Inside Golf May 2012 by Inside Golf

InsideGolf www.insidegolf.com.au // Issue 82 May 2012

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The BIG Travel issue! Your complete guide to Australia’s top golf destinations

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Aiming high on the world stage Course Reviews We tackle RACV Royal Pines

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Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

From the early days of the plus-fours and ruffled cravats, to today’s bright colours and plaid ensembles, golf and fashion have long been intertwined. That’s not to say that golf fashion has necessarily been “fashionable”. Just look at golf photos from the 1970s (or some of the blokes on tour today) and you’ll get my drift. Attire on the golf course has been a contentious subject of late. The Inside Golf mailbag and inbox are full of letters decrying the “imminent demise of Neat and Tidy”, while last month’s cover photo of a “scruffy looking” Aaron Baddeley even got a fair amount of unhappy reader letters (see page 87). In the continuing struggle to retain members, and attract the ever-important junior contingent, some clubs are beginning to relax the traditional dress codes. White socks and collared shirts still reign supreme, but it seems that more clubs are starting to “turn a blind eye” to the more creatively-attired players these days. It’s a neon-coloured “grey area”. There are two sides to the argument. Traditionalists argue that the standards of Neat and Tidy attire MUST be adhered to in order to preserve the traditions and essence of the game. They contend that if we relax the dress codes – even a smidgeon - then the entire game may spin out of control into the equivalent of a noholds-barred, “golfers gone wild” frat party. On the other side of the fairway are those who claim that the game is entrenched in old-fashioned, elitist attitudes and antiquated traditions that have little appeal to the younger generations. They say that if we fail to capture the kids’ attention, the game will dwindle in popularity until it is equal in regard to, say Olympic Trampoline. Dress codes in nearly all sports have regularly adapted to the times. From the AFL, to (Twenty20) Cricket, to American baseball to the NBA... uniforms have regularly reflected the fashion and styles of the younger generations. It’s seen by some

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Players like Aaron Cox aren’t afraid to push the fashion boundaries. But is this practice good for the game? as a “necessary evil” in order to ensure the survival of the sports. Golf is no different. I’m sure there was a similar outcry centuries ago when a small band of golfers eschewed their kilts and animal skins to don (heaven forbid) ties, knickerbockers and morning coats. And what about those heathens in the 1920s who (gasp) stopped wearing formal jackets on the links? Or the “Free-thinkers” with the radical concept of NOT tucking their long pants inside their socks; or those who wore bowties, V-neck sweaters and even (double-gasp) short pants! When you think about it, today’s accepted “Neat and Tidy” attire – namely the short-sleeve collared shirts, pleated shorts and golf caps – would have golfers of the 1900’s covering their niblicks in shame. I’m not saying that we need to allow singlets and budgie smugglers on the course – on the contrary, I firmly believe that young golfers and beginners need to respect the traditions and the culture (and attire) of the game. But if we really want to keep our game alive, surely we can open up our minds a little, and maybe let our white socks drop a bit? There is certainly a compromise out there. See you on the fairways (in a collared shirt, of course). •

Richard Fellner Group Editor

Inside Golf launches iPad App

Following our long tradition of leading the Australian Golf industry in the online/digital arena, Inside Golf is proud to announce the launch of our new iPad app — which brings Interactive Replicas of Australia’s favourite golf magazine onto your mobile devices. Available in the Apple App store/Newsstand/iTunes (coming soon for Android), the Inside Golf Digital Version features the entire print version of our magazine in a portable, iPad/iPhone-ready format. Plus, we’ve enhanced each issue with special videos, links, photo galleries and interactive features to improve the overall experience for our loyal community of golf fans. At only 99 cents per issue, it is one of the most affordable golf magazines in the Apple Newsstand. A full 12-month subscription is only $5.49 — which is cheaper than a single issue of other golf magazines out there, and around the same price as a lone golf ball (but much harder to lose). That’s great value for Australia’s most regularly read monthly golf publication. Check it out on the App Store or in iTunes: http://bit.ly/HSdId8

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Cover photo: Courtesy of TaylorMade

Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Senior Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 | E: dg.ross@live.com.au

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Cullen captures maiden victory

Survey: clubs must adapt

Australian Nick Cullen triumphed in the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open following a brave performance that signalled the emergence of an exciting star of the future. The left-hander shot a final round two-overpar 74 to triumph by a stroke from David Smail of New Zealand. Smail, the leader after the first two rounds, closed with a 69 at Emeralda Golf Club. New Zealand’s Michael Long, Japan’s Yoshikazu Haku, and American David Oh finished tied for third, two shots off the pace. The victory was 27-year-old Cullen’s first as a professional. “This means the world to me,” he said afterwards. “I have been practicing hard and playing well but I didn’t know what to expect when I came here. It is only my second time playing in Asia and it’s very different compared with playing at home, particularly with a different climate and food.” Cullen finished with a four-round aggregate of nine-under-par 279 and earned a cheque for US $172,000. He was cruising to victory with a four stroke lead with five holes left, but he let the chasing pack back into the tournament when he triple-bogeyed the par-four 14th. He found trouble off the tee and had to chip back onto the fairway, but then overshot the green with his approach. Over the closing holes he found himself tied for the lead on eight under with Smail, Oh and Haku. But on the par-five 17th, he holed a career putt for birdie from 20 feet to take the lead by one shot. On the par-4 18th, Cullen’s approach shot missed the green to the right, leaving him a difficult up and down. Showing maturity beyond his years, he chipped to five feet and valiantly holed the putt. “I haven’t holed many putts all week so the last two putts where very timely,” said Cullen. It is proving to be an outstanding year for the Australian, as in January he qualified to play in the summer’s Open Championship. Smail, a five-time winner on the Japan Tour, said he hadn’t realized how close it was until the 18th. “Coming down the last I hadn’t really checked the scoreboard, but then I saw that Nick had come back to eight under,” he said. “At that stage I was quite surprised and couldn’t believe I had a chance.” Still, Smail was pleased with his week and start of the year, although he would like a return to winning ways. “I’d like to have a win,” he said. “I haven’t had a win for seven years now. To finally stumble home would be nice.”

A recent survey of Sydney golf clubs has shown that, in order to survive in today’s economy, golf clubs must learn to adapt. The inaugural HLB Mann Judd Sydney survey of golf clubs has revealed that clubs must actively develop strategies to reverse trends like falling membership, reduced income from non-member green fees, and less clubhouse patronage. “Nearly three-quarters of golf clubs surveyed failed to report a surplus during the last year, which is unsustainable” said Simon James, the compiler of the survey. “In addition to an overall average decrease in playing members of four per cent, there is also a decrease in non-playing members of 12 per cent,” he said. Some clubs, however, are successfully bucking the downward trend. “Clubs that have introduced sensible strategies have shown that the overall trend can be reversed by looking at new memberships and other approaches to increase use of the course and club facilities. For example, clubs that offered a 50 per cent discount for juniors had, on average, twice as many junior members as other clubs,” he explains. Joining fees were also highlighted. “36 per cent of the clubs decreased joining fees during the year. Of these, 25 per cent saw an increase in playing males and 50 per cent saw an increase in playing females. Targeting youth and female markets are strategies that are working well,” he said. Clubs with attractive corporate day packages and low one-off green fees have also attracted new members. “There are four main strategies clubs can adopt to increase revenue: increase membership; increase clubhouse use; increase corporate days; and increase income from green fees. Over the next few years, more clubs will be forced to consider merging to reduce costs and increase revenue unless they adopt successful strategies in these main areas,” he said. More information: bit.ly/HMFSLb. •

Nick Cullen (Photo by Paul Lakatos/World Sport Group)

Hendry DQ’d for rare rule violation New Zealander Michael Hendry fell victim to a little-known golf rule and was disqualified after completing the first round. The Kiwi golfer’s caddy pulled the flagstick from the hole after he played a chip shot on the 9th green and the ball found the cup. Golf ’s Rule 17-1 states: “If the flagstick is not attended, removed or held up before the player makes a stroke, it must not be attended, removed or held up during the stroke or while the player’s ball is in motion if doing so might influence the movement of the ball.” If Hendry’s ball had missed the cup, no penalty would have resulted, but the ball could have struck the stick had the flag not been pulled.

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Ordinarily the infraction would result in a two-shot penalty, but Hendry did not realize the error and signed for a three-over-par 75. He was then disqualified under rule 6.6, which deals with signing an incorrect scorecard. Hendry was using one of Emeralda Golf Club’s local caddies for his round. •

Final round scores: 279 Nick Cullen (AUS) 280 David Smail (NZL) 281 Michael Long (NZL) Yoshikazu Haku (JPN) David Oh (USA) TOP AUSSIES 282 Stephen Leaney 285 Ashley Hall 287 Scott Laycock Matthew Griffin

72-66-67-74 68-69-74-69 75-73-68-65, 70-69-74-68 72-67-71-71 72-70-67-73 70-74-67-74 76-71-71-69 73-74-69-71

Thieves target carts

GOLF cart owners at Goondiwindi in Queensland have been warned to keep their motorised golf carts under lock and key. Police have been investigating the theft of two carts from the town’s caravan park. Stolen from the Top Tourist Park, the golf carts were found on railway tracks. •

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

news

Newton teed off

SA, Qld win interstate teams matches

EVERYONE knows golf courses are getting longer thanks to equipment and golf ball technology. But according to Jack Newton, only the men’s tees are being moved further back. “As is the case with most golf courses, the ladies tees haven’t been moved for 30 years,” Newton told golf types at the Queensland Golf Industry Forum. “All the men’s tees are being put further and further back. “I used to play with my daughter (Kristie) and she’s hitting nine irons into par-5s and I said to her ‘get back here off the men’s tees because I am not going to play you from back there.” •

Dinner under the stars

FIFTY isn’t old, but when you have been playing pennant golf as long as David Mackay you may start to wonder. Mackay, who plays pennant golf for Ashgrove Golf Club in Brisbane, recently celebrated his 50th birthday and lined up to play masters pennant for his beloved club. It was a rare achievement when you consider he has represented Ashgrove Golf Club in junior pennant and open pennant. It seems making the transition to masters pennant was a walk in the park for the veteran as he notched up an easy 6/5 victory. • The South Australia Team (Photo courtesy of Golf Australia)

THE arrival of a new head chef Jason Peppler at Victoria Park Golf Complex in Brisbane has seen a spike in trade. The popular inner-city complex recently launched its Dinner on the Deck series much to the delight of patrons. The six-course menu prepared by Peppler has proved to be a winner with guests, who enjoy uninterrupted views of the cityscape under clear autumn skies. According to the complex’s sales and events coordinator, Ali Lord, the venue is now one of the city’s newest hot spots for private functions. The golf complex has an 18-hole golf course, twotier state-of-the-art driving range and challenging 18hole putt putt course. Golfers of all levels can also access the latest technology that is normally exclusive to elite players. •

David flies the flag

SOUTH Australia clinched the Australian Boys’ Interstate Teams Matches title for the first time since 2005 at Pacific Harbour Golf Club on Bribie Island. Holding a narrow overnight lead, the SA team defeated Western Australia 3.5-1.5 to seal victory. SA’s Jack Williams (Grange) was the only player to remain undefeated for the championship. Queensland’s 3-2 win over Victoria was enough to elevate them into second place. New South Wales moved up to fourth place, leapfrogging Western Australia who finished fifth. The Northern Territory, ACT and Tasmania finished in sixth, seventh and eighth respectively. Queensland won the Australian Girls’ Interstate Teams Matches for the Burtta Cheney Cup at Carbrook Golf Club, south of Brisbane. The locals needed just one win on Tuesday morning, and despite losing 3-2 to Western Australia, did enough to guarantee victory and successfully defend their 2011 title.

Queensland Team Captain Gennai Goodwin (Mossman) said the team was excited with the win. “It’s a great way for a lot of us to finish our junior careers,” Goodwin said. Nadine White (Pacific) and Lauren Mason (Horton Park) were undefeated for the Queenslanders. All players except for Dee Dee Russell (Coolangatta-Tweed) will finish their time in the junior ranks this year. The other players include Tiffany-Claire Lewis (Pelican Waters) and Victoria Fricot (Peregrine Springs). Western Australia finished in second place, 3 ½ matches behind Queensland with Alyssa Keir (The Vines) undefeated. New South Wales finish in third place, one match ahead of Victoria in fourth place. 2011 Australian Junior Champion Cathleen Santoso was undefeated for the NSW side. South Australia finished in fifth place. •

Laguna off line THE people in charge of Laguna Quays Resort in Queensland’s Whitsundays have done the right thing by removing its blurb boasting “sweeping fairways most golfers dream of ” from the World Wide Web. If you Google “Laguna Quays”, the message “Website Under Construction” pops up on the screen. According to reports, the golf course, which is just south of Proserpine, is nothing more than an overgrown haven for snakes. Some of the buildings, including The Lodge, even have vines growing over them. It’s a shame because the David Graham/Gary Panks-designed golf course was once rated one of the top-three public golf courses in the country. The local paper reported Mackay Regional Council mayor Mike Brunker as saying the facility had “gone from the penthouse to the outhouse”. Cr Brunker said he would like to see the facility return to its glory days, but under the tourism banner. •

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news

Player recognised All in the family Bob McFarlane, 84, and Taylem Withers, 16, must have set some sort of record recently when they won a 4BBB guest day at Victoria’s Thirteenth Beach Golf Links. You see, Taylem is Bob’s great grandson. Bob, who plays off a handicap of 20, and Taylem (handicap 17), had 47 points and won on a countback. Bob, a former publican in Geelong, Werribee and Sale, has been a member at Thirteenth Beach almost since its inception 10 years ago. Bob and wife Margaret have six children, 14 grand children and 18 great grandchildren, including Taylem, who has been playing golf for just 12 months. •

Free head covers UP at Gordonvale Golf Club in Tropical North Queensland golfers can pick up a free head cover. Don’t get too excited – they aren’t brand-new head covers. All old head covers are placed in a box and punters can help themselves. “If you need a head cover, take it. Leftovers will be thrown out next week,” the sign on the box says. Speaking of punters, the town’s racetrack surrounds the golf course – nine holes of the course. The other nine holes are outside the racetrack. •

Gary Player ONE of golf ’s greatest players, Gary Player, has been honoured for his contribution to golf by being named the 10th recipient of the PGA Tour’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The nine-time major winner and the winner of seven Australian Open titles is recognised as the best international (non-American or European) golfer to have played the game. Created in 1996, the Lifetime Achievement Award goes to people who have made an exceptional contribution to the PGA Tour – both on and off the course. Player joins a distinguished list of people who have been honoured with the award including Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Jack Burke Junior, Pete Dye, Deane Beman, Jack Nicklaus, and President George H.W. Bush. The Black Knight said he was delighted to receive the award.

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“Golf has allowed me to live a truly blessed life and I have tried my best to give something back to the sport,” he said. “Being recognised with true gentlemen like Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson and Jack Nicklaus is humbling and I will continue to help promote and support this wonderful game until the day I die.” PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said Player was an easy choice. “As one of the most accomplished – not to mention most-travelled – players in all of sports, Gary Player’s love of golf and his desire to use his talents to help everyone he comes in contact with make him most deserving of the PGA Tour’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” he said. “You would be hard pressed to find an aspect of the game or corner of the world that hasn’t been influenced by Gary and his positive attitude over the past 50-plus years.” •

Kids into the swing JAC K Ne w t o n reckons the youth of to day know more about the golf swing than he did when he was in his mid-20s. T h a t’s a b i g statement from the man who won the Australian Open as well as numerous tournaments overseas and who was runner-up to Tom Watson in the Open Championship and Seve Ballesteros in the US Masters. “Kids today know more about the golf swing than I did when I was 25,” he said. “I think that is because of the better coaching, new ways of teaching and they are now getting the benefit of the new equipment. “In our day we played with the old man’s clubs and they weighed four tonnes and it was a matter of do your best.” •

Jones wins in Japan New South Wales’ Brendan Jones shot a bogey free 9-under final round to claim a two-shot victory at the Token Homemate Cup on the Japan Golf Tour. “That was probably one of the best rounds of my life,” Jones said to the media after his win. This is his 11th career victory on the tour, and was just the second tournament Jones has played in 2012. He collected a tidy $320,000 check for the victory. Jones joins Scott Hend, Luke Bleumink, Nick Cullen and Kieran Pratt as Australian winners on international tours for 2012. •

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

news

Ruth Hungerford named Golf Queensland’s Volunteer of the Year advanced junior clinics The Queensland golf industry relies heavily upon thousands of volunteers giving their time to support the sport. This varies from supporting their local golf club, Golf Queensland’s High Performance Team or getting involved in school programs. Regardless of the activity, it is impossible to put a value on the enormous contribution that volunteers make to the community. Ruth Hungerford is one woman who is making a huge contribution to the game of golf. In recognition of her involvement, Hungerford received the Golf Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Club Super, at the 2011 Queensland Golf Industry Awards night. “There are many great volunteers around Queensland, so I was extremely honoured to be chosen to receive the award,” Hungerford says. At 78, Hungerford has been a key member of the Downs and South Western District Ladies Golf Association since its inception in 1978. Since then she has been involved as President, handicap manager and has been responsible for the organisation of the annual District tournaments. She became Secretary/Treasurer of the Clifton Golf Club, and has been Captain of the ladies committee for years. She can be found at the Clifton club every Wednesday running the ladies golf, and again on the weekend organising the daily competitions. “I am very interested in the game of golf and I enjoy seeing other people getting enjoyment out of the game. As long as everybody enjoys themselves then I am happy,” she says. Volunteering is an excellent way to become involved

Ruth Hungerford in the game of golf. The roles you can do are endless – gardening, administration, supporting coaching sessions, helping within school and junior programs, events and many more. It is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends who have similar interests to you. “The satisfaction I get from volunteering is extremely worthwhile. For anybody wanting to volunteer, you will be rewarded with what you put in,” Hungerford says. Golf Queensland recognises that volunteers provide the industry with a valuable asset and have therefore introduced a new initiative assisting Districts in recognising its volunteer/s: The Golf Queensland Volunteer Recognition Program. For further information about volunteering for Golf Queensland, or to nominate a volunteer for the Recognition Program, please contact (07) 3252 8155 or visit the Volunteer section of the website www.golfqueensland.org.au. •

Golf Queensland provides young golfers from across Queensland a fantastic opportunity to develop their golfing ability in the Advanced Junior Clinics. The aim of the Advanced Junior Clinics is to identify promising young players and expose them to Golf Queensland’s High Performance pathway. This provides numerous opportunities for juniors to improve their game through both personal and social development, plus access to better coaching and education programs. Players will also have the opportunity to meet with State Coaches and Selectors. This year, Golf Queensland’s new Head Coach, Tony Meyer, will be facilitating the four Advanced Junior Clinics to be held in Cairns, Townsville, South East Queensland and Rockhampton. The two-day clinic include coaching (Golf Queensland Coach and local Professional), technical analysis, acceleration sessions (golf specific exercises) and food and beverages. The cost is $60 per participant. “The Advanced Junior Clinics play an important role in our player development pathway. The opportunity to expose players to the holistic coaching principles of our High Performance Program at an early age is invaluable,” says Meyer. New and exciting golfing technology systems play a valuable role within the Advanced Junior Clinics. These include Trackman —a golf radar system measures spin-rate, club-speed, smash factor, launch angle etc — and Sam Lab Putting— which is an analysis and training system based on accurate ultrasound measurements. The Advanced Junior Clinics also give State Team

Coaches the opportunity to liaise and work with local coaches. This helps to build and maintain relationships within the coaching teams, which is important in order to provide the players with the best possible coaching and education.

Advanced Junior Clinics

Cairns: 25-26 June 2012 at Cairns Golf Club. Townsville: 25-26 June 2012 at Rowes Bay Golf Club. South East Queensland: 28-29 June 2012 at the Golf Queensland State Training Facility, Brookwater. Rockhampton: TBC For more information about Golf Queensland’s Advanced Junior Clinics, please visit w w w. g o l f q u e e n s l a n d . o r g . a u e m a i l tony@golfqueensland.org.au or phone the office (07) 3252 8155. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

industry news

It’s good to be Rickie PGA TOUR professional Rickie Fowler stars in the recently launched Crowne Plaza Hotels & Res or ts multimedia advertising campaign. The upscale hotel brand has signed Fowler for the 2012 golf season and will execute a multi-channel campaign designed to elevate the fresh, contemporary spirit of Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts. One of the most recognizable and stylish golfers on the PGA TOUR, Fowler will appear in television, print and online ads showcasing his unique personality. The broadcast spot titled “It’s Good to be Rickie,” brings to life the comfortable accommodations, numerous amenities and value propositions offered by Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts for business and leisure travellers alike. The ad was launched on The Golf Channel and CBS in April with a humorous and lighthearted ad spot which revealed Fowler staying at a Crowne Plaza hotel prior to tournament play. The ad also stars CBS golf analyst Ian Baker-Finch who follows Fowler during his morning routine, providing play-byplay colour commentary as if at a live broadcast from a golf tournament. •

New Golf GM appointments Steve Middleton – Bribie Island Golf Club (Qld); Jason Seagg – Cromer Golf Club (NSW); Cameron Provost – Orange Ex-Services Golf Club (NSW); Troy Martin – Hunter Valley Golf Club (NSW)

Palmer and Hyatt settle Coolum differences

The Coolum Golf Resort CLIVE Palmer has won complete control of his luxury Coolum golf resort after resolving a dispute with manager Hyatt Hotels. Mr Palmer has paid an undisclosed amount to Hyatt in return for complete control of management rights of the resort, which will now be called The Coolum Golf Resort. The resolution puts an end to voluntary administration for the resort, which employs 650 people. Mr Palmer’s Coeur de Lion Investments terminated its agreement with Hyatt to run the Sunshine Coast resort in February. He was critical of Hyatt’s business performance, claiming it was focused on increasing turnover rather than making a profit. Hyatt won a temporary injunction

to remain in charge ahead of a possible trial in the Supreme Court. But last month the two companies said they had settled their differences, withdrawing their allegations after the payment from Mr Palmer. ‘’Both Hyatt and [Mr] Palmer agreed that the important role the resort plays in Queensland tourism was more important than their differences,’’ they said in a joint statement. Mr Palmer said the high standard of service at Coolum was a fine example of what Hyatt could deliver. Employees, guests and other stakeholders would be provided with support during the transition of the management rights, the companies said. •

Greg Blewett set to dish out his golfing magic RETIRED Australian cricketer Greg Blewett will play for South Australia in an interstate teams golf tournament at Royal Adelaide, as he joins an illustrious group of people, who have represented their state in two different sports. “I’m very passionate about South Australia, so the biggest thing for me is I’m representing my state again,” said Blewitt, as reported by Adelaide Now. Blewett has emerged as one of SA’s top amateur players since his retirement from first-class cricket six years ago. He played in his home

club Tea Tree Gully’s Simpson Cup pennant championship last year, and was crucial to the Gully’s victorious 2010 campaign. Blewett has been regularly winning national competitions for celebrity and athlete golfers. He let slip a chance to do commentary on Australia’s tour of the West Indies and the Indian Premier League to pursue his golf experiment. “I thought I’d give it a bit of a go and see what happens. I just want to keep playing more events and see how good I can get–because there’s so much room for improvement,” he said. •

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Booking lessons online just got smarter US BASED company Smarter Lessons (www.smarterlessons.com) has appointed Golf Industry Central as its Australasian representative to promote their state-ofthe-art web-based golf lesson booking system. Smarter Lessons offers software solutions that enable facilities, instructors and students to manage their time, money and skill development for maximum efficiency and profitability. “We at Smarter Lessons are delighted to grow our business through this expansion into the Australasian marketplace,” said company CEO Tom Mox. “We’ve been able to streamline the golf lesson and management functions for over 2,500 golf professionals worldwide and are happy to extend our time-saving services to even more golf pros,” he said. “Booking your golf lesson is one area that has been left in the dark ages,” said Mike Orloff of Golf Industry Central. “The Smarter Lesson software is so versatile and will easily integrate all of your pros under one system. There’s no need for pros to continually carry a diary around and students can book a lesson 24 hours a day online,” he added. •

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PGA news

Celebrity golf tragics join The Club Renowned golf tragics Ricky Ponting, Livina Nixon and Brendon Goddard are just three names spearheading a new PGA ambassador initiative, ‘The Club,’ launched last month. Ponting, Nixon and Goddard join fellow golf lovers Brodie Harper, Sam Fisher, Lili Romano, Shura Taft, James Tobin and Scott McGregor as members of The Club which aims to encourage Australians to not only pick up a golf club and have a go, but also increase their enjoyment of the game. “We approached The Club Members based on their love of golf and desire to get more out of their game from both a skill and enjoyment perspective. While they are all at different levels from beginners to single markers, each of The Club members love to get out on the golf course and have a go–and that’s what The Club is all about,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia. As part of the program The Club members have been making the most of their opportunity to work with the PGA and its Professionals, taking lessons primarily in the PGA’s state of the art Learning Centre under the guidance of PGA Director of Coaching Stuart Leong at the Sandhurst Club in Melbourne. “Apart from my family and cricket, golf is my passion. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t try to get out on a course, driving range, practice green or even set up putting practice at home or in my hotel room wherever I am in the world,” said Ponting. Speaking about his involvement with the program, PGA Professional Stuart Leong says he hopes The Club will help illustrate the

Lili Romano and Brodie Harper at Sandhurst benefits of seeking advice and tuition from PGA Professionals, at the same time promoting the sport he loves so much. “It’s not about being the best but it is about getting out there and enjoying the game, hopefully more and more every time you pick up the club,” said Leong. “That’s really what golf ’s all about- and if I or

any other PGA Professional can help these guys or anyone else have more fun on the golf course, we’re doing a good job.” While The Club members will be out and about at PGA events and tournaments throughout the year, you can also stay up to date with how they are working on their game at The Club webpage http://theclub.pga.org.au •

Victorian claims ‘Ultimate Golf Prize’ John Freeborn from Glenroy in Victoria is the envy of all sports fans after taking out the PGA’s Ultimate Golf Prize promotion and the opportunity to watch the likes of Adam Scott, Jason Day and Geoff Ogilvy on course at this year’s Open Championship. John and a guest will be heading to Royal Lytham and St Annes with return flights and seven nights’ accommodation in the UK courtesy of the PGA and Flight Centre. While at The Open they will also have the opportunity to meet with defending champion Darren Clarke. To top it off John will also receive a brand new set of Callaway golf clubs and lessons with a PGA Professional for a year. Approximately 12,000 entries were received for the promotion which ran in conjunction with the PGA’s ‘It’s Golf Season’ campaign over the recent summer of golf. “We are overwhelmed with the number of entries for our ‘Ultimate Golf Prize’ and thank Flight Centre and Callaway for their support in running this promotion over the golf season,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia. “I’m sure John will enjoy a trip of a lifetime at this year’s Open Championship and hopefully see an Aussie winner claim The Claret Jug for the first time since Greg Norman in 1993.” The 2012 Open Championship will be held at Royal Lytham and St Annes from July 19 – 22. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

industry news

From the CEOs Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

With the world’s professional golf tours now in full swing, I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge our Touring Professionals who are now well underway in their 2012 playing schedules. Following the successful staging of the NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship our own PGA Tour of Australasia will now take a break for a number of months. The NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship was contested at The Hills in Queenstown, one of

Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

It’s hard to believe we’re into the winter months again in what has been a busy six months for Golf Australia across all departments. In April in Queensland we crowned two new Australian Junior champions – Victorian Su Hyun Oh and New Zealander Tyler Hodge who join impressive honour rolls packed with PGA and LPGA Tour players. Both players earn a place in the respective Australian Opens for the win which is a fantastic

the most spectacular golf courses in the world. Fittingly New Zealand’s own Michael Hendry took out the title which I’m sure will bode him well for his upcoming international schedule which will include OneAsia. The PGA is a founding Member of OneAsia which continues to be an important part of the PGA’s playing pathway for our Members. The 2012 OneAsia schedule officially kicked off in March with the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open and I’m pleased to congratulate our own Nick Cullen who took out the tournament. The victory was Nick’s first as a professional and we are certain there are many more successes ahead for the young South Australian. As demonstrated through Nick’s victory, OneAsia holds great opportunity for our Tournament

Professionals who are looking to make their mark on the world stage. With 14 events planned for 2012, each with a minimum prize purse of USD$1,000,000, OneAsia has fast become a regular playing destination for a large number of our Australian and New Zealand Professionals and we are again looking forward to another great year of golf throughout the Asian region. The PGA has over 100 Professionals touring the world and we continue to produce elite tournament players at an astonishing rate. I wish all our Professionals the very best of luck for the year ahead and look forward to many stories of success in the coming months. Finally I would like to again send my very best wishes to Jarrod Lyle, his wife Briony and the entire Lyle family. Jarrod has again embarked on a fight against leukaemia and it’s fair to say the entire International industry is sending him well wishes. We’re all behind you Jarrod. •

opportunity for them and we’re pleased we can give Australia’s most promising junior golfers a chance to compete on big stages at the Opens. While we celebrate the championship successes, I’d like to make special mention of the golf clubs across Australia which agree to host National and/or State Championships each year. Golf Australia recognises that using a golf course for a championship is not always an easy undertaking for the club concerned but we appreciate those clubs who take pride in hosting these events and invariably our feedback is that players, coaches, families, volunteers and members alike enjoy the chance to be involved. As is so often the case in golf, volunteers are also the lifeblood of our National Championships and get a real sense of satisfaction taking on a

range of roles and getting to watch great golf at the same time. I’d like to thank all of those people who give up their time to assist us each year – your support is invaluable and vital in the success of each of our championships. While we’re celebrating those who contribute to the development of golf, we recently went past the 3,000 members mark for the national junior program, MYGolf. More than 300 golf clubs and facilities across Australia are now accredited Official MYGolf Centres and at no cost to become involved, there’s every incentive for clubs to promote an existing junior program or start something new. If you’d like to be involved but want to know more, visit www.mygolf.org.au or call Golf Australia or your relevant State Association. •

PGA announce key Tour dates The very best of Australian golf will be showcased across two countries and four states with the PGA Tour of Australasia announcing key dates for their biggest tournaments to end their 2012 schedule. The Australian Masters will remain on the Melbourne sandbelt this year and will return to Kingston Heath Golf Club from November 15 to 18, with a minimum prizepool of AUD$1 million up for grabs. The Tour will then head over the Tasman for the staging of the BMW New Zealand Open from November 22 to 25 at Clearwater Resort in Christchurch for a prize pool of AUD$400,000. Sydney and The Lakes Golf Club will be next to host the action from December 6 to 9 for The Emirates Australian Open. Players will battle for the coveted Stonehaven Cup and the AUD$1.5 million prize pool on offer. The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will finish things off from December 13 to 16 at Coolum Golf and Spa, featuring a prize pool of AUD$1.5 million. Both the Emirates Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will again be co-sanctioned by OneAsia for the fourth consecutive year. The confirmed dates complement the previously announced Perth International set to hit Australian shores from October 18 to 21. To be contested at Lake Karrinyup Country Club for USD$2 million, the co-sanctioned Perth International will herald the return of the European Tour to Australia for the first time since 2009. •

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industry news

TaylorMadeHDK vehicles launch in Australia adidas to acquire Adams Golf The adidas Group and Adams Golf, Inc. announced recently that the TaylorMade-adidas Golf business segment has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Adams Golf for $10.80 per share in cash. The transaction value is approximately US$70 million, which represents a premium of approximately 71% to the share price prior to Adams Golf ’s announcement that it was examining strategic alternatives on January 4, 2012. The addition of Adams Golf enables TaylorMadeadidas Golf to broaden its product range and to extend its presence across a wider array of golfers. “This acquisition reflects our commitment to continued growth in the golf category,” said adidas Group CEO Herbert Hainer. “The proposed combination of Adams Golf and TaylorMade-adidas Golf brings together two highly complementary sets of brands, combining Adams’ focus on game-improvement as well as senior and women golfers with TaylorMade-adidas Golf ’s focus on the younger and the low-to-mid handicap golfer.” “This merger provides strong opportunities for our employees, suppliers and partners,” said Barney Adams, Interim CEO of Adams Golf. “The Adams Golf brand will fit nicely into TaylorMade-adidas Golf ’s stable of brands, and together we will be able to increase our reach and better serve our customers by leveraging a wider set of resources. We are also excited that TaylorMade-adidas Golf has decided to maintain Adams Golf’s headquarters in Plano, Texas.” •

GOLD Coast golf vehicle specialists Golf Cars International recently announced that they will be bringing HDK Electric and Hybrid Vehicles to Australia. The HDK line features vehicles for both work and leisure, including two- and fourseater golf cars, hospitality/people movers and heavy duty utility vehicles. They are each fitted with a full selection of accessories like on-board chargers, alloy wheels and retractable seat belts. “The introduction of HDK into Australia has been timely”, reports Golf Cars International CEO Kevin Cross. “Many customers have been impressed by the speed and many features included in the low price. HDK represents a true value for money product in the Australian Golf Car market,” adds Mr Cross. Golf Cars International Pty Ltd is an Australian-owned company whose

shareholders include world-renowned professional golfers Ian Baker-Finch and Steve Elkington. A Master Distributor of Club Car products in Queensland, Northern NSW and the Pacific Islands, Golf Cars International is growing rapidly. They most recently opened a Sales and Service Centre on Hamilton Island, plus a purpose-built Golf Car Outlet on the Gold Coast which specializes in the sale of all brands of used golf cars and utility vehicles. HDK will be sold and serviced throughout Australia and will offer affordably-priced alternatives to many categories of business as well as golfers and residents of gated communities around the country. Golf Cars International is offering special limited-time prices coinciding with the launch of the Australian HDK website. For more information: www.hdkaustralia.com.au, or call 07 5529 9499, or email sales@hdkaustralia.com.au. •

Callaway sells Top-Flite brand Callaway Golf has sold the Top-Flite brand to American retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods for $20 million, the company announced last month. “The decision to sell Top-Flite reflects the Company’s renewed focus and commitment to driving the proficiency of our core businesses, specifically the success of Callaway and Odyssey products,” Callaway’s new CEO Chip Brewer said in a press release. “Our strong working relationship with Dick’s Sporting Goods went a long way towards the completion of this agreement and we look forward to their stewardship of the Top-Flite brand.” Callaway purchased both Top-Flite and Hogan Golf in a “bankruptcy sale” in 2003, but with the sale of Top-Flite (and the sale of Hogan brand to Perry Ellis earlier this year), the company will now focus on flagship brands Callaway and Odyssey. •

Acushnet, Callaway reach patent settlement Acushnet Company and Callaway Golf Company jointly announced last month that they have reached a settlement of all pending litigation and disputes, including disputes beyond the golf ball suits between the parties. No money changed hands, but under the terms of the agreement, each company will have specified rights to make golf ball and club products under patents owned by the other. Details of the settlement are confidential. The multi-year battle stemmed from Callaway alleging that the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball infringes upon four patents that Callaway acquired when it purchased Top-Flite Golf Company in 2003. •

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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NSW events

Donohoe wins 7th Women’s New South Wales Seniors Title Narooma’s Sylvia Donohoe has won the 2012 NSW Women’s Senior Championship at Coffs Harbour Golf Club, defeating last year’s winner, Jacqui Morgan from Monash Golf Club. It is an astonishing 7th NSW Women’s Senior Championship title for Donohoe, to go along with her seven Australian Women’s Senior Championship titles – an outstanding feat. The Final matches of all age group categories were also played on the final day. The local Coffs Harbour ladies members had a strong contingent, with three contesting their age group Final, although unfortunately none come away with a victory. In the 55-59 years division it was local Coffs Harbour member Ada Lynch against Rhonda Magner from Concord. It was a strong performance from Magner, who was victorious over Lynch 7/5. A tough match was expected in the 60-64 years age category where Anne Jackson from Ballina Golf Club took on Nicky Moon from Federal Golf Club in the ACT. It went right down to the wire, Moon 1 up with one to play. Jackson struggled on the final hole in one of the bunkers, handing Moon the win 2up. It was a consistent performance from Fay McDonald from Urunga Golf Club in the 65-69 years division, defeating local Coffs Harbour member Judith Kruse, 5/4. In the 70+ years the match it was again a repeat of the 2011 Final between Joyce Williamson from Concord Golf Club and Gloria Hickey from Coffs Harbour Golf Club. In what was a thrilling match, it went down to the wire finishing on the 22nd hole. It was last year’s winner Williamson who eventually won, defeating Hickey. The event started with two rounds of stroke play. Jacqui Morgan took an early lead, finishing the day with 78. Elanora’s Brenda Chalmers was just one shot behind on 79, while a further four shots behind on 82 was Lynne Townsend (Wollongong GC). The second day of play saw Morgan again have a solid round, shooting 79 for a total 157 to see her finish in the top spot after the 36 holes.

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Chalmers and Townsend also played well, finishing with 84 and 79 respectively for the day. However it was Sylvia Donohoe (Narooma GC) who shot the best round of the day, finishing with 76. The top eight from the 36-holes qualified for the Championship quarter finals match play, while the top four from each of the age categories also qualified for Age Group Match Play. The top eight in the Championship played match played on the Wednesday. Number one qualifier Jacqui Morgan (Monash GC) won her match quite comfortably against Jill Blenkey (Newcastle GC), winning 7/6. It was much tighter in the 4 v 5 match, with Pauline Jeffrey (Queanbeyan GC) defeating fourth qualifier Brenda Chalmers (Elanora CC), 3/2. Sylvia Donohoe (Narooma GC) won her match 4/3, accounting for Maggie Hayes (Bonnie Doon GC). The final match of the day went down to the wire, with Lynne Townsend (Wollongong GC) eventually winning 2/1, defeating Liz Smyth (Royal Canberra GC). The semi finals for the Championship, as well as the four age categories was played on the Thursday. It was the battle of big guns in the Championship Semi Finals with Morgan

contesting Pauline Jeffrey (Queanbeyan GC), and Donohoe challenging Lynne Townsend (Wollongong GC). Both matches were tight, however in the end it was Morgan and Donohoe who came out on top, 5/4 and 5/3 respectively. In the 55-59 years age category Rhonda Magner (Concord GC) had a good win over local Romana Murphy 4/3. In the other match it was the battle of the locals, with Ada Lynch defeating Gayle Jones 3/2. In the 60-64 years bracket, Anne Jackson (Ballina GC) was successful 4/2 over Maree Vincent (Waratah GC). It was the battle of those from our nation’s capital in the second match, with Nicky Moon (Federal GC) accounting for Chris Taylor (Royal Canberra GC) in a tight match, 2/1. In the 65-69 year semi-finals Urunga GC’s Fay McDonald won her match 6/4 against Eileen Rodwell (Terrey Hills GC), while local Judith Kruse (Coffs Harbour GC) defeated Judith Tunks (Oatlands GC) 3/1. In the age category 70+ years Joyce Williamson (Concord GC) had a strong win over Marian Hinds (Belconnen Magpies GC) 7/6. It was another battle of the locals in the second match, with Gloria Hickey winning her match against Margaret Morison 2 up. •

Morgan nabs Women’s Senior OOM Jacqui Morgan (Monash Country Club) has taken out the 2011-2012 Golf NSW Women’s Senior Order of Merit. In what was a busy week in Women’s Golf, Morgan capped off an outstanding 12 months by qualifying in top place for the Match Play section of the Women’s NSW Senior Championship. Whilst she would eventually be beaten in the Final, her achievement in securing the Order of Merit highlights not only her talent, but also her consistency. Morgan took out the Women’s Senior Order of Merit with 1450 points accumulated

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across seven events. This included wins at the Seaside Classic, Nelson Bay, Monash, Long Reef, Avondale and the Barrenjoey Week of Golf. She then confirmed her victory by taking out the Strokeplay section of the Women’s NSW Senior Championships at Coffs Harbour. Last year’s winner, Sylvia Donohue (Narooma) came in second place with 655 points, whilst Liz Smyth (Royal Canberra) accumulated 632 points. The top five was rounded out by Maggie Hayes (Bonnie Doon) with 510 points and Christine Marks

(Cypress Lakes) 346 points. More information on the Golf NSW Women’s Senior Order of Merit can be found at www.golfnsw.org • Top 10 Rankings Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Pts 1450 655 632 510 346 314 293 287 238 195

Name Jacqui Morgan Sylvia Donohoe Liz Smyth Maggie Hayes Christine Marks Nicky Moon Dianne Hoschke Lynne Townsend Brenda Chalmers Jill Blenkey

Club Monash CC Narooma GC Royal Canberra GC Bonnie Doon GC Cypress Lakes GC Federal GC Bayview GC Wollongong GC Elanora CC Newcastle GC

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events

Aussie clubs fly the Holden Scramble flag in China In an historic event for Australia’s favourite pro-am teams competition, the Holden Scramble took on a team of amateur players from China’s teams event, the China Golf Club League (CGCL) at Tycoon Golf Club near Shenzhen last month. The competition saw the top three teams from last year’s Scramble Final, with players from Robina Woods (QLD), Laidley (QLD) and Cromer (NSW) take on the top three teams from the CGCL over two rounds incorporating a teams’ best ball and single stroke competition. The Tycoon Golf Club, which is a 45-hole complex in the top ten courses in China, was magnificent and challenging. The Australian team took the course head on with some outstanding individual net results. After the first round, it was team Australia with the upper hand, leading by 24 shots following the unique pairs stroke best ball event. Standout performances by Laidley players Kenji Yoshida and Adam Best, and the Robina/Laidley combination of Nathan Baker and Ron Goltz set the Aussies in a good position leading into round two. Single stroke on day two also saw some notable rounds again from Laidley player Adam Best (60 net) and Cromer’s Katrina Brown (67 net) which set Aussie hopes high, however local knowledge and some solid and consistent rounds from team China saw them eventually take the overall trophy by 10 shots. Whilst the competition was forefront on the minds of all players, it was the social and cultural activities which will remain in the memories of the Australian players and

The Australian and Chinese teams at the farewell party certainly eliminate any disappointment of the loss. For most of the team, it was their first time to China and in fact for some was their first trip off Australian soil. What an amazing way to start your travels. The hospitality shown by the China Golf Association and China Golf Club League left many of the players speechless. From the moment they stepped off the plane in Guangzhou, to be greeted by the CGCL with flowers and welcoming smiles, the genuine warmth shown to the Aussie team was

humbling. The many traditions and customs associated with an event such as this really opened many players’ eyes to a new world. The welcoming ceremony included various speeches and toasts, mixed with traditional local feasts and musical entertainment. There was, of course, some free time which saw most of the Aussie team make the most of the local shops in Shenzhen and sample more local cuisine. The best was certainly saved until last on the final night where players were taken to

an off-site venue, “Little China” in Shenzhen for a banquet gala dinner. Little China can be described as a national outdoor museum showcasing replicas of the various architecture, icons and cultural traditions from all over the country. “This exciting new event was more than any of us could have expected, and was a fantastic way to cap off the 20th Anniversary celebrations from last years’ Holden Scramble” said the PGA’s National Event Manager, Natalie Ritter. “The hospitality shown by our friends at the CGCL was just outstanding, and team Australia represented our country, Holden and the PGA extremely well. The event was developed to build on the already strong relationship that the PGA has with the China Golf Association through various other programs, and of course to showcase each countries magnificent golfing opportunities,” she added. “Whilst the event is in its infancy, it is certainly something we aim to continue to develop and look forward to seeing the Chinese players back in Australia again,” Ritter said. So after 443 local Holden Scramble events, 29 Regional Finals and one Championship Final, the top three Australian teams can return home knowing they have been a part of history as the first Australian team to represent the Holden Scramble on foreign soil in what was a memorable experience for all. For full results and more photos visit www.holdenscramble.com or Facebook www.facebook.com/#!/HoldenScramble •

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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seniors

NATIONAL SENIORS ADFGA too good for GA Seniors

2012 Golf Australia team – Paul Harvey-Walker (NSW), Grahame MacDonald (QLD), Adrian Barr (VIC), Russell Rogers (NSW), Tony Kennings (NSW), Pat Giles (VIC), Guy Krall (VIC), Col Hallam (QLD), David Edwards (NSW), Ken Brown (SA), Mike Peeck (QLD), John Wheeler (VIC) The Australian Defence Forces Golf Association team has proven too strong for the Golf Australia Senior Team with a comfortable 16 matches to 8 matches winning margin in the annual competition played this year at The National Golf Club. On the majestic Old Course the ADF players made the most of their considerable length off the tee while the GA team tried to counter attack with their greater experience and sharp short game skills. At the end it was another win for the ADF team who had broken through for their initial victory in 2011. Special congratulations go to Golf Australia senior Tony Kennings who went through the series undefeated. After six years of this very popular competition the result now stands at two wins apiece, with two series drawn. The 2013 competition will be held in New South Wales. The 2012 Australian Senior Ranking competition continues, and Stefan Albinski maintained his commanding lead following another victory in the 2012 West Australian Senior Amateur Championship. Albinski (71-75-76) defeated

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local players Graham Bowen (74-76-77) and Ian McPherson (76-77-75). These are the same players in the same top three positions as the 2011 WA Championship. The inaugural Lake Karrinyup Seniors was played in March and NSW newcomer Graham Blizard played outstanding golf to record a five shot victory. Blizard’s rounds of 73 and 70 gave him a one-underpar total on one of Australia’s best courses. Second place went to Queensland visitor Col Hallam (76-72) with local member Alex Cleave third (75-77). More information and full results of all the matches is available on the AUSOOM website: www.ausoom.com • 2012 Australian Senior Rankings

NSW

Mazzone leads SA Senior Order of Merit

Stanford maintains lead in Senior Order of Merit

The second event in the new SA Senior Order of Merit competition was played at the Tea Tree Gully Golf Club on March 22. The winner was John Hill from the Mt Osmond club with a great round of 73. He defeated Rod Phillips (Mt Osmond) and Tony Timmins (Kooyonga) who shared second place with scores of 75. Handicap prizes and Super Seniors prizes were also awarded as a large field enjoyed another very successful day. The third event was played at the Mt Osmond club on April 2nd. It was another excellent field and on a very hot day the winner was local member Rod Phillips with a 76. Grange senior Tony Mazzone returned to his best form and showed that age is no barrier to great golf. In returning the same score of 76 Mazzone received his prize as the winner of the Over 65 division. Jim Richards from Penfield was next best with a score of 78. Joe Scopacasa (Grange) and Tea Tree Gully winner John Hill were also amongst the prize winners after rounds of 79. Following good showings at Blackwood and Tea Tree Gully the top placing at Mt Osmond took Tony Mazzone to the lead in the Order of Merit. With large fields in the three events held to date the future looks bright for this new competition. More information: www.golfsa.com.au •

After 9 events in the 2012 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition Mona Vale golfer Greg Stanford maintains the lead he has held since winning the first event of the year. Stanford followed this early win with another victory at The Australian Golf Club Seniors and a top four finish in the Concord Seniors. He leads by more than 100 points from Twin Creeks golfer Grahame Blizard. A newcomer to senior Greg Stanford golf Graham Blizard has already recorded a win at St Michael’s and several high finishes including a second at the 2012 NSW Senior Amateur Championships. The very consistent Order of Merit senior Ross Bockman (Long Reef) holds down third place. ACT senior Bill Banks leads the Over 65 Years Order of Merit competition. Banks recently won the Gungahlin Lakes Seniors with a great round of three under par 69 on this testing layout. In second place in the Over 65’s is Vince Clark from The Lakes with Penrith senior Clark in third place. More information: www.golfnsw.org •

2012 South Australian Senior Order of Merit

2012 NSW Senior Order of Merit

Player

State

Events

Ave.

Stefan Albinski

NSW

156.7

Peter King

QLD

103.4

Player

Club

Events

Best 8

Player

Club

Events

Best 12

Denis Dale

NSW

89.50

Tony Mazzone

Grange

206

Greg Stanford

Mona Vale

1065

Bill Banks

ACT

82.03

Lindsay Elliott

Blackwood

185

Graham Blizard

Twin Creeks

950

Roy Vandersluis

NSW

76.09

John Hill

Mt Osmond

181

Ross Bockman

Long Reef

942

Rod Phillips

Mt Osmond

177

Denis Dale

Twin Creeks

928

Paul Bagshaw

Thaxted Park

168

Richard Greville

Avondale

838

Giles wins after 7-hole playoff

Goonawarra’s Pat Giles came from six shots behind to win the 2012 Alpine Senior Masters played at the picturesque Bright Golf Club. Giles, who turned 69 in February, wound back the clock with a final round of even-par 72 for a two round total of 148 to finish tied with current Doug Bachli Trophy holder Ross Percy and Barry Tippett from The Sands Golf Club. In an enthralling sudden-death play-off Giles eventually prevailed on the seventh extra hole. The

win moved Giles into the Top-5 on the Victorian Order of Merit table. It has taken five events but the defending champion Cobram-Barooga senior Ross Percy has moved into the lead in the 2012 Doug Bachli competition for Victoria’s senior golfers. Percy has won this title in the last two years and will be very hard to run down now that he has taken the top position. More information: www.golfvic.org.au •

COMING EVENTS: 2012 Victorian Senior Order of Merit Player

Club

Events

Best 8

Ross Percy

Cobram Barooga

817

Greg Welsh

Colac

770

Michael Jackson

Yarra Yarra

735

Pat Giles

Goonawarra

668

Alan Evans

Royal Melbourne

650

May 2 Avondale Seniors May 7-10 Cobram-Barooga Seniors May 7 Penrith Seniors May 15 Strathfield Seniors May 21 Commonwealth Seniors May 22 Mona Vale Seniors May 25 Metropolitan Seniors June 4 Cabramatta Seniors

NSW VIC NSW NSW VIC NSW VIC NSW

Compiled by Denis Dale

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events

MAY

Inaugural Stillbirth Foundation Golf Day

Where: Pennant Hills Golf Club When: Tuesday 8th May, 11.30am Info: www.stillbirthfoundation.org.au/golfday2012 A golf experience to raise funds for the Stillbirth Foundation Australia! Enjoy 18 holes of golf with fun on-course activities and fabulous prizes to be won, followed by a BBQ buffet dinner. Format is Shotgun start, 4-ball Ambrose. COST: $200 per person, including BBQ dinner. Non-playing guests may attend the dinner at $45. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For information please contact Aaron David for further info: aaron.david@bigpond.com

Women’s NSW 72-hole Stroke Play Championship Where: Castle Hill Country Club When: 14-15 and 17-18 May Info: www.golfnsw.org The Championship is open to female amateur golfers whose handicap does not exceed 14.4 strokes at the time of entry. The Championship will be stroke play over four rounds of 18 holes (72-holes).

Men’s NSW Mid-Amateur Championship Where: Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club When: Sunday 6, Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 May Info: www.golfnsw.org The Men’s NSW Mid-Amateur Championship is open to male amateurs who are between 30-54 years of age, with a handicap of 9.4 and under. It is stroke play over three rounds of 18-holes.

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Runge Mining Towns Series set to explode The Runge Mining Towns Series is set to explode in 2012 when it is officially launched at the Blackwater Golf Club on Tuesday May 15th. In its fifth year, the Runge Mining Towns Series has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated swings of the Qld Sunshine Tour. Last year’s series saw Brad Andrews win for the second time in four years, carding an amazing 21-under par for the eight rounds, edging out Order of Merit champion Luke Paroz by one stroke to take home the $4,000 winners bonus. The 2012 Runge Mining Towns Series will not only give professionals more than $6,000 in additional prizemoney, but the professionals will also have the opportunity to play for the birdie bonus with the player who has the most birdies in each round of the series receiving a further cash bonus of $200. Below is the schedule of events in the series: Wed 16th – Thurs 27th May Blackwater Mineworkers and Country Club Pro Am $25,000 Sat 19th – Sun 20th May Valley Longwall International Conveyor Division Emerald Pro Am $25,000 Wed 23rd – Thurs 24th May Capcoal Middlemount Pro Am $17,500 Sat 26th – Sun 27th May BMA Dysart Pro Am $17,500

The draw for the first two days of play is random, with a seeded draw for the final round. This year a gourmet BBQ buffet dinner will be held on the Sunday evening, open to all entrants and their guests. Cost for this is just $45. Quay West Resort at Magenta Shores have offered a special rate to participants and their families from 6 May - 10 May . Entries are $140 per player online, or $130 per player all other forms of entry. Entries close Friday 20 April, 5.00pm

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Women’s NSW Mid-Amateur Championship Where: Castle Hill Country Club When: 14-15 May Info: www.golfnsw.org The Women’s NSW Mid-Amateur Championship is played in conjunction with the first and second round of the 72-hole Stroke Play Championship. The Championship is open to female amateur golfers, aged from 30 to 54 years on the first day of play.

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Players must play all of the above 12 rounds to be eligible for the series prize Each player will get to remove their worst score (to par) from their overall score 1st Prize $4,000 min 2nd Prize $1,000 min 3rd Prize $500 min With many of the professionals looking for the financial boost to help fund overseas Tour Schools and OneAsia Tournaments later in the year, the competition is sure to be fierce. Queensland Tournament Coordinator Justin Maker is excited about this year’s Series and what the Mining Towns Series does for golf in these regional areas. “The Mining Towns is one of the most enjoyable sections of the QLD Sunshine Tour. When you combine the series with great people, good golf courses and a passion for golf like no other, the Mining Towns is definitely one of my favourite parts of the tour. The PGA is really looking forward to giving back to the region this year, which will surely make it the most successful series to date.” •

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events

Juniors can play, travel like a pro

eight scratch scores from the 72-hole stroke play Championship, whose handicap is between 6-14. Those eight players qualify for the NSWLGU Salver match play.

AN opportunity of a lifetime has arisen for junior golfers Australia-wide. The Hills Golf Academy, home of junior golf education in Australia for more than 20 years, is giving juniors the chance to play in a number of top events in the Asia/Pacific region. Tom Berndt, the academy’s director of golf, said the tour would allow junior golfers to play tournaments in Korea, China and Taiwan. “Last year the academy co-sponsored a junior event in Taiwan with the winner gaining a one-year scholarship to their academy,” he said. This year, the concept expands to include tournaments in Taiwan, Korea and China courtesy of the Korean Golf Association and Dalian Provence (China Golf Association). “There are very few international junior tournaments played in Asia, however, Hills has changed that and is bringing together players from all over Asia to compete in these tournaments,” Berndt said. “Players from Australia, China, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Laos, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea have already committed to the tour.” Berndt will lead the tour, which departs on Monday, June 25. “Our first stop is Korea where we will stay at the Daebul University Dormitories,” he said. “They will have a practice round on Tuesday and then play in the Hills Daebul Korea Junior Open on June 27-28. Then it’s back to Seoul for an organised day tour before flying to China to compete in the Hills China Junior Open in Dalian Provence on July 4-5. The players will be accommodated at the Jinyuan Hotel and will play a practice round prior to the event. On Friday, July 6, there’ll be a tour of Jinshi beach. By now, the players will have earned a well-deserved break and have the

Women’s NSW Club Champion of Champions

South Pacific Ladies Open Golf Classic Where: Surfers Paradise Golf Club When: 27th to 30th May Info: www.surfersparadisegolfclub.com.au The South Pacific Ladies Open Classic is one of the longestrunning ladies amateur golf tournaments in Australia, held at the beautiful Surfers Paradise Golf Course on the Gold Coast. This year is the 40th Anniversary of the event and promises to be the best ever! This prestigious event opens with a mixed foursomes event on Sunday 27th May, followed by a 54-hole Nationally Ranked event (stroke) held over 3 days and includes the following 3 categories: Classic Open (Handicap 0-22); Masters-Mid-Amateur (30-54 Yrs. Handicap 0-33) and Senior Division (55 Years + Handicap 0-33). The South Pacific Ladies Open Classic attracts players from clubs all over Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, PNG and the Cooks Islands. Former winner of the event and 8-time LPGA winner, Rachel Hetherington will be making special guest appearances

Where: Castle Hill Country Club When: 14-15 May Info: www.golfnsw.org

Junior tour leader Tom Berndt weekend free to explore Dalian before travelling to Taipei on Monday, July 9. Accommodation is at the Novotel Hotel. A practice round has been organised a day before the July 11-12 tournament. There is a day tour of Taipei on July 13 before the flight back to Australia. The cost of the tour is $3650 and includes airfares (ex-Brisbane or Sydney), accommodation, tournament fees, caddie fees, practice rounds, organised day trips, breakfasts and most other meals. “This is an amazing opportunity for aspiring junior golfers, both boys and girls, to compete in such events in Asia,” Berndt said. “It gives the junior golfer a wonderful opportunity to learn their craft as a player in international tournaments as well as experience the culture and sights of three unique Asian countries. “We have been able to keep the prices very competitive and I would like to invite junior golfers to join me on this wonderful golfing tour.” For more information, call Tom Berndt on (07) 5547 9655 or 0401 694 051 or e-mail tom.berndt@hills.qld.edu.au •

and presentations. Prizes in all categories including daily gross and net prizes, longest drives and nearest the pin. ‘Diamonds on Broadbeach’ will be awarding jewellery for a Hole in One (54 Hole Event only).

Women’s NSW Amateur Championship

Where: Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club When: 20-22 May Info: www.golfnsw.org The Women’s NSW Amateur Championship will consist of four rounds of match play (Round of 16, Quarter Finals, Semi Final, Final), each match being 18-holes, except the final which is 36-holes. The top 16 competitors from the 72-hole stroke play Championship are eligible to compete in the Women’s NSW Amateur Championship Match Play.

NSWLGU Salver

The NSWLGU Salver is played in conjunction with the Women’s NSW Amateur Championship Match Play. The NSWLGU Salver is for players who finish with the next best

The Women’s NSW Club Champion of Champions is open to female amateur golfers who are the Women’s Club Champion of a Golf Club affiliated with Golf NSW. Club Champions is played in conjunction with the first and second round of the 72-hole Stroke Play Championship.

Women’s Margery McWilliam Bowl

Where: Glenmore Heritage GC When: 17-18 May Info: www.golfnsw.org

The Women’s Margery McWilliam Bowl is open to female amateur golfers with a handicap Limit 14.5 to 28.4. It is essentially the Division 2 section of the State Championship. The Margery McWilliam Bowl is played over two stages – qualifying and match play. The Qualifying Rounds are two rounds of 18-holes. The top eight qualify to compete in the Match Play component, which is played on 20-22 May at Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club, in conjunction with the NSW Amateur and NSWLGU Salver Match Play.

June Banksia 2012 Victorian Men’s Par-3 Amateur Championship Where: Kyabram Parkland When: June 9th and 10th Info: www.kyabramparkland.com.au or (03) 5852 3146 The 8th annual Victorian Par-3 Amateur Championship is open to all amateur golfers whose Australian handicap at the time of entry does not exceed 18. The Championship will be played over 54 holes of stroke play with trophies in excess of $3000. An added bonus is a set of car tyres for the first the hole-in-one. Kyabram Parkland is an idyllic par-3 golf course, situated within the town boundary of Kyabram adjacent to the Kyabram Fauna Park. Kyabram is in the heart of the Goulburn Valley, just two hours from Melbourne and half an hour from Echuca and the Murray River. It is Victoria’s first 18-hole grass green Par-3 golf course, featuring tree-lined contoured fairways and small, fast greens which test the skills of not only the best amateurs, but golfers of all ages and abilities; rewarding accuracy and a deft short game above all else. The total course length is 2892 metres with holes ranging from 122 to 219 metres and seven in excess of 170 metres.

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

events

Bonville Ladies Team Challenge

Where: Bonville Golf Resort When: 16th & 17th June Info: www.bonvillegolf.com.au/upcoming-events/

The 4th Annual Ladies Team Challenge will again be played at this award winning resort on the Coffs Coast of NSW. This 2 person teams event is open to all Ladies with a current AGU handicap and entry includes 2 rounds of 18 holes golf (including twin share electric cart hire), twin share accommodation on Saturday night, evening cocktail party on Saturday night, breakfast in The Flooded Gums Restaurant on Sunday and a Bonville logo’d shirt per player as a tournament gift plus great prizes to be won over the weekend.

NORTHERN WEEKEND TOURNAMENT

Where: Pacific Dunes Golf Club When: Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 June Info: www.golfnsw.org

This two day event is open to male or female amateur golfers who hold a current Australian, or overseas equivalent handicap. The format for the first day of play is 18-holes Fourball Stableford - Nett. On the second day of play the format is 18-holes Best Ball Teams Event v Par - players may compete with any other player in the tournament, no handicap restrictions apply. Players may enter individually or in Teams of 2, 3 or 4. This event is a great opportunity for golfers of all levels to get away for the weekend for some relaxing and enjoyable golf at the challenging Pacific Dunes Golf Course. Entries close Friday 8 June at 5.00pm. For further information contact Nicole Bessant at Golf NSW on 9505 9105 or email nicole.bessant@golfnsw.org

BROOKWATER CHAMPIONSHIP BLACK MARKER CHALLENGE Where: Brookwater Golf & Country Club When: June, October Info: (07) 3814 5500 Both Men and Ladies will play off their respective Championship Markers with challenging pin positions on every hole. A range of prizes will be on offer, including the latest in high-performance golf products from world-leading brand Titleist. The Brookwater Championship Marker Challenge has two more qualifying events –Wednesday 27 June, and Wednesday 31 October. The entry fee is $90 per person, and is open to golfers with an official Golf Australia handicap.

JULY

Bonville Pairs Invitational

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August

Where: Bonville Golf Resort When: 26th – 29th July Info: www.bonvillegolf.com.au/upcoming-events The Bonville Pairs Invitational is open to both Male and Female players with new entrants welcome and will this year be the 12th annual. Each day of golf is a different format and sees each ‘team’ playing with different players to ensure the event is a social one and different each day. The event entry fee includes: 4 nights twin share accommodation (Sunday through Wednesday), 4 rounds of 18 holes golf including twin share electric cart, Full hot breakfast daily, Welcoming BBQ Dinner Thursday evening, Presentation Dinner on Sunday.

Schweppes Social Golf Club Challenge

Where: Links Hope Island When: July 15 Info: golfmail@linkshopeisland.com.au

Limited to 15 teams, Social Clubs can enter a team of 8 players in the Single Stableford in conjunction with a Team Stableford event. Teams are drawn with the Team Score being the top 5 stableford scores from each team. There are individual and team prizes courtesy of Schweppes and TaylorMade with the winning team receiving a 50% discount on their next outing to Links Hope Island. The day includes 18 holes of championship golf, shared electric carts (with GPS), BBQ lunch. To register call (07) 5530-9000, or for more information contact Mark Holland (07) 55309087 or via e-mail mark.holland@ linkshopeisland.com.au

The Links Hope Island Ladies Rosebowl

Where: Links Hope island When: 16th July, 17th September, 3rd December, 5th December Info: e-mail golfmail@linkshopeisland.com.au

Lady golfers from Brisbane and Gold Coast are invited to the Links Hope Island Ladies Rosebowl events. General Manager Mark Holland states “This year the Ladies Rosebowl will be bigger and better than ever before. Ladies will play single stableford in conjunction with a team aggregate stableford.” “It is a great day with the ladies teeing off at 8.30 am and finishing up with lunch, fashion show, presentations and fabulous prizes. The day includes 18 holes of championship golf, shared electric carts (with GPS), tea / coffee and biscuits on arrival. All players receive a LOCATION DAY welcome bag at registration” Mark said

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sanctuary cove (member only)

wednesday

horton park

saturday

LOCATION

Port Stephens Classic

Where: Various Courses When: August 12 to 17 Info: golfclub@nelsonbaygolf.com.au A golf tournament aimed at exposing visitors to the delights of playing top courses in beautiful Port Stephens is now taking registrations for its 16th year. The Port Stephens Classic will offer golfers the chance to play the bushland 27-hole course at Nelson Bay, the championship Pacific Dunes course at Medowie and the prestigious Newcastle layout at nearby Fern Bay. Play is over four days with a registration-cocktail party on Sunday August 12 and a rest day on the Wednesday, giving players and their partners the chance to enjoy the other tourist attractions, shops and restaurants of Port Stephens. The week finishes with a presentation dinner on Friday, August 17. The format for the classic is four rounds of stableford golf with prizes upwards of $5000 offered to daily winners and the overall winners in grades. Limited field of just 200 players. For more details on this excellent and friendly golf holiday break contact Nelson Bay Golf Club on 02 4981 1132 or email golfclub@ nelsonbaygolf.com.au

Queensland Sunshine Tour Date MAY Thur-Sun Wed-Thurs Sat-Sun Wed-Thurs Sat-Sun Wed-Thurs JUNE Sat-Sun Tues Thurs Sat Fri-Sat Mon Thurs-Fri

Tournament

Prize

3rd-6th 16th-17th 19th-20th 23rd-24th 26th-27th 30th-31st

Papua New Guinea Open Blackwater Emerald Middlemount Dysart Moranbah

$135,000 $25,000 TBC $17,500 $17,500 $17,500

2nd-3rd 5th 7th 9th 22nd-23rd 25th 28th-29th

Glenden Calliope Boyne Island Burrum Sea Temple Atherton Paradise Palms

TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC

Events are subject to change without notice. We recommend you DATE contact the courses/clubs prior to the event to avoid TIME disappointment. 22nd July

9.30am - 1.30pm

8th auGust

9:00am - 1:00pm

DAY

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 89 for a complete list of fitting days this month

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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by Greg Norman

scorecard

Oh and Hodge win Australian Junior titles Hend’s Singapore Victorian and National Junior Squad member Su Hyun Oh (Kingswood) reeled off a string of birdies on the back nine to win the Australian Girls’ Amateur Championship at Carbrook Golf Club by seven shots. Oh, who held a three shot overnight lead, finished with rounds of 73-67-71-69 to win at 8-under-par and hold off Queensland-based Korean Annie Choi who finished at 1-underpar following a final round 73. New South Wales’ Shelly Shin finished in third place at 2-overpar. Western Australia’s Hayley Bettencourt and New South Wales’ Cathleen Santoso finished the championship in a tie for fourth place at 4-over-par. Meanwhile, Kiwi Tyler Hodge sunk a seven-foot par putt on the final hole to win the Australian Boys’ Amateur at Bribie Island Golf Club. Hodge finished with rounds of 69-68-71-75 to win at 5-under-par, one clear of Queensland’s Viraat

success

Su Hyun Oh Badhwar who shot a final round course record 7-under-par 65 to finish at 4-under. Victorian Lucas Herbert and New South Welshmen Ricky Kato and Mitchell Venables shared third place, one stroke behind Badhwar in a tightly-packed leaderboard. •

Australia’s Scott Hend described his week in Singapore as one of the most amazing in his life after he closed with a six-under-par 64 to win the weather-shortened ISPS Handa Singapore Classic. The US$400,000 full-field Asian Tour event was reduced to 54 holes after inclement weather caused almost 10 hours of play to be lost over the first three days. “It’s amazing especially to have four weeks off and come back and win. It’s great to see some of the hard work and practice that I’ve put in paying off,” said Hend. Hend secured his second Asian Tour title with a winning total of 11-under-par 199. Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera, Chinese Taipei’s Lu Wei-chih, Spain’s Javi Colomo and David

RBC Heritage

Pos Player 1 Carl Pettersson 2 Zach Johnson 3 Colt Knost T4 Kevin Stadler T4 Billy Mayfair Aus/NZ Scores T20 Greg Chalmers T29 Geoff Ogilvy T44 Marc Leishman T56 Stuart Appleby T64 Nick O’Hern CUT Aaron Baddeley CUT Robert Allenby

The Masters

Pos Player 1 Bubba Watson 2 Louis Oosthuizen T3 Lee Westwood T3 Matt Kuchar T3 Phil Mickelson T3 Peter Hanson Aus/NZ Scores T8 Adam Scott T19 Geoff Ogilvy T40 Aaron Baddeley CUT John Senden CUT Bryden MacPherson WD Jason Day

European Tour Total -14 -9 -8 -6 -6

R1 70 71 67 72 72

R2 65 68 66 71 70

R3 66 66 69 67 67

R4 Strokes 69 270 70 275 74 276 68 278 69 278

-1 +1 +3 +5 +7 +7 +10

71 74 71 73 74 73 78

69 67 71 69 69 76 74

73 74 70 71 78

70 70 75 76 70

Total -10 -10 -8 -8 -8 -8

R1 69 68 67 71 74 68

R2 71 72 73 70 68 74

R3 70 69 72 70 66 65

-4 E +5 +6 +9

75 74 71 74 77 76

70 73 66 72 71 71 71 77 74 76 76

Arnold Palmer Invitational Pos Player 1 Tiger Woods 2 Graeme McDowell 3 Ian Poulter T4 Brian Davis T4 Ryan Moore T4 Bud Cauley T4 Bubba Watson T4 Kevin Na T4 Johnson Wagner T4 Ernie Els Aus/NZ Scores T36 Rod Pampling T48 Robert Allenby T48 Marc Leishman CUT Greg Chalmers

R3 71 71 68 70 71 68 72 69 69 67

283 285 287 289 291 149 152

R4 Strokes 68 278 69 278 68 280 69 280 72 280 73 280

Total -13 -8 -6 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5

R1 69 72 71 70 71 70 69 73 71 71

R2 65 63 69 73 71 73 70 68 69 70

+2 +4 +4 +7

75 72 70 75

70 73 72 75 72 73 71 72 79 76

284 288 293 150 153 76

R4 Strokes 70 275 74 280 74 282 70 283 70 283 72 283 72 283 73 283 74 283 75 283 290 292 292 151

Maybank Malaysian Open Pos Player 1 Louis Oosthuizen 2 Stephen Gallacher T3 David Lipsky T3 Rafael Cabrera-Bello T3 Danny Willett Aus/NZ Scores T11 Scott Hend T33 Richard Green T33 Scott Barr T47 Marcus Both T63 Michael Campbell CUT Kieran Pratt CUT Darren Beck CUT Marcus Fraser CUT David Gleeson CUT Matthew Zions CUT Brett Rumford CUT Tim Stewart

Total -17 -14 -12 -12 -12

R1 66 67 70 67 69

R2 68 68 67 72 69

R3 69 69 69 66 67

R4 Strokes 68 271 70 274 70 276 71 276 71 276

-8 -3 -3 -1 +4 +1 +3 +3 +3 +3 +7 +8

70 69 73 72 72 71 77 73 74 74 76 81

71 74 70 72 71 74 70 74 73 73 75 71

73 71 70 73 71

66 71 72 70 78

Total -21 -18 -17 -16 -16 -15 -15 -15 -15 -15

R1 67 68 67 69 72 68 72 67 68 70

R2 67 67 73 68 67 73 65 69 72 68

R3 64 66 65 68 64 65 67 67 63 64

R4 Strokes 69 267 69 270 66 271 67 272 69 272 67 273 69 273 70 273 70 273 71 273

-14 -10 -10 -8 -5 -1 -1 -1 -1 E E +1 +1 +1 +2 +2 +3 +3

69 73 66 68 71 72 70 69 70 71 74 73 73 73 73 74 71 74

70 69 71 68 71 71 73 74 73 73 70 72 72 72 73 72 76 73

69 69 69 71 66

66 67 72 73 75

280 285 285 287 292 145 147 147 147 147 151 152

Pos Player 1 Sun Young Yoo 2 I.K. Kim 3 Yani Tseng T4 Stacy Lewis T4 Amy Yang T4 Hee Kyung Seo T4 Karin Sjodin Aus/NZ Scores T15 Karrie Webb T20 Katherine Hull T66 Sarah Kemp

ONEASIA Tour

Volvo China Open Pos Player 1 Branden Grace 2 Nicolas Colsaerts 3 Richard Finch T4 Victor Dubuisson T4 George Coetzee T6 Ricardo Gonzalez T6 Francesco Molinari T6 Marcus Fraser T6 Alexander Noren T6 Fabrizio Zanotti AU/NZ Scores T11 Richard Green T29 Brett Rumford T29 Scott Strange T40 Gareth Paddison T52 Ashley Hall CUT Nick Cullen CUT Michael Hendry CUT Andre Stolz CUT Anthony Summers CUT Craig Hancock CUT Matthew Zions CUT Andrew Dodt CUT Terry Pilkadaris CUT Aaron Townsend CUT Kim Felton CUT Scott Laycock CUT Jamie Arnold CUT Michael Long

Lipsky of the United States tied for second on matching 200s at Orchid Country Club. The Australian’s week was further sweetened when Dr. Haruhisa Handa, Chairman of ISPS announced that Hend will gain a sponsor’s invite to the ISPS Handa Wales Open held at the famed Celtic Manor Resort in May. •

LPGA

Kraft Nabisco Championship

PGA TOUR

Scott Hend (Photo by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour)

274 278 278 280 283 143 143 143 143 144 144 145 145 145 146 146 147 147

2012 Worldwide Ball Count

Total -9 -9 -8 -7 -7 -7 -7 -4 -3 +6

R1 69 70 68 74 66 69 72

R2 69 70 68 71 74 72 67

R3 72 70 71 70 72 69 68

R4 Strokes 69 279 69 279 73 280 66 281 69 281 71 281 74 281

71 72 71 70 69 73 69 74 71 75 71 77

284 285 294

Kia Classic

Pos Player 1 Yani Tseng 2 Sun Young Yoo T3 Shanshan Feng T3 Jiyai Shin Aus/NZ Scores T25 Karrie Webb T65 Wendy Doolan T69 Sarah Jane Smith CUT Katherine Hull CUT Sarah Kemp

Total -14 -8 -7 -7

R1 67 69 72 68

R2 68 73 71 71

R3 69 67 71 68

R4 Strokes 70 274 71 280 67 281 74 281

+3 +12 +14 +8 +10

73 73 74 76 75

70 71 77 76 73 78 75 75 78 76 79

World Rankings as of April 17 Top 20 Australians 1. Adam Scott (11 in world rankings) 2. Jason Day (17) 3. John Senden (31) 4. Aaron Baddeley (41) 5. Geoff Ogilvy (48) 6. Greg Chalmers (63) 7. Robert Allenby (70) 8. Brendan Jones (86) 9. Marcus Fraser (104) 10. Richard Green (138) 11. Brad Kennedy (146) 12. Kurt Barnes (149) 13. Nick O’Hern (159) 14. Marc Leishman (166) 15. Stuart Appleby (231) 16. Rod Pampling (235) 17. Jarrod Lyle (242) 18. Matthew Jones (248) 19. Kieran Pratt (252) 20. Mathew Goggin (253)

Top 20 Rolex World Rankings in Australia 1. Karrie Webb (19 in world) 2. Katherine Hull (63) 3. Nikki Campbell (77) 4. Lindsey Wright (88) 5. Karen Lunn (130) 6. Kristie Smith (142) 7. Tamie Durdin (146) 8. Frances Bondad (170) 9. Stacey Keating (174) 10. Sarah Kemp (179) 11. Nikki Garrett (189) 12. Sarah Jane Smith (221) 13. Stephanie Na (272) 14. Rebecca Flood (286) 15. Bree Arthur (289) 16. Vicky Thomas (294) 17. Jessica Speechley (300) 18. Rachel Bailey (307) 19. Ashley Ona (334) 20. Julia Boland (388)

Top 5 World Rankings 1. Rory McIlroy (averaged points 9.59) 2. Luke Donald (9.48) 3. Lee Westwood (8.27) 4. Bubba Watson (6.47) 5. Hunter Mahan (5.82)

Top 5 Rolex Rankings 1. Yani Tseng (averaged points 18.21) 2. Na Yeon Choi (8.89) 3. Suzann Pettersen (7.75) 4. Cristie Kerr (7.45) 5. I.K Kim (6.72)

Stats and recaps courtesy of the PGA of Australia, the ALPG and Titleist. Follow Titleist on Twitter: twitter.com/titleist and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/titleistanz

2012 Worldwide Wins

5,000

789

UNWAVERING TRUST. MAJOR SUCCESS.

Bubba Watson - Pro V1x 2012 Masters Champion

©2012 Acushnet Company. Based upon results through 20/4/2012 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

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

291 300 302 152 154

cover story

Marcus Fraser: Photo courtesy TaylorMade - adidas

Aiming high on the world stage

Following a standout summer in Australia – where he played some of the best golf of his career —the boy from Corowa has his sights set high on the European Tour, as Richard Fellner discovers. You won’t find a more down-to-earth, likeable bloke than Marcus Fraser. Despite cracking the World Top 100 at the end of last year, Marcus isn’t the sort to put on airs or distance himself from others. Whereas many of the world’s top players choose to focus on a strict training regimen, isolated practice rounds or highly regulated media interviews, Marcus is a friendly and approachable Aussie bloke who spends his down time here in Australia, playing with his mates and working with juniors at his home club, Kingswood Golf Club in Melbourne. “I love coming home and playing in the local comp with a few mates. Sometimes we’re just going through the motions out on tour– so I just can’t wait to get back home in a comfortable environment and just hang out with a few friends and just play a game.” The 33-year old Melburnian— who originally hails from Corowa—made headlines at the end of last year’s Summer of Golf, following a nail-biting playoff at The PGA Championship in Coolum (where he lost to Greg Chalmers) and a secondplace finish at the JBWere Masters, where he was narrowly pipped by Ian Poulter. Following that stellar finish to the year, Marcus believes that his game is starting to come together.

“The last couple of months of the year were as good of golf as I’ve played,” Marcus told me recently. “It all came together when my coach (Dennis McDade) came over to Spain in October, and everything started heading in the right direction. We went back to a few basics, and got everything sorted out. We didn’t really change anything – it was just more of going back to the bad habits and trying to fix those.” Indeed, Marcus’ solid 2011 season saw him break into the World Top-100, a monumental achievement by any standards. But that small taste of success has only increased the hunger for more, and Marcus now has his sights set a bit higher. “I jumped 80 or 90 spots last year, and got just inside that Top 100. So now, just trying to get inside that Top 50 is a realistic goal, I think, and something I want to try and work towards.” A lofty goal, to be certain, but one that is achievable for this solid player. To get there, Marcus has a simple and practical plan. “I just keep trying to improve on every area of my game. Everyone else is improving, so you gotta try and improve as well. There are no massive goals to win specific tournaments – but just try and improve on every area, and then take it from there.”

Marcus’ 2012 campaign has started with a mixed bag of finishes in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, India and the US. But despite an ‘up and down’ beginning, Marcus feels positive about his chances. “My game is feeling pretty good. It was a steady start to the year, starting in the Middle East— unfortunately finishing around 60th each week, but then playing well at the Avantha Masters in India, finishing 4th,” he says. After the solid finish in India, Marcus spent a couple of weeks back home in Melbourne, before flying to the US for The WGC Cadillac Championship at Doral. “I unfortunately got off to a slow start at Doral, shooting 4-over 76 in the first round — but then shot 3 rounds in the 60’s after that to finish 24th which felt like a good result considering the start. It was great to play in an event like that off the back of playing well in Australia at the end of last year.” Following Doral, the jet-setting Aussie then hopped over to Spain for the Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol, where he finished T20 in a fairly steady week, and then on to Morocco for the Trophée Hassan II, where he unfortunately missed the cut by a single shot due to a bogey, par, bogey finish. “Spain was a little frustrating, as I felt like the course suited me pretty well. And Morocco... well...not to worry,” he said.

Last month (after a short return to Australia), Marcus flew to Asia for The Malaysian Open, Ballantine’s Championship and the Volvo China Open (where he finished T6 with a solid 15-underpar 273). Following the Asian swing, it was back to Australia (again) before heading to Europe later this month for The BMW PGA at Wentworth, The British Open and US Open Qualifying. A vigorous travel schedule like that could cause many players—both young and old — to lose the plot. But for Marcus, it’s all part of the job. “It’s not too bad. You just come to expect it coming from Australia. It’s a big island in the middle of nowhere, so if you’re going to go play golf, you have to travel, simple as that. This is my ninth or tenth year doing it, so I’m quite used to it now. It’s just part of the job.” Although travelling alone for much of the early schedule, Marcus does manage to bring his family (his wife, Carlie and his two young children) along for the European leg of the year. “Once we get to Europe, they’ll come over and spend about two months over there. It saves me going back and forth. Last year we had our second baby in the middle of the year, so we couldn’t really travel. So I was three weeks here, three weeks there... back and forth all year.” While Marcus’ 2011 results were certainly impressive, they were especially remarkable

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considering the fact that, at the end of 2010, he nearly had to quit the game altogether following a serious neck injury, which he sustained (like many of us normal blokes) doing a relatively benign, nongolf activity. “I was just picking up my son over my head. I just felt something go in my neck, and it got progressively worse. I lost all feeling in my right arm and right hand. All the nerves just shut down. So they had to replace the disc, and put in a metal cage and metal plate in my neck. If I hadn’t had the operation, I couldn’t have played golf again. It was a pretty easy decision [to have the surgery]. You realise how much you love the game when it’s taken from you. “ And love the game he does. Despite being on the road a lot, Marcus is never too busy to take time out and give support to the juniors and members at Kingswood Golf Club, where Marcus has been a member for over 15 years. “Marcus’ commitment to the development of the Kingswood Golf Club junior program and

the club overall is nothing short of amazing,” says Heath Wilson, General Manager of Kingswood Golf Club. “Marcus is always playing rounds with the juniors and the senior members when back in Australia. He is always on the practice green with the kids, giving advice if asked. And he regularly donates rounds of golf with himself for charity auctions benefitting asthma, local rotary clubs, etc. “Marcus is the typical country kid who has made it to the top but has never forgotten where he started,” Heath adds. In a world of sometimes cold, impersonal and almost “robotic” players on tour, it’s refreshing to see a friendly and talented player like Marcus Fraser take to the stage. He loves his golf and loves giving back to the game. This represents what I believe to be a true role model for younger players. Good on ya, Marcus. •

A fast finish at last summer’s JBWere Masters helped Fraser to vault into the World Top-100

Quick

cover story

with Marcus

What were your early goals in golf? “I was never one to sit there and have all these wild dreams of winning Major tournaments and all that sort of stuff. I thought that’d be nice, but I was always one to love the game, being around a club like this [Kingswood] and going out and playing golf. That’s all I wanted to do.” Your inspirations growing up? “The Shark – everyone wanted to be like him – and be him.” What do you do in your ‘down time’ on tour? “Anything to do with cars – just completely away from golf. With Richard Green we get into a bit of motor racing. There are a couple of tracks every now and again in our circuit, like Abu Dhabi with the Formula One. So when we save up enough money we can hire a car and go out on the Yas Marina. And hanging out with all the Aussies – Richard, Brett [Rumford], Wade [Ormsby]. When the families come over we all hang out with them.” Favourite club in the bag? “Definitely the Putter – it’s gotten me out of trouble more than a few times” If you didn’t succeed in golf, what profession would you be in? “I probably would have been in jail [laughs]. But I’m not sure, really. Dad had a real estate agency back in Corowa, so I probably would have found my way to taking that over.”

Fraser

Best player you’ve ever seen? “Rory McIlroy. I played with him a couple of times in 2010. It’s just frightening. It’s a completely different level from the game of golf that I play. It’s pretty impressive.” Tell us about your new agreement with TaylorMade-adidas. “I’ve been with them for 6 or 7 years, and just signed a new three-year deal. I’ve got a great relationship with them. It’s a great brand to be associated with. They put a lot of research and development into their product so it’s no surprise that they’ve got the number 1 driver in golf. And they just brought out a new brand called Rocketballz. I hit a 3-wood the other day and it went 30 yards further than my current 3-wood!” Your thoughts on equipment changing the game? “I think the ball is the big thing that needs to be maintained. It’s going further and further. The manufacturers are a step in front of the governing bodies. At some point they are going to have to sit down around a table and work out what’s best for the game. “ What do you love about Australia “Australia is just home, you know. I just love coming home, hanging out with friends. Barbecues, and all that. We have the best golf courses in the world by a country mile, the best people...It’s just home.”

Marcus Fraser Date of Birth: 26/07/1978 Height / Weight: 183cm 89kgs Turned Pro: 2002 Family: Wife: Carlie. 2 Children European Tour Wins: 2010 Ballantine’s Championship; 2003 BMW Russian Open Challenge Tour Wins: 2003 Danish Open; 2003 Finnish Challenge; 2003 BMW Russian Open (Co-sanctioned) PGA Tour of Australasia wins: 2003 Volvo Trucks Classic (Von Nida Tour) Amateur Wins: 1999 Victoria Amateur Championship, 2001 Asia Pacific Championship, 2002 New Zealand Amateur Championship H R I 1 3 3 7 9 B e q u 9880/LIFE e s t O S ETC/TWEEZERS PE. pdf P a19/04/12 g e 1 2:23 1 PM 9 / Page 0 4 / 11 2 , HRI13379BequestOSP_HRI

2 : 2 4

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legends tour

Harwood taking Legends Tour by storm Q: Was coming so close in the British Open a great thing, or an ongoing disappointment? Do you look back at the 1991 Open with a sense of ‘If only’? Mike: “Coming second in the 1991 British Open was a very disappointing result at that time in my life. I was mentally ready to win. I played great that week, strong from start to finish — and did everything right to win my first major. The problem was I was outplayed by Finchy (Ian Baker-Finch), he deserved it more and it was his time. I do look back with good thoughts as I know that was the week where mentally I was at my best…that’s a positive thing.”

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

Legends Tour Report

When it comes to underrated Aussie golfers (or, for that matter, Aussie sportsmen) the name of Mike Harwood would have to be near the top of the list. What’s more, I’m pretty sure that’s right where Mike is most comfortable. Never one to make a fuss about himself or, dare I say, “talk BS”, the tall New South Welshman who now calls Victoria home has an extraordinary regime and, for a time, he pretty much owned the European Tour. Similar to the American PGA circuit, Europe has its four marquee events which stand above the others: The European Open, The Volvo Masters, The British PGA and, of course, the (British) Open Championship. Well, between 1990 and 1991, the smoothswinging and unassuming Aussie won the European Open, Volvo Masters and British PGA ...and ran second in the British Open! At a time when Greg Norman was on the front page of every magazine from Golf Digest to National Geographic, Mike Harwood was quietly going about the task of belting the living daylights out of the likes of Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Sandy Lyle, Bernard Langer, Ian Woosnam, José Marie Olazabal, Colin Montgomerie…(tell me when to stop!) Since turning 50, Mike has taken the seniors (Legends Tour) by storm and won pretty

much everything he has entered, including the Australian Seniors Open and the Senior Tour Championship in Europe. I caught up with Mike recently and put him through the third degree… Larry style. Question: Why did you focus on Europe and not America? Mike: “Europe was the place I had an exemption to play for the next ten years. Also, after having 15 years off the game I needed time to build my self-belief. I’m close now to where I want to be.

Queensland’s Senior Amateur Championships

It’s taken 3 years, so this is the ‘make or break’ year to get to the US Senior tour.” Q: Do you ever feel you were overlooked by the Aussie media despite being the top Aussie playing in Europe back in the early nineties? Mike: “I’ve never paid much attention to the media and what they did, or didn’t say. I knew how well I could play and that I was capable of beating the best players in the world. The opinions of my peers were all that mattered to me.”

Q: What has your brilliant return to the Tour, by way of the seniors, meant to you? Mike: “Returning to senior golf has filled a gap that was missing in my life. I had a great time being around my kids. It was a priceless time in my life and I’m glad I put my children first rather than continuing to play over those 15 years, but I have something to prove to myself. This is my time and my wife, Donna’s time to finish off some unfinished business.” Q: What are your goals for the future? Mike: “My goals are very simple. I try every shot, keep flexible and practice hard. The same goals I made when I was 20 years old. Hopefully the good stuff is just around the corner.” Question to Larry (from Larry): What are your goals? Larry: “To beat Mike Harwood...at anything!” •

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people

Golf’s ‘Can-Do’ manager Russell finding his feet on Sunshine Tour David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

IF Queensland premier Campbell Newman hadn’t already claimed the “Can-Do” tag then it would surely have gone to Redland Bay Golf Club general manager Aaron Muirhead. Muirhead is the Queensland golf industry’s “Can-Do” general manager. His enthusiasm, boundless energy and hard work put him ahead of the pack recently when he received the gong for Queensland manager of the year at the state’s golf industry awards night. Muirhead received the award not only for his dedication to the club and its members, but also for his community work. Over the past three years, he has developed a reputation for providing invaluable and innovative initiatives to improve services to his members and guests. Little wonder there has been a huge spike in club memberships. He has also overseen an increase in junior membership by 60 per cent and an increase in both corporate golf days and weddings by 300 per cent, while substantially improving the financial performance of the club. Muirhead is one of the leading proponents of modern communication with members via newsletters, websites, Twitter, Facebook and blogs. He has a strong community focus, which was highlighted after the 2011 floods. He established and coordinated the club as the collection point for the distribution of items to

Aaron Muirhead shows off his award

Nicholas Russell know that I can compete with some of the best professionals in Australia. It was a great feeling to win in a playoff and it was even better knowing I can hit the key shot when the pressure is on,” he said. Although leading the OOM, Russell is not getting ahead of himself and is instead looking at the big picture. “It is great to be leading at this stage of the season and it is certainly a goal of mine to win, but I will just take it one tournament at a time and if I do that that the Order of Merit will take care of itself. My main goal for this year is to continually improve my game and work my way onto an international tour for the 2013 season”. •

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evacuation points and other flood-affected clubs resulting in more than $60,000 of goods donated and distributed. And that’s not all. He then organised a flood relief charity golf day that raised $60,000 for the Queensland premier’s fund with his efforts recognised with a Queensland Premier’s Disaster Hero Award. Last year, Muirhead joined the Golf Management Australia (Qld) executive committee and in his spare time delivers lectures for the PGA International Golf Institute to up-and-coming golf industry professionals. He also sits on the PGA IGI advisory panel. Like we said, he is a Can-Do sort of guy. •

Current Queensland Sunshine Tour Order of Merit leader Nicholas Russell is finally finding his feet with the seasoned professionals on tour in only his second full year as a touring professional. Russell currently leads the OOM by four points over Victorian Steven Jones and is looking forward to the challenges throughout the year. Growing up in the small country town of Burnie in Tasmania, Russell moved to the Gold Coast at age six, but it wasn’t until he turned 10 after his grandfather had taken him to the local driving range that Russell had been infected by the golfing bug. After a number of years playing amateur golf, Russell decided golf was something he wanted to do for a living and therefore a Traineeship was the most appealing road for Russell to go down. “I started my traineeship in 2008 at Emerald Lakes Golf Club under Brett James before moving to the Gold Coast Country Club in early 2010 to complete my final year. It was a tough three years and it was great to complete my traineeship,” he says. After completing his traineeship Russell embarked on a year of Pro-Am tournaments around the country which included a number of small successes. Throughout the year Russell accumulated eight top tens before the greatest success of his short professional career: a playoff win at the Professional Investment Services Players Championship. “The win last year gave me the confidence to

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Colour Your Game gear

Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

Callaway Golf has long been known for their cutting-edge innovations in golf. In many ways, they have regularly led the pack in bringing bold and vibrant ideas to golfers and the golf industry. Following in that tradition, Callaway Golf has now launched a brand-new campaign that allows you to bring bold and vibrant colours to your game. Callaway Golf ’s Colour Your Game collection discards the traditional black and white pallets of today’s drivers and challenges golfers to identify themselves through four exciting colour options: blue, orange, green and yellow. For those of you who like to stand out from the crowd a bit, and colour-coordinate your wardrobe to make a statement, imagine being able to colour-coordinate your equipment to your wardrobe! Choose a RAZR Fit driver, bag, cap and towel that match your favourite golf attire, or even choose from the high-quality Callaway Apparel Line currently in the market. Or you can follow the lead of Callaway Tour Pro Alavaro Quiros (a colourful character in his own right), who plans on ordering one of each

colour of the new RAZR Fit and matching his apparel accordingly. Now that’s style! “Colour Your Game is about challenging people’s perception of golf on and off the course,” says Leighton Richards, Callaway South Pacific Managing Director. “Callaway wants our players to dare to be different and stand out from the pack; this new collection will help you do this”. In addition, colour is a very powerful tool when it comes to mental preparation, according to Jamie Glazier, founder of Dare2Dream, and mental game coach to players like Bryden Macpherson and Stacey Keating. “As a mental game coach to some of Australia’s most talented up-and-coming players, I have used colour in my work for years,” Jamie explains. “Colour is such a practical way to help anchor a player’s peak performance state. Using colour also helps players to visualise ball flights and attach to the shot shape they want, helping block out negative thoughts. Much like the PGA Tour’s Shot Tracker.” Not only are Callaway providing colour to the golf market, they are doing it with the awardwinning RAZR Fit Driver which is in itself a highly-innovative and amazing bit of engineering. I had the opportunity to experience a RAZR Fit clubfitting last month, and was amazed at the

options available to “dial-in” a correct setting to my swing. The number of face settings, weight configurations, loft options and shaft flex combinations are almost mind-blowing, and they truly allow you to get a club that perfectly matches your swing. In my case, we tried a variety of settings: open/neutral/closed face, stiff/regular shaft, adjustable weight set in toe/ heel and various starting lofts. At the end of the session, my ball speed had increased by 7mph, my distance increased by 20m and accuracy had become razor-sharp (pardon the pun). To be honest, I had almost forgotten about the colour options; I was that impressed with the performance of the club. With the Colour Your Game collection, The RAZR Fit driver will feature coloured head plates, shafts and grips and will sell for around $469. The drivers also come with an upgraded Proforce shaft ($100 value) at no extra charge. The collection also includes a set of limited edition caps ($24.95), exclusive new coloured stand bags ($209) and matching towels ($29.99). The Colour Your Game campaign is a real headto-toe game changer. It’s the sort of innovative thinking we’ve come to expect from Callaway. •

WIN Inside Golf and Callaway are giving one lucky reader a fantastic prize to “Colour Your Game”. Up for grabs is a custom-fit RAZR Fit Driver (your choice of colour), towel, polo, bag, balls and cap. Now you can stand out from the crowd, and dare to be different! To Enter: • Simply “Like” our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/insidegolf) • “Share” the link to the contest with all of your Facebook or Twitter friends, using the phrase “I Want to Colour My Game with Callaway” It’s that simple! One lucky reader will be drawn at random and will win the entire prize package. (Note: if you do not have a Facebook account, you can visit our website to enter. Contest Terms and conditions are on the website.) Good Luck!

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

new gear

Odyssey Flip Face putters

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The new Odyssey ProType Tour Series line of milled, carbon steel putters was developed by Odyssey’s ProWorks team after feedback from hundreds of Tour professionals. ProType putters will be available in six head shapes, each of which has delivered winning results on professional tours around the world. The putters are made from 1025 Carbon Steel, producing similar performance characteristics to stainless steel, but with a softer feel. The face of each putter features a deeper, sharper milling pattern to increase interaction between the face and the ball for better feel, truer roll and more consistency. The Odyssey ProType line features a high polish steel finish and precise craftsmanship that creates an ideal balance to promote a smooth stroke. Tour-tuned weight ports in the sole optimise the putterhead with the shaft length and optimise feel, control and accuracy. STANDARD RRP $299 2-BALL RRP $329 Available now www.odysseygolf.com

Sun Mountain Micro Cart

This super lightweight cart weighs only 5.90 kg and folds down to a mere 66x40x31cm. It unfolds and folds in two quick easy motions using the E-Z Latch handle height adjustment mechanism. The four wheels provide better stability on side hills. Ergonomic features include strapless bag brackets and a Micro-Paq accessory storage bag located in a convenient position. There is an extendable front axle to accommodate bigger golf bags. A smart console has a padded valuables tray, ball, tee holders and a magnetic scorecard holder. A strategically positioned hand brake can be engaged without lifting your hand from the handle bar. Available in Black, Red, Silver & Blue. RRP $229 www.underpar.com.au Phone: (02) 9417 4055

Xtreme Cooling Hats and Visors

Xtreme cooling hats and visors have a layer of cooling technology in the inner lining that cools when wet, helping to lower your body temperature. The product is new to Australia from the US and is also available in towels and headbands. Hats and Visors are FREE in May with each Xtreme Cooling Towel purchase. www.realxgear.com.au

Odyssey Metal-X Putters

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

With a lightweight aluminium face in front of a urethane backer layer, Metal-X putters provide golfers the crisp feedback of a metal striking surface with the benefits of a softer feel for optimal touch. Aesthetically pleasing with a sleek midnight black finish, the putters also offer a textured face that delivers a truer, more consistent roll. The lightweight aluminium outer layer on the Metal-X putters has a face pattern unlike any other putter in golf, with oval depressions that create a mechanical lock with the ball’s dimples at impact. This mechanical lock creates more friction, which delivers a lower launch with optimised topspin for reduced skidding. STANDARD RRP $179 PROGRESSIVE RANGE RRP $209 Available MAY 10th www.odysseygolf.com

FootJoy Performance Wool Pullovers

The FootJoy Performance Wool Pullover has a classic design with a liner that offers modern windproof and waterproof protection. The soft, luxurious Australian Merino Wool makes for a comfortable insulating layer which is both wind and waterproof, and provides protection from all the elements. The liner is soft and quiet for comfort and performance. Each FootJoy Performance Woollen Pullover carries the Woolmark symbol, which provides consumers with guaranteed fibre content and an assurance of quality. Available in various styles. RRP from $139 www.footjoy.com.au

new gear

Select

Select GoLo

Mid & Long

SCOTTY CAMERON SELECT PUTTERS MODERN AND TIMELESS The brand-new Scotty Cameron by Titleist Select line of putters is the culmination of Cameron’s Putter Studio research, combined with his desire to design and build the best putters in the world. The new family includes five modern blade models (Newport, Newport 1.5, Newport 2, Notchback, Newport 2.6), two mallets (GoLo, GoLo S), three mid lengths (Newport Two Mid, GoLo Mid, GoLo S Mid), and two long options (Big Sur, Big Sur S).

The new Select putters feature a Deep Milled face that contributes to a softer feel and sound, as well as elegantly refined shapes and a Tour-validated Black Mist finish. All are precision milled from soft, 303 stainless steel, with the exception being the Big Sur models that feature high-grade milled aluminum heads.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: All conventional Scotty Cameron Select and Select GoLo putters are now available in golf shops, while the Select Mid and Long putters will be available in mid May. SRP $469 For more information about the new Scotty Cameron Select putters visit www.Titleist.com.au Customisation of any Cameron putter is available through Scotty’s Custom Shop at www.scottycameron.com Follow Titleist ANZ at Facebook/TitleistANZ Join Team Titleist Australia New Zealand at Titleist.com.au/TeamTitleist

Cleveland Golf 588 Forged Black Pearl Wedge

The 588 Forged Black Pearl wedge maintains the popular, tour-proven shape of Cleveland Golf’s original 588 wedge while offering the same technological breakthroughs featured on the 588 Forged line of wedges. Precision Forged from 1025 carbon steel, the 588 Forged Black Pearl wedge offers golfers an incredibly soft yet solid feel, as well as the highest level of manufacturing consistency for supreme confidence and trust over every shot. The 588 Forged Black Pearl wedge’s Tour Zip Grooves and Laser Milled technology help to maximise spin in accordance with USGA regulations. Will begin shipping from 1st May. RRP $159 www.clevelandgolf.com www.srixon.com

Sporte Leisure Winter Range

Sporte Leisure’s 2012 Winter Collection includes performance mocks/fleece, luxurious knitwear and fashionable après outerwear. New textures, colours and anti-pill yarns are sure to make any fashion conscious golfer happy this winter. For high performance outerwear, be sure to look at the extensive range of Sporte-Lite and Stretch-Lite with garments offering a high level of protection from the elements and containing both 2- and 3-year waterproof guarantees. This comprehensive range is available in basic hues with new fashion colours splashed throughout. www.sporte-leisure.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

PGA IGI

Following in dads’ footsteps IF ever there is a story that gives a ringing endorsement for a career in the golf industry, this is it. For the next few years, three bright, young people will shelve all other career aspirations to follow their fathers into the golf industry. Sam Masters, Ali Orchard and Charlie Luxton have committed to studying at the Professional Golfers Association’s International Golf Institute (PGA IGI) and Griffith University on the Gold Coast. As they say, “if it is good enough for dad to work in the golf industry, then it’s good enough for me”. Encouraged by the success stories of PGA IGI students who preceded them, the trio realise the golf industry offers a sound career pathway for those who are prepared to put in the hard yards. Sam, Ali and Charlie say they are prepared to work hard to achieve their goals. While they will have the benefit of sage advice from their fathers, they will also have the added pressure of knowing they won’t be allowed to take any short cuts. The PGA IGI students and their fathers agreed to an interview and these are their stories.

Sam Masters (Age: 24, Handicap: Scratch) ADELAIDE’S Sam Masters has spent a lifetime in and around golf courtesy of his dad Gary, who is the head professional at Regency Park in South Australia. “I have always been around golf and the pro

Sam Masters, Ali Orchard and Charlie Luxton are aiming for careers in the golf industry shop so it was a natural progression to play golf, and I enjoy helping out in the shop,” said the former state representative player. “I definitely want to work in the golf industry, whether it’s playing professionally, teaching, managing or some other options. “I see the PGA IGI Diploma and a Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Sports Management from Griffith University as the perfect fit. It allows you to study and play golf so it’s a no-brainer. Sam has ambitions of playing golf professionally, but he won’t rule out a career as a teaching pro or a job in events management. “The PGA IGI program opens up many doors, which is perfect,” he said. Sam’s dad, Gary Masters, said he was pleased

his son had chosen a career in golf. “The good thing about the PGA IGI program is it’s not just for players. It’s a pathway to different areas of the golf industry in general,” Gary said. “I believe it’s a fantastic opportunity for kids because it’s not just about being a player, but if you are a player and you practice and listen you are going to come out a better player than what you went in.”

Ali Orchard (Age: 20, Handicap: Scratch) FOR the past four years, Ali has represented Queensland. Last year she finished runner-up in the Queensland Amateur.

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Ali’s dad, Paul Orchard, is the head pro at Surfers Paradise Golf Club on the Gold Coast. “Dad has always encouraged me with my golf and I have developed a passion for the game,” she said. “I can’t image life without golf and that’s why I have decided to do the PGA IGI course. “The PGA IGI program ticks every box, really. You get a degree, a golf diploma and an option of doing a traineeship when you have finished. “That’s my goal – to complete the diploma, university degree and the traineeship in four years.” Ali says she would like to attend the Ladies European Tour qualifying school at some stage. “If things don’t work out on tour, I know I will have the qualifications to be a teaching pro or maybe go into some management role.” Ali said the PGA IGI course included learning about course design. “It’s really exciting,” she said. “David Ireland, from Graham Marsh Design, gives the lectures and I had no idea there was so much involved in course design.” Paul Orchard said he was proud his daughter was entering the golf industry. “The PGA IGI course is great and if we can get better people, particularly in golf management, then that has got to be good for the game,” he said. (Story continues on page 79) >

Mid-week social golfer specials “The best little pub on the South Coast” Jamberoo is a quaint historic village less than 1½ hours drive south of Sydney

Jamberoo Golf Course is just a few minutes walk from historic Jamberoo Pub & Saleyard Motel Mid-week rates (includes accommodation, dinner for two and 18 holes of golf) Pubstyle pakcage: $125 per couple Motel package: $175 per couple Weekend rates also available Six top class courses to choose from including Jamberoo, Calderwood, Shoalhaven, Kiama, Gerringong & Worrigee (Carts Available). One, two and three night packages available. • • •

dinner to the value of $40 per couple Motel is 3½ stat AAA Tourism rated Pubstyle accommodation is 2 star AAA Tourism rated and shared facilities

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juniors

Juniors a 50-year proposition David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

ADMINISTERING a successful junior program is not rocket science, says Pacific Golf Club’s head teaching professional Mark Victorsen. For the past 11 years, Victorsen and his team have been teaching children the fundamentals of the golf swing with good results. In the past eight years, the Brisbane club has had phenomenal success in pennant golf and many of the club’s young players are making representative teams. Victorsen said Pacific had won five division 1 club pennant titles, four division 1 open pennant titles, four division 1 junior pennant titles and one division 1 masters title in the past six years. “There is no magic bullet to running a successful junior program,” Victorsen said. “You’ve just got to get in, do some work and have likeminded people around you.” At Pacific, they start the kids young with beginner clinics and students progress through the different levels right up to the eagle squad, which is for representative and pennant players. “If you can get someone started and get them to a higher level – someone who is totally uncoordinated to actually enjoy golf, that’s a very satisfying part of my job,” he said. For the record, Pacific has more than 180 juniors on its books. “We have 90 juniors who are in organised training every month,” Victorsen said. “That is in squad training, clinics and beginner classes.

Pacific Golf Club’s head teaching professional Mark Victorsen “I had a parent from another club ring me asking if we could get their kid into our junior clinic because their club doesn’t have junior clinics during the school holidays. “We are so lucky we have such a progressive club. “Other clubs don’t run the programs like ours. We have a very active junior club who do a fantastic job and hats off to them. “I help the kids with their swings, but the important thing is it’s a team effort. “The parents and the junior club’s committee run all junior golf and they actively promote the game. “All the development programs the junior club

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has in place give the players a pathway. They start as beginners and progress through to intermediate, cadet, panthers and eagle squads.” Victorsen said he was always willing to share his knowledge with anyone who was interested in developing a junior program. Unfortunately, not a lot of clubs seek his advice. “I have had some clubs ask for advice, but not many,” he said. “It’s a fairly simple formula – you have just got to get off your backside and do it if you want your club to succeed. “There’s never been a more important time to promote junior golf because clubs are under the pump when it comes to memberships. “I always look at juniors as a 50-year proposition. “Some of the people that clubs tend to focus their attention on are only going to be members of the golf club for 10 years, but these kids are going to be members for 50 years or more. “So why wouldn’t you pump a whole lot of attention and energy into those kids to get them involved in the golf club.” Victorsen said the junior club had the full support of the club’s members. “The members beat their chest about how our juniors are terrific golfers,” he said. “They love the fact their club is number one in developing junior golf. They think it’s marvellous and it’s something they can hang their hat on. “It also makes it easier when the kids get out there and play with the adult members. The blokes don’t mind because they know we are the champion junior club. “They just see it as part of the deal.” •

RACV Ultimate Skins Challenge Do you love to play skins matchplay and think you have what it takes to win your share of a prize pool valued at over $5,000? Go Golfing and RACV Royal Pines Resort combine to bring the Gold Coast a brandnew competition format that is sweeping the nation. Be the first to play in the RACV Ultimate Skins Challenge from the 17 – 21 June 2012. Professionally hosted by Go Golfing at RACV Royal Pines Resort’s 27-hole layout (featuring the Australian Ladies Masters championship course) you will play three rounds of 27 holes, with a stop for lunch after the first 18 each day. Playing as a team of two, your combined stableford scores are totalled for each hole over the 3 rounds. The team with the highest stableford total on each hole wins the allocated prizes. If there is a tie, the prizes jackpot to the next hole with all teams eligible to win a minimum of $200 worth of prizes for each hole. The innovative and entertaining Skins presentation is played out on the big screen during the final night dinner. Each night there will be an update of team standings. Packages start from $899. For more info call Go Golfing on 07 5562 5307 or contact them via email at info@gogolfing.net.au •

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clubs

Pennant drama rocks golf clubs David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

WHO said pennant golf doesn’t create enough drama? In Queensland, the Brisbane District Golf Association open division 1 pennant had it all – a win to one club, a protest that was upheld and finally a drawn result. Pacific and Oxley golf clubs will share the spoils after a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between the BDGA and the clubs. At season’s end, Pacific was awarded the pennant. Oxley, however, successfully protested. Pacific’s players and officials were obviously disappointed with the verdict and lodged a protest of their own. BDGA secretary Warwick Nicol said officials used three countback systems to try to find a winner. “Both clubs were tied on points, then it went to ‘for and against’, then to individual matches and after all of that they were tied,” he said. “The rules were loosely worded and Oxley argued it came down to the number of wins, not necessarily how many wins and squared matches. “After consultation with both clubs, it was decided to award a tie and both clubs were happy with that.” Nicol said there would be a full review of the pennant rules before next season. “We want to make sure this never happens again.” Meanwhile, Oxley won the division 1 masters pennant while Pacific claimed the Division 1 junior boys’ pennant and club of the year. Pacific also won the division 1 junior girls’ pennant. In recent years, Pacific has virtually dominated Brisbane pennant.

Blind golfer Jeff Ellis with caddie and playing partner Maureen

Maureen and Jeff Ellis win Blind Golf Championship Members of Pacific Golf Club’s various pennant teams celebrate winning club of the year Since 2004, the club has won the division 1 pennant five times. According to the golf club’s teaching professional Mark Victorsen, Pacific’s victory in 2004 was the club’s first division 1 title in 22 years. “In the last six years we have won five division 1 club pennant titles, four division 1 open pennant titles, four division 1 junior pennant titles and one division 1 masters title,” he said. “What was really pleasing this year was we had three kids that were part of last year’s winning junior pennant team who played in this year’s open team.

“It’s marvellous to think they are only 15 or 16 and playing in the opens when they are eligible for the juniors. “But the great thing is the kids that filled their spots in the junior team have won. It’s a sign of the strength of the club.” Meanwhile in division 2, Nudgee GC won masters, juniors and club of the year. Gailes won the open pennant. In division 3, Wynnum GC won the lot, while in division 4, McLeod won the masters pennant and club of the year, Jindalee the open pennant and Wolston Park the junior pennant. •

QLD (07) 3807 8895 NSW/ACT (02) 9972 7705

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

WA (08) 9244 1727 SA (08) 8346 6645

Maureen and Jeff Ellis teamed perfectly to win the 2012 Blind Golf Victoria Foursomes Championship at Malvern Valley Golf Club on 25 March. Jeff, who is a B3 golfer on a 27 handicap, was coming off a close 2nd in the Blind Golf Victoria Open held a few weeks earlier at Rosebud Country Club. He is also holder of the Australian Stableford title which he’ll defend at Adelaide Shores GC on 10 & 11 May. Maureen recently joined Southern GC where her husband Jeff is also a member. Blind golf has 3 sight categories; B1, B2 and B3 depending on the player’s vision capabilities. B1 players are totally blind. To learn more about blind golf, go to the Blind Golf Australia website www.blindgolf.com.au or see www.internationalblindgolf.com. •

VIC (03) 9558 1211 TAS (03) 6248 1481

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Great Aussie

Golf Getaways

Your complete guide to a great social trip, annual ‘Mates Weekend’ or quiet getaway! Pambula-Meriumbula - New South Wales

Worship at the Temple Sea Temple Golf Club Port Douglas, Queensland

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golf getaways

reat Aussie Golf Getaways Richard Fellner and the Inside Golf team

From the Gold Coast to the West Coast, from the Hunter Valley to the Mornington Peninsula (and everywhere in between), Australian golfers are spoiled for choice when it comes to destinations for a great golf weekend.

Whether you’re planning a quiet getaway for two, or a massive annual golf weekend for the entire gang, Australia has myriad possibilities for a successful and enjoyable adventure. This month, we look at the top destinations across this fantastic golfing landscape of ours. So let’s jump right in and look at a few of the great courses on offer! (Note: while we cannot possibly feature all the amazing courses across Australia, we have chosen to feature a selection of courses in specific regions/ destinations. Of course, you could very easily log on to our website, www.insidegolf.com.au, to read full reviews of many more courses available. Just saying!)

VICTORIA

First, I should disclose that I am an unabashedly passionate Victorian golfer. I love this state almost as much as I love golf itself. But who could blame me? I mean, look at the amazing courses and facilities we have down here in “The sporting capital of the world.” From the world-famous Melbourne Sandbelt, to the links of the Mornington Peninsula, to

the challenge and beauty of Country Victoria, golfers are treated to a variety of amazing golf that is, in my opinion, unmatched anywhere in Australia (and perhaps the world). So a golf trip to Victoria should be at the top of anyone’s list for a great golfing getaway (but then again, I am a bit biased.) Some of my best golfing weekends have been on the amazing Mornington Peninsula. With great courses like The Dunes, St Andrews Beach, Moonah Links, RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Eagle Ridge, Flinders, Portsea and Rosebud Country Club (to name but a few), you simply cannot go wrong . Plus, with all the great extracurricular activities in the area – from the Peninsula Hot Springs to the Red Hill Markets to the wide variety of beaches – you could find something of interest for any non-golfing partners/friends/ kids that may make the trek. But I digress. We’re here to talk about the golf!

Moonah Links

Arguably one of the premier Golf Resorts in Victoria, Moonah Links Resort offers two

Moss Vale Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise Winter Package $215 per night for 2 people includes daily: 4 course dinner, breakfast, Accommodation, 18 holes* *Offer based on 2 persons per room in a standard room. Minimum 2 night stay, mid-week only. Valid 1st June 2012 - 30th September 2012

For bookings at these exclusive rates quote Inside Golf Ph: (02) 4868 1800 | www.dormiehouse.com.au 42

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The 8th hole at Moonah Links

world-class championship golf courses each boasting superior course conditions which assure year round playability. The Open Course is a true test of golf. Designed to host the Australian Open, the course is long, challenging and full of risk-reward situations. It is a visually stunning course that offers some of the most amazing scenery around, and some of the best-conditioned greens in the area. The Legends Course offers the perfect complement to the Open Course. While equally stunning in both design, scenery and conditioning, the Legends Course gives golfers of all levels a setting that is fun and challenging. It is one of our group’s favourite locations, and we find ourselves returning there on a regular basis. Complementing the course facilities are a driving range and practice facilities designed to Australian Institute of Sport specifications and one of the foremost elite training facilities in world golf – The Moonah Links Golf Academy – home to Golf Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport elite player development programs. With the largest fleet of motorized golf carts in Victoria, a comprehensive pro shop, 89

luxuriously appointed guest rooms, restaurant, spike bar, extensive banquet and conference facilities, day spa and ancillary recreational facilities such as a swimming pool and tennis courts, Moonah Links Resort constitutes one of the finest, most comprehensive Golf Resorts in the country. Since opening in late 2003 Moonah Links Resort has achieved global recognition and acclaim having hosted five major internationally telecast tournaments: the 2003 and 2005 Australian Open Golf Championships and the 2008, 2009 and 20010 Moonah Classic. The Moonah Links Open Course has been Voted No. 1 Best Conditioned Golf Course in Australia, while the Legends Course has been voted No. 2 Best Conditioned Golf Course in Australia (via the Golf Course Guide) Enquiries (03) 5988 2000 moonah@moonahlinks.com.au www.peppers.com.au/moonah 55 Peter Thomson Drive Fingal, Victoria 3939

2 Day Golf School at Moss Vale Golf Club Receive expert tuition from club professional Robert Kennedy in all facets of the game, while staying on course at the beautiful Dormie House. Package Includes: • 3 Nights accommodation • Morning tea & Lunch on • 3 Buffet Breakfasts Monday & Tuesday • 3 Dinners • Professional Tuition Dates: 1st May; 25th, 26th, 27th July; 21st, 22nd, 23rd November 2012.

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The Cut Golf Course, Western Australia The Cut is Perth’s only true Links golf course, which draws similarities to the great links courses of Ireland and Scotland. Come and play The Cut - a “True Links Experience” Reservations: T - (08) 9582 4444 | W - www.the-cut.com.au | E - thelinks@the-cut.com.au

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golf getaways

Rich River Golf Resort

Murray River region The Murray River region is one of the quintessential locations for an annual golf weekend. Around 4 hours from Melbourne, and around 6+ from Sydney, it offers a central location for ‘interstate mates’ to meet up for a weekend of golfing fun. There are a host of top quality clubs among the 41 courses in the area, including Yarrawonga & Border, Cobram Barooga, Tocumwal, Corowa, Rich River and many more. The new ThomsonPerrett-designed Black Bull Golf Course in Yarrawonga is also setting up to be a real cracker. All in all, the area is a country golfing paradise, with many of the courses kept in fantastic condition,

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

while the abundant wildlife adds to the allure of the region. The proximity to the Murray River also offers opportunities for fishing, boating and other watersports – turning a golf weekend into a real sporting adventure.

Rich River Golf Resort

Situated on the relaxed side of Echuca Moama, and nestled amongst its own luscious 36-hole golf course, Rich River Golf Club Resort welcomes you to their renowned Murray River destination. Their two award-winning 18-hole championship golf courses have developed over the years to become one of regional Australia’s premier golfing venues. Their sporting facilities include golf, croquet, bowls and tennis—which all have a healthy competition

following throughout the year and are available for all visitors to use during their stay. The Clubhouse boasts a wide range of facilities including the James Maiden Bistro, Coffee Shop, TAB and Keno, Sports Bar, Spike Bar and Takeaway Liquor Shop, to suit a day trip, weekend or extended holiday. This Club haven creates an idyllic venue away from the stress and demands of the daily grind. The onsite 3.5-star Motel at Rich River Golf Club Resort has often been described as a hidden oasis. The 63-room complex surrounds the wonderful gardens which houses pools, spas, gym, BBQs and kids play equipment, parking at your door and their new onsite massage centre — only a few steps from the Clubhouse and surrounding golf course. Once you are there, you’ll never need to leave.

Enquiries 03 5481 3333 www.richriver.com.au 24 Lane Moama, NSW 2731 Green Fees: $35 Midweek, $42 Weekends Motorised Cart Hire: $40

Golf Package Winter Special $99 per person, per night Incl: • Golf • Standard twin accommodation • Cooked breakfast • Club meal voucher Available 1st May – 31st August 2012 Conditions apply* *Excludes Queen’s Birthday long weekend. Minimum 2 nights stay on weekends. Price based on twin share. Subject to availability.

golf getaways

Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club

New South Wales Whether you choose the Hunter Valley, Newcastle or Port Stephens you will have hit on a region rich in golfing treasures. Each region can boast numerous top-quality golf courses and venues and over the next few pages we feature a selection of the finest in these areas. From the championship layouts of Pacific Dunes, Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club and others, these popular golfing destinations have it all. For golfers who are easily distracted there are magnificent beaches and wineries and mountains further inland. There’s plenty to see and do so take your time to explore and make sure you acquaint yourself with the locals, who are always friendly and go out of their way to make your golfing holiday worthwhile. There’s plenty of comfortable accommodation and the entire region really is a one-stop golfing playground. So, what are you waiting for; isn’t it time to get acquainted, or re-acquainted, with some terrific layouts in New South Wales?

Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club Just 90 minutes north of Sydney, The Hunter

The Landmark Nelson Bay Valley Golf and Country Club is suited to golfers of all levels, and features a variety of challenging holes. One of the great advantages of playing Hunter Valley is that you won’t have your golfing ego bruised. Like a fine glass of red wine, a game here will be good for you. “It’s an ideal, all-round, user-friendly golf course,” says golf director Troy Martin. “This place doesn’t tear your heart out. “It’s not overly demanding, but it has enough good holes to challenge the better golfer. And you won’t lose 30 balls and walk off hating the place.” Overall it’s a straightforward, challenging course devoid of any tricks and crazy architectural whims. One of the features is the redesigned 18th hole, which has been lengthened from an overly demanding par-4 to a risk-and-reward 454m par-5. It’s a dog-leg right to left, but golfers have to rifle their tee shot from a tree-lined chute and avoid water on the right and out of bounds down the left. Find the fairway and it’s an easy lay-up to the valley in front of the green. From there it’s a wedge to the green. The 167m fourth hole is a beauty. A water carry from tee to green means an accurate midor long-iron must be played. There is a bail out to the right for golfers afraid of water.

Merimbula Golf

“We are accessible, not overly-priced and would love social groups to come along and have a hit,” Martin said. Enquiries 02 4991 4777 www.huntervalleygolf.net.au

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Less than two hours’ drive north of Sydney and surrounded by picturesque vineyards and its own golf course, this award-winning hotel epitomises the best of hospitality and is centrally located making it the perfect place for a carefree break. The hotel offers deluxe hotel and villa-style accommodation. The villas are only steps away from the dining options and activities and are ideal for families, featuring two bedrooms and bathrooms and a huge living area with a kitchen allowing guests to prepare their own meals. There are also three TVs with a range of children’s and mainstream movies on demand. The hotel has the only full-time, purpose-built supervised space for children of any accommodation in the region. While the kids make the most of the indoor and outdoor play equipment, evening cinema and supervised activities, parents can sneak away to take advantage of the hotel’s leisure facilities

including a heated pool, 18-hole golf course, and tennis courts or to reward their palate in a choice of restaurants and bars. An absolute must is a visit to the hotel’s Tea Tree Spa, providing a fresh experience guaranteed to engage all your senses and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. Indulge in a Peaches and Cream Body Wrap, followed by a Vichy Shower Experience assured to relax and revitalise you. A comprehensive list of beauty and massage options is available to soothe and revive the soul, as well as private spa baths and twin treatment rooms for pure indulgence with a loved one. All this with a championship golf course right on the door step. Enquiries 02 4991 0900 or 138 388 www.crowneplaza.com.au/huntervalley

The Landmark Nelson Bay

Right in the heart of Port Stephens, The Landmark Nelson Bay has stunning selfcontained apartments offering an unrivalled view of the blue waters of Nelson Bay and surrounds. With studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, there really is something to suit everybody. >

› 27 spectacular holes of golf, where you can always get a game. › Clubhouse open 7 days for lunch and dinner, courtesy bus available from your accommodation. › A spectacular Function and Wedding venue, with onsite Gazebo. › We can cater for any sized function, with a clubhouse that caters for 700 people.

Membership Special 14 Months for the Price of 12 – Only $715 Country Membership also available.

Come and find out what Melbourne Golfers already know...

that it is an experience above the rest

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club 173 Arthur Kaine Drive, Merimbula | Ph: (02) 6495 6154 info@merimbulagolf.com.au | www.merimbulagolf.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

golf getaways

Clockwise from left: Duntryleague Golf Course, Melview Greens and Templers Mill Motel Take a short stroll down the road and there is a world of entertainment right on your doorstep from award-winning dining facilities to crystal clear waterways, and boutique shopping. Facilities include a spacious lobby with a recreational area featuring pool table, games room and steam room. Outside is the sun deck and lagoonstyle heated pool with outdoor spa. It’s all about location at The Landmark Nelson Bay and as well as being right in the heart of Nelson Bay the Resort is also well located to a number of championship golf courses. The 27-hole Nelson Bay Golf Course is located right next door while just 10 minutes’ drive away is the stunning Horizons Golf Course. The highly-regarded Pacific Dunes Golf Course is also located an easy 20-minute drive from the Resort with a James Wilcher-designed layout that combines two distinct nine-hole loops to create a spectacular 18-hole course. The Landmark Nelson Bay have golfing packages to suit your every need or you can ask the friendly

staff to tailor-make something to suit. And best of all, they also do group rates if your social club is looking for a weekend away make sure to ask when you book. Enquiries 1800 200 755 www.landmarknelsonbay.com.au

Orange Orange is a thriving regional centre only 3.5 hours from Sydney, making it an accessible destination for those who want to escape the pressures of the city. Named in the mid-1800s after the Prince of Orange (who later became the King of Holland) Orange is a modern city that has grown from its rich mining past. Orange offers a diverse range of wonderful natural attractions, some of the best food and wine in regional Australia and a clean, crisp environment in which you can escape, relax and refresh. With over 30 wineries, great restaurants, four distinct seasons,

Orange Botanic Gardens, galleries, historic villages and Mount Canobolas, Orange is the perfect escape. Orange also offers three golf courses for your holiday enjoyment. The Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club is on the outskirts of Orange, just five minutes from the CBD. The Club offers all members and visitors a first-class venue for functions, meetings, social and sporting groups. With an 18-hole golf course, driving range, lawn bowls, sporting ovals, BBQ facilities, café and a clubhouse to suit, the Country Club is the perfect venue for all occasions. The Orange Ex-Services’ Club also offers accommodation through the Templers Mill Motel. Located in the heart of Orange, the Templers Mill Motel is walking distance to Orange’s shopping district as well as some of the best restaurants and pubs. With newly refurbished rooms, your stay includes complimentary use of the pool & leisure centre. The Wentworth Golf Club Orange has been known as the “friendly club” since its inception in

1965, when the locals turned a paddock into a golf course. By removing trees, blasting out stumps and carrying buckets to haul rocks from the fairway, the locals turned the area into an 18-hole grass green golf course with 22 sand bunkers, three dams, new trees and a small pine forest. Today you can still walk into the club and be greeted by friendly people, like Ian at the bar, Isabel at the restaurant, Todd in the Pro-shop, Kathie and Lindsay in the office or even President Simon or any of the other six Directors or Members. The Course Fees are reasonably priced to accommodate members, member guests, and visitors with discounts on group social play. The larger the group or number of games, the greater the discount. Come and enjoy the view from the clubhouse and restaurant and hear the sound of laughter over the birds on the balcony. Melview Greens is a range of modern apartments and is conveniently located across the road from Wentworth Golf Club. Melview Greens is a member of Golden Chain and can tailor packages to suit your needs at all three courses and various other venues around Orange. Ask about their accommodation, helicopter flight and golf packages. Finally, Duntryleague Golf Course is a championship 18-hole layout measuring 5,976 metres from the back markers. The historic club is situated only minutes from the CBD. The Clubhouse features a licensed bar area, barbecue area and four tennis courts. Duntryleague is a private golf club, however they welcome the public to play their magnificent golf course. An Open competition is also available to members of other golf clubs on Wednesdays. Spectacular views from the restaurant and clubhouse prove very popular with both members and visitors. The historic Duntryleague guesthouse is situated in the botanical gardens setting of the Duntryleague’s prestigious 18-hole championship golf course. Built in 1876 for local businessman James Dalton, the building now offers 13 rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. Accommodation in this 19th century

Echuca - Moama

PA Set on the edge of the Murray River, you can relax and unwind in this stunning golf resort haven. This winter package includes: • • • •

Standard Twin Accommodation Cooked Breakfasts Golf Club Vouchers

$99

per person/per night

Conditions apply. Available midweek or weekends from 01 June to 31 August 2012. Price based on two people. Subject to availability.

03 5481 3300 www.richriver.com.au

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

golf getaways mansion ranges from original master suites featuring four-poster beds (Mansion rooms) to smaller guest rooms (Standard rooms). Many of the rooms are multi-bedded and suit the needs of families and groups. All room rates include continental breakfast and a cooked breakfast is available for an additional charge on Saturdays and Sundays. Enquiries Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club 231-243 Anson Street. Orange NSW 2800 02 6362 2666 enquiries@oesc.com.au www.oesc.com.au Templers Mill Motel: 02 6362 5162 Wentworth Golf Club Orange 130 Ploughmans Lane, Orange NSW 2800 02 6361 4505 Restaurant: 02 6361 9513 Pro Shop: 02 6361 4571 office@wentworthgolforange.com.au www.wentworthgolforange.com.au Melview Greens Golf Packages: 02 6362 0955 Duntryleague Golf Course Woodward Street. Orange NSW 2800 02 6362 3466 02 6362 4072 www.duntryleague.com.au

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club Acknowledged as the holiday Mecca of the Sapphire Coast, Merimbula, positioned halfway between Melbourne and Sydney and only 2.5 hours from Canberra has much to offer visitors to the area. Situated on the shores of a beautiful lake system,

Pambula Merimbula the township of Merimbula caters for all the accommodation, entertainment and dining needs of the holiday maker. From caravan parks and cabins, ranging right through to five-star hotels and B&Bs, apartments and holiday houses, there is accommodation to suit every budget and taste. The town boasts three large service clubs and a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines ranging from tapas bars, Thai, Chinese, Italian to seafood and other international options. Many of the restaurants take advantage of the expansive lake views. Just south of the town sits the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club, regarded by many as the premier course on the Far South Coast, with 27 spectacular holes. A mix of strong Par-4s and challenging Par-3s and Par5s with wide and lush fairways provide a challenge for both social and competition golfers alike. The picturesque course has gently undulating fairways

that are easy to walk. Surrounded by the lake and natural bushland, Pambula-Merimbula is famous worldwide for the abundant and placid kangaroos that make the course their home. There are two signature holes, the first being the 15th, a Par-5 which features a second shot risk/reward option over the lake. The other is the 27th, a strong Par-3, 180m back up the hill towards the clubhouse. The Club also provides superb practice facilities with a chipping and bunker green, putting green, driving range and practice fairway. For those visitors wanting to stay longer, surrounding Merimbula and within a half hour’s drive are a range of other courses to visit: Bega, Eden Gardens, Tura Beach and Tathra, but you will always find yourself coming back to PMGC for another round. Sitting high over the course and overlooking the

back lake, the imposing multi-faceted clubhouse with its large balcony and floor-to-ceiling glass windows showcases magnificent views. The club is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and caters equally well for couples, or families with children and can seat 700 throughout the facility. In addition to catering for the busy dinner trade, the club hosts entertainment, functions and has a variety of rooms for corporate and meeting use. It is also a popular venue for functions, especially weddings with an outdoor gazebo for the ceremony and photos. Merimbula is an ideal venue for a holiday, and a well-regarded one for golfers of all abilities. Enquiries 02 6495 6154 info@merimbulagolf.com.au www.merimbulagolf.com.au

The ‘Sport of Kings’ Package. No other Gold Coast destination offers 5 star luxury accommodation, along with a 27 hole championship golf course, all within minutes of the Gold Coast Turf Club. If you plan on enjoying the ‘Sport of Kings’ with some added golfing pleasure, we have the package for you. ■ ■ ■ ■

18 holes of golf including a shared electric golf cart 2 x Members lounge passes for the Gold Coast Turf Club (Saturdays only) 1 night accommodation twin share Full Buffet Breakfast for 2

From $334* per room per night (Auto Club rate) From $409* per room per night (Non member) For bookings call RACV Royal Pines Resort on 1800 886 880 or discover more at racv.com.au/royalpines

RACV Royal Pines Resort Ross Street, Benowa, Gold Coast, Qld *Package is not available in conjunction with special events held at Gold Coast Turf Club. Valid Auto Club members card required at check in to receive special Auto Club rate. Valid until 30 June 2012. Visit www.racv.com.au/royalpines for full terms and conditions.

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

golf getaways Pacific Dunes

Pacific Dunes has established a reputation for providing a unique golfing experience on the 18-hole championship golf course. The natural sandy base and rolling topography, combined with temperate and year-round golfing weather, create the perfect setting for a course to suit all golfers to a tee. Pacific Dunes features two distinct nine-hole loops with the opening nine holes setting the scene as it winds through a native woodland backdrop, perfectly complementing the stunning wetland back nine. Managed by Troon Golf, the worldwide leaders in Golf Course Management and designed by renowned course architect, James Wilcher the layout uses the strategic placement of bunkers and water hazards to create a golf course that is extremely playable to the average golfer, whilst still challenging to low handicappers. The course was constructed on land that had been used to mine sand 10 years previously. The regeneration of this land has not only provided a number of environmental benefits to the area, it also formed the optimum base for a golf course–sand. Visitors to Pacific Dunes will experience some of the finest putting surfaces in Australia. The combination of the sand base together with the use of a technologically advanced bent grass, combine to produce greens that not only look fantastic, but produce the truest of surfaces. Located in the picturesque Port Stephens region on New South Wales’ lower north coast, Pacific Dunes Golf Club is the centrepiece of the $180 million Pacific Dunes golf and residential community. Only 20 minutes to Nelson Bay, 25 minutes to the city centre of Newcastle, and less than 2

Pacific Dunes (Photo by Gary Lisbon) hours’ drive to Sydney, this magnificent premier golf and residential community will be sure to make a lasting impression. For a more relaxed atmosphere try The Dunes Restaurant, boasts sweeping views across the water, golf course and the surrounding bushland, making it the perfect location to meet with family, friends and colleagues, providing a casual al fresco dining and garden terrace area. Pacific Dunes caters for many events including premium Corporate and Charity golf days where your guests will be impressed by the services and quality that Pacific Dunes offers. What better way to become involved at Pacific Dunes than to join as a Golf Member, where you will receive unlimited golf 7 days a week, preferred times and rates and honor club events, all whilst paying NO green fee. Members can also enjoy the privilege to utilizing up to $4000

Specialising in the best ‘Australia Wide ’ Play & Stay Golf Packages

worth of Troon vouchers for Troon Managed courses worldwide. Enquiries 02 4916 0500 www.pacificdunesgolf.com.au

Queensland

There is no doubting the Gold Coast is Australia’s most famous tourist destination, with more than four million visitors annually. Boasting 70km of spectacular coastline and beaches and sprawling over a 5000 square kilometre area, the Gold Coast seemingly lacks nothing for the international or domestic tourist. The Goldie, as it is affectionately known, is the place to go if you want to get away from it all – play golf at some of the best courses the country has to offer and maybe engage in some of the other

niceties of life. There are many other distractions like great beaches, great shopping, sightseeing, boat cruises, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, theme parks, fine restaurants, casino, discos and jazz bars… and more. There are many factors that may make a sojourn to the Gold Coast nigh impossible if it isn’t planned properly. To begin with, the Gold Coast continues to grow at a rapid rate and has become a popular destination for golf tourists. So before getting to the important matter of organising your golf itinerary it is wise to deal with some of the many other arrangements – like accommodation. Because the courses stretch from Coolangatta on the NSW-Queensland border north to Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island, it’s sometimes a good idea to find a central location. A number of the resorts do offer accommodation packages including Royal Pines Resort, Radisson Resort and others.

Clearwater Noosaort

Res

Professionally planned and tailored golf escapes for your enjoyment Packages available Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast • Hunter Valley • Port Stephens • Mornington Peninsular • Tasmania • Cairns/Port Douglas • The Entrance

BRAND NEW! WA Golf, Barnbougle & Lost Farm Quality accommodation, confirmed tee times, your choice of resort or local courses Every detail professionally arranged, leaving you nothing to do but arrive and have the time of your life! We will tailor your package to suit any holiday plans or budget

Stay & Play Golf Packages 7 nights & 5 rounds of Golf Your choice of resort and club courses. • Noosa Springs • Twin Waters • Club Pelican • Coolum Golf & Spa • Mt Coolum • Tewantin Noosa • Horton Park • Headland • Caloundra

from

459

PP 4 share basis Package #1

Some conditions apply

We offer a one stop shop for your Golf Vacation. No matter what size group, small or large, or your duration of stay we will tailor make your program to suit. We will organize transfers, rental cars or vans and for larger groups buses. Just a short iron to some of Noosa’s favourite restaurants and Cafés.

Phone (07) 5449 9333 • Fax (07) 5449 0603 info@clearwaternoosa.com.au • www.clearwaternoosa.com.au 48

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

golf getaways

Sea Temple Resort and Spa Once you have established your accommodation base you’ll need to do some advance planning to ensure you can get onto the best courses. Gaining access to Member courses on weekends can be difficult but most will accommodate you midweek. The resort courses differ and you will find it easier to step out on to the sun-drenched fairways that flow like green rivers. Here are a few of the many options to choose from.

Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Not everyone gets an opportunity to hover over Sea Temple Resort and Spa in a helicopter but if you did, you would command the pilot to land on the practice fairway so you could play a round. We, the Inside Golf team, did just that and it turned out to be an excellent choice of venue.

The views from above are breathtaking and certainly whet your appetite for a game but once on the ground you quickly sense the course is something special – a real gem. Golf operations manager David Roche, a highly respected and experience professional, was there to greet us and give us a few pointers before we teed off. The golf course is fantastic,” Roche said. “The best thing about the golf course is it’s playable for any standard of golfer. “The player just taking up the game can go out there and enjoy himself because it’s fairly forgiving as far as the fairways and greens go. “But it’s also a challenge for the good player because you put him on the blue tees and position the pins in some treacherous spots and he’ll find it just as challenging as the guy who has just started playing.

“It’s an enjoyable golf course for golfers of all standards.” Sea Temple’s championship link-style golf course was designed by Thomson Wolveridge and Perrett, but it has Michael Wolveridge’s stamp is all over it. The man who has built more than 200 courses has a soft spot for Sea Temple and Port Douglas. “It’s a lovely old links golf course,” he said proudly. “One thing you can say with some accuracy is it’s not a boring golf course. “It plays differently every day because of our trade winds. “It’s also because of the way I have bunkered it in the old style so you have choices. “I made the bunkers so if you go in them it costs you at least half a shot because you can’t get the ball out very far.

“It’s a good golf course – a little gem sitting up here.” Roche said the restaurant was open sevendays-a-week for lunch and does breakfast on weekends. “Everything we do is fantastic – it’s reasonably priced as are the beverages.” The golf club and the resort and spa (accommodation) work closely together and offer a number of attractive play-and-stay packages. There’s a choice of 194 beautifully detailed studio rooms, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments, 3-bedroom villas with exclusive plunge pool and terrace, 2-bedroom luxury penthouses with rooftop spa and BBQ area. The magnificent Lagoon swimming pool was voted one of the world’s best. And like most resorts, there’s a gym and spas and sauna to unwind in. Mii Spa offers a range of performance facials, body and water therapies, massage, hand and foot therapies and therapeutic treatments. Still, you can really spoil your partner with Intimate Mii Moments – a ‘together time’ for indulging and relaxing with your favourite person. Here, your journey begins in the couples’ suite with a ‘Blue Lagoon’ exfoliating sea bath, followed by a full body massage including head, face, feet and hands. Afterwards enjoy a refreshing drink and spa cuisine platter. Enquiries Old Port Road, Port Douglas 4877 Telephone 07 4087 2222 Pro shop 07 4087 2204 www.seatempleportdouglas.com.au

CALLAWAY GOLF

Present this ad to receive a dozen Callaway Warbird Golf Balls*

Golf for $59 Midweek incl cart $69 Weekends & Public Hols incl cart 430 Wine Country Drive Lovedale NSW 2321 T: 02 4991 4777 | F: 02 4991 4888 | E: info@hvgcc.com.au www.huntervalleygolf.net.au *Valid until 31/05/12. Voucher must be presented at the Pro Shop prior to tee off. Any voucher presented after play will not be honoured.

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

golf getaways RACV Royal Pines

Smart, contemporary and set on a world-class golf course, RACV Royal Pines Resort offers everything needed for your next golf getaway on Queensland’s most famous stretch of coastline. Set a short distance from the white sandy beaches of the Gold Coast, and at the heart of the region’s sand belt, it’s midway between the sparkling coastline and the lush beauty of the hinterland rainforests. The jewel of the resort’s recreational facilities is the 27-hole composite golf course and state-of-theart driving range, which offers the best in worldclass golfing for both the amateur and serious golfer. With undulating terrain, magnificent greens and tight fairways that demand respect, this is the golf encounter you’ve been waiting for. The course is regularly voted as one of the best 60 public courses in Australia and is the proud home of the ANZ RACV Ladies Masters golf tournament. Complete your golfing escape with 5-star accommodation with spacious rooms and excellent views of either the coastline or hinterland and the golf course. RACV Royal Pines Resort boasts a total of five restaurants, a cafe and two bars, offering a wide variety of cuisines. Guests can enjoy contemporary dining, alfresco poolside meals, pasta, wood fired pizza, cafe style snacks with coffee and cakes, a spectacular seafood buffet, and authentic Japanese such as teppanyaki, sushi, sashimi or á la carte. The entire group or family will find something fun and exciting to enjoy while staying at Royal Pines Resort. Discover the magnificent beaches of Surfers Paradise, the buzz of Broadbeach and within striking distance of all of the Gold Coast’s attractions, theme parks, coastline, dining and shopping facilities. Or, revitalise and rejuvenate with a wealth of beauty and hair treatments delivered by highly-trained therapists and stylists at One Spa. With 5-star accommodation, award-winning

Radisson Resort

Clearwater Noosa Resort

restaurants and a championship golf course that draws the masters, you’ll wish your stay at RACV Royal Pines Resort would go on and on. Enquiries 07 5597 8700 royalpines_enquiries@racv.com.au www.royalpinesresort.com.au Ross Street, Benowa, QLD 4217

Radisson Resort Gold Coast

Only metres away from Palm Meadows Golf Course – and a short stroll to the Driving Range — the Radisson Resort Gold Coast is convenient to world-class championship golf courses including Lakelands, The Colonial, Robina Woods and The Glades. Radisson guests are offered discounted green fees on all courses and shuttle bus transfers are available. Stay at Radisson Resort Gold Coast and enjoy all

the facilities including two swimming pools, day and night tennis courts, a day spa and fitness centre, complimentary internet and free car parking. Dine at the award-winning Chelos at Radisson Restaurant and Bar or relax with a drink in Rex Lounge. Radisson Resort Gold Coast is a 10-minute drive from Broadbeach, exciting entertainment and shopping precincts, the casino, two major sports stadiums and golden beaches. Shuttle bus transfers to these destinations and the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks are available daily. The resort offers a range of golfing and leisure packages for families and couples, social golfers and corporate groups. Enquiries 1 800 333 333 (Australia toll-free) 07 5555 7700 Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara Qld 4211 www.radisson.com/goldcoastau

Antill Park

Clearwater Noosa Resort

Clearwater Noosa Resort offers a one-stop shop for your golf vacation. Regardless of the size of your group, length of your stay or any other specific needs, they offer tailored packages to suit your group. They will even organize transfers, rental cars, vans or even buses for the larger groups. Just let them know your numbers and they will recommend the appropriate method of transport. Clearwater Noosa Resort offers a great location just metres from the famous Noosa River with its landscaped foreshore and picturesque shady picnic spots. A short walk from the Resort offers a multitude of restaurants, bars and cafes to socialise with your fellow golfers and friends. Packages are generally made up of 7 nights’ accommodation with 5 rounds of golf on a selection of the Sunshine Coast’s best Resort and Club Golf courses, including Noosa Springs,

COUNTRY GOLF CLUB

ership *

mb hs Me Mont

545 $ m fro

Corporate, Social and Competition golf available Social Clubs welcome seven days Green Fees $29 for 18 holes - $20 for 9 holes (incl drinks voucher)

Equipment sale & hire - electric carts available

Golf lessons on site with PGA Members Bistro open every day - Full Bar and Recreation facilities on site Children friendly atmosphere in historic homestead location

Golf at Picton

Just minutes from the Hume along Picton Rd

*Conditions apply

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

golf getaways Above Par Golf Tours

The Cut Golf Club Twin Waters, Pelican Waters, Peregian Springs, Coolum Golf & Spa, Tewantin/Noosa GC, Mt Coolum GC, Horton Park GC, Headland GC and Caloundra GC. They can make up any number of combinations from the courses they use, and can adjust the packages to suit. Their prices are based on any size groups, and they can arrange further discounts and/or some add-ons for groups larger than 12 people. Enquiries: 07 5449 9333 info@clearwaternoosa.com.au www.clearwaternoosa.com.au

Paradise Golf Tours

One of the top golf tour operators on the Gold Coast, Paradise Golf Tours provides quality golfing holidays and tours for you and your group around the Gold Coast region. Established in 1989, Paradise Golf Tours pride themselves on their passion for golf, and can offer you a total golfing holiday experience for groups of all sizes. Paradise Golf Tours will offer you service, quality and knowledge to ensure your golfing holiday runs smoothly. And they guarantee (apart from hangovers or poor golf shots) that you will have the ultimate golfing holiday. Servicing local, interstate and overseas clients for over 20 years, they maintain close relationships with all the golf courses, staff, hotel/motels and the tourism authority to ensure a high-quality experience.

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They have organised thousands of golf holidays for social groups, sporting groups, organisations, corporate or even just a few mates wanting to have fun. Their unique personal service offers you in-depth information on the best courses and accommodation, hassle-free pick up/drop off and the general “freedom to move”. This saves you time, effort and costs. They strive to ensure your holiday is completely stress-free, and they cater for all types of golfers —from the weekend social player to the more serious golfer. Their packages include: choice of courses and accommodation (from self-contained apartments through to hotels with full buffet breakfast in 3, 4 or 5-Star luxury suites), green fees, reserved tee-off times and daily setup, motorised carts on all courses, secure storage of your clubs for the entire stay, return golf course transfers and return Gold Coast Airport transfers. With the selection of Australia’s top resort courses and many standards of accommodation available, Paradise Golf Tours’ Gold Coast golfing holidays offer exceptional “value for money”. Enquiries +61 (07) 5571 0741 0402 049 868 info@paradisegolftours.com.au PO Box 13, Chirn Park, QLD, 4215 www.paradisegolftours.com.au

Stay & Play Resort Australian Golf Course Guide

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

From Seaside links to Country layouts; from Alpine resorts to City tracks, Western Australia offers a wide variety of the country’s best golf. While it may seem a world away, Western Australia is amazingly close. If you take a morning flight from Sydney or Melbourne, you’ll land in Perth around noon – which gives you plenty of time to squeeze in 18 holes (or more) on the same day. In fact, during Inside Golf ’s recent whirlwind adventure in Perth, we tackled 9 courses in 6 days. You can do the same! The golf in WA is top notch – featuring some of Australia’s highest-rated golf courses like Joondalup, The Cut, Kennedy Bay and Lake Karrinyup – to name but a few – while other truly fantastic courses dot the landscape, including Araluen, Sanctuary Golf Resort, Secret Harbour and The Vines. Here are a couple of our favourites:

The Cut Golf Club

The Cut Golf Club opened in 2005 with rave reviews and was quickly ranked as the best course in Western Australia by Golf Digest Australia. Since then, The Cut Golf Club has hosted two WA PGA Championships on the Australian PGA Tour and several WA PGA Pro-Ams including the Mandurah Toyota Invitational Pro-Am to be held on May 24th and 25th of this year. Located adjacent to the Indian Ocean just south of the Dawesville Channel, The Cut Golf Club is a majestic piece of golf real estate with amazing ocean views on 12 of the links-style holes.

Golf tours and holidays with Above Par golf tours are truly an ‘Above Par experience.’ As one of Australia’s leading golf tour operators, Above Par will take the stress out of organising your next holiday. Privileged access to the finest public and private golf courses on Australia’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast ensure that they can satisfy the most discerning of golfers, and with 300+ days of sunshine each year the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast offer the best year-round golfing destinations in Australia. Hope Island, The Glades, Lakelands, Brookwater, Hyatt Coolum, Noosa Springs, Twin Waters, Sanctuary Cove (Pines and Palms) and Club Pelican Golf clubs all feature in the top 60 public access courses in Australia, and are available to you along with many other highly rated golf courses. Above Par Golf Tours’ buying power at the courses and accommodation venues allow them to pass on significant discounts to all golfers, ensuring you save money as well as having an unforgettable golf experience. The Above Par Golf Tours team has many years’ experience in organising golf, accommodation and transport requirements for thousands of happy golfers. They offer fast, efficient and great value solutions for your next golfing holiday. A recent addition to the company’s services are fully-packaged tours to Queenstown, New Zealand. Located on the South Island, Queenstown is one of the most naturally stunning places in the world and now boasts a selection of resort and club golf courses that are the envy of the country. Add in jet boating, bungy jumping, canyoning and a host of other outdoor activities and a holiday of a lifetime awaits. Above Par Golf Tours will organise all your accommodation, golf and transport needs while in New Zealand. Enquiries www.abovepargolf.com.au enquiries@abovepargolf.com.au The first four holes offer golfers stunning views across the crystal blue waters of the Florida and Pyramids beaches, where you can often spot dolphins and whales in the midst of your round of golf. >

Package for two people includes: • Two nights accommodation • Breakfast each morning • 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

$ For bookings call 1800 030 211 www.countryclubtasmania.com.au

431

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www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

golf getaways Alongside the second hole is the newly-built Oceanique apartments that offer fully-self-contained two- or three-bedroom apartments with balconies on both sides overlooking the golf course and ocean. Each apartment comes with secure underground parking and there is a private pool and gym to use during your stay. Prices for the apartments with golf begin at $435 per night twin-share (two rounds of golf with cart, plus overnight stay). Bookings can be made with The Cut Golf Club. If you are looking for a golf and accommodation package with a little more night life close by, then consider The Sebel on the Mandurah Estuary. The Sebel offers rooms with views of the marina and Estuary from $325 per night in a deluxe room twin-share with two rounds of golf. Bookings can be made through The Cut Golf Club. The Cut Golf Club also offers the nearby The Links Apartments as an alternative accommodation option. The Links apartments are located 500m from The Cut’s magnificent clubhouse and can sleep up to ten adults.The apartments come complete with a pool and BBQ area for after golf relaxation and entertainment. Bookings for The Links Apartments are best made through www.stayz.co.au. The Cut Golf Club offers a variety of dining options throughout the week. Don’t forget The Cut Golf Club’s great Green Fee, Lunch and Fuel deal that is currently running: $175 for 2 players with cart, Lunch from the Express Menu, plus a $50 Caltex Fuel Card. You save $93. Bookings are essential for this offer, as is payment at time of booking. Enquiries 08 9582 4444 www.the-cut.com.au info@the-cut.com.au 69 Country Club Drive Dawesville, 6211 WA

Joondalup

You’ve likely heard of Joondalup, as it regularly features near the top of many of the regular golf course rankings. In truth, this is one spectacular facility, and is less than 30 minutes’ drive from Perth. With three 9-hole layouts – The Dune, The Quarry and The Lake – Joondalup offers something for golfers of all levels. The Quarry 9 is the most spectacular of the layouts, as it wends its way around steep limestone quarries and deep, menacing valleys. It is certainly the star of the facility – and a definite must-play layout. It’s hard to name just one standout hole at Joondalup - as there are many breathtaking (and jaw-dropping) choices. But you simply can’t go past the Quarry’s 3rd and 4th holes. Though only 136m from the back tees, the Quarry 3rd is one of the more intimidating holes in Australia, as hitting the green requires a forced carry over a “valley of death” in the front and right. If you do miss the green right, there is a steep path

down to the bunker below (though this is not a recommended approach option!) After navigating this tricky par-3, you then must tackle the challenging par-5 4th, a double dog-leg uphill monster which wends its way around a large limestone cliff that protects an elevated green. A par on this hole almost feels like an eagle. From tee to green, Joondalup is one of our favourite courses in WA. The perfectly manicured fairways, the soft and true greens, the tremendous staff and the breathtaking scenery all combined for a 5-star experience. With your round finished, be sure to make your way to the fantastic on-site resort for some post-round drinks at their Kangaroo Arms pub, followed by a relaxing stay at the amazing on-site resort, which is another spectacular feature of this remarkable facility. The resort features 70 beautiful rooms and suites, six function rooms, an outdoor lagoon style pool and heated spa, tennis courts, mini

gymnasium, massage and beauty treatments, a cafe, restaurant, and cocktail lounge. In short – it is a perfect location for a golf getaway for groups of any sizes. Play here. Soon. Enquiries (08) 9400 8888 Country Club Boulevard, Connolly, Western Australia, 6027 www.joondalupresort.com.au

Kalgoorlie

While better known for its gold mining, red earth and blue skies, the Western Australia town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is soon to be known for its amazing greens, especially those of the spectacular Kalgoorlie Golf Course. Inside Golf made the trek out west to play this amazing facility, and we were blown away by the quality of the course, the amazing scenery and the hospitality throughout.

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

golf getaways

Kalgoorlie If you expect Kalgoorlie to be full of roughand-tumble pubs, gruff goldminers and a dry and dusty landscape, well, you couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, Kalgoorlie is a fairly bustling regional centre with a population of 30,000 and all the modern conveniences of any Australian country town. And now, they can boast to having one of the finest golf courses in Australia. The brand-new Kalgoorlie Golf Course is an absolute gem, and may very well be one of the most “Australian” courses you will ever play. Designed by Graham Marsh, and owned by the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, this 18-hole par-72 championship track features an extremely playable layout, set in one of the most magnificent settings in the country. With six different tee boxes, Kalgoorlie is playable for any–and I mean ANY–skill level. Played from the black tees, the course measures a staggering 6768m, making it one of the longest

courses (if not THE longest) in Australia. The “public” tees are a more manageable 5933m, while other tees are available for members, ladies and even juniors. Most of the holes are quite straight and wide, meaning that you’ll be relatively safe to hit driver throughout the day. But that doesn’t mean the holes are easy; on the contrary, they are anything but. A few of the doglegs – notably the par-4 12th – will require careful club selection and course management if you want any hope of par. The same can be said for holes like the par-5 9th, which features a massive (yet narrow), threetiered green that slopes from front to back (i.e. AWAY from you), and is guarded by a deep pot bunker on the front-right. If the pin is cut on the first/front tier, prepare for an automatic 3-putt. The par-3s at Kalgoorlie are glorious, especially the 218m 8th. With a slightly raised green, strategic bunkers and plenty of danger on each side, it’s the type of hole that can destroy a

scorecard. Especially if the wind is in your face. Same with the 202m 17th, which features its own selection of nightmarish bunkers. The par-5s are equally strong. All four of them are solid three-shotters, including the monstrous 15th. Nicknamed the “Golden Mile”, this 569m beauty features a blind second shot, a valley of death along the right, bunkers at every turn and a very treacherous green. Of course, the main feature of Kalgoorlie GC is the red earth surrounding the course. It not only “frames” the course in a stunning visual display, but it also provides a notorious hazard for wayward shots. Playing off the red earth is akin to a soft clay, and requires plenty of practice to master. The same can be said for the various orange-coloured “waste bunkers” throughout the course: pretty, but deadly. The sparse surrounds beyond the rough means you’ll likely find your wayward shots. But it’s a hollow victory, as the numerous prickly desert

shrubs and bushes provide their own layer of peril; it is nigh impossible to play out of many of them. Also, much of the course is slightly “raised” off the ground – so if your ball rolls just off the fairway onto the red earth, you can find yourself wedged against a raised grass “lip”, which requires a tricky wedge shot to get back onto the fairway. Post-round drinks and food are a delight, courtesy of The Waterhole restaurant in the clubhouse. The food here is high-quality, and a step beyond the usual golf club grub. It’s also great for functions and events. With a course of this calibre on offer, Kalgoorlie is a fantastic destination for a quick golfing holiday or Social Golf Weekend, as it offers world-class golf, comfortable accommodation, and a unique nightlife scene. (Hint: try one of the thick and juicy Pepper-crusted eye fillets at the Balcony Restaurant above the Palace Hotel. We’re talking Fred Flintstone-sized portions here). After dinner, grab a few beers and mingle with the locals at one of the historic pubs, or kick back in your room at one of the 25 local hotels and dream about the next day’s round at Kalgoorlie GC. (Note – check out the stay and play packages are available via Rydges Kalgoorlie: www.Rydges.com/Kalgoorlie) All in all, Kalgoorlie Golf Course is an amazing course with a setting that is second to none. We are confident that this course will one day find itself listed among Australia’s top rated courses. And don’t be surprised if you see large tournaments hosted here in the future. Yes, it’s that good. Play it before the word gets out. Enquiries 08 9026 2626 golf@kalgoorliegolfcourse.com 93 Aslett Drive Kalgoorlie WA 6430 www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

golf getaways

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U Choose Golf Holiday Australia-wide golf packages Specialising in Australia-wide golf destinations, U Choose Golf Holiday provides golfers with a professional and well-organized golf trip. Every detail is carefully taken care of and you’ll have nothing to do but turn up and have a great time. Owner-operators Sharon and Gary pride themselves on offering a good value, wellorganized and—more importantly— very personalized service. Sharon will look after your holiday starting from first contact right through to the end. She will tailor a package to suit, providing choices of accommodation, courses and optional extras all designed to meet your requirements and budgets. All with no hidden surprises. U Choose Golf Holiday has been growing strong each year, experiencing 70% of loyal repeat customers.

Popular destinations are Hunter Valley and Nelson Bay or try The Entrance, staying at luxury apartments Sandy Cove, playing Magenta Shores, Kooindah and Shelley Beach. And don’t forget Coffs Harbour and Northern Rivers with exceptional local courses and quality accommodation. Queensland has the Gold Coast, The Glades, Royal Pines, Hope Island or Sunshine Coast’s, Noosa Springs, Twin Waters, Coolum Golf & Spa and many more. Tasmania has Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm and a host of great courses around Launceston & Hobart. And what about Mandurah in WA—host to four of the most scenic and enjoyable courses you will ever play: Secret Harbour, Kennedy Bay, Meadow Springs and the fabulous The Cut. Group these with Sebel Apartments or Seashells and you have a most unforgettable golf destination.

Victoria has the magic of The Mornington Peninsula: challenging, exciting and some of the finest courses Australia has to offer. Sharon would love to hear from you regarding your next golf holiday and will be more than happy to put together some options for you to consider or answer any questions you may have. But don’t wait any longer, book your next golf holiday now. Enquiries 0418713620 sharon@uchoose.com.au www.uchoose.com.au

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Tasmania’s most difficult course, a driving range, casino and Tasmania’s most awarded restaurant? It’s called the Ultimate golf weekend. Tasmania is fast becoming known as the golfing capital of Australia. Country Club Tasmania in Launceston is the perfect base for your Tasmanian golf adventure. Country Club Tasmania is located in picturesque parkland on the rural fringe of Launceston, northern Tasmania’s major city. It’s one of two Tasmanian casinos and is Launceston’s premier choice for holiday accommodation, dining, entertainment and, of course, golf. When visiting the Apple Isle, both Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm are now on any golfer’s bucket list and luckily enough these two world renowned courses are just a short one-hour drive away. When flying in to Launceston, include a

golf getaways

Country Club Tasmania stopover at Country Club Tasmania as it is there you’ll find all the facilities and services you’d expect in a top-quality hotel and a true country club, including the jewel in its crown, the 18hole championship golf course, recognised as one of Tasmania’s finest links. C ount r y C lub Tasmania b o asts an international standard 18-hole golf course, originally designed and built as part of the property in 1982 by Mike Wolveridge and British Open champion Peter Thomson. Since then, the course has grown to be one of the best courses in Tasmania, with challenging fairways, water hazards and fast greens that are truly of championship standard. The course

Country Club Tasmania is meticulously maintained by the team of greenkeepers and recently played host to the Tasmanian Open and Australian Father and Son Championships. You can even practise your swing before taking to the fairways at northern Tasmania’s only undercover driving range and there is a fully-stocked pro-shop with equipment and motorised carts available for hire and purchase. There are a variety of accommodation choices available or you can take advantage of the Stay and Play Golf Packages including the package that is the current talk about town: ‘Tasmania’s Ultimate Stay and Play package’. The package offers two nights’ accommodation, breakfast

each day, 18-holes at Country Club Tasmania, 18-holes at Barnbougle Dunes or Lost Farm and return luxury road transfers to Barnbougle or Lost Farm from $431 per person. Accommodation options include hotel rooms and five-star luxury suites in the main Country Club complex or at Country Club Villas, just an 800m complimentary shuttle service away and offers ideal family or group accommodation in the form of self-contained one, two and three bedroom villas and suites. Country Club Tasmania has a selection of five restaurants and four bars where you can select from casual bistro-style meals overlooking the golf course in Links Cafe, quick and inexpensive

meals in the Watergarden and fine dining featuring Tasmania’s best food and wine in the award-winning Terrace à la carte restaurant. It also has a boutique casino featuring the latest gaming machines and popular table games. When you’re not out on the golf course there’s plenty of other ways to spend your day with tennis courts, heated indoor pools and health centres with spa and sauna, horse riding, massage, beauty treatments and trout fishing all available. Enquiries: 1800 030 211 www.countryclubtasmania.com.au

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10 things to remember when planning your golf weekend Matthew Pitt ed@insidegolf.com.au

The planning you put into your golf trip can make all the difference to how much fun your golfers have. It is important to look at all the elements you can control and plan accordingly to give your trip the best chance of success. The important factors to consider are who, where, what, when, how and why and then go from there. 1. Your Golfers–this may seem obvious, but it is critical to consider what type of golfers you are catering for, what they want from the trip and then make your plans accordingly. Every golfer has their own idea of what is fun. Golf purists will want to walk 36 holes a day on classical links courses, while mates on a leisure weekend may prefer 18 holes on a deluxe resort course in a cart with plenty of refreshments handy. 2. The Venue–Pick the right venue to suit your golfers’ needs. Consider the location, quality and style of the golf courses, location of accommodation, the size of the cart fleet, the quality of service and what other dining and entertainment options are near the courses. How far your golfers have to travel to reach the venue and at what cost can be a key element in the value proposition. 3. The Timing–You need to avoid Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Easter can be tricky and some public and school holiday times can be an issue. There are also local weather

Proper planning prior to your getaway can have a major impact on the success of your event patterns–many Victorians enjoy a winter trip to the Gold Coast and Tasmania is calm in April, May & June but then gets plenty of rain in the Spring. Do a little research on the local weather before your plan the dates for your trip. 4. The Budget–how much time and money do your golfers have to spend? A CEO who is time poor and cashed up may want a private jet for one round with three pals on an exclusive course, while folks with more time and less coin may prefer two weeks touring country courses with a big group staying in budget accommodation. Consider also what you include in the ticket price - golf, carts, accommodation, travel, catering, prizes, gifts, drinks, transfers, etc. The inclusions you opt for have a big impact on the total ticket price and the perceived value. 5. The Accommodation–Most golfers prefer

to be on the course, or very close by. The other factors to consider are quality, price, availability, layout and proximity to other facilities and services. One of the best venues we have used is a lodge the sleeps 20 with common dining, sitting and living rooms. The community areas made for a very social environment between rounds and a great golf event. 6. Course Condition–Nothing is more disappointing than being excited about playing a course and arriving to find the greens have just been cored and sanded. In your planning, inquire with courses about their maintenance schedules and course works to check if this will impact on your trip. 7. The Competition–Are you even having one? Some trips are simply for the love of golf and there is no competition. Some mates enjoy a lot of side-betting on every round and some groups have an organised competition for the event. Consider your golfers when planning a competition–what do they want, what can they do, do they have handicaps and what will deliver the most fun for the most people? Your options include singles, pairs, teams of four, stroke, par, stableford, ambrose or a mixture of different formats. 8. Prizes & Trophies–If you do have an event, you may require prizes and trophies. Don’t forget to include these in your budget. You will also need a name for your event– preferably with some relevant history among your golfers and a good back-story. Perhaps the most important thing is a great Perpetual

Trophy–this can add an extra dimension of excitement and prestige to your event if there is a glittering prize of intrinsic value. The event becomes a quest and this adds anticipation, excitement and glory to any golfing adventure. 9. The Numbers–How many people are going on your trip? Whether it is 8 or 28 or more has a major bearing on all the other plans. What accommodation is available for a group of your size? How long will your field take to play? Do you use one-tee, two-tee or shotgun starts? How many are you catering for? What are the group discount rates at the golf courses? The more players there are, the more complex a competition will be to run. When planning your event, start with how many golfers you plan to take. 10. The Deposit–This cuts both ways: most courses will want a deposit to sure up your commitment and you should thus require a deposit from your golfers. Some golfers say ‘yes’ to everything but they are not committed until they have to reach for their purse. Every event we have ever run, someone has pulled out. To help with your planning, ask your golfers for a deposit. This will weed out who is half-baked and help you finance the deposit your venues will require. • Bushranger Golf and Social Golf Australia run events around Australia. For more information, visit www.bushrangergolf.com.au or www.socialgolfaustralia.com.au.

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Your guide to golf on the Sunshine Coast David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

TRAVEL anywhere on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and – lo and behold – you will come across a golf course. It could be nestled in a valley surrounded by picturesque mountains, spread around a tranquil lake or across rolling link-style terrain. It could even pop up close to a city centre and fashionable shopping precincts. The golf course is always a welcome addition to any setting.

Golfers who holiday on the Sunshine Coast will find the weather gods generously service them – especially during the winter months. And for golfers in an unfamiliar destination, it is a touch of the familiar where good friendship abounds. The resort courses are the equal of any on the eastern seaboard of Australia and go out of their way to welcome visitors while the member clubs are always keen to showcase their facilities. There is no excuse for not planning a trip to this wonderful destination, but you should reach a decision quickly.

That’s because the Sunshine Coast, with a vast array of attractions, is a popular haven during the winter months. In fact, it’s almost an embarrassment of riches on the Sunny Coast as the locals like to call it. Some of Australia’s greatest tourist attractions and facilities have been brought on by its sophisticated development. The onset of sophistication has also had a profound effect on Australia’s highest participative sport – golf. The Sunshine Coast still has many strong traditional member golf clubs, but they have been

Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club

sun shine in joined by international standard resort courses, some designed by such notable names as Greg Norman and Peter Thomson. With moderate temperatures ranging between 18°C and 27°C and plenty of sunshine throughout the year, the conditions are ideal. If you enjoy surfing, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself sharing the waves with humpback whales and dolphins. Foodies will love the Noosa Food Trail to the farm gates and the Sunshine Coast Wine Trail in the hinterland ranges. Now, if you have any energy left, why not join

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www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

travel feature

Sunshine Coast other thrill seekers by climbing and abseiling the Glass House Mountains or swim with the sharks at Mooloolaba’s Underwater World. That’ll get your adrenaline pumping. For a change of pace, take a stroll through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland or grab a bicycle and enjoy the paths past the beautiful shoreline along the Caloundra Coastal Path from Golden Beach to Port Cartwright. Now, with your appetite well and truly whet, let’s take a look at some of the Sunshine Coast’s golf courses and facilities.

NGRAVED into the mind of a golfing traveller is the hope he might stumble upon an island paradise. A golfer seeking such a place should consider Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club on Bribie Island, which is a 50-minute drive north of Brisbane and 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast. The golf is far better than any traveller has a right to expect and golfers can play-and-stay. Pacific Harbour and On the Beach Resort offer the very best golf and accommodation. Golfers can enjoy 18 holes at one of Australia’s best courses and then relax right on the beach. A two-night stay is $145 per person, per night and a three-night stay is $120 per person per night. The package includes accommodation, golf in a shared motorised cart, $25 per person restaurant voucher at the Deck Café and a bonus second round of golf for a three-night stay. The Ross Watson-designed island links-style championship course is impressive as it merges island life, water and golf. Watson describes the course as “risk and reward”, which works well for championship, resort and club golf.

The bunkering at Pacific Harbour is a standout feature. The short holes (par-3s) are exceptional with the 17th having the longest bunker in the Southern Hemisphere. Water can be seen at every turn with reflective lakes, the ocean in the background and even the clubhouse is “floating” over a lake and aquatic driving range. The once lifeless stretch of land allowed Watson the rare opportunity to create a golf course in the spirit of golf ’s Scottish heritage of seaside, linksstyle courses. Beach bunkers merge with lake edges with natural grasses, reed and sedges. The 250-metre aquatic driving range, putting green and practice pitching area are located adjacent to the 18th fairway. When Watson designed the golf course, he said it would be “challenging, memorable and visually attractive”. He’s right.

oosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort offers golfers much more than 18-holes of championship golf in a pristine bushland setting. The award-winning resort, bordering beautiful Lake Weyba and Noosa National Park, is a sanctuary yet it’s only three minutes to the upmarket boutiques, bars and restaurants of Hastings Street and famous beaches. The luxury, open-plan two- and three-bedroom apartments overlook the first fairway so the only sounds you’ll hear are from nature. Noosa Springs is all about affordable luxury, so to stretch your recreation dollar further you can purchase a vacation membership, which offers fantastic savings of at least 20% on golf, luxurious spa treatments, tennis, fitness and fine dining.

18 HoleInside Championship Course Golf readers

2 for 1 - 18 Holes Valid until 31st August 2012. This coupon must be presented to pro shop when paying to receive the 2 for 1 deal.

Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort If golf ’s your game, there is plenty to inspire and challenge golfers of all abilities. The 6180m championship course is built to international standards with nine lakes and 69 bunkers guarding manicured fairways. Noosa Springs offers excellent discounts for groups of 12 players or more and gives the flexibility to create the golfing day you want – be it golf only or golf plus spa and dining. Group golf starts at just $75 per player for 18 holes. The 54-hole Calvin Klein Queensland B&C Grade Championship (November 30 to December 2) is a stableford event. It’s open to all amateur golfers who have a registered B or C grade handicap. Registration is $299, which includes three rounds

of championship golf, admission to the opening night cocktail party, presentation afternoon and a commemorative gift from Calvin Klein. Lady golfers will enjoy the Ladies Day Series – three days of fun, fashion and golf on April 17, August 2 and December 4. Play on any of the days and you’ll go into the draw for the chance to win one of four $250 golf shop vouchers. The individual stableford competition is followed by a gourmet champagne lunch and dazzling fashion parade featuring the latest in leisurewear. Registration is $99 per player. Travel magazines and golf course guides have ranked Noosa Springs one of the top play-and-stay resorts since it opened. Six times it’s won the Best

Enjoy onE of Golf’s GrEat GolfinG ExpEriEncEs Mount Coolum Golf Club is an 18 Hole course nestled at the foot of one of the most prominent Sunshine Coast landmarks. Come and play a round of 18 holes with spectacular Mount Coolum as your backdrop.

MEMBERSHIP OFFER

Join Mount Coolum Golf Club now and receive

25% OFF FULL MEMBERSHIP

Call the club on 5446 1539 for further details

Acknowledged as one of the most picturesque and popular courses on the Sunshine Coast, Mount Coolum Golf Club is the perfect venue for:

• Social Golf

Join Now & receive 3 free lessons with our Club Professional 18 Hole CHampionsHip Course Caloundra Golf Club 1 Charles Woodward Drive, CALOUNDRA QLD 4551 Ph: (07) 5491 1811 admin@caloundragolf.com.au

www.caloundragolfclub.com 60

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

• Corporate Days • Weddings, Birthdays and Functions • Social Golf Clubs

CLUB PROFESSIONAL ON COURSE

Open 7 days from 6am to 6pm For further information please contact the Pro Shop on 5446 3125

The clubhouse facilities include showers, bar, bistro, conference facilities and there are 16 gaming machines available.

Mount Coolum Golf Club is the hidden gem on the Sunshine Coast

www.mtcoolumgolf.com

17 Lumeah Drive, Mount Coolum (off Suncoast Beach Drive)

Phone 5446 1539

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Sunshine Coast Function/Convention Centre Caterer Sunshine Coast and two times winner of Best Caterer Sunshine (Restaurant & Catering Queensland); and winner of Best Spa Manager – Australasia and finalist Best Spa – Australasia 2011 (Australasian Spa Association). The resort’s golf boutique has all the latest in golf and leisurewear.

F you haven’t played the magnificent Greg Norman-designed Pelican Waters Golf Club for a while you should venture there and enjoy some of the new-look holes. The Shark visited last year to look over his masterpiece and agreed to soften the course ever so slightly by removing a few “rogue” bunkers. Now the members and regular visitors are happily making more pars and birdies although the course still offers a stern interrogation. Located one hour north of Brisbane in the stunning surrounds of Caloundra’s Golden Beach, Pelican Waters has a range of impressive features including the superb clubhouse with restaurant and bar (open for breakfast and lunch), undercover driving range, practice putting and chipping greens and well-stocked golf shop. But it’s the 6359m championship course that attracts a lot of attention. It offers some of the best playing surfaces anywhere and the numerous tee positions cater for players with varying skills. Still, pitfalls abound, particularly if you are not striking the golf ball accurately off the tee. When the course was built, the numerous large and uniquely shaped Normanesque bunkers often swallowed a misjudged shot, but some have been taken out. Then there are the thick sections of native grasses

Pelican Waters Golf Club growing healthily from sweeping mounds and along the water’s edge. The first six holes, even from the back tees, are not overly long, but do demand a thoughtful strategy. Visitors may find themselves lulled into a false sense of security at the straightforward par-4 first hole. Those who have a good round going by the par-3 sixth could find the total water carry a worry with a large bunker between the green and the lake. Bounded by lush bushland and scenic creek land, Pelican Waters has intelligently integrated the existing natural landscape and translated it to simply exhilarating golfing terrain. The closing four holes weave through thick native bushland and feature regular clumps of native grasses.

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Pelican Waters is open to the public and provides quality service in a warm and social environment. Currently, Pelican Waters has a special golf deal for two people. The offer includes golf in a shared motorised cart, range balls and lunch for just $175. The offer ends on May 31.

ESIGNED by five-time Open Championship winner Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge, Twin Waters Golf Club is definitely a favourite with golfing visitors and locals alike. The internationally-recognised club has been voted one of the top courses in Australia and that’s why it has hosted a number of major events including the Holden Scramble final 14 times in the event’s 20-year history.

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Even Steven Bowditch chose it as the ideal venue to host his charity golf day. The typical links-style layout replicates some of the traditional and natural British courses so appreciated by Peter Thomson. Situated at Mudjimba at the mouth of the Maroochy River just south of the Sunshine Coast Airport, Twin Waters has a stunning setting and the challenging layout which combine to produce an enjoyable game of golf for all levels of players. Golfers who spray the ball off the tee need not worry because Twin Waters offers amply wide fairways, punctuated by rolling bumps and dips. Even when you hit your ball over bush-covered hills to the side of the fairway there’s a good chance

**Conditions apply

CHICKEN POT OF PARMIGIANA XXXX GOLD & CHIPS OR GLASS OF HOUSE WINE

151 Ocean Drive, Twin Waters Qld 4564 Ph: (07) 5457 2444 www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

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Sunshine Coast Still, the finishing three holes (16, 17 and 18) are demanding and require thought and concentration. “This golf course will surprise a lot of players,” Rostron said. “The 516m par-5 seventh is considered the feature hole, but I do like the 140m par-3 14th – it’s just a great golf hole. Peregian Springs is the perfect setting for a round of golf and the ideal environment to network and socialise.

Twin Waters Golf Club you’ll find your ball and have a shot to the green. Concentration is critical on the putting surfaces because the greens are large with testing slopes. The 18th is a suitably testing par-5 and it’s a hole where many contests have been won and lost. The eighth hole is just one of the standouts because it has the green design in line with the “road hole” at the famous St Andrews. The water on the right is intimidating and should be avoided at all cost. A unique practice facility is the aquatic driving range, one of only a handful in Queensland. Twin Waters Golf Academy has you covered for improvement. With Australian PGA professionals on hand and great facilities on offer golfers will find the academy really is “the new era of golf coaching”. Twin Waters also have group packages starting at $82.00 per person including lunch, as well as a variety of catering and presentation options for your Corporate Golf Event.

In addition, their “Nineteen” Function room and extensive terrace area overlooking the manicured gardens can cater for casual BBQs through to more formal Corporate presentations.

IKE Augusta National, Peregian Springs Golf Club has its own Amen Corner. The club’s golf professional Wayne Rostron said holes five to eight were extremely challenging and known as Amen Corner. Located at Peregian Beach about 15 minutes from Noosa, Peregian Springs, until recently, was an exclusive private members club. Now the resort-style club has opened its doors to the public and inquisitive golfers looking for a new challenge are turning up to play and find out what the fuss is about. “Social golfers are always welcome,” Rostron said. “We can accommodate golfers most days of the week, but Sundays are perfect because it’s a lot quieter,” he said.

The club provides an idyllic venue for enjoying a regular round of golf, entertaining your friends or clients and for forging new friendships. The facilities include a challenging 18-hole championship golf course, practice facilities and a superbly appointed clubhouse with bar, dining areas and gymnasium. As well as enjoying playing a challenging golf course, visitors can experience the stunning views, great food and friendly service. Designed by Phil Scott, father of Adam Scott, the golf course allows golfers to ease their way into the round, but you had better be on your game by the time you reach the fifth tee. “The front nine is tough and you have to work hard from the fifth to the ninth,” Rostron said. For the record, there are 90 bunkers to negotiate on the course. But the beauty of the course is there are five tee positions that allow golfers to choose how hard or easy they want to make it.

OU would be a fool to think Caboolture Golf Club’s par-71 layout was easy pickings after reading about Daniel Nisbet’s 59 off the stick (12-under-par). The 21-year-old, who plays off +4, is a local member with extraordinary talent and is one of the best amateurs in the world. For the rest of us mere mortals, Caboolture is a challenge worth pursuing. Located midway between Brisbane and the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture prides itself on its championship course, modern clubhouse and friendly service. General manager Phil Hilder said visitors would be pleasantly surprised by the degree of difficulty the course provides. “Elevated greens, strategic hazards, doglegs and even double doglegs ensure that you are kept at the top of your game for all 18 holes,” he said. “No two visits to this course are ever the same.” The members love the golf course because of the varied challenges and visitors always want to return to see if they can improve their score. Adding to the challenge is the Wararba Creek that flows alongside many of the undulating fairways.

Tin Can Bay

Country Club

Are you a group social director Looking for a great golfing Weekend getaway? We specialise in looking after golfing groups and offer Tee times on Saturdays and Sundays

✔ A challenging 18 hole championship layout ✔ Free BBQ hut ✔ Free Courtesy bus ✔ Ten large screen TV’s showing your favourite sport on FOX ✔ Free Pool tables and dart boards ✔ Quality restaurant offering two for one “Hot Rock” steaks on Saturday nights ✔ Let us organise comfortable, affordable accommodation for you ✔ Our country hospitality will provide your group a complete weekend! Only two and a half hours from Brisbane, but a world away from everything email reception@tcbcc.com.au • phone (07) 5486 4231

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Woodford Golf Club Inc. Facilities Include: > Full air conditioned Clubhouse > Full Bar Facilities > Dinner Friday and Saturday nights > ATM > Pool Table > 14 Pokies > Function Room & Restaurant > Weddings, Parties and Trade Days > Cold Beer and Friendly Staff “Members, Guests and Visitors are always welcome - Country hospitality at its finest”

Woodford Golf Club Inc. Club (07) 5496 1004 Proshop (07) 5496 1522 Email admin@woodfordgolfclub.com.au www.woodfordgolfclub.com.au

CLUB SPECIALS UnlImIted Golf Mon - Fri after 1pm

$20pp

Conditions apply with motorised carts

fRIdAYS 18 holes golf, light lunch and free drink

$35pp

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Sunshine Coast

Peregian Springs Golf Club At 6059 metres, the challenges come in the form of water hazards, manicured bunkers and large greens, which all add up to a good test of golf. The course underwent an extensive re-design some years ago and the investment really shows today. The signature hole is the par-5 17th, a double dogleg with water on both sides and fairway bunkers on each corner. Water and bunkers surround the green. The standard green fees are $30 during the week, however, you can play unlimited golf for $20 on Mondays (excluding public holidays) and two players can enjoy a round in a cart for just $49. After a round, golfers can enjoy the comforts of a modern clubhouse and fine dining.

VER the years, Bribie Island Golf Club has received its fair share of compliments, and rightly so.

The club has hosted a string of events including the Australasian Tour qualifying school, the Rod Pampling Plate for young pros, the Australian junior boys’ championship and a few more. And every time the players putt out on the last they say how much they have enjoyed the challenge. But perhaps the biggest bouquet came from a group of golfers from south of the border, who suggested they would close the bridge to the island and keep the hidden gem all to themselves. Club president Ron Cassin said that would never happen. “We are proud of our golf course and want golfers to come and see what we have got to offer,” he said. Visitors will als o s ee s ome of the beautification work, which is being done by

Caboolture Golf Club a crack team of volunteers. With its seaside location and bushland setting, the course offers all the playing advantages of a sand-belt course as the slightly undulating fairways follow the contours of ancient sand dunes. Some of the par-4s are extraordinarily long from the tips while the par-3s range from 137m to 157m. There are plenty of good holes, but the second and the 10th are the toughest. The second, a 399m par-4, is a dogleg right where you have to hit a good tee shot otherwise you’ll be staring bogey in the face. The 10th is a 402m par-4 where you hit off an elevated tee with large trees on either side of the tee immediately in front of it. Still, there are plenty of birdies available – especially on the par-5s. Bribie Island is centrally located between

Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and accommodation is available next door at the Fairways Golf and Beach Retreat or at the many other excellent venues on the island. The course is open to social play every day and the bistro is open for lunch and dinner. Bribie is a great venue for dining or relaxing on the veranda overlooking the greens and fairways.

F you have never played golf at Horton Park Golf Club then we suggest you make a beeline for the golf course described as a “beautiful course in a beautiful place”. Located in the centre of Maroochydore and close to Sunshine Plaza, the curtain will come down on the course in June 2014. The local council has purchased the land and the club’s loyal members will move to a new club

Pelican Waters Golf Club – Sunshine Coast www.pelicangolf.com.au Pro Shop: (07) 5437 5002 Golfshop@pelicangolf.com.au

‘A-MAZING GOLF DEAL FOR 2*’ $175 Includes 2 x rounds of golf (18 holes) / shared use of motorised cart / Range Balls for 2 people / Lunch for 2 people Phone (07) 5437 5002 to book this great deal!

DEAL VALUED AT $280! SAVE $106

*Terms & Conditions: Subject to availability. Offer expires 31st May 2012. Medium bucket of balls for 2 people. Lunch for 2 is limited to ‘Favourites’ Menu only, and maximum spend of $37. Deal must be used on the one day – no other vouchers will be issued. Bookings Essential - Please Quote ‘AMAZING GOLF DEAL FOR 2’ when you book your tee time.

Pelican Waters Golf Club is located just one hour north of Brisbane in the stunning surrounds of Golden Beach, and is the first ever Greg Norman designed golf course on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Open to the public and designed to rank among the premier courses in the world Ranked Number #1 Golf Course on the Sunshine Coast, and #55 in the Top 100 Courses in Australia (Golf Australia Magazine 2012), this spectacular 18 hole, 6359 metre championship course fittingly boasts one of the finest clubhouses and practice facilities in Australia. Greg Norman Championship Course / Undercover Driving Range / Restaurant & Bar available for lunch and breakfast / PGA Professional Teachers offering clinics & lessons / Fully Equipped Pro Shop / Practice Putting & Chipping Greens / Weddings & Functions

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

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Sunshine Coast

Bribie Island Golf Club

Horton Park Golf Club

and 27-hole golf course designed by Graham Marsh. Horton Park has been a favourite with locals and visitors since 1950 and was voted Queensland regional golf course of the year in 2005. One of the reasons Horton Park has been so popular is because it offers plenty of challenges – especially if the afternoon southeasterly blows in. The locals reckon holes 12 to 15 are the best four holes on the golf course. The greens and fairways are a treat, but if you do miss a fairway, the light rough can be punishing, which is the way it should be. One of the nice things about playing golf at Horton Park is that you get to use most of the clubs in the bag. Horton Park has a wonderful practice facility and driving range, which is open to members and visitors keen on honing their skills.

For five years, Horton Park hosted prequalifying for the Australian PGA Championship. Now that says something about the course and facilities. For many, it will be a sad day when the old course closes, but when the new course opens in June 2014 it will be an exciting new beginning. Horton Park and Coco Mooloolaba Apartments have a special play-and-stay package, which includes three nights in a one-bedroom deluxe apartment for two people and two games of golf for $560. The offer ends on June 30.

ATED one of the most demanding layouts on the Sunshine Coast, Mt Coolum Golf Club is nestled at the foot of the spectacular Mt Coolum. While Mt Coolum provides a spectacular backdrop, the challenge begins on the first tee. Narrow fairways and smallish, undulating

Bribie Island Golf Club Links Court, Woorim, Q, 4507

The “Hidden Gem” on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Championship course (host to Aust Senior and Junior Amateur Championships)

Bushland se�ng by the sea

greens combine to give golfers of all levels a test they will relish. Accuracy off the tee is the key to a good round. Often a driver is not the right club and, in many cases, a three-wood or even three-iron is a better option to avoid the thick sections of trees and occasional rough. The picturesque golf course has an abundance of natural flora surroundings, but don’t take your eye off the ball because you could end up in water, which comes into play on 12 holes. The layout is relatively flat, which makes it a comfortable walk for all ages and that’s why it comes as no surprise that more than 60,000 rounds are played at Mt Coolum each year. The golf club’s philosophy is to ensure the members, visitors and guests receive the highest level of service and facilities. Secretary manager Sharon Purnell said the condition of the golf course and the experience it

provided was the best advertisement for the club. “We have members and visitors constantly commenting on how well the course is playing,” she said. The club’s facilities also include pro shop, with retail and hire equipment – including motorised carts, and an air-conditioned clubhouse with a comfortable bar and veranda. The clubhouse bistro is open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday and bar facilities are open seven days a week. Golfers can relax on the balcony after a game and enjoy lunch with views of the course and the magnificent Mount Coolum. “It’s all part of one of golf ’s great golfing experiences,” Purnell said. Mount Coolum Golf Club has social play on Monday, Friday and Sunday and offer discounts to social bookings of 15 or more players. The club welcomes visitors and guests to play and enjoy golf in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Clubhouse open for lunch 7 days a week with dinner Tuesday to Friday Green fees available most days including Saturdays in mens competition Weekly green fees $125

Group Bookings

Fairways Bistro for lunch and dinner Membership currently open Social Players welcome Call 3410 1900 for Stay and Play op�ons

Ph 3408 340 1457 www.bribieislandgolfclub.com.au “Come and enjoy our Island hospitality” 64

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Temporary membership available 3 months $500 ~ 6 months $700

Motorised carts with fully stocked pro shop (07) 5447 1407 Fax: (07) 5449 0107 Email: golfbookings@noosagolf.com.au

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Sunshine Coast Headland Golf Club

Mt Coolum Golf Club

HE scenery at Headland Golf Club is spectacular. No visitor could fail to be impressed by the breathtaking views from the Buderim clubhouse. Long-serving club professional John Victorsen rates the view from the clubhouse the equal of any golf club in the world. He reckons the list of places that can be seen from the clubhouse would fill a travel brochure. Victorsen said the undulating 6086-metre layout was a good test of golf but more importantly would never become boring. “I’ve been playing here for more than 30 years and I still enjoy the challenge,” said the man who

was voted one of the top-100 PGA pros of the last 100 years. In 2009, Headland received the Queensland Golf Club of the Year Award and course superintendent Ben Tilley captured the 2011 Queensland Golf Course Superintendents Achievement Award for Excellence. Little wonder the club has more than 900 happy members. And if John Victorsen isn’t the friendliest golf pro in Australia I’d like to know who is. He and his On-Course pro shop team are extremely helpful and have every piece of equipment, clothing and accessories a golfer needs.

Established in 1955, Headland services golfers from near and far and it is one of the best value golf courses on the Sunshine Coast. The course is always in good condition and the members are justifiably proud of their club. There are some great fun holes at Headland. After walking off the 146m par-3 18th green, golfers often feel like walking back to the tee and having another crack at it. It’s that good. Still, the 19th is equally inviting with uninterrupted views across the golf course to the coastline. There’s no better place to relax after a round to do the add-ups and takeaways on the scorecards.

N common with good golf courses everywhere, Caloundra Golf Club is very much a product of its natural surroundings. There is an aesthetic quality to Caloundra and a self-conscious reverence for nature. Established in 1951 in the popular seaside town of Caloundra, the golf course is set in a tranquil and peaceful environment. Of course, the challenge of the traditional Australian bushland course is another reason why the club is popular with members and visitors alike. The golf course is 5986 metres off the championship tees (5205m for women) and features a number of tight, tree-lined holes that

- 2009 Queensland Golf Club of the Year - Head Professional John Victorsen voted in the “Top 100 PGA Professionals of the last 100 years of the PGA in Australia” - Course Superintendent Ben Tilley awarded the 2011 Queensland Golf Course Superintendents Achievement Award for Excellence

Present this ad with your green fee receipt for a

free drink at the bar after your round (conditions apply)

• • • •

Open to the public Green fee visitors now welcome Specialists in Charity and Corporate Golf Days Ideal location for weddings and other functions

Special rate $85 per person including motorised cart for a limited time only 95 Peregian Springs Drive, Peregian Springs Pro Shop: (07) 5471 5400 Clubhouse: (07) 5471 5471 www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au

Headland Golf Club Inc. Golf Links Road, BUDERIM QLD 4556 Ph. (07) 5444 5800 Fax. (07) 5444 7123 golf@headlandgolfclub.com.au www.headlandgolfclub.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

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Sunshine Coast make accuracy and the ability to shape the golf ball off the tee very important. There are five par-3s and they are a real test with none measuring less than 145 metres. If that is not enough, there is water on five holes and bunkers protect most of the greens. Caloundra’s final three holes are extremely demanding, which is what you want from a championship course. The 16th (353m) has an index of eight while the 17th (369m) and the 18th (393m) are indexed four and two respectively. If you require one birdie from one of the final three holes to win a title, you are going to have to work very hard. Caloundra Golf Club, which can lay claim to producing former Open Championship winner Ian Baker-Finch, has produced numerous state and national champions. Visitors are always welcome at Caloundra and social times are available most days. Motorised carts and golf equipment are available for hire. The clubhouse, which overlooks the 18th green and fairway, incorporates a fully-equipped bar and dining room while the pro shop has an excellent range of clubs and accessories. One of the attractions is each day at 4pm the Rainbow Lorikeets arrive and visitors are welcome to participate in the feeding activity.

F you’re standing in famous Hastings Street at Noosa, you are only 10 minutes west from the beautiful Tewantin Noosa Golf Club. The championship course has been around for 75 years and locals say it is probably in the best condition it has even been. Over the years, Tewantin Noosa has hosted its

Caloundra Golf Club fair share of big events including the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic. It’s no longer played there, but those who were involved in the event still talk about it. More than 60,000 rounds are played by the members and a further 15,000 rounds by visitors. Secretary manager Allan Harris said Tewantin Noosa was popular with locals and visitors because it was an easy walking and forgiving course. “The fairways are wide and we virtually have no rough so not too many golf balls are lost.” Still, the golf course is no pushover and can challenge golfers of all levels. “The greens are a reasonable size and a good target,” Harris said. “They are also true and fast.” Golfers can enjoy the tranquillity of the course’s natural bushland setting where friendly kangaroos

roam. There are even koalas and an abundance of birdlife on the golf course. The clubhouse offers a fine bistro and relaxing deck to take in the superb view over the ninth and 18th. The bistro is open seven days a week for lunch and golfers can enjoy dinner there from Tuesdays to Fridays. The pro shop is one of the biggest and best and boasts a comprehensive range of equipment, clothing and accessories.

ICTURESQUE is the word that comes to mind when thinking about the awardwinning Tin Can Bay Country Club, which is located close to the world heritage-listed Fraser Island and only minutes from Rainbow Beach. In 2008, the club received the Queensland Regional Golf Club of the Year Award and since

then it has continued to maintain that high standard. Visitors can expect a friendly welcome from clubhouse staff and members. “The club prides itself on making people feel at home,” said the club’s manager Mark Whiting. “The 18-hole (par 72) golf course attracts allcomers and is enjoyed by beginners and the established players. “We welcome golfers seven days a week and can organise play-and-stay packages for small and large groups. “We have all the facilities including barbeque area, pool table and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Wednesdays to Saturdays. Six years ago, the club enlisted professional Ossie Moore to give his assessment on how to improve and toughen up the challenge. Since then more trees have been planted, mounds have been introduced and bunkers have been moved to more strategic positions. And two new hazards have been introduced to the 10th and 18th holes. It’s not the longest course at 5696m for men and 5240m for women, but each shot requires precision. A good short game will help as the greens are smaller than most other courses. The modern clubhouse offers panoramic views of the course from the veranda and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on most nights. They even have live entertainment on Friday nights and some Saturday nights. As you would expect being so close to Fraser Island, Tin Can Bay is a fishing and boating paradise. One of the town’s major attractions is that it is one of only three places in Australia where you can hand-feed dolphins in the wild.

Established in 1950, generally regarded as the best Non Resort Course on the Sunshine Coast. Par 72 5978 meters. Awarded Queensland Regional Club of the Year award in 2005. Host course for pre Qualifying for Australian PGA Championships. Looking forward to moving to new facility mid 2014. • Membership Special at present, Save $700 on Nomination Fee (can be paid off over 3 years) • Normal Rack Rate $50 for 18 holes • Special till 30th June, visitors (Must have GQ Handicap) in Club comp only pay $35.00 includes Comp Fee • Special Sunday morning and Public Holiday rate before 10.00am $34.00 for 18 holes • Twilight rate $34.00 play as may holes as you can after 2.00pm. As of May 1st play as many holes as you can after 1.00pm for $34.00 • Corporate Golf Available on Fridays, Shotgun Starts with fields up to 144 • Function/Wedding facilitys • Excellent Dining Facilities • Full length Driving Range open to the public • Challenging for any level of player • Fully equiped pro shop with 30 golf carts

Special package from coco’s apartments Stay 3 nights in 1 bedroom deluxe apartment for 2 people including 2 games of golf at Horton Park Golf Club for the special tariff of

560

• Close to Beach & Sunshine Plaza, come for a game while the family go shopping. Subject to allocation and availability. Valid 1/05/12 to 30/06/12.

Horton Park Golf Club • Ph: (07) 5443 1223 • Fax: (07) 5443 5555 66

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

www.hortonparkgolfclub.com

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Sunshine Coast

Tewantin Noosa Golf Club

Tin Can Bay Country Club

F you are looking for good old-fashioned country hospitality at its finest, look no further than Woodford Golf Club, which is located 50 minutes by car north of Brisbane and 40 minutes west of Caloundra. Located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the scenic 18-hole golf course not only attracts inquisitive golfers but an abundance of wildlife that flourish on and around the golf course. The golf course is undulating, not hilly, and has excellent greens. It offers a terrific golfing experience and is well worth the drive. Speaking of drives, you’ll have to be on your game if you want

to conquer the tough 429m, par-4 fifth hole. A hazard awaits down the left off the tee, out of bounds down the right and the second shot is played uphill to a narrow green. Still, there are a number of birdie opportunities with possibly the best chance at the 436m, par-5 10th. Woodford is a forgiving golf course and won’t deplete your golf ball stock. Once you get past the pond on holes one and four there aren’t too many other hazards. There’s plenty of wildlife, including kangaroos, on the course. The club’s general manager Pat McAtee said

golfers who turned up after 1pm Mondays to Fridays could play unlimited holes for just $20 and on Fridays you can get lunch, a drink and play golf for $35. The comfortable clubhouse is open seven days a week. The Bunkers Bistro is open for lunch Tuesdays to Sundays and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Mt Mee National Park, which offers panoramic views over the Caboolture Shire to Moreton Bay, is just 15 minutes away.

ESTLED at the base of the Glasshouse Mountains, Beerwah Golf Club offers a

golf course that will challenge the most avid golfer and excite those out for an enjoyable social day. Despite being close to the mountains, the 18hole, par-72 layout is relatively flat and that means a comfortable walk for golfers of all ages. Because the golf course borders the state forest, it is home to many species of birds and families of contented kangaroos. Serious golfers who think the 6066m course will be a pushover had better think again. To succeed, golfers need to exercise good course management because a number of holes require strategy more than strength.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

travel feature

Sunshine Coast WHERE TO STAY Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort Links Drive, Noosa Heads 4567 (07) 5440-3333 www.noosasprings.com.au

Woodford Golf Club

On the Beach Bribie Island Tel (07) 3400-1400 www.onthebeachresort.com.au

If you hit a bad shot here you are going to have to work extra hard to ensure you still make par. The 10th is a real beauty. It’s not long at 339m, but it doglegs to the right and there are hazards on both sides of the fairway. There are a lot of trees on the right-hand side and if you don’t hit a good drive you may need to hit over the trees to a small green.

Fact File HOW TO GET THERE The Sunshine Coast is an easy 80-minute drive north of Brisbane’s CBD. Interstate visitors can fly direct into Maroochydore Airport – 30 minutes north of Caloundra and 30 minutes south of Noosa. The popular seaside town of Coolum is 10 minutes north of the airport.

Often described as “the friendliest club on the Sunshine Coast”, Beerwah Golf Club is a popular stop for tourists who flock there to photograph the wildlife and, of course, the picturesque Glasshouse Mountains. Club pro John Mellish, the 2010 club pro of the year, has a fully-stocked pro shop and offers the full range of services including club-fitting, lessons, club hire and more. GETTING AROUND Experienced tour operator Above Par Golf Tours can make your golfing holiday a lot more enjoyable because they know the area and will have you on the tee or at other places of interest in no time at all. And they know the best places to play and how to take advantage of special offers and discounts. The company can help organise accommodation and transport. For more information call (07) 5522-9055 or check the website www.abovepargolf.com.au

Coco Mooloolaba Apartments Tel (07) 5370-1000 www.cocomooloolaba.com.au WHERE TO PLAY Beerwah Golf Club Biondi Crescent, Beerwah Tel (07) 5494-6611 www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au Bribie Island Golf Club Links Court, Woorim 4507 Tel (07) 3408-2484 www.bribieislandgolfclub.com.au Caboolture Golf Club Lesley Avenue, Caboolture 4510 Tel (07) 5495-1911 www.caboolturegolf.com.au Caloundra Golf Club Charles Woodward Drive, Caloundra 4551 Tel (07) 5491-1811 www.caloundragolfclub.com.au

Coolum Golf and Spa Warran Road, Coolum 4573 Tel (07) 5446-1234

Avon Avenue, Bribie Island 4507 Tel (07) 3410-4001 www.phgcc.com.au

Cooroy Golf Club Myall Street, Cooroy 4563 Tel (07) 5447-6258 www.cooroygolf.com.au

Pelican Waters Golf Club Mahogany Drive, Pelican Waters 4551 Tel (07) 5437-5002 www.pelicangolf.com.au

Headland Golf Club Golf Links Road, Buderim 4556 Tel 5444-5800 www.headlandgolfclub.com.au Horton Park Golf Club Golf Street, Maroochydore 4558 Tel (07) 5443-1223 www.hortonparkgolfclub.com Mt Coolum Golf Club Lumeah Drive, Mt Coolum 4573 Tel (07) 5446-3125 www.mtcoolumgolf.com Nambour Golf Club Nambour Connection Road, Nambour 4560 Tel (07) 5441-2049 www.nambourgolfclub.com.au Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort Links Drive, Noosa Heads 4567 Tel (07) 5440-3333 www.noosasprings.com.au Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club

Peregian Springs Golf Club 95 Peregian Springs Drive, Peregian Beach 4573 Tel (07) 5471-5471 www.peregianspringsgolfclub. com.au Tewantin Noosa Golf Club Cooroy-Noosa Road, Tewantin 4565 Tel (07) 5447-1407 www.noosagolf.com.au Tin Can Bay Country Club Tin Can Bay Road, Tin Can Bay 4580 Tel (07) 5486-4231 www.tcbgc.com.au Twin Waters Golf Club Ocean Drive, Twin Waters 4564 Tel (07) 5457-2444 www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au Woodford Golf Club Golf Course Road, Woodford 4514 Tel (07) 5496-1522 www.woodfordgolfclub.com.au

Caboolture Golf Club • Caboolture Golf Club prides itself on its championship course and friendly country service which makes your experience at Caboolture Golf memorable no matter what your score. • Conveniently located midway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. • This well established 18 hole championship golf course offers a picturesque scenery with the Warraba Creek flowing alongside many of its undulating fairways. • At 6059 metres in length and jam-packed with water hazards, manicured bunkers, excellent fairways and large greens, Caboolture Golf Club’s challenging course layout will test golfers of all skill levels. • As a golfer, you will be pleasingly surprised with the degree of difficulty provided by this deceptive course. • Elevated greens, strategic hazards, dog legs and even double dog legs ensure that you are kept at the top of your game for all of your 18 holes and that no two visits to this course are ever the same. • So book your next golfing getaway at Caboolture Golf Club and experience one of the better golf outings available in Queensland.

Caboolture Golf Club lesley avenue, Caboolture, QlD 4510 Clubhouse ph (07) 5495 1033 Pro Shop ph (07) 5495 1911

www.caboolturegolf.com.au 68

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women

Player Profile:

Rosita Van Kuilenburg The Womens Golf Network is a relatively new initiative in Queensland that helps encourage women into taking up golf. This month, one of WGN’s member shares her experiences in getting started in the game. When did you start playing golf? I first swung a golf club in the mid-eighties when I enrolled in an ‘introduction to golf lessons’ at a driving range near Albany Creek. The only thing I remember from those lessons was the golf professional telling me I was a ‘slugger’! Following that, I didn’t swing another golf club until about four years ago whilst visiting friends in Goondiwindi. They had just been bitten by the golf bug and I thought I’d tag along just for a morning stroll as my health wasn’t the best at the time. Before they reached the fourth hole I was chipping behind them and by the fifth tee I had a driver in my hand to hit a perfect shot and my golf addiction began. I bought a beginner’s golf set the very next weekend. Why did you start playing? I’m quite sports minded, having played different team sports including representative soccer. My days of three games per week finally caught up with me, causing chronic injuries of both my knees and hips— resulting in a right hip arthroplasty (artificial ball and socket) in 2009. My rehabilitation was smooth, which involved Pilates and strength training, but the desire to be outdoors playing sport was ever present. My beginner’s golf set had been gathering dust since I bought them so it was time to bring them out as I was walking pain free for the first time in a number of years and without the hip brace that I needed before my hip operation. How did you get involved in The Womens Golf Network? These days all adventures begin on the internet. I Googled ‘woman’s golf Brisbane’, and the

Rosita Van Kuilenburg first result was WGN. The WGN website had everything I was looking for to get into golf. With my golf clubs dusted, I ventured to the WGN sessions every Monday evening for my second attempt at beginner golf lessons. The WGN golf lessons with golf professional Lee Harrington were challenging, but Lee provided an atmosphere to make learning the game of golf relaxed, enjoyable and with lots of laughter. I certainly looked forward to Monday evenings and the WGN golf lessons, no matter what the weather threw at us. Are you a member anywhere? After being involved with WGN for 10 months I joined McLeod Country Golf Club. With WGN I felt confident enough to join a golf club. Why does WGN appeal to you? What are the benefits? I joined WGN to learn to play golf. Being involved with WGN has allowed me to learn the game of golf, at my own pace, by providing different levels of golf, as I’ve improved my game. This includes both social and competitive golf–without

being competitive! WGN also appealed to me as it provided affordable opportunities to play different golf courses throughout Queensland. What would you say to women out there wanting to get involved but are not sure how to start? Getting back into sport or even starting a sporting activity requires motivation. And when an activity is fun, motivation isn’t difficult to find. WGN has provided both of these elements for me. Since joining WGN I’ve met some wonderful people and have many new friends who enjoy the game of golf. •

Womens Golf Northern Rivers celebrates 80th anniversary Some enterprising women gathered together and held a landmark meeting at Lismore Golf Club on 14th September 1932. The first affiliation fees were set at this meeting to 10/6 for clubs of 30 associates or over, and 5/- for clubs with less than 30 associates. Eighty years later, Women’s Golf Northern Rivers has remained a strong force in its region. The Northern Rivers District now boasts approximately 1,612 lady members from 18 affiliated clubs. To mark the 80th anniversary milestone a tournament is being held on July 23-25 at Lismore Workers Golf Club. A dinner will also be held on Tuesday night of the tournament. The dinner will be the platform to celebrate the North Rivers District’s rich history and a book will be unveiled providing a visual photo trip through the history of women and their golf clubs in the Northern Districts from 1932-2012. The contributions to golf in the region, and in some cases at state level, of various women including two of its Life Members Irene Fuller and Beryl Harris will also be celebrated. Leading up to the celebrations, a new logo for WGNR Inc. was created to mark the occasion. The new colours and image reflect the northern rivers area from the “Mountains to the Sea”. The Women’s Golf Northern Rivers also introduced new shirts, white with aqua, matching the colours in the logo. Although some of the women struggle to maintain its club memberships, every club has stories to tell on its inspirational and committed women working hard to ensure golf is available for everyone to enjoy. •

The WGN: 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) could be the perfect solution for you. The WGN is not just about the golf, as it offers a great array of networking opportunities through its affiliate memberships. Events such as wine tasting, corporate lunches and other networking opportunities are offered throughout the year. Along the way you will meet some fantastic golfing friends. For more information, visit www.wgn.org.au or contact Lee Harrington on 0413 163 312 or lee@golfqueensland.org.au.

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people

Stefan Albinski Can anyone beat his record? Denis Dale

ed@insidegolf.com.au

If you’ve followed men’s senior amateur golf in recent years then the name Stefan Albinski will certainly ring a bell. Since turning 55 in 2008, Albinski has dominated senior golfing events across Australia. Albinski began his golf at age 19 when he joined the Mona Vale Golf Club on Sydney’s northern beaches. He has remained at this club ever since, collecting 12 club championships along the way with an amazing record of wins across five decades. He also won the NSW Foursomes Championship with fellow Mona Vale golfer and good friend Greg Stanford in 1990. However, it is as a senior golfer that Albinski’s career has really bloomed. He has won the Australian Senior Championship three times (2008,’10, ‘11) and the Australian Senior Matchplay Championship twice (2009,’11). His list of championship wins includes every Australian state and territory senior title except NSW and the ACT. He has won the WA Senior Championship for the past four years. He has also won the AsiaPacific Senior championship twice with victories in Malaysia in 2008 and 2009. In five years Albinski has now won 20 times on the Australian Senior circuit with a winning record of better than fifty percent. He has dominated the Australian Senior Amateur Ranking competition by easily topping the Order of Merit table for the last three years—with yet another win looking very likely for 2012. During a recent round at Twin Creeks Golf Club, Albinski discussed his senior career and also answered a mixed bag of golfing questions. Why have you performed so well as a senior golfer? I’ve had the time to practice. Every day I do something to improve my game. I honestly believe if I can keep working on my game I can improve even more. I work harder on my putting practice than anything else. The best golfer you have played with? I have seen a lot but not actually played with too many. Perhaps the best I have played with is Bob Shearer. I am certain that Tiger Woods is the best golfer I have seen. He is the best of all time. The best course in Australia? It is too hard to pick the best. My favourite course in Australia is Royal Canberra. It has everything a great golf course should have. My favourite overseas course is Kinloch in New Zealand. A marvellous Jack Nicklaus designed course that I will play again.

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Your biggest thrill in golf? Winning the Australian Senior Amateur Championship three times. Your biggest disappointment in golf? I have travelled to the UK twice to play in the Open Senior Amateur. I played at Royal Cinque Ports and Princes golf clubs one year and at Prestwick the other. My disappointment is that I did not play as well as I could in either of these. Your thoughts on modern golf technology? I would ban the long putter although I do recognise it has helped a lot of senior golfers still play and enjoy the game. The distance the ball goes has taken many of the old skills out of the game– the high draw, the low fade etc. I am sure today’s best players can still play these shots – they just don’t need them as much as the older players did. Many of today’s players can be described as one dimensional because that is all they really need to be successful. The best/worst part of your game? Best: I would have to say it is putting. I work on it and enjoy the challenge. Worst: I am not as good with my irons as

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I would like to be. I am working harder on this with my coach David Saunders who is based at the Northern Beaches Driving Range. Your best round of golf? I played in the 2007 New Zealand Seniors when I was 54 as they allow seniors to be 50 years old. I had 9 pars and 9 birdies in an opening round of 63. I still remember the feeling – I knew where every shot was going. I haven’t really had that feeling since. (Albinski won the 2007 NZ Senior title). Any advice to new senior golfers? Play in as many events as you can as soon as you can. You will enjoy it. You will have fun learning to play tournament golf but above all you will definitely have a good time. Some extra practice also helps! The first 5 years have been fantastic. What about the next 5? Each year I have two goals. The first is to make the Australian Senior Teams for the Asia Pacific Championship and the TransTasman match against New Zealand. The second is to win the Australian Senior Amateur. They are still my goals and anything else will be a bonus. • www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

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legends

How Frank beat the best An ice-cold putter and a red-hot South African named Gary Player prevented Aussie legend Frank Phillips from winning a third Australian Open title, writes DAVID NEWBERY

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Player winning nine.” Phillips would have liked to have his name etched on the Australian PGA Championship trophy, but he had to be content with four runner-up finishes behind Ossie Pickworth, Alan Murray, Kel Nagle and Peter Thomson. Among his fellow pros, Phillips answered to the nickname “Choppers” or “Chops”, a moniker given to him by the late Eric Cremin. “Old Eric Cremin and I were going up to Queensland and stopped for breakfast at Guyra. After I had a steak I ordered another one and a few other things and Eric said, ‘God, you’re a chopper’ and that’s how I got the nickname.” Born at Moss Vale in 1932, Phillips began as a caddie at the local club and at 16 cut his handicap from 22 to two in 12 months. “The club’s pro Bruce Jackson went to Concord and asked me if I wanted to turn pro and I said I’d think about it… and two seconds later I said yes,” he said. A prodigious hitter of the golf ball, Phillips completed his traineeship in 1954 and started playing the tour.

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Frank Phillips heads for the putting green to get in some valuable practice In 1956, Norman von Nida took Phillips and Bruce Crampton away to Egypt and Europe. “I won a tournament in Germany and over the years I played in the Open Championship about 11 or 12 times,” he said. “My best result was 11th at St Andrews when Tony Lema was Open champion in 1964. “I played in two US Masters tournaments, but I didn’t do any good. I couldn’t handle the greens because they were as quick as Royal Melbourne’s which always got to me.” Phillips said his back problems stemmed from his powerful swing. “I used to give it everything,” he said. “I used

to hit it over 300 yards, which is about as long as the players are now. “I was a little longer than Jack Nicklaus at times. “I saw an old film of my swing the other day and no wonder I had a bad back. “I went and saw a chiropractor and he said my right shoulder was two inches below my left shoulder. It took me many years of exercise to straighten up again. “If I had my time over again I would do corrective exercises.” Phillips said his eyesight also troubled him while playing golf.

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BIG-HITTING Sydney professional Frank “Choppers” Phillips built an impressive record in Australian golf despite being troubled by poor eyesight and back problems. If that wasn’t challenging enough, he also played in an era where contemporaries like Peter Thomson, Bruce Crampton and Bruce Devlin dominated. And like everyone else he had to contend with the game’s big three – Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer – who were regular visitors Down Under. Still, Phillips did manage to win two Australian Opens, in 1957 and 1961, as well as the NZ PGA Championship and the Philippine, Singapore, Malaysian and Hong Kong Open titles. He won five NSW Opens, the Tasmanian Open twice, the Victorian Open twice and plenty of other four-round championships. “They were all wonderful players, but Gary Player was the one who cost me a bit,” Phillips said. “One year I played with him in the first round of the Australian Open and I three-putted six times and finished five shots behind him. “When people remind me that I won two Australian Opens I say ‘that’s right, I stopped Gary

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legends

Mental toughness

“They were not good,” he said. “I went to contact lenses, which I should never have done. I should have stuck with glasses.” Phillips was a gallery favourite because of his powerful hitting and his amiable temperament. Good judges believe he would have been a huge success in the US, but he was reluctant to leave his wife and children at home while he travelled. After retiring from tournament golf, he had a stint as club pro at Oatlands and later at RydeParramatta. He eventually severed those ties to run a service station. Phillips, who will turn 80 in July, still enjoys the occasional game of golf at Moss Vale with old friend Mick Kelly and Mt Broughton, a course he co-designed with Billy Dunk. Phillips also spoke to Inside Golf about his encounter with Ben Hogan and a few other curly subjects.

“I often get asked what makes a good player a better player. “Well, practice is one way, but it gets down to toughness of mind. Some people can handle pressure and still play good golf and others can’t. “I have seen so many young players who I thought were going to be good and then they are put under pressure and can’t handle it. “The hard thing to do is to lead a tournament and keep leading. “It was something Gary Player did very well. He was mentally tough, but I think it’s in South Africans’ mentality.”

Prizemoney

His strengths

“I was a good driver of the golf ball and could get it out over 300 yards. “I was also a good long and medium iron player. “My wedge play was a little doubtful at times, but not too bad.”

His putting

“When I got the ball rolling it was good, but I could miss short putts for some reason and I don’t know why. “I used to twitch a little bit and miss a short putt. These days I have no problem, but it’s a bit late.”

Holes-in-one

“I have lost count of the number of aces I’ve had, but it’s 14 or 15. “I will never forget playing in the Carling World Championship in the US.

Frank Phillips poses with Mt Broughton Classic winner Katherine Hull.– Photos courtesy Southern Highlands News “I was playing with Kel Nagle and the day before at Fort Worth and when we arrived Ben said ‘I the tournament I holed-in-one and got nothing. remember you – you sat behind me for an hour The next day it was worth $100,000 and I hit it watching me practice at the Masters. Did you to within an inch of the hole.” learn anything’? “I said, ‘yes, you don’t fade the ball, do you’? “Ben struck the ball beautifully and was the Ben Hogan best player I have ever seen. “Norman von Nida and Ben Hogan were good “I have heard a lot of people say the older pros friends and I got to meet Ben through Norman. would not have been able to match it with today’s “I went across for the 1962 US Masters and I players, but I disagree. sat behind Hogan for about an hour watching him practice. “Ben Hogan used to drive it 260 yards. “I was trying to work out how he faded the Imagine what he would do with modern day ball, but the ball would start to fade and then clubs. He would drive it 300 yards and he’d hook back. be too good because his irons shots were “Anyway, Norman arranged a game with him so great.”

“Today’s prizemoney is absurd. They make more money today than I did in a lifetime. “When I won the Australian Open in 1957 I got £250. “I won 43 or 45 four-round tournaments around the world and I don’t think I would have got half the money they make for winning one tournament today. I’d like to be 25 again.”

Appearance money

“I was old school and always against appearance money. “I went to America a couple of times and played with people over there and I could beat them pretty easily and they’d come out here and get $50,000 or more in appearance money. “I used to think to myself ‘how the hell do you get that’. “As far as Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player were concerned they would come out because they were contracted to Slazenger and Dunlop and were on a good deal.” •

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

instruction: mental tips

How to ‘Play’ the game Darren Chapman darren@theridgegolf.com.au (02) 9541 4960

One of the biggest differences between a good player and an average player is that a good player actually ‘plays’ golf when out on the course. This statement may sound obvious and even a little silly, but I am talking about WHERE you focus your attention when you are on the course. When playing, the best players are less concerned with what they are doing technically and more concerned with how they are going to produce their score. Whether you are just playing with friends or trying to win your club championship, every time you are on the course your focus should be on how you are going to make the desired score. It’s important to have a plan for each hole and for each shot. To start, you need to break each hole down into a realistic goal. If you are playing off a 25 handicap then you should realistically be aiming to make a score of one over par on each hole. If you can do this you will have seven shots better than your handicap. This means that your goal is to reach the green in one under par and then two putt. Breaking your overall score goal down to a hole-by-hole target makes it much more attainable. This sounds easy, but how do you put it into

practice? Simply look at the distance of the hole and break it down into manageable pieces. For example, if the hole is a par four and measures 360 metres, that means you have three shots to cover 360 metres. Therefore you need to play three shots that go 120m each. For most average golfers this is probably a seven or eight iron three times. Now, I am not suggesting that you play every hole with your seven iron but this demonstrates how you can break each hole down to these manageable pieces. By eliminating any big risks (water hazards or out of bounds), committing to your scoring plan and steering clear of making mistakes through greed you will see more consistency in your overall scores. As for lower handicapped golfers the principles stay the same but you need to put more thought into each shot you play. Pay attention to things such as where do you want the ball to start, what shape (draw or fade) do you expect the ball to have, where do you want the ball to land and how much roll do you expect? By setting a clear plan for a golf shot it will get you out of the mind set of just technique and get you more into the mindset of playing golf. This doesn’t mean that you are exempt from the planning outlined above. You still need to break the hole down into realistic pieces to help you set up your score. I still recommend that you dedicate some of your time off the course with a qualified PGA professional to focus on technique but while on the course you need to focus your attention on how to play the game to have the lowest score possible. •

The yellow line indicates how a low handicapper might approach this par-4. The white line shows how a high handicapper can plan their way through this hole in order to miss the trouble (like bunkers) and avoid a double-bogey. (Photo courtesy of The Links Kennedy Bay/ Prime Golf) Darren Chapman is a AAA Member of the Australian PGA, and teaches at The Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range in Barden Ridge, NSW. www.theridgegolf.com.au or phone (02) 9541 4960

Hit it like you mean it Anne Rollo

anne@fixmygolfswing.com.au

Have you ever double-hit a shot? TC Chen famously double-hit a bunker shot in the US Open to lose by a shot in 1985 at Oakland Hills. Most people know what it feels like to double hit—most commonly a bunker shot—where you hit the ball and then hit it again as the club follows through. (In case you weren’t sure, you do have to count both hits). It can also happen when chipping and pitching and even on a long shot out of a heavy lie for example. So what causes you to hit the ball twice with one swing? Your club is simply moving too slowly through the shot. This is why it’s most common on bunker shots, because a common fault is to decelerate on our bunker shots. So, the answer is to get more positive through your shots. Hit confidently with some acceleration through all your shots and you will never double hit a golf shot again. As I often say: Hit it like you mean it and commit to the shot. This applies to all shots in golf. You can miss a six-inch putt if you are tentative, so accelerate through all your shots, more gently on the short putts, obviously, but it’s still a slight acceleration. • Anne Rollo is an ALPG Golf Professional and European Tour Tournament winner and record holder. She teaches at Muirfield Golf Club in Sydney’s northwest and is the author of ‘Passport to great golf. www.fixmygolfswing.com.au

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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instruction

Stop slicing: part 2

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Kurt Stegbauer kurt@theridgegolf.com.au (02) 9541 4960

It’s been great getting your feedback from all over Australia on the first two articles on slicing. I hope you have tried getting a tennis racket out and practicing some more top spinners (see last month’s article). As I said last month, I believe that a number of concept changes and drills will give you the understanding and confidence of how to hit the ball with a draw. In this month’s article I want you to have a look at understanding how your setup position—and more importantly your body angles—both have a huge influence on the path of the club. Most slicers I see position their body in such a way that increases the likelihood of the slice. In picture 1 you see that my upper body is pointing to the left of the target; most slicers do this as they are unconsciously allowing for the slice. Looking at Picture 2 from the front angle you can see that the slicer’s position has the target side of the body curved, whereas Pictures 3 and 4 shows how the body should be positioned.

Photo 5

Photo 6

Take some time to get in front of the mirror and check out your body angles to see if they are correct. A drill that I know will really help you is using an 8- or 9-iron and practice hitting some shots with your body pointing 45 degrees backwards as seen in picture 5 and 6 , this may look and feel strange but it will ensure that your body position has

better angles and also ensures that the path of the club will come around into the ball. Understand that this is a drill and will give you the concept for hitting a draw. When out for your next practice session hit 20 balls this way. Once again, check out my youtube video online to see the drill live, and finally if you have any questions feel free to email me at kurt@theridgegolf.com.au. •

Kurt Stegbauer is the 2009 NSW PGA Coach of the Year, and is the Head Professional and Director of Coaching at The Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range. www.theridgegolf.com.au

Drill: Free-fall for solid contact Brent German 0412 533 555

If you suffer from topping the ball, slicing or poor contact, then this drill--either practiced at home or just before the start of you range session—could be just what the doctor ordered. For a right-hander, place your right hand near the bottom of the grip as pictured, with your grip pressure at 3 out of 10. Swing to this position as the picture demonstrates. Feel the weight of the club head freefall into this position. Try not to let your arms swing it down; the weight of the clubhead is all that is required. At no point should the club touch the ground. Then let the momentum of the swing

take you to the finish position as shown. What you will feel when this drill is done correctly is that the clubhead will be picking up speed past the point of impact (i.e. The white stick and somewhere near the left foot). The club head will be turning

over and releasing through impact similar to a top-spin tennis forehand. What you may feel is a loss of control or the club head may seem that it is travelling too fast; but this is what is required to improve contact, and stop the dreaded slice. •

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 www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

instruction: short game

Four steps to a better short game Tony Wells tony@aga.edu..au 0401 261 207

As I mentioned in last month’s article, tour professionals hit approximately 12 to 13 greens in regulation per round, and when they do miss, they get the ball up and down roughly 75% of the time. While you may never be able to strike the golf ball as well as the tour professionals, I firmly believe that all golfers have the coordination and skills required to learn and develop the short game skills of the touring pros. The most common thing we see with our new students is that they believe they are limited in what they can do around the greens. They are very one dimensional with their short game approach. In this month’s article I am going to share some short game secrets with you and show you how you can shave strokes off your score straight away. Step 1: The trailing wrist angle is ‘The Secret!’ One of the most common mistakes we see with amateurs and golfers with poor short games is the loss of the angle in the trailing wrist (the right wrist for right-handed players) when chipping or pitching (see photo 1). From my experience, this comes from an incorrect mindset of needing to get the ball up in

the air, resulting in the all-too-common ‘scooping action’. This poor wrist action results in myriad undesirable shots; thin shots where you make contact with the leading edge of your golf club, or duffs and fat shots, where the leading edge makes contact with the ground before the ball. However, if you maintain this wrist angle through impact and into the follow through (photo 2), you will make solid contact more often. Short game master Phil Mickelson calls this the “hinge and hold”. This will result in fewer shots around the green and lower scores. Step 2: Use your putter whenever you can You may have heard the phrase: “you should putt when you can putt, chip only when you can’t putt, pitch only when you can’t chip and lob only when you have to”. In fact this is some of the best short game advice you’ll ever get! I do not hesitate to use the putter from anywhere up to 10 metres from off the green (from a closely mown area) and from around one to two metres from the edge of the green if the ball is sitting in the first cut of rough. You can only discover this if you experiment for yourself. If you watch this year’s British Open Championship in July, you will see the world’s best players selecting to use the putter rather than play a lofted shot from off the green on their approach shots. Don’t be surprised if you see a putter used from 20 yards or so from off the green. Step 3: Trust your natural instincts We all have built-in instincts that we use on a daily basis. Activities like throwing a set of keys

to someone or throwing rubbish into the bin from your office chair don’t have you worrying about how hard to throw the keys/paper, how to hold the keys/paper or how and when to release the keys/paper. To improve your short game you have to learn to get out of the way of these same natural instincts and trust them. You need to learn to quiet your mind and trust your gut instincts; to ‘free up’. Step 4: Add to your personal short game menu

You need to get out there and learn different shots around the green. Experiment with a variety of different clubs and shots. Learn to be innovative and creative around the greens. The more you do this, and the more short game shots you’ll have in your arsenal, the more options you’ll have and the more likely you’ll beto select the correct shot. Your newly-developed skill sets will fit any required shot. See the desired shot, feel the desired shot and execute. Good luck to you all.

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. To book a lesson with Tony call 0401 261 207.

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

instruction: short game

Which alignments are most important in putting?

Climb the Ladder for distance control David Williams david@willowgolf.com.au 0422 276 142

Glenn Whittle glenn@whittlegolf.com (02) 9541 4960

I am often asked by clients whether their feet are aiming correctly at address. This leads me to explain the key alignments I look at when coaching. There are four: 1. Forearm alignment at address 2. Forearm alignment at impact 3. Putter face alignment at address 4. Putter face alignment at impact To me, feet alignment doesn’t matter a bit, all the feet do is stabilize your body so you can keep the lower half of your body quiet while your shoulders and forearms all move together. Considering the forearms are to the left of the ball/target line (for a right hander), the forearms should be parallel to the ball/target line.

The putter face alignment at address and impact are clearly the most important components of successful putting, assuming you have read the putt correctly and you have reasonable speed control. Pictured are two photos of me asking a friend to check my forearm and club face alignments, if they are slightly off, I will make the required adjustment before I putt. Also, If you know someone with the yips PLEASE show them this article and ask them to call us at The Sydney Putting Studio at the Ridge Golf Course. I have been doing a very interesting trial project with people that are very anxious over short putts—and this has shown some amazing results. • The 2008 NSWPGA Teacher of the Year, Glenn Whittle is an AAA PGA Member and is also an official iseekgolf.com Teaching Panelist. Visit www.sydneyputtingstudio.com or www.whittlegolf.com.

Having good distance control is vital for consistent putting. When a golfer hits a bad putt that finishes more than a metre from the hole, the majority of the time it will be caused by the distance the ball travels and not the direction. When faced with a breaking putt, distance control becomes even more crucial as it will affect how much the putt breaks as well. The Ladder Drill will help you to gain a good feel for distance which will help you get your longer putts closer to the hole.

The Ladder drill

• Set up two tees or coins on the green roughly two putter lengths apart. • Start from two putter lengths away • Get five golf balls in a row to finish in between the two tees • The trick is to make each putt finish a little further than the last and still in between the tees. Once you can get 5 putts to finish progressively further in the target area then move back another putter length. If a ball finishes outside the target area or out of sequence then start over. You can set yourself a distance goal or time frame to complete a certain goal. You can also practice this in a carpeted hallway at home or in the office. •

David Williams is an AAA Rated PGA Professional at Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links. He is also a Master Instructor of Medicus Golf Institute. www.willowgolf.com.au

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fitness

Maintaining healthy shoulder joints Richard Nizielski richardniz@gmail.com 0438 027 768

Have you ever noticed that situations—good or bad—come in waves or groups? Well, I’ve recently seen a wave of golf athletes coming to me for advice on shoulder problems. The majority are not too serious—mainly brought on by posture issues and muscle imbalances. With some simple maintenance and stretching, these can be prevented. The shoulder joint is, for all intents and purposes, a ball and socket joint. However, unlike the hip—which is a deep, well encased ball and socket joint—the shoulder is more like a golf ball and tee, where the tee is the socket. Great mobility, but lowered stability. Most daily activities place the arms and shoulders in a forward position; driving, typing on a computer or working with the majority of tools. This forward position can tighten the pectoral muscles and weaken/lengthen the posterior muscles of the shoulder and rotator cuff muscles. The rotator cuff muscles are those which secure and stabilise the shoulder. When these are not doing their job(s) correctly, the shoulder joint will lose integrity, which may result in long-term damage. Generally, stretching the anterior muscles and strengthening the posterior muscles around the shoulders will help maintain shoulder health.

Chest stretch

External rotation exercise

Internal rotation exercise

W posture exercise

Y posture exercise

Strengthening exercises

parts of your shoulder blades rather than up near the internal rotators the arm will be the closest your neck. Return to the start position and repeat the secure point. For all the exercises described here, maintain the movement for a set of 10 – 12 repetitions. a speed of two seconds for the contraction Hold the free end of the cord and rotate movement, a one second hold at the middle of the arm away from the secure point, making Having completed the previous exercise, the exercise and two seconds for the movement sure to hold the towel secure against the body remain in the same position, straighten the arms to return to the start position. throughout the movement. Return to the start and raise them up and out so they form a ‘Y’, or Strengthening the rotator cuff and posterior position and repeat the movement for a set of gymnast’s finishing position. Return to the start shoulder muscles: For this, I recommend using 10 – 12 repetitions. position and repeat the movement for a set of 10 a stretch band or cord. It’s cheap, effective and To exercise the scapula retractor muscles: Tie – 12 repetitions. can be carried with you and used pretty much the middle of the cord to the secure point and hold Be sure to maintain scapula control throughout anywhere. one end in each hand while standing facing the the whole exercise. To exercise the internal and external rotator secure point. Bend the elbows around 90 degrees These are just a few suggestions to help with Stretch the Pectoral muscles cuff muscle, tie one end of the cord to a secure and bring your arms out to your sides forming maintaining healthy shoulder joints. If you have a ‘W’ shape, (when viewed from behind) like a Tightness of the chest muscles can anchor point—a doorknob works well— had long-term or increasing pain, it is always bird spreading its wings. Concentrate your muscle contribute to a rounded posture through around waist height. Roll up a towel and place best to see a sports physiotherapist to be certain contraction into the muscles between the lower it between the elbow and the side of the torso, whether further treatment is necessary. • the shoulders. The most simple of stretches applying pressure with the elbow to hold it in is to stand side-on near a wall or post, place place. Bend the arm so the forearm is parallel the arm around shoulder height against the Richard Nizielski is a Brisbane-based golf fitness expert and the Director of Golf Fit Solutions. A three-time Olympian and medallist in the sport of short track speed skating, Richard is a qualified sports and personal to the floor. In the case of the external rotators, wall and rotate the chest away from the wall, trainer designing individual fitness and nutrition programs for both professional and amateur golfers here creating a stretch in the chest. (See photo: the side being exercised will be furthest away H R I 1 3 3 7 9 B e q u 9880/LIFE e s t O S ETC/TWEEZERS PE. pdf P a19/04/12 g e 1 2:23 1 PM 9 / Page 0 4 / 11 2 , 2 : 2 4 inP Australia M HRI13379BequestOSP_HRI and overseas. www.golffitsolutions.com Chest stretch). from the cord secure point. When exercising

Post: The Director, The Heart Research Institute. 7 Eliza St. Newtown NSW 2042 Freecall: 1800 651 373 Email: fundraising@hri.org.au Web: www.hri.org.au

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

instruction: video lesson

How to build your swing from the ground up PGA IGI

> (Continued from page 36)

Charlie Luxton (Age: 25, Handicap: 3) Peter Croker

0415 292 549 www.crokergolfsystem.com

Over the next few articles, I am going to share some lessons that I am giving to my students. This first article is based on an internet video analysis lesson of a junior golfer, Jack O’Sullivan (see the video at http://bit.ly/I1bLO3). Jack is 13 years of age and a quality cricketer. His keenness to play sport has led him to try his hand at golf and over Easter he scored a 67 for 9 holes on The Cups Course at The Dunes while playing with his dad. My interest in him came after his round when he preferred to practice his short game rather than go into the clubhouse for a bowl of chips with his father. My approach to a first lesson with Jack is no different than how I would approach any person starting out in golf as a beginner. Therefore I invite all keen golfers to check out their “grip, stance, and finish” and to see if these simple lessons help you hit better golf shots on your next visit to the course.

THE GRIP

My experience is that more than 50% of golfers suffer a similar misalignment of the left wrist when gripping the golf club. It is most important to grip the golf club in the fingers and to wrap the top hand around the grip so that the handle wedges

The incorrect grip (left) and a corrected grip (right)

An incorrect finish (left) with weight on the back leg, and a corrected finish (right) with weight forward

under the “heel pad” and the thumb rests on the top rear side of the handle.

follow through. The thumbs point downward through IMPACT and into FOLLOW THROUGH. The club shaft stays in line with left arm.

THE STANCE

Always remember the stance basics: 1. Feet shoulder width apart and both feet turned approximately 20 degrees 2. Hands positioned mid body and club shaft pointing at centre of hips. 3. Left arm straight, right arm slightly bent. 4. Arms relaxed and body in balance, heavy feet, springy in the legs, and relaxed from the waist up, especially between the ears.

IMPACT AND FOLLOWTHROUGH TO FINISH It is important to develop the feeling of hitting through impact with extension into

CHANGING THE CONCEPT OF THE PATH Jack is a cricketer and his initial idea was to swing the clubhead straight down the target line as far as he could in the follow-through. By changing his concept to the clubhead swinging around and up over his left shoulder, plus allowing the clubface to close into the finish, Jack’s swing changed immediately. He changed his idea on clubhead path and clubface release and instantly more power and less strain on his body resulted. •

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/Academy/view-your-swing.html

SYDNEY’S Charlie Luxton was a late starter in golf. “I only started taking golf seriously when I was 20. Before that I was involved in cricket,” said Charlie, whose dad Ron is the teaching pro at Royal Sydney GC. “I went to the US PGA Championship with dad in 2008 and ever since then I have been hooked on the game, but dad never forced me to play golf. “Now I want to be involved in the golf industry and that’s why I’m doing the PGA IGI diploma and university degree. “I like the organisation of the program the PGA IGI has in place because it allows you to work on your skills, the mental game and it teaches you the operations of the golf industry. “They bring in lecturers from golf manufacturers and other areas of the industry and that gives you a broad perspective of the industry.” Charlie’s dad, Ron Luxton, is delighted with his son’s career choice. “I think the PGA IGI gets young people far better qualified to work in the business of golf,” Ron said. “I can see them coming out of courses like this and not just running the pro shop but the whole club because it is a proper business degree.” • FOOTNOTE: PGA IGI students graduate with Australia’s only Diploma of Golf Management from PGA IGI and a Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Sports Management from Griffith University. For more information call (07) 5657 6116 or visit www.pgaigi.com.

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

clubs

The Palms gets Scott’s interest David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

ONE year after opening, the new Palms golf course at Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club has developed into a stunning test of golf. The Ross Watson-designed course has managed to combine the attraction of a quality resort course with the charm and personality of a local club. It even received recognition from Adam Scott, according to Sanctuary Cove’s superintendent Robin Doodson. “I played the course with Adam Scott a few months ago and he certainly enjoyed it a lot,” said Doodson, who earlier in his career worked at Turnberry in his native Scotland and at the famed Wentworth Golf Club in England. “Adam found the course interesting and a massive improvement on the previous layout. “He certainly loved the TifEagle grass on the greens.” I ask Doodson, who has worked at the Cove for four years, if Scott played to his potential. “Yes, he put on an absolute clinic with plenty of birdies and the odd eagle,” he said. Well, if Scott enjoyed the challenge, the members have certainly given the course their stamp of approval, although it has taken some of the members a little longer to appreciate its subtleties and beauty. “The nature of the golf course is that it is a very strategic layout,” Doodson said. “It seemed to fox a few people at first, but now a lot of the members

The unique style of bunkering on the new Palms course at Sanctuary Cove has been a huge talking point. INSET: Superintendent Robin Doodson are starting to learn their way around it and are really enjoying the challenge. “We have one member who struggled to break 90 and recently he managed to break his age when he shot a 70 off the stick. “He is a handy golfer, but at 71 years of age that is pretty impressive.” While the greens are first class, many first-time visitors often second-guess themselves. The bunkering is certainly unique, which is something people have come to expect with Ross Watson-designed golf courses. “There is some interest in the greens, but there has to be because it’s not a long golf course (by modern standards),” he said.

Golfers will have to be on high alert from the first tee because water comes into play on 14 holes. “But the bunkering is a standout,” Doodson said. “They are unique to Ross Watson in both design and construction. “With bunker mats in place and with the type of sand we use, they have performed fantastically well, even in the wet weather. “The summer weather tested us, but there have been zero issues with sand slip or flooding. While there is lots of water and strategicallyplaced bunkers to contend with, the Palms is an extremely fair golf course for all levels of golfers. The landing areas are generous and there are plenty of options for players to take off the tee.

“We certainly didn’t want to slow down play and wreck the enjoyment of a golfer’s day,” Doodson said. “If golfers are always hunting for their golf ball in the long grass it takes away the enjoyment. “I don’t think the course is particularly tight off the tee, although there are plenty of hazards, but nothing is hidden. “If you miss the fairway it’s your problem.” Aesthetically, the Palms is attracting plenty of second glances thanks mainly to the club’s beautification program. More than 50,000 plants and mature trees have transformed the course into a thing of beauty. “We are now seeing the benefits and it’s starting to look fantastic,” Doodson said. “The course was a little immature when it opened, but after one growing season we are really starting to see it mature nicely.” It was probably an unfair question, but I ask Doodson, who has worked around the world, to rate the golf course. “Well, I am biased and I considered the course to be my baby because it’s the only golf course I have helped build from start to finish,” he said. “It’s been a fantastic experience and, in my opinion, I think it is the best quality golf course and the most interesting golf course in Queensland. “I think it is in the top-30 golf courses in Australia.” Golfers interested in taking up the Palms challenge should contact Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club on (07) 5699 9000. •

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May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

COURSE REVIEW: RACV Royal Pines Resort

clubs

Royal treatment awaits golfers David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

SET just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast’s glitter strip--yet close enough to enjoy the attractions--RACV Royal Pines Resort is the perfect golfing and corporate destination. The serene and picturesque beauty of the 27 holes is a complete departure from other coast options. Home of the RACV Australian Ladies Masters, the resort is a one-stop Gold Coast golfing haven. Here you can stay, play, eat, drink and party without a worry in the world. That’s because there are 331-stylish guest accommodation rooms including executive rooms and suites, new executive lounge and premium spa suites with expansive views of the Gold Coast skyline, hinterland, golf course, tropical pool and huge children’s playground. There are several restaurant choices ranging from alfresco, poolside dining, delicious seafood, rustic wood-fired pizza and pasta, teppanyaki and handrolled sushi or casual dining. The award-winning Videre restaurant, which is located on the 21st floor, is superb and offers breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. A lot has been happening at RACV Royal Pines Resort in recent years. The resort’s Golf and Sports manager Adrian Lawson said the facility was continually upgrading

and refurbishing all areas of the resort facilities. “We are unique compared to other facilities on the Gold Coast,” he said. “We have a wide variety of accommodation, an internationally-recognised golf course, restaurants, corporate facilities, tennis, kids’ club, swimming pool and more. “It’s the ideal corporate venue for big or small groups,” he said. “We have conference facilities that can cater for up to 1800 guests. “We host a number of corporate golf days that are followed by a 400 or 800-person function. “We are the specialists when it comes to organising golf and corporate events because we look after your golf and corporate events from start to finish. We can even theme the event to suit the client. Just tell us how many are coming and we’ll do the rest. “That’s why we continue to host the RACV Australian Ladies Masters, the Jeep Australian Four ball Championship, the Hi-Lite Pro-Am, The Jeep Tour National Final as well as other national finals for various golfing bodies. One of the brand new events this year is the Ultimate Skins Challenge from June 17-21. “We can put together a welcome function and presentation function, make your restaurant booking and even organise outings to the Gold Coast’s attractions.” Still, the resort doesn’t just look after large groups – it also caters for individuals and small groups who also received the same five-star treatment. In fact, one of the most popular products at Royal Pines is the Pamper-and-Play package. “If a husband and wife and their friends come here and the wives don’t play golf, then they can enjoy the luxurious spa treatment

while the partners play golf,” Lawson explained. “Then the group can go and enjoy dinner together.” The resort is extremely family friendly and has heaps of kids’ activities and five flood-lit tennis courses (two undercover). Because Royal Pines has 27-holes, it gives golfers the opportunity to play three different layouts – the Gold, Green and Blue courses. At 6570m off the back tees, the Gold course is a stern test, but off the white tee boxes it stretches to a friendly 5988m (men) and 5182m (women). “When golfers come to Royal Pines they will get a course in pristine condition, great service and are not going to pay a king’s ransom for it,” Lawson said. “It’s very well priced and you have the specialists looking after your golf, corporate golf and functions.” Lawson said the resort had a number of other attractive packages including the Sport of Kings package.

“You come down on a Saturday, we take you to the races with passes to the members’ club, then it’s back here for dinner and the next morning you and your group play golf,” he said. “It’s a great weekend away.” Lawson said there was a misconception the resort was for RACV members only. “That’s not true,” he said. “Everyone is welcome here although RACV, RACQ and NRMA or members of any auto clubs do receive the best prices. “You can even bring three friends and they will benefit as well.” RACV Golf Membership is a popular new product that offers a wide range of benefits including cheaper rates, free golf and 30 to 50 per cent discounts at other venues (visit www.racv.com.au/golf). And RACV Royal Pines Resort is currently offering a 12-month golf access membership package that includes unlimited golf in a cart for $3500. For more information, telephone (07) 5597 8700 or log on to www.racv.com.au/royalpines •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

social golf

The SGA International a hit in The Kingdom of Golf The inaugural SGA International was held in Thailand in March on some of the most spectacular courses in the region between Pattaya and Bangkok. Golfers from around Australia who know how to enjoy their golf came together for a week of fun and made it a great event. In 2011, Social Golf Australia (SGA) partnered with Thailand Golf Tours (TGT) to establish an annual international amateur golf event to be held every March. As part of the arrangement, thanks to the generous sponsorship of TGT, every year one lucky Australian golfer wins free entry into the event. SGA’s premier annual tournament is The Australian Social Golf Club Championships (ASGCC) held every August on the Gold Coast. At the conclusion of that event, a golfer is drawn to win free entry (including airfares) into The SGA International the following March. According to Matthew Pitt from SGA, the prize has added a great deal of interest and excitement to the ASGCC. “It is a super prize and has generated a great deal of interest in both events. Last year, Anne Donnelly from WA won the free trip to Thailand. Her partner Craig Roberts joined her and he played some great golf in Thailand to take out the inaugural SGA International title. The event was a resounding success thanks to Thailand Golf Tours and all the great people from around Australia who made the trip to Thailand.” The courses for the event include The Old Course and The Plantation Course at Siam Country Club, The Thai Country Club which hosted the 1997 Asian Honda Classic won by Tiger Woods and the magnificent Laem Chabang

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The golfers and caddies at Laem Chabang International Country Club before teeing off in the final round of the 2012 SGA International International Country Club designed by Jack Nicklaus. The SGA International is a 72-hole single stableford tournament held over five days with the four rounds separated with a rest day. The whole affair is a luxury golf experience held on superb courses and all golfers have their own cart and caddie for each day of golf. Over 50 golfers from around Australia were at the event and Pitt expects the numbers to continue to grow for the event each year. “The key to the success for any golf event is having great people involved and we had a large group of adventurous golfers in Thailand who were determined to have a good time. Many of our golfers said it was the best golf trip they had ever been on and are planning to return again next year,” he says.

“We have already had a great deal of interest in the 2012 ASGCC and I am sure the chance to win the free trip to Thailand is a big factor. Both events are going from strength to strength and we are delighted to have established these two tournaments as our premier annual golfing adventures,” he adds. The 2013 SGA International will return to Pattaya from March 9 – 16. The 2012 ASGCC is from August 19 to 22 with players staying at the Radisson Resort Gold Coast and playing Palm Meadows, Lakelands and Robina Woods. The event features over $15,000 of prizes and all golfers are welcome to enter. Inside Golf is a proud partner of the ASGCC and we will provide coverage of the events and results. Entry forms are available in Drummond Golf stores around Australia and online at www.socialgolfaustralia.com.au. •

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New playing options at Links Hope Island Links Hope Island recently announced the creation of new playing options at the club for the local and corporate golfer. Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson and his partner Michael Wolveridge, Links Hope Island—which is central to both the Gold Coast and Brisbane—is a traditional linksstyle golf course with A first class clubhouse and dining facilities. The new options are designed to attract regular golfers who wish to affiliate with a premier club without the expense of an entry or joining fee. The Links 7-Day Pass offers daily course access, eligibility to play in club competitions, maintenance of Golf Australia handicap and discounts in the Golf Shop, Links Restaurant and Driving Range. The fee for 12 months is $4,400. The Links 5-Day Pass, offering similar benefits from Sunday to Thursday, is $3,150 for a 12-month term. The existing Corporate Partner Program has been revised to offer entry-level packages of 30 rounds including golf cart and GPS for $2,950. “We have formulated these packages to attract golfers who wish to belong to a quality club without the expense of joining fees,” explains Mark Holland, general manager. “Our course is maintained to consistently high standards as are the service levels within the club. With our location just 40 minutes from central Brisbane and within easy reach of the Gold Coast, we are confident the packages will be sought after by the discerning golfer who demands quality.” For more info: Leigh Milne on (07) 5530 9023 or golfmail@linkshopeisland.com.au •

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C’mon baby, do the bloke emotion Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

I’m a massive fan of “bloke emotion”. Too many men hide their true feelings from the world because they don’t want to be seen as a big “wussy, wussy, la, la”. I must say, I was one of these poor expressively-challenged dudes who would rather shed a testicle than a tear. That was until the day my first son was born and I became a human Tsunami. I was wailing so much, the doctor slapped my new son on the arse and me across the face. I walked out of the hospital pulling one of those IV trollies that replace fluids. Watching Bubba Watson make that 6-inch putt to claim the green jacket--which I hope is water resistant--then completely break down was actually refreshing. I’m pretty sure I would have had Rae’s Creek lapping over the 12th green, if that had been me. We’ve seen Bubba loose facial fluids before and attempt to explain to interviewers “what this win means to him”, but nothing like he did at Augusta. The poor bloke looked like he had just bitten into a grapefruit for the first time! I wonder if some of the green-coated members of America’s most exclusive golf club shed a collective tear when they realised they were about to have a new member whose name was ‘Bubba’.

Steve Stricker is another who lets fly when in the public eye. Back in January, I was watching a pre-recorded interview during the Hyundai Tournament of Champions with Stricker. It was a little like watching Ben Crane going through his pre-shot routine until the journo asked Steve something along the lines of “what’s the favourite club in your bag” or “when did your hairline start receding”. Anyway the poor bloke’s bottom lip looked like it had just been tasered! I’m not saying we descendants of Neanderthal warriors--who wouldn’t have thought twice about slaying a sabretooth then meeting the boys for a “mammoth” beer minutes later --should burst into tears during an episode of Neighbours or

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feel a little eye moisture when we twist the lid off our last stubby, but I reckon we could vent our sentiments a lot better than we do. I have always admired the way Italian men have no issues with balling (well, except for their soccer players...) Imagine how many more majors The Shark would have won if he had just released his inner wuss. When Greg won (or probably more to the point, lost) a major, it was like he was auditioning for the lead role in “True Grit”. Take the ‘96 Masters for example. While Greg was explaining to the media how much money he still had in the bank and how his final round collapse would be forgotten on the way to the airport, I was curled

up in a foetal position in front of the TV howling like a Justin Bieber fan! His great nemesis, Nick Faldo, had no problem letting go. In the ‘92 British Open, Nick thought he had blown a big lead in the final round, finally claiming victory on the 72nd green. His loyal caddy, Fanny had to perform CPR on her boss so he could walk off the green. (Well it looked like CPR anyway…does that require the use of the tongue?). Padraig Harrington lost it a bit in his post-round interview after claiming his second British Open in 2008. That was the only part of that interview I understood. My therapist is constantly telling me “there’s nothing wrong with embracing your emotions” and that “it’s an excellent way to clear your thoughts and get on with whatever it was you were doing”. The only exceptions to this rule for me are: A) Having your wife in the car when you realise you will have to pull over and change the tyre (If you’re on your own, go ahead and ball your eyes out); B) When you’re watching the footy with your mates and your favourite player knocks on from the kick off (If you can’t stop, then I find that a fake hayfever attack is an excellent distraction) and C) If you value your life do not let it out when at a UFC Fight (at some point those blokes actually leave that cage.) C’mon guys, if we all take the same stance we could knock this “lack of bloke emotion” right on the head once and for all. When I talk like that I get all emotional…. Where are those antihistamines? •

the 19th hole

Is golf a sport? Michael Green ed@insidegolf.com.au

Is golf technically a sport? Is John Daly an “athlete”? I am cautious about talking golf at dinner parties. Like religion and politics, it has the potential to bring with it complete silence, anger or perhaps more worryingly, a fervour of golf anecdotes and stories from a golf fantatic who has been waiting for someone to raise the sport at dinner parties for years. Golf is religion and politics though. We’ve all heard the joke about the golfer who couldn’t forfeit his weekly game of golf to attend his wife’s funeral, and if you’ve spent any time in the bowels of golf course administration, you could be forgiven for thinking the club was running the country. If by some chance you’ve landed yourself in a golf conversation at a dinner party with a bunch of non-golfers, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “I hate golf ” a few times. It is soon often followed by the non sequitur, “Golf is not a sport”. I say non sequitur because it of course has no bearing on whether golf is enjoyable or not. It actually has no bearing on even whether golf exists or not and even less relevance on my love for the game. But let’s say for argument’s sake, that tomorrow

John Daly someone with impeccable sporting prowess, experience and enough respect on the global stage, gets up and tells the world that golf is no longer a sport. Billy Birmingham, for example. What exactly would happen? There may be some implications at the Olympic level. Golf is set to return to the Olympic stage in Brazil in 2016 and if it was no longer considered a sport, the ever so honest and prudent IOC may need to reassess its inclusion in the twoweek extravaganza. Although without naming any, one only needs to quickly scan the other events, to see that golf probably doesn’t have a lot to worry about. John Daly, Craig Parry, Duffy Waldorf and countless numbers of large boned amateur golfers would breathe a sigh of relief if golf was announced as no longer a sport. These guys could no longer be used in arguments by those who question the athleticism of the game, and they could just get on with it without the fear of being mistaken for

a sportsperson. Golf would obviously be moved from the sport Australian Social Golf Club pages of the newspaper. We wouldn’t have to then Championships flip over a few pages to catch a few words on Tiger Woods, but it would be nestled in topics of high Where: Gold Coast importance to your average citizen. Just after the When: August 19-22 World News items or perhaps its own pull-out Info: www.socialgolfcc.com.au section on a Friday. AUSTRALIAN Sports journalists would be pulled from SOCIAL GOLF CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS covering golf in favour of more hard-hitting journos who have cut their teeth on the frontlines AUSTRALIAN of civil war or in the power plays ofSOCIAL Canberra GOLF CLUBT he Australian S ocial Golf Club CHAMPIONSHIPS Championships is one of the most exciting politics. Forget media tents or post-round interviews, we would see reporters hiding in and enjoyable events for Australian bunkers and a genre devoted to golf Wikileaks. amateur golfers, attracting golfers from Perhaps once the sport shackles are off, we around the country who enjoy their golf and the experience of playing in a would begin to see golf exactly for what it is. professional tournament atmosphere. Not a sport but a religion, full of drama, politics and passion. A mirror by which humans could The 2012 tournament features some great relate to the problems and wonders of the world. new elements to make it even more fun and This is completely ridiculous of course, but no super value. The Radisson Resort Gold Coast more so than the argument that golf is not a sport. is offering entrants discount accommodation, The closest analogy would be like the day Pluto entrants will again receive discount golf was not a planet, Milli Vanilli were not singers vouchers worth over $300 and one lucky golfer or the day Greg Norman was not a US Masters will win a free golf trip to Thailand worth of winner. There may be tears, stunned dispositions $2500 for the 2013 SGA International. and much wailing, but we will all move on. Apart In 2012, the tournament will be played from Milli Vanilli maybe. at Palm Meadows, Lakelands Golf Club and I’m really not bothered if some dinner party Robina Woods. There will also be an increase guest decides golf is not a sport. In fact, if they in the prize pool to over $15,000 of prizes, truly deemed it nothing more than just a pasttime, trophies and giveaways with Drummond hobby or gardening adventure, I’d gladly accept Golf a continuing sponsor and partner. the notion and kick them out after dessert, telling Entry forms available in Drummond them I’ve got an early tee time in the morning. • Stores around Australia. For more information and a PDF version of the entry Michael Green is an avid golf fanatic, and the author/ forms, go to the Social Golf Australia site at blogger of the Aussie Golfer blog (www.aussiegolfer. www.socialgolfcc.com.au or contact SGA net) one of Australia’s most popular golf blogging sites. Follow him on Twitter (twitter.com/AussieGolfer) or on directly on (03) 5433 3213. • Facebook: www.facebook.com/AussieGolfer

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It does not get any better. www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

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Australian golf is strong enough to go it alone Declan McCollam ed@insidegolf.com.au

In the past 20 years, the Australian Golf Industry has seen a tide of foreign-owned management companies come and go. These companies find themselves lasting, at most, a few years attached to any club in Australia. This is largely because what they recommend, or want to implement, is usually cost-prohibitive and not applicable to Australian market conditions. Over the last few years, the clubs that have stood the test of time in the Australian golf market, such as Twin Waters in QLD and Joondalup in WA, have required little or no help from foreign-based management firms. They have believed in the talent base that is here within the Australian industry and have worked with that talent to grow or sustain their businesses. Course Developers and Club Committees such as several clubs on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula and on the Gold Coast have fallen foul, due to a belief that overseas consulting firms and management companies can provide something that Australia cannot in the way of knowledge and industry expertise. Yet these overseas companies have delivered very little in terms of success for any club in Australia to date, to my knowledge. I recommend that the Australian Golf Industry acknowledges and recognizes the educated and talented industry professionals

that we have and provide further development opportunities for them so that the Australian Golf industry cements its position as one of the most respected in the world. Where this is most obvious is within the sector of Australian Golf Agronomy. Michael O’Keefe who operates the Ohio State University Agronomy Program in the US says “The Australian interns I take on each year to train here in the US are among the best workers anywhere in the world. In most cases, if the

AUSTRALIAN

SOCIAL GOLF CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

clubs that I send them to throughout the US could keep Australians, they would. Their work ethic is terrific and their knowledge is excellent. Although Australian agronomists learn a lot while visiting the US, it is their early training, experience and grounding in Australia that stands them in good stead and sets them up for doing well in the US.” The Australian PGA has a new breed of well educated and bright young Professionals coming through the Trainee Professional

Program and the PGA Academy, via the PGA Headquarters in Victoria. The majority of these young men and women graduate now with not only a sound knowledge of the technical aspects of the golf game but also with an understanding of golf operations. When employed by clubs around the country these young professionals generally have a deep understanding of the game and a passion to succeed in the sport, not only as players but as business entrepreneurs. Most of Australia’s successful clubs are not only well established but also have little or no attachment to foreign management or consulting companies that that charge large fees for very little to no outcome for the club. It is time that Australian Golf Club Management / Golf Australia / Committees and Course Developers acknowledge what talent Australia has in terms of well-trained golf industry professionals. Australia is losing many talented people to the Asian golf industries because of a lack of willingness by clubs to invest in the future development of this homegrown talent. Australian Golf always has had plenty of talented people within its own ranks. We should work to further develop this asset for the good of both the industry and the game in this country. • Declan McCollam is the General Manager of The Cut Golf Course, WA Note: all opinions expressed are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of Inside Golf.

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THE MAILBOX

Your letters and stories The Winner Is... “The Big Miss” I’ve finally come to terms with what I call “The Big Miss”. It’s not only a new book by Hank Haney, but an experience I had not so long ago. On a regular Saturday comp at North Ryde Golf Club, we celebrated one of our group getting a hole in one on the 6th hole, a 136m par-3. Two holes later, we have our toughest par-3, 185 meters long. I hit my tee shot with a slight draw, sending it out of bounds. Slightly disappointed, I hit my third from the tee. It went straight at the pin, so I’m thinking it’s a good chance still for a bogey. Then I see the group in front come running back, arms in the air and then pointing at the hole. My head sunk and a few expletives were said. It had gone in. Never having had a hole in one, I was a little disappointed after holing out on my third shot, but now I can say I’ve had a one of the best pars ever, holing out from the tee. By the time I got back to the

clubhouse, most people had heard the story, which made it even worse. So not only did I miss out on my first hole in one, but also a more remarkable feat of having two members from the same group, having holes in one on the same day. I’m usually a glass half full sort of person, but I can’t get any joy out of this one. It certainly was “The Big Miss” Carl Murphy

Thanks Carl – we feel your pain. Maybe a Smoothy buggy will help mend the broken heart.

That’s the fact, Jack

I’ve never met Jack (Newton) but obviously his accident hasn’t affected his smarts (April issue). I first got involved with a Club when I was about 30. The joint was travelling badly and the ANZ bank was about to pull the plug. There was an ultimatum to us to present a budget, which we did and younger folk (under 50) got involved in the management of the club. It didn’t take long to change the balance sheet from red to black. We would have had the youngest average age of bowling club members as well as directors in Sydney. Looking at it now and I feel that I/we’ve contributed to their success immensely. Now I’m retired up here in the Tweed area and play golf at the local club. A rabbit warren in need of help, built for those days when pokies weren’t in Queensland. They still have geriatric rules. For example in the members lounge, males must have covered footwear. Ladies don’t. Elsewhere you can wear thongs. At the old BBC we changed the rules to ‘neat and tidy’ which never upset anyone. CTH have got ads on the internet with carts parked within feet of greens and players with shirts out, the rules state “carts not within the blue line and shirts tucked in”. Directors must put themselves in the position of visitors as well as members and get all the old silly rules adjusted. Thanks for a beaut magazine and may it continue to feed good suggestions to receptive club directors. Name withheld at writer’s request

Relax, Jack?

I saw the comments from Jack Newton (April Issue) about relaxing the dress standards in order to get younger players more interested in golf. I quite agree with his comments about the financial side and that fees should be lowered for youngsters to be able to afford to get into the game, but dress relaxation? Do we really want to see golfers going around in jeans and tee shirts hanging out over their stomachs and caps turned back over their necks? I don’t think so. Short socks, certainly, but I am totally against seeing golfers playing in a jock strap, boots and gaiters! We must preserve our standards, irrespective of what other sports may allow. Stuart Watkins – via email

Competition Winners

Last month, Inside Golf ran a number of competitions. Here are the lucky winners: TaylorMade Ghost Manta Putter Marty Monaghan, Box Hill South (Vic) The Big Miss, by Hank Haney (Book) Craig Boys, Port Macquarie (NSW) Allan Murray, Sydney (NSW) Richard Carter, Perth (WA) Phillip Dowton, Maffra (Vic) Colin Herring, Sorrento (WA) Radisson Resort Gold Coast Holiday Graham Halton, Newcastle (NSW) Links Hope Island Privilege Card Ken Webb, Don Hansen and Garth Tobin

The good and the Badds I have been an avid reader of Inside Golf since its inception, and I felt duty bound to express my disgust at your choice of Aaron Baddeley`s photo on the front page. It certainly does not send the right message to all the young golfers coming up through the ranks. He can be as scruffy as he likes, but I don`t believe he should be featured on the front page of a prestigious golf magazine. Roy Boyle – via email Why does [Baddeley] have to go around looking like a hobo? When I see scruffy individuals like him who cannot be bothered to shave then it makes me wonder about their personal hygiene. Any professional golfer who appears on the tee in that state should be made to go and tidy himself up. Stuart Watkins – via email

A tragic love affair

New golf clubs are like a new romance. On your first encounter, the manufacturer’s representative introduces you to the demo club – it looks good, feels good. “Let’s hit a few”. As the ball soars off into the distance, the heart flutters a little. “OK, looking good”. A couple more “bullets” and the adrenaline rises. “This could be the one”. Before you realise it, you are in love (again). You feel all warm inside. The rep writes down the details like a potential date’s telephone number. Driving home, eating dinner, watching TV, trying to sleep – all you can think about are the new weapons. You mentally play your home course with them. In your head, they are sensational. You ache to have them. You justify to yourself why the outlay is worth it. You search the golf magazines for equipment reviews on it. You trawl the internet for specs, tests and user feedback. Some bloke in the

Too many rules

Last month’s winning letter (“Too many rules”) will have many supporters, including myself. The R&A and USGA say they are trying to simplify the Rules of Golf but opportunities like those pointed out by Barry seem to be ignored year after year. The Local Rules on the back of every card at every golf club around the world are, in many cases, a simple cut and paste. If almost every golf club in the world has the same Local Rule should the penny not drop that maybe it should be a Rule of Golf? Other examples to go with Barry’s are: 1. Two shot or one shot penalty? Or DQ? Make it one or the other. 2. Two clublengths or one clublength? Sometimes allowed to roll, sometimes not, sometimes closer to the hole, sometimes not? One rule please. 3. Can clean your ball sometimes, other times, no. One rule: (maybe “cannot clean through the green unless to identify”).

Editor’s note: thanks for your letters. Our decision to put a “scruffy” shot of Badds on the cover was never meant to glamourise the look. The simple truth is, most of the guys out there these days are sporting the scruff. If you look at the other two Aussies on the cover, both Jason and Adam had a bit of the stubble going. And don’t get us started on Geoff Ogilvy’s mo. That’s just the “look” at the moment. And it will pass, in time. If you go back and take a peek at other golf magazine covers over the decades, you’ll see lots of questionable fashion choices and trends - long hair, colourful clothing and the like. So while an argument could be made to always show clean-cut, tidy, squaredaway golfers on the cover, we don’t believe that it would accurately reflect the state of the game (and besides, that would be a bit boring, wouldn’t it?)

USA absolutely adores his! There must be a way of justifying the money. Bottom line, you are hooked and will not settle until you and your new love are both living under the same roof. Have you also noticed that once you actually pay for the new clubs and start playing with them, much of the magic evaporates? Honeymoon over already? The massive expectations and adrenaline surge when you first start using them will get you every time. Funny how hitting 50 repetitive shots to no specific target at a range is so much easier than taking one shot at a small green on a wet, cold, windy morning. For those who continue to believe, the magic will return. For all the others, it was a “one night stand” and the search goes on for the Holy Grail. Rob Woolley

Measuring devices and advice rules are ridiculous. Please explain how knowing the exact temperature, wind speed (at ground level) or elevation will assist shotmaking ? Or knowing what club someone uses without knowing how he hit it, what ball he was using, how was it lying, the shaft details or the exact loft of that particular club (they do vary significantly). Or asking someone “what will this putt do?”. There is no answer, as you cannot define how hard you are going to hit it. I agree with Barry again on Local or Hard Card Rules which overrule a rule of golf. An example is a DQ if caught practising putting during your round! Stop making rules that cannot be policed in a game which is self-regulated and based on common sense, your fellow golfers’ observations, your credibility and integrity. Lloyd Cotterill – via email

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

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

the 19th hole

BIG

No joke: three aces on April Fools’ day

At Mona Vale Golf Club on April 1st, during a medley event, three players had holes-in-one... all on different holes. Bob Lenon achieved his ace on the difficult 2nd. Carol Sim, proving that gals can be as accurate as guys, managed her ace on the 14th. Later, Ian Pike aced the 16th hole. The traditional Club “shout” for the assembly (whenever the “Hole in One Bell” is rung) was thrown into some confusion, but certainly all concerned felt that the “Acers” had been properly acknowledged and celebrated.

Playing from the back...back...back markers

To celebrate Callaway’s sponsorship of the inaugural NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship, Callaway player Brendan Jones joined Kiwi pro Phil Tataurangi and ex-All Black and celebrity amateur Justin Marshall for a breathtaking teeoff from Queenstown’s Paraflights boat on Lake Wakatipu onto the fifth hole at Kelvin Heights’ golf course. All three players teed off from a floating tee box to a pin located over 160m away on dry land. (Watch a video of the stunt here: vimeo. com/39370142)

Whatever possesses men of mature years to take on an annual golf challenge at one of the world’s toughest courses, play for trophies they can’t keep, engage in artful sledging with their closest buddies and don absurd, creative and hilarious costumes for a full days’ golf – is a question not easy to answer. But we know it has everything to do with mateship, a sense of adventure, conquering nature and our great game itself.

At Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm in Tassie, golf becomes a metaphor for something much larger than the game itself. Such is the case for one particular group of eclectic golf nuts who make an annual pilgrimage to Tassie to take on its challenges. With a combinations of ages, occupations, life experiences and philosophies, this Band of (Barnbougle) Brothers left the comforts of their home courses at 13th Beach in Geelong early this year to journey to Launceston for four days on the most challenging, hostile and rewarding courses as any on our planet. With handicaps ranging from scratch (their inspirational resident Pro) to a respectable 14, their competitive spirit and efforts are rewarded with prize money from a daily pot, much sought-after perpetual trophies and, of course, a daily NAGA Award – always to be avoided, as the wearing of such an item (like a ridiculous hat) brings gross indignation for the wearer. This year saw the unthinkable: a hole-in-one on Barnbougle’s notorious Par-3 12th, occasioning a new award yet to be invented. A match committee sets the comps and prizes, as well as adjudicates and penalises the best and poorest

15 Club Championships...and counting

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Meanwhile, Hollywood actor and golf enthusiast Don Cheadle (star of Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13, and Hotel Rwanda) caused a bit of excitement of his own during the event, scoring a hole-in-one on the 16th hole and earning himself a brand-new Callaway RAZR Fit driver.

Band of (Barnbougle) Brothers

Some of the wacky golf nuts on their annual pilgrimage

At every golf club there are some very good players. Occasionally, there is an exceptional one. John Mansfield from Melbourne’s Green Acres Golf Club is that and more. His association with golf began at Green Acres when, at the age of eight, he caddied for his father Patrick, a much loved and respected member. He soon became a regular caddy around the club on weekends and rode his bike from his home in North Balwyn down to Green Acres in Kew. In 1975, on his 13th birthday, he became a member. By the time he was 16 he was playing off 4. In his early 20’s, he was playing off scratch. He then started a traineeship with Henry Cussell at Yarra Yarra. Like all young golfers at the time, his sights were firmly set on becoming the next Jack Nicklaus. John soon realized that there were so many others out there with the same idea. More than that, he missed his mates back at Green Acres, as well as the camaraderie of club and pennant golf (he has

Hollywood “Ace” Don Cheadle

also played some 126 pennant matches). He soon reinstated his amateur status, which meant two years of not competing in board events. His first Club Championship came in 1983, the first of four on end which he has now done three times. The total is all the more impressive because family commitments prevented him playing in 7 titles from 1990-97. And then there was the time in 2009 when he thought he’d come from way behind and just won by a shot on the last, only to have a belated penalty called on him back on the 13th that he wasn’t aware of. The two-shot penalty resulted in him losing by one stroke. Green Acres holds a special place for John as it did for his late father Patrick. A club that has strong family and friendship values and has been such a part of his life since he was eight. John’s record of Club Championships can only be broken in the foreseeable future by one man:

John Mansfield and trophy himself. And he’ll keep playing just as long as he can. After all, he’s still a relatively young man. Having won the last two, and with his record of winning four years in a row, we wait with interest to see what happens next year and then the year after.

YOUR STORIES

golf with handicap reductions and additions on a daily basis. All activities are chronicled for reference and posterity. The third day is wacky! A four-ball event at Lost Farm, commencing with a clubhouse breakfast and a brigade of costumed addicts featuring themes from golf’s notables (Ben Hogan, Payne Stewart) to odd, handmade and clownish rags expressing the innate madness and frivolity of humankind. The camaraderie is special, with ample doses of good-natured and affectionate sledging – before, during and after each round. Sojourning with partners who value the place of club golf in their lives is priceless! With the planned 2013 Barnbougle – Lost Farm trip, all members have committed, bookings are locked in, and the reserves queue is growing exponentially – just 300+ sleeps to go!

The quick nine quiz David Newbery 1. Which two holes were used in the 2012 US Masters playoff? 2. How many Australians made the cut at this year’s US Masters? 3. What colour driver did US Masters winner Bubba Watson use during the tournament? 4. How many left-handed golfers have won the US Masters? Name them. 5. Who won this year’s first major championship for women (Kraft Nabisco): Karrie Webb, Stacey Lewis, Sun Young Yoo or Yani Tseng? 6. Which Queensland Sunshine Coast golf club will host the Holden Scramble final? 7. May a player whose ball lies on the putting green brush aside casual water on his line of putt, or mop it up with a towel? 8. Solve the anagram, Loaf on brink, to identify the golfer? Clue: He’s a Kiwi. 9. Who said; “I’m not good enough to win a major – I don’t have the thing I need.” – Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood or Aaron Baddeley? ANSWERS: (1). 18th and 10th; (2). Three – Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy and Aaron Baddeley; (3). Pink; (4). Three – Phil Mickelson, Mike Weir and Bubba Watson; (5). Sun Young Yoo; (6). Twin Waters Golf Club; (7). No. Such action would breach Rule 16– 1a (touching line of putt); (8). Frank Nobilo; (9). Sergio Garcia.

Carol Sim was one of three April ‘Acers’

The water carry

demo dates

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

Day

New South Wales Camden Lakeside Country Club † Tuesday Cootamundra Country Club† Tuesday Camden Lakeside GC * ‡ Tuesday Bonnie Doon Golf Club* ‡ Wednesday Beverley Park Golf Club* ‡ Wednesday Wagga Wagga Country Club† Wednesday Sydney Olympic Park Driving Range† Wednesday Mt Broughton GC* ‡ Thursday Terrey Hills Driving Range† Thursday Eastlakes Golf Club* ‡ Friday Eastlake GC† Friday Canterbury Golf Club† Tuesday Canterbury Golf Course* ‡ Tuesday Bonnie Doon Golf Club† Wednesday Mona Vale Golf Club† Wednesday Bayview Golf Club† Wednesday Narrabeen Driving Range† Thursday Drummond Golf Warrawong† Thursday Drummond Golf Warrawong* ‡ Thursday Bathurst Golf Centre* ‡ Friday The Royal Sydney Golf Club† Tuesday Charlestown Golf Club† Tuesday Royal Sydney GC * ** ‡ Tuesday Monash Country Club† Wednesday Royal Canberra GC * ** ‡ Wednesday Royal Canberra Golf Club † Wednesday Drummond Golf Fyshwick† Thursday Drummond Golf Fyshwick* ‡ Thursday Pymble Golf Club* ‡ Friday Georges River Golf Course† Monday Georges River Golf Course† Monday Carnarvon Golf Club† Tuesday Terrey Hills G&CC* ‡ Wednesday Terrey Hills Country Club† Wednesday Toukley Golf Club† Wednesday Merewether Golf Club† Thursday Killara Golf Club* ‡ Thursday Monash Country Club* ‡ Friday The Ridge Golf Course† Friday Camden Golf Club† Saturday Castle Hill Country Club† Wednesday Castle Hill Country Club ** ‡ Wednesday Avondale Golf Club† Thursday Avondale Golf Club ** ‡ Thursday Morisset Golf Club† Thursday Queensland Tewantin Noosa Golf Club† Tuesday Victoria Park Golf Complex* † Tuesday Victoria Park Golf Complex† Tuesday Horton Park Golf Club† Friday Horton Park Golf Club† Friday Jindalee Pro Shop† Wednesday Caloundra Golf Club† Wednesday Big Easy Golf Driving Range Carseldine† Wednesday Big Easy Golf Driving Range Carseldine† Wednesday Parkwood International Pty Ltd† Thursday Parkwood International Pty Ltd† Thursday Indooroopilly Golf Club† Wednesday Virginia Golf Club† Friday Virginia Golf Club† Friday Virginia Golf Club† Thursday Elite Golf Australia Pty Ltd† Friday Elite Golf Australia Pty Ltd† Friday Sanctuary Cove Golf And C.C.† Wednesday Sanctuary Cove Golf And C.C.† Wednesday Victoria The Metropolitan Golf Club* ‡ Wednesday Keysborough Golf Club* ‡ Thursday Patterson River Golf Club* ‡ Friday Long Island Golf Club* ‡ Saturday Kooringal Golf Club† Saturday

Date

www.callawaygolf.com

Time

May 01 May 01 May 01 May 02 May 02 May 02 May 02 May 03 May 03 May 04 May 04 May 08 May 08 May 09 May 09 May 09 May 10 May 10 May 10 May 11 May 15 May 15 May 15 May 16 May 16 May 16 May 17 May 17 May 18 May 21 May 21 May 22 May 23 May 23 May 23 May 24 May 24 May 25 May 25 May 26 May 30 May 30 May 31 May 31 May 31

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

May 01 May 01 May 01 May 04 May 04 May 09 May 09 May 09 May 09 May 10 May 10 May 16 May 18 May 18 May 24 May 25 May 25 May 30 May 30

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

May 02 May 03 May 04 May 05 May 05

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 4pm 10am - 2pm 11am - 1pm

Callaway RAZr FIT power hours Location

Day

Heritage Golf Club † Wednesday Heritage Golf Club † Wednesday Victoria Golf Club* ‡ Thursday Morack Golf Course Range* ‡ Thursday Werribee Golf Club† Thursday Barwon Heads Golf Club* ‡ † Saturday The Peninsula Country Club* ‡ Thursday Golfers Resort Yarrawonga† Friday Tocumwal Golf Club* ‡ † Saturday Flinders Golf Club* ‡ Thursday Phillip Island Golf Club* ‡ Friday Drouin Golf Club* ‡ Wednesday Tasmania Launceston Golf Club† Tuesday Western Australia Royal Perth Golf Club † Wednesday Sun City golf course † Wednesday

Date

www.callawaygolf.com

Time

May 09 May 09 May 10 May 10 May 10 May 12 May 17 May 18 May 19 May 24 May 25 May 30

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

May 01

12 - 1pm

May 09 May 16

11:30am - 12:30pm 11am - 1pm

Date

Time

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

Day

New South Wales Illawarra Driving Range Tuesday Monash Country Club* Wednesday The Ridge Driving Range Wednesday Charlestown Golf Club* Thursday Belmont Golf Club* Friday Concord Golf Club* Tuesday Terrey Hills Country Club* Wednesday Narrabeen Driving Range Thursday Bathurst Driving Range* Friday Royal Sydney Golf Club* Thursday Campbelltown Golf Club* Friday Castle Hill Country Club Wednesday Thornleigh Golf Centre Thursday Moss Vale Golf Club* Friday Olympic Park Driving Range Tuesday Shortland Waters Golf Club* Wednesday Drummond Golf WARRAWONG Thursday Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex* Tuesday Brisbane Golf Club ** Wednesday The Grand ** Saturday Parkwood International Thursday Tweed Heads Friday Headland * Wednesday Caloundra Golf Club * Wednesday Horton Park Saturday Palm Meadows Driving Range Friday Victoria Kingswood Golf Club* Wednesday Melbourne Golf Academy Wednesday Long Island Country Club* Thursday Sanctuary Lakes Club* Friday Drummond Golf Geelong* Saturday HOG Ringwood* Tuesday Metropolitan Golf Club* Wednesday Sandringham Golf Range Wednesday Peninsula Country Golf Club* Thursday Kew Golf Club* Friday Barwon Heads Golf Club* Saturday Eastwood Golf Club* Wednesday Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range Thursday Sandhurst Club* Saturday Warragul Country Club* Tuesday Spring Valley Golf Club* Wednesday South Australia

May 01 May 02 May 02 May 03 May 04 May 08 May 09 May 10 May 11 May 17 May 18 May 23 May 24 May 25 May 29 May 30 May 31

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

May 01 May 02 May 05 May 10 May 11 May 16 May 16 May 19 May 25

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

May 02 May 02 May 03 May 04 May 05 May 15 May 16 May 16 May 17 May 18 May 19 May 23 May 24 May 26 May 29 May 30

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

The Vines of Reynella Wednesday

May 02

1:30 - 4:30pm

Barossa Valley Golf Club Northern Territory

Saturday

May 05

10am - 1:30pm

Alice Springs Golf Club

Saturday

May 12

10am - 1:30pm

Darwin Golf Club

Sunday

May 13

10am - 1:30pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. † Callaway demo date. ‡ Callaway fitting day. Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending. www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

golf directory

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

Benalla Golf Club

pp $185 From share n twi week mid

Three Day / Two Night Golf Package • • • •

Includes: Unlimited golf, two nights accommodation, breakfast each morning, 2 x evening meals (vouchers up to the value of $20) Fully Irigated Greens & Fairways Full Bar & Bistro Facilities Abundant Wildlife including Kangaroos Courtesy Bus Available

www.benallagolfclub.com.au (03) 5762 1920 | benagolf @bigpond.net.au • 18 hole Golf Course • Visitors & Social Players Most Welcome • Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25

• $22 Visitor Competition Fee (Wed, Sat & Sun Competitions) • Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale • Fully Licensed Clubhouse • Social Clubs & Corporate Days

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah

beergolf@netaccess.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

Ph: (07) 5494 0630 Golf Shop (07) 5494 6611

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.

16 Golf courses!

Mid Week Special

• 2 Nights’ Accommodation in spacious Spa Room • 2 Rounds of Golf @ Cobram Barooga (alternating courses) • Cooked Breakfast each morning • Meal Vouchers for the Clubs

Only $205pp Twin Share Enquire about our Specials for Groups of 12 or more or play some different courses Cobram-Barooga Golf View Motel Golf Course Road, Barooga, NSW, Australia, 3644 FreeCall 1800 557 192 or Fax +61 3 5873 4556 www.baroogagolfview.com.au | julie@baroogagolfview.com.au

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

Tocumwal – The

$7 From ay

Cobram-Barooga Golf View Motel

friendliest club on the river

• Our greens are as good as you will play • Our Raincheck Guarantee – if you can’t play on, anywhere! because of rain, we give you replacement • Great value golf packages available all year rounds FREE! round – more sunny days than the Gold Coast. • Only 3 hours easy drive from Melbourne Tocumwal Golf Club Barooga Rd, Tocumwal NSW (03) 5874 9111 www.tocumwalgolf.com.au

THREE COURSE SPECIAL

Only $290

Mossman, Mirage & Sea Temple Includes Carts, Fees & Transfers

TWO COURSE SPECIAL

(Price based on 2 person share. +$20 single person supplement)

bersh em

MOSSMAN

$220

(Price based on 2 person share. +$20 single person supplement)

Clubs and other packages available on request.

*Conditions apply

www.casinogolfclub.com.au

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Casino Golf Club - West St, Casino NSW 2470 P: (02) 6662 1259 | E: admin@casinogolfclub.com.au

Contact John Carney - “JC” on 0438 581 269 or by email at info@portdouglasgolftours.com.au

A ROU

ila ble

Only $49

Includes Fees & Transfers

fro m

ips

Package includes: • 2 games of golf • Meal • 1 night accommodation with continental breakfast

Only $195

Mossman & Sea Temple Includes Carts, Fees & Transfers

Play & Stay for $120

(Price based on 2 person share. +$30 single person supplement)

RAD

w w w. p o r t d o u g l a s g o l f t o u r s . c o m . a u

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

golf directory

Let us organise your Gold Coast golf tours

Hassle Free TOURS TO SUIT EVERY NE

Play Australia’s Finest Sandbelt Courses • 6 nights accommodation From • Green fees on 5 golf courses (Cape Schanck, Devil Bend, Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Flinders Golf Club, Moonah Links, Mornington Golf Club, Portsea Golf Club, Rosebud Country Club, Sorrento Golf Club, The Dunes Golf Links, The National Golf Club, St Andrews, Mornington Peninsula) • Cooked or Continental breakfast included • Foxtel in all units per person per night* • Rosebud House also available to hire

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

*Extra fees apply for Moonah Links, Sorrento Golf Club and The National Golf Club

ROSEBUD MOTEL

1869 Point Nepean Rd Rosebud West VIC, 3941

‘Play a round then play around’

1300 26 20 55 For more information go to

www.golfaccom.com.au

All Enquiries/Quotes Welcome

info@golfaccom.com.au

For further enquires and bookings P: (03) 5985 2041 E: rosebudmotel@bigpond.com W: www.rosebudmotel.com.au

• 18 hole golf course • Fully stocked ProShop • Tuition for all ages available • Motorised cart hire • In club dining at Fairways Bistro • Function room for weddings, special occasions or conferences • Live entertainment and activities throughout the week • Courtesy bus • Open 7 days a week

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

Yamba Golf & Country Club features an 18 hole championship golf course, located right in the heart of Yamba.

We look forward to welcoming you soon! River Street, Yamba NSW | Ph (02) 6646 2104 | Pro Shop (02) 6646 1656 | www.yambagolf.com.au

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

Play anytime - No waiting

16 Weekdays

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

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

*prices include GST

Enquiries welcome $

Traditional Hunter Hospitality

Gol Pack f Spec age ialists

Golf packages starting from $99pp

Howeston Golf Course

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

Bellbird Hotel

Golf • Accommodation • Continental breakfast Group bookings of 10 or more welcome, packages start from $140pp

Visit us at www.bellbirdhotel.com.au or call us on (02) 4990 1094

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2012

golf directory

BANKSTOW N GOL F C LU B

MEMBERSHIPS NOW OPEN

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

New Sunday/Public holiday memberships only $1220, great value. Only $23.50 per week, competition fees only $6, pay by the month plans available. Phone (02) 9773 0628 Enquiries: info@bankstowngolf.com.au

STAY 3 NIGHTS - 4TH NIGHT FREE

OUTLASTS ANY OTHER GLOVE (CSIRO tested and proven) • 100% Kangaroo Premium Leather • Grips like glue in the wet • It’s like wearing a second skin • Company logos available, ideal for golf days and client gifts • Available in left of right hand, sizes XXXS - XXXL • Black or white

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

$2495

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

+P&H each

Idlewilde Town & Country Motor Inn Stay & Play packages Play 18 holes at Pambula/ Merimbula & Eden Golf courses * 3 nights Dbl or twin

$3495

$425

+P&H

*Offer excludes 20th of Dec until the 20th of Jan and Easter weekend

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

The Friendly Club

36 Hole Complex • Social Play Available 7 Days

Blue Marker Challenge

Presented by the 19th Hole Club Members $15 Visitors $35 includes 3x Drink tickets • Last Thursday each month • Single Stroke event, open to all males with GA Handicap • Phone 3267 7744 to book • Timesheets released 2 weeks prior

• GREAT PRIZES! • Phone: 3267 7744 | Email: golf@nudgeegolf.com.au | www.nudgeegolf.com.au 92

May 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

$615

ph: (02) 6495 6844 e: accommodation@idlewildemotorinn.com

GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN?

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pair

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