Australian golf courses to millions of fans around the world. In person or on ABC TV, don’t miss it.

The 2012 Queensland Golf Industry Awards Dinner and the Queensland Golf Forum have been announced to both be held on Tuesday 13th March 2012. The golf forum is to be held at Victoria Park Golf Complex from 9am-4pm and the awards dinner that night, presented by the PGA – Queensland Division, at The Sebel & Citigate King George Square, both located in Brisbane. The golf for um wi l l cover several topics of interest for the golf industry, such as Volunteer Management, Industrial Relations, R i s k Ma n a g e m e nt , Me m b e r Loyalty, Junior Golf and a TBD Key Note Speaker. The perfect way to cap off the day will be by then attending the annual Awards dinner and celebrate another successful year of Golf in Queensland with fellow industry representatives and to also recognise the results and achievements by members of Queensland’s four major golfing bodies. Guests will be treated to a three course meal, drinks, entertainment and we will also welcome the 2011 graduating class of Queensland PGA Trainees. Visit t he e vent s e c t ion on www.golfqueensland.org.au for further information.

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February 2012

14 industrynews................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au NSW Golf Club – 18 new greens now in play

New South Wales Golf Club has completed a major greens resurfacing project which will further enhance the playing experience for members and guests. Over the last several years, the course faced serious challenges with its predominantly poa greens, some of which were over 20 years old. After researching and studying the growing habits of several species, the decision to use ‘Mackenzie bent’ grass was made by the Board with construction beginning in August and completed in December 2011. Twelve of the greens were seeded and six were turfed from the club’s recently expanded nursery. This combination allowed for a very quick turn around with extremely good results. All of the greens work was undertaken in-house by the Course Superintendent and his staff. While the resurfacing program was in progress, a number of greens were slightly modified to defend themselves in heavy winds and provide

more pin placements, while maintaining their traditional character. This period also gave the opportunity to redesign the green site of holes three and four and also add some more character to the fourth fairway. Greg Norman’s organisation Greg Norman Golf Course Design, who have been working with the club for over 10 years as consulting architects, assisted with this project. Barry Breen, the club’s President explained: “I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this project. In cooler than expected climate conditions, the greens have grown in at an exceptional rate. We are delighted to see the new bent greens putting so well and requiring less maintenance in the long run”. NSW Golf Club is pleased to have the course in such terrific condition going into summer and is excited about the proposition of linking sensational playing surfaces with the outstanding views and natural setting that playing La Perouse offers.

Golf SA office relocated to North Adelaide Golf SA, the state sporting organisation for amateur golf, has moved to new premises at North Adelaide Golf Course as a tenant of the Adelaide City Council. Golf SA CEO Chris Luz-Raymond said that the relocation would provide the organisation a unique opportunity to utilise the extensive North Adelaide Golf Course facilities to expand its golf development and educational programs. “We are delighted to be partnering with the Adelaide City Council in offering golf to the widest possible audience,” said Luz-Raymond. “While we will initially be establishing the Junior Golf SA development program at North Adelaide, we also now have the opportunity to create a permanent home to host our various educational programs such as rules training and industry development for clubs.

The new address details for Golf SA is: Golf South Australia Inc, North Adelaide Golf Course, Strangways Terrace, North Adelaide 5006. Phone: (08) 8267 1353.

Champion rookie returns to Mona Vale Josh Lane has returned to Mona Vale Golf Club as one of the professional staff after first taking up the game there almost 20 years ago, at the age of 15. During that time he has successfully represented the club as a junior, elite amateur and touring professional. Josh was NSW Rookie of the Year in 2004, winner of the NSW Pro-Am Order of Merit in 2006 and 2007 and NSW Player of the Year in 2009. He won more than 20 tournaments, including the Samoan Open (2005, 2008), the New Caledonia PGA Championship (2009) and the Tahiti Open (2010). Josh took up a position as one of the

your local experts

professional staff in the Pro Shop at Mona Vale Golf Club last year, and has applied his talents to his other passion in golf – teaching. He was also appointed Mona Vale Golf Club Junior Development Officer. His practical knowledge and teaching ability have already helped to improve many young people’s games. Golf at Mona Vale has taken Josh Lane full circle – from talented junior, to elite player and club champion, and now to coaching Mona Vale juniors to become elite players. It seems like a perfect fit. For further information, contact Tony Sedgwick, directors@mvgc.com.au

Come join in for the Grand Opening Day to test your swing, your clubs and your fitness Sunday February 26, 2012 9am-3pm

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I am delighted to join the On Course team. As a PGA Professional, I know firsthand the expertise and knowledge that your PGA Professional can bring to your game. A PGA Professional is the right person to see if you want to improve your game or upgrade your equipment. Visit your local On Course Professional for the right advice and best service.

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Palm Meadows Driving Range, Carrara, Gold Coast

February 2012 www.insidegolf.com.au.......................................................................................

The Golf School moving up town Well known married Queensland PGA teaching duo Lee and Pete Harrington are making the move this month from Carrara Golf Course to the Palm Meadows Driving Range. A soft opening day is scheduled on February 5 with the Grand Opening’s full schedule of events being held on February 26, from 9am – 3pm. With over 40 years of teaching between them they can help you achieve your goals in all aspects of the game of golf. They provide access to world leading technology for

teaching, fitting and training with products such as Foresight and Somax. The Golf School is also the only facility in Australia certified as a SwingModel Teaching Facility. For further information and to register visit www.thegolfschool.com.au.

Royal Canberra Golf Club appoints master plan course architect Royal Canberra Golf Club announced the appointment of course architects Ogilvy Clayton to prepare a master plan for the Club. Partner Michael Clayton said “We’re delighted to be appointed and it’s an exciting project for the Club members, staff and Ogilvy Clayton. We look forward to improving the course and working closely with the club and its members.” President Ray Young complimented all submissions saying; “they were all very

impressive and professional, but the MPC felt that Ogilvy Clayton provided a great understanding of our unique challenges and a depth of experience needed for our iconic Club.” He noted that whilst the exact timetable has yet to be finalised, Members will be consulted during the process and could expect draft plans to be available for review by March / April 2012. Any major works would take place after the Australian Women’s Open in February 2013 and would be subject to Member approval.

Micropower Club Golf team grows Leading golf management software provider Micropower announced that Ian Harber has relinquished his role as NSW Golf Business Development Manager in order to focus his efforts on testing Micropower’s Next Generation range of golf products. Micropower CEO, Bill Owens, commented, “Ian’s depth of knowledge about golf is priceless and we are thrilled that he will be able to use this to assist in the development of our Next Generation suite of golf solutions that are due to be released in 2012.” Ian’s NSW clients will now be managed by two of Micropower’s most experienced Business Development Managers, Richard Berry and Rob Woodland.

Berry has over 20 years’ experience serving the club industry. He has firsthand knowledge of club operations and has worked at a senior level at several golfing venues in the UK before joining Micropower four years ago. Woodland has been with Micropower three years and is the Business Development Manager Southern Region Golf & Marinas. He has successfully worked with clients to identify opportunities to streamline their operations and drive overall financial performance.

STX Golf announces partnership with Global Sports International US-based STX Golf has formed a strategic partnership with Global Sports International (GSI) in Australia as part of their new global strategy to see STX Putters distributed on all five continents and with a reinvigorated Tour presence. According to GSI CEO S ean Kirschenberg the putter market has been ‘flat’ for some time now, both in terms of business and product innovation. He sees STX as very much the “coming thing” with a fresh and exciting approach, and a great story to match. As STX strives to educate new markets as to their design and putting performance philosophy, GSI’s own strength of actively educating the trade and end-user golf markets is another good fit. With over 75 accounts across Australia & New Zealand GSI also prides itself on high standards of

educating the golf professionals they serve, so there’s more common ground there. STX is also a good complement to GSI’s existing product offering, including the national franchise for the legendary Henry-Griffitts custom-fitting system. The person responsible for GSI’s demo Days (around 200 events each year) is Paul Buchanan, and it is his unique approach to custom-fitting golf clubs, and putters in particular, that drew the Australian business to STX Putters in the first instance. Kirschenberg and Buchanan see STX as very much the Thinking Golfer’s Putter that will only enhance GSI’s reputation as the unchallenged GoTo people in Australian custom-fitting. Initially, GSI will offer a range of 6 STX Putters in accordance with Buchanan’s ethos of Path and Linear putter types.

industrynews Vale Ramsay McMaster

The golf industry was saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden passing of Ramsay McMaster on 29th December 2011. A passionate and enthusiastic individual, Ramsay was instrumental in educating PGA Members and amateur golfers alike to achieve greater performance through understanding how to tune their bodies for the game. Ramsay – recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities on golf specific physiotherapy—worked with some of the world’s leading coaches including Steve Bann, Jim McLean and the head coaches of numerous national teams including England, New Zealand, China and Australia. He delivered education programs to PGA Members and Trainees to help them to enhance the lesson experience and to become better coaches of the game of golf. His golf specific training methods helped to enhance the performance of many Tournament Professionals. Ramsay’s work as a golf fitness expert shaped and influenced so many people’s lives. A true pioneer and friend of golf, Ramsay will be greatly missed. With fondness we remember a wonderful person with boundless energy, vision and passion.

Calderwood Valley Golf Course for sale The picturesque Calderwood Valley Golf Course, near Wollongong NSW, has been put up for sale. Nestled at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, Calderwood is known for its beautiful scenery, challenging layout, and its connection to nature. The par-70, 18-hole public golf course was designed by Ken Mackay from McKay and Sons Golf Course Architects, and features clear creeks, contoured fairways and true greens. On offer is a parcel of 51 hectares of land, comprising of the golf course (approximately 31.5ha) and business, associated equipment facilities and two houses. Approximately 12 acres is suitable for holiday condominiums and a resort (STCA). In addition, 4800 homes have been approved for construction nearby, via the Calderwood Urban Development Project. The project is reported to accommodate approximately 12,400 people and will deliver an estimated $2.9 billion in development expenditure and create approximately 8,000 full time equivalent jobs. Founded in 1995, Calderwood now reports an average of 800 golfers playing every week, with regular social clubs booked in advance into the year 2014. Estimated price for the property has not been disclosed, but expressions of interest can be directed to Andrew Hedley on 0410 551 554 or visit www.calderwoodgolfcoursesale.com

Mike Orloff

morloff@golfindustrycentral.com.au

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February 2012

16 amateurs.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Top gun Maverick shoots for US DavidNewbery QUEENSLAND and Australia has lost one of its best young golfers to the United States of America. Talented amateur golfer Maverick Antcliff, who has represented state and country, has accepted a golf scholarship to Augusta State University where he will play golf and study business management for the next four years. “It’s going to be awesome,” Maverick told Inside Golf just days before departing. “I just can’t wait to get over there, make the golf team and hopefully compete in some big tournaments. “The collegiate system is great and has produced some quality players over the years. “Augusta State University (the Jaguars) won the last two national titles and are the second team in history to win back-to-back titles.” The Jaguars golf team join Houston University, who won successive titles in 1984-85. Former US PGA champion and Australian Open winner Steve Elkington was a member of the Houston team before turning professional in 1985. Maverick, who plays off a handicap off +3 at Indooropilly Golf Club, lives at Beaudesert (64kms south of Brisbane) where Jason Day grew up. Like Day, Maverick attended the Hills International College. He lists Day — the US Masters and US Open runner-up — as his favourite player and hopes to meet and play alongside his hero in the future.

Maverick Antcliff (second from left) celebrates with his Australian teammates after winning the Four Nations Cup in New Zealand He had the opportunity to meet Day a few years after he took up the game, but his mother Elaine intervened. “I had a chance to meet Jason when I was 13 years old, but my mum didn’t let me go because the fellow driving the car was a young P-plater.” Maverick’s grandmother introduced him to the game when he was 11 years old and he hasn’t looked back. “We were getting a new house built and had to move in with my grandparents for a while and grandma took me out for a game of golf and I was hooked. “What I love about golf is you don’t have to rely on anybody else – it all comes down to you,”

said Maverick, who is one of the best iron players going around. “I consider myself a pretty strong tee-to-green player. Currently, I am working on my short game (50 metres and in) and my putting with my coach Michael Craperi. “Michael started teaching me about six months ago and I feel my game has come a long way since then.” Maverick said he was indebted to his parents for his steady rise in the amateur ranks. “My parents (Wayne and Elaine) have worked really hard to allow me to play golf all around the country,” he said. A naturally competitive person, Maverick has

a career low score of 65 and hopes to one day join the play-for-pay ranks. “I would like to be a successful professional golfer, but first I must complete my education,” he said. “If I do turn pro I would like to start on the Asian Tour and work my way to Europe and America. “But in saying that, going to America for four years will give me a head start so things could happen a little bit quicker – if things go to plan.” Maverick is a popular teenager, but so far he has managed to resist the lure of surf, sand and beer. “I like to have fun with my mates, but there’s always a time and place for that,” he said. “When there’s a tournament coming up, I try to focus and work on my game so I play as good as I can.” He spends hours disconnected from others as he fine-tunes his game. He even had a hole-in-one during a routine practice round that no-one witnessed. “It was on the 12th hole at Beaudesert golf course and it was an unreal feeling,” he said. “Nobody was with me to see it, but at least I know I have had an ace and know what it feels like.” I ask Maverick how he got his unique first name. “My parents liked the name after seeing the movie Top Gun,” he said. In the movie, Tom Cruise played Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell – an ace pilot. It seems the perfect moniker for a young man aiming to become an ace golfer.

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February 2012

18 events...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Holden Scramble brings three teams a happy Chinese New Year After last year’s Holden Scramble Championship Final, there are now three lucky teams who will be heading to China to compete in the China Australia International Challenge. 2011 saw around 9,000 teams compete at the local level, 600 compete at Regional Finals around Australia and finally 29 make it to the Holden Scramble Championship Final at Twin Waters Golf Club. From that, the top three teams from Robina Woods Golf Club, Laidley Golf Club and Cromer Golf Club showed they had what it takes to book themselves a trip to China. The Robina Woods’ team of Nathan Baker, Matthew Pease, Adrian Robert, Blake Johnson and PGA Professional Corey Taylor will team up with the runners-up from the mixed division, Laidley Golf Club. The team from Laidley, consisting of Matthew Bradford, Ron Goltz, Adam Best, Kenji Yoshida and PGA Professional, Ian Esson said they couldn’t believe it. “We are living the dream,” said team member Ron Goltz, a Toowoomba premiership-winning jockey. The final team to fill up the podium was Cromer Golf Club who won the Women’s Holden Scramble Final. Team spokesperson Adele Brimmer said winning a trip to China was the highlight of the Holden Scramble. Teammates Yvonne Burns, Beverley Fagan, Katrina Brown and PGA Professional, Nicholas Robb were equally excited. “Finding out we were going to China was the most exciting news for the team,” Adele said. “Bev was so excited she was in tears when she was telling her daughter. “People are asking ‘when we are going’ and we don’t know and don’t care because we know with

the organisation of the Holden Scramble it will be organised so well.” “The Holden Scramble was everything we expected and more,” she said. “The organisation was unbelievable. The PGA’s Natalie Ritter and her team deserve a huge pat on the back for how it all went.” The first leg of the China Australian International Challenge was held at Twin Waters Golf Club during the Holden Scramble Championship Final. Played over two rounds, the team aggregate stroke competition saw the Australians take the ascendancy early with a three shot lead after the first round. But the Chinese team rallied together

in the second round beating the Australians by a commanding 23 shots and giving them the victory by 20 shots. CEO of the PGA of Australia, Brian Thorburn, said this new initiative is the first step in what is hopefully a long, successful friendship. “The PGA of Australia is extremely excited to be working with the China Golf Association and we can’t wait to see what our two countries can do together in the world of golf.” The China Golf Association will now host the Australians for second leg in the China Australia International Challenge in what is sure to be an unforgettable trip of a lifetime for these lucky three teams.

Dates announced for Long Drive Championships Dates have been announced for the Australian Qualifying of the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Australia. Winners of the Open & Senior Divisions Championship will earn themselves an entry in to the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship which is held in October this year in Mesquite Nevada (60 miles North of Las Vegas), where the players will play for a cash prize pool of over $450,000+. 2012 will see the return of 5 Divisions: Opens (open to all ages); Seniors (45yrs+); Super Seniors (50yrs+); Legends (60yrs+) and Amateur (Driver restriction 8 degrees of loft or higher, LEA 48 inch limit rule.) Upcoming dates: 18th February: Neangar Park GC, VIC 2pm7pm. Tour Round 1 31st March: Richmond GC, NSW 2pm-7pm. Tour Round 2 14th April: Gold Creek CC, ACT 12:30pm-5pm. Tour Round 3 28th & 29th April: Championship Final + Tour Final. South West Rocks CC, NSW 9am-4pm. Come along and see who is truly the longest golfer in Australia. Whether you are a competitor or a fan, these events are always a blast! See website for all the rules and conditions: www.longdrive.com.au

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February 2012

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

St Michael’s claim Apperly and Junior Pennant Finals St Michael’s have become the first club in 13 years to capture both the Eric Apperly and Junior Pennant titles after both teams recorded narrow victories in the Finals. Things couldn’t have been closer in the Junior Pennant as the Final went down to the final hole for the final pairing, where St Michael’s Luke Morrison narrowly edged Avondale’s Harrison Endycott. Earlier in the contest the matches had been shared with the fifth pairing going the way of Avondale as Michael Westerway defeated Daniel Kolar 1up. St Michael’s took out the fourth and third pairings as Travis Smyth (4/3) and Shaun Cameron (1up) beat Linus Yip and Nick Brown respectively, while Avondale’s captain, Kristian Hooker, overcame Jake Baker 2/1 in a high quality match. St Michael’s completed the season undefeated, whilst Avondale will be a force to be reckoned with in the future with all of the team eligible to compete in the 2012 competition. With the knowledge that their Junior Pennant side had claimed victory earlier in the day, St Michael’s Eric Apperly side set out to complete the double. Castle Hill had shown throughout the season that they were a team that could grind out a win in any circumstance and early indications were heading that way again.

Brett Drewitt The Junior Pennant and Eric Apperly shield winners Castle Hill took an early 2-0 lead as their fifth was decided on the 16th as Zac Mullins (St and fourth players Kurt Eckmann (1up) and Michael’s) held off Stephen Bevan 3/2 to put Patrick Idquival (2/1) had narrow victories over the contest at 2-2. In the end, St Michael’s Ron Chase Baso and Julian Lee respectively. The tight Su’a-Walker edged out Castle Hill’s Lachlan results continued as the third pairing went to Crowl on the 18th, sealing victory for the St Michael’s with Michael Williams accounting St Michael’s squad. For more info visit: wwww.golfnsw.org for Trent Smith 1up. The number one pairing

Australian Veteran Golfers Union National C’hips The beautiful city of Hobart was the venue for the 2011 AVGU National Championships (sponsored by Regis). Some 316 players competed in this annual week of golf which is the highlight of Veterans Golf in Australia. Day one was held at North West Bay – a very strong course by Tasmanian legend Peter Toogood, which includes four par-4 holes in excess of 400 metres in length. Unfortunately, Southern Tasmania’s unseasonably wet winter and spring had left the course a bit waterlogged, which made play a bit difficult. The second course played was Claremont, a rolling, tree-lined course in excellent condition, set on a peninsula of land in the Derwent inlet.

Last, and certainly not least, the group tackled Tasmania Golf Club, a first class championship course overlooking Barilla Bay. This lengthy and testing course was in superb condition and a fitting finale to the week of golf. The Presentation Dinner was held at Wrest Point Casino. Presentations were made to Geoffrey Dodge of Tasmania, the 2011 Scratch Champion, and Dave Burns from Gladstone in Queensland, the 2011 Handicap Champion.

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At the completion of the presentations the Tournament Director, Don Graham, then presented the “Symbol of Fellowship” to Ken McNamara, representing the Mornington Peninsula—Australia’s Number One Golf Destination— to be its custodian until the completion of the 2012 event, which will be held from 11th to 16th November at Rosebud Country Club, The Dunes, The Legends Course at Moonah Links and The Ocean Course at The National Golf Club. For event information visit the website www.mpvetsgolf.com.au or contact Ken McNamara at kenneth.mcnamara@bigpond.com.au or 0400 799 852.

Golf NSW Vardon Trophy

The 2011 Golf NSW Vardon Trophy has concluded with the top 10 positions dominated by Golf Australia national squad and Golf NSW High Performance program members. Brett Drewitt and Matt Stieger confirmed their standings as two of the State’s finest young golfers with consistently low scores to take out the top two positions. The top five, who all had a scoring average under 70, was rounded out by Daniel Bringolf, Lincoln Tighe and Jake Higginbottom.

TOP TEN – VARDON TROPHY Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Name Brett Drewitt Matthew Stieger Daniel Bringolf Lincoln Tighe Jake Higginbottom Dimitrios Papadatos Kyle Grant Jarrod Freeman Callan O’Rielly John McMiles

Club Long Reef GC St. Michael’s GC The Australian GC Moore Park GC The Australian GC Moore Park GC Mona Vale GC Concord GC Toronto CC Liverpool GC

Avg 68.35 68.84 69.37 69.53 69.64 70.30 70.35 70.54 70.85 70.91

The full list of Vardon averages can be found on www.golfnsw.org

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February 2012

22 events...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

New Caledonia Seniors Open Imagine playing an amazing round of golf in a tranquil and relaxing Polynesian atmosphere, with friendly people from all walks of life. Since 2008, The Hyundai New Caledonia Seniors Open has offered all that and more; and it has developed a reputation for being one of the most enjoyable tournaments in the Pacific area. Last year’s event saw more than one hundred entrants from Australia, Vanuatu, New Zealand and local New Caledonian golfers battle it out among the tranquil settings that only new Caledonia can provide. All players enjoyed experiencing the French way of life combined with serious golf and over $6000AUD worth of prizes. New South Wales’ Jacquie Morgan took top honours in the ladies draw against the local girls in a tight contest, while Lean Louis Lechene beat Dave Morrison in the men’s draw. This July (17-19), the event will return in full swing, as the La Ouenghi Golf Club hosts this enjoyable “Over 50’s” tournament for its fifth running. Over 100 senior golfers will make the return trek to New Caledonia to take part in the tournament that offers a “good French atmosphere, good French food and great French beer!” The event is an Open Tournament for all “Over 50s” (As of January 1) Ladies and Men with official handicaps between 0-36. All divisions will play Gross and Nett Stableford each day, with aggregate scoring. Of course,

there will be the customary Nearest to the Pins on all par-3s each day, and prizes for the event total $6000. And while many will be playing for the coveted Blue Hyundai Jacket, the goal for most will be to simply enjoy a great golfing holiday in a tropical island atmosphere. Seniors of all ages are welcome and there will be plenty of good food and drink on offer. La Ouenghi Golf Club is 50 kms from Noumea, and just 15kms from the international airport. Stay and Play packages are available via the La Ouenghi Resort, which overlooks the first fairway (Early Birds only, as the 15 twin-sharing bungalows are limited). Another option is Le Lagon, a three-star hotel in Noumea which is close to the Anse Vata beach and casinos with a daily complimentary shuttle to La Ouenghi (around fifty minutes). Managing the resort of La Ouenghi is Dino, an Italian who has lived in New

New Caledonia Seniors Open July 17 - 19 2012

Tournament open to all over 50s. Official handicap 0 to 36. All divisions gross and nett, stableford. Each day and aggregate scoring. Nearest the pin competition on all par 3 holes each day.

Prize total AUD$6000 Accommodation Play and Stay in La Ouenghi Resort. Early birds only. 15 Bungalows, Twin sharing. Play in La Ouenghi Stay in Noumea Close to beach, restaurants and casino Hyundai 2012 Seniors Open Entry Form Name: Home Club: Official Handicap as at May 31: Email address or Phone number: Special requirements: Walking or Driving Accomodation required: Y

On Site Early Bird Only before May 01 Y

In Noumea Le Lagon Hotel with day shuttle? Y

Email all entries to gg.osl@mls.nc Entries close June 15 2012

Caledonia for 30 years. He’s “The Guy” when it comes to making visitors feel welcome, and is a competent and friendly guide to the Senior players. When the golf is over, and the dinner begins, so too begins the singing (we hear that the French and Australian national anthems are a popular fixture). The presentation on the final day features the traditional Polynesian singers with ukuleles and guitars, and of course, more singing. The flight to Noumea is just under 3 hours from Australia, and flights depart daily from Sydney (three times a week from Brisbane). So pack your bags and play The Hyundai New Caledonia Seniors Open at La Ouenghi Resort. It’s a great event for Seniors from all walks of life. For information, fares and details contact Georges Guepy via email: gg.osl@mls.nc. Entries close on June 15.

Win a Free Golf Trip to Thailand at the 2012 ASGCC

One lucky golfer will win a free golf trip to Thailand (including airfares) at the 2012 Australian Social Golf Club Championships (ASGCC) on the Gold Coast this August. Social Golf Australia (SGA) has partnered with Thailand Golf Tours to establish an annual international amateur golf event – The SGA International. In 2012, The SGA International will be in Pattaya, Thailand from March 17 – 24. At the 2011 ASGCC, Anne Donnelly from WA won the free trip to Thailand this March. The prize was a great success and another golfer at the ASGCC in 2012 will win a trip to The SGA International in March 2013. The ASGCC is held on the Gold Coast every August and attracts adventurous amateurs from around the country who enjoy their golf and the experience of playing in a professional tournament atmosphere. The 2012 ASGCC will be held from August 19 to 22 with players staying at the Radisson Resort Gold Coast and playing at Palm Meadows, Lakelands Golf Club and Robina Woods. All golfers are welcome to play and entry forms are available in Drummond Golf stores around Australia and online from Social Golf Australia’s website. The 2012 event features over $15,000 of prizes thanks to sponsors Radisson Resort Gold Coast, Thailand Golf Tours, Drummond Golf, Wilson Staff, Heathcote Winery and Inside Golf. For more information, visit the ASGCC website www.socialgolfaustralia.com.au or contact SGA directly on (03) 5433 3213. Inside Golf is proud to support the ASGCC and provide event coverage and results.

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February 2012

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

Get into the swing at Seniors Week

Marrickville Golf Club members get into the swing of Seniors Week THE Marrickville Golf Club in Sydney has thrown down the gauntlet to learner golfers and the more experienced players who enjoy winning trophies. The club is hosting a “come and try” golf day on Friday, March 23. Players will be put through their paces by a group of professionals who will introduce the different aspect of golf including the grip, stance, chipping and putting. Golfers will get to play a modified game over a few holes and take part in a putting competition. All equipment and instruction is free and there’ll be prizes for the best putters. On March 21 and 22, there will be a 36-hole championship, which is open to men and women over the

age of 60 and who have a current Golf Australia handicap. Prizes for the stableford event will be presented each day and more valuable prizes and trophies handed out for the two-day tournament winners. And there’ll be entertainment, lunch and refreshments at the 19th hole on both days. Numbers are limited for all events so book early to avoid disappointment. For more information call the pro shop on (02) 9558 6862 or improve@entiregolf.net

Australia’s clean sweep in 2011 Asia Pacific Australian teams and individuals had a perfect result in the 2011 AsiaPacific Senior Amateur Championship played at Royal Perth Golf Club in December. The individual winner was Australian Peter King from the Windaroo club in Queensland. King closed with a tournament best score of one under par 71 that included five birdies in a magnificent round on a course that tested all players in every round. After a slow start on the opening two days, King’s outstanding final round saw him make up a ten shot deficit over Kiwi senior Murray Martin. King finished in a 54-hole tie with fellow Australian, Roy Vandersluis from The Lakes GC, who had come

Denis Dale, Roy Vandersluis, Paul Maslen (back row) Peter King, Stefan Albinski, Chris Coats from four strokes behind. In the playoff for the individual championship it was King who took the title with a rock solid par on the first extra hole. Australia made it a trifecta of major placings with Stefan Albinski finishing in third place, just one stroke out of the play off.

2012 NSW Senior OOM off to a good start The 2012 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition began with the playing of the NSW Senior Foursomes Championship at The Coast Golf Club on January 9. This was the first of 38 events to be held during the year. The 2012 Senior Foursomes winners were Greg Stanford and Stefan Albinski from the Mona Vale club. Their excellent score of one over par 71 in windy conditions on the very well prepared The Coast course saw them easy winners from the Charlestown

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team of Paul Davies and Graeme George on 76. This completed a rare double for Stanford and Albinski as the longtime golfing friends had won the NSW Men’s Foursomes Championship in 1990 at Monash Golf Club. The over 65 years section was won by the Pennant Hills pair, Tony Gresham and Darcy Cluff, with a fine score of 80. Full details on all NSW Order of Merit events are available here – www.golfnsw.org

King’s par-breaking final round was a great contribution to his team’s dramatic come-from-behind win in the much coveted International Team Trophy. With team members Paul Maslen (Concord, NSW) and Chris Coats (Royal Queensland) also playing great golf the team of King, Coats and Maslen came from well back to defeat the other Australian team of Stefan Albinski, Denis Dale and Roy Vandersluis. After sharing the lead with one round to go the three-man New Zealand team weakened to finish in third place. The 2012 Asia Pacific Senior Championship will be played in Hong Kong in November. Full details and scores available at www.ausoom.com

February Events Feb 1-3

Tasmanian Snr Amateur – Mowbray GC Feb 6-7 NSW Senior Classic – The Lakes & The Australian GCs Feb 6 The Lakes GC Snrs - NSW Feb 7 The Australian GC Seniors - NSW Feb 9-11 NZ Snrs – Waitikiri GC, Christchurch Feb 13-14 Surf Coast Seniors – The Sands GC, Vic Feb 14-15 Australia vs NZ – Royal Christchurch GC, NZ Feb 16-17 Lonsdale Seniors, Vic Feb 20 Concord Seniors, NSW Feb 23 Monash Snr Masters, NSW Feb 28-Mar 1 NSW Snr C’ship – Lynwood GC (western Sydney)

February 2012 www.insidegolf.com.au..........................................................................................................................

February

march

NSW Family Bowl

Women’s Summer Meeting

Entries are now open for the 2012 NSW Family Bowl, to be held at Cabramatta Golf Club, on Sunday 19 February 2012. The Family Bowl gives any combination of family members an opportunity to play and enjoy the day together, and compete against other family pairs. Whether your team is Father/Son, Mother/Daughter, Husband/ Wife; Uncle/Niece, First Cousins; Father/ Daughter in law or any similar combination, you’re welcome to play. As long as there is an immediate family relationship, then they can form a team. Displaying the variety of combinations were the prize winners from last year. In first place were the husband and wife team of Kerry and Albert Davis from Wentworth Falls Country Club, second place were father and son pairing, Julian and Phil Roux from Moore Park and Narooma Golf Courses, while third place were brothers Hayden and Neal Turner from Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club. The competition is played in pairs, in the categories of men’s, women’s and mixed. Prizes are awarded for nett scores in each of the above categories, as well as for the overall winning pair. Entries are now open online at www. golfnsw.org. Online entry is just $100 per pair, while all other forms of entry are $110 per pair – this also includes lunch and refreshments. Entries close Friday 3 February. For more info: Christy.collier@golfnsw.org or call (02) 9505 9105.

Men’s NSW Seniors Championship The 2012 NSW Seniors Championship will be held at Lynwood Country Club from 28 February – 1 March 2012. A social dinner function will be held on Tuesday 28 February at the Club, available for all participants and guests.With so much to do and such a great location, this event is shaping up to be must on the Seniors calendar, especially for those who often travel with wives and partners. The Championship is open to male amateurs who are 55 years of age or over as at the first day of play, whose handicap does not exceed 15.4 strokes at the date of entry. The Championship will be stroke play over three rounds of 18-holes (54-holes): • Round 1 – Tuesday 28 February 2012 • Round 2 – Wednesday 29 February 2012 • Round 3 – Thursday 1 March 2012 • A seeded draw will be completed for Round 3. The entire field will contest all three rounds. The event will see a host of recognized golfers competing, including Stephan Albinski, Denis Dale and Bill Banks. However for every serious competitor, there will be a handful of participants out to enjoy the few days of golf with their mates. Entries are now open - $90 via hard copy, or $80 online. The dinner is $40 per person. To enter, log onto www.golfnsw.org. Entries close 17 February. For more: Christy.collier@golfnsw.org or call (02) 9505 9105.

Bowral, Highlands, Moss Vale and Mt Broughton Golf Clubs March 5-8 The Women’s Summer Meeting is the first of the three Golf NSW women’s Meetings held each year with entries from all around the state. These events have been an opportunity for the competitors to enjoy some excellent golfing conditions, meeting up with old friends as well as making some new ones. The Summer Meeting is a four-day event which begins with two days of 18-hole scratch events (overall 36 hole event) for all 3 Divisions. Day 3 is an 18-hole foursomes event, followed by a Best Ball vs. Par Teams event on Day 4. The draw for the event is semi seeded for Days 1 and 2, with players nominating their playing partners on Days 3 and 4. Entries close Friday 17 February 2012. Enter online: www.golfnsw.org For further information, contact Nicole Bessant on 02 9505 9105 or email nicole. bessant@golfnsw.org

Ladies Golf Classic

Sanctuary Cove 11 March and 13 March Hosted exclusively for ladies, The Inaugural Sanctuary Cove Ladies Golf Classic will not only provide players of all levels with the opportunity to enjoy golf in a social, no-pressure environment, but allow competitors, sponsors and supporters to raise funds towards the Adam Scott Foundation. This inaugural event is raising money supporting the foundation’s current project to build a Youth Centre in Labrador. Day one will see women hit the course for a fun foursome competition, followed by two days of exhilarating 18- hole competitions. Sanctuary Cove will also be hosting a Meet & Greet, including a fashion parade and entertainment as well as an official dinner and presentation barbeque. Café St Tropez will be awarding an extraordinary $50,000 diamond for a hole-in-one, while an impressive diamond studded golf putter, proudly created by Calleija Jewellers, will be presented to the 36-hole champion. Bookings must be made before Tu e s d ay, 1 4 Fe br u a r y t h ro u g h www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au/sclgc. Special accommodation packages at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove are available exclusively through Cove Travel as well as airfares and other travel arrangements by visiting www.covetravel.com.au or by phoning (07) 5577 9211.

Queensland Indigenous Championships Murgon Golf Club March 16 to 18 Golfers from as far as the Cape will descend on Murgon Golf Club to play for the coveted Queensland Indigenous Championship title. Murgon, located about three hours north of Brisbane, has hosted the Championship since 2007.

events

The 54-hole event is a chance for old friends to catch up while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere Murgon offers. Players are also often entertained by the local children as they perform a traditional corroboree at the “Welcome to the Country” opening ceremony. The event is aimed at increasing participation in the Indigenous Community, as well as identifying the year’s best Indigenous golfer. To play in this year’s Queensland Indigenous Championships please visit www.golfqueensland.org.au or phone (07) 3252 8155.

Women’s NSW Senior Amateur Championship Coffs Harbour Golf Club 26-30 March The Womens NSW Senior Amateur Championship is open to female amateurs who are 55 years of age or over, whose handicap does not exceed 28 strokes at the date of entry. The event is also part of the Women’s NSW Senior Order of Merit. The Women’s NSW Senior Amateur Championship is played over 36 holes qualifying rounds. The eight best scratch scores qualify for the Senior Amateur Championship Match play. For players who do not qualify in the Senior Championship Match Play, there is also match play broken down by age category. The Championship is held over five days, with Day 1 & Day 2 played over 18-hole, while Days 3-5 are Match Play. Entries are now open - $70 via hard copy, or $60 online. To enter log onto www.golfnsw.org. Entries close Friday 9 March 2012. For further information, contact Christy Collier on 9505 9105 or email christy. collier@golfnsw.org.

‘i am gr8ful’ Women’s Trans Ocean Golf Challenge Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort & Twin Waters Golf Club 15th - 21st July Tee off in the inaugural Trans Ocean Challenge, a prestigious amateur Ladies 72-Hole 2-Ball Ambrose Tournament on the Sunshine Coast. Featuring an Australia vs New Zealand theme, the event will pit 36 team spots per side, and organisers are expecting the 144 participants to enjoy a week of trans ocean rivalry and fun in a first-class setting. The event is chock-full of extras, including a Welcome Ceremony & Dinner, Fancy Dress Round, Birdies Night Out On Hastings, Long Drive Competition, Gala Dinner, Presentation, Grand Prize Draw and much more. There are also free gifts, food & entertainment, and a hole-in-one prize (sponsored by Peugeot). There are even non-golf activities. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, visit www.transoceanchallenge.com.au, or ring Darrell Dalton on 0407 472 526.

February 2012

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

Sink putts to sink cancer Car lover and sports fanatic Andrew McIntyre has led the charge of men as a cancer survivor. Diagnosed with stage three melanoma when he was only 38 years old, Andrew remembers the shocking moment in 2010 that changed his life forever. “I’ll never forget the moment the doctor told me I had melanoma and it had spread. It didn’t seem real that I only had a 50/50 chance of survival,” said Andrew. “I didn’t have chemo, so I got to keep my beautiful ginger hair,” he said with a smile. “Although I’m not completely in the clear, I am getting my life back on track. When my wife Paula needed more information or had any questions, she called Cancer Council NSW’s Helpline so she could download her feelings and fears and stay strong for me.” As part of his ongoing effort to increase awareness about the disease, Andrew is a big supporter of Cancer Council NSW. This summer, Cancer Council NSW and Andrew are looking for passionate golfers to join forces with others in their community and help raise funds to support cancer research. Hosting a golf day is easy, and the Do Your Thing website is a site where hundreds of individuals can register to host their own event to help raise money to fight cancer. All you need to do is: 1. Book the date and tee off time with your club. 2. Visit our website to find out more and register www.doyourthing.com.au/golf-thing 3. Start inviting all your friends and family 4. Set a fundraising target

Andrew McIntyre (right) enjoying outdoor sports with wife Paula Tony Naoum at Cancer Council NSW said getting golfers to register for a day out on the course aims to not only raise funds for the cause, but also reach out to people with an important message about things they can do to reduce their risk of cancer. “About a third of all cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. You can cut your cancer risk by not smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating healthily and exercising regularly,” he said. “Golfers spend a lot of time outdoors so it’s important they adopt sun safety measures such

as wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, if they notice any changes they should speak to their GP’s as soon as possible.” he said. You can sink balls to sink cancer! Register at www.doyourthing.com.au/golf-thing

New sponsor for NZ Women’s Open A New title sponsor, International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS), has ensured the New Zealand Women’s Open keeps its co-sanctioned status on the Ladies European Tour (LET) and the Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) Tours in 2012. The tournament will remain at the Pegasus Golf and Sports Club about 30 minutes north of Christchurch and will be played as a three round tournament from February 17 – 19. Defending champion Kristie Smith, who won the title by three shots this year for her maiden win on the LET and English superstar Laura Davies, who won the championship in 2010, have confirmed they will return to compete in the event. It is expected that the fourth staging of the championship will attract its best field in 2012 with the timing of the event directly after the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open and RACV Gold Coast Australian Ladies Masters. Title sponsor ISPS is an organisation founded by Japanese philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world. ISPS has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf. Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Dr Handa and ISPS have a real understanding and empathy for the people of New Zealand after the effects of the earthquakes in Christchurch this year. Dr Handa recognises the importance of events such as the New Zealand Women’s Open continuing on the sporting calendar to help rebuild and inspire the community of Christchurch.

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February 2012

28 scorecard..............................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au AMATEURS

Holman triumphs at Master of the Amateurs Nathan Holman took this year’s Australian Master of the Amateurs Championship at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, finishing 5 shots ahead of his nearest competitor after dominating the field throughout most of the tournament. The 20-year-old Holman played four rounds of steady golf, despite wild and wet weather. A final round of 70 ( a total of -10 for the tournament) left him five shots clear of this strong field of 54 amateurs from 10 countries. Runner-up Queenslander Daniel Nisbet started strongly in the final round. He had five birdies and two pars before faltering on the eighth. A triple-bogie seven saw his title chances roll away.

Hyundai Tournament of Champions

Total -23 -20 -19 -19 -15 -15 -14 -14 -13 -13 -13

Strokes 269 272 273 273 277 277 278 278 279 279 279

-6

286

Joburg Open

Missed Cut: Scott Strange

1 2 3 4 4 T6 T6 T6 T9 T9

Nathan Holman Daniel Nisbet Ben Campbell Kelly Kraft Todd Sinnott Ryan McCarthy Matthew Stieger Teremona Beaucousin Oliver Goss Ashley Chesters

67 / 72 / 69 / 70 69 / 74 / 70 / 70 73 / 75 / 65 / 72 70 / 75 / 69 / 73 74 / 74 / 71 / 68 72 / 71 / 71 / 74 70 / 76 / 70 / 72 73 / 72 / 72 / 71 74 / 78 / 64 / 73 73 / 78 / 67 / 71

278 283 285 287 287 288 288 288 289 289

Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 T8 T8 T10

Player Louis Oosthuizen Tjaart van der Walt Retief Goosen Jaco van Zyl Alastair Forsyth Richard Sterne Danny Willet Lyle Rowe Craig Lee Matthew Baldwin

Total -27 -25 -24 -23 -22 -20 -19 -18 -18 -17

LPGA

CME Group Titleholders Pos Player 1 Hee Young Park T2 Paula Creamer T2 Sandra Gal T4 Na Yeon Choi T4 Suzann Pettersen T6 Michelle Wie T6 Cristie Kerr T6 Yani Tseng 9 Maria Hjorth T10 Se Ri Pak T10 I.K. Kim Aussie/NZ results T36 Karrie Webb

Total -9 -7 -7 -6 -6 -2 -2 -2 -1 E E

Strokes 279 281 281 282 282 286 286 286 287 288 288

296

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

Strokes 267 269 269 269 269 270 270 270 271 271 271 198

-6 -4 3 2

274 276 283 212

PGA

Sony Open in Hawaii

EUROPEAN TOUR Pos Player 1 Branden Grace 2 Jamie Elson T3 David Drysdale T3 Trevor Fisher, Jr. T3 Jaco Van Zyl T3 Marc Warren T3 Dawie Van Der Walt T3 Michiel Bothma T9 George Murray T9 Bernd Wiesberger T9 Robert Rock T9 Jbe’ Kruger Aussie/NZ results T32 Daniel Gaunt

Top 10 finishers

Africa Open

Steve Stricker fired four consecutive rounds in the 60’s to secure his 12th career win, this time by a three-shot margin at the season-opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Stricker birdied the final hole en route to a closing 4-under 69 and 23-under 269 victory total. It marked his 8th PGA TOUR title in his last 50 opportunities, advancing him to No. 5 in the world ranking. Pos Player 1 Steve Stricker 2 Martin Laird T3 Webb Simpson T3 Jonathan Byrd T5 K.J. Choi T5 Harrison Frazar T7 Chris Kirk T7 Bryce Molder T9 Johnson Wagner T9 Ben Crane T9 Rory Sabbatini Aussie/NZ results 21 Aaron Baddeley

Race to Dubai standings

Nathan Holman

Total -17 -16 -14 -14 -14 -14 -14 -14 -13 -13 -13 -13

Strokes 270 271 273 273 273 273 273 273 274 274 274 274

-7

280

Pos Player 1 Johnson Wagner T2 Harrison Frazar T2 Sean O’Hair T2 Carl Pettersson T2 Charles Howell III T6 Brian Gay T6 Michael Thompson T6 D.A. Points T9 John Rollins T9 David Hearn T9 Brendon de Jonge T9 Matt Every Aussie/NZ results T23 John Senden T38 Gavin Coles 69 Jarrod Lyle T71 Nathan Green

Missed Cut: Danny Lee, Robert Allenby

Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 T8 T8 10 11 12

Player Branden Grace Louis Oosthuizen Jamie Elson Tjaart van der Walt Jaco van Zyl Retief Goosen David Drysdale Marc Warren Michiel Bothma Danny Willet Alastair Forsyth Craig Lee

Rep RSA RSA England RSA RSA RSA Scotland Scotland RSA England Scotland Scotland

Events 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2

PGA Order of Merit Name Scott Arnold Kurt Barnes Michael Hendry Peter Lonard Leigh McKechnie Nick Cullen Matthew Ballard Daniel Popovic Craig Parry Rika Batibasaga Aaron Pike Paul Donahoo Aaron Townsend Matthew Griffin Peter Wilson Michael Long Doug Holloway Chris Gaunt Steve Jeffress Heath Reed

Rep NSW NSW NZ NSW NSW SA QLD VIC NSW QLD QLD QLD NSW VIC VIC NZ NZ VIC NSW VIC

Richard Sterne Magnus A Carlsson George Coetzee Reinier Saxton Thomas Aiken Bernd Wiesberger George Murray Robert Rock Jbe Kruger Peter Karmis Adilson Da Silva Andrew Parr Andrew Marshall

RSA Sweden RSA Netherlands RSA Austria Scotland England RSA RSA Brazil Canada England

2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 2

€35,400 €32,926 €27,305 €26,315 €26,251 €24,635 €24,635 €24,635 €24,635 €23,065 €21,134 €20,410 €20,151

ALPG Order of Merit

2012 PGA Tour Order of Merit Pos 1 2 3 4 4 4 4 8 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 16 16 18 18 18

13 14 15 16 17 T18 T18 T18 T18 22 23 24 25

Money €220,000 €158,500 €153,020 €115,000 €103,072 €87,010 €64,835 €53,972 €53,972 €48,285 €47,930 €38,551

following Moss Vale Golf Club ALPG Pro-Am Events 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Money $18,750 $11,875 $8,750 $4,921.87 $4,921.87 $4,921.87 $4,921.87 $3,500 $2,906.25 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $1,500 $1,500 $1,387.50 $1,387.50 $1,387.50

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

Name Rebecca Flood Rachel L Bailey Stacey Keating Bree Arthur Frances Bondad Sarah Kemp Sarah-Jane Smith Nikki Garret Jessica Speechley Katelyn Must Cathryn Bristow Kate Little Tamara Johns Karen Lunn Vicky Thomas Samantha Whittle Sarah Oh Courtney Massey Mianne Bagger Kristie Smith

Rep NSW NSW VIC QLD NSW NSW QLD NSW WA QLD NZ VIC QLD NSW 13th Beach NSW NSW Burleigh GC Denmark WA

Events 5 7 7 7 6 7 7 4 2 7 2 6 5 1 7 6 2 7 5 1

Money $13,087.14 $12,032.50 $11,085.25 $10,596.43 $10,534.25 $10,464 $7,163.33 $6,641.50 $5,843.75 $5,519.50 $5,281.25 $4,717 $4,710.43 $4,656.25 $3,858.20 $3,711.93 $3,575 $3,183.20 $3,143.50 $3,000

World Rankings as of Tuesday 17 January Top 20 Australians

Top 20 Rolex World Rankings in Australia

1. Adam Scott (7 in world rankings) 2. Jason Day (10) 3. Geoff Ogilvy (38) 4. John Senden (42) 5. Aaron Baddeley (46) 6. Greg Chalmers (58) 7. Robert Allenby (60) 8. Brendan Jones (85) 9. Marcus Fraser (101) 10. Richard Green (106) 11. Kurt Barnes (131) 12. Brad Kennedy (132) 13. Nick O’Hern (139) 14. Marc Leishman (171) 15. Stuart Appleby (178) 16. Mathew Goggin (228) 17. Matthew Jones (231) 18. Brett Rumford (233) 19. Andre Stolz (237) 20. Gavin Coles (262)

1. Karrie Webb (19 in world) 2. Katherine Hull (52) 3. Nikki Campbell (74) 4. Tamie Durdin (125) 5. Kristie Smith (150) 6. Frances Bondad (163) 7. Lindsey Wright (167) 8. Sarah Kemp (183) 9. Nikki Garrett (185) 10. Sarah Jane Smith (193) 11. Karen Lunn (197) 12. Stacey Keating (217) 13. Rebecca Flood (292) 14. Ashley Ona (313) 15. Stephanie Na (340) 16. Rachel Bailey (343) 17. Alison Whitaker (456) 18. Jessica Speechley (462) 19. Rachel Hetherington (501) 20. Minjee Lee (507)

Top 5 World Rankings

Top 5 Rolex Rankings

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Luke Donald (averaged points 10.05) Lee Westwood (7.78) Rory McIlroy (7.53) Martin Kaymer (6.32) Steve Stricker (5.92)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Yani Tseng (averaged points 17.00) Suzann Pettersen (9.79) Na Yeon Choi (9.56) Cristie Kerr (9.42) Paula Creamer (7.77)

Stats and recaps courtesy of the PGA of Australia, the ALPG and Titleist. TITLEIST TOUR BLOG: http://www.titleist.com.au/teamtitleist/au/b/weblog/ archive/2011/10/03/titleist-tour-report-for-week-ending-october-2-2011.aspx FOLLOW TITLEIST ON TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/titleist JOIN TITLEIST ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/titleistanz

2011 Worldwide Wins

175 27 ©2012 Acushnet Company. Based upon results through 18/12/11 on the U.S. PGA, U.S. LPGA, Champions, Nationwide, South African, Asian, Korean, OneAsia, Australasian, Japan, Canadian PGA and PGA European Tours. Titleist Customer Service: 1800 660 535

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February 2012

30 juniors..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Pro dads tote kids’ bags DavidNewbery

FOR professional golfers Paul Foley, Phil Curd, Kevin Law and Paul Habgood, caddying for their offspring has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are the quality time spent together and sharing moments when well-planned golf shots are successful. Of course, the downside is the expectation of perfection. Professionals always expect to hit high-quality shots and sometimes those expectations filter down to their young. Then there are the accusations from other parents who believe a pro’s child has an advantage when dad is on the bag. Recently the quartet caddied for their children at the Greg Norman Junior Masters at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club and gave an insight into what it is like caddying for their own child. “As a professional golfer, there is an expectation of perfection and so I always expect things to go right,” said Foley, who caddies for his 14-year-old daughter Samantha. “When I see Samantha, who plays off a one handicap, hit a bad shot I get disappointed for her because I know she wants to do a lot better.”

ROLE REVERSAL: Professional golfers and their golfing children (back row) Paul Foley, Kevin Law, Phil Curd and son Jordan. (Front row) Samantha Foley and Kate and Harrison Law. Missing: Paul Habgood and Darcy. But Foley, who represented Australia in the World Cup with Mike Harwood in 1984, is quick to encourage his daughter when she does mishit a shot. “I always tell her to forget about it and move on – it’s only one shot. Of course, that’s easier said than done, but if you can get that mindset, it’s going to be beneficial in the end. “There have been situations when I have caddied for her and she’s started badly and I have told her there are still 14 or 15 holes to go and all of a sudden she’s come good. It’s mind over matter in this game.

“We have a good relationship and she understands I know a lot about golf so she takes the information on board. “With any parent/child relationship there’s is going to be a few little hiccups along the way. “But it’s important to have good communication and be able to sit down and talk about it.” Samantha said she enjoyed having her dad on the bag. “He’s a good caddie,” said Samantha, who is an excellent communicator and is at ease speaking and dealing with the media. “He helps me a lot and always encourages me if I hit a bad shot.”

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Middle Ridge (Toowoomba) club pro Paul Habgood’s daughter Darcy is another young player showing potential. The 12-year-old has only been playing golf for 18 months and is already down to a nine handicap. “Having a professional as a father is the opposite of being the pushy father,” Habgood said. “I am not the pushy father. It’s up to her if she wants to play golf.” Habgood said he has now handed over the caddying duties to his wife. “When I took her to Townsville she found it was too much pressure when I was there so I just stayed right out of the way, which is probably the way it should be,” he said. “We let her run at her own pace, but the schoolwork has got to be done. It can’t be just golf, golf, golf.” Maryborough Golf Club professional Kevin Law has had to divide his time between children Kate, 14, and Harrison, 11. Kate plays off a four handicap and Harrison is off 16. “Because they are your kids you don’t like to push or promote them too much, but Kate is doing exceptionally well and Harry will be up there in about two years,” Law said. “But caddying for your child is nervewracking because normally I am in control and when you are caddying you are not in control. “When they were nippers it was frustrating because they would threeand four-putt, but at this level it’s really good.

“Now we can talk about yardages and how we can position the golf ball, but four years ago it was a different game. “I used to react badly, but I am a lot better now. In golf, you are always going to hit bad shots, so I just make sure they have got the right club, have a positive mindset and let them hit the shot.” Many parents believe the children of professional golfers have an advantage over their kids. Foley doesn’t buy that. “Some parents think because I am out there caddying for my daughter it’s an advantage, but I always say to them ‘I am not the one hitting the golf ball’,” he said. “I can feed as much information as I like with regard to distances and which side of fairway to hit, but she’s the one hitting the golf ball.” While Foley’s daughter Samantha is showing potential, he refuses to make any predictions about her future in the sport. “She works hard on her golf, but she is also doing well at school and wants to finish her schooling properly,” he said. “Golf, as you know, is a pretty fickle game – the minute you think you have got it, you haven’t.” FOOTNOTE: Bargara Golf Club pro Phil Curd and his son Jordan were unavailable as the family was away on a cruise ship.

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juniors 31

Passionate Paul drives juniors DavidNewbery

IT might be rugby league territory, but Paul Hobbs has set his sights on knocking the sport off the back page of the local newspaper. “I want to see golf on the back page,” said Hobbs, the energetic junior golf coordinator at Ingham Golf Club, located about an hour north of Townsville – North Queensland Cowboys country. Hobbs is on a mission and has even approached the Herbert River Express and told them of his plan. So far, they have laughed off his suggestion, but he is making inroads. The newspaper, along with a number of other businesses, has supported the golf club’s junior program. “The Herbert River Express gives us a full page write up for our junior open and closed events,” Hobbs said. Last year, Hobbs worked tirelessly with golf club officials to raise the profile of the sport at junior level. Their hard work seems to be paying off. Since the launch of the program at the end of 2010, the club has increased its junior members by more than 50 per cent. Junior membership costs $50 and members receive a cap, 50 per cent off a club shirt, free membership to Golf

(Left) Shantelle Teichmann and Damien Hobbs were selected in the U12 NQ primary schools’ team (inset) Paul Hobbs. – Photo courtesy of the Herbert River Express. Australia’s MyGolf program, 10 per cent discount on golf equipment and discounts on accommodation. “Two other children’s parents and I discussed the future of the club at the end of 2010,” Hobbs said. “We focussed on participation and did t hat by b eing more community minded.” Hobbs wore out plenty of shoe leather in his quest for support and sponsorship. “I walked around the town talking to businesses about sponsorship and membership packages we could offer their staff,” he said. Hobbs is an extremely enthusiastic and persuasive person and local businesses have come to the party.

“We received packages at cost price for fundraising and a number of local tradesmen and local businesses donated money.” With so much support, the club has been able to give back to the community. “We donated four sets of golf clubs to the Ingham Early Learning Centre and in return for our support they have put golf in as a sport in vocationally care,” Hobbs said. “In the school holidays we had 60 kids attend clinics and out of that we have got five kids that have started to play regularly.” Kids as young as five are getting into the swing of golf and loving it. That’s because the program is based on fun.

“We have our come-and-try days and are looking at possibly increasing our numbers next year,” Hobbs said. The youngest kids start on a shortened three-hole course. On the par-4s and par-5s, they tee off from the 150m mark and are allowed to lift and place their ball in the rough, but air swings are counted. “Once we feel their strength has developed sufficiently, they advance to playing the full length holes,” Hobbs said. The club’s junior program has been so successful that children travel from Cardwell, 50kms north of Ingham, to attend. As an incentive, the Ingham Golf Club youngsters are on an awards program.

“We award the kids points – three points for a win, two for the runnerup and one point if they come and play,” Hobbs said. “The points equate to a dollar value and four businesses—Sports Power, Risk-Ay, Toyworld and Duffy Brothers—said they would match the dollar value. So, if a kid had 40 points at end of year they would receive $80 to spend. McDonalds also chipped in with vouchers.” One player walked off with a cool $104 to spend at one of the four stores. Hobbs said all players who join the club received a VIP membership card. “The card is designed to make the players proud to be a member of the Ingham Junior Golf Club,” he said. “We have achieved a lot, but we have a great team on and off the field. “We all work together to have these kids playing golf and enjoying it. “Golf might not be the most popular sport around, but the biggest thing is getting the kids there to try it. “Once they try it and they like it, it rolls on from there. “We are trying to change the image that golf is not just a game for men – golf is a game for the whole family, a sport for every child.”

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Thomas Aiken, the Current Spanish Open golf champion, has been a devotee of the original Bioflow® wristband for three years.

“The advantages were immediate and I couldn’t believe just how comfortable it is to wear. I am convinced it will be of great beneﬁt”

octor or medical professional. Available from your nearest Bioflow stockist. To locate your local Bioflow stockist go to www.bioflow.com.au

Stockists Wanted Brenda: +61 (0) 416 911 814 Bob: +61 (0) 405 113 671

Want help with your handicap?

Bioflow® never claim that their products are intended to prevent, cure, alleviate, treat or diagnose illness. If you are concerned about a health issue, you should consult a doctor or medical professional.

For years golfers have remarked on wearing Bioﬂow® and the beneﬁts that it brings to their game. Designed with sports professionals and athletes in mind, Bioflow® Sport combines revolutionary magnetic technology with cutting edge design.

This technology is thought to improve blood flow to target areas of injury, encouraging healing and cell regeneration.

Bioflow® are global leaders in magnetic therapy with over 15 years experience and more than a million satisfied Available from your nearest Bioflow stockist. To locate your localacross Bioflow customers thestockist world. Bioflow® Sport uses patented Central go to www.bioflow.com.au Follow in the footsteps of some of the Reverse Polarity®, a strong, multiNetball Swimming Tennis Weight Training Bioflow never claim that their products are intended to prevent, cure, alleviate, treat or diagnose illness. worlds biggest names in golf and give directional force magnetism which If you are concerned about a of health issue, you should consult a doctor or medical professional. Biofl ow® a try. Our 90 Day Performance subjects the body to a varying magnetic Guarantee means you have nothing to field, mimicking those produced by ®

“I cannot speak highly enough of the Bioﬂow wristband. It has been a great help during a period where I have had a few injury concerns”. Thomas Aiken, the Current Spanish Open golf champion, has been a devotee of the original Bioflow® wristband for three Triathlon years.

February 2012

38 gear............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Westwood touts Bioflow magnet therapy MANY golfers of all ages and abilities play golf with aches and pains. Most aging golfers put it down to old age – wear and tear – and just get on with it. That is, until the pain becomes unbearable and they pack away the golf clubs for good. Professional golfers too put up with aches and pains, but blame it on too much practice. But many golfers, sporting stars and celebrities have started wearing Bioflow bracelets (wristbands) to help relieve the pain. Even European Tour stars like Lee Westwood and Thomas Aiken say Bioflow has benefitted them. So, what is Bioflow? “Bioflow is magnetic therapy,” said Bob Kirby, who markets the product in Australia. “The powerful field of the magnet is thought to improve circulation, ensuring that a greater number of oxygen-carrying red cells and healing while cells reach every part of the body.” This helps to reduce pain and swelling and Increase the supply of nutrients to the affected area. “More than a million Bioflow wristbands have been sold around the world,” he said. “If you speak to anyone who wears one, they will tell you about the benefits.” Westwood said he noticed the advantage immediately. “I just couldn’t believe how comfortable it is to wear. I am convinced it will be of great benefit.” Aiken also gave the product a glowing endorsement. “It has been a great help during a period where I have had a few injury concerns,” he said. Westwood has opted for wearing the Bioflow Sport while Aiken prefers the Bioflow Monet.

Lee Westwood Of course, there are many other designs for both men and women. Kirby said he had a long list of happy customers prepared to endorse the product. “If you speak to anyone who wears one, they will tell you: ‘I’ll never take it off ’.” A Perth woman was over the moon with the product. “Bioflow has helped with back pain and Arthritis in the fingers and hands. I have not had any pain since wearing it.” Another person, a hairdresser said: “Due to my work I was on my feet all day and suffered from back pain. Within months I noticed a significant improvement and more importantly noticed a very rapid recovery from heavy exertion or Golf. I am now totally pain free. I was so happy with my Bioflow I began to recommend Bioflow to my

clients who have all had great results.” Another happy customer said: “I have suffered from arthritis in both knees and thumbs for some years. I have not been able to play golf or negotiate a flight of stairs. I have worn my Bioflow for 2 months and can now play golf, negotiate stairs walk and do most things that arthritis wouldn’t allow.” For more information, contact Bob Kirby or Brenda Roche (08) 6189 1731 or log on to www.bioflow.com.au FOOTNOTE: All Bioflow products are registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and are a class 1 medical device. Bioflow® makes no medical claims, however, customers have given written testimonials and Affidavits stating that Bioflow® has helped give them comfort. Bioflow Magnotherapy is looking for stockists.

Experience Settlers Run Golf & Country Club

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

Experience Settlers Run Golf & Country Club with the Greg Norman - designed championship golf course and stunning $10 million Golf & Country Club only 40 minutes from the Melbourne CBD. Featuring a magnificent Bar/Bistro overlooking the course, City skyline and Dandenong Ranges.

SUMMER SPECIAL WEEKDAYS $65 pp *

2012 SOCIAL GROUP OFFER

Bring 16 or more players in 2012 Winter Offer *$55pp (June - September) Other times *$60pp. Receive a further discount of $5 per person on any 2nd booking in 2012. *Subject to tee time availability. Dress regulations apply. Available on a Monday to Friday and after 9.30am on a Sunday. Shared carts available at $40.

Please contact the Corporate Sales Manager, Chris Pym on 03 9785 6072.

18 holes including a shared cart.

SUNDAYS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS $75 pp *

18 holes including a shared cart.

26th December 2011 - 6th January 2012 $75*pp 18 holes including a shared cart. *Subject to tee time availability. Dress regulations apply. All offers exclude Saturdays. Offers available until 31st January 2012 All bookings receive our latest Membership information.

For bookings please contact the Golf Shop on 03 9785 6072

1 Settlers Run, Botanic Ridge, Victoria, 3977. www.settlersrun.com.au

gear 39

Online sales ‘fraught with danger’ DavidNewbery I HAVE never bought anything online. Call me a Luddite if you must, but I do like to see, feel and even try on products of interest. Still, my resistance to shopping online has not rubbed off on my offspring. At least once a month there is a knock at the door and I sign for packages that include laptop computers, books, t-shirts and other paraphernalia. However, I do draw the line on golf gear. “If you want to buy a new driver, golf balls, glove, packet of tees, go and see the local club pro,” is my advice. There are so many disturbing stories circulating about counterfeit golf gear entering the market. Royal Queensland Golf Club professional Chris Rutherford said buying golf gear online was “fraught with danger”. “We hear so many horror stories,” he said. “We have had a number of our members who have bought product online and have been burnt buying on price because they have bought counterfeit product. “I heard one today where a member was telling me about some identification marks on the golf clubs that he bought online from America. “He is describing these identification marks and I smell a bit of a rat.” Because of Rutherford’s close relationship with Titleist, he was familiar with the product and had to inform the member he had purchased counterfeit clubs. “A lot of people buy off the rack or online from overseas and it’s the wrong equipment,” he said. “They spend $1500 to save $300 and end up with the wrong clubs. “There are even people out playing with counterfeit golf balls. “They think they are buying Titleist Pro V1s online, but they are not the real thing. “I gave a putting lesson to a member and he pulled three golf balls out of a packet. I took one look at them and told him they were not fair dinkum. “Another important point is that the clubs are illegal to use in competition because they

Popeye signs with On Course Golf

BUYER BEWARE: Chris Rutherford issues a timely warning to golfers contemplating buying golf gear online

more “backyard” golf businesses to surface. have not been through the R&A and USGA approval process.” And that is affecting golf club pro shop Rutherford says he won’t sell a customer a set businesses. of golf clubs without having them club-fitted. “We have seen an increase in internet sales “If you come in a say you want to buy a and retailers are parallel importing products particular driver you won’t get it out of the from US retailers, particularly close-out (older) models,” Kirschenberg said. shop without us seeing you hit shots with the equivalent driver. Lindsay Gitsham, a PGA member with 50 “Giving the customer what he needs is years’ experience, encourages golfers to do sometimes different to what the customer business with their local club pro. wants,” he said. “Club professionals have a tremendous “We won’t sell you something that we don’t advantage over online traders,” said Gitsham, the former Kingston Heath Golf Club professional. think you can benefit from using. “The on-course golf shop is a place where you “Some golfers don’t know what they need. can try before you buy. They think they know what they want, but they “You can’t do that with online shopping.” don’t know what they need.” Almost every golf club professional has a similar story. Editor’s note: for an in-depth report on the L ong - s e r v i ng P G A m e mb e r, S e an rise of counterfeiting in golf, plus information Kirschenberg, the head pro at Southern Golf on how to battle the counterfeiters, read DAY Club in Victoria, said the weakening ofLOCATION the US “Fake Clubs, Real Problem” on our DATE website: (member only) wednesday 22nd July dollar against the Australian dollar hadsanctuary enabled cove www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=1372

What ’s your colour code? demo the new Ping G10 range in your area, and get a perfect custom fit with your size and your colour.

horton park

saturday

LOCATION

8th auGust DAY

PGA stalwart Craig “Popeye” Parry has teamed up with On Course Golf to be the group’s Brand Ambassador and media identity. On Course Golf is an Australia-wide group of PGA golf professionals providing professional advice, service and products through pro shops at golf clubs and courses. The aim of its members is to assist golfers to get the most out of the game and their equipment. With 23 professional wins –including 2 US PGA Tour and 6 European Tour wins, Parry is one of Australia’s most well-known touring professionals. His Australasian wins include a PGA Championship, an Australian Open and 3 Australian Masters. He has also played in 2 Presidents Cup teams. “I am delighted to become associated with the On Course brand,” said Parry. “As a PGA professional, I can relate to the people I will represent, as they are also PGA professionals. It seems a natural fit to represent the professionals working in their pro shops assisting the golf playing community”, he added. Craig will feature in all future On Course advertising and promotions, and wear brand representation during tournament play. On Course general manager, Geoff Zarth commented on the new relationship with Parry, saying “Craig Parry is an iconic Australian golfer who will be a great ambassador for the On Course group and all our members. We look forward to a long TIME association with Craig.”

9.30am - 1.30pm

9:00am - 1:00pm DATE

TIME

sanctuary cove (member only)

wednesday

22nd July

9.30am - 1.30pm

horton park

saturday

8th auGust

9:00am - 1:00pm

GET FIT TODAY Turn to page 68 for a complete list of fitting days this month

For more information please contact American Golf Supplies on 02 9524 8233or ping@americangolf.com.au or visit www.pinggolf.com

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Southern The 9th green at Calderwood Valley

The Princes Highway stretching from Wollongong to the Sapphire Coast is arguably one of the best golf trails in the country. Dotted between Wollongong and the New South Wales/ Victorian border are a diverse array of golf courses. From seaside links to stunning parkland designs, this part of Australia is becoming increasingly popular with golfers from Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. When you find some time off the course, be sure to take in the region’s many attractions. Great beaches and wineries make it an ideal destination for families and groups of golf mates. So check out the courses on offer in the following pages to plan your next golf getaway to this stunning part of Australia. Calderwood Valley – the south coast’s friendliest golfing facility It’s little surprise that Calderwood Valley is so popular with social golfers. The course was built and designed for social groups and players. With no need to work around competition days the course is theirs seven days a week. Nestled in a picturesque valley 20 minutes south of Wollongong, the Ken McKay designed course offers a relaxed round. Each of the 18 holes has its unique features, combining clear creeks, native plant species, and stunning scenery. The breathtaking surrounds feature the rugged Illawarra escarpment as a backdrop. The course is always immaculately presented with well contoured fairways and true greens. There are 18 beautiful holes, but the 6th is the

usual favourite. It’s not the toughest hole but definitely the most picturesque. Calderwood Valley welcomes social group bookings. The weekday discount for groups of 12 or more players brings the green fees down to $17 each. Every group of 24 or more players receive a free shirt when mentioning Inside Golf. They also have weekday discounts for senior card holders at $15 each. Being a locally owned and operated business, Calderwood Valley take pride in their course and the service they provide. They love to have visiting golfers and they’ll treat you like the valued patrons you are. Be sure to book ahead and speak with the friendly staff who are sure to make your next visit memorable. (02) 4256 3055 www.calderwoodgolf.com.au

APARTMENTS Merimbula NSW

Albacore offers spacious fully self contained apartments, all with wonderful water views & in-room spa. Lift to all floors, heated pool, BBQ, undercover carpark and an easy walk to shops & restaurants. Group or individual packages available.

Enjoy Merimbula’s temperate climate 7 nights/5 rounds of golf February – April packages $625pp 2 share • $475pp 3 share $395pp 4 share Enquiries 02 6495 3187 | Email info@albacore.com.au | Web www.albacore.com.au

Great value at Pambula Merimbula

The Pambula Merimbula Golf Club is one of the most popular and successful golf clubs and golfing destinations on the Far South Coast of New South Wales. Located just a few minutes from the centre of town in Merimbula, the 27-hole golf facility is widely regarded by amateur and professional golfers alike. The Club hosts over 50,000 rounds of golf per year, with approximately 30,000 of these being visitors to the Far South Coast. The club held the NSW PGA for several years, and continues to host a number of major amateur competitions. The club also hosts 2 major golfing tournaments each year: The Ace of Clubs is held in June and is played across 4 different courses on the Far South Coast,

while the Week of Golf in October has been held for 30 years and is one of the largest amateur golfing events in Australia. It is widely regarded as one of the best tournaments for golfers in Australia with visitors from every state, and several groups from overseas each year. The event should be on every golfer’s calendar, with approximately 800 players playing a variety of competitions over 8 days in a tremendously friendly, carnival atmosphere. The Pambula Merimbula course offers a good test for any standard of player. The facilities include 27 beautifully manicured golf holes cut through natural Australian bush land, with modern clubhouse facilities that provide commanding views over the course toward the pristine Merimbula Lakes and beautiful Merimbula township beyond. 

Golf Course Homes, Apartments & Land For Sale

golfinghomes.com.au E: caddy@golfinghomes.com.au | P: 0439 846 314

February 2012

42 feature..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club, offering 27 holes and superb facilities

The Tura Beach Country Club, a Peter Thomson designed gem

The natural environment boasts an abundance of native wildlife, and provides an outstanding golfing experience for everybody, including the relatively inexperienced. The course is a relatively easy walk, or motorised carts are available. The Club’s Glasshouse Restaurant delivers some of the best food in the area, with seasonal menus and a great selection of local produce. The Clubhouse and restaurant are friendly, relaxing, warm and inviting and provide an experience above the rest for all visitors. The attractive menu and wine list add to patrons’ pleasure. Live entertainment is regularly available throughout the year. Most visitors to Merimbula often stay a few nights to enjoy the course, so the club has a weekly green fee that offers exceptional value for money. Play and stay packages can also be

It becomes obvious that designer Peter Thomson’s love of links type courses influenced many of the holes here. If a real golfing challenge is what you want, look no further than Tura Beach. Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge, one of Australia’s most respected golf course design partnerships, were given a magnificent piece of land with which to ply their trade. The result of their labour was the Tura Beach Golf Course, a course of championship standard, measuring 6,018 metres, boasting a par of 73. Each nine has its own special set of challenges, with the links style front nine and its many water hazards complimented by the hills and tall trees on the back nine. The standouts are the par 3’s, probably as challenging a group of short holes as you will encounter anywhere!

arranged through the club directly. To find out more, phone the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club on (02) 6495 6154 or visit www.merimbulagolf.com.au

Amazing views at The Tura Beach Country Club Tura Beach Country Club is referred to as “the club with the million dollar views”. A marvelous setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean is why. This superb 18-hole layout has a reputation of being ‘the golfers’ golf course’ and will in time become one of the great courses of New South Wales. The course itself is tough but not unfair. Large greens (some tiered) and stiff winds — a crucial factor on any seaside course — add to the difficulty.

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Tura hosts the Bega Cheese Pro Am each year and this tournament has been voted the best in regional NSW for the last 2 years. Tura also offers members and visitors the added facilities of magnificent bowling greens and two synthetic tennis courts. Throw in the beach, located alongside the 4th fairway, and you have the ultimate holiday destination. Club Sapphire Tura is located five kilometres north of Merimbula along Sapphire Coast Drive. With an interest for everyone, the Club offers patrons facilities such as Keno, TAB, SKY Racing, regular live entertainment, a courtesy bus and a restaurant with “million dollar views” over the golf course to complement the best food and service in the region. For more information call (02) 6495 9002 or visit www.turabeachcountryclub.com.au

PAMBULA MERIMBULA GOLF CLUB

clu RT b to pla y

A premier premier golfing golfing experience experience An exceptional course amongst native bush and wildlife habitat

Calderwood Valley Wollongong’s superb public golfing facility

• Each of the 18 holes has its unique features, combining clear creeks, and stunning scenery. The breathtaking surrounds feature the rugged Illawarra escarpment as a backdrop. • Groups can take advantage of our large covered gazebo, and picnic area. • The course is open for social golf every day of the year. • Locally owned and operated 532 Calderwood Road, Albion Park NSW 2527 | ph: (02) 4256 3055

calderwoodgolf.com.au

Spectacular function venue Friendly & relaxed Dining at its best

Attractive Play & Stay Packages available

The 8th tee at Calderwood Valley

Sapphire Coast gem

With plenty of space, fresh air and freedom, Eden Gardens Country Club is one of the best kept golfing secrets in Australia. Abundant wildlife, a quality collection of holes and one of the friendliest clubhouses between Melbourne and Sydney, it is an ideal spot for a south coast getaway. Just three hours from Canberra, Eden is a popular holiday spot with tourists from that part of the world but daily flights into the nearby Merimbula Airport from both Sydney and Melbourne make it easily accessible from the major centres as well. E den is t he s out her n get away to the stunning Sapphire Coast and the picturesque Eden Gardens C ountr y Club is a golf course that benefits from its location.

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Eden Gardens Country Club, the Augusta National of the Sapphire Coast with its beautiful surrounds Among the club’s other facilities are two bowling greens, a relaxing beer garden and excellent Chinese bistro. And with the Sapphire Coast Golf School on site, Eden Gardens really is a one stop golf and holiday destination. For further information visit the website at www.edengardenscountryclub.com.au or phone (02) 6496 1126.

School’s in at Sapphire Coast Golf School Is there anything worse than going away for a golf trip, or your on holidays, with the perfect opportunity to play golf every day and you find yourself struggling and not enjoying yourself? If this has happened to you, then Sapphire Coast Golf School is the place to turn things around.

Run by AAA rated PGA Professionals Lisa Newling and Loraine Lambert, the school is located at the stunning Eden Gardens Country Club and offers the perfect way to combine golf tuition and a holiday. The schools are designed to cater for individuals or those who want to attend with a group of friends. Eden Gardens Country Club is one of the Sapphire Coast’s real hidden gems, because of this it is a very friendly and relaxed environment to play golf. You could easily spend a week in this part of the world, playing golf, bushwalking, whale watching, lazing on the beach and fishing. The quality of the local seafood is excellent. And that’s not surprising given Eden is well-known for its fresh fish, muscles and oysters.

There is plenty of accommodation in Eden from four-and-a-half-star motels to very modern caravan parks close to the Eden Gardens Country Club. While there is no questioning the quality of the golf course, the tuition you will get from Lisa and Loraine while you’re at the school will make your playing experience more enjoyable. Both Certified Club Fitters and Titleist Performance Institute Fitness Instructors, there isn’t an area of the game these two can’t assist with. Over theyears they’ve had a lot of success with golfers suffering the dreaded “yips”. If you’re having problems with your putting and you have more than three putters in the garage, come and visit the Sapphire Coast Golf School, because they can help. 

SAPPHIRE COAST GOLF SCHOOL - Eden Gardens Country Club a superb 18 hole championship course available for competition & social play - Individual golf lessons - On-course golf tuition - Seniors, women and kids golf clinics - Golf swing video analysis - Half and full day golf programs - Stay, play and improve golf holiday packages - Golf for school groups and school holiday programs

Shhh…The secret is getting out about the most

reasonably priced, least crowded and arguably best course on the Sapphire Coast. Challenging, though not exhausting, come and see why our loyal players return year after year. (Just try not to tell everyone – we dare you!)

Club Professionals: Loraine Lambert Lisa Newling Loraine & Lisa are Accredited: - PGA Members (AAA Rated) - Australia Ladies Professional Golf Member - Qualified Titleist, Cobra & PING golf club fitters - Level 1 Certified Golf Fitness Instructors

Phone (02) 6496 1054 Loraine: 0423 149 012 Lisa: 0417 485 635

EDEN GARDENS COUNTRY CLUB 79 Princes Highway, Eden NSW 2551 Ph: (02) 6496 1126 Email: reception@edenfishermens.com.au

February 2012

44 feature..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Golfers improve their game at Eden Gardens Country Club under the watchful eye of professionals Lisa Newling and Loraine Lambert from the Sapphire Coast Golf School The great thing about the golf schools and instruction is there’s easy access to the golf course. “We like to see you take the new techniques you’ve learnt from the driving range to the golf course,” Lisa explained. Lisa and Loraine can tailor a package to suit your needs. Me r i mbu l a ai r p or t is ne ar by and is easily accessible from Sydney and Melbourne. Canberra is just a three hour drive. For more info on the instruction at Sapphire Coast Golf Schools and accommodation available please log on to the website at www.sapphirecoastgolfschool.com.au or phone Lisa or Loraine on (02) 6496 1054.

Bermagui Country Club

Your Bermagui golfing experience starts when you walk into the pro shop. You are greeted by unassuming golf pro Chris Hearn. By the time you head towards the 1st tee, Chris will know where you come from, what handicap you play to, and will probably tell you a short story relating to your golf course, or one of your members. Old fashioned? Maybe, but that’s how you’ll find the staff at Bermagui Country Club. Bermagui Country Club has lush fairways lined by a variety of beautiful trees and water features on a number of holes, there are many strategically placed sand traps. Simply put, Bermagui is a beauty. And tough. Long par 4s - plenty in the 370-400 metre range

Bermagui Country Club - with sloping fairways and a number of blind shots to the excellent greens. Many holes have doglegs. There are some fabulous views of the quintessential seaside town of Bermagui, Horseshoe Bay and the brooding Mount Dromedary (or Gulaga to the local Kooris). Water features prominently on a number of holes, not least being the 164 metre, 15th, where the fairway is a lake. The 6,085 metres (par 72) course is a serious walk with plenty of hills. That said, you will really enjoy this high quality challenging course, the beautiful views and abundant bird life. Its pristine fairways and smooth, true greens leaves visitors wondering why they have not heard of Bermagui before. Over the years it has hosted

many pro-ams and in 2001 it hosted the ALPG Players Championship which was won by Laura Davies. In March 2011 it successfully hosted the NSW Seniors Championship. Golf NSW was so impressed that Bermagui has been pencilled in to host the event again in 2016. With ample water available the course is maintained in tournament condition all year round. Golf competitions for men are on Thursdays and Saturdays and there is usually an 18 hole stableford event on Tuesdays open to both men and ladies. Ladies competitions are on Wednesdays and Saturdays. www.bermaguicountryclub.com.au bermaguicountryclub@bigpond.com Telephone: 02 6493 4340 Pro Shop: 02 6493 4657

Venue for the 2016 Men’s Senior Championship

TURA BEACH COUNTRY CLUB Enjoy the spectacular ocean views from this magnificent Peter Thompson/ Mike Wolveridge designed Championship course which presents a great challenge for golfers at all levels. Tura Beach is currently rated 74 in the top 100 Australian public access courses.

• Carts and buggies for hire • Fully equipped, well stocked Pro shop • Licensed Club • Latitude 36 Bistro - Open daily for lunch and dinner The Fairway, Tura Beach, NSW. Ph: (02) 6495 9002 Pro Shop (02) 6495 9068 www.turabeachcountryclub.com.au

Tel 02 6493 4340 www.bermaguicountryclub.com.au ES

PLAY AND STAY PACKAG

Harbourview Motel Luxury 4 star accommodation - something special Directly next door to Bermagui Country Club and golf course Includes continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf, motorised cart $110 per person twin share Tel 02 6493 5213 www.harbourviewmotel.com.au harbourviewmotel@acr.net.au

Bermagui Motor Inn

Captain’s Quarters

Our motel is a short walk to the Club, all restaurants, Bermagui beaches & harbour

4 Star Multi Award Winning 2 bedroom spacious self catering townhouses.

Continental breakfast, $18 Dinner voucher, cart hire Twin or triple share.

One night play and stay $110 per person (twin share)*

$110 per person Tel 02 6493 4311 www.bermaguimotorinn.com.au singos@ozemail.com.au

*applicable July - November 2012 subject to availability

Tel 02 6493 4946 www.captainsquarters.com.au info@captainsquarters.com.au

Sunshine Tour offers plenty of rewards

Players like John Senden have honed their skills on the Sunshine Tour

DavidNewbery ON the Queensland Sunshine Tour, there is nowhere to hide. The popular pro-am circuit is a tough “school” where everyone makes the cut, but not everyone earns a cheque. It’s a place where young professionals with big dreams go to develop their game. There, they strive to win enough money to fund a trip to one of the world’s qualifying schools. To them, the Queensland Sunshine Tour is a springboard to the US, Europe or Asia where big purses are on offer week in, week out. Still, the Troppo Tour, as it is affectionately known, can provide young players with a decent income if they are prepared to knuckle down and grind it out. All they have to do is shoot two-under-par in every pro-am event and they will have more than enough money to enter Q-School. Had any player managed to do that last year, they would have walked away with more than $67,000 or an average of $1572-plus for every tournament contested. Not bad considering most pro-am tournaments are one-day events.

But the money earned dropped quite considerably for the player who carded a par round in every tournament. In fact, it almost halved to $34,561. Players who shot two-over in every tournament last year would have earned $9915. Broc Greenhalgh, the executive officer for the PGA of Australia (Queensland Division), has been compiling and studying the figures for many years. In 2010, a player who shot two-under in every tournament would have banked more than $72,000, but if the player had shot a par round in every tournament, the figure dropped to $16,665. “What it shows is you can make some money on the tour, but it also proves the difference two shots per round is key,” Greenhalgh said. So, how hard can it be for players who are capable of regularly firing rounds in the low 60s to shoot two-under-par in every tournament? “If you were to birdie one of the par-5s on each nine that you played and parred the rest, there’s two-under-par,” Greenhalgh said. Well, it’s not that easy. “The difficult and most challenging part for the players is they go from one course to the next and the courses have vastly different characteristics, conditions, green speeds so they

have to adapt day in, day out,” Greenhalgh said. “When you look at the schedule, they are playing 10 out of 15 days and the majority of those are on different golf courses. “Obviously that doesn’t allow for a great deal of practice rounds either. “That’s where it becomes difficult to shoot two-under in every round. “You can be a good a player as you like, but if you are not adapting quick enough to the speed of the greens, the lines you are meant to be hitting it on then it’s not going to be easy.” Greenhalgh was quick to point out the Sunshine Tour was not about players making huge sums of money. “The tour is not about that,” he said. “It’s about developing your game, playing competitively and getting ready to hit the ground running for a tour school at the end of the year. “Players can’t expect to come out with a pot of gold at the end of it. “What young professionals have to do is plan their future. “The Sunshine Tour is a stepping-stone to the world stage – not a means to making it a profitable venture or a sole income for a person. “We need professionals to understand what the pro-am circuit does and what its role is in the development of their game.” Over the years, the Troppo Tour has been the perfect vehicle for many aspiring professionals, but it has also crushed the dreams and hopes of many young players. Some of those who have honed their skills on the Sunshine Tour include Greg Norman, Wayne Grady, Ian Baker-Finch, Peter Senior, Rod Pampling, John Senden, Peter McWhinney, Terry Price, Steven Bowditch and others. In fact, Greg Norman’s first tournament win was at the Sandy Gallop pro-am in 1976. For the Shark, it was the start of something big. “A lot of players that have won tournaments on the Sunshine Tour have gone on to be not only Australian, but world greats,” Greenhalgh said “We are lucky in Queensland because we can hang our hat on that.”

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Chip off the ol’ block

16-year-old WA junior golfer Troy Campbell has a built-in ambition to follow a path to become a top class Australian golfer. The son of Joondalup coach George Campbell, Troy began playing golf only 14 months ago and from his first handicap of 24 has reduced this down to just 3. “When I started playing golf at Joondalup Resort I met some junior friends who took me ‘under their wing’. Stefan Reeves, Paul Forrester, Tom Hulme and Brad Able (all WA state juniors). And they all have helped me learn the game, practise with me and encourage me with my golf and I thank them and appreciate their help,” Troy says. “My dad has obviously been a huge influence on my golf, and my mum and sisters Alison and Michelle support and encourage me a lot. At Joondalup the juniors are very lucky to have David Milne (who runs the academy), Greg Ashton and Laurie Montague and of course my dad, who offer world class coaching to everyone. They have all helped me a lot in getting my golf to a higher level and I thank them.” Troy enjoys playing pennants for the Joondalup and competing in the many junior events in WA, and he hopes to play interstate this year. Unlike his father, Troy is a ‘lefty’ and a keen fan of Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Greg Chalmers. He also thinks Tiger is not bad. “I had a wonderful and exciting trip to the Presidents Cup in Melbourne with my dad and it was great to see my idols in action and watching them to see what I can improve on with my game. I try and practise as much as I can and enjoy going to the new Kalgoorlie Golf Course as the course and practise facilities are great. I will continue to work hard at my game especially the short game and the mental side of the game. I hope to make it onto the ‘big stage’ in the future.” Watch this space!

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February 2012

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Merro’s still being noticed WHEN David Meredith isn’t playing golf, there’s a real chance that he is thinking about golf. The 71-year-old is a Bonnie Doon Golf Club legend and everyone who follows amateur golf, particularly in New South Wales, knows him or knows of him. He has been playing the game for more than 60 years and has helped inspire many others to play golf. He is mentor to Matthew Zions, who last year won the Saint-Omer Open on the European Tour. When Zions was a young Bonnie Doon pennant star trying to figure out if he had the talent to succeed in the tough play-for-pay ranks, it was Meredith, the man with the sage head, who suggested he accept a golf scholarship to the University of Colorado. The move paid off and now Zions is an established tour player with a finance degree. Meredith developed a love for the game in 1950. As a 10-year-old, he would race home from school, grab his father’s hickory-shafted golf club and hit golf balls around Snape Park, Maroubra – a beachside suburb in eastern Sydney. Sometimes a pint-sized man in his mid-30s would come past walking

his dog, stop and give young David a few tips. The man with the dog was Norman von Nida. The Von lived at the end of the street and that year (1950) won the Australian Open and Australia PGA Championship. That chance meeting with the Von was the catalyst that helped him become such a good player. Merro, as he is affectionately known, was born in 1940 and lived pin-high to Bonnie Doon’s first tee and, like most kids of that era who lived beside a golf course, he became a caddie. Every weekend, without fail, he would turn up with other caddies and wait patiently for the caddie master to assign him a job. Back then, the going rate was about 50 cents and the clients were often jockeys and bookies. In 1953, 13-year-old Meredith thought he had hit the jackpot when paid a handsome sum by Welsh singer Donald Peers. “I was expecting 10 bob, but he gave me £10,” Meredith recalls. That allowed him to buy his first set of golf clubs and get lessons from club pro Vic James. At 15, he was caddying for the pennant team, had reduced his handicap to four and took out the NSW Schoolboys’ Championship.

But surfing, football (and beer) intervened and he was lost to golf for a few years before returning to the game in 1959. Meredith played major pennants for Bonnie Doon for close to 40 years (19652003). He was 63 when he pulled the pin. He was extremely competitive when it came to matchplay as many young hopefuls can attest. The young guns would often turn up expecting an easy win over the “old bloke”. In golf, you have to watch out for the guy with the sun-burnt right hand and squinty eyes because he’s the guy who has spent hours on the range honing his skills. Meredith enjoyed plenty of success away from his beloved Bonnie Doon. In 1977, he was runner-up in the NSW Amateur and the following year he was the leading amateur in the New Zealand Open when he edged out Frank Nobilo. According to Merro, the Kiwi has never forgotten it. “Every time I see him he reminds me of it,” he said. Meredith continues to play fine golf in the senior ranks and won the NSW Senior Championship and the Australian Senior Championship in 1996. He remains heavily involved in golf. For the past five years, he has run the players’ locker room at the Australian Open.

David Meredith Meredith said last year’s tournament at The Lakes was special because of the quality of the field, which included Americans Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Bill Hass, David Toms, Bubba Watson and others. He also rubbed shoulders with Greg Norman, Jason Day, Adam Scott, Stuart Appleby et al. “Last year’s Australian Open was a highlight because of the number of Americans in the field,” he said. “The American players really impressed me with their protocol in the locker room. All the players got silver service from me and they responded with gratuity.” Of course, Meredith is privy to plenty of locker room incidents, but “what happens in the locker room stays in the locker room”.

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He said he was extremely impressed with Jason Day. “Jason was outstanding in his response, respect and mannerisms for an elderly guy like me,” he said. “I have been in the business for a long time and he was extremely respectful.” Meredith still stays in touch with American Bill Rogers, winner of the Open Championship and Australian Open in 1981. He caddied for Rogers that year and the pair has remained friends. These days Meredith’s handicap has drifted out to six, but he is still capable of shooting low rounds at The Doon. Every Wednesday and Saturday, he’s the guy hitting booming drives down the middle and knocking his approach shots close to the pin.

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February 2012

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Rotate for power and speed LeeHarrington A v e ry common problem we see as a teaching professional is swings that hit the side of the barrel instead of rotating. This means that during the swing your hips move laterally or sideways instead of rotating around. The body’s natural movement is to turn around the spine, not to move laterally or sideways. It is important to try and improve this rotation and to limit the urge to move sideways. It is also important in golf not to restrict your main power source, being hip rotation, in your golf swing. If you do this you will try and make up for it in your arms. Since the arms are much smaller than the hips and legs, this means much more effort with every shot. As golfers everywhere know, effort is the biggest enemy of a good round of golf. The cornerstone to a powerful and consistent golf swing motion is your rotation. There are a few common causes for poor rotation. Your posture may be too hunched or bent from the waist, causing your shoulders to turn under and force your hips to pop sideways. Another reason can be the body wanting to naturally follow the path of the golf club going back instead of turning in and separating from the club path. There

can also be a fitness aspect: some people have poor internal hip rotation. A simple test is to lay on the ground, face down with your legs bent at knees. Get someone to push your feet apart keeping your knees still. Take a picture of the angle you can get to. If it is less than 45 degrees than you are probably swaying because of the lack of flexibility alone. We have recently been working with

a device that solves both swing and flexibility problems in one. It is called a somax hip trainer and we have set it up permanently at our golf school for people to train and also to warm up on. It is simple a great training device as it teaches swing while giving you a physical stretching workout. It has greatly improved our students’ hip speed and strength. Remember loose hips sink ships!

Lee Harrington is a ALPG and PGA Member and is also the Development officer at Golf Queensland. Lee and husband Peter, also a leading PGA coach, have moved their business ‘The Golf School’ to Palm Meadows Driving Range. At this new facility they now offer world leading technology for teaching, fitting and training. Swingmodel, Foresight and Somax. The Grand Opening Day at Palm Meadows is on 26th February. www.thegolfschool.com.au or (07) 5596 3373

Aiming the putterhead GlennWhittle A ft e r r e c e n t l y returning from the US where I attended a putter fitting seminar, I have done a number of putter fits at The Sydney Putting Studio and have been amazed just how big a difference having different sight options on a putter makes to people. I tested using the same head, but one with no sight line or dot, one with a single sight dot, one with a single sight line and finally one with multiple sight lines. Everyone is different, so I am starting to really understand just how important this is to golfers, even the colour of the lines seems to change some people’s perception and ability to aim at address, irrespective of whether they set up with their eyes over the target line or not. In particular, I have noticed that a number of players using the putters with golf ball sized sight dots on the putterhead often align better with the putter head naked – i.e. no dots or lines at all. Another thing worth mentioning is some people who use a sight line

actually follow the lines with their eyes as they stroke the putt, while some don’t, which is interesting I really prefer to let the Putt lab results determine what is best for a player. Who can argue with a system that is calibrated at 90 degrees at address? If you have trouble aiming the putter head, do yourself a favor and book in to see me (Sydney Putting Studio – 02 9541 4960) and I will use Putt lab to determine what is the best sight option for you.

The 2008 NSWPGA Teacher of the Year, Glenn Whittle is an AAA PGA Member and is also an official iseekgolf.com Teaching Panelist. To book a putting or swing lesson with Glenn visit www.sydneyputtingstudio.com or www.whittlegolf.com. If you think you have the yips, or you know someone that does, please do not hesitate to contact Glenn at the Sydney Putting Studio on (02) 9541 4960 or email me on glenn@whittlegolf.com. Glenn offers putter fits, one hour putting lessons or putting improvement programs.

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February 2012

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Common golf swing faults TonyWells At the Australasian Golf Academy, we see many different swing styles. Our expertise is in recognising the differences between these faults, and then helping develop plans for improvement. This month, we’ll discuss the two most common swing faults by golfers. S Posture at setup: It is easy to spot this poor postured golfer. If you look at their lower back from down-the-line, it has an excessive swayback or curvature creating what we commonly refer to as the “S-posture” or lower crossed syndrome. In photo 1, you can see the curvature in the lower back (red line), the rounded shoulders or kyphotic appearance and the tight right arm, high right wrist position( yellow line) and tight neck muscles . Note how the chin is tucked into the chest (green circle). This posture is a common setup fault of golfers, and some golfers actually position themselves this way on purpose because they have been told to “stick your butt out at address”, however by setting up this way, they are putting their lower backs in jeopardy. Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints of all golfers. You can actually stick your butt out at set up without arching your back if you just hinge from your hips and keep your spine in a neutral stable posture. Obviously, this requires good core strength and proper stabilization in the lumbar spine. Unfortunately, not all golfers can easily fix this fault, due to the physical limitations that will accompany this fault. S posture setup relates to

tight hip flexors (the muscle at the front of your hips) and poor awareness or activation in the deep lower abdominal muscles. This adaptation occurs from prolonged static postures (i.e. sitting and a sedentary lifestyle). The end result is that the pelvis tilts and creates a very unstable position for the lower back. Kyphosis of the shoulder girdle is the result of poor lifestyle habits and sedentaryism, and is often seen in those golfers who sit at computers for lengthy periods or who travel frequently. This creates weakness in the muscles that support the shoulder blades and neck. Muscles in the chest and upper neck tighten up considerably, creating stiffness and loss of extension in the mid back (thoracic spine) preventing the golfer from achieving an optimal posture at setup and therefore do not allow the body to turn in the correct direction (whilst maintaining good postural shape) and the arms to function correctly. If you have an “S Posture”, it very easy to eliminate. All you need to do is perform stretches to help lengthen your hip flexors and lower back muscles, and perform exercises that help develop strength in the abdominals and glute muscles. Once these muscle imbalances are corrected, work on developing strength in a stable neutral lower back posture. Loss of Spine Angle (Shape): This is simply any significant alteration from your body’s original set up angles (postural shape) during your golf swing. Photo 2 shows the typical look of a golfer who loses spine angle or alters their body levels. Note how the body has gone around (yellow line),

Photo 1

Photo 2

low across the chest position of the arms (blue line), the spine angle straightened from where it started at address in the original postural angle (green line). From this position the club will work outwards, the arms will move out first and then try to get inside and shallow on the way down. The classic “over the top/ outside in move”. A common denominator in good players is that they maintain this spine angle from the start (what we call ‘more over the ball’) , this creates more room to fit the arms coming down. Body angle stays over and the arms drop

When the spine angle changes on the backswing, the body will turn first, making the hands and arms move more out and steeper at the start of the downswing. Again this swing fault can be due to physical limitations. These range from poor flexibility in the thoracic spine, poor rotation range in the neck and poor range of motion in the shoulder joints to name a few. To correct this, you will need to undertake a series of specific exercises targeting postural change and flexibility through the spine and motor pattern correction drills.

Tony Wells is an AA rated Australian PGA Professional and Director of Instruction at Australasian Golf Academy located at the Parkwood International Golf Club on the Gold Coast. Tony works with students at every level from new golfers to tournament professionals. With the help of Golf Physiotherapist Josh Meyer, the AGA coaching staff can design a personalised swing improvement program for students on both technical skills and physical limitations. The result is a total improvement plan and long term technical improvement, and a much less frustrated student. To book a lesson with Tony call 0401 261 207.

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February 2012

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10 ‘killer clichés’ in golf SteveBann How often have you heard someone tell a player who has just mis-hit a tee shot that their poor performance is a result of not keeping their head down? It’s a cliché, right? It’s also a killer cliché–a tip that is actually way off the mark and in all likelihood counter-productive to solving the player’s problems. Killer clichés are impromptu lessons heard on every practice fairway and in every clubhouse bar around the world. Some of them are hundreds of years old, and they are mostly handed out by “experienced” golfers, and they are soaked up like sponges by golfers eager for a quick fix for their golfing ills. The following are 10 major killer clichés, and what they REALLY mean. 1. “Keep your left arm straight” How it’s supposed to help: The intended positive here is that by keeping your left arm straight, you will maintain a constant radius in your swing, so the club will return back to where it started at set-up. Sounds entirely plausible, right? The damage it can do: This creates tension that restricts movement, co-ordination and rhythm. Often it can have a contradictory effect, with excessive muscle tension causing the left elbow to instead collapse at the top of backswing or downswing. It can also lead to a stiff, restricted backswing, with the player unwilling to let the left arm bend even a tiny bit. The correct concept: Set up with your left arm

firm but not tense. Think of maintaining constant muscle tension in the arm, as you maintain the distance of your hands to your sternum throughout your backswing and downswing. Despite what you might have heard, it’s OK that your left arm bends a little – it’s only natural, and you can’t fight nature. 2. “Take the club straight back” How it’s supposed to help: The intended positive here is to swing the club back and up, rather than too much around the body turn. The damage it can do: This message is often misinterpreted as “swing the clubhead straight back along the target line”. This results in a very upright and steep backswing, and often a sway of the hips to the right (if you’re a righthander), as you attempt to keep the club travelling straight back. The correct concept: Swing the club up the incline plane; when the shaft reaches horizontal, the club should be parallel to the target line and approximately over your toes . 3. “Keep the face square” How it’s supposed to help: The intended benefit here is that by keeping the clubface square (perpendicular) to the path of the swing on the first move of the takeaway, the face will return to that position through the hitting zone. The damage it can do: There is a great danger here associated with misinterpreting the word “square”. Taken at its word, the golfer will try to keep the clubface pointing at the ball throughout the backswing and also the downswing–resulting in an extremely shut clubface and very awkward wrist action .

Maintaining the distance of your hands to your sternum is more important than the cliché of “keeping your left arm stiff ”, or swinging low to the ground The correct concept: As with all other side-on, bat/ball sports, the only time the face is actually “square” is at impact. The rest of the time the club opens and closes with the natural path of the swing. As a guide, the tip of your clubhead should point directly upwards when the shaft gets to horizontal. If it points anywhere lower than that, you are too closed. 4. “Make a big turn for power” How it’s supposed to help: A big turn winds up power in a golf swing like a spring, lengthens the swing arc and creates room for the arms and club to move onto the inside on the downswing path. The damage it can do: The problem here is that muscles of the human body don’t wind like a spring, they flex and contract. Consequently, when you

over-stretch a muscle, it is unable to contract with force. Going for a big turn pulls the arms inside and under the backswing plane, creating the opposite downswing effect of coming out and “over the top”. The correct concept: A good set-up posture is the key. From there, let your turn respond to your arm swing as you swing back on the plane–it’s a very similar sequence to throwing a tennis ball . 5. “Swing back low to the ground” How it’s supposed to help: A wide swing arc increases your swing radius. Consequently, the clubhead builds speed and travels faster than the hands, as it has further to go in the same swing time. Also, swinging back low to the ground stops your wrists from cocking early, also maintaining swing width.

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The damage it can do: The negative effect here is that the player can over-extend or widen the radius of their swing, forcing some dramatic compensatory moves on the downswing. Also, keeping the club low to the ground often forces the golfer to lose their set-up height and also their centre. Again, the result is a series of compensations that inhibit power. The correct concept: The radius of the swing is basically from the hands to the sternum . Early or late wrist action has no effect on this radius. Instead, maintain a constant width and swing around your set-up posture. 6. “Develop a late release” How it’s supposed to help: Also referred to as “maintaining your wrist angle”, the intended positive here is to delay the unlocking of the wrists and the straightening of the right elbow in the downswing as long as possible, in order to maximise club head speed at impact. The damage it can do: Holding back your arms and wrists creates unwanted tension. Your body will tend to spin out too early, which leaves your arms behind and creates an overthe-top, out-to-in swing path. And quite often the wrist release will occur even earlier than desired, because there is no lag effect of the club behind the arms. The correct concept: Accelerate your arms – after the initial start down, transition from the feet, swing the arms down while feeling as though you are getting them past your body. This will create lag in the club. As a result of the natural centrifugal force, the club will automatically snap into a late (perfectly timed) release. 7. “Keep your head still” How it’s supposed to help: The intended benefit is to create a fixed axis and swing

The damage it can do: Sometimes it works. Generally, though, a forced move against the momentum and direction of the natural swing plane results in a loss of power, mishits, poor timing–even shanking. The correct concept: Get your set-up posture correct. The arms relaxed/dropped, then let the body turn take the club back out to the ball. The path of the clubhead should be out, to down the line, to back in up a mirror image of the downswing path. Think of the path of a tennis forehand. 10. “Drive your legs” How it’s supposed to help: The intended positive here is to activate the big muscles of the legs and create power. The thought of laterally driving the legs at the target generates force in that direction. The damage it can do: Laterally driving your legs moves your swing centre, narrows your swing radius and restricts trunk rotation. All of these negatively affect power, precision and accuracy. The correct concept: The legs start the downswing by driving down into the ground. The ground reaction force drives back up through feet and legs, enabling hip rotation. The legs and hips then stabilise, transferring energy through a turning upper body, down the arms and out through the club. The good news is most of this happens without us ever needing to know if we demonstrate the transition into the ground correctly.

centre for the club to revolve around, much like the opening and shutting of a door around its hinge. The damage it can do: When a golfer makes a conscious effort to keep their head perfectly still, and allows no head rotation, body rotation is severely restricted. Without this effective body rotation, and in an attempt to create power, often the golfer will pull up and out of the shot. Funnily enough, it’s then that they are told they have “moved their head”, and advised they should “keep it still”. The correct concept: You should allow your head to rotate away on the backswing, back to its starting position on the downswing and immediately after impact rotate to the target to watch the flight of the ball. Some players, such as David Duval, Robert Allenby and Michael Campbell, even rotate their heads forward before impact. 8. “Keep your head down” How it’s supposed to help: Goes hand in hand with keeping the head still. Keeping your head down, as opposed to still, is supposed to stop you lifting up through impact and topping the ball. The damage it can do: You will end up dropping your head in your set-up posture. As a result, there is no room for your shoulders to rotate under your chin, and the poor posture also restricts neck rotation. As you try to rotate, you will have no alternative but to lift up on the backswing or throughswing, leading to topped shots (and more instructions to “keep your head down”!) The correct concept: Set up with your head up and positioned as tall as possible, creating good posture and room to rotate your shoulders. Concentrate on turning around your posture angle (spine) and through to impact.

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Players like Stuart Appleby avoid the killer cliché of “keeping your head down/still” by focussing on correct posture, and even allowing slight head rotation in their swing 9. “Swing from in to out” How it’s supposed to help: Suggesting to a golfer that they swing from in-to-out (from seven o’clock on the downswing to one o’clock on the throughswing) is intended as an exaggerated, compensatory move to help them stop swinging outside-to-in (over the top) and reduce any slicing action they might have.

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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February 2012

54 instruction:practice.............................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Perfect practice makes permanent BrentGerman

PUTTING DRILLS

PREPARE

1. WARM UP! Stretch your muscles in your legs, back, arms and shoulders. Hold two clubs together and swing slowly as normal after this to warm up even more. 2. As Greg Norman did, start with a short iron and work up through the bag (the driver being the last club). The shorter club will enable you to ease yourself into hitting shots and there will be less chance of injury. 3. Aim at a target and use clubs/ alignment sticks laid on the ground (one near your feet line and another a few inches from the ball just outside the target line. i.e. Tram track alignment. 4. Chipping and putting is 50% of your score, so give it 50% of your practice time.

golf on your home course. Hit the clubs you would normally expect to hit at each hole in order. 3. At each tournament practice day I have been to, a large percentage of the pros go through their pre-shot routine on each shot on the range so they can make it natural in competition when you need your swing to work under pressure. 4. Focus on what you are doing. 50 balls with full concentration on each practice swing and shot is better than 100 just bashing balls (I see this regularly on the range). 5. Work out how far you can hit each club so you can take your practice to the course. Go to a flat practice ground on a calm day, hit 10 balls, pace out the distance, remove the

FULL SWING

1. Aim at a target, and using 10 balls as a skills test, see how many you can get within a 15-metre width. Always try to beat your best score. If you manage to get 10/10 a few times then decrease the width to 10 metres. 2. After you have warmed up, for your practice to become more realistic, pretend you are playing a round of

O F MEMB E ER G N

Brent German is a AAA Accredited PGA Golf Professional, based at Albert Park Driving Range in Melbourne. Call Brent on 0412 533 555 and let him empower you to excel your golf potential. More tips can be found at www.BrentGermanGolf.com

While the International Olympic Committee is yet to announce the verdict on who will design the Olympic Golf Course in Brazil, Greg Norman has been hired by a developer to design a less-scrutinized golf course in the country, reports World Golf Report. Odebrecht Realizações Imobiliárias Ltda — one of Brazil’s biggest developers — has hired Norman to design an 18hole course for Reserva do Paiva, an ecofriendly, 1,315-acre golf community that aims to become a “world-class destination for living, tourism, and leisure.” Reserva do Paiva will take shape in the town of Cabo de Santo Agostinho in the state of Pernambuco, just south of the coastal city of Recife. The community has been masterplanned to include roughly 4,000 housing units (some of them in 10 condominium buildings), as many as six hotels, a marina, an equestrian center, shopping areas, an outdoor theater, schools, a spa, a medical center, and the usual recreational amenities, including tennis courts and soccer pitches. Norman reports that the first two holes of his golf course will overlook the Atlantic Ocean. From there, the track will wind its way inland, through mangrove swamps toward a 1,250-acre rainforest that serves as Reserva do Paiva’s inland border.

Incidentally, Reserva do Paiva takes its name from Paiva Beach, which will provide roughly five miles’ worth of sand and water for home owners and vacationers.

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1. Aim at various targets and vary the length and type of shot to increase your feel. 2. With chipping, use 3 balls and chip at the same flag from different lies. 3. Throw 5-10 balls in a bunker and play them all as they lie. 4. Playing against a friend, give each other lies around the green and in the bunker and play nearest to the pin.

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best two and the worst two and work out the average distance. If this is not possible, you can do this with a GPS measuring device as well.

The Clock Drill: Place 4 tees around the hole 2 or 3 feet away (the length of your putter) at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock (as pictured). Using one ball only, see how many you can get in a row. Always try to beat your best score as this will simulate the pressure of competition when you are putting to beat your best score. Spend most of your time practising these putts. Tiger Woods in a year had 4,211 putts from 3 feet in practice and in competition; and he only missed 2 putts. Long Range putts: Now that you have the clock drill tees in place, see how many balls in a row you can get into the 3 foot circle from long range (say, 20 feet) , always trying to beat your best score each time you practice. Matchplay:Play matchplay with a friend on the putting green. Adding pressure to your practice will hold you in good stead when in competition. Single Strokeplay :Using one ball only, do as many 2 putts from long range as possible in a row. Small Hole: Practice aiming at a ball at home on the carpet or at a tee on the putting green.

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instruction 55

Getting set up – not upset PeterCroker When we need to become more consistent and under control out on the golf course, the Address Routine is the bridge that connects you to both the golf ball and the golf ball’s target. A good “Routine” sets you up time after time with greater balance, rhythm, “soft hands” and a smooth tempo. These questions come up time and again: • How do I know how far to stand away from the ball? • How do I know I am set up aiming at my target? • How do I set up in balance? • Where should the ball be in relation to my front foot? • How much bend of the spine is needed to be in the best posture? • Why is it better to have the left leg positioned more like a “pillar” than a “tripod?” There is no doubt that if the correct stance is taken every time, then a quality shot can follow on a more consistent basis. This lesson examines how to set up at the correct distance from the ball, in good posture and balance. You can drill in a correct stance to best support a powerful pivot of the body and release of the hands, arms and club on the ball.

Hunch

Your shoulders and back must not ‘hunch over’ to compensate for standing too upright. Correct shaft length is imperative. For instance, if your clubs are too short, it can make for a very awkward setup indeed.

Posture

Correct posture includes bending from the hips and unlocking the knees with your pelvis tucked up underneath you so as to lessen the strain on the lower back and make it easier to turn your hips both back and through. Warning - do not set up with your pelvis tilted down (as shown in the left hand illustration), as this will not only strain your back, but makes it very difficult to turn your hips correctly.

Three-point set exercise

Starting from an erect and good posture: 1. Bend at hips (not waist) 2. Unlock knees 3. Slide hips slightly left, and tilt your backbone (not just the shoulders) slightly right. (Note: By tilting just your shoulders, you are just asking for back problems, not to mention swing problems.) Build the correct angle of club shaft to arm, and arm to body

To establish the correct distance for your hands to be away from your body and to have the correct angle of your arms to your body and the club shaft to your arms, start standing erect and with the club shaft horizontal to the ground and opposite the centre of the hips.

Balance

The head positioning

Left leg angle at address

To have the weight balanced evenly between the balls and heels of your feet, a vertical line directly down from the inside of the shoulder socket should fall in line with the knees and balls of your feet.

Looking from front on, the head and neck should be in-line with the spine.

If you placed your ankle in a doorway, the left thigh should be gently touching the door frame.

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

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56 insideyourmind.........................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Young Bryden’s journey to the US Masters

This year, one of Australia’s most promising up-andcoming golfers, Bryden Macpherson, will be living every golfer’s dream as he tees off at Augusta National for the US Masters. In this continuing series, we’ll follow Bryden’s preparation and progress for the event, as shared by mental game expert Jamie Glazier. JamieGlazier Approximately 7 years ago, I got a call from a young 14-yearold golfer wanting to come and see me for some mental game training. Little did I know the journey that we were both about to go on would eventually lead us to the famous grounds of Augusta National and the US Masters. In July of 2011, Bryden Macpherson won the British Amateur, one of the world’s most prestigious amateur golf tournaments. With that victory, he received an invite into the 2011 British Open and 2012 US Masters. Bryden went on to play the British Open and was paired with Padraig Harrington and Matt Kuchar—both

of whom Bryden outscored in the first round, though he eventually missed the cut by one shot. After the dust settled on Bryden’s British Amateur victory and his British Open experience, we began to make plans for preparing both himself and his game for 2012 and the greatest golf tournament in the world, the US Masters. Bryden would spend the Australian summer playing in events such as the Australian Open, Australian PGA and the Australian Masters— all of which would give us a great idea of where his game currently is and what aspects we need to focus on fine-tuning to prepare for our assault on 2012. Spending our first week together in approximately 6 months at the Australian Open gave us some really good clarity on what we

Sporting the University of Georgia Bulldog colours and logo, Macpherson will be returning to Augusta to contest the US Masters needed to focus on as Bryden played some really solid golf in round 1, before putting a little too much pressure on himself in the 2nd round to miss the cut. The following week came the Australian PGA at Coolum where I caddied for Bryden to not only get an inside look at how he would act and react to situations during competition but to also – and more importantly—take a close look at his language patterns during tournaments. Unfortunately he missed another cut and this time he didn’t take it so well. Missing cuts as a golfer are never much fun, let alone a string of them, so Bryden was understandably disappointed at this stage. We spent a few hours on the range on Saturday fine-tuning

his post-shot routine, which is the process 5-7 seconds after he hits his shots. This stage of a golfer’s performance is crucial in being able to process the result and performance of that shot in an empowering way and Bryden could see he needed a little refining in this stage. Bryden headed off back to the US for a few weeks before flying back for the Australian Masters at Victoria GC — where I again would be caddying for him the whole week. I sent him off with his list of homework and exercises to focus on in preparation for the Australian Masters. The week began with both of us in good spirits and we enjoyed a practice round with another client of mine, Steve Jones, where there was some good banter and fun had by all, but Bryden

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could feel there were a few things not quite right with his swing. A quick look by his swing coach, Denis McDade, on Tuesday afternoon turned out to be more of a mini overhaul, which we never want to do in a tournament week, but we all felt that we could implement the technical changes into his routines. We found out later that day that we would be paired with Jonesy for the first 2 rounds, which would be great for me as I could see up close my clients in tournament conditions, but also help each other relax and have fun in those first 2 days. Bryden played quite solidly the first round and we felt the work we had been doing on his post-shot routine was going really well—if we could just get his swing to ingrain the changes Denis made at a comfortable level, who knows how low he could go. Day 2 was really solid, with his swing feeling more comfortable. Bryden found himself under par for the tournament, before finishing at +2 and making the cut on the number. There were some really encouraging signs from both a technical and mental point of view from the past 2 days and I could see on Bryden’s face that he was pretty happy to make a cut. More importantly, he could really feel he was working on some things in his game that he knew would help his game dramatically in the near future. So into the weekend we went and Day 3 was a tough day with nothing really going our way but we were still excited about what Sunday could bring. Bryden felt pretty relaxed going into Round 4 and the conditions were the toughest they had been all week, with a pretty strong wind whipping across the course. All the hard work and focus for the week began to pay off on Sunday with Bryden playing some

insideyourmind 57

Kenny Perry joins Adams Golf

Bryden Macpherson with mental game coach Jamie Glazier as his caddie at the JBWere Masters great golf and shooting equal 2nd best score for the day with a -4 67. That was a great way to finish off 2011 and head into the Christmas and New Year period with a sense of belonging inside the ropes with the pros. The week of having me on the bag must have been a good thing for Bryden, as he has asked me to caddie for him at Augusta, which I am extremely excited about, to say the least. The next phase of our preparation for Augusta is the Australian Amateur in Melbourne where

I will also caddie for him to fine-tune our partnership. Bryden really wants to win the Australian Amateur so we will be completely focused and driven to bring our “A” games that week and see what we can come up with, but so far our journey to the US Masters is most definitely on track. Editor’s note: we will continue to report on Bryden’s progress leading up to the US Masters. Follow the story each month in Inside Golf!

Jamie Glazier is a qualified peak performance and mental game coach specializing in the teenage/young adult athletes. His client list includes Steve Jones, Ryan Haller, Steve Dartnall, Stacey Keating, Grace Lennon and Bryden Macpherson to name a few. He is also the Founder of Dare2Dream, which is dedicated to building mentally strong athletes both on and off the sporting field. Visit: www.dare2dream.com.au

Adams Golf has announced that they have reached a multi-year agreement with 14-time PGA Tour winner Kenny Perry. In addition to his PGA wins, Perry is also a four-time US Presidents Cup team member and a two-time US Ryder Cup team member. He also earned his first Champions Tour victory at last year’s SAS Championship. He was awarded the 2009 Payne Stewart Award in recognition of his respect for the traditions of the game and his commitment to charitable giving. He will be playing on both the PGA and Champions Tour in 2012. Perry will be using an Adams Speedline driver and fairway wood along with Adams Idea hybrids and irons; additionally, Adams Golf will be on his headwear and bag. “Adams Golf ’s commitment to innovation has always been apparent to me,” said Perry. “I was blown away after my first test session (with the Adams Speedline driver). When you gain nearly 20 yards of carry distance on both your driver and fairway woods, it makes you feel young again. I’m excited to compete on both tours in 2012.” “The addition of Kenny to our tour staff is very exciting,” said Chip Brewer, President and CEO, Adams Golf. “With Kenny, we add a proven winner and someone who we feel really fits well with the Adams Golf brand and tour staff.” www.adamsgolf.com

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February 2012

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

Lunging around

Toowoomba set for PGA showdown

While I know lunges are not on most people’s list of favourite exercises, they do have great benefits for stability and agility in regards to the golf swing. There are so many exercises and stretches that will improve the golf swing, both for power and consistency. There are also many that will at best do little to improve anything except absolute strength. Given the complexity of movement in the body during the golf swing, and given the common present issue many golfers have – very little spare time, the Multi-Directional Lunge is a wonderful tool to master. Consistency in the golf swing requires stability during a powerful rotation of the body. If stability is lacking through the hips and abdominals, the co-ordination and communication between upper and lower body is certainly compromised. Also, if some of the hip and upper leg muscles are overly tight, it makes for a poor rotation pattern. You will end up compensating in another area of the swing. The hips especially go through opening and closing phases throughout the swing. Simultaneously stretching and strengthening the hips in various positions is a very beneficial addition to golf training. As you will see, the Multi Directional Lunge accomplishes these tasks. I like to teach clients to perform lunges using the 8 compass points as a guide. Imagine you are in the centre of a compass, starting with the right leg and your aim is to lunge to ‘N’, then back to centre. Continue then to ‘NE’; ‘E’; ‘SE’; and ‘S’. Then repeat with the left leg continuing: ‘S’; ‘SW’; ‘W’; ‘NW’; and ‘N’. So 10 lunges completes 1 lap. Here are the breakdowns of the movements – it’s important to practise these positions correctly to avoid injury and/or lack of benefit.

THE Queensland PGA Championship sets up shop February 23-26 at City Golf Club in Toowoomba. Last year, despite the devastating Queensland floods, the tournament went ahead and proved to be just what the region needed. “Last year’s event had the benefit of putting a smile on people’s faces that in previous weeks may not have been there and we hope that in 2012 the world-class athletes will once again provide much enjoyment to the community,” said City Golf Club president Ed Britnell. “That the Queensland PGA Championship was even played last year in the aftermath of the terrible floods was a great credit to the Queensland spirit, the City of Toowoomba and City Golf Club,” said defending champion Gareth Paddison. Once again players will confront quick greens and tight fairways that weave their way through tree-lined fairways. The golf club also boasts one of the largest clubhouse facilities in the country, including a 4½-star motel. Just as it did last year, this year’s tournament will showcase the past, present and future stars of our game, with the added bonus of Official World Golf Ranking points this year. Still, the event is not just about the golf and the $115,000 in prizemoney. It will also have a strong focus on the community. The week of events will begin with the Geiger Civil and Electrical Junior Pro-Am on Monday afternoon and will continue with activities like school, hospital and shopping centre visits. There’ll be a fashion parade, a market day and movie nights which will see the professionals going to outlying communities to give free clinics and watch Happy Gilmore on giant outdoor screens. “We would like to think that by the time the professionals leave on Sunday afternoon, they will not only have made a significant economic benefit to Toowoomba, but they would also have offered inspiration and touched almost every demographic in the region in one way, shape or form,” said Broc Greenhalgh, the executive officer of the Queensland Division of the PGA of Australia.

PeterMcConnell

North (N)

North West (NW)

South (S)

West (W)

South West (SW)

N: Lunge forward, keep weight forward so eyes are over front knee which is level with the toes. Back knee drops near the floor to get the hips low. Then back to start. Even though your weight is forward and the back is tilted, please maintain a straight spine rather than collapsing forward. (see photos.) NW: Now lunge forward and 45° to the left. The important point here is to keep the hips pointing forward, not rotating them with the left leg. By doing this correctly you will feel both a stretch and the need to stabilise. Weight is forward again, but slightly inside left knee (see photos). W: Lunge straight sideways, but keep hips and left foot pointing forward, weight is out wide. Again you will feel stretching and stabilisation going on here.

SW: Now lunge 45° backwards, keeping weight on front leg, inside right knee. Again, hips point squarely forward. The back knee must bend here toward the floor. It can be a challenging position, so please look at the photo and test your range of motion before jumping into it. S: Now lunge straight back, keeping weight forward, with back knee dropping near floor. From here you can just mirror all those positions as you continue around with the right leg. If you want to add an extra challenge to this exercise, hold about a 5kg medicine ball or equivalent and twist the upper body, always over the front leg on all lunges, except the E and W lunges where you will twist over the outside leg.

Peter McConnell runs his business Fair Game on the Gold Coast. Peter teaches golfers and athletes how to increase their performance and reduce stress. Visit his website: www.vitalperformance.com.au, or email him at peter@fairgamesports.com.au

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Parkwood to change face of golf DavidNewbery

PARKWOOD International Golf and Function Complex on Queensland’s Gold Coast is about to be transformed into a super facility. The $3m facelift will give the complex a newlook and change the way traditional golf is delivered in Australia. The new owners have already spent $1.6m on a state-of-the-art botanical-style garden miniature golf course, a golf super store, restaurant and café and the golf course’s drainage system. And work has already started on a brandnew double storey undercover driving range and redirecting some of the course’s holes. Parkwood International managing director Luke Altschwager said the facility would become a “community destination with multiple options”. “We are shifting what was a tired golf club into something that is more of a community destination on a number of fronts,” Altschwager said. “Golf has been running the same model for the last 40 years, which is a membership-based, oneservice product. “That model is outdated and needs to change. “With the way the market was shifting and becoming cheaper, we had to diversify and add the things like the miniature golf and super retail golf shop. “Parkwood International is now a multi-purpose venue with service as its core. “It’s not just designed as a golf, food and beverage venue for golfers,” he said. “It’s been designed as a destination for the local community. “It’s a place where mum can come for a decent

coffee with her little one or the boys from Sydney can come up for a weekend. “We have Merlo coffee made by a barista on offer, instead of a push button coffee machine. We have an executive chef preparing meals of the highest standard – not just toasted sandwiches and pies.” Set in naturally undulating bushland, Parkwood International sits comfortably among established eucalyptus and imported palm trees. Altschwager said the facility was ideally located. “We are 45 minutes from Brisbane and 10 minutes from the Gold Coast CBD,” he said. “The clubhouse has beautiful views overlooking lakes and the golf course so we have positioned the restaurant outdoors, but with a feel it’s inside the building.” Altschwager said the services provided at Parkwood International would be the best. “We will have a one-hour re-grip guarantee. So the client can grab a coffee and we will do the grips within an hour or they are free.

“We are setting up a Footjoy shoe fitting lounge where the consumer can come in and we will properly fit them — we carry all sizes and widths in shoes. “We will have a golf club-fitting area where consumers can choose to be fitted by any one of the nine leading brands. “At the end of the day, it’s the correct fitting that gets consumers into the right golf club. “When the range is finished, we’ll have national fitting centre to give customers that tour experience. “We’ll be able to give the consumer a full calibration so he will know exactly how far he hits each club in the bag. “With each club fitting, players will be hitting Titleist Pro Vs, not regular range golf balls. “We will have the best service in the market,” he said. “That’s been the driver of everything we have done here. “It’ll be first-class service at a first-class facility.” For more info, call (07) 5563 3342.

clubs 59

Ipswich GC weathers storm

IPSWICH Golf Club near Brisbane is well and truly back on track after being hard hit by last year’s devastating Queensland floods. The club’s general manager Brett Holdway said the golf course, which had a $650,000 damage bill, was almost back to the condition it was in before the flood put 17 greens under water. “Apart from the odd couple of bunkers that are still out of play you wouldn’t realise a flood had even hit the place.” Holdway said the golf course is a good test of golf for all levels of golfers. “It’s definitely not a bomber’s course,” he said. “You have got to strategically golf your way around the golf course. “We have held the Queensland Foursomes, the City of Ipswich and a pro-am here and the players’ feedback has been extremely positive. “The professionals that have played the course have really liked the layout.” “We are offering a good deal where members pay $875 for 15 months’ membership,” Holdway said. Ipswich Golf Club is also popular with local businesses keen to woo new clients and keep the old ones happy. “We pride ourselves on delivering resort-style trade days at really affordable and competitive prices,” Holdway said. Junior membership is another area the club will target in 2012. “Club pro James Craperi has a strong background in teaching and is keen to grow junior membership. “So, we encourage people who are interested in golf to take a look at us because it is a family club.”

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Choice of tours to the amazing Mission Hills – 8 nights Haikou Mission Hills & 7 nights Shenzhen Mission Hills – option to take in one or both resorts Haikou land only share twin golfer $2,492pp Shenzhen land only share twin golfer $2758pp Combo land only share twin golfer $5350pp

Australian International Seniors Golf Championship

Gold Coast - Sunday 06 to Saturday 12 May 2012 6 Nights - 5 Rounds of Golf Join with other senior golfers for 5 days of golf at RACV Royal Pines Resort. Competitions include Mens, Ladies, Mixed, Teams, Nearest the Pins A great week of golf on the Gold Coast Golfer sharing room at RACV Royal Pines - from $ 1,494 per person Golfer in single room at RACV Royal Pines - from $ 1,959 per person or Golf & Functions only - from $ 939 per person

Hawaii – 2 Itinerary Options

27 May – 10 June Oahu/Kauai/Maui 13 June – 24 June Oahu / Maui Great winter escape to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands – golf courses are spectacular. Even your worst golf is great in Hawaii! Both tours offer optional Lanai golf package. Check website for brochures and full costs

Sunshine Coast – 2 Itinerary Options

28 July – 07 August - Tour One – 7 rounds 08 August – 18 August - Tour Two– 6 rounds Enjoy a mid winter getaway at beautiful Coolum Beach staying Club Coolum Apartments in self contained apartment with water view. Either 7 or 6 rounds of golf including motorized cart Land only share twin golfer from $1,799pp Land only share quad golfer from $1,480pp

Other 2012 Tours

Sept/Oct 26-09 Scottsdale, Mesquite & Las Vegas November 03-14 Western Australia December 05-12 NZ - Kauri Cliffs & Gulf Harbour

2013

January 19-29 Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Muscat Golf Cruise

Should You Require Further Details Please Contact AVGA Golf, PO Box 4078, Illawong, NSW 2234 Telephone: 02 9541 4178 Website: www.avga.com.au Email: avga@avga.com.au ALL TOURS ARE MANAGED & OPERATED by AVGA Golf a NSW Licensed Travel Agent (Lic No. 2TA 6095)

February 2012

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The Cut captures golfers’ imagination DavidNewbery FOR golfers living on the eastern seaboard, going to Western Australia to play golf used to be a oncein-a-lifetime trip, usually put off until retirement. Now golfers of all ages are making the trip more often. That’s because there is lot to be excited about. There’s a long list of golfing gems in Perth, Mandurah and even down to the Margaret River – wine country. But almost everyone who makes the trip to WA has The Cut golf course near the top of his or her golf bucket list. That’s because the spectacular links layout at Mandurah has been rated the state’s number one layout. It’s a real beauty and reminiscent of some of the great Irish and Scottish links golf courses. Designed by James Wilcher, The Cut is situated on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Thirteen of the holes offer spectacular ocean views. Don’t forget your camera. There is one big difference between playing the great courses of Ireland and Scotland and The Cut – the weather. In Perth, you won’t need three layers of clothing to play a round. The weather is ideal for golfing. The Cut’s general manager Declan McCollam said the golf course had improved even more since the new owners took charge. “There have been some major changes to the aesthetics of the golf course and some changes to the bunkering,” he said.

“The overall shapes of some of the holes have changed and some rough has been taken out of play to soften the golf course. “The Cut is quite special,” he added. “The ocean views are really something else.” McCollam does offer some advice for first time visitors to the golf course. “Ideally, you want to play this golf course in the morning because the wind can be quite brutal in the afternoon,” he said. “But off the white tees it’s not too bad, however, off the championship tees it’s quite different.” One of the nice things about The Cut is you don’t have to be a gorilla off the tee to tame the course.

Often a well-place iron will run past a towering drive. And a well-struck iron shot off the tee will keep you away from the punishing vegetation. So, don’t just pull the driver – think about your game. Former US Masters champion Ben Crenshaw once said: “I’m about five inches from being an outstanding golfer. That’s the distance my left ear is from my right.” Mandurah, located an hour’s drive from Perth, is a popular seaside town. The region is a great holiday and golfing destination with several other top-notch championship golf courses in the area.

“It’s a great destination for interstate visitors because it’s got fantastic accommodation facilities and golfers have less than 20 minutes to travel to play four fantastic golf courses,” McCollam said. Aside from The Cut, there is Secret Harbour, Meadow Springs, Links Kennedy Bay and Mandurah Golf Club. Golfers will be pleased to know The Cut is offering golfers a special rate during the month of February. It’ll only cost $69, a considerable saving, to play the championship layout and that includes a golf cart and lunch from the express menu. “We will also be running an Easter special, which is $79 and includes a sleeve of Titleist golf balls,” McCollam said. This special offer is from March 31 to April 14. The Cut has established itself as a “must play” course for locals and visitors alike. Many even take advantage of the on-site accommodation at Oceanique Luxury Apartments before taking to the course for a second attempt. The Cut’s facilities include a driving range, 1500sq/m of practice and pitching green, a luxury $6m clubhouse with well-equipped pro shop, comfortable shower and locker facilities plus brassiere and a la carte restaurant. The Cut is a popular venue for charity and corporate golf days, weddings and receptions, private functions, conferences and seminars. The facilities can accommodate 180 in the function room. For more info, telephone (08) 8582 4444 or log on to www.the-cut.com.au

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Cairns GC rewards members LOYAL members of the Cairns Golf Club in Far North Queensland received a nice post-Christmas present from the club. Club president Paul Chirio said the golf club’s board had agreed to reduce membership fees for 2012 by almost three per cent. In addition, there would be further discounts if members paid their annual fees early. Seven-day members who chose to pay their fees early had their fees reduced to $750 – a saving of around 7.5 per cent. “Our golf club is blessed with members that have been extremely loyal over a long period of time,” Chirio said. “I don’t think members are recognised enough by golf clubs. “The trend for golf club membership across Australia seems to be declining and, in our area, we have suffered the problems associated with extreme weather conditions putting pressure on our finances. “When times are tough, the standard reaction is to ask the members to bear much of the financial pain. “But when times are good, they don’t actually do the reverse for the members. “Our members don’t expect that, but we wanted to repay members’ loyalty. “I think golf clubs everywhere need to start recognising that more. “I am not sure how often this would happen at any golf club, but it is a new concept for the Cairns Golf Club. “We are taking a different approach and it will be interesting to see the results at our 2012 annual general meeting.”

The club has also recognised members over the age of 75 who have more than 25 years’ continuous membership. The club stalwarts will now receive full membership for just $150. “By us reducing the fees of the older members, I am sure that is going to maintain their connection with the golf club for a lot longer than it would have if we didn’t do that,” Chirio said. Established in 1923, Cairns Golf Club is located just a few minutes from the CBD.

Chirio said the golf course was in excellent condition and continued to attract positive comments from members and visitors alike. The picturesque 18-hole championship golf course, which stretches to 6159m for men and 5582m for women, is set among tropical surrounds and spectacular mountain backdrops. Over the years, the club has hosted several big tournaments including the Cairns Classic, which was a key event on the Von Nida Tour. For more info, phone (07) 4054 1208.

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Big savings for golf clubs WHAT have you got to lose? That’s the question Golf Management Association (Queensland) is asking golf clubs. Last year, GMAQ formed a buying group to discuss rising costs within the golf industry. Initiated by Redland Bay Golf Club general manager Aaron Muirhead, the buying group aims to combine buying power. “The GMAQ Buying Group is designed to pool our buying power to achieve better purchase prices from our suppliers,” “We have seen significant savings from combining our buying power which is already helping some of the struggling clubs,” he said. “Some of the areas we have already seen these saving in includes fuel, hygiene services, food supplies, confectionary, waste removal services, stationery and more. “I am currently working on a merchant services deal, solar installation package for clubs and bakery supplies.” He said the group aimed to cover all aspects of club costs including Equipment purchasing, brewery agreements, wine supply contracts, catering supplies, waste removal, cleaning contracts, IT agreements and more. For more contact Aaron Muirhead on (07) 3206 7011.

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February 2012

62 clubs.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Cairns sextet rack up the years

Buy now play later

Keith Wilkinson (left) welcomes new life members Maud Way, Mary Griffiths, Allen Smith, Ian Harris and Ron Davis. Missing: Graham Haussmann

DavidNewbery GOLF can keep you young. At least it has kept six members of the Cairns Golf Club in Far North Queensland on their toes. Ron Davis, Mary Grittiths, Ian Harris, Graeme Haussmann, Allen Smith and Maud Way have racked up 345 years of continuous membership at their beloved club. And in recognition of their long and loyal service, the golf club has rewarded them with life membership. With so many years of continuous membership, it comes as no surprise the sextet has a combined age of 495 years. Their average age is 82.5 and the average length of their membership is 57.5 years. At 87, Maud is the oldest member of the group and Allen the “baby” at just 76 years young. However, Mary, 85, is the longest serving member with 64 years’ continuous membership. Allen, who joined the golf club 60 years ago, closely follows her. Ian, 80, is not far behind and will celebrate 59 years membership mid-year.

Maud has been a member of the club for 57 years while 84-year-old Graeme and 83-yearold Ron have been members for 56 and 51 years respectively. Club records show the first of the month was a popular date to join the club. Mary, Graeme, Allen and Maud joined on January 1 while Ron signed up on February 1 and Ian on June 1. Allen, who joined the golf club in 1952, told Inside Golf he had never seen the golf course in better condition. “The greenkeeper takes pride in the golf course,” he said. “It’s the best it’s ever been and I have been on the green committee a couple of times.” Born at Babinda, Allen is also a former club vice-president, handicapper and course director. The 22 marker said the highlight of his golf career was a hole-in-one. “It took me 50 years to get a hole-in-one and I did it on the 11th – the hardest hole on the golf course.” Mary Griffiths, who joined the club in 1948, said she was proud to be a member of the club.

“I have really enjoyed the friendships I made at the golf club,” she said. “I also enjoyed the walking. “I always said if I have to go in a golf cart it was time to give up golf.” Sadly, a knee injury has sidelined Mary. “But I had a good run and it’s good to still be around,” she laughed. “I probably wouldn’t have taken up golf if I hadn’t married into a golfing family. “I was never one for contact sport and never liked basketball or hockey because I was always frightened of being hurt so golf suited me just fine. “I wasn’t a champion by any means,” said Mary, who got her handicap down to 21. “But I am the type of person when I join something I stay committed. As you get older it’s important to have outside interests.” FOOTNOTE: Keith Wilkinson, 77, is the golf club’s only existing life member. He joined the club in 1969 and served as club captain from 197780, 1990-92 and 1996-98 and was a committee member for 18 years. Keith is currently the club historian.

IMAGINE if you could pre-pay your golf and then be able to use it at a later date. Well, now you can. A new website – greatrounds.com – is revolutionising the way golfers can purchase their golf online. The online services company focuses exclusively on golf. It was set up to offer golf rounds and holidays to the Australian golfing public. Anyone who signs up to greatrounds. com will receive regular emails offering him or her discounted golf at a number of golf facilities around the country. The company’s general manager Owen Todd said golfers would have the chance to purchase a round for four to seven days. “Then you can redeem this in line with terms and conditions set out in the availability section for up to 4-6 weeks after the promotion sales has expired,” he said. Todd said greatrounds.com would offer exclusive and innovative golf rounds and holidays at some of the best golfing locations in Australia. “It’s a revolutionary new way to access golf,” he added. With many golf clubs throughout Australia struggling to fill tee times, greatrounds.com is filling the void. Todd said the golf industry needed a shot in the arm and generating additional rounds of golf was a step in the right direction. The first stage of greatrounds.com was rolled out in southeast Queensland in early November. “We have also launched the concept in Victoria and New South Wales will follow next month,” Visit www.greatrounds.com to find the latest golf offers at great courses.

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

February 2012

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

Tocumwal GC beckons LOCATED on the mighty Murray River, Tocumwal Golf Club on the New South Wales border offers not one, but two championship golf courses. The golf club offers the highest level of service and quality in all aspects of the game from course conditioning to practice facilities and the clubhouse amenities. The golf club’s general manager Steve Williams said both layouts were of the highest standard. “One of the great things is championship golf courses are easy walking,” he said. “The fairways are slightly undulating and both courses have some very pretty and challenging golf holes. “We have some of the finest bent grass greens around and the courses are beautifully presented.” The Presidents Course, the older of the two, is heavily tree-lined with deeper bunkering while the Captains Course is lightly timbered, but more water does come into play. Inside the refurbished clubhouse golfers enjoy first-class facilities including seven-daysa-week dining. “With floor to ceiling windows, the restaurant offers panoramic views over the golf course,” Williams said. “The restaurant is open from noon to 9pm and we have a wide variety of meals. We even cater for seniors and juniors starting with a roast for under $10.” Tocumwal GC also has a fine selection of wines – many supplied by some of the local wineries. Williams said the region’s climate was “better than the Gold Coast’s”.

“The weather here is beautiful – around 28 degrees in January and 15°C in July,” he said. “Golfers can look forward to more than 300 days of sunshine each year.” Members pay just $350 for seven-day membership. Visitors are always welcome and can expect to pay $35 for a round and an additional $35 for a golf cart. Aside from golf, there is plenty to do in and around Tocumwal. “The river is fully-stocked and is where the record Murray Cod has been caught,” Williams said. “There’s skiing available and there are 27 sandy beaches on the river and most offer free camping.” Williams said Tocumwal Golf Club was built beside the largest aerodrome in the southern hemisphere.

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“The Americans built the aerodrome during World War II,” he said. “It was where the Liberator Bombers were stationed and trained in anticipation of the invasion from the Japanese.” It’s home to the Historic Air Museum. The airstrip still operates, but it is a friendly atmosphere with joy and gliding flights available for keen flying buffs. Golf fanatics will be pleased to know Tocumwal Golf Club is not the only golf club in the area. They can get their fix at a number of other venues. “We have 350 golf holes within an hour’s drive of here,” Williams said. For more information, telephone Tocumwal Golf Club on (03) 5874 9111.

Justin Timberlake new creative director at Callaway Callaway Golf Company announced the establishment of an advanced, creative position for multiple Emmy and Grammy Award-winning actor, musician and avid golfer Justin Timberlake. A Callaway Staff Professional since 2008, Timberlake will lend his versatile talents as a Creative Director for the Callaway portfolio of Brands. Timberlake will engage in the development and execution of high-level concepts within Callaway’s marketing activities and offer wide-ranging consultation on the visual representation of the Brand. Timberlake’s initial work as a Creative Director for Callaway will support the Company’s 2012 RAZR line of premium golf equipment, including the recently introduced RAZR Fit™ Driver. Callaway’s 2012 product line was launched in Las Vegas last month across several iconic city landmarks including the Bellagio Fountain. Timberlake’s contributions to Callaway’s Epic Demo campaign, which features Callaway staff professionals Phil Mickelson and Alvaro Quiros, includes collaboration with the creative teams and Director Joseph Kahn. “It’s always great when professional projects surround subjects that I am passionate about, and the sport of golf and my work with Callaway definitely fit that criteria,” said Timberlake. “I’m looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective to this category — focusing on the social aspects, fun and lifestyle associated with Callaway and playing golf.” A passionate golfer, Timberlake’s rising status in the sport also includes annual hosting duties at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open PGA Tour event in Las Vegas, NV. Editor’s note: Watch the video of Callaway’s Las Vegas launch on our website. www.insidegolf.com.au

the19thhole 65

Men behaving badly

The quick nine quiz

After the last putt had been sunk, we did the usual thing after a round of golf. We shook hands and thanked each other as if we had enjoyed each other’s company. But like a Milli Vanilli track, this wasn’t quite the truth. A startling display of childish behaviour from the more senior member of our group had blemished an otherwise fun round of golf. Most of the day was fine. We played good and bad shots like all other rounds of golf and spent most of the day feeling happy just to be out in the sunshine. But moments of bad golf from this particular golfer had us all treading on fairways of egg-shells. It began with a few grumbles here and there when a good start to the round had begun to unravel. Poor shots were met with the sort of language one might associate with a pirate in the doldrums. The selfabusive, golf disturbing reaction from one bad golf shot to the next, would end up stretching well into the next hole and only end when, by some stroke of luck, the ball went in the intended direction.

The foul-mouthed golfer in question was oblivious to the effect his rants were having on the rest of the group though. We were always within earshot and while none of it was directed at us at all, it did have the effect of reducing conversation between all parties. To say the atmosphere was tense was an understatement. Once his demeanour had changed—brought upon by a half-decent golf shot—he resumed interactions with the rest of us like nothing had happened. As if we’re good friends and spending the day at Circular Quay. We were once again complimenting each other’s good shots, and discussing hot topics such as how the Internationals lost the Presidents Cup and just why Adam Scott left Ana Ivanovic in the first place. The great Seve Ballesteros once proffered the phrase, “Instant amnesia” when he was asked how he remains so cool after a bad golf shot. Needless to say, our more senior playing partner had apparently never heard the phrase. If he had, it seemed he’d forgotten it. Possibly instantly. We all play bad shots and most of us know how to

This year, I resolve... LarryCanning

“New Years resolutions are a waste of time”. I hear this every year and I have always felt sorry for the pessimistic, cynical, depressing people who say it. Actually I’ve had some great results from some of mine over the years and I’m sure there are others who have similar positive experiences from theirs. On January 1st 1984, I made the rather rash decision to leave my job as a toilet cleaner at Gosford Golf Club and play the Tour full time… With some trepidation I handed in my resignation, on a nice piece of sorbent, to the boss and explained why I had left the security of dunny scrubbing to follow my dream of becoming an International Tour Star. You could tell how excited he was for me when he burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. I’ll never forget the last words I heard Jim Smith (or Smithy, as I called him) say as I plunged my brush into the bowl,

while dry retching, for the last time… “Good luck Larry, don’t forget us when you’re flush!”…. This was followed by another bout of encouraging laughter. On Jan 1st 1975 I announced to myself I was going to sleep with my newly-acquired, gorgeous girlfriend. And I did….in 1981. Probably one of my proudest resolutions was to give up smoking on the 1st of January 1992 (and ‘93 and ‘94.) I have made some new ones this year and although it’s early days I think they are going to be achievable. My first was to watch Steve Stricker play in a tournament without balling my eyes out. (Actually I think the very first reso for 2012 was to cut down on how many beers I have….I can’t quite remember… I was way too smashed.) Back to Stricker. The quietly spoken American is one of the most emotional humans on the planet, and whenever he tears up I can’t help reciprocating. I was tested early with this one when Stricker was

Michael Green is an avid golf fanatic, and the author/blogger of the Aussie Golfer blog (www. aussiegolfer.net) one of Australia’s most popular golf blogging sites. Follow him on Twitter (twitter.com/AussieGolfer) or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AussieGolfer

leading the first event of the PGA Tour in Hawaii. The network played an interview with the big guy and, sure enough, on came the water works. I think he was asked what he got for Christmas or something. I dug deep and stayed dry. Although my wife did ask me what was wrong and I replied with a voice that sounded like Edith Piaf, “Just a bit of hay-fever Darl.” Another resolution tested early this year was my pledge not to take the Snakes Hiss out of Americans and their ridiculous, nerdy, corny golf sayings. You know, things like – “The Get Go” (which actually means “The Start), “He’s in the house”- (finished his round and sitting on the dunny, preparing for a play-off), “The Back Side” – (The part of Tiger’s game my wife most admires), and “Tee Box” – (An African-American rapper.) I’m not even going to slam other non-golfing sayings like “Have a Nice Day”- (Thought you’d never leave) and “Would you like Fries with that?” – (I hate you and I want to shorten your life span). Instead I intend to embrace my American friends and learn to understand them (Cut my Homies some slack, Jack.) Finally, I’m attempting to go an entire round of

David Newbery

1. In which state was Australian professional golfer Geoff Ogilvy born? 2. Can you solve the anagram – Won at most? (The answer is a golfer’s name.) 3. Which American golfer won a US Open after he was nearly killed in a car accident? 4. Which one of the four majors did bespectacled Tom Kite win? 5. Where was the World Golf Hall of Fame located before moving to the World Golf Village in St Augustine, Florida in 1994 – Augusta National, Pinehurst, St Andrews or Royal Melbourne? 6. Can you explain the following – a whiff? 7. During a round, a player tells an opponent of a fellow-competitor that he/she is overswinging. Is this giving advice in breach of Rule 8-1? 8. What do the following courses have in common – Gailes, The Grand, Royal Queensland and Moonah Links? 9. Which club in the bag went by the name Play-club? ANSWERS: (1). Adelaide; (2).Tom Watson; (3). Ben Hogan; (4). US Open in 1992; (5). Pinehurst GC; (6). An air swing; (7). Yes; (8) They all have hosted an Australian Open; (9). The driver.

MichaelGreen

deal with them. We know to leave a wide berth around a golfer who has just found a water hazard or left his ball in the bunker, and perhaps wait a few minutes before sticking it to him about his bad golf shirt. Other golfers who had previously played with the foul-mouthed pirate just laughed at the mention of the childish behaviour and explained it is simply something he was known for. This reaction was astounding and got me wondering about the sort of example we are setting for fellow golfers. Like life, golf should be played in a manner that does not affect others. Disturbing other golfers with post-shot tirades is in the same category as stepping on another golfer’s line or chatting in the middle of a back swing. It’s bad golf etiquette that makes the golf course a bad place to be. You can learn a lot about a person by spending four hours with them on the fairways. I’d like to think that at the end of the round, when my hand is shaken and I’m told it was an enjoyable game of golf, my golf partners are telling the truth.

golf without tossing a golf club. Over the past 40 years (give or take a month) I have chucked more spears than an entire tribe of Amazonian natives, and in this year of 2012 I intend to go an entire round without a single toss. There’s a good chance my head might explode all over some poor bloke’s line, or I could turn into The Australian PGA’s most infamous serial killer but with some dedication and commitment, I reckon I can keep a golf club in my hand until the grip end of the shaft is most of the way into my golf bag… I have to go now and watch some videos of other pros doing this correctly, then follow up with some practice… Wish me luck Larry Canning can be heard on The Back Nine radio show on 2GB.

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February 2012

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YOUR TREAT

Includes • 18 holes of Golf • Shared use of Electric Golf Cart • A Graham Marsh Swampy Burger Offer valid between 1st December 2011 to 29th February 2012. Terms & Conditions apply.

Clubhouse & Sales Office: Twin Creeks Drive, Luddenham | Golf Shop: (02) 9670 8888 | Email: golfshop@twincreeks.com.au

www.twincreeks.com.au

BUY online, mail, phone

GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN? Need new batteries? Don’t replace them… Restore them with the Battery Reviver.

The Battery Reviver can bring old batteries back to life by sending a high frequency pulse through the batteries dissolving the sulphate build up and turning the sulphur crystals back into sulphuric acid. The Battery Reviver is powered by your golf cart batteries and it can be left connected permanently to increase the life of your batteries by up to three times, or used occasionally to restore them.

30 DAY

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK.

For more information, pricing and to order visit our website www.batteryreviver.com.au or Phone 1300 852 433

Call us today on 02 8458 9000, email us at info@teed-up.com or visit our website to see all itineraries and pricing.

www.

highteeladies.com.au

Ph: 0419 501229

Port Stephens Getaways

per d

Golf & Accommodation…from only ✓ Play any day & with any number of people! ✓ Play Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others.

$7 From ay

16 Golf courses! Port Stephens Golfing Holidays

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

2b Tuna Crescent, Fingal Bay NSW 2315 Phone/Fax: (02) 4984 9618 Mobile: 0428 820 477 Email: fosterpj@bigpond.net.au www.psgh.com.au

✓ Established in 1996

e fre oll ure t s ch ll u ro Ca r a b o f

RESORT MAGIC MERIMBULA

US OPEN AND PEBBLE BEACH JUNE 10th — 18th 2012

THE BRITISH OPEN JULY 9th — 23rd 2012

Experience Pebble Beach Golf Course before moving on to San Francisco where you will watch the world best golfers battle it out at the US Open at the Olympic Golf Club. Fully escorted by PGA Professional Michael Mosher.

We have produced a real “bucket list” golf tour. Play 9 games of golf including 7 of the British Open host courses. Start with St.Andrews Old and Castle courses followed by Carnoustie, Kingsbairn, Muirfield, Turnberry, Troon, Birkdale and Royal Liverpool. Finish the tour watching the British Open at Royal Lytham St. Annes.

WWW.TEED-UP.COM

This is the most popular package on the Sapphire Coast, It gets booked out early – don’t miss out • 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort • 6 nights accommodation in a 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment (linen supplied) • 6 FREE fully cooked poolside breakfasts, buffet style • Free use of resort facilities, indoor gas heated pool, sauna & spa, full size tennis court, BBQ area and outdoor pool • Large Groups welcome

Packages starting from:

$489* per person/2 share $399* per person/3 share $379* per person/4 share

Cnr Dunns Lane & Arthur Kaine Dr, Merimbula NSW Phone Toll Free: 1800 688 881 Email: aquariusresort@netspeed.com.au www.aquarius-resort.com.au

Australia’s ULTIMATE stay & play package

*Conditions apply

PACKAGE FOR TWO PEOPLE INCLUDES: • Two nights accommodation • Full buffet breakfast both mornings • 18 holes of golf at Country Club Tasmania • 18 holes of golf at Barnbougle Lost Farm or Barnbougle Dunes • Luxury road transfers to/from Barnbougle Lost Farm or Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course

from$431

per person twin share*

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Offer valid until 30/09/2012.

For bookings call 1800 635 344 and quote GS090 | www.countryclubtasmania.com.au For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

February 2012

68 demodates...............................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au View Demo Days on our website: www.insidegolf.com.au/demo-days-australia/ Callaway RAZr FIT power hours Location

Day

New South Wales Royal Sydney GC* ** Wednesday NSWGC - Members* ** Wednesday The Lakes Golf Club* Wednesday Wagga Wagga Country Club ‡ Thursday Leeton Golf Club ‡ Thursday Mount Broughton Golf & Country Club ‡ Thursday Drummond Golf Gosford ‡ Thursday Drummond Golf Newcastle (Kotara) ‡ Thursday Golfmart Charlestown ‡ Friday Georges River Golf Course ‡ Monday Pennant Hills Golf Club* ** Tuesday Northern Beaches Golf Centre* Wednesday Manly Golf Club* Thursday Shelley Beach Golf Club* Friday Campbelltown Golf Club ‡ Monday Moore Park Driving Range ‡ Monday Canterbury Golf Course ‡ Tuesday Narrabeen Driving Range ‡ Tuesday Narrabeen Driving Range ‡ Tuesday Gosford Golf Club* Wednesday Everglades Golf Club* Wednesday Monash Country Club ‡ Wednesday Terrey Hills Country Club ‡ Wednesday Bexley Golf Course ‡ Wednesday The Links Shell Cove ‡ Wednesday The Ridge Golf Driving Range ‡ Wednesday Nelson Bay Golf Club* Thursday Sydney Olympic Park Driving Range Thursday Moore Park Golf Club* Thursday Drummond Golf Newcastle (Kotara) Thursday Charlestown Golf Club Tuesday Merewether Golf Club Tuesday Roseville Golf Course Tuesday Castle Hill Country Club Wednesday Gordon Golf Course Wednesday Newcastle Golf Club Wednesday Royal Canberra Golf Club Wednesday Morisset Golf Club Thursday Canberra International Golf Centre Thursday Riverside Oaks Golf Course Thursday Drummond Golf Casula Thursday The Ridge Golf Driving Range Wednesday Queensland House Of Golf Bundall ‡ Thursday Gold Coast Country Club ‡ Thursday Golf Factory Outlet ‡ Thursday Palm Meadows Driving Range ‡ Friday Southport Golf Club ‡ Saturday Nudgee Golf Club ‡ Saturday Tewantin Golf Club ‡ Tuesday Caloundra Golf Club ‡ Wednesday Big Easy Driving Range Carlesdine ‡ Wednesday Drummond Golf Ashmore Monday Victoria Park Golf Complex Tuesday Mcleod Country Club Wednesday Drummond Golf Underwood Thursday Palm Meadows Driving Range Friday Virginia Golf Club Friday Victoria Tocumwal Golf Club ‡ Wednesday Kingston Heath Golf Club* Wednesday Melbourne Golf Acadamy ‡ Wednesday Long Island Golf Club ‡ Thursday Melton Driving Range* ‡ Friday Royal Melbourne Golf Club* ‡ Saturday Growling Frog Golf Course ‡ Saturday Albert Park Driving Range ‡ Sunday Rossdale Golf Club* ‡ Tuesday Keysborough Golf Club ‡ Wednesday Riverside Golf Course ‡ Wednesday Sandringham Driving Range ‡ Wednesday Werribee Park Golf Club ‡ Thursday Yarra Bend Driving Range ‡ Thursday The Peninsula Country Club * Thursday The National Golf Club Friday Heritage Golf Club* ‡ Wednesday Morwell Driving Range Thursday Yering Meadows Golf Club* ‡ Friday Flinders Golf Club* ‡ Saturday Commonwealth Golf Club Wednesday South Australia Glenelg Golf Club ‡ Wednesday Adelaide Shores Golf Club ‡ Friday Mt Gambier Golf Club ‡ Sunday Kooyonga Golf Club ‡ Monday South Lakes Golf Club ‡ Tuesday House Of Golf Adelaide ‡ Tuesday Glenelg Golf Club ‡ Wednesday Drummond Golf DR - Mile End ‡ Wednesday The Grange Golf Club ‡ Thursday Mt Osmond Golf Club Thursday

www.callawaygolf.com

Date

Time

February 01 February 01 February 01 February 02 February 02 February 02 February 02 February 02 February 03 February 06 February 07 February 08 February 09 February 10 February 13 February 13 February 14 February 14 February 14 February 15 February 15 February 15 February 15 February 15 February 15 February 15 February 16 February 16 February 16 February 16 February 21 February 21 February 21 February 22 February 22 February 22 February 22 February 23 February 23 February 23 February 23 February 29

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

February 02 February 02 February 02 February 03 February 04 February 04 February 07 February 15 February 15 February 20 February 21 February 22 February 23 February 24 February 24

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

February 01 February 01 February 01 February 02 February 03 February 04 February 04 February 05 February 07 February 15 February 15 February 15 February 16 February 16 February 16 February 17 February 22 February 23 February 24 February 25 February 29

11am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 11am - 1pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 1pm 11am - 12.30pm 1 - 3pm 10am - 1pm 11am - 1pm 4.30 - 6.30pm 5 - 7pm 11am - 12pm 4.30 - 6.30pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 2pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 1pm

February 01 February 03 February 12 February 13 February 14 February 14 February 15 February 15 February 16 February 16

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

Callaway RAZr FIT power hours Location Western Australia Burswood Golf Course Melville Glades Golf Course Whaleback Golf Course Cottesloe Golf Club Wembley Golf Course Driving Range Collier Park Golf Course Royal Perth Golf Club Secret Harbour Golf Course Pattersons Stadium Wanneroo Golf Course Carramar Golf Course Tasmania Launceston Golf Club Tasmania Golf Club Royal Hobart Golf Club Seabrook Golf Club

www.callawaygolf.com

Day

Date

Time

Monday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Saturday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday

February 20 February 22 February 22 February 23 February 23 February 24 February 25 February 27 February 28 February 29 February 29

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

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

February 22 February 23 February 24 February 25

11am - 1pm 10.30am - 12.30pm 11am - 1pm 10am - 12pm

Day

Date

Time

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

January 01 January 01 January 02 January 02 January 03 January 06 January 07 January 08 January 08 January 09 January 09 January 14 January 15 January 16 January 17 January 21 January 22 January 23 January 24 January 25 January 27 January 28 January 28 January 29

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

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

January 07 January 09 January 10 January 11 January 16 January 17 January 18 January 22 January 23 January 24 January 25 January 28 January 29

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

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

January 01 January 02 January 02 January 03 January 07 January 08 January 09 January 10 January 11 January 14 January 15 January 15 January 16 January 16 January 17 January 18 January 20 January 22 January 22 January 23 January 24 January 25

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

Sunday Monday Wednesday

January 26 January 27 January 29

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

Saturday Tuesday Friday Saturday Wednesday

January 18 January 21 January 24 January 25 January 29

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Location New South Wales Tura Beach Country Club* Bega Golf club* Narooma Golf club* Moruya Golf Club* Catalina Country club* Vincentia Golf Club* Illawarra Golf Driving Range Monash Country Club* The Ridge Driving Range Northbridge Golf Club* Narrabeen Driving Range Concord Golf Club* Yass Golf Club* Griffith Golf Club* Wagga Wagga Country Club* Maitland Golf Club* Shortland Waters Golf Club* Merewether Golf Club* Warratah Golf Club* Avondale Golf Club Chatswood Golf Club Camden Lakeside Golf club Olympic Park Driving Range Newcastle Golf Club Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex* Parkwood International Golf Club House of Golf Bundall* Noosa Tewantin GC Golf World Virginia* Royal Queensland Golf Club** Middle Ridge Toowoomba Golf Club* Sanctuary Cove GC** Drummond Golf Underwood In Store* Palm Meadows Driving Range Pacific Golf Club* Golf World Kawana* Indooroopilly GC** Victoria Kingston Heath Golf Club* Melbourne Golf Academy Woodlands Golf Club* Riversdale Golf Club* Kooringal Golf Club* Heidelberg Golf Club* Murray Downs Golf Course* Drummond Golf - Mildura* Horsham Golf Club* HOG Ringwood* Huntingdale Golf Club* Sandringham Golf Range Peninsula Country Golf Club* Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range Kew Golf Club* Patterson River Country Club* Medway Golf Club* Yarra Yarra Golf Club* Melton Golf Range* Victoria Golf Club* Ballarat Golf Club* Commonwealth Golf Club* Tasmania Seabrook Golf Club* Drummond Golf - Launceston* Tasmania Golf Club* Western Australia Burswood Golf Course Royal Fremantle Golf Course Collier Park Golf Course Maylands Golf Course Pinjarra Golf Course

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. † Callaway demo date. ‡ Callaway RAZR sneak peek. Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending.

FI T T ING FORM 11-12 0 B ALL M O D E L

NIKE 20XI-S

AV G . D R I V E R S P I N

2145 RPM

A V G . PW PW SPIN

A V G . T O TA L D R IV I V E R D I S TA N C E

9935 RPM

300.6 YDS

S P I N S L O P E C O M PA R I S O N

AROUND THE GREEN

99 RPM (AVG VG. G.) MORE SPIN FOR ENHANCED CONTROL.

OFF THE TEE

–

SPIN (RPM)

203 RPM (AVG VG.) LESS SPIN RESULTING IN LONG GER DRIVES.

PW DRIVER

C O R E D E N S I T Y C O M PA R I S O N

1 . R Z N - C O R E 2 . C O M P R E S S I O N L AY E R 3 . MA M A N T L E 4 . U R E T HA HANE COVER

DENSITY

0 . 9 5 g •c m 3 0. 0.9

MOI

1 . 2 0 g •c m 3 1.

RUBBER CORE

RZN-CORE

RUBBER CORE: 80g • cm 2 RZN-CORE: 84g • cm 2

LIGH GHT HTER, LOW-DENSITY RZNH N-CORE DISTRIBUTES WEIGHT TO PERIMETER, INCREASING BALL LL MOI. H HIIGH HER BALL LL MOI MAINTAINS SPIN AFTER APEX, ADDING YARDS AND MINIM MIIZING TRAVEL OFFFF LINE.

B A LL LL CHARACTERISTICS

REVOLUTIONARY DISTANCE FASTER INITIAL VELOCITY TY FOR MAXIMUM DISTANCE.

R E V O L U T I O N A RY C O R E LIGH GHTER RZN-CORE YIELDS HIG GH HEST LEVELS OF MOI FOR LONGER, MORE CONTROLLED SHOTS.

R E V O L U T I O N A RY C O N S T R U C T I O N NEW EW MATERIALS ALLOW MORE PRECISE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES FOR MORE CONSISTENCY, BALL TO BALL.

FOLLOW OW US

GET SPEC’D IN GE IN THE OVEN N AT NIKEEGOLF.COM