Issue 88 November 2012 by Inside Golf

A us t rAl i A’s M o st R e a d G o lf M A G A z i n e

Our largest-ever issue

Over 110 pages!

Issue 88 november 2012

www.insidegolf.com.au

> SCHOOL IS IN

> COOL SURF AND TURF

We explore Australia’s best Golf Academies

Golf on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and The Great Ocean Road

> WARM-UP TIPS Proper pre-round preparation

> HOT CHIPS

We chat with wedge legend Roger Cleveland

Australia’s summer of golf heats up!

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starter’s box

Women and children first: Part II Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

Last month, I spoke about the ongoing struggle by juniors and women when it comes to taking up this great game of ours. I explained how more and more junior golfers are at times feeling “unwelcome” by some club members, while women often feel “embarrassed” to be grouped with the men, for fear of increased pressure to play well, etc. It bears repeating again: These two segments represent the fastest-growing areas of golf. And to be clear, the clubs that embrace the junior/women golf market (and there are many in Australia who do) are the clubs that will certainly find their coffers a little more secure as a result. That is a rocksolid fact. As usual, our mailbox was jampacked with letters regarding the subject. Young and old, male and female – you all chimed in with your full support of our viewpoint. But there was one letter that stood out, and really nailed the point. It deserved to be printed in full, so we’re including it below (suffice to say, it is also the Smoothy “Letter of The Month”.) I suggest that all GM’s, Board members and club members alike read the letter very carefully. While it is not representative of every club’s approach to women/juniors, it gives a good glimpse into the struggle by some women golfers, and may very well apply to your own club.

TIME FOR EQUALITY

“Your October editorial (Women and Children First) was much appreciated. Despite the fact I’m a member of two golf clubs–and I’m no longer titled an ‘Associate’ because I pay the same fees as men–the reality is I am classified as a female member and therefore (in the experience of my two clubs) a lesser member than my male counterparts. Once a club separates its membership

into gender groups and provides the female members with a Ladies Committee with its own Ladies Captain, President, Secretary and Treasurer, it reinforces my female membership status–I’ve been relegated into a minority group because of my gender. I am no longer part of the club but part of the female group within the club which has limited access to the Club Committee who are, by definition, the drivers and decision-makers. Officially this is not how it’s meant to operate but in reality, “female” decisions are made at Ladies Committee level and if a female bypasses this process and goes directly to the main committee, they refer it back... so there is no real opportunity to engage any debate within a broader membership arena. There are many disadvantages for women in this Ladies Committee model, including access to the Club Committee, playing days/board event access (which too often does not include Saturdays), limited tee-off times, financial limitations, socialisation – the list goes on at a club level. More worryingly, it is mirrored at District level where affiliations are also gender specific, presumably under the view that a ladies district group can service its members better. However the reality of the situation is that the ladies district groups are cash and (weekend) time poor while their male counterparts are definitely not. As a result, female district golfers do not share the same opportunities their male counterparts do in terms of the quantity and variety of competitions and days, golfing support, etc, and as this is the proving ground for young potential professionals, we are again limiting our females’ opportunities due to their gender. For example: female Pennant and District Champs on weekdays (which restricts working women), one district didn’t even field a female country week team last year while their male counterparts won the state final, their men’s team is fully subsidized while the women are not... the minority group stories go on forever.

The Vic State body has recently been amalgamated, which is an excellent thing but this amalgamation has not flowed down to the district associations nor to the club landscape. Although it’s great to see the State Champs for both genders are now played together, this is certainly a motive for amalgamation at district level. Yet despite this, I doubt if district amalgamations will occur any time soon nor will abandoning gender segregation by all clubs–although I live in hope that the future of the game will become a highlighted point to encourage both. So during a period when club membership is declining it is relevant to consider the implications of the “female” membership model more thoroughly. As I see it, golf is dying and not only do we have to consider retaining our current membership but also attracting potential new membership who in their personal, working, school, social and sporting communities do not experience gender segregation at any level. And women form 50% of that potential membership base and where there are women, there are kids – the great untapped market. As a keen golfer, all I ask that I am a “member” of a club, just like all the other members, that I am not segregated into a gender-specific group, that I am not limited in the way I access the club, competitions and the course as a woman and/or as a junior. Once that equal culture is established nationally, the game will begin to grow again. Please keep up the positive comments!” Catherine Bird

Contributors:

VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 E: jon.perrett@bestingolfgroup.com Advertising Sales: Lisa Coleman E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au | M:0406 031 344 Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Cover photos: Courtesy of TaylorMade, Acushnet, USGA, Australian Masters

Larry Canning, Mike Orloff, Denis Dale, A USTRALIA’ S

G OLF

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www.insidegolf.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Senior Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Design & Layout: Nick Thorn, Stacey Fortescue

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news

There’s no beating Keating AUSTRALIA’s Stacey Keating has taken the Ladies European Tour by storm, notching two solid victories in as many tries, and establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Following her maiden win at the Tenerife Ladies Open de Espana in September, Keating kept the engravers busy a fortnight later, capturing her second straight win at the Lacoste Ladies Open de France at Chantaco Golf Club. Playing in the penultimate group at Chantaco, the 26-year-old from Cressy, Victoria, was quick out of the blocks with four birdies in a row from the second to catch Round 3 leader Diana Luna of Italy. The Italian then made four straight birdies from the fifth to get to 15-under but dropped a shot on 10, opening the door again. After Keating bogeyed the 13th, Luna was two clear of the Australian but Keating birdied 14, 16 and 17 to move one ahead with a hole to play. A bogey on 18 by Keating created some nervous moments in the clubhouse, and left the door open for a possible play-off. But Luna followed with a bogey of her own, missing a five-foot par putt and handing the title to Keating, whose final round of six-under-par 64 (-14) was enough for victory. Keating was presented the trophy by Sophie Lacoste, President of Lacoste SA in the presence of the European Ryder Cup Captain José María Olazábal and former women’s world number one Lorena Ochoa. Keating described the feeling as ‘surreal.’ “Ten years ago my dream was to meet Lorena Ochoa so standing here is unbelievable,” said Keating. Keating thanked her caddie and boyfriend Darren Peters, who has been at her side since she joined the tour in 2011, and helped her through the disappointment of being disqualified from the Ricoh Women’s British Open a month earlier, due her to signing for an incorrect score. “After the disappointment of the British I was really low in confidence, but obviously not now, so I’m very happy. I’ve been playing

Stacey Keating with Lorena Ochoa well leading up to the British as well so it was just how I was going to handle it mentally as well I guess,” Keating said. “I had no expectations because I was so disappointed and that hurt me a lot. Nothing on the golf course can hurt me like that now.” She said that she enjoyed competing under pressure: “I just enjoy it. I practice so I can be contending. As long as I’m contending I’m happy. Anything can happen in a golf tournament like we saw there. We were both disappointed to bogey the last but you know, that’s golf and I’ll take that.” Lorena Ochoa, making a limited return from retirement, finished in a tie for 22nd place on one under par after a final round 70. “I am happy,” said Ochoa.” It was really a good week. I did make a few mistakes and had trouble a little bit on the greens. I was frustrated today, you know, I have to say that, but at the same time, I need to be happy. I am here just to enjoy it. This is more like an exhibition for me.

“I love to see that the European Tour is growing so much. You can see that now it’s a really global tour, they play in so many different countries and travel so much and they have players from so many different countries and that’s really positive for the game. “You get fans and sponsors and TV from many different parts of the world and I think you can see the scores are really good. Finishing 13, 14, 15 under, all of those scores are amazing because today, we didn’t play an easy course. So I am sure they are going in the right direction and congratulations to them and also it’s nice to see that the players get along really good. They travel together, they spend time together. It’s important to have friends and enjoy what you do for a living so I want to say that I’ve been very impressed in a positive way of how well the tour is running and I wish them the best.” More: www.lacosteladiesopendefrance.com • (Courtesy of ASO)

Who is Victoria’s best putter? Do you fancy yourself as a master of the flatstick? Here’s your chance to prove it. The 2nd annual Victorian Putting Championships are returning to the esteemed Melbourne Golf Academy. Held over two weekends (November 24th/25th and December 1st/2nd), the event will be contested on MGA’s massive 18-hole practice putting green, and will consist of four qualifying events, with the best scores from each qualifying round progressing into the final. The final will be held on Sunday December 2nd at 2.30pm, and it is sure to be a must-attend event. Anyone can win, regardless of age, size or strength. All it takes is a few lucky breaks and you could find yourself in the final! TaylorMade has returned as sponsor of the event, and is offering some amazing prizes, including the grand prize of a full set of customfitted TaylorMade clubs and bag ($2300 value, from the TaylorMade Performance Lab). They will also be showcasing their new line of putters at the event, so players can demo these cuttingedge clubs in person. Open to golfers of all ages and abilities, entry to the event is only $10 per round. You can enter as often as you like (subject to space and open timeslots). While you’re there, you can even hit some balls at their fully-equipped driving range and short-game area, take a lesson from their well-respected team of professionals or even just enjoy a meal or a coffee in the comfortable lounge or licensed cafe area. The Victorian Putting Championships is sure to become one of the more popular (and talkedabout) events in Victorian amateur golf. So start practising your putting today! For more information: 03 9558 3477, info@mgagolf.com.au, www.mgagolf.com.au • Event Schedule Qualifying Date 24/11/2012 25/11/2012 1/12/2012 2/12/2012 Grand Final 2/12/2012

Time 10am–2pm 10am–2pm 10am–2pm 10am–2pm Time 2.30pm

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

news

Super round ignored

QUEENSLAND golf officials were a little disappointed when Taylor Macdonald’s 64 – eightunder par – in the Gary Player Classic in blustery conditions went unnoticed by the local media. Macdonald, who plays off +6 at Redcliffe, fired his 64 in the first round at Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane. “They (newspaper) reported Henry Epstein’s 63 in the South Pacific Classic in New Caledonia, but ignored Taylor’s 64 in difficult conditions,” one disgruntled amateur official said. “It’s as if they don’t care about amateur golf anymore.” For the record, Taylor’s round consisted of seven birdies, an eagle, a bogey and nine pars. He went on to win the 72-hole championship with scores of 64-72-70-73 for a 279 total, edging out last year’s champion Simon Viitakangas by a single shot. •

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An Ace for Brown nets a new car

Don’t ask silly questions

IT’S official – golf and football (soccer) don’t mix. One television reporter received the hairdryer treatment when he asked Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson a question about Europe’s magnificent Ryder Cup victory over the US team. “Listen, listen. This is a press conference about a bloody football match,” Ferguson said. “You’ve got to go way over the top with your program. I’m not answering that. We’re here to talk about football. Christ.” Ferguson normally reserves the hair-dryer treatment for his players when they fall short of his expectations. Former Manchester United striker and now Queens Park Rangers boss Mark Hughes knew all about the hair-dryer treatment. “He would stand nose-to-nose with you and just shout and bawl and you would end up with your hair behind your head,” he said. •

Australian Mitchell Brown struck a sweet five iron and drove away with a car after acing the sixth hole at OneAsia’s U.S.$ 1 million Nanshan China Masters last month. Brown’s hole-in-one on the 197-metre parthree was the fifth of his career, but the first in tournament play. “The pin was left and I aimed for the middle, but I pulled it a bit,” Brown said.

“It was a pretty good shot though … it pitched six foot short and then went in.” Brown, 26, was the world’s top-ranked amateur in 2006 and won the New Zealand PGA championship in 2010 and the exotic Samoan Masters in 2009. Brown’s ace earned him a VW worth around U.S.$ 35,000. “It is fantastic that the sponsors do things like this,” he said. •

Trainee Wall wins Pampling Plate GAINSBOROUGH Greens trainee Lachlan Wall is the toast of Queensland trainees after taking out the Pampling Plate on the Palms course at Sanctuary Cove. Wall defeated Oxley’s Matt Douglas 4/3 in the 36-hole rain-drenched match. “It’s been tough out there early with the rain and the wind picking up during the round,” Wall said.

“It’s what a final should be. We are both out there to win and are having to work hard for it. “It’s a great honour to win this event and to do it in my first year is definitely something special. “This is the event everyone wants to win so I’m just happy I was able to play consistently well during the week and get there in the end.” •

SHOPPING for golf car spares and accessories just got whole lot easier with the launch of shopezgo.com.au. Augusta Golf Cars, master distributor for E-ZGO, Cushman and Bad Boy Buggies in Australia and the Pacific Islands recently launched its online shopping facility to satisfy the growing needs of the Australian market. With myriad parts, spares and accessories to choose from – it is no wonder that the company decided to take their sales online. Despite having thousands of items listed on the site, it is easy to navigate and find the item you are looking for without a fuss. Shopezgo.com.au features a seamless secure checkout facility, which makes shopping quicker and easier than ever before. Augusta Golf Cars managing director Raymond Georgiou said he was thrilled to be taking sales of parts and accessories online. “Shopezgo.com.au is a great avenue for shopping for spares for E-Z-GO, Bad Boy buggies and Cushman parts,” he said. “This site is easy to use. It is secure and has images of the part being purchased.” Next time you are thinking about a part or accessory, be sure to check shopezgo.com.au. •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

news

Blade runner a golfer

OSCAR Pistorius, the double amputee who competed in the Olympics and the Paralympics, swapped his carbon fibre blades for golf clubs recently when he made his debut alongside swimmer Michael Phelps in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. The South African plays off a handicap of 18 and has ambitions of one day playing off single figures. “I love golf and I am a big fan and I’ve never played St Andrews before, so playing it in a worldclass event is a unique opportunity,” he said. Pistorius, who partnered Paul McGinley at St Andrews, took up golf in his teens and swinging a golf club has come natural to him. He described his golf game as “aggressive” and gets annoyed with himself if he mis-hits a shot. He says when he relaxes he has the ability to hit the ball a “fair distance”. Last year, Pistorius took part in Dancing with the Stars. At the time, he joked about having two left feet. •

Club Car, Greg Norman support rookie Australian golfers Club Car Asia Pacific announced last month they have has joined with Greg Norman’s Great White Shark Enterprises in sponsoring the Club Car Greg Norman Rookie of the Year Award. The award will be presented each year to a golfer from the Rookie list in Australia and on the overseas circuits and will be judged by a panel made up of representatives from Club Car, GWSE and the Australian Golf Writers Association. The rookie of the year will receive a trophy as well as cash prize of $1,500 rising annually by $250 over the next five years. •

Cardio Golf sets heart racing

The Republic of Korea team with the spoils of victory

Tough days at the office

IT was great to see 53 nations square off at the recent Espirito Santo Trophy in Turkey. The cream rose to the top as the three-person team from the Republic of Korea triumphed, but it was pleasing to see countries like Peru, Guam, Estonia, Tunisia, Ukraine and others taking part. Still, it was a tough four days at the “office” for the girls from Ukraine, who finished dead last. The Republic of Korea team won with a fourround score of 563. Under the rules, the best two scores from each team counts towards the total and the Koreans returned rounds of 144-136-141-142. But at the other end of the scale, Ukraine finished 228 shots behind the winners with scores of 200-204190-197 for a 791 total. One player carded rounds of 103-103-105-102 – 125-over par. In the third round, the youngster recorded four triple bogeys, nine doubles, three bogeys and two pars. If anything, she was consistent and never gave up. It’s great to see developing golf nations being given the chance to compete at international level. It’s the only way to learn.

For the record, Australia (Minjee Lee, Whitney Hillier and Breanna Elliott) finished in a tied for third and Kiwi sensation Lydia Ko captured the individual title with rounds of 70-69-67-68 for a 14-under par total of 274. On the men’s side a record-setting score of 24-under-par 404 saw the USA win the weathershortened championship by five strokes over Mexico at the par-71 Antalya Golf Club, and claimed the Eisenhower Trophy for the 14th time. The Americans, in winning their 24th medal in the 28 Eisenhower Trophy competitions, broke team marks for lowest 18-, 36- and 54-hole scores. The World Amateur Team Championship is a biennial international amateur competition, begun in 1958. It is conducted by the International Golf Federation (IGF), which comprises national governing bodies of golf in 126 countries and international professional tours. The competition, which is being held for the 28th time, is rotated among three geographic zones: Asia-Pacific, Americas and Europe-Africa. For more info and complete results, visit www.internationalgolffederation.org •

THE Redland Bay Golf Club in Brisbane has partnered with personal trainers from Fit Stuff to develop a specific program called ‘Cardio Golf ’ tailored for two target groups. The 90-minute Cardio Golf sessions will target current golfers keen to improve their game and introduce people keen on fitness to the game of golf. The launch date is Thursday, November 8 (4.30pm to 6pm) and is free of charge. After the initial program, attendees will pay $5 per person, per session. The revolutionary activity is open to for golfers and non-golfers alike and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Redland Bay Golf Club general manager Aaron Muirhead said the club was currently taking expressions of interest from people interested in attending the inaugural program. “So far, there has been a great response,” he said. For more information, email Aaron at aaron@redlandbaygolf.com.au or telephone (07) 3206 7011. There are limited spots available so get in quick to avoid disappointment. •

Age shall not weary them! There is something about the Murray Grey Vets at Thurgoona Country Club Resort that inspires golfers to remain active and competitive. One such vet is Des Kelly who turned 80 on October 2 and just to prove he was as sprightly as ever, he shot a 93 off the stick for a nett 70 on the same day. Still, determination and commitment is something that runs through Kelly’s veins as evidenced by his long list of achievements in the community. Des is a foundation and Life Member of Tallangatta Apex, past Commissioner of the City of Wodonga, Councillor on the Tallangatta Shire for 26 years, six times Shire President, 60 years service and a Life Member of the CFA brigade and 23 years a committee member and Life Governor of the Tallangatta Hospital. Well done Des and we think there are a few more good scores in you yet! •

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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news

Victorian juniors steal the show Last month’s Srixon International saw some outstanding performances from the Victorian contingent. Ben Eccles and Su Oh were crowned champions and Ryan Ruffels took out the Sub Junior tournament for the second year in a row. Conditions for the final round of the tournament proved to be difficult, with strong, hot winds buffeting Maitland Golf Course. Many of the round 3 leaders in the Boys section fell back, leaving the door open for Eccles to take out the tournament following a round of 69, despite starting the day four shots back from the leaders. Su Oh continued her fine play to finish as the only player at Maitland to break par over the four rounds and claim victory. Su won the sub junior two years ago and now has the main trophy as part of her ever-growing golf resume. Both Su and Ben win a trip to China to represent Australia at the Aaron Baddeley International. The wins for Ben and Su mark the end of a long drought for Victorian players at this tournament (the last Victorian winners of this tournament were Aaron Baddeley in 1998 and Stacey Doggett in 1993) and it is the first time that Victorians have taken out both titles in the same year. Victoria also claimed the team title in conjunction with the JNJG team. Ryan Ruffels continued his great form to eclipse the field in the sub junior tournament shooting a tournament record 16-under-par at Kurri Kurri. Ryan now has won back-toback titles and is attracting a lot of attention as he is proving to be one of our finest young golfing talents. Soo Bin Park also finished well to be runner-up in the Girls 12 years division. •

Zach Murray and Marcus Fraser.

US Masters tour host Josh Marris at Augusta National early this year.

Fifteen-year-old shoots 62 The golfing community was abuzz in the Murray District as the news spread of a sensational round of golf at Commercial Albury Golf Club. Zach Murray is a leading junior in the district who has won the MDGA Championships, the Howlong Club Championships and the Commercial Albury Club Championships, to name a few. However this must rank as one of his greatest achievements to date. Nine birdies, eight pars and one bogey saw him end his round with an unbelievable 62, reportedly the lowest score ever produced at Commercial Albury Golf Club in its 113 year history.

The previous lowest score at the course was 64 carded by two professionals in a pro-am in 1977 with golfing legend, Jack Nicklaus, shooting 68 in his one and only round there. The only slight downside to Zach’s remarkable achievement is the fact that the course was not played from the plates and hence it cannot be counted as a course record. The current course record of 65 is held by local left-handed legend Graham Hulm. However Graham will need to keep an eye on Zach in the future, for at 15 years of age you’d have to say he’s got a lot of golf left in him. •

Eastern to host long drive competition On Wednesday the November 14, Melbourne’s The Eastern Golf Club is hosting its very first long drive competition. Open to the public, the event is sure to be a blast. The event is open to any age. There is even an over-70s category and this will kick off the competition at 6pm. The real show begins when the final event of the evening commences – the Professional Long Drive Competition, which will be

held straight after the member’s long drive categories at roughly 7:20pm and is open to any golf professional. There will be a prize of $1,000 for the winner and the title of the very first Eastern Golf Club long drive professional. Any professional that would like to register should email Peter Manzie on pmanzie@easterngolfclub.com.au. Entry for the professionals is $25 this will also include a BBQ and refreshments. •

US Masters beckons US-BASED Australian professional golfer Josh Marris is iTravel’s host professional to next year’s US Masters at Augusta National. It will be the second successive year Marris hosts travellers to the US Masters. Brenton Foster, who was on the US Masters tour early this year, said he was impressed with Marris. “He has a st rong work e t h i c and appreciation of golf,” he said. “He has excellent communication skills to assist and coach the tour members to play a better game of golf.” Golf travellers will spend three days at Augusta as well as playing seven games of golf at selected top-quality golf courses, including Pinehurst. The trip includes 12 nights’ luxury accommodation, cooked breakfast daily, three dinners at Pinehurst, golf presentation night, private transfers and more. If you would like a trip up Magnolia Lane, a walk around Rae’s Creek, colourful azaleas and watch the world’s best players agonise over putts on fast greens then this tour is for you. For more information, call Stacey Arthur on 0402 327 606 or email stacey@itravel.au.com •

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news

Jenny Abela wins 2012 Blind Golf NSW Open Championship

Hend delighted with move inside top-10 Australia’s Scott Hend moved to eighth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit following an encouraging week at the CJ Invitational Host by KJ Choi, where he finished tied-fifth. The Australian pocketed US$28,087 to move three notches up the rankings. Hend, a two-time Asian Tour winner, believes he is getting back to his best form and is hopeful that he will reach peak performance very soon. “My performance has been pretty good. I’m getting there. I’ve good vibes about what’s going on and my best is not far away,” he said. “I just have to work on a few things and I’ll be ready.” Australia’s Marcus Fraser continues to lead the rankings with US$472,094, followed by South Africa’s Jbe Kruger on US$453,588 and Japan’s Masanori Kobayashi with US$400,289. Australia’s Scott Barr is currently 19th with $113,855 •

Neaton wins CQ title Rockhampton’s Michael Neaton has won this year’s Golf Central Queensland men’s open at the Yeppoon Golf Club. After returning a three-over 74 in the first round, Michael found himself three shots behind last year’s winner Trevor Tougher. On day two Michael turned things around with a three-under 68, eclipsing Trevor’s 74 to give Michael the winning total of 142. In the B grade, Yeppoon’s Lester Perkins’ score of 172 gave him a narrow win over Dennis Lanchester of Yeppoon, who had to survive a count back from Keith Jones, both on 174. David Battalana of Yeppoon won the C grade on a count back from Mick Slade, both on 188. Yeppoon’s members won all the nets with Jeff Ingle winning the A grade on 140 from Andrew Crow 141, B grade went to Keith Jones (143) from Gavin Wiseman (146) and Nev Mann the C grade on 146 from Mick Mulholland’s 149. •

WORLD BEATER: Jack McLeod shows off the spoils of victory.

Hark, Jack’s a world champion IF you listen closely, you just might hear the joyous celebrations from the McLeod’s home in Sydney after their teenage son Jack won the World Deaf Golf Championship in Mie, Japan. The 16-year-old, who plays off +2 at Bayview Golf Club, captured the championship with rounds of 70-70-71-79 (290) to win by 13 strokes from Denmark’s Hans Elgaard. More than 50 players from 14 countries took part in the championship. Jack also helped his Australian teammates win the teams’ title ahead of Sweden and Denmark. Bayview Golf Club general manager Nigel Gibson said Jack joined the golf club as a nineyear-old. “Jack has worked his way through the very popular cadet and junior program at Bayview,” he said. “Jack has represented Bayview in junior and open men’s pennant teams and has won a number of NSW junior events and one Senior Open event. “He won the Spring Cup, a Vardon event, at Bayview and he has won a number of other Jack Newton Junior Golf events.

“He has been the junior champion at Bayview for the last couple of years and made the final of the club championship.” Jack is extremely accurate off the tee and possesses a deadly short game. That strength was a huge advantage on the tight golf course that penalised those who missed the fairways. “Jack is a nice, polite young fellow,” Gibson said. “His mum and dad (Carol and Robert) play at Bayview Golf Club.” Jack has ambitions of working in the golf industry when he finishes school. “He wants to do a golf business degree to give him some acumen in the business side of golf so he can get into golf operations.” Normally, Jack wears a cochlear implant, but under the championship’s rules he played completely deaf. Meanwhile, the Australian women’s team finished runners-up behind the United States while the Australian senior team finished fourth. The World Deaf Golf Championship, a biennial event, will be played in Michigan in the US in 2014. •

Blind Golf NSW conducted its 2012 Blind Golf Open Championship over 36 holes at the Barnwell Park Golf Club. The tournament was well supported with 20 players taking part with entrants coming from NSW, QLD, SA, ACT and VIC. Blind golf has 3 sight categories; B1, B2 and B3 depending on the player’s vision capabilities. B1 players are totally blind. Blind Golf NSW Captain Jenny Abela (B2 – handicap 54) won her first major tournament by 6 stokes from the gross winner Stephen Mitchell. Jenny, with her long serving caddie Steve Doyle, played outstanding golf scoring a 98 net over the two-day event to win the 2012 Championship. In hosting the presentation of trophies, Mr John Hayward, Blind Golf NSW President firstly thanked the Barnwell Park Golf Club and staff for use of their club and course, and the various members of Blind Golf NSW for assisting in the management of the championship. To learn more about blind golf, go to the Blind Golf Australia website www.blindgolf.com.au or see www.internationalblindgolf.org •

Results

Net Champion Jenny Abela (NSW) Gross Winner Stephen Mitchell (NSW) Ladies Champion Elsie McCulloch (NSW) B1 Net Winner Glenn Niciejewski (QLD) B1 Gross Winner Doug Sloan (VIC) B2 Net Winner Brian Gear (VIC) B2 Gross Winner Graham Coulton (NSW) B3 Net Winner Rod Mills (NSW) B3 Gross Winner Des Lean-Fore (NSW)

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

from the ceo

Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

It’s often said that for a country of 1.2 million golfers, Australia certainly performs well above expectations when it comes to our Professional ranks, and the same can certainly be said about our coaches. While it may seem like we are patting ourselves on the back, there is certainly truth in the fact that our Australian education programs are second to none, and among our PGA Professionals, we lay claim to some of the best coaches the world over. Every two years, in conjunction with our Srixon PGA Coaching Summit, our Association recognises these

Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

Stacey Keating’s recent back-toback victories at the Spanish and French Opens, her first big wins in professional golf, were great examples of the success the Golf Australia Rookie Program can help achieve. The Rookie Program offers a way of assisting professional golfers as they enter the most exciting and challenging time of their professional careers; finding and establishing themselves on an international Tour and understanding the demands of travelling to different parts of the world whilst at the same time trying to compete against the best players in the world. 2012 has proved to a particularly strong year for the program’s scholarship holders. In addition to Stacey’s victories on the Ladies European Tour, Nick Cullen

Warren Sevil CEO – ALPG

On Tour the past month it has been all about Stacey Keating. Since turning professional prior to the 2011 season, Stacey, the 2010 Australian amateur champion, had been poking along nicely, playing consistently but without any startling results on either the Ladies European Tour nor in the major events on the ALPG Tour. Those who play and understand the game at elite level will know that there is a fine line between finishing 20th and 1st. It takes just something simple to “click” — a couple of putts each round, perhaps a simple swing thought, a change of equipment or even an incident which lifts the motivation to a new level. In Stacey Keating’s case, she had stated that her game was right there, that she was

outstanding coaches by awarding the Teacher of the Year title. Among this year’s nominees were the highly respected PGA Professionals in Gary Barter, Dale Lynch, Ritchie Smith and Col Swatton, however I am pleased to announce this year’s honouree was Victorian Denis McDade. Denis is very well known among the golfing fraternity, and for most this latest accolade will come as no surprise. A Member of the PGA for over 20 years, Denis has coached for both the Victorian Institute of Sport and the AIS golf programs. He currently coaches a number of high profile golfers including Marcus Fraser, Marc Leishman, Paul Sheehan, Ash Hall, Matthew Griffin and 2011 British Amateur Champion Bryden Macpherson. That said he is also a passionate advocate for junior golf, and

is highly regarded by his peers both in Australia and abroad. On behalf of his fellow Members and the Board and staff of the PGA, I again take this opportunity to congratulate Denis for all that he has already achieved. Denis is a true role model for many within the Australian golf industry, and we are certainly very proud to have him as our 2012 Teacher of the Year. Finally, as we edge closer to the final PGA Tour of Australasia events for 2012, I encourage everyone to get out there and support our home grown tournaments. While we were certainly spoilt for international players in 2011, this year’s fields are again impressive and the quality of golf certainly won’t disappoint. Check out the full tournament schedule with further information at www.pga.org.au/australasia •

won the Indonesian Open, Kieran Pratt won the Myanmar Open, Matt Griffin won the High1 Resort Open in Korea, Rick Kulacz won on the PGA Tour of Australasia, Julia Boland won on the US feeder Symetra Tour and earned her LPGA Tour card and Kristie Smith also won on the Symetra Tour. These are the sort of results the program sets out to achieve – to strengthen the transition phase so that when players turn professional, there is less focus on “starting out” again as they did early in their amateur careers. Specifically we are trying to help them achieve the most efficient and productive introduction to professional golf and to give themselves every chance of having a long and successful career. Players go through an application and selection process with Golf Australia and to be eligible they must be in the final six months of their amateur career or their first five years as a professional golfer. The program targets players that have a clear ability to become a top 100 world-ranked player in the foreseeable future and

ultimately would be capable of winning Major and international championships over the long term. While mentioning international championship winners, we recently announced that World Number 5 Justin Rose would join the Emirates Australian Open field in Sydney. Justin has had a terrific year on Tour culminating in his role in the victorious European Team at the Ryder Cup at Chicago. It’ll be great to have both he and Adam Scott as two of the Top 10 players in the world at the Open in addition to Tom Watson, Geoff Ogilvy and defending champion Greg Chalmers among those to play with more player announcements to come. Finally, I’d like to congratulate our teams at the World Amateur Team Championships in Turkey. The Australian women’s team put in an exceptional performance at the Espirito Santo Trophy finishing in third place and earning podium honours. The Australian men’s team endured a bad start in the rainaffected Eisenhower Trophy, but they finished strongly to end in 15th place. •

playing well but not getting the most out of her game. It was close and she felt she was ready to challenge the leaders. In her first fifteen events on the LET this year the affable Victorian notched two top 5’s, two missed cuts and the rest around the top 25. Bring on the biggest event on the LET schedule, the Women’s British Open and Stacey is tied for the lead after round one. All has fallen in to place – seemingly. We all know what happened next, signing for an incorrect scorecard – the totals were correct but the scores on two holes were the wrong way around – gone, disqualified. That ludicrous scorecard rule is another subject, another column, another debate. This was shattering to Stacey, the opportunity for a great finish, potentially the biggest cheque of her career, momentum stopping. She took heart in the encouragement received all around her including from her mentor, Karrie Webb. She learned from it and became more determined. Next start, she wins in Spain, and next start from that, she wins in France. The rest is history

and she has been splattered all over the country’s major publications since. It wasn’t a new putter, a swing change, new clubs – it was adversity which proved the catalyst of the unearthing of the talent and the potential we all knew was within Stacey Keating. She is to be admired. Her courage, determination and now, her humility and professionalism make her the complete package, a much needed boost for women’s professional golf in Australia and an inspiration to her peers. Here’s hoping her results spur others on to produce more Australian winners. The back to back wins for Keating adds to the two other Aussie victories on the LET in 2012. Lindsey Wright won the NZ Open in February and Karen Lunn the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco in March. Still a few events to go so there might be another name to add to the list with other Australians such as Rebecca Artis and Nikki Garrett playing well and ready to join the list of LET winners. Here’s to a big finish for our girls in 2012. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

industry news

Wylie new GM of Audi gears up for The Springs Australian golf Steve Wylie has been named as general manager of the Springs Golf Club. Steve is a seasoned executive with nearly 15 years of experience in the golf industry. During his career, Steve has developed a reputation for improving operational excellence and enhancing guest satisfaction at golf properties throughout the Central Coast & Hunter Valley. He most recently served as General Manager at Stonebridge Golf Club located in the Hunter Valley, where he also was involved in the development stage of the golf course and club house operations. The timing of Steve’s appointment coincides with the near completion of the $6m clubhouse and function centre at the Springs Golf Club. Located on the Central Coast of NSW, the Springs Golf Club represents one of the region’s premier golf clubs. The challenging but fair layout tests golfers of all skill levels, with a premium placed on accuracy from the tee. •

Luxury German car maker Audi will be the new driving force in Australian golf with the company signing on as an Official Partner of Golf Australia. The partnership will see Audi involved in growing grassroots golf in Australia, in addition to its current activities which includes the highly successful global Audi quattro Cup for amateur golfers, as well as partnerships with tournaments on the European Senior Tour and Ladies European Tour. Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said he was delighted to welcome Audi to Golf Australia’s suite of corporate partners and looked forward to working with the company to showcase their golf partnership in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region. “We’re very pleased to welcome Audi to the Golf Australia family,” Pitt said. “Audi has a strong commitment to golf at all levels and we look forward to working with the brand to exemplify the best of what our sport offers.” •

Redback Sport broadens presence Au s sie Junior Pro Pty Ltd re cent ly changed its name to Redback Sport Pty Ltd. The company, which specialises in Young Gun Junior Golf, supporting the PGA, Golf Australia and Golf Foundations around Australia, is broadening its presence in the golf accessory market. Redback Sport have been appointed distributor of IZZO training and accessory products. These products will complement the already extensive Redback accessory range. Other accessory brands and categories will

be added in the near future, including golf balls and sports sunglasses brands. Redback Sport will continue offering its products through traditional golf retailers as well as launching—in partnership with retail stockists—a web-based store for consumers. The web store will offer home delivery or click and collect from the retailer. This will be a first in the golf industry and shows the commitment Redback Sport has to bricks and mortar retailers. www.redbacksport.com •

Hope Island links with Golf Pilot LINKS Hope Island Golf Club went to great lengths when it went in search of a quality GPS system to complement its new fleet of EZ-GO golf carts. The club’s general manager Mark Holland said when the club negotiated the purchase of its new fleet it specified that it had to be able to be fitted with a GPS asset management solution. “Cost, custom features, foreign language support and the ability to be fitted to an EZ-GO golf cart were high on their list of mandatories,” he said. “The Links Hope Island Golf Club reviewed the rest and decided Golf Pilot™ from GPS Golf Solutions was the best.” He said the club golf operations manager, Ben Cousins, reviewed a number of GPS systems before flying to a small country town outside Melbourne to visit the RACV Healesville Country Club where Golf Pilot™ was undergoing final development testing.

“The RACV course layout is wooded, very hilly and posed a true test of how well a GPS system would perform,” he said. Cousins spent the day driving around the RACV Healesville course, which is located in the Dandenong Ranges, and came away suitably impressed with Golf Pilot’s many management tools. Some of the features include: communication in 27 languages; crash detection; auto advance to next hole; local and event rules; messaging with auto response; food and beverage ordering; bookings; pace of play; local and radar weather; pro tips; scoring for four players; advertising banner ads and more. “Hope Island’s many corporate clients speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese and Golf Pilot™ was able to demonstrate that not only could it walk the walk, it could talk the talk,” Holland said. GPS Golf Solutions directors spent more than 10 years developing the Golf Pilot™. •

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

• 12 nights luxury accommodation • 3 dinners at Pinehurst ala Carte Restaurants • Golf presentation night, canapés and drinks • Private transfers • Tour guide • Pre-golf clinic and lessons from PGA Professionals • Group airfares with QANTAS available for additional cost • Porterage throughout *Las Vegas and Pebble beach extensions also available extra cost

TOUR ALMO ST FULL! Only limited spaces left For further enquires, additional information and brochures please contact: Stacey Arthur P: 4285 0711 | M: 0402 327 606 E: stacey@itravel-au.com | W: www.itravel-au.com

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scorecard World Rankings Through 19 October

Top 20 Australians 1. Adam Scott (6 in world rankings) 2. Jason Day (27) 3. John Senden (38) 4. Geoff Ogilvy (44) 5. Aaron Baddeley (56) 6. Greg Chalmers (58) 7. Marcus Fraser (73) 8. Marc Leishman (81) 9. Brendan Jones (123) 10. Robert Allenby (147) 11. Brad Kennedy (150) 12. Kurt Barnes (156) 13. Brett Rumford (229) 14. Nick O’Hern (236) 15. Rod Pampling (257) 16. Richard Green (260) 17. Cameron Percy (263) 18. Scott Hend (293) 19. Kieran Pratt (317) 20. Jarrod Lyle (330)

Top 5 World Rankings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Rory McIlroy (averaged points 12.51) Tiger Woods (9.37) Luke Donald (8.93) Lee Westwood (7.00) Justin Rose (6.27)

Top 20 Rolex World Rankings in Australia 1. Karrie Webb (15 in world) 2. Katherine Hull (68) 3. Lindsey Wright (76) 4. Stacey Keating (105) 5. Nikki Campbell (141) 6. Sarah Jane Smith (168) 7. Karen Lunn (170) 8. Frances Bondad (190) 9. Nikki Garrett (200) 10. Tamie Durdin (231) 11. Kristie Smith (232) 12. Sarah Kemp (245) 13. Bree Arthur (258) 14. Rebecca Artis (260) 15. Rachel Bailey (276) 16. Stephanie Na (325) 17. Jessica Speechley (342) 18. Vicky Thomas (348) 19. Alison Whitaker (384) 20. Julia Boland (386)

Top 5 Rolex Rankings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Yani Tseng (averaged points 12.40) Stacy Lewis (8.65) Na Yeon Choi (8.63) Shanshan Feng (8.32) Inbee Park (8.12)

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

Wilson claims maiden Tour victory Scoreboards Frys.com Open Victorian Peter Wilson has claimed his maiden PGA Tour of Australasia victory, winning the WA Goldfields PGA Championship by two shots at Kalgoorlie Golf Course. Starting the day one behind the overnight leader Glenn Joyner, 34-year-old Wilson looked dangerous from the opening holes and never looked back, at one stage stretching his commanding lead to five strokes. “It’s just so good to win one finally,” he said after claiming $18,000, his biggest ever prize cheque in Australia. “I was 6-under after 11, I just had a hot start. I started to think about it for a while there, but I got it done in the end.” In accepting the trophy Wilson acknowledged his support team that includes PGA coach Stuart Leong, Physiotherapist Paul Trainor and Jamie Glazier. “It’s just the whole package, everyone is working together and it’s showing.” With a final round of 3-under to finish at 5-under for the tournament, Wilson finished two ahead of Glenn Joyner, who was quick to praise the Kalgoorlie Golf Course. “I can promise you if the guys that are voting on it come here and play, it won’t be

In Brief:

Peter Wilson voted number 73 in Australia for long. It’s in the top 20 I think,” said Joyner. Young Victorian Andrew Kelly finished third at 1-under par, while Nick Cullen chipped in on the final hole to claim a share of fourth alongside Kurt Carlson and Brendan Smith. Kris Mueck shot the round of the day – a 7-under 65 courtesy of an eagle, six birdies and a bogey. •

ASIAN:

PGA TOUR:

Jonas Blixt carded 21 birdies on his way to winning the Frys.com Open with a 16-under 268 (66-68-66-68) showing at CordeValle in San Martin, Calif. This was Blixt’s first career win on the PGA Tour and he becomes the third rookie to win in the 2012 season. “I just told myself, just give it a good hit every time and see what happens,” said Blixt. “Just focus. You can’t do anything better than your best. That’s what I did on every shot.”

WEB.COM: Shawn Stefani fired a final round 3-underpar 68 in an impressive five-shot victory at the Miccosukee Championship. Stefani, who captured the Midwest Classic in August, finished with a 15-under-par 269 victory total. Alistair Presnell finished solo second, after tying for third place the previous week. Stefani advanced to fourth and Presnell to 19th on the 2012 Web.com Tour money list.

JAPAN: Kenichi Kuboya came from behind to top Juvic Pagunsan by one shot at the Japan Open. It marked the sixth-career JGTO win for Kuboya, who closed with a 1-under par 70 at Naha Golf Club en route to an 8-over 292 victory total.

Gaganjeet Bhullar of India won the 2012 Venetian Macau Open in wire-to-wire fashion for his second title on the Asian Tour in 2012. Bhullar led from the first round with an 8-under par 63 and closed with a 3-under 68 to finish with a 16-under par total of 268, two shots better than Jonathan Moore.

ONE ASIA:

L i a n g We n - c h o n g c a p t u r e d t h e Nanshan China Masters on the fifth hole of a sudden-death playoff. The victory marked Wenchong’s first OneAsia title since winning twice in 2010 and is the fourth of his career. “I’m very happy,” said Liang after the playoff triumph. “I have never been involved in something like this.” Aaron Townsend narrowly missed the playoff, shooting 1-over 72 to finish alone in third. He was followed by Louis Oosthuizen, who took solo fourth at 5-under 279.

KOREA: Meen-Whee Kim captured the ShinHan DongHae Open on the first hole of a playoff with Kevin Na. The win marked the first career Korea PGA Tour title for the 21-year-old Kim, who finished with a 4-under-par 284 total to force the playoff.

2012 Worldwide Ball Count

ARE YOU ON - TEAM TITLEIST ANZ? Bubba Watson Pro V1x

2012 Worldwide Wins

5,000

789

Pos Ctry Player 1 Jonas Blixt

Total R1 -16 66

R2 R3 R4 Strk 68 66 68 268

Tim Petrovic

-15 70

67 64 269

Jason Kokrak

-15 68

67 68 269

Jimmy Walker

-14 73

67 62 270

Alexandre Rocha

-14 69

66 68 270

Vijay Singh

-14 70

66 68 270

John Mallinger

-14 66

70 72 270

T16

Steven Bowditch

-10 71

71 68 274

T16

Danny Lee

-10 69

67 71 274

T22

Mathew Goggin

-9

69 67 275

T22

Nick O’Hern

-9

71 71 275

T35

Matt Jones

-7

70 71 277

T43

Rod Pampling

-5

69 72 279

T55

Nathan Green

-2

68 76 282

CUT

Robert Allenby

142

CUT

Stuart Appleby

145

CUT

Aaron Baddeley

143

CUT

Gavin Coles

146

Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Pos Ctry Player 1 Inbee Park

Total R1 -15 69

R2 68

R3 65

R4 Strk 67 269

Na Yeon Choi

-13

71 271

Karrie Webb

-12

68 272

Catriona Matthew

-11

67 273

So Yeon Ryu

-10

66 274

T46

Katherine Hull

73 288

Pos Ctry Player 1 Shane Lowry

Total R1 -14 67

R2 70

R3 67

R4 Strk 66 270

Ross Fisher

-13

70 271

Michael Campbell

-12

68 272

Bernd Wiesberger

-11

73 273

Richard Finch

-10

70 274

T16

Andrew Dodt

-6

72 278

T37

Richard Green

-4

73 280

T63

Matthew Zions

73 285

Portugal Masters

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Pos Ctry Player

Total R1

R4 Strk

Branden Grace

-22

70 266

Thorbjorn Olesen

-20

68 268

Alexander Noren

-18

69 270

Joel Sjoholm

-16

70 272

T22

Brett Rumford

-11

67 277

T22

Ashley Hall

-11

71 277

T47

Michael Campbell

-8

69 280

CUT

Nick Cullen

-3

213

CUT

Andrew Dodt

-3

213

CUT

Adam Crawford

-1

215

CUT

Matthew Griffin

-1

215

CUT

Richard Green

216

CUT

Josh Geary

217

CUT

Rohan Blizard

218

CUT

David Gleeson

218

CUT

Peter O’Malley

218

CUT

Matthew Zions

219

CUT

Terry Pilkadaris

221

CUT

Kieran Pratt

222

CUT

Ryan Haller

223

UNWAVERING TRUST. MAJOR SUCCESS.

Champion Connect 2012 withMasters Titleist product experts, tour pros and fellow brand loyalists. Be the first to receive new product info and announcements. Keep track of your scores and©2012 key Acushnet golf stats. (And more!) 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

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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business

The basics of marketing your club marketing initiatives. Don’t get too much into the details of the entire year, but focus on/within a three-month sliding window. Your marketing efforts need to be flexible enough to adjust to external forces and be easily refined once you receive results of current campaigns. If the campaign is not performing well, then you are able to make changes sooner rather than later.

Mike Orloff

morloff@golfindustrycentral.com.au

The term “marketing” is used very loosely nowadays and the real definition of “marketing” tends to get lost much of the time. It’s such a broad term which covers many aspects of our daily operation. Webster’s dictionary defines marketing as “the process or technique of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service.” In operational terms marketing is “everything you do!” It’s how the phone is answered, how staff engage with members, internal and external advertisements, facility branding, the quality of golf course and clubhouse, the rates charged and the overall experience ultimately provided. So the moral of the story–don’t waste your money on marketing unless you first have at least a simple plan for what you will be undertaking and more importantly, what specific outcomes you are trying to achieve. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of consistency in your efforts. It’s better to do the marketing basics right all the time, instead of doing a few great marketing things occasionally.

How to get started

Start the process with a detailed review of your strategic plan and make sure everyone, especially the Board, is in agreement with what is outlined. The next step is to start documenting your current state of affairs. How the club is “positioned” and/ or “benchmarked” within the identified target market area. How is your club currently performing, what are some key outcomes to achieve, and what will be

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seen as success in your overall marketing efforts? Having a strong understanding of your current membership base, the local market (within 20 kilometres of your facility), how they best receive information, and what they are interested in will be of great assistance. The better you can pinpoint your target market, the better they will respond, especially if you are able to meet their specific needs. Once you know what you are trying to achieve and who the target market is, your marketing mediums will become very apparent. For example, if you’re targeting corporate membership, you will seek certain mediums to attract clients that fit this particular category. If you’re looking to target a certain age bracket then social media may be your best avenue. If you’re targeting the wedding market then certain magazines and websites will be the best medium. (You get the picture.) It is important that you create some kind of

17/10/2012 11:35:40 AM

documented Marketing Plan which outlines all of the above; even if it’s only a simple one-page document that you can easily reference from time to time. For each campaign you decide to implement, make sure you track results. Of course financial budget restrictions will come into effect, so being creative with your approach will also be critical to your success.

Marketing calendar

Set up a yearly calendar of all events already planned–member/non-member, golf and nongolf. The format could be a simple 12-month mud map, an updated version of your Fixture Book or a simple yearly calendar that you have hanging on the wall. The key is to create something that is simple for all involved to use. By outlining the events, you will start seeing where low periods of activities exist and can preplan to build these particular days up through

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A schedule for communication with each of your target groups is integral to pulling all of the above together efficiently. Having a regular and consistent engagement with your database is very important, e.g. if you decide to do a weekly email blast, then you must keep it going every week. People are creatures of habit so having a regular communication that includes relevant content to the reader is a low-cost effective marketing tool and becomes part of their expectation. D e c i d e on you r pr i m ar y for ms of communication–social media, newspaper, email, newsletters, signage etc.

Tracking success/failures

Lack of proper tracking is the main reason why marketing tends to fail. Without tracking the success (or failures) of your marketing efforts, how will you ever know if it is working or if it is costeffective to run again? We can’t emphasise this point enough. It may not be a straight financial return, but it could be higher traffic to your site or more “LIKES” on Facebook. Whatever you ultimately decide to do, identify your starting position and what will be deemed successful for each of your campaigns. Set clear Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) for each marketing campaign you implement and track your campaign results accordingly. •

manager profile

Meet CEO Paul Paterson Avondale Golf Club CEO and Golf Management Australia (NSW) board director Paul Paterson has an impressive CV which includes experience at some of the world’s finest golf clubs, writes DAVID NEWBERY WHEN a golf professional is lucky enough to start a career at some of the oldest and best golf clubs in Scotland, it’s almost a given he will receive the best training in the business. Paul Paterson launched his golf professional career at Burntisland Golf Club, which is one of the world’s 10 oldest golf clubs. Born in Fife, Scotland, Paterson soon moved to Ladybank Golf Club – home of the Open Championship qualifying when the Open is at St Andrews. A stint at the Scottish National Golf Centre near St Andrews as head professional followed and in 1999, seven years after turning professional, he took on a management role at the Dubai Golf and Racing Club in the Middle East. “I did that for two years and it’s where I met my Australian wife to be, hence my move to Australia,” Paterson said. His first position in Australia was a dual role at Clare Golf Club in South Australia. “The club was looking for a manager so I called them and asked if they had a golf professional,” Paterson explained. “They didn’t so I offered to work as the pro and the club manager. They liked that concept and I went there for two years. “It was a culture shock moving from Dubai, but I enjoyed the challenge and thrived on being in charge of the whole operation, not just the golf department.” That’s when Paterson decided to expand into club management roles and in November 2003 he was appointed general manager at Eastlake Golf Club in Sydney. He spent four years there and turned around the club’s fortunes. In May 2007, Paterson moved to Oatlands Golf Club as general manager. “There were no strategic plans, operational planning structures or staff development plans in place so I went through that process. “After four years, I had done all I could at the club and wanted to pursue other challenges.” Avondale, one of Sydney’s most exclusive golf clubs, advertised for a CEO and Paterson scored the position. “They wanted to recruit someone who could look after the operations with minimal board involvement,” Paterson said. “The sub-committee structure was reviewed and I and my management team are responsible for all the operations, which is something I did at Eastlake. “We are implementing different business structures and making sure the club is run as a business and not as a committeedriven organisation.” Paterson said the plan was to make Avondale, a private members club, the best club in the area. “If you move to this area there is no decision other than joining Avondale,” he said. “We want to offer an experience that is different to every other golf club in Australia.

TIME HONOURED: A bird’s-eye view of Avondale Golf Club’s clubhouse with its eye-catching clock tower (INSET) Avondale Golf Club CEO Paul Paterson “Some of the innovations over the last six to 12 months include not charging competition fees, house fees and we don’t charge for range balls. “We now have a situation where members can also play at Newcastle, Magenta Shores and The Vintage once a month, free of charge. “Those courses are all in the top-50 in Australia and we are 59th so essentially you are getting four courses in the top-60 of Australia by joining Avondale. “We are doing some exciting things to make our club the one everybody wants to join.” It costs $12,950 to join Avondale and a further $3595 per annum. Paterson said the club doesn’t believe in a discount culture.

whether they are a reporting manager or a casual on the course. “I am not a ruthless dictator – I am very much a team player with the rest of the staff. “At the end of the day I am ultimately responsible for the operations but everyone has a job in the organisation and I don’t view any job more or less important than others.” Avondale is a multi-million dollar business with 40 staff on the payroll. The club has 1600 members, does 40,000-plus rounds a year while competitions attracts only 170 players on average which is just the way the members like it, they don’t want the large fields that other private clubs endure.

The manager who tucks himself away in his office and doesn’t relate to members is going to fail “People will join our club because it’s the best not because it’s the cheapest.” Paterson, 37, is clearly a people person and he and his management team go out of their way to make members and guests welcome. “The manager who tucks himself away in his office and doesn’t relate to members is going to fail,” he said. “Members expect their manager to be visible – so I play golf with the members and I make myself available in the clubhouse as often as I can to speak to people and find out how their experience was and how we can improve. “I have a number of lines of communication to me whether it’s in person, email, website, written or on the phone. “Any member can come and see me without making an appointment. I am happy to do that and encourage my senior staff to do the same. The “boss” also employs a management style that encourages heads of department to take ownership of their area of responsibility. “I don’t believe in hierarchy necessarily,” he said. “I treat all staff on the same level

Paterson said the club has a no booking sheet policy. “Members don’t need to book – they just come along and play.” On a personal note, Paterson remains a member of the British PGA, but now plays off a handicap of five. Aside from Avondale, he lists Royal Dornoch (Scotland) as his favourite golf course. His best sporting moment also became his worst. “I was playing a 36-hole golf professional tournament in Inverness, Scotland, and in the second round I shot a three-under par, which included a hole-in-one in torrential rain, high winds and a thunder storm,” he explained. “Unfortunately, the leaders couldn’t finish and the round was cancelled so my score didn’t count and my ace didn’t count. I would have finished third which also didn’t count.” Paterson runs a tight ship and takes his work extremely seriously, but he also possesses a sense of humour. When asked whether his surname had one or two “t’s”, he replied: “It’s spelt with one ‘t’. We Scots cannot afford two ‘t’s’,” he joked. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

on tour

Victorian Legends dominate Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

I need to point out that while I live in the NSW Southern Highlands, and am a proud former representative of my state, I have nothing but admiration and respect for the fantastic golf courses south of the border. The likes of The Dunes, The National, Moonah Links along with classic old links Portsea and Sorrento, etc, are quite simply some of the best on the planet. The only issue I have with these magnificent lay-outs is they are in Melbourne! It used to be said “If you don’t like the weather in Melbourne, wait 5 minutes”…. Now it’s “If you think this weather’s bad, wait 5 minutes!” I’m just kidding of course; apparently the sun is coming out around late December. The Victorian leg of the E-Z-GO Australasian Legends Tour, namely the “Paterson’s Victoria Series” was played through the middle of October and as I’ve already alluded to, we had access to some of the best golf courses you would see in the world…I think It’s also pretty obvious; I’m a more than little jealous New South Welshman. Not surprisingly, whilst there were spatterings of some terrific Interstate performers, the Victorians pretty well dominated the tour which kicked off at Kooringal with the Simonds Homes Legends ProAm. On a day when winds were gusting up to 60 KPH, Rodger Davis (QLD) used his considerable talents and experience to shoot a brilliant 70 and take the first prize cheque from cricketer turned golf pro Dean Jones (VIC) on 74. From there it was off to the Mornington Peninsula and the Dunes Golf Club for the Bastion Legends Pro-Am. Once again the weather turned nasty and at one point play was suspended due to lightning. Victorian Kym Olson weathered the

Kym Olsen in action at the Portsea Senior Pro-Am storm with a 72, defeating Garry Merrick (SA) and Guy Ferguson (QLD) by a shot. Sorrento Golf Course hosted us next and again it was the Victorians who took advantage of their local knowledge. Michael Paterson shot 70 with fellow Mexicans Darren Cole and Tim Elliot on 71 alongside Queensland’s John Kirchner. The National Golf Club Legends Charity ProAm followed; played over the Trent Jones-designed Old Course and the Peter Thomson-built Ocean Course. Once again, strong winds made scoring difficult and it was no surprise to see name of Kym Olson on top of the leader’s board after the final round. Not only is Kym currently on top of the E-Z-GO Legends Tour Order of Merit but he is a member of The National Club. His rounds of 70 and 73 in tough conditions were enough to give him victory over Victoria’s Mike Harwood and Queensland’s Terry Price. We moved inland for the Northern Health Foundation Senior Pro-Am played at the fantastic Growling Frog Golf Course. Tim Elliot (VIC) cleaned up with 69, defeating an in-form Terry Price (QLD) and Gary Burmester (QLD) on 70. The 2012 Victorian Senior Open at Cardinia

Beaconhills Golf Links followed and appeared to be going to a Victorian again. New South Wales’ very own Russell Swanson had another idea though, and when he shot a final round 70 on the very tricky layout, he reeled in overnight leader Kym Olson before defeating him in a sudden death play-off for the title. Once NSW get a sniff of blood you just can’t stop them and it was one and two at the next event, The Moonah Links Legends Pro-Am. Mike Zilko powered through the rain with 69 with Russell Swanson second on 72. The final event was the Condor Finance Partners Legends Pro-Am at the wonderful Portsea Golf Club. Victorians dominated with Mike Harwood shooting 67 with Mike Paterson and Lucien Tinkler both signing for 69s. The overall winner of the 2012 Patersons Victorian Bonus Series was a red-hot Kym Olson with Mike Harwood second and Terry Price third. The next leg of the E-Z-GO Legends Tour is in NSW starting on Monday 12th November at Dunheved Golf Club. If you would like to have a hit alongside some Australian golfing legends, go onto–www.pga.org.au and click on the E-ZGO Legends Tour to find out more. •

Van Pelt the victor in Perth Bo Van Pelt prevailed in Bo Van Pelt an all-American battle with Jason Dufner to win the ISPS HANDA Perth International at Lake Karrinyup. A four-under-par 68 gave Van Pelt a 16-under Photo by Paul Kane/ total and left him two Getty Images clear of Dufner, with first round leader Alejandro Cañizares of Spain coming through to take third. “Jason and I had a great battle and played well,” said Van Pelt. “It definitely got tight there at the end but luckily for me I came out on top. “I have a lot of respect for Jason and his game– he’s a world class player and I knew it was going to be tough today. I knew he was going to keep the pressure on me, and I needed to play well if I was going to come out on top. “Lake Karrinyup was a great test of golf all week. It’s been a battle; the wind blew, the greens were firm and fast, and it was just a joy to play all week. Dufner was the only player in the field to challenge Van Pelt but found each of his birdies was answered by the eventual champion. Greg Chalmers finished the leading Australian in 10th position at 7-under for the tournament. • Pos Ctry Player 1 Bo Van Pelt

Score R1 -16 70

R2 67

R3 67

R4 Total 68 272

Jason Dufner

-14

69 274

Alejandro Canizares

-11

68 277

Michael Hendry

-9

69 279

Emiliano Grillo

-8

74 280

Rhys Davies

-8

69 280

Scott Jamieson

-8

68 280

David Howell

-8

71 280

Paul Casey

-8

67 280

Greg Chalmers

-7

71 281

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summer of golf

Australia’s Summer of Golf set to sizzle! Over the last few months, wave after wave of announcements hit the newswire, with some of golf ’s top names confirming that they were headed to our shores this summer. The announcements were fast and furious, with players like Tom Watson, Darren Clarke, Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell all set to join top Aussies like Adam Scott, Greg Chalmers, Greg Norman and Geoff Ogilvy in our upcoming Summer of Golf. It’s a mouth-watering prospect for golf fans – seeing some of the world’s best golfers tackle (arguably) some of the world’s best courses. Here’s what we have in store this summer:

Australian Masters

The Summer action kicks into high gear from 15-18 November, when golf fans will flock to The Australian Masters, held at Kingston Heath Golf Club. Headlining the event are Australian #1 Adam Scott, 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell and defending Champion Ian Poulter. “I’m delighted to be returning to play the Melbourne sandbelt, and specifically the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath,” Scott said. “It will be a great week and it’s fantastic to see top class International players like Poults and Graeme in the field. I’m sure we will see massive crowds and a fantastic tournament.” Poulter said he is happy to mark his Aussie return. “I am delighted to return to Melbourne to defend my title,” says Poulter. “I have heard a lot of great things about Kingston Heath. I am already looking forward to returning to the sandbelt,” he added. Poulter will try to become only the second player in the 33-year history of the Masters to successfully defend the title (Greg Norman has done it twice). For McDowell, this marks his first appearance at the Australian Masters and his first in Australia in seven years. “It has been a while since I last played in Australia and I have been desperate to get back down there ever since! It’s such a

beautiful country with great golf courses, great people and lovely weather,” he said. The Hon Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty welcomed the player announcements, and reiterated the Victorian Government’s support of major events: “The Victorian Government is proud to support major events like the 2012 Australian Masters as they not only build on our State’s reputation as a major drawcard for the world’s best golfers but showcase Victoria to even more people around the globe. We are looking forward to welcoming the defending champion Ian Poulter, Adam Scott and Graeme McDowell to Melbourne and I encourage all Victorians to get along to Kingston Heath Golf Club in November,” Delahunty said. Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA Tour of Australasia, added “We are delighted to see the on-going success of the Australian Masters and on behalf of our members we extend our thanks to the Victorian Government and IMG for their continued commitment to Australian golf.”

Emirates Australian Open The following month (December 6-9) this year’s Emirates Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club will see eight-time Major champion Tom Watson join World number 5 Justin Rose and Aussies Geoff Ogilvy, Greg Chalmers and Adam Scott to contest our national championship. Watson returns to the Australian Open for the first time in nearly 30 years. He won the event in 1984 and holds five Open Championships, two U.S. Masters and the U.S. Open titles in an illustrious Major collection. Rose won the WGC-Cadillac Championship in March and capped an exceptional year with a runner-up finish at the Tour Championship presented by Coca-Cola before playing a key role in Team Europe’s heroic Ryder Cup victory. 32 year-old Rose — who won the Australian Masters in 2006 at Huntingdale — said he was excited about returning to Australia.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Sydney for my first trip back to Australia in a few years and I’ve always enjoyed it,” Rose said. “This will be my Australian Open debut and the tournament has a history of wonderful champions and I hope I can add my name to that list in December.” Chalmers and Ogilvy return to The Lakes looking to repeat their recent successes, with Chalmers hunting a third Stonehaven Cup following his thrilling one-stroke win over John Senden in 2011. Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said the field was coming together very well and would have some real attractions for golf fans. “Justin has had a fantastic year on Tour, rising to World Number 5 and playing a key role in Team Europe’s thrilling win at the Ryder Cup. We look to forward to welcoming him to Sydney as he seeks to join the Open’s exceptional honour roll,” Pitt said. “Tom Watson is one of the household names in world golf and we can’t wait to have him, Adam, Geoff and defending champion Greg back in action at The Lakes,” Pitt said. The NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, shared his excitement about the upcoming event.

Australian Masters defending champion Ian Poulter

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

summer of golf “The NSW Government welcomes the news that Justin Rose is participating in the Emirates Australian Open in Sydney. The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, has entered a strategic partnership with Golf Australia to stage the Open in Sydney until 2015. We are committed to our long-term vision of seeing the tournament become the premier event of its kind in the Asia Pacific region,” he said. In another boost for the championship, it was announced recently that the Seven Network will be the host broadcaster for the tournament. Seven will be broadcasting all four days of the event (12pm to 5pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time), generating a pleasant sigh of relief to golf fans across Australia who had been hoping for our national tournament to be shown on Free-to-Air. “Seven has a long and proud tradition of broadcasting golf and live sport. We look forward to once again showcasing the cream of Australian and international golf,” said Saul Shtein, Seven’s Head of Sport. Pitt, too, added his delight that fans will be able to follow all the action from The Lakes. “The Emirates Australian Open holds a special place in the hearts of both Australian golfers and sports fans and we’re very pleased that the Seven Network supports our passion to showcase the best of international golf across the country,” Pitt said.

Heritage Classic

Australian PGA Championship

Victorian Open

Rounding out the “Big 3” for our summer, the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will return to the newly-renamed Palmer Coolum Resort from 13 – 16 December. The 2011 (British) Open Champion Darren Clarke will return to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for the event—fresh from vice-captain duties after Europe’s memorable Ryder Cup victory. He will join four-time Australian PGA Champion Robert Allenby, and one of Australia’s most consistent performers on the PGA TOUR this year, John Senden. The trio will complement the previously confirmed former tournament Champions Greg Chalmers, Greg Norman and Geoff Ogilvy, for what is again shaping up to be an impressive field. Clarke, who visited Coolum for the very first time in 2011 with his Claret Jug in tow, shared his delight about his upcoming return.

In 2013, a new event makes its way onto the calendar: the Heritage Classic, which will tee off at the Heritage Golf and Country Club from 2427th January. Boasting prizemoney of $130,000, professionals will get the opportunity to play the first “signature” Jack Nicklaus design in Australia; The St John Course. The 6670m course is characterised by wide yet contoured fairways which will challenge the professionals and place an increased importance on shot placement. The winner will also earn a place in the fields for the 2013 Australian Masters, Emirates Australian Open, Australian PGA Championship presented by CocaCola and the BMW New Zealand Open. The staging of the Heritage Classic is an important step forward for the golf club, which changed owners in 2011. “We are very excited to be partnering with the PGA Tour of Australasia to host the Heritage Classic,” said Mr Sun from the Heritage Golf and Country Club. “We feel that combining a premiere golf tournament with Australia Day celebrations will give the event special significance.” “In keeping with the multicultural theme of Australia Day, we are hoping to invite a selection of top golfers from China to join the field. There is much interest already from Chinese media and this will ensure that this event will get international exposure.”

Greg Chalmers will return to defend his 2011 Australian PGA Championship title “The people and crowds were great last year and it was a really enjoyable week. Australia has always hosted great tournaments and I’m looking forward to coming down again,” Clarke said. Allenby, who has won two of his four PGA titles at Coolum, said he was looking forward to returning at the end of the year. “It’s always a good place to come at the end of the year,” said Allenby who finished last year’s Championship in a tie for second following a playoff with Chalmers and Marcus Fraser. “It’s hasn’t been my best year on course so to finish the season somewhere where I’ve had a lot of success will be good,” he added. Likewise, Senden also enjoys the opportunity to play in front of his family and friends, many of whom travel each year to catch up with him

on the Sunshine Coast. “Coolum is one of my favourite places to play golf,” said the Queenslander who will be hunting his first Australian title since the 2006 Australian Open. “I’ve had some pretty good performances at Coolum, and my form this year has been solid. So hopefully I can come home and keep it going,” he said. The Australian PGA Championship is supported by Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural, regional and business events across the state. Full coverage of the event will be broadcast domestically on Network Ten, as well as internationally on ESPN Star Sports, Jupiter Golf Network, SBS Golf Channel, Fox International and Sky Sports NZ among others.

The following month, February 21-24, the popular Victorian Open will kick into gear, this time in a new location, The Thirteenth Beach Golf Links. Building on the success of the unique 2012 format, the 2013 running will again see both the men’s and women’s Championships run simultaneously. This ‘concurrent running’ format proved to be a hit with both players and fans. The shift to Thirteenth Beach from previous hosts Spring Valley/Woodlands was announced last month, and comes on the back of significant support from the State Government, the City of Greater Geelong and the club itself. Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, Thirteenth Beach consists of the Beach Course, designed by Tony Cashmore and the North Course (formerly known as the Creek Course), designed by Sir Nick Faldo and Tony Cashmore. The Beach Course is widely acclaimed as one of Australia’s Best 20 courses whilst the North Course has continued to grow in stature since its opening in 2004.

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summer of golf Simon Brookhouse, Golf Victoria CEO, spoke about the decision to move the event and believes the new home of the Vic Open will enhance its ability to grow and attract strong fields of competitors. “We are very excited to continue to grow the tradition of the Vic Open at the wonderful facilities of Thirteenth Beach. With the generous financial support from the State Government and City of Greater Geelong, the move has been made possible and we look forward to making the 2013 Vic Open the best in its 55-year history.” The Vic Open has been a launching pad of sorts for some of the country’s best golfers, with many of sport’s biggest names engraved on the men’s trophy including Greg Norman, Gary Player, Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Ian BakerFinch and Robert Allenby. In 2013, the Vic Open will be a 72-hole tournament for both men and women with a men’s starting field of 144 and a women’s field of 120 players. The women will play on the North course in rounds one and two whilst the men will play on the Beach course. Cuts will be made at the conclusion of round two on Friday 22nd February with the leading 50 players plus ties in each respective field continuing on to the final 36-holes over the Beach course. A seeded draw will apply for both rounds three and four, whereby men’s groups and women’s groups will alternately commence their rounds. This arrangement culminates with the leading group of men and the leading group of women to be the last to play from the 1st tee on Sunday which in turn ensures a unique finale to the event later in the day, including a joint presentation. Prize money will again be split evenly b etween the men and women with a minimum of $150,000 on offer for both Championships. Prize money will be allocated in accordance with the respective PGA Tour’s and ALPG Tour’s recommended prize money distribution list.

NSW PGA Championship

Greg Chalmers will aim to repeat his 2011 success and lift the Stonehaven Cup at The Lakes Warren Sevil, CEO, ALPG Tour said the success of the 2012 event had generated much anticipation for 2013. “The 2012 Victorian Open’s initiative has been much talked about amongst players, golf fans and golf industry bodies. I don’t believe anyone expected the event to be as well received and as easily delivered, as it proved to be. The ALPG Tour looks forward to delivering a first class field of Australian and international stars to the 2013 event and we are excited about Thirteenth Beach which allows one all-encompassing venue to host two 72-hole events, concurrently, again making this a unique format which is sure to capture the interest of golf fans around the world,” Sevil said.

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Summer of Golf: Women Club Car series returns in 2013 Australian Ladies Professional Golf and Club Car / Ingersoll-Rand have confirmed renewal of Club Car’s sponsorship of the 2013 ALPG Tour Club Car Series which will incorporate six events played during January and February. The Series, which awards points to the leading ten players at each event, will commence on 14 January at The Vintage Golf Club with an inaugural two-day pro-am played on the highlyrated Greg Norman layout in the Hunter Valley. Further pro-ams in the southern highlands at Moss Vale and Mount Broughton Golf Clubs

T he P G A To u r o f A u s t r a l a s i a announced last month that the NSW PGA Championship will move to Mt Broughton Golf and Country Club. With the support of the NSW Government, the NSW PGA Championship will continue the tradition of attrac ting some of Australia’s best Touring Professionals with past winners of the Championship including Kel Nagle, Peter Senior, Wayne Grady and, more recently, Steven Bowditch. To be held from 29 November – 2 December 2012 it will be the first time Mt Broughton Golf and Country Club has played host to a PGA Tour of Australasia golf tournament. Located deep in the heart of the Southern Highlands, Mt Broughton Golf and Country Club is characterised by undulating fairways and natural waterways. As one of the longest championship layouts in Australia the course is sure to be a fitting test for Tour Professionals as they vie to be the 2012 NSW PGA Champion. Along with the prestigious title of NSW PGA Champion, Professionals will be competing for a prize purse of AUD$100,000, Official World Ranking Points and a place in the field for some of the Tour’s top tournaments including the Emirates Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola. •

summer of golf

2012 Men’s Victorian Open champion Scott Arnold will then be followed by another first time event at Antill Park Golf Club, Picton. The Bing Lee / Samsung NSW Women’s Open will follow, offering double points to those eligible players who make up the top ten. The Series concludes at the Women’s Victorian Open. The 2012 Series proved to be the most closely contested in the six year history of the format. It all came down to the final hole at the NSW Women’s Open – the final event for 2012 – whereby Rachel Bailey need to secure a par to stay ahead of Stacey Keating in the tournament as well as the Club Car Series Points Table. Bailey made a great par save to finish ahead of Keating and take home the winner’s share of the pool. Previous winners of the Series include: Queensland’s Katherine Hull, New South

Women’s NSW Open champion Lydia Ko will return to defend her title Wales duo of Sarah Kemp and Rachel Bailey, Victorian Vicky Thomas and West Australian Shani Waugh.

Ko confirms for Women’s NSW Open Teenage phenomenon Lydia Ko has confirmed she will return to Oatlands Golf Club from 25th27th January to defend her first professional title, the Bing Lee / Samsung Women’s NSW Open. Ko said that despite settling back into normal life as a 15-year-old student, with national exams in the months prior to the January tournament, she “would love to play the New South Wales Open again.”

The Kiwi made international headlines when she captured the title as a 14-yearold earlier this year. In doing so, New Zealand’s world number one-ranked amateur became the youngest player, female or male, to win a professional tournament on any of the major golf tours around the world. This victory would prove to be the catalyst of a phenomenal year for the superstar in the making. Ko was the leading amateur at the US Women’s Open in July and went on to win the prestigious US Women’s Amateur in August. She then dominated world golf headlines after a stunning win on the strongest women’s professional golf tour, the LPGA, at the CN Women’s Canadian Open two weeks later. She

defeated a field which included 49 of the top 50 ranked players in the world. The NSW Women’s Open has a history of delivering dramatic finishes and golf fans can expect no different this year. A strong field is expected, particularly as the tournament tees off the ALPG Tour’s “Summer of Golf ” and leads straight into the three co-sanctioned events, the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters; ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open and ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. Top players like Lindsey Wright, Stacey Keating, Frances Bondad, Nikki Garrett, Karen Lunn and Kristie Smith are all keen to play again, while LPGA based players Sarah Kemp, Sarah Jane Smith and LPGA of Japan player Tamie Durdin are also likely starters.

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summer of golf Major Dates: Event: Australian Masters When: 15-18 November Where: Kingston Heath Golf Club 2011 Champion: Ian Poulter Website: www.australianmasters.com.au Tickets: Fox Tix 1300 111 369 or www.foxtix.com.au Twitter @aussiemasters Facebook: www.facebook.com/australianmasters Event: Emirates Australian Open When: 6-9 December Where: The Lakes Golf Club 2011 Champion: Greg Chalmers Website: www.emiratesaustralianopen.com.au Tickets: www.ticketek.com or phone 132 849. Twitter: @ausopengolf Facebook: www.facebook.com/australianopengolf Event: Australian PGA Championship When: 13-16 December Where: Palmer Coolum Resort 2011 Champion: Greg Chalmers Website: http://championship.pga.org.au Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au Twitter: @PGAofAustralia Facebook: www.facebook.com/pgachampionshipAU

ALPG Tour 2013 Schedule:

Last season’s Club Car Series champion Rachel Bailey

Wright to defend New Zealand Open Australian Lindsey Wright will return to defend her title at the ISPS Handa New Zealand’s Women’s Open presented by Christchurch, played from 8 to 10 February at the Clearwater Golf Club. The affable 32-year-old broke an eight year drought when she captured the title early this year, and she is keen to return. “I’m looking forward to coming back to play,”

Lindsey Wright with the New Zealand Open trophy

she said. “It’s a great event to play and really helps kick start my season. “ It is expected that the fifth staging of the championship will attract its best field with the timing of the event directly after the Volvik RACV Australian Ladies Masters and the week prior to the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. The LET players have always supported the event well and the same calibre of top players are once again expected to return, including England’s Melissa Reid, Scotland’s Carly Booth and Germany’s Caroline Masson.

Previous champions France’s Gwladys Nocera (2009), England’s Laura Davies (2010) and Australian Kristie Smith (2011) have all confirmed they have the tournament in their 2013 schedule. One of the main challenges is certain to come from local teenage sensation Lydia Ko. She will no doubt be the star attraction at the New Zealand Women’s Open and fans are expected to flock to Clearwater to support her quest to win the national championship against a field of international stars. •

25-27 Jan

Bing Lee / Samsung Women’s NSW Open, Oatlands Golf Club, Sydney

31 Jan - 3 Feb

Volvik RACV Australian Ladies Masters, RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast

8-10 Feb

ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open, Clearwater Resort, Christchurch

14-17 Feb

ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open, Royal Canberra Golf Club, Canberra

22-24 Feb

Women’s Victorian Open, 13th Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads

Follow the action online For updates and announcements regarding all the events in our Summer of Golf, please visit our website: www.insidegolf.com.au, follow us on Twitter (@insidegolf), or on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com.insidegolf

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Julia’s on song for LPGA Tour David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

PROFESSIONAL golfer Julia Boland loves singing in the shower. Mind you, she has had a lot to sing about lately. She has had a stellar year on the secondary Symetra Tour in the US where she had a win, finished eighth on the Order of Merit and, more importantly, won promotion to the rich LPGA Tour. She played 16 tournament, made 15 cuts, led the statistics in driving accuracy and length and was second in greens in regulation. That consistency helped her win the Four Winds Invitational and pocket $22,500. A win on the LPGA Tour will see her bank 10 times that amount. Now that really would be something to burst into song about. “The girls who have travelled with me on tour say they can hear me singing in the shower all the time,” Boland said. “They don’t say it’s very good, but they hear me.” For Boland, who turns 27 on November 26, it’s been a dream start to her pro career since turning professional on her birthday last year. “Turning professional on my birthday was a birthday present to myself,” she said. This year has been a huge learning curve for the girl from Tamworth in NSW. “I had to learn how to play week in, week out and how to reserve energy,” she said. “You also

have to do a lot of work off the course in terms of finances, organising accommodation and travel. “I made some rookie errors, but I’ve really enjoyed the transition to professional golf.” Still, as one of Australia’s top amateurs, Boland did have doubts about joining the play-for-pay ranks. “I was never serious about golf, but I got a letter from NSW Institute of Sport saying I could apply for a scholarship,” she explained. “My dad was overly excited, but I didn’t think I was a good enough so I didn’t apply. He pressured me and eventually, without my knowledge, signed the application. “When I got a phone call from Peter Knight, coach at the time, it came out of the blue because I didn’t know I had applied. “That got me into golf and travelling around Australia and at that point I thought ‘this is a lot of fun’. “I like travel and when that came to an end I wasn’t far off national team selection and thought, ‘maybe if I practice harder I can travel as part of the national squad’.” The former Australian Strokeplay champion and Lake Macquarie Amateur winner received an invitation to the Suntory Open on the Japan LPGA Tour where she got a taste of professional golf. “I made the cut and finished in the top half of the field, went to qualifying school and did well,” she said. “I had confirmed in my mind I would turn pro because qualifying school is too expensive to make a mistake about.

STEPPING UP: Julia Boland is looking forward to a new challenge in 2013. “I know it (LPGA Tour) is going to be a big step up because they are all very good golfers on the tour. You can’t have a bit of a sleep and get away with it. “I don’t think anyone gets on the LPGA Tour without dogged determination and my goal next year is to have good finishes in the events I play and hopefully finish in the top-80 or top-50,” said Boland, who enjoys drawing, painting and bible studies when she not playing golf. Good judges believe Boland has the talent, grit and determination needed to succeed on the LPGA Tour. She understands it’s going to take a lot of hard

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work, but that is something she is used to. Boland worked part-time while at high school and while attending the University of Sydney where she obtained a degree in exercise science and a Masters in exercise physiology. As a 14-year-old, she flipped burgers at McDonalds in order to buy her first brand-new set of golf clubs. “At the time the wage was less than $4 an hour and I saved up and bought my first set of golf clubs, which probably took eight months. The day I bought my clubs I quit work,” she laughed. Well, you can guarantee Boland won’t quit the LPGA Tour without giving it her best shot. •

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troppo tour

Tales from the Troppo: The Burns Motel Voice Operated Golf GPS Wally Wright ed@insidegolf.com.au

In the week prior to the 1981 Gladstone Pro-Am, 15-year-old Brad Burns politely asked his parents if they could accommodate some players from the golf roadshow that was the ‘Troppo Tour’ in the early ‘80’s. Brad had just started his apprenticeship at Gladstone Golf Club under Club professional Mark Gibson, so, understandably, he was excited about the prospect of spending time, both on and off the course, with some of Australia’s best golfers. Finding enough billets in the country towns they visited was always an issue for golfers on the ‘Troppo Tour’. Ironically, most locals who were generous (and brave) enough to open their homes to the Troppo tourists didn’t regret their decision, in fact, most couldn’t wait to have them back the following year. Brad’s parents, David and Carol, were more than happy to accommodate ‘a few’ golfers, after all, their house was as close as you’ll get to the ideal boarding facility for touring golfers. For starters, they had three spare bedrooms, which meant there was a distinct possibility that the golfers would be able to enjoy the simple comfort of a warm bed, as opposed to a sleeping bag on the floor or the back seat of a car. There was also a small gym and a pool table downstairs (it should be noted that the pool table was more of a drawcard than the gym; professional golfers were a different animal in the early ‘80’s). The standout feature, however, was the putting green that was situated at the front of the Burns’ house. When the boys from the ‘Troppo Tour’ began arriving at Gladstone Golf Club a few days before the Pro-Am, Brad let it be known that there were a few spare bedrooms at his house for those players who hadn’t organised any accommodation. Phil Curd and Burt Byron were the first to take young Brad up on his generous offer. A few hours later, Gerry Taylor and a few others added their names to the list. Five golfers were more than ‘a few’, but David and Carol (particularly David, who was a 3-handicapper himself ) enjoyed their company so much in the days and nights leading up to the twoday tournament, that they forgot to tell Brad ‘five was enough’. At 6am on the morning before the ProAm, Brad arrived at work to find two cars already in the car park, filled with halfa-dozen sleeping golf pros. When they eventually awoke and sauntered into the proshop, Brad, thinking he was doing the right thing, gave them directions to his place. Needless to say, Carol Burns nearly choked on her cornflakes when she noticed six men walking towards her house carrying golf bags and suitcases. “By that stage Mum wasn’t talking to me,” said Burns. While Carol fretted about how she was going to accommodate six more bodies

Brad Burns at The Burns Motel, David, who was Manager of the Seafarers’ Club in town, as well as Deputy Mayor of Gladstone, was the consummate host. “Dad was having a great time entertaining everyone at the downstairs bar with a few ‘lemonades’ and numerous games of pool,” said Burns. “He kept on getting free lessons every time he shouted a beer.” As the day wore on, more golfers lobbed at the golf club looking for billets, so Brad rang his father to see if they could squeeze in any more. “When I rang Dad at around midday, he was well-lubricated, which in hindsight could have affected his decision making,” Burns recalled. “He said we could take a couple more if required.” By early afternoon, when two more golfers booked in at The Burns Motel, Carol came downstairs to have a stern conversation with her husband, which resulted in the ‘FULL HOUSE’ sign going up. When Brad arrived home from the golf club a few hours later, he entered the kitchen to find his Mum and Dad working feverishly to cook spaghetti bolognese for 17. David was stationed at the stove, while Carol searched high and low for enough crockery and cutlery for the hungry masses that had been drinking all afternoon. When the time came to strain the spaghetti, David was so consumed with the task at hand that he failed to notice Digby, the family’s pet budgie, was no longer sitting on his right shoulder. As he went to pour the third pot of spaghetti through the strainer, he saw out of the corner of his eye, a colourful object jumping around in the spaghetti strainer. David quickly put down the pot, and retrieved Digby, placing him back in his cage, out of harm’s way.

Brad recounts: “The three second rule was applied and dinner was called without any complaints.” The golfers ended up staying at The Burns Motel for a total of five days, which was ample time for young Brad to gather an insight into what he could expect from life as a professional golfer. “Billeting that many golfers probably was an eye opener to how much piss they drank and still played reasonable golf,” Burns recalled. Brad can remember playing with Ossie Moore and Stuart Ginn in the Pro-Am, but he can’t recall if any one of the 13 pros staying at The Burns Motel actually won the tournament. “We had about a third of the field staying at our place, so we must have been a big chance of playing host to the winner,” said Burns. The fact that Brad Burns won the first ever Pro-Am (Headland Golf Club) he played in as a professional, less than two years after that 1981 Gladstone Pro-Am, shows that he gleaned some useful tips from his close encounter with the players on the ‘Troppo Tour’. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for David Burns, who played horrendous golf in the Pro-Am, and struggled with his swing for weeks afterwards. “Because Dad had received so many golf lessons from so many pros, in such a short period of time, he had a thousand swing thoughts going through his head and he ended up finishing last in A-grade,” said Burns. As for Digby the budgie, well, it appears as though the golfers weren’t the only ones whose life expectancy was affected by the ‘Troppo Tour’. “Digby lived for a few more years after that incident,” said Burns. “I can’t help but think that the shock of falling into a steaming hot bowl of spaghetti shaved some years off his life.” •

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people Jacksons take out Keno mixed fourball state final Second time finalists Chris and Annette Jackson from Macarthur Grange Golf Club have won the State Final of the 2012 Keno NSW Mixed Fourball Championship, held at Bonville Golf Resort in Coffs Harbour. There was great spirit and camaraderie amongst all of the 80 state finalists, many of whom had travelled from far and wide, and were just looking forward to two days of golf on a spectacular golf course. The first day of play saw second-time competitors Stephanie and Greg Rapmund from Mangrove Mountain Golf Club take the lead on a score of 43 points, closely followed by Chris and Annette Jackson from Macarthur Grange Country Club. The overnight wind played havoc for the second day of play, with competitors finding it tough going. In the end, it was husband and wife pairing of Chris and Annette Jackson who took top honours with an aggregate score of 83 ahead of Greg and Stephanie Rapmund’s aggregate score of 81. The Championship kicked off on 1 January 2012, with club qualifying rounds commencing around the state. This year, over 200 clubs participated in this event, with over 3,500 pairs competing at club level. In July, metropolitan and district play-offs narrowed it down to 20 metropolitan and 20 country pairs to contest the State Final. The State Final is 36-hole stableford (two rounds of 18-holes). “The pairs playing in the final of this tournament have had an amazing journey, from qualifiers at the start of the year, to making it right through to the state final – it’s a real achievement”, remarked Graeme Phillipson, General Manager of Golf at Golf NSW. Full results, prize winners and images can now be found online at www.golfnsw.org. •

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Burmester muscles up – again HE may be short in stature, but he’s long off the tee. Mount Warren Park Golf Club head professional Gary Burmester, who measures 5’5” at a stretch, walked tall after taking out the long drive competition following the Howeston Golf Course pro-am. Using a Callaway Razr Fit Driver, Burmester smacked his ball 327m to finish well ahead of Peter Shaw (318m) and Gavin Beck (317m). “The Callaway Razr Fit Driver is the go, but it also comes down to timing,” said Burmester, who walked away with $300 in his back pocket. The 50-year-old said he surprised his 13 younger and bigger rivals with his power hitting. “I’m 50, about two foot, 36 inches tall and they are all about six-and-a-half foot so I certainly surprised them,” he joked. “I’m lucky to be 5’5” so I just tell everyone I’m two foot, 36. “After this year’s long drive event, I told them next year I am aiming for 340 metres so it’ll give them something to beat,” Burmester said in jest. He showed his rivals it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. Veteran Terry Price witnessed the spectacle and commented, “Well done, Gary. I didn’t think you had it in you.” It’s not the first time Burmester has won the long drive competition at Howeston. He captured the title in 1987. That’s a long time between drinks. “In 1987, I hit it in socks because I had finished playing in the pro-am early,” he said. “We were having a couple of drinks and I just had my flat sole shoes on and thought ‘I can’t hit it in these shoes’ so I took them off and hit it in socks. Burmester, who has been the pro at Mt Warren for 30 years, has joined the Legends Tour. “I have just been down to Melbourne and finished second in the Growling Frog Legends pro-am,” he said.

BIG HIT: Club professional Gary Burmester showed up his young rivals. “I also ran second at Toowoomba and second at Dalby so I have had a reasonable start to my seniors’ campaign. “I haven’t played competitively for 25 years and now I am back out there. Melbourne was a bit of a learning curve because I have never played down there before. You really need to see these golf courses to learn how to play them. “You hit a couple of good shots in there and all of a sudden it hits the front edge and comes back 40 or 50 metres from the front of the green and you think ‘that shot wasn’t that bad’. “The greens all have these false fronts and if you land it on there it almost comes straight

back to you. “I played quite well, but I putted horrendously,” he said. “The greens were beautiful, but I was having 37 or 38 putts every time I played, which is not like me because normally I putt well.” Burmester said he still used the conventional putter. “I am too short to use a broom stick – it’s longer than me,” he laughed. For the record, Craig Goodall (Qld) won the Howeston pro-am. He carded a 66 to finish one shot clear of Steven Jeffress (NSW) with Peter Shaw (Qld) a further shot back. •

inside the industry

Roger Cleveland: ‘You’re never too old to learn’ As the chief golf club designer at Callaway Golf, Roger Cleveland is on the leading edge of creating today’s (and tomorrow’s) game-changing golf equipment. Inside Golf posed a number of questions to this legendary designer, who shared his thoughts on the past, present and future of club design. Q: Clubs have come a long way since you first started making them. How do today’s sticks compare to the ones you used to make? RC: They’ve come a very long way. One example is when I was at Cleveland Golf, the first wedge I did that was pretty successful was called the 485. It won a couple of U.S. Opens and a lot of people helped me with that. The next iteration was the 588, and they were three years apart. The lifespan of a good wedge can be 10 years, but things took a long time to iterate then. From the 485 to the 588 it took a year and a half to test and develop. You would hardly ever get a true representative sample to test. There was no Computer Aided Design (CAD). Q: How has club design changed since you started? RC: My testing ground was the Tour instead of robots. Tour players could repeat like a robot, but could give you great feedback. This is still used today, but after a more completed design. Q: What are the biggest advances in technology that have aided club design? RC: CAD is the big advancement. Because it’s so precise, we can test, verify and move forward pretty quickly nowadays. It also allows us to test virtually on the computer. There are so many things we’ve learned about mass properties as far as the weight location in the club head, and we can predict the results from that weight location. It speeds up the process to an incredible pace. We can also do sound analysis, which we couldn’t do before. We might do a design that looks terrific, but it could sound awful and that is such an important element. The fact that things move so quickly can also be challenging because there is more pressure to find new ways to improve the products year over year like our new Speed Frame Face construction that you will hear more about in the future. Q: How have materials changed over the years, and how do they affect club performance? RC: The materials have really evolved. When I started, everybody used 1020 carbon steel, and that’s still a very valid, wonderful material today. Then the aerospace industry became an influence with stainless steels like 17-4. That hasn’t changed too much, but we now incorporate some other materials, like high-strength steel faces so we can be thinner while at the same time even stronger, which facilitates the increase in

Gift Vouchers ball speed. We did that in the current X Utility Prototype iron that helped Ernie Els win the Open Championship. For our 2013 product that will be available soon, we’ve really worked on creating ball speed through face technology. It’s all about taking material away from areas of the club head where it’s not needed and putting it where it will benefit you most. Q: What is the biggest obstacle for club designers? What keeps you up at night? RC: There are challenges, but we love the challenges that come with creating new and exciting club designs. In the past, I felt that as a company we were being conservative. Now we have new management and a terrific leader in our new CEO, Chip Brewer, and he is allowing us to be more aggressive. I think that’s extremely important for our entire design department and myself. The new leadership team has challenged the R&D team and we love it. We want to push things and excite our customers. Golf is not an easy game, but we want to compel golfers to want to have Callaway clubs in their bag. That’s our mission and I think we are rejuvenated. Chip is allowing us as club designers to do what we can do best. He’s given the green light to Dr. Alan Hocknell, our Vice President of R&D, and that is going to be exciting. Q: What inspires you? RC: Having new leadership is very inspiring to me—to have a leader who understands golf and understands that it’s important to be engaged with the tour. It’s not just vital that we are designing for and working with great players, but also learning by working with them so that our clubs resonate down to the players in all skill levels. To engage with that better player is very exciting to me. I love working with guys like Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els and our other great staff. You learn so much if you know how to listen, but I believe that goes with everything.

Q: What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you? RC: Well, one thing is that I’m still learning about golf club design. And people can still learn about golf even as they get older. There is a new type No: of swing today that is different than TO: easier when I grew up and it’s so much M: to understand and better forFRO you.N: I DESCRIPTIO encourage people to take lessons and VALUE ($): then take some short-game lessons. The / SE DATE: great pros spend 40 percent of their time PURCHA / on their short game. It just takesEXPgood E: IRY DAT technique and good equipment; it’s not SOLD BY: about strength. This is the fastest way to No: No: lower your handicap and, I might add, TO: TO: the easiest. FROM: FROM:

The Perfect Gift

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SOLD BY: Favourite golf courses? No: SOLD BY: Pebble Beach and Chicago Golf Club.TO: No: Current Handicap? 8 FROM: SOLD BY: SOLD BY:SOLD BY: ICATE No: N: TO: DESCRIPTIO GIFT CERTIF Best part of your game? No: No: FROM: FROM: E AT TO: IC My short game. IF No: RT N: CE FT DESCRIPTIO GI VALUE ($): TO: N: DESCRIPTIO FROM: Worst part of your game? / FROM: TO: / TO: VALUE ($): SE DATE: E: EXPIRY DAT ICATE N: M: I don’t hit it very long any more. I canPURCHA VALUE ($): PTIO FRO N: CRI PTIO E:DES GIFT CERTIF CRI DATDES PURCHASE / FROM: / RTIFICATE N: / CE / FT DESCRIPTIO GI SE DATE: hear it land after a tee shot and that’sEXPIRY DATE: PURCHA VALUE ($): E: TO: IRY DAT EXP FROM: UE ($): SE DATE: VALCHA PUR / TO: N: DESCRIPTIO not a good thing. / SOLD BY: E: EXPIRY DAT VALUE ($): / N: / DESCRIPTIO DATE: VALUE ($): E: PURCHASE No: What do you love/hate about golf? EXPIRY DAT / / E: SE DAT DATE: SOLD BY: UE ($): PURCHAVAL E: PURCHASE / EXPIRY DAT / That you can always learn. What I dislike No: E: DAT IRY EXP DATE: PURCHASE / / IRY DATE: TO: EXP is today’s slow pace of play and people SOLD BY: M: don’t walk enough…that’s part of FRO PTION: SOLD BY: ICATE No: DESCRI GIFT CERTIF No: the journey, to look around and enjoy FROM: TO: where you are. VALUE ($): N: TO: DESCRIPTIO / FROM: / Favourite Golf item DATE: VALUE ($): E: PURCHASE ICATE EXPIRY DAT N: DESCRIPTIO GIFT CERTIF CHASE DATE: A 60-degree wedge. At Cleveland, my PUR / / FROM: E: EXPIRY DAT TO: favorite was the 588. At Callaway it’s the VALUE ($): N: DESCRIPTIO SOLD BY: X-Forged Wedge. / / DATE: ($):

BUY A GIFT VOUCHER ONLINE OR IN-STORE Can be used towards any of the thousands of products and services available at Victoria Park! 07 3252 9891 HERSTON ROAD, HERSTON W W W.V I C T O R I A PA R K . C O M . A U PURCHASE

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www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

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gear

New Titleist 913 Drivers The new Titleist 913D2 and 913D3 drivers deliver faster, more consistent ball speeds across the face due to a new forged, variable thickness face insert, the fastest face insert ever designed by Titleist Golf Club R&D. More optimal centre of gravity (CG) locations further maximise the distance potential of 913D2 and 913D3 drivers while providing stability and forgiveness. While past generation D2 and D3 models each featured different launch and spin characteristics, the new 913D2 and 913D3 drivers have equivalent launch and spin because of CG positions that are equally low. The 913D2 driver, with a larger head (460cc) and fuller pear shape, provides maximum forgiveness and has a slight draw bias while the 913D3 driver, with a smaller head (445cc) and traditional pear shape, is a forgiving driver yet provides greater workability with no flight bias. The best way to fully experience the technology and total performance of 913 drivers is via the patented, dual angle, industry-leading SureFit Tour adjustable hosel. This allows golfers to set loft and lie independently to optimise ball flight – higher or lower, and for more draw or fade for improved shot control and maximum distance. Available in golf shops in mid November. RRP: $539 www.Titleist.com.au

Sporte Leisure – Men’s Sportec Range

Ready2Golf’s 2012 Spring/Summer collection Ready2Golf’s 2012 Spring/Summer collection is now in stores. The range includes shorts, pants, polos, caps and belts and will have you looking sharp on and off the course. Available at Drummond Golf stores and leading golf clubs. www.r2golf.com

Sportec garments have been developed using an innovative moisture management treatment. This ensures that perspiration is drawn away from the body for rapid evaporation, keeping the body dry and at a balanced temperature. Enjoy the benefits of ant-static, super soft handle, fluid drape and sun protection. Sportec requires very little ironing so is perfect for the golfer on the go. They also have the largest choice of styles and colours so you are sure to find a shirt perfect for you. RRP: from $45 for Solid Colour Pro Sporte Leisure: (02) 96935777 www.sporte-leisure.com.au

Book: Farms to Fairways SHARK Qwik-Fold MKII, 3 and 4-wheel buggies The SHARK Qwik-Fold MKII buggies come in a three and four wheel version which utilise a patented push button technology to fold or unfold in one second with one press. On the course the sturdy construction is easy to move around with its fully-adjustable handle, so your grip is always at a comfortable height. The low-profile wide tyre wheels with precision bearings allow for a smooth motion, while the buggies also include features like an umbrella holder with storage clip, foot brake, bungie bag straps, drink holder and card holder with a built in storage compartment. Available in five colours. Optional deluxe seat that fits all Qwik-Fold 3-wheel buggies ($79.95). RRP: from $199 www.sharkgolf.com.au 34

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Motocaddy S1

Smoothy ROVIC buggy

The world’s favourite electric trolley, the Motocaddy S1 has picked up numerous awards from leading golf magazines since it was first introduced. The lightweight frame, simple features and unsurpassed reliability make it popular with golfers of all ages and abilities because of its simple operation. Features include nine speed settings, speed indicator, battery meter, easy fold mechanism, adjustable bag supports, ergonomic handle, digital control, universal battery tray, whisper quiet motor, low-profile wheels, deluxe pocket seat and sand bucket loop. Available in Black, Titanium and White with 21ah, 28ah, or lithium battery. RRP: from $799 www.motocaddy.com/au

Many testers were impressed with the simplicity and ease to fold and unfold the ROVIC buggy. The overwhelming opinion from testers was the mix of firmness and flexibility that the ROVIC produced. The compact buggy folds down to a mere 61 x 31 x 31 cm with the front wheel encapsulated under the frame. The 29cm rear wheels and the ROVIC aerodynamics promote a silky smooth feel and roll. There are several ergonomic accessories such as umbrella mount and holder, umbrella attachment, large console with drink, tee and ball holders, conveniently positioned hand brake, internal and external score card attachments and a sand dispenser mechanism. Available in Black/White, Silver/Black, White/ White, Blue/White, Red/White, Charcoal/Kiwi. (02) 9417 4055 www.underpar.com.au

For the past two and a half years, a small dedicated group of members of the City Golf Club Inc. has been researching and writing the history of the City Golf Club for the period since its establishment as the Willlowburn Golf Club in 1926 to the end of the 2011 calendar year. That work has resulted in the book Farms to Fairways: History of the City Golf Club, Toowoomba 1926-2011, a wonderful historical resource that very few clubs would have the good fortune to possess. “Farms to Fairways” is a wealth of information for golfers and historians and is a very interesting read featuring many local identities as well as following the development of the City Club over the last 85 years. Available for purchase from City Golf Club Toowoomba. $35 per copy (additional costs for postage & handling). (07) 4636 9000 www.citygolf.com.au

gear

TaylorMade Ghost Spider S Extensive Tour testing influenced every detail of the new Ghost Spider S - one of the most stable putters TaylorMade has ever created. In addition to its new, tour-inspired shape, the Ghost Spider S is revolutionary in terms of control and feel. The exceptionally high MOI makes Ghost Spider S extremely stable on off-centre hits, and it also makes it easier to control the head and square the face to the ball at impact. Ghost Spider S’s multi-material head (aluminium and steel) combines a white-colored steel-frame perimeter and top-line with a new, tour-inspired, non-transition black crown. The contrast between the white leading edge and black crown makes it easier to focus your eyes on the topline, making it easier to aim accurately. In addition to the standard hosel, the Ghost Spider S will also be available in a Tour-inspired “short slant” hosel (available in December) which is designed for the player who has an arched swing path. Unlike the standard hosel, which promotes a straight back-straight through swing path, the short-slant is toe-weighted and broadens the scope of players who can benefit from the performance characteristics of the Ghost Spider S. RRP: $209 (standard length); $229 (belly model) www.taylormadegolf.com.au

Odyssey® ProType Black™ The ProType Black line features heads with a black PVD finish, black powder coat steel shafts, and a black, seamless grip, giving the premium collection a distinctively stealth look. The designs incorporate feedback from hundreds of Tour professionals around the world and offer an unprecedented integration of look, sound and feel. 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 deep, sharp milling pattern designed to increase interaction between the face and the ball for better feel, a truer roll and increased consistency. Odyssey is the #1 Putter across the world’s major professional tours in wins, usage and top-10 finishes. The ProType Black line is available in three models, #2, #9 and 2-Ball. RRP: introductory price of $299 (blade models); $329 for the 2-Ball. www.oddyseygolf.com

Boomerang EZ-1 Putter At over a million putts and forty prototypes in the making, the Boomerang EZ-1 may be the most consistent putter you’ll ever use. In essence, it is a putter that sets itself up in the optimum position on every putt. Like many putters, the EZ-1is face balanced. Unlike others, however, it also has a single set up position which takes advantage of its balance. Each time you grip it your hands are always in the same position -- the optimum position to take advantage of balance and promote a neutral or ‘on plane’ stroke. Its parallax alignment system then consistently puts your eyes in the optimum position, over your ball to target line. It’s a putter that is literally consistency on a stick. The combination of a flat sole, balance and the alignment system all combine to act like the training wheels on your first bike. RRP: $169 www.BoomGolf.com

Grasshopper SE Series Two golf buggy

GolfBuddy Platinum

Refined from the Series One version from Grasshopper UK (www.grass-hopper.co.uk) the Series Two has an improved fixed steering column with sporty steering wheel, comfortable high back padded seat and smooth lightweight PVC covers. It also comes with a bright halogen headlight, wide (golf course friendly) wheels/ tyres, Curtis (USA) controller and powerful high torque 800w motor with two 55ah batteries that get around 18 holes with ease on all types of terrain and grass conditions. Auto cut-off charger, umbrella holder, sand tube, drink cup holder are other standard inclusions. RRP: $2795 www.condorgolf.com.au

The GolfBuddy Platinum features 40,000 course storage capability, target customisation technology, statistics analysis module, and digital scorecard all packed in a water and shock-resistant case. Platinum is a fullfeature rangefinder, making it the most powerful golf GPS device on the market today. With its unique automatic course and hole recognition feature, GolfBuddy Platinum will automatically know which course and hole you are playing. Courses from around the world are preloaded with no annual or activation fees. Just turn it on and play! RRP: $449.95 includes two free accessories www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au Note: The October Issue of Inside Golf reported an older price for the GolfBuddy World Platinum. We apologise for any confusion.

TWO NEW WAYS TO LOOK GREAT THIS SUMMER The worlds easiest “pick up and use” exercice device The worlds most powerful and portable handheld gyro For more information visit www.gyroflo.com.au Stockist information call 1300 077 292 www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

gear Muirfield 3.20 kg Bag

VonZipper Eyewear

Callaway HEX Chrome yellow

It’s time to dust off your clubs, sharpen up your tees and polish your golf balls, because the VonZipper is about to get a lot of hype on the green! VonZipper--one of Australia’s leading eyewear brands--is partnering with Fayde Golf and is mounting a full frontal assault into golf market, offering the most technically-enhanced lenses surrounded by frame design that provides substance and style. “Our message is a positive manifesto to the alternative mindset, where it is your God-given right to scream your individuality at the top of your lungs,” says VonZipper Australia’s Brand Manager. “With our unique mix of products, personalities and relationships, we are here to spread the gospel of the good life!” VonZipper is distributed by Fayde Golf, 2/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads, Qld 4220 www.vonzipper.com www.faydegolf.com

Engineered to deliver Tour performance from tee to green for golfers with moderate swing speeds, the three-piece HEX Chrome’s low compression core provides extremely soft feel off the clubface and generates low driver spin to maximize distance. The DuraSpin™ Cover produces the soft feel and the exceptional short-game spin necessary in a high performance golf ball, while also improves durability. The Mantle Layer is an Ionomer tri-blend, which provides a protective layer around the core and optimises the driver spin to keep it low for more distance, while allowing the ball to have better resiliency to maintain its energy for hot ball speeds. Finally, New HEX Aerodynamics™ provides the best aerodynamic performance ever in a Callaway golf ball, reducing drag and promoting a stable, penetrating ball flight that holds its line in the wind. RRP: $39.95/dozen www.callawaygolf.com/au

Eagles Birdies’ unmatched commitment to product excellence has made its golf bag range the most preferred in golf for the last 7 years. Combining a feature-laden golf bag with nine spacious pockets, the Muirfield offers new levels of golf bag convenience and performance. Most notably is the new magnetic head cover and ball marker port located on the outside of the oversize putter/ball retriever tube. There is an integrated ergonomic rubber lift assist handle located at the front of the bag for quick and seamless access. Six “stadium” designed side pockets offer unimpeded access with ample space to fit any golfing requirement into or onto the Muirfield. The customary 14-way full-length horizontal and vertical club dividers will organize and protect your clubs, also prolonging shaft and grip longevity. Thoughtfully located at the front of the bag is a semi-umbrella sheath for easy and quick access. The spacious insulated cooler pocket with drainage holes will hold all of your food and drinks. Innovative accessories include a GPS holder, two magnetic ball markers, oversize zipper pullers, glove gripper with towel clip, an external mesh pocket. Eight new vibrant colour choices. www.underpar.com.au (02) 9417 4055.

RealX Xtreme Cooling Towels Do you ever get hot out on the golf course? Of course you do! This product is amazing and will keep you cool all round long. Simply wet the RealX Xtreme Cooling Towel and it stays cold for 6 hours. The cooling technology in the towels is made for the extreme performance needs of golfers, athletes and anyone who needs to stay cool, particularly in the hot summer sun. Hats and visors are also available. www.realxgear.com.au

C130

SYNC

RealX 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 cool your body temperature. The product is new to Australia and perfect for the Australian summers. www.realxgear.com.au

W S E L E ND MO

H2NO Cart bag

H2NO Stand

M ER

UB CL

always innovative To find your nearest authorised Sun Mountain dealer visit www.underpar.com.au or call (02) 9417 4055

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

people

Juniors shine in the desert Last month, The Goldfields Golf Club of Kalgoorlie-Boulder successfully presented the inaugural “Smarter than Smoking - Goldfields Junior Desert Open”. A field of 53 players, many of whom travelled from Perth and from as far as Busselton for the event, played 36 holes at the Graham Marsh-designed Kalgoorlie Golf Course, which is in the best condition of its short existence. The Gross Champion Girl was Hayley Bettencourt (Mandurah CC), with scores of 76+76=152. Gross Champion Boy was Jacob Molony (Mt Lawley GC) on 71+78=149. Both were worthy recipients of the Kalgoorlie Gold Nuggets on offer. Alice Chang (Mt Lawley GC) 70+78=148 was the Nett Champion Girl and James Greenough (Joondalup CC) 70+72=142 the Nett Champion Boy. On day one Molony turned at 3-under and was on pace to equal the course record. Bogeys on 16 & 18, however, ended his chance. A great effort considering it was his first look at the course. Chang started day one with a 47 on the front nine, but finished with a great back nine 38, a real highlight of the tournament. The best of the locals were James Lofthouse, Boys 16 - 18 Gross winner, and Kynan Holt, Boys 14 & 15 Nett Runner-up.

Other results:

Boys 16 to 18: Gross: J Lofthouse 175; D Swainston 178 Nett: B McGrath 143; B Treloar 156 Boys 14 & 15: Gross: L Clay 162; B Sheehan 163 Nett: A Pehlic 149; K Holt 150 Boys 13 & Under: Gross: T Snowden 174; Z Vaughn 189 Nett: J Greenough 142; Z Lewis 153 Girls 14 & 15: Gross: J Lamb 206 Nett: A Weidmann 152 Girls 13 & Under: Gross: A Chang 178; Nett: J Green 168 •

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Day and Scott challenged David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

REMEMBER Josh Marris? He is the Australian PGA professional who played 10 rounds of golf in 24 hours at Victorian Park golf course in Brisbane late last year to raise much-needed funds for cancer research. Marris, now known as the 24-hour man, raised $5000 for the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR). Well, Marris now plies his trade in the US and is in training to break the world record for the most number of holes played in 24 hours. If all goes to plan, he will attempt to break the world record, which is 22 rounds and five holes (401 holes), early next year. But before he attempts that, he has another challenge up his sleeve. He is challenging Adam Scott, Jason Day or any other top Queensland professional to 18 holes of speed golf at this year’s Australian PGA Championship at Palmer Coolum Resort. “I have registered to play in the PGA Championship at Coolum, but I will be required to qualify first,” Marris said. “I want to qualify for the PGA and while I am there it might be an opportunity to do something for Queensland Institute of Medical Research separate from my 24-hour challenge. “The idea is to challenge Jason Day or Adam Scott or another notable Queensland professional, who is playing in the Australian PGA Championship. “It’s speed golf,” he said. “I put the idea to someone in the US the other day and they said that would be awesome. The Americans would love that and so would the Aussies.

CHALLENGER: Professional Josh Marris wants to race Adam Scott and Jason Day all in the name of charity.

“My challenge to them is to a race around 18 holes on the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday prior to the tournament. “I could see it being pretty cool for the fans. “We could st ar t at 5.30pm and, in reality, it should only take between 60 and 90 minutes. “The way I see it is Jason, Adam and I tee off on the first hole in joggers, shorts and tee shirts and race each other to see who can hole out on the 18th first. “Of course, we will be raising funds for cancer research.

“I know it’s short notice, but the television networks could be involved – it could be huge. It’s a race but not really a race,” Marris said. “It would be kind of cool to finish at the same time. “We’d push each other along. Of course, it would be a lot better to be running side-by-side and playing hole-by-hole at a fast speed and get around in 70 or 80 minutes. “It would be fantastic coming down the 18th side-by-side like two marathon runners in a race to the finish. “QIMR like the idea and are willing to back it if it comes to fruition.” •

instruction: putting

Constant grip pressure is the key Quick tip: Lag putting Glenn Whittle

Anne Rollo

glenn@whittlegolf.com (02) 9541 4960

I often ask golfers whether they think good putters on tour have a light or firm hold on the putter when they are putting well. Invariably these golfers answer “light, but I think mine is too firm.” Although I have seen a few good putters come through The Sydney Putting Studio that have a firm grip pressure, more often than not the good ones do what we would expect, and that is hold the club lightly. The main reason grip pressure is not often discussed is simply because we cannot see someone’s grip pressure, unless, of course it is extreme. Also, what one player might describe as ‘light’ might be described as ‘firm’ by the next player. As a side note, I have noticed that builders and plumbers (and other similar tradespeople) have rough and tough hands, and hold the putter very tightly. This may be because they are holding heavy tools all day at work. An important point to make is that from the good putters I have studied and/or monitored, I have noticed that their pressure remains constant throughout the stroke, even the players who grip the putter a little more firmly. Many golfers talk about holding the club tightly so they can reduce excessive wrist movement during the stroke. Although this sounds rational it is not really a good idea. I would rather see you hold the putter lightly so you can keep the feel required to judge the distance, while allowing the wrists to move freely from the shoulders and chest moving. The hands are passive with minimal movement, but are not locked.

anne@fixmygolfswing.com.au

Next time you are practicing your putting, I would encourage you to hit five putts holding the putter at about a ‘two’ in regards to grip pressure (where ‘one’ is as light as possible and ‘ten’ is extremely tight). Then hit five putts where you hold the putter at a grip pressure of ‘nine’, followed by five more putts holding the putter at approximately a ‘four’ or ‘five’. Pay particular attention to the speed control you have on each grip pressure and see which one suits you best and, importantly, whether you feel it changes at any point.

If you are having trouble with your putting or would like to confirm that your putter specs are suitable for you and your stroke, don’t hesitate to make an appointment. • 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.

If I could pick one thing that could reduce your scores the most, it would be long or lag putts. And it’s such an easy area of your game to improve. If you watch the professionals, they rarely fail to get their long putts close – with most ending up with simple tap-ins. If you watch amateurs, on the other hand, they rarely get their long putts close, and are consistently leaving themselves a long second putt. This often leads to the dreaded three-putt. Getting the first putt close makes such a difference to your scoring and confidence – and it is so easy to fix. There is very little technique in putting: simply get your putterface square and get the length of your stroke right. You will, of course, need to practice more than you probably do now. But all you need to do is just spend 10 minutes more before your round, concentrating on the long putts and watch the ball till it stops. Most importantly: really learn from the result. If you are consistently short, simply lengthen out your backswing. It’s pretty simple stuff! Those of you receiving my weekly email tips will know the drill by now: HOLD, WATCH and FEEL: HOLD the follow through. WATCH the ball until it stops . FEEL the length stroke you used to take the ball there, and learn for the next time. Good Luck! • Anne Rollo is an ALPG Golf Professional and author of ‘Passport to great golf’, a pocket tips guide to take on the course with you. Go to www. fixmygolfswing.com.au for details or email anne@ fixmygolfswing.com.au or call 0404 235 563

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

instruction

Practice getting What keeps the left arm straight? into ‘the zone’ Video lesson:

Run distance

Peter Croker

0415 292 549 www.crokergolfsystem.com

Landing zone THE purpose of this month’s lesson is to understand the best way to maintain a straight left arm (for right-handed golfers) throughout the backswing and all the way through the impact zone and well into follow-through. Throughout my golfing life I have heard different viewpoints on the importance of a straight left arm in the golf swing. Certainly there is little objection to having a straight left arm through the Impact Zone and the early part of follow-through unless you take a liking to how well Lee Westwood strikes the ball. Peter Thomson believed that the left arm needs to be relaxed in the backswing but for the most part his backswing could be described as a “soft left arm” and certainly through the downswing and moment of truth – impact – his left arm was well extended. Trying to “keep your left arm straight” consciously by muscular effort is not the way to go. This creates too much tension and effort and more often than not the left arm still bends for those who try to keep their left arm straight in this manner. There is a better way! CONCEPT: EDUCATED HANDS KEEP THE LEFT ARM STRAIGHT To keep the left arm extended in the backswing, and all the way down through impact and into follow-through is a two-handed action— but the left hand is the ‘senior’ player in the action– once the left hand and wrist are trained to wind up correctly, and then unwind correctly, the right

Brent Dale

brent@brentdalegolf.com.au

Incorrect position: left arm bent

Correct position: left arm straight

hand and wrist fall into line. Ben Hogan had it right when he said that in the backswing, the left wrist not only hinges up, but also bends. It is the bending action of the left wrist that helps rotate the left forearm in the backswing and the “swinging left arm” helps rotate the forearms so that the left arm locks in to an extended and coiled position without any unnecessary strain. It is also this bending of the left wrist that sees the clubface opening up and not arrive at the transition from backswing to downswing in a closed clubface condition. In the downswing it is the correct ‘down and out’ direction of the throwing of the clubhead that sees the club shaft move into line with the left forearm through the Impact Zone. The left wrist must be able to rotate anti-clockwise through the bottom of the swing and into follow-through. If you attempt to hold the clubface square to the ball’s target you will develop a “chicken wing”

in the follow-through. Good golf is easy! This means do this building of a straight left arm with ease and do not stress the muscles at any time. The correct hand and wrist action will help build all the structure you need in the arms for the entire swing. •

 VIDEO LESSON:

For more on this specific lesson, watch the expanded video version on YouTube (http:// youtu.be/J7r9o-5z4VY) or view it directly in our Inside Golf iPad App.

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

This issue I am helping you with your short game practice. Next time you are practising your chipping and pitching (you DO practise this, don’t you?) I want you to take your focus away from your action and focus more on a landing zone. Have a few trial runs and figure out roughly how far the golf ball is running with your desired club, and then pace this out. If the ball is running six meters, I would like you to pace six steps from the hole back towards your hitting spot. Now place four golf tees in a square about one meter apart. This will now become your “landing zone.” Start your hitting again, but your goal is to make your first bounce hit the green inside your landing zone. Take note of how much your short game shots will improve as a result of this simple drill. This will build up confidence and will make you think a little smarter when on the course next time. • Brent Dale is the head professional at Liverpool Golf Club and available for lessons 7 days a week. www.brentdalegolf.com.au. brent@brentdalegolf.com.au 0402 038 227

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

instruction

Establishing a pre-round warm-up routine Tiffany Mika

tiffany@theladygolfteacher.com.au

Before you play your round of golf, do you properly warm up? If you answered ‘yes’, then well done to you. If you answered no, may I suggest that you establish a proper warm-up routine. Too often I hear golfers say “oh my first 3 holes were a disaster. I wiped those holes, but then I started to come good on the 4th hole and I began to score then”. When you start to come good on the 4th hole it means that you are starting to establish your golf rhythm. However, you now have another 14 holes to get it together, but still have to make up for the first three holes. That’s simply too much pressure! If you want your performance to improve out on the course, then definitely start incorporating a warm-up routine. This is a sample routine that you should try prior to teeing off. Don’t just try it once as it will take a bit of time to get used to it. You should arrive to your golf course about an hour prior to teeing off. If you can get there earlier –say, an hour and a half—then that is perfect. You really need to give yourself some dedicated warmup time, rather than rushing around and hoping to be able to play well. So, check in at the pro shop, pay for your game, get your scorecard, etc and then seriously focus on getting physically ready. The aim here is to warm-up your golfing muscles, establish your swing rhythm so that you are ready to take on the golf course to the best of your ability.

The Warm-Up Routine

1. Putting Warm-Up Start your warm-up on the putting green: ;; Putt balls along green to gain feel of the putter, the stroke and speed of the green. When that feels good, start putting at the holes. ;; Do five putts about one metre away from a hole. ;; Do five putts about two metres away from a hole.

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

An Orange three-peat

A proper pre-round warm-up routine should start on the putting green. Don’t aim at the holes yet, but rather get a feel for the stroke and speed. ;; Continue moving back one metre at a time until seven metres away. ;; Putt at all holes on green and work on sinking the putt before moving to the next hole (this starts training your brain for the game). 2. Chipping Warm-Up On the fringe of the green warm-up your chipping technique. Don’t aim at holes yet, just get a feel for the technique. When that feels good start chipping at the holes. ;; Do five chips at the closest hole and repeat with all holes on the green. ;; Work on chipping into the hole. Get your brain geared for competition. 3. Pitching Warm-Up About 20 metres from a pitching target, start pitching to get the feel. Don’t aim at targets yet, just get a feel. When that feel of the pitch is good, start pitching at targets. ;; Do five pitch shots at a 20-metre target, 30-metre target, 40-metre target. ;; Work on pitching right on that target. This gets your brain geared for competition. 4. Warm-Up ;; In the bunker hit about 10 bunker shots to gain the feel (no target). ;; Do five bunker shots at each hole on the practice green.

;; Work on hitting bunker shots into the hole. Get your brain geared for competition. 5. Swing Now that you have warmed up, your golfing muscles you are now ready to warm-up your swing. ;; Start with your 9-iron, hit five balls. ;; Hit five balls with a 7-iron. ;; Hit five balls with your 5-iron. ;; Hit five balls with your hybrid. ;; Hit five balls with your fairway wood. ;; Finally, hit five balls with your driver. To finish off your routine, hit another five balls with the club you will first be teeing off with. You may be teeing off with your driver, or perhaps you are starting on a par-3 hole and may only require a 6-iron for example. So finish your warm-up with that club. Be consistent and work on your warm-up routine, it will take some time to get into a routine, but you will perform so much better right from the start rather than attempting to get your game working by the 3rd or 4th hole. Enjoy your warm-up routine and come share with me your routine. Email me your routine am interested in your feedback and what you are working on! • Tiffany Mika is the Golf Teaching Professional at Bayview Golf Club in Mona Vale. Tiffany has a Free Online Putting Program where you can learn how to Putt in your home. Contact her at tiffany@theladygolfteacher. com.au or www.theladygolfteacher.com.au

Robert Payne (Duntryleague) and Alison Seib (Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club) each captured this year’s scratch titles at the Orange Golf Championships, marking a remarkable three-peat for the pair; with each capturing their third straight title. Played over the October Long Weekend, the event saw over 190 participants travelling from all corners of the state to play in the three-day event at Orange’s three great courses. “This is why this event gets bigger and better every year with entries up over 20% this year from 2011,” said Guy Chapman, Chairman of Golf Orange. “The most pleasing and exciting aspect is that so many players are coming from all over the state to participate. This year we had 47 golf clubs represented at the event with all players intent on having a great weekend away. That was certainly achieved again this year,” Chapman said. Golfers came from as far as Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, the Southern Highlands, the Gold Coast, the North and South Coasts and the Hunter Valley to take part. Many golf clubs were also heavily represented; some of those being Fox Hills, Cabramatta, Cumberland, Richmond, Yowani, Gungahlin Lakes. The presentation on the Monday Night also saw the launch of a new Golf Orange event, “The Golf Orange Cup” to be played in January each year with the inaugural event being staged on the 23, 24 and 25 January 2013. The event is a 54-Hole Individual Stableford competition (Men’s and Ladies), played at Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club, Wentworth Golf Club and Duntryleague Golf Club. Entry is $85, and registrations are now available from w w w.golforange.com.au. Or email: golforange@oesc.com.au •

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“Never before has such a tournament been played on the peninsula where top courses such as these have all been available for four days during the same timeframe,” said Tracey Cooper, Executive Chairman of Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board. “As the tournament’s reputation gains momentum, the importance of having different courses to play each year is attractive to many golfers who would not otherwise have that opportunity” she said. The main 72 hole Stableford event will be played Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May inclusive with daily prizes also awarded. An optional extra day’s golf will be offered for Friday 10 May.

The Tournament begins with a Registration Day on Sunday 5 May where past players and newcomers will be welcome to register, enjoy meeting old acquaintances and plan their strategies for the week. Wayne Lucas, President Mornington Peninsula Golf Tourism said, “Taking into account past players’ requests, we have added a Dinner to be held on Tuesday 7 May as an optional extra. We continue to try and cater for the majority of requests and include ideas submitted by players as it is important to listen and learn from those who support the tournament every year”.

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can have spare time to visit wineries, art galleries, go shopping, or relax in the thermal hot springs. For those who just simply want to play golf all day every day, other courses will cater for your needs. Some of the non tournament courses are shown below. Simply contact them directly for bookings. Says Lucas, “When you stay on the Mornington Peninsula you simply should take in as much as you can, as nowhere else in Australia will you nd such superb attractions all within half an hour of where you will be playing Tournament golf”. “We will be ready to welcome you on May 5, and look forward to an even more successful tournament in 2013”.

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instruction

Junior MyGolf series: BLAST IT The swing fix: How to stop over-swinging

Set up

Finish

Lee Harrington (07) 5596 3373 www.thegolfschool.com.au

The MyGolf National Skills Challenge and Awards Program is a framework for assessing the progress of boys and girls as their golf skills begin and then develop into the game. The program mantra is designed to develop the six key skills of the game: RIP IT (driving and long shots), ROLL IT (putting), CHIP IT (chipping), FLY IT (pitching), BLAST IT (bunker shots) and BEND IT (shaping the ball). It also provides an entry point into golf skills challenges. All kids love to compete and be challenged and this program allows beginner juniors aged 6-16 years to improve through a progressive skills chart. Our elite players have done this for years so now we introduce this form of challenge to kids from when they first pick up a golf club.

Blast it Tips: Practice hitting sand out of the bunker without the ball if you are struggling to hit enough sand. Remember: it is the sand that propels the ball out, so the sand must be going out of the bunker to get the ball out. Here are some tips to playing from a bunker: • Open the clubface at set-up, aiming the clubface at the hole • Open your stance, aiming your body left of the hole • Lean your weight forward onto the front foot • Place the ball forward in your set up • Hinge your wrists in the backswing with less body turn • Take out an envelope-sized slice of sand through the ball • Finish with a full finish and hip turn for power through the sand Check out the following videos that we have developed at Golf Queensland to allow juniors to learn the MyGolf skills from their peers. The Blast it video is a favourite – she takes after her mum! http://www.youtube.com/user/golfqueensland •

Lee Harrington is a ALPG and PGA Member and is also the Development officer at Golf Queensland. Lee and husband Peter, also a leading PGA coach, have moved their business ‘The Golf School’ to Palm Meadows Driving Range. At this new facility they now offer world leading technology for teaching, fitting and training. Swingmodel, Foresight and Somax.

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Damien Magaton (03) 9650 9766

A common swing fault I see in many golfers is the over-swinging of the golf club at the top of the swing. This can usually lead to inconsistent ballstriking and errant golf shots. I you are a golfer that over-swings the club and have struggled to control the length of your backswing, I would take a look at your posture and setup and also how much your body is turning during your swing. If you have a solid setup for the golf swing and you maintain your posture and angles throughout your swing, it will be hard for you to over-swing

the club at the top. Good posture, along with correct turn of the body, will ensure you can coil the body and set up the club in a correct full-swing position. Also, check if the arms are collapsing at the top of the swing. This also causes the club to get out of position. You want to feel your arms are away from body and over your right shoulder, which helps the arc of the swing and gets you hitting the ball straight down the fairway. • Damien Magaton is an AA PGA Professional teaching at GolfTec in Melbourne. For more tips on your game visit him at www.golftec.com.au or phone 03 9650 9766

juniors

MYGolf Skills Challenge Shootout launched on the Gold Coast Herbert wins Boy’s NSW Amateur Championship M elb o urne ’ s L u c a s H e r b e r t (Commonwealth GC) won the 2012 Boy’s NSW Amateur Championship at Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf Club. Starting the day with a three-shot lead over New South Welshman Mitchell Vendables, Lucas opened the first 18-holes for the day with an amazing eight-under-par, 64, a new course record. His total score of 277 was seven clear of his nearest rival, Cameron Davis from Roseville Golf Club who was runner-up on a countback from Bankstown’s Mitchell Venables.

Participants at the MYGolf Skills Challenge Shootout Golf Queensland recently held a MYGolf Skills Shootout Challenge at the Southport Preparatory School Oval. The initiative was the first of its kind in Queensland, with plans for many more MYGolf Shootout events to be held throughout Queensland. Lee Harrington, Golf Queensland’s Participation and Development Officer and ALPG and PGA member was the driving force behind the day. There were 24 MYGolf participants from various MYGolf Centres, who took part in the shootout, which covered four basic MYGolf skills– Rip It, Roll It, Fly It and Chip It. “This event is the first of many MYGolf Shootout days to further encourage MYGolf Centres, coordinators and coaches. The aim of the event is to give the MYGolf participants a chance to learn more and complete their MYGolf Skills Assessment Chart” Harrington said.

The participants were divided into four groups and each group was allocated time in each MYGolf skill station under the guidance of five teaching professionals from MYGolf Centres in the area. The five teaching professionals that took part in the event were Rachel Hetherington and Neil Ulmer (Rachel Hetherington Driving Range), Grant Garrison (Golf Queensland), Scott Priest (Palm Meadows Golf Course) and Joel Merceica from KDV Sport Academy of Golf. The MYGolf Shootout day actively involved the PGA and ALPG members delivering under the MYGolf program at their own golf course and driving range facilities. Participants received tuition from the professionals and played various games in each station before being assessed in their MYGolf Skills Assessment Chart. James Gibbellini from the Queensland State

Squad was also present at the start of the day and did a half an hour demonstration of trick shots and shot making with the MYGolf participants. “It was fantastic to see James here and the kids were amazed by his shot making. Hopefully it will inspire them to work up to the elite level” Harrington added. Leading female golf professional Rachel Hetherington was involved in the day and is now heavily involved in junior golf since retiring off the tour. “It is great to be involved in grass roots and junior golf and to also see the enjoyment of young kids in the game” Hetherington said. Every MYGolf participant was given a gift pack, shirt and hat for their involvement in the event. Mission Foods was a generous sponsor of the day and supplied healthy snacks and lunch for the MYGolf participants.

WINNING SCORES Section A (16-18yrs): Ben Eccles(Kooringal Golf Club) with a total score of 284. Section B (14-15yrs): Ryan Ruffels (Victoria Golf Club) with 295. Section C (13yrs & under): Isaac Noh (Avondale Golf Club) with 297. Round 3 Nett: Lucas Herber t (+1) (Commonwealth Golf Club) with 65. Round 4 Nett: Grant Booth (1) (The Australian Golf Club) with 67 on a countback. MYGolf is Australia’s national junior golf program for kids between the ages 8–16. The program consists of MYGolf schools component, MYGolf Centres and the MYGolf Skills Assessment. For more information or to find your nearest centre in Queensland, go to www.mygolf.org.au •

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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fitness

Fitness training for senior golfers •

Richard Nizielski richardniz@gmail.com 0438 027 768

Most golfers, if not all, are looking to improve their swing consistency and lower their scores. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. So, rather than spending hundreds of dollars on the latest piece of practice equipment, try spending a few minutes on your body. It’s cheaper and better for you. As this is the first article written specifically for the senior readers, I thought it might be good to go over the general principles of fitness training for senior golfers. There is no way around it— the body dictates your golfing ability. Sure, as the body gets older it won’t perform as well as when you were in your twenties, but that doesn’t mean it has to come to a grinding halt. Golf fitness can be for everyone. There is no need to think it is too late to start, whatever the age, as there are benefits still to be had. Participating in exercise has been proven to slow down the natural decline of muscle loss, improve flexibility, power and strength and help with concentration. So to get started, here are a few tips: Warm the body up: A general warm-up for a fitness program needs to get the blood pumping faster and the muscles moving. This helps to get the body prepared for the upcoming training session by moving more blood and oxygen to where it is needed, into the muscles. Spend a

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Core stability exercises are important for helping protect the lower back. Exercises such as the front bridge and side bridge are ideal for engaging the lower abdominal muscles.

Finally, let’s look at flexibility. This is probably the MOST important area of fitness for a golfer and performing a golf swing. Spending time to stretch will assist in increasing and maintaining your range of movement. Taking 5-10 minutes to stretch every day can make a world of difference to your mobility and your golf swing. Happy Golfing Richard •

Step up on a bench

Top: Front bridge on elbows. Bottom: Pushups

few minutes walking briskly or jogging if that is comfortable. Stepping up and down on the bottom of a set of stairs is another good way to get the heart pumping faster. Specific warm-up: This can include dynamic or moving stretches such as arm and leg swings, side bends and trunk rotations. This style of stretching will help prevent injury in the muscles and joints. Around 10-12 repetitions per area should be enough. General resistance training: if you haven’t used weights before or for quite a while, then I advise caution and suggest easing into the exercises. Alternatively you may want to use only your own body and not add weights into the session. There are plenty of exercises, which don’t require weights.

A few are: Push-ups: These can be done on the ground or with the hands on a bench or low table to decrease the resistance and improve your form. • Lunges: This is another exercise that can provide plenty of challenge without adding extra weight. • The use of a resistance band can be good for developing strength without using the traditional dumbbells or weight machines. • Reverse flies and seated row exercises can be done quite successfully and be challenged with a resistance band. •

 VIDEO LESSON

I have posted a video with a suggested basic training session to get you started. http://youtu.be/vI9tQ9KWSBA

Richard Nizielski is a Brisbane-based golf fitness expert and the Director of Golf Fit Solutions. A three-time Olympian and medallist in the sport of short track speed skating, Richard is a qualified sports and personal trainer designing individual fitness and nutrition programs for both professional and amateur golfers here in Australia and overseas. www.golffitsolutions.com

fitness

Early teens and postural awareness Battling dehydration Richard Nizielski

richardniz@gmail.com 0438 027 768

Nick Randall

nick@randallfitsystems.com

In this second installment of 5 articles I will be moving on from “Kids and Fundamental Movements Skills” to “Early Teens and Postural Awareness / Intro to the Gym”. As kids head into their early teens, changes start happening in the body. Hormones go crazy— which normally leads to growth spurts, acne and unpredictable mood swings amongst a whole host of other adaptations. A teen’s body often feels strange, ungainly and uncomfortable. Combine this with a lifestyle that is increasingly centered around computers, phones and school work and the good solid upright posture that was demonstrated during their pre-teen years can rapidly disappear. As trainers and golf coaches we like to see good posture not only from a golf swing mechanics point of view but also to ensure proper functional movement of the spine and the major joints in the body. A sloppy standing and seated posture will almost always be reflected in a golf swing with funky compensatory movements and poor control in basic gym exercises. The first stop for any young teen that comes into either our golf academy or state program is a postural analysis followed by education and prescription of corrective exercises. It might not be glamorous or particularly fun at first but we consider it absolutely essential for future development. Once some postural education has been carried out we move on to the basic gym exercises–Push, pull, squat, lunge and core. We prescribe an

even balance of these exercises to ensure equal development and good awareness and control of the body in movement. At first these exercises are either just using bodyweight or with very light loads and almost always using high amounts of repetitions. As mentioned before, the body is still growing throughout this period and it isn’t advised to repeatedly load the skeleton with heavy weight. The objective at this point is not to build a muscle bound freak who pounds the ball 300m . We are still very much in the phase of developing a well-rounded athlete that has great awareness, control and resilience to injury. We also recommend continuing to play other sports as this will help develop co-ordination, body awareness and cardio-vascular fitness.

Neglecting the pillars of physical development— postural awareness, intro to gym and other sports outside of golf—can lead to some extremely worrying adaptations. “Reverse upper spine” and “crunch factor” are two fairly gruesome sounding movements that we see leave their mark on teen golfers’ bodies on a regular basis. They are both attributed to poor body awareness and/or lack of strength when swinging the golf club. Lateral curvatures in the spine and injured shoulders and wrists are the all to frequent result. Best practice is to see a good golf-specific trainer or physio in your area who can set you down the right path. A good resource is your state’s golf organization who can put you in contact with the state affiliated professionals. •

Nick Randall is the Head of Strength and Conditioning for Golf Queensland. He is a qualified strength and conditioning coach and massage therapist based out of Twin Waters Golf Academy on the Sunshine Coast. Contact Nick - nick@randallfitsystems.com or check out his website www.randallfitsystems.com

Many players give themselves an uphill battle in their round by neglecting the simplest of fundamentals: not drinking enough fluid. Dehydration can have a dramatic effect on both your physical and mental performance. Just a loss of 2% of the body’s optimal fluid levels is considered dehydration in its mildest form. This small amount of dehydration can cause a player to experience physical discomfort, fatigue and drop in judgment and concentration. A good hydration plan is vital. Here are some simple strategies that may help you: Work out your minimal daily fluid intake. A simple calculation is: Body weight in kg x 0.03 = Litres of water per day. Avoid drinks which have a diuretic effect on the body, including caffeine, the so-called ‘energy’ drinks, and alcoholic drinks. 30 minutes before Tee-off, have a drink of around 300 – 500ml. Most sports drinks and sports waters are ideal as they contain approximately 6-10% of carbohydrate and are convenient. (But watch the sugar!) Take enough water with you to last the whole round, and aim to drink a minimum of 250ml per hour. Every third hole, have a small amount of sports drink. This will provide a source of carbohydrate fuel — and water — and also help replace lost electrolytes. The sodium in these drinks encourages fluid intake by stimulating the thirst mechanism and enhances fluid absorption and retention. Following your game, make sure you keep replacing the fluids and the carbohydrates which will assist in refueling the body and aid recovery. Note: a beer or two after the game is fine as long as you remember to drink a glass of water between each beer. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

mental game

The pressure’s on: deal with it Andrew McKenzie ed@insidegolf.com.au

Your palms are sweaty, your throat is dry and parched, your stomach is tight and your heart is racing. As you stand over your putt, you feel as though all eyes are intensely focused on you, watching, waiting, judging. Your only thought is, “get me out of here and back to the clubhouse.” Golfers sometimes have pretty unrealistic expectations. For example, they would like to achieve success, but would prefer to bypass all the uncomfortable pressure that comes along with achieving it. Whilst telling me about his “what could have been” round of golf recently, a friend of mine made the comment, “well it’s different for pros because they don’t get nervous.” What?! Is that really the perception the club golfer has? Is it really conceivable that Ernie Els–simply because he is a professional–is less nervous standing over a putt to win the British Open and engrave his place in golfing history with the world watching on, than the club golfer standing over a putt to win a $75 pro shop voucher? Of course not! Or how about a player who needs to par the last hole of the qualifying school to get his playing card and have a place to play for the next twelve months? The real difference between amateur golfers and the top professionals is not whether they experience nerves but rather how they deal with those nerves and the meaning they give to them. You see, nerves are a good sign–the biggest detriment to us as golfers is actually fear. The main reason you experience nerves on the golf course is usually because you are on the cusp of achieving something that is important to you. If you are nervous with four holes to play it is likely you’re a chance of winning or shooting

Dealing with nerves on the course is natural, even for the professionals like Jim Furyk. The trick is to embrace the nerves, and play without fear. a low round. If you are nervous on the first tee it could be because you are playing a big event. In order to give ourselves the best chance for success, we must learn to welcome the nerves. We should get excited when we are playing well enough that we begin to feel the pressure and then embrace the challenge it presents. We can’t afford to let fear take over. A person’s natural instincts can often be their biggest downfall on the course. For example let’s take two players playing the final 9 holes in an important match-play event. Player A is leading Player B by two shots. Despite being behind and therefore less likely to win, the natural thought process of Player B is probably far more positive. He will instinctually be thinking ‘I’m running out of holes’ and ‘I need to make some birdies, I have to be aggressive’ while Player A is incurring thoughts of ‘I’m in front–don’t do anything silly, just play it safe.’ In the process of trying to help them over the line, Player A’s brain has actually produced a recipe for potential disaster. Both players are nervous, but the difference is that the player leading is being dictated by fear of errors and the player chasing is being empowered by the need to be positive.

When I reflect on my own career—despite both of my main victories being sudden-death playoffs— surprisingly neither one rated towards the top of times that I was most nervous during a golf event. I remember playing the Australian Open not long after turning pro, I was in terrible form and had come in on a string of missed cuts; I was down on confidence and was struggling to see the light. I worked extra hard all week and told myself that the buck stops here. By Thursday I was playing really well but without much luck. Late on Friday it was blowing a gale and the cut line was pretty well known by that time. The extra pressure I placed on myself was immense and I was jaded by the fact that I was playing in the worst of the conditions. In short, I felt like the world was against me. I hit a good shot into 18 and left my first putt four feet short. I stood over the putt, trousers flapping and ball oscillating in the howling wind. I knew I was on the cut line; my head was filled with negative thoughts of the potential ramifications of missing. I was playing in fear and it was the most nervous I had ever been. On the contrary a few years later (and a little older and wiser) when I teed it up in those playoffs, I was able to control my thoughts and fill my head with lots of positives. Thoughts like ‘I’ve played well

all week and I’m guaranteed a big cheque’ and ‘no regrets just go out there and make another birdie’. Sure I was nervous but I was positive, in control and–most importantly–didn’t fear losing. Pressure affects all players—whether amateur or pro—and there is no question that it is easier to chase than to lead. If you look at the results from the PGA tour in 2012, it has been a year of come-from-behind winners and capitulations by the front-runners. At the U.S Open, Jim Furyk led and looked solid for three and a half days only to stumble late and have Webb Simpson come from the pack and snatch victory. Our own Aussie Marc Leishman shot a final-round 62 coming from six shots back to claim his maiden PGA tour victory and we all know what happened to Adam Scott at The British Open–68 magnificent holes only to falter at the dying stages. So if even the PGA Tour players can choke at crucial times then what chance is there for us? If it is not possible to achieve success without the accompaniment of pressure, then how do we handle it? Firstly, understand that it’s not easy. Pressure builds adrenaline and unlike in other sports, in golf adrenaline is detrimental to us. Secondly, a round of golf can take up to five hours–a very long time to be feeling anxious and uneasy. The next time you are playing well and begin to feel the pressure, be aware of it and remember to tell yourself this is what you wanted. In fact, the next time you tee it up, set yourself two goals: 1) I want to play well enough to feel nervous and 2) when I get nervous I am going to embrace it, play without fear and go for my shots. When we are playing under pressure there is no sure-fire way to always get the result we want. The more often we get ourselves into contention, the easier it will become and if you commit to these principles I think you will taste success more often. • Andrew Mckenzie is a tour professional whose victories include The Samsung Benest Open and The Korean PGA.

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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social golf

Drive for show, putt for mo The SGA Tour launches its first charity golf day supporting Movember. SGA Tour Ambassador Andy Lee from Hamish & Andy will tee it up alongside a group of celebrity golfers and amateur players in the first SGA Tour Charity Golf Day to support Movember. Played at the Old Course at The National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula, the “Drive For Show, Putt For Mo” event is sure to be a hit with golfers. While “cleanskin” golfers are welcome, Matthew Pitt from Social Golf Australia encourages golfers to Mo-up for the day. “We would like to see as many golfers as possible displaying their plumage. We certainly welcome women and juniors and we don’t expect them to muster a Mo, but we hope as many fellas as possible join the spirit of the day and get a little bit hirsute for a good cause.” Movember is a global movement founded in Melbourne that raises awareness and funds to support the two biggest health issues men face – prostate cancer and depression. Movember assists men’s health by encouraging fellas to grow a Mo in November and sign up Mo-sponsors. The funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and their men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue: the national depression initiative. The SGA Tour Charity Day is on Tuesday November 27 with a 9:00am shotgun start and aims to raise funds and awareness for Movember. A portion of the entry price will go to Movember and additional funds will be raised with the

support of corporate sponsors, activities on the day and by encouraging golfers to register with and participate in Movember. Inside Golf is happy to support Movember by publicising the day and we look forward to running a picture of a field of (mostly) mustachioed golfers teeing off for a good cause. Social Golf Australia runs an SGA Tour event series in all the mainland capital cities and will be encouraging golfers around Australia to register with Movember. There is an SGA Tour Charity Golf Day Team webpage on the Movember website where golfers can register for Movember. If golfers are already Mo-registered, they can simply join the SGA Tour Mo Team. Links to all the relevant pages appear on the Social Golf Australia website. The day will offer a complete professional tournament experience with driving range

3 GOL DAY FP & S LAY PAC TAY KAG E

C ome and see what all the fuss is about.

balls included, carts for all golfers, a shotgun start, a single stableford event with over $1000 of prizes, celebrity golfers sharing the fun of the day and a presentation lunch after golf that will include some extra fund-raising activities. According to Pitt, the plan for the day is to have some fun fostering a Mo-fraternity on the golf course to help a good cause. “Movember is a great community initiative and supporting prostate cancer research and beyondblue directly or indirectly benefits most Australians. We have developed our first Charity Golf Day in Victoria this year and we have had a great response already. Our plan is to develop this as a national initiative in 2013 and beyond. We operate events around Australia and we are looking at hosting an SGA Tour Charity Day in each mainland capital in November 2013 to support Movember.”

“All of our events are official competition rounds with results entered on GOLF Link and all golfers are welcome. We decided to incorporate the event on our regular SGA Tour schedule and make it a single stableford event rather than an ambrose or team format. Golfers with handicaps can play in the official single stableford comp and social players are also welcome to join in the fun of playing and can compete for all the novelty prizes.” The event has been developed with the support of the National Golf Club and all entries are through The SGA Tour in Victoria. All golfers are welcome to enter, although it is anticipated that the event will book out early. Entry is $190 per person or $170 for those who have registered with Movember (both men and women can register) and, according to Pitt, the celebrity participation will be a great drawcard. “We are delighted that our ambassador Andy Lee is assisting the event by playing on the day and inviting some celebrity golfing pals to join in the fun of the event. Andy is a quality person and we are greatly appreciative of all his support, both for our charity day and for golf in general. Movember will also have celebrity ambassadors who are keen golfers and we have invited them to join us on the day.” Inside Golf is a proud supporter of The SGA Tour and we look forward to reporting on the event and the competition results. For more information and entry details, go to www.socialgolfaustralia.com.au or call SGA in Victoria directly on (03) 5433 3213 or Matthew Pitt on 0425 742 501. For more info on Movember: www.movember.com •

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First players line up for their chance to be ACGC Schedule crowned Australia’s best Amateur Pair The Auto Club Golf Championship got off to a great start at Melbourne’s Southern Golf Club last month with 72 players teeing off with a shotgun start. The course was blessed with a day of sunshine and the greens were in spectacular condition for the first of the 46 national Qualifying Rounds. The Suzuki Kizashi Hole in One Prize was on offer and one player managed to hit it to a close 62cm, but alas, the chance to grip a sparkling set of new Kizashi keys is still up for grabs. The Thrifty longest drive winner, Chris Lanting, shot in with a thumping hit on the 1st hole and won himself a free weekend’s car hire. Of course it was the winning pair Dexter Prack and Jack Miltos that received all the glory. The pair were ecstatic with their prize of a trip to play in the final at RACV Royal Pines on 28 February and 1 March 2013. They also and went home with a crystal trophy and a pair of Bollé Sunglasses each valued at $199. What is the best thing about the Auto Club Golf Championship? We thought we would let a few of the players from round one tell you in their own words: “…Having the opportunity to enter an event and with great prizes to travel interstate and play a National Amateur event. I think it could become one of the great amateur events.” “…Being able to partner my brother in a 4BBB. We belong to different clubs.” “…Relaxed and friendly atmosphere at start.” “…The opportunity to win something really worthwhile.” With the first event completed, registrations are filling fast for the remaining 46 events across Australia so jump online www.acgc.com.au today

Players get ready for the first Auto Club Golf Championship Qualifying event at Southern Golf Club; (right) The Suzuki Kizashi Hole in One Prize was nearly claimed. to reserve a spot at your local qualifying event. All you need to qualify for entry is for one of your team of two to be a member of any of Australia’s state and territory Auto Clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT and AANT). There is a one off nominal entry fee of $30.00 per person to enter the tournament. With no additional costs to play in the Championship Final and your immediate bonus of a Dozen Callaway HX Diablo Golf Balls worth $30.00, this event is a ripper deal.

The Auto Club Golf Championship has been approved by Golf Australia for the payment of expenses Rule 4-2g/GA/1/2013 Register at www.acgc.com.au •

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www.acgc.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

golf schools feature

School’s in for the perfect swing David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

THE great Sam Snead once told a student of our great game: “Your problem is you stand too close to the ball – after you’ve hit it.” And Australian professional “One-putt” Charlie Brown once told a club golfer seeking a bunker lesson, “I’m sorry, I don’t give lessons on bunker play. I never get in them.” Club and social golfers and elite golfers with college or professional aspirations seeking to improve their game to a reasonable level won’t hear those words muttered by the expert teaching professionals who operate and run some of the best golf schools and academies in the land. Let’s be honest, we all need a little help from time to time. How often do you hear your amateur playing partner bemoan the fact their game is not up to scratch. Turn up on the first tee and ask a player how he is playing and nine times out of 10 they will say “terrible”. “I’m playing military golf – left, right, left, right, left …” Others complain: “If only I could drive the ball straight. If only I could chip. If only I could get out of a bunker. If only I could sink a putt.”

Well, help is just a phone call away. In Australia, there are golf schools and academies from east to west and from north to south. Golf schools are popular with all levels of golfers because you can hone your skills under the strict supervision of some of the best teaching professionals. Your club champion probably attended a golf school at one stage of his career. Okay, you may not reach his or her level immediately, but you will almost certainly shave strokes off your handicap. After all, isn’t that the name of the game? A golf school is the perfect environment to learn to drive the ball consistently well, play successful bunker shots, chip and putt. Hey, these expert teaching professionals will even teach you how to think. Yes, when it comes to course management, most golfers don’t get past the first tee. Golf can be like war – you have to know when to attack and when to retreat. Wouldn’t it be nice if when asked on the first tee “how are you hitting them?” you could say “straight down the middle”. Well, like any service industry, there are various levels of service to suit all comers. Here is a guide to help you shop for the perfect swing.

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

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Moore Park Golf

Sanctuary Lakes Club LOCATED just a 20-minute drive from the CBD, Sanctuary Lakes Club is the hidden jewel in Melbourne’s west. Apart from the highly-ranked Greg Norman-designed links course, Sanctuary Lakes also boasts one of the best practice complexes. The facility, complete with academy room, features a full-length driving range with undercover bays as well as year-round all-weather and grassed areas to hit from, dedicated teaching bays and an indoor room for fitting, swing analysis and a launch monitor. To back this up there are superb short game facilities plus teaching areas including a greenside practice bunker, putting greens and a chipping green. Resident director of golf David Diaz is readily available to assist golfers at all levels and the House of Golf shop is well-stocked. It really is a facility where golfers can find something to improve their game. For more information, telephone (03) 9394 9444.

Sydney Golf Academy – Moore Park Golf THE Sydney Golf Academy at Moore Park Golf is Sydney’s ultimate venue for learning and developing golf skills. The academy is located within a dedicated coaching zone on the bottom level of the Moore Park Golf driving range and offers industry leading golf programs, aimed for rapid game improvement. The facilities available to customers of the SGA include: • 3 level driving range (60 hitting bays); • large chipping green with bunkers; • 18-hole premium public access golf course; • oversize putting green; • cafe and bistro including function and events support. The coaching staff are some of the industry’s most sought-after and highly trained Australian PGA professionals. They are available seven-daysa-week, 364 days a year. Their mission: to reignite golf participation levels in Sydney by promoting the game in a fun, relaxed and enjoyable learning environment. For information call: (02) 9663 1064 ext 2 or email sog@mpgolf.com.au

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 two days • 3 Dinners • Professional Tuition Dates: 21st, 22nd, 23rd November 2012 (SOLD OUT), 17th - 20th February and 15th - 18th May 2013

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golf schools feature Hills College Golf Academy WE’VE all heard the story of how Jason Day got his start in golf. He found a golf club at a rubbish tip and quickly became hooked on the game. His parents saw his potential, sent him to Hills College where expert coaches sharpened his skills and the rest is history. Well, you can follow in Day’s footsteps by attending the Hills College Golf Academy where award-winning teaching professionals Tom and Ken Berndt are waiting to put you through your paces. If you have aspirations of one day playing college golf in the US or studying at the PGA International Golf Institute or want to be a professional then take a serious look at Hills College. “What’s unique about the school is it’s the only one in the world that has a campus, golf course and driving range with boarding around the campus,” Tom said. “We have had a lot of success with players that have come to academy and moved on to US college golf. “We have got more than 30 students that have come to us that have gone to US colleges with full scholarships and another 25 that have turned professional. “The high school aligns its academic structure towards satisfying the NCAA in the US.” Students who attend Hills College have access to the best coaches and facilities. “We have high quality coaches who are complemented with world-class sports science people,” Tom said. “Our physios and fitness trainers, sport psychologists, dieticians all complement the golf program as you would expect from any high quality golf academy.” The academy has all the high-tech diagnostic

tools including FlightScope, Putt lab, 3D analysis and more. The range is 380m in length and 130m wide. Then there is the impressive short game area, which includes two putting greens, one for putting and another for putting, chipping, bunker play and lob shots. Inside the academy, they have covered hitting bays and a fully-equipped gym with a locker room. The Hills College also runs week-long camps for children in the school holidays. “They get a chance to access some of those diagnostic tools that they don’t get at their own clubs,” Tom said. “It gives them the chance to access that and take back decent information to their own coaches.” For more information, call Tom Berndt on (07) 5547-9655 or 0401-694-051 or e-mail tom.berndt@hills.qld.edu.au

A clinic at Riverside Oaks Golf Academy

Riverside Oaks Golf Academy

Tom Berndt of Hills College Golf Academy

WHEN it comes to expert golf tuition, the Riverside Oaks Golf Academy has left nothing to chance. Director of golf David Scott and his team of Australian PGA professionals have all the expertise and tools to ensure you improve your game. “Whether you are a beginner learning the game or an advanced player looking for some fine tuning, our aim is to improve your golf as well as your understanding and enjoyment of it,” Scott said. Riverside Oaks Golf Academy offers a full range of coaching with specialist instruction in all areas of the game.

From one-on-one tuition, video/computer analysis of your golf swing, short game instruction and on-course playing lessons, to group coaching and clinics, they cover it all. The Riverside Oaks Golf Academy also runs popular junior camps during the school holidays as well as corporate instructional and demonstrational clinics. “Riverside Oaks Golf Resort provides the perfect setting to improve and practice your golf game in a quiet and spectacular surrounding,” Scott said. “With an undercover, floodlit driving range extending to over 250 metres, two full-size putting greens and short game area, you will be able to work on all aspects of your game.” For further information, telephone (02) 45603200, email info@riversideoaks.com.au or go to the website www.riversideoaks.com.au

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TRUE STRETCH provides a dedicated, self-contained stretching area that gives users a safe platform for comprehensive stretching to increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. No need to do anymore floor-based stretching. This stateof-the-art flexibility equipment effectively stretches the body in all three planes of motion - front to back, side to side and rotational. This full colour photo-illustrated display is organised by muscle groups, and features 30 different stretching exercises. The TRUE STRETCH keeps you in the natural upright positions with four points of contact for proper body alignment, stability and safety and provides an effective stretching regimen for all ages and body types.

Current US PGA players such as Davis Love III to the novice golfer use this equipment either at home or at the golf course. Do you want to gain 20, 40, 60 metres from the Tee?!! The XFACTOR Swing Machine is the ultimate dual-direction golf specific device that encourages a more flexible and relaxed backswing. This product offers adjustable resistance to strengthen all the swing related muscles for increased power which leads to increased distances off the tee! A mechanically guided path encourages and reinforces the correct swing plane = more consistent ball flight. The XFACTOR Swing Machine is perfect for teens through seniors, men and women.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

golf schools feature Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club It worked for champion golfers Brad Kennedy, Ryan Haller and Terry Price so perhaps a session with Sanctuary Cove’s golf professionals could help your game. AAA-rated teaching professionals Steve Darmody, Kevin Healey and Michael Jones are a team of expert coaches at Sanctuary Cove and that means members, visitors and golfers are spoilt for choice. Darmody, who has conducted golf schools at Sanctuary Cove for the past 16 years, works closely with Price. Well known for his work in Australia and Asia, Healey’s current professional clients include OneAsia Tour players, Ryan Haller, Steve Jones and Matthew Guyatt. He also is coach to Asian Tour players Gavin Flint and Paul Donahoo and Australian Tour players Matt Ballard and Rika Batibasaga. He has also had great success with many levels and ages of golfers over the past 12 years. Sanctuary Cove teaching professional Michael Jones also is a highly trained and talented teaching professional, whose methods have achieved remarkable results with many of his students including touring pros Brad Kennedy and Matt Miller. The trio offer a range of services including an intense six-hour golf package that involves two hours of short game practice, two hours long game practice and two hours of course strategy. “The package offers a stimulating mix of driving range, short game and on-course coaching which produces a great result for the student,” Darmody said. Darmody, voted in the top-50 golf coaches in Australia for four successive years, also specialises in three and five-day golf schools and is available on request.

Luxury Travel Magazine editor Cam Lavac was delighted with his series of lessons. “You have produced improvements in my game so dramatic that I would not have previously believed were possible,” Lavac told Darmody. A USA accredited master fitting professional, Darmody has delivered coaching and club-fitting seminars to fellow professionals in Australia, Asia, New Zealand, China and the USA. His work with Terry Price has resulted in success on the European Seniors Tour. Since the pair joined forces, Price has added 40 metres to his driver and recently captured the Pon Senior Open in Germany. Over the years, Healey’s philosophy to teaching golf has become redefined through spending time and working with some of the best instructors and service providers in the business including Gary Edwin (swing technique), Stan Utley (short game), Ramsay McMaster (physiotherapy) and Dr Karl Morris (mental). Healey says in order to get the best potential out of a player, you need to assess a starting point in four key areas – technical, tactical, physical and mental. “Any level of golfer can improve, providing they have a good understanding of each area and how it can influence their game,” he said. Jones, who is fluent in Japanese, has been teaching at Sanctuary Cove since 2001. The former NSW Trainee Professional of the Year is an AAA-ranked professional with a level VI accreditation in golf coaching with the Australian Coaching Council. He is a certified PING clubfitter with a diploma in sports science, specialising in golf fitness. Jones, who coaches students of all levels, says no one student has the same swing. “My teaching philosophy is to treat all students as individuals,” he said. “I encourage diversity and the ‘think outside the box’ methodology when preparing for a practice session or round.”

Sanctuary Cove’s Steve Darmody works with professional Terry Price Jones also is a great believer in health and fitness. “Most golfers’ physical preparation can be done on the range or locker room,” he says. “I suggest to most of my clients they get the physical aspects right and the swing mechanics will follow.” Darmody, Healey and Jones offer state-of-theart golf instruction with the latest computer and video technology, combined with proven coaching techniques to achieve best results. The programs are personally tailored to the individual depending on level and ability. Current programs offered include:

• Individual coaching; • Cadet program; • Three and five-day packages; • Clinics – men and women; • Playing lessons; • Half and full day workshops; and • Professional club-fitting service. For more information, contact: Steve Darmody – 0419 731152 or email steve@ stevedarmodygolf.com.au Michael Jones – 0413 482968 or email michael@ egfa.com.au Kevin Healey – 0433 167142 or email purebalancegolf@gmail.com

improve your game at the Riverside Oaks Golf Academy

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Expert tuition from highly accredited Australian PGA Golf Professionals. Individual lessons, group clinics, junior camps & corporate clinics available Brand new 20 bay undercover and floodlit driving range. Two putting greens and short game area. To book a lesson or find out more information Contact the Pro Shop on (02) 4560 3220 or email dscott@riversideoaks.com.au 58

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

golf schools feature

Thornleigh Golf Centre

Thornleigh Golf Centre AT Thornleigh Golf Centre, the staff ’s proven philosophy of instruction is based on improving the student from tee-to-green without reinventing their swing. AAA-rated PGA professional Steve Aisbett said the golf centre was the perfect venue for golfers to iron out their swing under the guidance of high-trained teaching professionals. “Our coaches have learnt from many years of teaching all standards of pupils and working within their capabilities,” he said. “We believe controlling the clubface and the flight of the ball is the foundation of a great player. “When a student has had a lesson with us they have a true understanding of their swing and faults and a far better idea of how to correct a bad shot. “If you constantly have to go back to your coach, then they are not getting the message through.

Moss Vale Dormie House (Inset: Moss Vale’s Robert Kennedy) “We do not teach a method or a one-sizefits-all idea, just installing great basics that last a long time. “If you have a connected swing, there is no strain on muscles or joints.” The Thornleigh Golf Centre certainly has all the bells and whistles. The centre has 56 driving hitting bays, of which 20 are automated. “There has never been a practice facility in this area before so we are tr ying to make it a family-friendly environment,” Aisbett said. “We have a f ully-sto cked golf shop and a café on site so we cater for everyone’s needs. “We have seven AAA-rated professionals here so if there’s anything anyone needs a professional is here to assist. “We have the best facility, great mats to hit off, great golf balls and great staff.” For more infor mat ion, cont ac t t he Thornleigh Golf Centre on (02) 9875-5445.

Moss Vale GC Golf School HE’S only been the club professional at Moss Vale Golf Club for two years, but in that time Robert Kennedy has developed quite a reputation for his teaching skills. Since arriving at the club, Kennedy, an AAA-rated Australian PGA professional, has enjoyed great success with golfers from club level to professionals. The club’s members can’t get enough of his instruction and have booked out his golf schools until February 2013. Fortunately, Kennedy runs separate golf schools for visitors and is now taking bookings to the popular two-day camps with accommodation on-site at Dormie House. “My focus at the golf school is to work with each of the students on the fundamentals of their game and cover all aspects including on-course practice each day,” he said. “I feel the best results are achieved when this information is communicated in a simple and easyto-understand way. “We want each person to leave with the tools that

will help them become more consistent on the golf course and a greater enjoyment of the game.” The golf school sessions are from 9am to 4pm each day with breaks for morning tea and lunch. “I can guarantee students will leave with a better understanding of what they have to work on,” Kennedy said. I keep it simple, work on the fundamentals and really try to get people to understand what they need to do to improve.” Moss Vale golf course is regarded as one of the prettiest and challenging courses in country NSW and while you are only 90 minutes’ drive from the Sydney CBD, you will feel like you’re a world away in the relaxed and peaceful Southern Highlands. The environment is the perfect location to work on all aspects of your golf game at the club’s twoday golf school. For more information regarding the golf school or if you would like to make a booking please contact Robert on (02) 4868-1503 or email proshop@ mossvalegolfclub.com.au or visit the website www.mossvalegolfclub.com.au

A better game is just around the corner...

Tailor-made golf tuition for the beginner through to the experienced player.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, you can always get better. Sanctuary Lakes Club, only 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, boasts a highly ranked Greg Norman designed links course plus one of the best practice complexes. This is a facility where golfers, at all levels, will find something to improve their game.

Book your lesson today

• Full-length, distance marked, grassed and undercover range

Get more out of your game at the Sydney Golf Academy at Moore Park Golf – Sydney’s ultimate venue for learning and developing your golf game. Located within a dedicated coaching zone on the bottom level of the Moore Park Golf driving range, the academy offers industry leading golf programs aimed at rapid game improvement.

• 10 minutes from the Sydney CBD • All weather, three level driving range • Full range of premium equipment hire • Some of Australia’s best professional golf coaches available for lessons at the Sydney Golf Academy • Available 7 days a week, 364 days a year Please call: 02 9663 1064 ext. 2 or email sga@mpgolf.com.au

Book your lesson today

• Short game practice areas including putting and chipping greens, and greenside bunker • Tuition and club fitting with resident Director of Golf, David Diaz – current PGA Touring Professional • Well-equipped on course House of Golf shop • Academy room equipped with video swing analysis and launch monitor Contact Sanctuary Lakes Golf Shop 03 9394 9444 golf@sanctuarylakes.com.au

Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club Greg Norman Drive Sanctuary Lakes Victoria 3030 Telephone: 03 9395 2888 Fax: 03 9395 2988 Email: club@sanctuarylakes.com.au www.sanctuarylakesclub.com.au

Corner Cleveland Street and Anzac Parade Moore Park NSW 2021

www.mooreparkgolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

golf schools feature “We love having the mix of the two facilities,” he said. “The clubs and the members are just fantastic. The natural scenery around the two locations is really beautiful – there are definitely worse places to work.” Three words appear prominently throughout the GFG business – Education, Training and Performance. “Education, Training, Performance is the improvement philosophy that we have at GFG,” Field explained. “Each and every player, regardless of skill or ability must firstly learn, then go and train and develop those skills to effectively perform them on the golf course. “Or, as we simply say – Learn it, Develop it, Do it.” GFG wishes to give all golfers every opportunity to achieve their goals and offers a wide range of Education, Training and Performance solutions to help them succeed. For more information, call Grant Field Golf on 1300 GF GOLF (434 653) or visit the website www.grantfieldgolf.com.au

Gold Coast Academy of Sport

Your lesson is ready at Grant Field Golf

Grant Field Golf – Pacific Harbour & Twin Waters THE team at Grant Field Golf are leading the way with a new era of golf improvement. Everything at GFG is done for one purpose only – that is to enrich students’ lives through the game of golf. Grant Field, an AAA-rated PGA professional with a reputation as one of Queensland’s leading golf instructors and short game experts, heads up the GFG team. “We love to see how golf has such a powerful positive effect on our students and witnessing firsthand how improving their golf games has also improved their

lives,” he said. “It makes what we do so enjoyable. We love seeing people achieve their goals and better their lives. “We have an awesome team at GFG who all share the passion to help our students to be the best they can be. From one lesson to a lifetime, we aim to deliver the very best improvement solutions available today. “We cater for people from the beginner to the elite professional and everyone in between.” GFG operates from two locations, a High Performance Facility located at Twin Waters Golf Academy on the Sunshine Coast and more recently at the Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club at Bribie Island.

THE Gold Coast Academy of Sport (GCAS) golf program was the founding sports program within the first independent regional academy of sport in Queensland. The academy now supports nine different programs and is an academy partner of the Central Coast Academy of Sport in NSW. The Gold Coast Academy of Sport is aimed at providing up skilling for elite and pre-elite athletes of the region. Like the academy itself, the GCAS Golf program has been up-and-running now for three years and in this time has offered some 75 athletes (boys and girls starting with a handicap of 20 or less and aged 13-18 years) high quality, ‘value-added’ Golf-specific

training in addition to the regular training offered at local Golf clubs. The program is hosted under official venue sponsorship at the RACV Royal Pines Resort Golf Course and Academy sessions are a combination of driving range practice and on-course management. The program has the in-principle support of Golf Queensland and the Gold Coast Men’s and Women’s Golf Associations. The program sponsor has been E-Z-GO Golf Cars with the official supplier Sporte Leisure clothing. The head coach is three-time Queensland PGA Coach of the Year and twice Australian PGA Coach of the Year Mark Gibson, who is also chairman of the Australian PGA. This year, Mark was supported by PGA coach Derrin Morgan for the training sessions. Skills testing and video/computer analysis supported the athletes existing training schedules at their home clubs. Core education sessions on topics such as sports psychology, injury management, finding a golf mentor and future career pathways in golf complemented the 20 practical sessions offered. This curriculum is modelled on the highly successful Central Coast Academy of Sport Golf program. The squad was divided into first year introductory, second year advanced and third year alumni groups to cater better for ability and handicap differences. Advice was given for improvement in between the weekly sessions and this was posted in the athletes Sports Locker, a unique on-line method of communication. Each year a select group of GCAS Golfers play in the Academy Games Golf tournament, to be held next April again in Wollongong and hosted by the Illawarra Academy of Sport. The GCAS Golf squad has been developing traditions of professionalism both on and off the course when attending the Games. The GCAS has had the leading female golfer at the past three events and has twice been the runner-up in the teams’ event.

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‘From one lesson to a lifetime, GFG aims to deliver the very best golf improvement solutions available today” - Grant Field

Enrol in Pro Tour Golf College today if you’re a serious amateur golfer aged 18 or older who wants to learn how to produce lower golf scores so you can become more competitive in golf tournaments. Visit our website at

www.protourgolfcollege.com for our special FREE Report “7 Golf Practice Secrets Every Serious Golfer Needs to Know to Succeed on a Pro Golf Tour”

www.grantfieldgolf.com.au PH: 1300 GF GOLF (434 653)

GRANT FIELD GOLF @ TWIN WATERS GOLF ACADEMY 151 Ocean Drive TWIN WATERS Q 4564 62

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

GRANT FIELD GOLF @ PACIFIC HARBOUR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Avon Avenue BANKSIA BEACH Q 4507

protourgolfcollege@gmail.com David Milne 0417 980 806

golf schools feature Notable athletes in the squad include Dee Dee Russell and Jacob Tonkin while this year Rebecca Kay in just her first year in the program was selected in the Australian schoolgirls golf merit team. Tiana Beakey played in the RACV Ladies Masters Pro-Am tournament and Rebecca Tickner is currently the female athlete ambassador for the overall academy. For further information about the GCAS Golf program, visit www.goldsport.com.au or contact the GCAS office.

The Springfield Anglican College IAN Triggs has carved out quite a career for himself being coach to John Senden, Karrie Webb and others. Now he is helping the next generation of young golfers as head coach at The Springfield Anglican College (TSAC). The College’s golf programme is run in partnership with the Greg Normandesigned Brookwater Golf and Country Club in Brisbane’s west. The College’s curriculum not only is based on the fundamentals of education, but ensures its students are exposed to the latest in technology and equipment. The extracurricular sporting programme plays an integral role in the College’s holistic approach to learning and is an integral part of a student’s life at TSAC. Students have opportunities to develop their sporting potential through the elite sporting facilities and training. Ian Triggs, along with director of athletic development Michael Dalgleish, have developed the programme to focus on the development of the golf swing, short game, putting and tactical skills. With emphasis on a combination of technical, tactical, mental and physical aspects of player development, and allows students a flexible curriculum timetable. As part of the programme, students will receive an annual junior membership at Brookwater Golf and

Springfield Anglican College Country Club and selected athletes may be eligible for the college scholarship programme. Golf students who elect to participate in the Centre of Excellence will need to dedicate 10–12 hours (including four sessions of golf and two sessions of athletic development) in the senior/elite programme

and 5–6 hours (including two sessions of golf and one session of athletic development) in the junior/ development programme. The programme caters for three ability levels: beginner, junior/development and senior/elite. The handicap limit for the junior/development

level for boys is 24 or less and for girls 35 or less. Those entering the senior/elite level must have a handicap of 10 or less. For more information, contact TSAC’s head of sport and PE or the head of college on (07) 38148100 or email info@tsac.qld.edu.au

Hills international PALM MEADOWS DRIVING RANGE GOLD COAST Ideally located in the Palm Meadows golf precinct with The Radisson and Palm Meadows golf course

Results based tuition on the Range One hOur tuitiOn tO One week executive Packages Our Programs include: • Physical and equipment screening • Error detection • Swing and short game fundamentals • Industry leading technology • On course tuition • Located directly on the driving range to see ball flight outside for swing analysis and club testing

Full retail, fitting, repair and Demo testing facility All major Brands available for Demo and fitting Monday to Saturday Stockist of ‘House Of Forged’ shafts and the Somax Hip Trainer

Ph: (07) 5594 5494

www.thegolfschool.com.au • admin@thegolfschool.com.au

Golf academy Jimboomba, QLD (50 minutes from Brisbane CBD)

Using cutting edge technologies such as • PuttLab • Flightscope • 3 D Analysis • V1 Video Pro All Players – Individuals, juniors, ladies and school groups Specialise in preparing players to become tournament professionals

0401 694 051 Email - tom.berndt@hills.qld.edu.au www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

golf schools feature The Golf School – Palm Meadows THE Golf School, located at Palm Meadows driving range on the Gold Coast, is the longest operating golf school on the Gold Coast. Run by husband and wife team, AAA PGA professionals Peter and Lee Harrington, the golf school offers various packages for improvement from one hour through to an executive stay, learn-and-play package over a week. Established in 1986, The Golf School has five highly experienced teaching professionals on staff including owners Lee and Peter Harrington, Grant Garrison, Rick Mangan and Scott Priest. “We offer anything from a one-hour lesson, two-hour short game classes, half day playing lessons and we do one-day schools, three days schools and five-day executive packages,” Lee Harrington said. The results-based programs they offer take into consideration physical and equipment screening, error detection, swing and short game fundamentals, industr y-leading technology and can include on-course tuition. Based in the Radisson Palm Meadows golf precinct and surrounded by the Gold Coast’s best resort courses, the golf school maximises your exposure to all the leading golf facilities on the Gold Coast while improving your game. The golf school is also a fully functional retail, fitting, repair and demo testing facility with all major brands in stock for you to trial seven days or while you visit. The Golf School is also a proud stockist of House of Forged and Somax Hip Trainer. For further information call (07) 5594-5494 or email admin@thegolfschoool.com.au or visit the website www.thegolfschool.com.au

Peter and Lee Harrington from The Golf School

The Fitness Generation

The X Factor Swing Machine offered by The Fitness Generation

WITH golf fitness becoming a priority for all ages, two new golf training products offer the solution to increase your flexibility and strength which will lead to an improvement in your game. The Fitness Generation unveiled two new golf teaching aids at the PGA Golf Show held at the Royal Pines Resort in Queensland recently. It was the first time strength resistance products were promoted and featured at the show. The TRUE STRETCH and The X Factor Swing Machine were on display and proved a great success with the 250 PGA professionals. Currently, Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Newcastle Golf Academy, Yarrambat Golf Club, Collie Golf Club and Kurri Golf Club are using these golf teaching aids and the feedback from coaches and players alike has been very positive with players already showing improvements in their game. The TRUE STRETCH was used as an extensive warm-up tool by all players in this year’s 2012 US Ryder Cup team and is featured at world-renowned golf courses such as Augusta National, PGA National and Pebble Beach. It has been scientifically designed to fully address

the necessary stretches for golfers of every shape and size. This device provides a dedicated, self-contained stretching area that gives users a safe platform for comprehensive stretching to increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. There is no need to do any more floor-based stretching. The XFACTOR Swing Machine is the ultimate one-stop golf station that will help you gain 20-60 metres from the tee, builds muscle memory, strength and helps to correct your swing. Contrary to popular belief, golf is a contact sport. You make contact with your club and your club makes contact with the ball. And since it is a contact sport you will perform better if your “swing core” is well tuned, and using this product will tone, strengthen and rehabilitate the muscles and joints used in an athletic swing motion. It will increase your flexibility, stamina and swing strength. The XFACTOR Swing Machine is the ultimate dual-direction golf specific device that encourages a more flexible and relaxed backswing and it offers adjustable resistance to strengthen all the swing related muscles for increased power, which leads to increased distances off the tee. A mechanically guided path encourages and reinforces the correct swing plane, equalling a more consistent ball flight. Current US PGA players such as Davis Love III to the novice golfer use this equipment either at home or at the golf course. “This XFACTOR Swing Machine really provides a great stretch to keep me flexible for a wide turn and it challenges all the muscles I use in my swing,” Love III said. “It is a huge part of my routine and it had definitely helped my game.” The XFACTOR Swing Machine is perfect for teens through seniors, men and women. For further information, telephone The Fitness Generation on 1800-651-391 or visit www.thefitnessgeneration.com.au

Thornleigh Golf Centre has 56 bays undercover with the most experienced team of AAA Rated teaching professionals in the country

We are teaching from 8am to 8pm 7 days a week, and undercover bays ensure your lesson is always on. Where else are can you get a lesson on a Saturday or Sunday in Sydney? Junior clinics are run 6 days a week, schools welcome. • Ladies clinics • Beginners clinics • Mixed beginners •Seniors clinics are available, check our website for details

www.thornleighgolfcentre.com.au Brickpit Park, 142-178 Pennant Hills Road (entry from Dartford Road) Thornleigh All enquiries: (02) 9875 5445 62

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Ian Triggs heads a new Centre of Excellence for Golf in Brisbane’s South-West Launching in 2013, the programme is run in partnership between The Springfield Anglican College and the Greg Norman designed Brookwater Golf and Country Club, with Ian Triggs as the Programme’s Head Coach and Michael Dalgleish as Director Athletic Development. The College is co-educational from Kindergarten to Year Twelve and offers students a stimulating and innovative leaning environment aimed at developing all students’ individual potential.

For more information on our Centre of Excellence for Golf or to find out how you can join us in building upon your child’s potential, please call 07 3814 8100 and speak with the Head of College. Kindergarten to Year 6: Springfield College Drive, Springfield Q 4300 T +617 3818 5777 F +617 3816 6688 Years 7 to 12:

Springfield Greenbank Arteial Springfield Q 4300 T +617 3814 8100 F +617 3814 8199 W www.tsac.qld.edu.au

golf schools feature

Pro Tour golf college’s Lawrie Montague works with a student

Pro Tour Golf College IF you are a professional or an elite amateur golfer with ambitions of playing on one of the world’s golf tours then you should seriously look at attending Pro Tour Golf College (PTGC). The brainchild of top teaching professionals Lawrie Montague and David Milne, PTGC can help aspiring tour players develop lower golf scores. The college is where players learn how to practice in a manner that will help them consistently break 70 in major golf tournaments. Pro Tour Golf College is open to male and female golfers. “In every golfer’s game there are three or possibly four golf skills that would guarantee improved golf scores by developing and improving them,” David Milne said. “The 80-20 principle helps us to understand that approximately 20 per cent of your golf skills accounts for 80 percent of the results you produce in every round. “So, it’s important that you identify these critical to performance skills if you want to move to lower golf scores faster.

“You can fast track your high payoff golf skills at PTGC so you can develop your golf performance potential to earn big dollars playing golf on tour.” OneAsia Tour player Brent McCullough is a fan of the college. “What Lawrie and David are doing with Pro Tour Golf College is fantastic,” he said. “Their collective experience has been distilled into a program that provides those students precisely the skills required to perform at the highest level. “It makes so much sense, and yet, is unlike any program I have seen. I just wish I could have had access to an environment like that earlier. “I will be putting their systems into my practice henceforth and I know it will improve my golf dramatically. I’m really excited about the possibilities.” Based at Joondalup Resort in Perth, PTGC has attracted plenty of ambitious golfers over the past 18 months. “We have opened a second PTGC campus in Thailand and we’re opening our third campus in Jakarta in January,” Milne said. PTGC’s next 10-week semester is from January 14-March 22.

PGA IGI class in session with Dr Kerrie Evans - Griffith University lecturer, and Golf Specific Physiotherapist For more information, telephone (08) 9301-2599, email protourgolfcollege@gmail.com or visit the website www.protourgolfcollege.com

PGA International Golf Institute Ever wondered if golf could be your vehicle to travel the world? Graduates from the PGA International Golf Institute (PGA IGI)--now based at the worldclass Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club on the Gold Coast--do exactly that in a variety of fields. Offering education in areas of golf operations and club management, the PGA IGI curriculum of business courses combined with golf skills prepares students for a career in the golf industry. Golf can now become your avenue into university. Via the IGI you can keep developing your game and earn the kind of golf specific qualifications that employers are looking for. Owned by the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Australia, the PGA IGI has an articulation agreement with Griffith University which provides students with options to choose different career pathways. Now with VET Fee Help (like HECS) and international

scholarships via Griffith University, potential students have every opportunity to follow their dreams. With a strong emphasis on vocational and practical learning, our graduates have employability skills to join the work force and progress within the industry. Combine these workplace skills with Griffith’s Business degree (ranked in the top 4% of business schools in the world with AACSB ranking) and you’ll have the head start you need to build your career in golf and sport. The IGI’s program fees are all inclusive – including club membership on the Palms Course at Sanctuary Cove, multiple driving range access, competition fees, uniforms, reading texts and resources. Practical golf skills include four hrs a week of coaching with weekly competitions versus the other students to test your game and reach the next level. All coaches are recognized PGA golf professionals of the highest calibre. Combine that PGA pedigree with years of coaching experience and you’ll be able to access a global network of contacts to help you get your foot in the door to your dream job. For more information, visit www.pgaigi.com or contact the Marketing & Student Recruitment Manager at jmadden@pga.org.au or 07 5657 6109. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

travel

The Sands Torquay 14th Hole

Featuring stunning beaches, historic towns, awe-inspiring scenery and, of course, spectacular golf, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast combine into one of Australia’s most enjoyable ‘must-visit’ destinations for travellers and golf lovers alike. VICTORIA’s southern coast is one of Inside Golf ’s favourite destinations. Whether we’re there for an annual “Boys Weekend”, or just popping over for a leisurely golf retreat, the region encompassing The Great Ocean Road, Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast always brings a smile to our faces. Great golf, jaw-dropping

views and a vibe of pure enjoyment all combine to make every trip a magical one. This month, we explore this rugged and beautiful region from a golfer’s and traveller’s perspective. From Queenscliff to Portland and everywhere in between, here are the most popular and unique courses the region has to offer.

The Sands Torquay THE Stuart Appleby-designed The Sands Torquay is a challenging and picturesque seaside course that offers a true test of golf. While overtly challenging when first opened, a recent course mini-makeover has resulted in a very playable and challenging course that is a real joy to play. With many of the extraneous bunkers removed, smart players are now rewarded, the risk-reward players can “go for it”, and the high-handicappers have half a chance at a decent round. The views throughout the course are magnificent, the greens are firm and true, and

the course itself is in great condition. There are a lot of blind greens, and trouble can be found everywhere, but thankfully there are plenty of chances to redeem yourself if you find you’re in trouble off the tee. The Sands is a nicely manicured and quite challenging golf course which doesn’t necessarily require booming drives. Being able to hit the ball long on this course comes with quite a few risks. The bunkering and hazards that line most of the fairways don’t lend themselves to wayward tee shots. So if you are not a high percentage fairway hitter, then choose a safer club for your tee shots. Playing with an iron or hybrid off the tee helps you to

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

travel steer clear of the nicely positioned bunkers, and potentially navigate some of the narrow landing areas. Since you rarely need a long iron into the greens, a more conservative style of play will leave you with a nice easy wedge/8iron approach shot. Overall the greens are quite heavily bunkered and relatively small which makes them challenging to hit, even more so if you are playing from a bunker or the rough. Once on the dance floor, though, they play as true as any green you’ll see. Overall, The Sand is a real pleasure to play, and we recommend you drop by for a round. For more information, phone: 03 5264 3333, or visit www.thesandstorquay.com

Peppers The Sands Resort

Peppers The Sands Resort PERCHED amongst the dunes on the northern headland of Torquay -- at the start of the worldfamous Great Ocean Road-- is where you will find Peppers The Sands Resort . Balancing first-class leisure facilities with 112 beautifully appointed rooms--all with breathtaking views--the resort offers a heated indoor lap pool, health club, tennis courts and gymnasium. The resort lends itself to The Sands Golf Course--one of the region’s premier private courses featuring a links- style layout that winds its way through the dunes. Offering spectacular views of world renowned beaches The Sands is the first Stuart Appleby designed course with 5 tee positions to suit all levels of golfers. The resort’s signature restaurant, Hanners Restaurant and Bar is positioned directly overlooking the pristine course and is one of the region’s most desired dining destinations. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, Peppers The Sands Resort makes for the ideal location for any occasion. For more information, phone: 1300 737 444 or visit www.peppers.com.au/sands

3 Year Lease Memberships Available

The Sands 3rd hole

Portarlington Golf Club TOUTED as “Australia’s Friendliest Club” and voted CCAV “Best Golf Club 2011” and the PGA ‘Best Regional Pro-Am Course of the Year 2012”, Portalington Golf Club features a 5964 metre par72 Cashmore design, situated on the beautiful

Bellarine Peninsula. Carts are on hand for hire with excellent practice facilities available. Green fee players are welcome with great corporate and social golf packages on offer. Their annual events such as the 9-day Carnival of Golf and Pro Am attracts golfers of all abilities from across the state. The Clubhouse offers a warm welcome whilst

combining ample entertainment, including their newly installed TAB facility, and function areas to suit all golfers and visitors. The bistro is open for lunch and dinner every day. For more information, visit their website: www.portarlingtongolf.com.au, or ring the Pro Shop on (03) 5259 3361.

Portarlington Golf Club

Membership from only $41.50 per week... with no joining fee *Conditions apply For all enquiries please call 03 5264 3316 or email us at daniel.hyndman@thesandstorquay.com www.thesandstorquay.com www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

travel Barwon Heads Golf Club

Barwon Heads Golf Club NESTLED amongst the coastal dunes, and metres from the spectacular 13th Beach on Victoria’s renowned Surf Coast, the highly-ranked Barwon Heads links course has been providing an enjoyable challenge for all golfers since the early 1900’s. Now, after significant improvements to the course, facilities and clubhouse, this club is a ‘must-golf ’ destination in 2013. Since its creation over a century ago, the Barwon Heads Golf Club has been considered among the finest in the country. The course planning over this time has resisted change for the sake of change. Rather, it has sought to preserve the brilliant natural contours of the landscape that shape the holes amid the sand dunes. This is one of the most alluring features of the course. New to the course is a top-class short game practice facility. It features various angles of greens, aprons and bunkers, replicating the natural contours found on the course. It’s the perfect place to warm up, practice or take a short game lesson. Bordering the practice facility is the redeveloped Par-3 course and resurfaced tennis courts. The clubhouse has also seen significant improvement. Visitors to Barwon Heads will be familiar with the Barwon Heads Golf Club and its iconic clubhouse. Many, however, will be unaware of the accommodation provided within. In fact, the golf club has provided accommodation since the clubhouse was opened in 1924. Back then it was described as Australia’s first country club on the nation’s first links course and the prestigious, members-only clubhouse opened to a great deal of fanfare. This was despite the fact the original twenty bedrooms shared two bathrooms and only four showers. However, as a result of renovations

and improvements made over the years, the National Trust and Heritage Victoria listed clubhouse now has 19 rooms, all with their own ensuite. After a refurbishment completed in September 2012 all rooms are modern with elegant furnishings. It is not only members who will benefit from the refurbishment. Non-members who are green-fee paying individuals, couples or groups can stay in the newly refurbished rooms on a bed-and-breakfast or full board ‘stay-and-play’ package. The packages are particularly popular with small groups who return to play golf yearafter-year. These golfers comment on the level of accomplished service they receive in the clubhouse and the ambience of the surrounds. The magnificent clubhouse is famed for its old-world charm. With stunning architecture and captivating views, it is a clubhouse

Barwon Heads Golf Club

Best value for money on the Bellarine Peninsula

PORTARLINGTON GOLF CLUB

Curlewis

WINNER OF THE PGA REGIONAL PRO-AM COURSE OF THE YEAR 2012

130 Hood Road, Portarlington, Victoria Clubhouse: (03) 5259 2492 info@portarlingtongolf.com.au

WWW.PORTARLINGTONGOLF.COM.AU 68

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The club extends a warm welcome to golfers to stay in the house and experience all that the wonderful club has to offer, including over 100 years of golfing history. For more information, visit www.bhgc.com.au

designed for all seasons. House guests can enjoy the expansive balconies in summer or warm themselves after a Scottish links-like experience before the luxurious open fires during the cooler months.

Golf Club

Corporate Golf Packages Available

Green Fee Players Welcome

(From 65pp) - 18 Holes Golf - BBQ Lunch - Drinks during round

(Including Sat) - $33 - 18 Holes (Weekend) - $28 – 18 Holes (Weekday)

1345 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis, Vic. Administration/Golf Bookings: (03) 5251 2534 Email: manager@curlewisgolf.com.au

www.curlewisgolf.com.au

travel Barwon Heads Resort

Barwon Heads Resort overlooking 13th Beach Golf Course

Barwon Heads Resort at 13th Beach Ideally located within the tranquil surrounds of 13th Beach Golf Links on the scenic Bellarine Peninsula, Barwon Heads Resort at 13th Beach is a modern accommodation and function venue, ideal for a family seaside holiday, stay and play golf package or as a venue for a stylish wedding or conference. Accommodation comprises of 50 modern, self-contained 1 and 2 bedroom apartments offering all the comforts of home. Spacious bedrooms offer king, queen and/or single beds, crisp white sheets, wall mounted LCD TV and large bathrooms. An open plan, fullyequipped kitchenette and living area opens on

to a large balcony/terrace with outdoor setting overlooking the courses and driving range. Adjoining the accommodation is a modern, purpose-built function centre offering an onsite restaurant with natural light-filled rooms, bar with open fireplace and outdoor terrace. Catering for groups of 10 to 120 people for a seated function or business meeting, to 220 for a cocktail event, Barwon Heads Resort provides a sophisticated venue for all events. A full range of AV equipment is available and superb catering is supplied by passionate chefs using the finest produce of the Bellarine region. Stay and Play Golf packages are available for the 13th Beach Golf Links offering two championship courses consistently ranked in the Top 20 golf courses in Australia. Accommodation is just a short walk to a

modern clubhouse with restaurant, bar and pro shop open daily. The 13th Beach Golf Academy has two AAA rated PGA golf professionals, driving range and a golf fitting service. If golf is not your game, enjoy a hit of tennis, a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or a workout in the gymnasium. 13th Beach is a short walk away, and the seaside villages of Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove are only a few minutes’ drive away, with familyfriendly beaches, cafes, restaurants, shopping, Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary, HMAS Canberra Dive site and The Lotus Day Spa for pampering. For more information, contact Reservations on: (03) 5254 1777, email info@barwonheadsresort.com.au, or visit www.barwonheadsresort.com.au

Barwon Heads Resort

...Play by the bay GOLFING MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE – No joining Fee 7 Day Membership $500 (Nov 2012 – Jun 2013) Weekday Membership $373 (Nov 2012 – Jun 2013) Summer Membership $450.00 (Oct 2012 – Mar 2013) SPECIAL GOLF Unlimited golf after 4pm only $18.00

For bookings and further information telephone the club

18 HOLES OF GOLF only $30.00

Motorised golf carts and hire clubs are available.

FULLY LICENSED CLUBHOUSE Club Keno and TAB Bistro open 7 days a week for Lunch and Dinner with magnificent views and great food.

92-94 Clearwater Drive, Clifton Springs Email: csclubhouse@iprimus.com.au www.cliftonspringsgolfclub.com.au

Membership Enquiries: Bistro Bookings: Green Fee Bookings:

(03) 5251 3391 (03) 5251 2501 (03) 5253 1488

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

travel Lonsdale Golf Club

Lonsdale Golf Club

Lonsdale Golf Club LOCATED at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay (only 90 minutes from Melbourne, and 25 minutes from Geelong), Lonsdale Golf Club is a highly regarded, 18-hole sandbelt golf course that can be played 12 months a year. Measuring 5710m for men (Par 71) and 5172m for women (Par 72), the course continues to receive praise from visitors, golf professionals and their members. The course offers three practice areas which includes a driving range. The clubhouse features a welcoming atmosphere

and excellent bar and dining facilities for before and after golf snacks, lunches and a la carte dining for members and visitors alike. The fully-stocked pro shop has been totally transformed in the past 3 years, and has been designed around custom fitting for drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, putters and golf balls. Club professional Sean Charleston (AAA PGA professional) has been at Lonsdale Golf Club for nearly 3 years, developing teaching programs, custom fitting, retailing and golf days. The teaching programs have focused on juniors, women golfers and

even pennant players. Sean also addresses golf fitness and the short game, and is available on a one-on-one basis to focus on your individual instruction needs. Sean has a strong belief in custom fitting and that every club should be fitted to suit the individual’s needs. The pro shop carries a number of major brands that can fit your budget. Golf Days at the club have been well supported, with the club’s signature event (Lonsdale Classic) in January, selling out within weeks of the entry forms being released. Also in January is their Pro Am.

Visitors are welcome to enter and play golf with a professional, or you can bring the family along to watch some of Australia’s best professional golfers competing. Past professionals to play in the event have included Craig Parry, Ashley Hall, David McKenzie, Terry Price, Mike Clayton and Steve Jones. The club continues to provide a high-class sandbelt golf course, fully stocked pro shop, driving range and a clubhouse that can cater for all of your food and beverage requirements. For more information, visit their website: www.lonsdalegc.com.au

LONSDALE GOLF CLUB

A Highly Regarded 18 Hole Sandbelt Golf Course • Green G Fee F Players Pl Welcome W l • Extensively stocked Pro Shop • Club Professional • On site Practice Driving Range & other practise facilities • Tee times need to be booked 69 Fellows Road, Point Lonsdale Phone (03) 5258 1523 www.lonsdalegc.com.au 70

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Stay and Play Packages from $149 per person (quad share) AAA rated 4½ star accommodation Stylish 1 & 2 bedroom fully self-contained apartments Stay and Play Packages tailored to suit your group Situated on two of Australia’s highest rated golf courses, designed by Sir Nick Faldo & Tony Cashmore Restaurant with bar, lounge & open ﬁreplace Swimming, pool, gymnasium, BBQ terrace, tennis courts 36 Fourteenth Road, Barwon Heads VIC 3227 Phone: (03) 5254 1777 | Fax (03) 5254 1666 Email: info@barwonheadsresort.com.au | Web: www.barwonheadsresort.com.au

travel Anglesea Golf Club THE Anglesea Golf Course, situated on the Great Ocean Road, is an undulating 6074m Par-73 layout set in natural bushland. A feature of the course is the number of elevated greens that require plenty of thought when selecting your club. Adding to the mix are 42 “sandbelt style” bunkers sprinkled throughout the course, eucalypt tree-lined fairways, and the ever-present resident population of around 300 Eastern Grey Kangaroos. These features all combine to produce a stimulating round of golf. Plus, the unseasonably wet winter has resulted in the Anglesea Golf Club emerging in terrific condition, so there has never been a better time to play the course. The Clubhouse bar and bistro are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Memberships are

Port Fairy Golf Club

available for 7-Day, Junior and the 18-25yo categories, and social golfers/green-fee players are welcome every day. Green fees range from $30 (9 holes) to $50 (18 holes). Junior rates are $15/$25. Club, pull buggy & motorised cart hire available. For more information, phone: 03 5263 1582, Golf Bookings: 03 5263 1951, email: info@angleseagolfclub. com.au or visit www.angleseagolfclub.com.au

Port Fairy Golf Club PORT Fairy Golf Club is located 5km east of the historic Port Fairy township and is consistently ranked in the “50 Best Public Access Courses in Australia” and in the “25 Best in Victoria.” This classic links style course winds its way through unspoilt sand dunes and provides spectacular ocean views and frequent

Anglesea Golf Club Photo courtesy of Tourism Victoria/Rob Blackburn sightings of southern right whales during the winter and early spring. Nowhere else in Victoria is golf played so close to the ocean or along dune land of such quality. The front nine is located on land furthest from the sea and most of the holes are oriented west to east apart from the par-3 eighth hole which faces due north. The orientation of the back nine is much the same apart from 15 and 16 which run away to the northeast. Prevailing winds are westerly thus downwind and into the wind shots are common, however when strong crosswinds blow, play becomes extremely challenging. There are numerous highlights on this outstanding course that Mike Clayton once rated as “the best value golf in Australia.” The 5th hole, a 448-metre par-5, is one of the most beautiful holes on the course with a lovely wide and undulating fairway that sweeps uphill and curves from left to right. Strategically-placed bunkers demand accuracy on the second shot before the approach to a fast back to front sloping green. The

8th is a stunning 122-metre downhill par-3 to a large rolling green that requires anything from a wedge to a 3-iron depending on the wind and skill of the golfer. Holes 12 to 16 are agreed by many to be among the best stretch of golf holes in the country. The twelfth is a 470-metre par-5 along the ocean with fabulous views. The right hand side is all OOB, and treacherous swathes of marram grass await the wayward shot to the left. The 409-metre 14th plays straight at the ocean and is nearly impossible to reach in two into the wind, and extremely difficult to hold when played downwind. The course features a mixture of grasses and is immaculately conditioned. At 5887 metres it is not long by today’s standards but with the amount of wind it still tests the game of the most proficient golfers. Picturesque and testing with spot on playing conditions it is a game of golf not to be missed. For more information, phone (03) 5568 2866, email: info@portfairygolf.com.au, or visit www.portfairygolf.com.au.

This natural links style course with spectacular ocean views, winds its way through undulating sand dunes. The course is less than five minutes from the centre of charming, historic Port Fairy, along the Princes Highway in the Shipwreck Coast and Great Ocean Road Tourism regions. Fully Licensed Club House

Green Fees: $40 - Nine Holes $25 - Juniors $15 1IPOF t &NBJM JOGP!QPSUGBJSZHPMG DPN BV www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

travel Thirteenth Beach Golf Links

Clifton Springs Golf Club

Thirteenth Beach Golf Links LOCATED on the Bellarine Peninsula – just 15 minutes from Torquay or Geelong-- Thirteenth Beach Golf Links features two spectacular 18-hole golf courses: The Beach Course (designed by Tony Cashmore) and The North Course(formerly known as the Creek Course,designed by Sir Nick Faldo and Tony Cashmore). The Beach Course, much of which winds through spectacular foreshore sand dunes, is true links style while The North Course is in a park-like setting, not unlike courses on Melbourne’s famous Sandbelt. Both courses are built on sandbased sandstone structure, and the facility’s southern boundary abuts 2.1 km of the famous 13th Beach surf beach. Thirteenth Beach is the home of the 2013 Victorian Open, joining a long list of famous clubs on Melbourne’s Sandbelt to have hosted this event.

The Beach Course is widely acclaimed as one of Australia’s Best 20 courses. The key feature of The Beach Course is its wonderful set of par 3s. Starting at the brutal 180m 3rd hole to the dainty yet sinister 113m 16th, the par threes of The Beach Course offer golfers of all levels a true test of their iron play. The 7th and 12th are spectacular holes, nestled in natural sand dunes. North Course has continued to grow in stature since its opening in 2004. The course is characterised by gently undulating couch fairways, huge, deep bunkers filled with yellow sand, and by firm true greens surrounded by interesting bumps, swales and hollows, all closely mown. There is also plenty of greenside bunkering that helps form the slopes of the putting surfaces in the best traditions of Melbourne’s Sandbelt much admired by Faldo. In addition, there is plenty of water on the course, with hazards on the 7th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 15th and 17th holes.

Both courses are irrigated with recycled water supplied by Barwon Water from its nearby Black Rock treatment plant. This allows them to be green and lush all year round. Former Melbourne AFL champion and SEN footy commentator David Schwarz says: “Membership at Thirteenth Beach is the best golfing investment I’ve ever made. It’s simply awesome. I can’t stop raving about the place!” About 1000 members agree with him! For more information: phone: (03) 5254 2922, email: info@13thbeach.net, or visit www.13thbeach.net

Clifton Springs Golf Club CENTRALLY located a short 20-minute drive from either Geelong or the Queenscliff Sorrento ferry, Clifton Springs Golf Club offers a 5,783, 18-hole, par71 championship layout with legend couch fairways

and stunning bay views. Following one of Victoria’s wettest winters on record, the golf course is currently in fantastic condition. Their new signature 6th hole, which also incorporates two new dams that surround the 5th, 6th and 7th holes, have added a new dimension, and has already been referred to as the ‘Golden Triangle’. The clubhouse with its bars, members’ lounge, bistro and entertainment area, is on the site of the old grand hotel and offers a welcoming atmosphere with magnificent views of Port Philip Bay and the You Yang’s. Meals are served 7 day a week with lunch from 12 noon until 2.00pm and Dinner from 5.30pm until 8.00pm. The course is available for hire by social groups and the individual golfers. If your social group booking is greater than 25 players, your group will receive a dozen golf balls to use as prizes with compliments

“Play the course that shaped Marc Leishman’s game”

ANGLESEA GOLF CLUB Golﬂinks Road, Anglesea Vic 3230 Clubhouse 03 5263 1582 Pro Shop 03 5263 1951 Website www.angleseagolfclub.com.au Email info@angleseagolfclub.com.au

Green fees $50 for 18 holes $30 for 9 holes Social Golf Group bookings available 7 days Women’s competitions Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Junior green fees $25 for 18 holes $15 for 9 holes Men’s competitions Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Annual Tournament held over 8 days every October Hardings Hardware $10,000 Pro Am held on March Labour Day long weekend 72

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

WARRNAMBOOL GOLF CLUB Pro Shop (03) 5562 8528 Admin (03) 5562 2108 golf@wgcinc.com.au

www.wgcinc.com.au

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Curlewis Golf Club

Warrnambool Golf Club of the Golf Club Their new golfing membership season commences 1st July and a pro rata (from November 1st) 7-day membership is only $500.00. For a Weekday Membership, pro rata is $473.00 and their Summer membership (October to March) is $450.00. But we recommend you contact them to get current rates and prices. For more information, contact the pro shop on 03 5253 1488, or visit www.cliftonspringsgolfclub.com.au

Warrnambool Golf Club WARRNAMBOOL is a classically-designed course laid out between and over a massive tertiary dune system. The course offers a unique combination of exposed holes with elevated tees together with those carved into natural ti-tree-lined dunes. Located within 2km of the regional city’s CBD, it

makes for an ideal destination for the dedicated golf tourist, social golfing groups or family holiday makers. The influence of the ever-present wind cannot be understated and really adds to the challenge of a layout that offers variety from one round to the next. It is perhaps this aspect which shaped the game of Warrnambool’s most famous golfing export, Marc Leishman, to the level of success he now enjoys. The course has received a good deal of attention over recent years and the installation of an integrated irrigation system, supplied with recycled water, has allowed the staff to present the course in immaculate condition. The trio of holes from the short par-4, 4th to the slight uphill dogleg 6th, are a highlight as are the 13th and 14th on the inward nine. A well-stocked Pro Shop enables club professional Craig Bonney and his friendly staff to cater for all your equipment and apparel needs.

For more information, phone the Pro shop on (03)5562 8528; Club House (03) 5562 2108, email golf@wgcinc.com.au or visit www.wgcinc.com.au.

Curlewis Golf Club JUST 10 minutes from Geelong, Curlewis Golf Club boasts a 6150 metre Par-72 course with naturally undulating fairways, large contoured greens and a challenge for the serious and social golfer. Curlewis’ risk and reward design has recently been compared with Melbourne’s famous Sandbelt courses. The opening short par-5, and the following two short par-4’s would not be out of place on any of the best courses on the Melbourne Sandbelt and with the recent renovations to the par 3,17th and the finishing par-4,18th holes, the course is looking and playing better than ever. The course’s signature hole is the Par-3, 139m 8th

hole. This beauty features a two-tiered, elevate green than can be tricky if you land the ball in the wrong area. It also has deep bunkers on the front, left and right of the green. If you miss the green, and also miss the bunkers, your ball will run anything up to 15 metres in the surrounding gulley leaving a very tricky chip for an up and down. The licensed clubhouse has a fully-serviced bar and can be hired for corporate and private functions, with the dining room comfortably seating up to 120 guests. The Curlewis Staff are also available to provide information on the range of membership categories, including seven day membership, six-day memberships, Non Playing (Handicap) memberships and Junior/Student memberships. Green fees are $28 on weekdays and $33 on weekends, with further discounts for group golf bookings. For more information, ring 03 5251 2534, or visit www.curlewisgolf.com.au.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

TUNE YOUR TRAJECTORY TO THE Nth DEGREE. It’s a fact — the more optimized your trajectory, the longer your drives. Exactly why the new Anser ® driver lets you ﬁne-tune trajectory with both loft adjustability and one of four high performance shaft options. Unlike bulkier adjustable hosels, the Anser’s sleek, lightweight hosel design doesn’t sacriﬁce performance. And a low-spin, high launch head means even longer, straighter drives. To experience Trajectory Tuning™, visit a PING® Fitting Specialist or ping.com.

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Choose from four high performance shafts.

clubs

Victoria Park – more than just golf WHEN it comes to 19th holes, few, if any, golf facilities rival Victoria Park. If you are someone who took up the game largely for the festivities of the 19th hole, then Victoria Park is for you. Situated just two kilometres from Brisbane city, Victoria Park is a fully-licensed inner-city sanctuary combining state-of-the-art golf, functions, weddings and bar and bistro facilities all in the one stunning setting. While Victoria Park’s 18-hole golf course and 72bay floodlit state-of-the-art driving range attracts lots of golfers and wannabe golfers, the complex is all things to all people. The fully-licensed 18-hole mini golf/putt-putt course is one of Brisbane’s best kept entertainment secrets. It weaves around a rocky terrain and has water traps all while offering magnificent views of Brisbane’s skyline. It’s extremely popular all year round. Golf marketing manager Joel Grant said Victoria Park has evolved over the past 10 years and is much more than just a golf course. “Victoria Park is a destination of enjoyment,” he said. “You can enjoy a game of putt-putt, hit golf balls on the driving range, have a game on the golf course, check out or purchase the latest golf and leisure merchandise, apparel and equipment in the retail store or have a group or private lesson with one of seven PGA, ALPG and US LPGA professional golf instructors.

Victoria Park Golf Course “There is an option for all ages and all levels of players to have a ball here. “People can come here and enjoy themselves and not feel as though they have to be a golfer to make the most of the facilities at Victoria Park. “There is something for everyone at Victoria Park and it’s open from dusk till dawn every day of the year except for Christmas,” he said. “The Bar and Bistro, perched at the top of the complex, is a perfect place to drop in during the week or weekend for a refreshing drink, a coffee or something delicious to eat.”

With eight unique function spaces spread across the complex, Victoria Park is also popular with weddings, seminars, conferences and other celebrations. Gift vouchers are available to purchase in-store and online, which can be used towards any of the thousands of products or services available at Victoria Park. Victoria Park is located on Herston Road at Herston and is open to the public 7 days a week. For more information, telephone (07) 3252-9891 or go to the website www.victoriapark.com.au •

Watt a performance David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

IF you are going to fly across the Australian continent to contest a golf tournament you may as well make the most of it. Top Perth amateur Brady Watt certainly did when he easily won the Keperra Bowl at Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane last month. He not only tore up the golf course, but he made short work of his challengers and a mockery of his +4 handicap as he strolled to a five-shot victory. The 22-year-old, who has represented the WA state team for the past four years, carded rounds of 69-69-64-66 for a 268 total – 20-under par. Indooroopilly Golf Club’s Viraat Badhwar finished runner-up after rounds of 68-69-67-69– 273 – one shot clear of NSW’s Brett Drewitt with Cameron Smith next on 277.

It was Watt’s second national trial tournament victory after last year’s Lake Macquarie triumph. At Keperra, the ball rolled off Watt’s putter blade beautifully. All week, he rolled in plenty of birdies and the odd eagle. I’m sure he would love to roll up one of Brisbane best golf courses and take it back to Perth. That’s how much he appreciated it. “I really enjoyed playing the Keperra golf course because the ball goes a lot further off the tee and if you hit good shots you are rewarded,” said Watt, who possesses a good all-round game. “I felt comfortable out there and I am comfortable with my game at the moment. It’s always good to win against a quality field. “I am getting better all the time in all areas of my game.” A former top javelin and discus athlete, Watt said he was able to pick the right lines off the tee all week.

TOP GUN: Brady Watt watches his final approach shot on the 72nd hole at Keperra. He now has his sights set on breaking into the top-5 in Australia’s amateur ranks. “I just want to keep playing well and getting my name out there by winning a few more big events,” he said. For all the results, visit the Golf Queensland website: www.golfqueensland.aug.au •

R&A ratifies Hills junior event

AN exciting, new innovation in the development of Australian junior golfers goes into full swing in 2013. The world-renowned Hills International Golf Academy will launch The Hills Asia Pacific Junior Golf Series next year. Following a successful pilot program that included 36-hole tournaments in Korea, China and Taiwan earlier this year, the first Hills Australian Junior Championship is at the beautiful Brookwater Golf Course in January 2013. The championship, ratified as a worldranking event by the R&A, will be open to boys and girls with the winners qualifying for an all-expenses paid tour of the events in Korea, China and Taiwan in June and July 2013. The winner of the boys’ event in Taiwan will receive a bonus invitation to play in the Mizuno Open, a Japan PGA Tour event that is also a qualifying event for The Open Championship. “I believe it is very important to build on the successes of Jason Day, women’s world number one Yani Tseng and recent Ryder Cup hero Nicolas Colsaerts,” said Hills CEO Joe Marinov. “All three have honed their skills at Hills in recent years by providing international tournament experience. “I am actively seeking corporate sponsors to help us provide great opportunities for the next generation of world class golfers”. Hills director of golf Tom Berndt said golf at the elite level had progressively become more globalised. “It is imperative that young players experience a diverse range of competition and become accustomed to a tournament schedule and international travel,” he said. “In my view our next Greg Norman or Karrie Webb will emerge in the next few years and our goal is to help expedite this by providing these outstanding opportunities for our up-and-coming golf superstars. “This junior tour series will give young players a unique insight into the life of a tour professional, create an opportunity to enhance their development as players and interact with a range of their contemporaries from other countries and cultures.” The Hills Asia Pacific Junior Golf Series is destined to become a vital stepping-stone and catalyst for the next generation of golfers. •

Macquarie Inn Situated on the Northern tip of Lake Macquarie and only 25mins from Newcastle CBD

PLAY & STAY PACKAGES FROM $125 pp twin share* Package includes: • 18 Holes of Golf • Overnight Accommodation at the 4 star Macquarie Inn • A full hot breakfast • A Dinner voucher and Drink Ticket for Club Macquarie

Other: • FREE Internet access • Transfers can be organised on request • Ample FREE off-street parking • Small or Large group bookings welcome

Packages available with Newcastle Golf Club, Merewether Golf Club, Shortland Waters Golf Club, Toronto Country Club and Waratah Golf Club; Also located within 30mins of 3 other golf courses (*MID WEEK SUN-THU)

For Bookings call (02) 4958 8499 | 458 Lake Rd, Argenton, NSW 2284 | www.clubmacquarie.com.au/accommodation www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

clubs

One of Australia’s largest amateur prizes up for grabs Amateur golfers from across the country and as far away as PNG will gather at Paradise Palms Resort & Country Club in Tropical North Queensland for the third annual TORO North Queensland Cup. This two-day tournament will be contested Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April 2013. Players are vying for the chance to win one of Australia’s largest amateur prizes on offer. The winning team will receive a $10,000 trip for two to next year’s 95th US PGA Championship held at the legendary Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York from 5th to 11th August 2013. The Toro North QLD Cup consists of a 36hole, two person amateur team event playing best ball and foursomes format. In the past this event has only been open to men’s teams but 2013 will see men’s, women’s and mixed teams able to participate. The event has also been adapted so teams can have a maximum of one player with a single figure handicap. Last year’s event involved over 100 players enjoying the rare experience of playing in such a high-profile event. Past winners include 2011 winners Michael Rogge and Brian Campbell and in 2012 Michael Rogge successfully defended his title, this time in partnership with Ritchie McCullagh. “Competing in the Toro NQ Cup for the last two years has been the highlight of my time in golf,” says Rogge. “This is by far one of the best tournaments in Australia, proven by the visitors from other countries and interstate. The concept of best ball and foursomes format over two days is a brutal induction to a team event and really puts the emphasis on combining well with your partner.” The trip to San Francisco and the Olympic Club for the 2012 US Open was one of the best trips of Michael’s life. Not only was the course itself one

of the hardest he’s ever seen, the chance of being able to get so close at a major and watch some of the world’s top professional golfers navigate their way around the super-tough Olympic Club was something he’ll never forget. “These majors are run like a well-oiled machine and you are guaranteed to have a fantastic time and collect more than a few signatures of your favourite players and as much merchandise as you can carry home,” he says. Michael equally enjoyed the trip to Atlanta for the 2011 PGA Championship. “Just to see the 18th green where David Toms laid-up and drained his long putt back in 2001 really put what the players

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face into perspective,” he says. Michael looks forward to returning to Paradise Palms for the third Toro North QLD Cup and to defend his title with Ritchie. Opened in 1990, Paradise Palms golf course was designed by Graham Marsh and Ross Watson. The par-72 course measures 6,592 metres off the championship tees and its AGU rating of 76 offers the first clue as to the scale of the challenge that awaits. This year an all-round improvement at Paradise Palms saw it rise ten spots in the latest Australian Rankings to 66, the largest increase of any course already in the top 100. Situated between two natural wonders – World

Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef– Paradise Palms is a world-class destination just 20 minutes north of Cairns in the heart of Tropical North Queensland. With Fifty Nine Restaurant and Bar, as well as a modern 96-room resort and a range of recreation facilities, Paradise Palms is a getaway destination with it all. On 27th and 28th April 2013 the Toro North QLD Cup is set to excite the golfing community. Providing golfers with the perfect holiday opportunity as well as the chance to walk away with one of Australia’s largest armature prize on offer! www.paradisepalms.com.au •

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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social golf

‘Unlucky’ Phil wins a free golf trip to Thailand Unlucky Phil Durrington from the Baysiders Social Golf Club in Northern NSW instantly became Lucky Phil when he won a free golf trip to Thailand at the 2012 Australian Social Golf Club Championships (ASGCC) on the Gold Coast. Teams from the Baysiders compete at the ASGCC every year and Phil was making his debut in August this year. Every golfer in the field is entered in a draw to win a free golf trip to Thailand and compete in The SGA International the following year. Phil had never won a raffle in his life, so gave himself little chance when the draw was made at the final presentation dinner at the Radisson Resort Gold Coast. “When my name was called out I thought someone was playing a joke on me. Even when I went up to collect the prize from Sally from SGA, I couldn’t believe I had won. I have never won anything in my life, so this has bowled me over. It is a super prize. I am delighted I came to the ASGCC and I can’t wait to play in The SGA International in Thailand next March.” Phil’s prize is valued at over $2500 and includes entry in the 2013 SGA International, airfares, seven nights’ accommodation at the Pattaya Sabai Resort, buffet breakfasts, four rounds of golf with cart and caddy, all transfers in Thailand, competitions, trophies and prizes. 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 playing in the ASGCC wins free entry into the SGA International. In 2013, the second annual SGA International

Phil Durrington will be held from March 9 – 16 in Pattaya, a beach resort south of Bangkok. 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 International Country Club designed by Jack Nicklaus. SGA’s premier annual tournament is The Australian Social Golf Club Championships held every August on the Gold Coast. The 2013 ASGCC will be held on the Gold Coast from August 25 to 29 with players staying at the Radisson Resort Gold Coast and playing

at some of the best courses on the Gold Coast. The event features over $15,000 of prizes thanks to sponsors Radisson Resort Gold Coast, Thailand Golf Tours, Drummond Golf, Wilson Staff, Heathcote Winery and Inside Golf. ASGCC entry forms are available in Drummond Golf stores around Australia each year and online from Social Golf Australia’s website. The ASGCC attracts adventurous amateurs from around Australia who enjoy the experience of playing in a professional tournament atmosphere. At the conclusion of that event, a golfer is drawn to win free entry

into The SGA International the following March. According to Matthew Pitt from SGA, the prize has added a great deal of excitement to the ASGCC. “We have already had a great deal of interest in the 2013 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.” 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 first event in March 2012 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.” The 2013 SGA International has an Early Bird Booking Offer that is available now – book and pay before December 1 and receive a free room upgrade. To enter or for more information, go to www.socialgolfaustralia.com.au or contact Matthew Pitt from SGA directly on (03) 5433 3213 or 0425 742 501. Inside Golf is proud to support the SGA International and provide event coverage and results. •

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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clubs

A ‘Royal’ treat for Lexus final eight The race to be named the inaugural Lexus Golf Link Cup champion was whittled down to just eight names last month, following the close of the official competition. The competition began earlier this year, which saw Australian club golfers earn “Lexus Golf Link Cup points” during their regular club competitions. Over 35,704 golfers participated in the country-wide competition, playing a total of 414,281 rounds of golf at 1,302 Golf clubs across Australia. The eight finalists all advanced to the National Final at Royal Melbourne on November 5. They are: A Grade: Mark Burridge (Castle Hill CC) and Paul McBriarty (West Lakes GC). B Grade: Anthony Quattrone (RACV Cape Schanck) and John Whyte (Yarra Valley CC). C Grade: Bill Basan (Magenta Shores) and Paul Costello (Launceston GC). Female: Marie Burge (Kingswood GC) and Elizabeth Stewart (Rosebud CC). In addition, Derek Taylor (Gungahlin Lakes, ACT), was the lucky winner of the Lexus GS 250 Luxury sedan valued at more than $80,000. Victoria’s Southern Golf Club took the award for “highest number of participants”, with 506 registered members taking part. Meanwhile, members at Pink Lake Golf Club in Esperance in WA helped their club win “highest average eligible rounds per golfer” with an impressive 27.7 eligible rounds per registered participant. Each club wins a bonus $5000 prize, to be split between the club and their respective proshop. While the Lexus Golf Link Cup has concluded, golfers can still enter Golf Link’s other fun competition, the Golf Link Race Series, which could see you win your way to the national final at The Sands Torquay. More information: www.golflinkraceseries.com.au •

Sydney club eliminates gender bias

Cromer golf course CROMER Golf Club has recently turned the Sydney golf club membership model upside down. Rather than the traditional seven, five, four and three days structure and out-dated male/female split, Cromer has moved to a single Full Playing Membership Category where both male and female members enjoy the same level of access to the course. “The full playing membership is now a very competitive $2750 per annum for everybody,” general manager Jason Seagg said. “Full playing members have access to all competitions with no charge for casual golf in the afternoons. “This compares very favourably to other private golf clubs on the Northern Beaches, which are all now above $4000 per annum for their top level of membership.” A proposal to change the club’s constitution was put forward to around 300 members at a general meeting in August. “The response from the members on the night was overwhelmingly positive,” Seagg said. “Cromer members are now enjoying increased

PROSHOP UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT AND NEW CATERERS

flexibility as to when they can play golf. “If a family commitment, work engagement or wet weather prevents a member from playing on their usual day, they can easily change their weekly golfing game to another more suitable day using the online timesheet system. “Playing on different days also enables members to meet new people, which is the key to fully enjoying the golf club experience. “So many casual golfers throughout the country are missing out by not joining a golf club.” At Cromer, the midweek male Wednesday competition remains as does the Monday morning and Thursday morning female competitions. All other competitions are open to both genders. “In today’s legal environment, it is critical that both male and female golfers have full access to the weekend timesheets, which is now definitely the case at Cromer,” Seagg said. “In fact, one female member asked during the information night, ‘so will this mean that we will be removing the locker room signs saying member and associates?’

“The answer was a resounding ‘yes’.” In 2011, the club recently replaced the putting surface on all 18 greens. “The new grass chosen for the greens was A1/ A4 bent grass, which is the ultimate species for the Sydney climate,” Seagg said. “These new greens are being nurtured by course superintendent Leon Hennessey who previously worked with former Augusta National superintendent Daniel Cook.” Seagg said the members were “raving” about the smooth and consistent putting surfaces and the overall grooming of the course. “The course is very challenging for the better player with lots of opportunity to use the driver and with multiple teeing area options also more enjoyable for the senior or beginner golfers alike,” he said. “We have a very competitive entrance fee as well as flexible payment options.” For more, telephone (02) 9982 3088, email admin@cromergolfclub.com.au or visit www.cromergolfclub.com.au •

Qld Boy’s & Girl’s Amateur

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STRATHFIELD GOLF CLUB 84 Centenary Drive, Strathfield NSW 2135 02 9642 0326 office@strathfieldgolf.com.au

www.strathfieldgolf.com.au 80

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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clubs

Club hits back after spiteful attack Choi wins

Hull Classic

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

VANDALS might have killed off six greens at Drouin Golf and Country Club near Melbourne, but they didn’t destroy the club’s determination and fighting spirit. Seven months ago, vandals sprayed the greens with an extremely strong and long-lasting residual herbicide. Course superintendent Jason Allen discovered the spiteful act of vandalism when he noticed the greens were dying. In an attempt to dilute the poison, the greens were heavily watered and consultants advised that the greens be cored and oversewn. The club also acquired some cloth blankets, courtesy of Anco Turf, to increase the ground temperature as the cooler months approached. The greens showed good signs of recovering, but this was short-lived because as the newlysewn seed germinated, it went further down into the soil, and started dying again. This was due to the residual effect of the chemical, which remained in the soil. The soil report indicated the herbicide used was Arsenol, which is residual and could remain in the soil for six months or more. Allen immediately contacted the Australian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association (AGCSA) and they were quick to alert their members. Drouin GCC manager Danny Shine said the AGCSA’s Andrew Peart and president Steve Hewitt played a major role in the recovery. “Steve helped with networking and within 24 hours we had emails coming in from clubs saying ‘we will send a couple of blokes down to help you’. “Then Glen Stewart from Metropolitan Golf

Club rallied around and got all the other sandbelt courses on board. “They sent two blokes each and we got a busload of 20 students from the North Melbourne Institute of TAFE.” The National Golf Club’s course manager Leigh Yanner approached his board and got approval to donate 2800sq/ms of McKenzie Bentgrass, which was being removed from their old nursery. Anco Turf chipped in by transporting eight skids of turf free of charge and two forklifts were loaned to the club. Shine said some 70 course staff and volunteers arrived to assist. “There was such a buzz around the course that day,” Shine said. “But the story would not be a success without the tireless work of the Drouin member volunteers and course staff for the many hours doing the hard work to prepare the greens for the new turf. “It was nice to see the new turf go down, but there was a lot of hard work before that.” Shine said the damage amounted to well over five figures.

“It would have cost well over $50,000 for turf and logistics of transportation and that is without labour costs,” he said. He said the club was putting in extra surveillance in the hope of stopping further attacks. The Drouin Golf and Countr y Club acknowledges the following clubs and organisations – The National Golf Club, Anco Turf, AGCSA, Applied Agronomics, RACV Cape Shanck Golf Course, Commonwealth, Devil Bend, Frankston, Freeway, Gisborne, Kingston, Lang Lang, Leongatha, Metropolitan, Royal Melbourne, Spring Valley, Trafalgar, Victoria golf clubs and North Melbourne Institute of TAFE Turf students and teachers. • FOOTNOTE: Drouin GCC is a 27-hole golf course, which has a racetrack running through it. Each year, the course closes on Boxing Day to accommodate the races. Drouin GCC is open to the public. It costs $25 to play there (Monday to Friday) and $28 on weekends. To book a game, call the club on (03) 5625 1330.

LET’S give Lauren Mason some credit. At least she tried to create some excitement in the final round of the Katherine Hull Classic at Horton Park Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast. With Annie Choi taking a three shot lead into the final round, Mason had to do something—and she did when she eagled the second hole and birdied the fifth to draw level with Choi. Out in 34 – three-under – Mason came unstuck on the back nine with bogeys at 12, 14, 15 and 16 but she rallied to birdie 17 and the pair was on even terms going to the final tee. Choi held her nerve, made birdie and waltzed off with the major prize. For the record, Sanctuary Cove’s Choi carded rounds of 69-75-73 for a 217 total – one clear of Horton Park’s Mason (72-73-73). Anna Stanton finished third on 226. Palmer Gold Coast member Karis Davidson was victorious in the 15 years’ and under division. Her 54-hole total 234 saw her finish a shot clear of Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta Tweed). In the under 21 years’ division, Ellen Davies-Graham (Redcliffe) edged out Indooroopilly’s Gennai Goodwin. Davies- Graham also provided a tournament highlight with an ace at the 16th hole. Scores at www.golfqueensland.org.au •

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

clubs

New course gets green light David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

THE Sunshine Coast Council has given the green light for work to begin on a golf course at Maleny in Queensland. The decision was the latest chapter in a wrangle between the Maleny Golf Club, which already has a driving range, and a local protest group. Club president Dr Max Whitten said the result is a victory for the 400 members. “Golf course designer Graham Papworth and the club’s design and construction committee are currently preparing the Operational Works Application for the Stage 1 – the first nine holes,” he said. The golf course is located in the rolling green hills of Maleny, about two kilometres from the town’s centre and 95 kilometres north of Brisbane. “It is bordered by the pretty Obi Creek,” Dr Whitten said. “With its cooler climate and welldrained deep volcanic soils, it should offer an interesting complementary experience for visitors and tourists to the Sunshine Coast.” Walking trails and parklands will surround the golf course. Dr Whitten said the Maleny golf course would be modelled on the recently built Machrihanish Dunes golf course in Scotland. “The philosophy with Machrihanish Dunes is ‘Golf as it Began’ and is based on how golf started in Scotland. “It is now one of the world’s top golf courses and was built for £1.5m ($3.2m). It was built on a shoestring budget and in one of the most environmentally sensitive areas of Scotland. “They were not allowed to take anything off the site or bring anything on to the site.”

DRIVING FORCE: The driving range on the site where the Maleny golf course will be built. Dr Whitten said the club would make as much use of the topography as possible. “It lends itself to that,” he said. “When council first looked at it in 2001, they got course designer Ross Perrett to look at it and he said it was one of the best sites he’d seen for a golf course. “So it lends itself to a golf course.” Dr Whitten said Maleny Golf Club had a $1.2m budget for the first nine holes. “We believe $1.2m is a workable budget,” he said. “People get a bit worried when I say this, but the fairways are basically a farming activity. “For us, it will be rotary hoeing and slashing and mowing. “The tees are not difficult to build so a lot of effort will be put into the greens.” Course designer Graham Papworth said: “It’s going to be a different course to most courses

because of the terrain. “There is not a major amount of work to do. We are just going to be cutting in tees and greens at this stage as the terrain is natural ground as far as the fairways go. It won’t take much to get them up and running.” Papworth said there wouldn’t be any overly long holes on the layout, which will consist of one par-5, six par-4s and two par-3s. Dr Whitten said the council had promised the club a $450,000 grant to start the development. He said the driving range was an added bonus for the community as disabled groups and school groups used the facility as part of their physical education. Currently the club’s members had reciprocal arrangements with Woodford, Caboolture and Nambour golf clubs. •

Draper wins Qld Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship Keperra Country Mark Draper Golf Club member, Mark Draper, has won the 2012 Queensland Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at the RACV Royal Pines Resort. Draper opened his campaign with a sluggish opening round of a two-over-par 74 on the first day, to sit in the top 15. An even-par round of 72 on the second day shot Draper up the leader board, in striking distance of the leaders. Starting the final round three shots adrift from the leader Guy Wall (Pymble), Draper showed his intention early, opening with a birdie on the first hole. This was one of five birdies. Draper’s final round of three-under-par (69) was enough to win the Championship with a total of 215 (-1). Guy Wall was one shot back in second place on 216 (Even) after a closing round of one-overpar 73. This followed his opening round of 75 and a fantastic second round of 68 which was the lowest of the tournament. Jason McDonald (Brookwater) finished on 217 (+1) to secure third place. In the Upper Mid-Amateur Division (44-54 years) John Fearnley (Dunheved) finished on 218 (+2) to edge Nudgee Golf Club member Gary Heslop after he finished runner-up on 219 (+3). In the Srixon Teams event section, it was a close battle between two Brisbane based golf clubs. The eventual winners were the team from Nudgee Golf Club which comprised Steve Toyne, Grant Fenell and Gary Heslop. The winning score left them with a one shot win over the team from Keperra Golf Club (Tony Robertson, Daniel Butler and Trent Greer). •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

clubs

Enjoy lush greens and tasty reds with the Wine Country Golf Super Pass

Cypress Lakes Resort

Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club

If you’re the type of golfer who enjoys hitting the greens by the day, and sampling your favourite reds at night, then the Hunter Valley’s new Wine Country Golf Super Pass may be just the ticket. Four leading Hunter Valley courses – The Vintage Golf Club, Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club, Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club and Stonebridge Golf Club— have combined to create an offer that gives passholders one round of 18 holes of golf and shared electric cart hire at each of the four courses for a mere $245. Valid for 12 months from date of purchase, the pass gives visitors to the Hunter Valley a fantastic opportunity to experience four very different golf courses – whether over a single trip or over multiple weekends. And while there, you can sample some of the amazing wines that have made the Hunter Valley famous across the globe. The Wine Country Golf Super Passes are available for purchase at all four courses which, as we’ve highlighted in previous issues of Inside Golf, represent some of the most picturesque golf in New South Wales. Here are some of the highlights:

Cypress Lakes Resort

Located in the beautiful wine district of the Hunter Valley, Cypress Lakes Resort is a golf and spa sanctuary, nestled amongst the vineyards in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country. A scenic two-hour drive from Sydney, the Resort is surrounded by the beauty of native Australian bushland and mature gardens. Cypress is a world away from the pressures of everyday life. The picturesque 18-hole championship golf course is ranked among the top resort courses in Australia. The layout is a length of 6,487m par 72, but reduces to 6,019m from the men’s Blue tees with the ladies facing a distance of 5,216m. The front nine is a links-style layout par-37 and the back nine is tree lined with sloping fairways and a par of 35. The course features over 60 huge bunkers, dramatically-shaped and elevated greens, and stunning panoramic views of the Hunter Valley’s famous vineyards and the surrounding Brokenback mountain range. All this and more awaits you, when

you take the challenge and indulge in all the Club has to offer! Cypress Lakes Resort Cnr McDonalds and Thompsons Rd Pokolbin, Hunter Valley NSW 2320 Tel: 02 4993 1555 www.cypresslakes.com.au

Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club One of the great advantages of playing Hunter Valley golf and Country Club is 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,” said operations manager 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 mid or longiron must be played. There is a bail-out to the right for golfers afraid of water. The golf course surrounds the 4.5-star Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, which offers hotel rooms and villas, three fantastic restaurants and a very good 19th hole. It’s open to golfers seven days a week. Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, NSW 2321 E: info@hvgcc.com.au (02) 4991 4777 www.huntervalleygolfcc.com.au

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

clubs

13th hole at Stonebridge Golf Club

Stonebridge Golf Club

Stonebridge Golf Club is the Hunter Valley’s newest 18-hole championship course. Designed by local golfing master, Jack Newton, this 18-hole Par-72, 6,127m layout offers unique challenges to all golfing enthusiasts. In particular is the course’s signature 18th hole, a memorable par-3 playing over a tranquil lake, as well as the stone bridge directing golfers over the water and onto a picturesque green. Perfection to a tee. “I’m really proud of the whole course design. Every hole has a new tee, fairway shaping, bunkering and a new green” Newton said. “There’s a good balance of holes for the serious, as well as the casual golfer.” Stonebridge Clubhouse will offer members and guests a range of excellent facilities including a clubhouse with a fully-stocked golf shop, a cafe and a bar overlooking the 18th green for you to enjoy a beverage after your round.

9th tee at The Vintage Troon has been appointed to manage the operations of the club and is the world leader in upscale golf course management, managing courses in over 25 countries. Membership starts from $295 year. Stonebridge golf members will not only enjoy this fabulous location but will also enjoy all the club has to offer, from access to the course, privileged use of the contemporary clubhouse, relaxing bar and cafe, discounts and booking benefits and access to Troon’s worldwide Troon Advantage Program. The combination of a great course design set within a backdrop of the Hunter Valley wine region will make this an appealing destination for locals and travellers alike. Stonebridge Golf Club Mount View Road, Cessnock, NSW 2325 P: 02 4990 1633 e: admin@stonebridgegolf.com.au www.stonebridgegolf.com.au

The Vintage

More than two million visitors can’t be wrong. That’s the number of people that pack their bags and head for the magnificent Hunter Valley each year. In recent years there’s been another good reason for tourists with a liking for golf to head for the region – the Greg Normandesigned The Vintage golf course. Located at Pokolbin, 10km north of Cessnock in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country, the championship golf course is bordered by vineyards and is beautifully integrated with spectacular valley landscape. Norman has weaved his magic at The Vintage, which provides a challenging and enjoyable experience. The 18-hole golf course, which stretches to 6310m off the back tees, winds gently around undisturbed wetlands, water carry lakes and towering eucalypts. Rated among the top two per cent of courses in Australia, The Vintage is a sheer pleasure to

play –challenging but fair to all levels of players. The Vintage has a fully-serviced driving range, which is open seven days a week. The practice putting green is located near the golf shop and the practice chipping holes are located near the driving range. And if you forget to pack your clubs, don’t worry because The Vintage has some of the game’s leading brand clubs for hire. Golf lessons are also available. Anyone who plays The Vintage once will want to play it again so we suggest you take advantage of the stay-and-play packages. Another reason to stay is the facility borders Bimbadgen Vineyards – one of the Hunter Valley’s finest wineries. The Vintage Vintage Drive, Rothbury NSW 2320 Golf Shop: (02) 4998 2208. Play & Stay packages: (02) 4998 2222 or (02) 4998 2500 golf@thevintage.com.au www.thevintage.com.au •

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

travel

It’s almost time to be cruising into Christmas Play a round on the Golf travel and tour company Go Golfing Travel are introducing a new tour to their calendar which will take travelers on a cruise from Sydney to New Zealand onboard the Celebrity Solstice over Christmas and the New Year. Go Golfing Travel’s Christmas cruise is proving a popular alternative to the traditional family get together. Managing director Peter McCarthy says Christmas is a wonderful celebration but can also be very stressful with all the planning and preparation. Sailing away on a luxury cruise, being spoilt with service and taking in New Zealand’s natural beauty and stunning golf courses is proving to be more enticing. “Departing 23 December, the Christmas cruise invites guests to escape the hustle and bustle on land for a luxury Christmas and New Years Eve experience, laced with high class entertainment and golf,” he says. “After leaving from Sydney Harbour, the cruise will include 12 nights’ accommodation in a Verandah stateroom, all daily meals, worldclass entertainment and five rounds of golf at New Zealand’s best South Island courses including Clearwater. “A Melbourne stopover on Boxing Day allows guests to cheer on Aussie cricketers at the MCG or tackle Melbourne’s famed Boxing Day shopping sales. “The cruise gets into the festive spirit with a Christmas Eve cocktail party and an on board New Years Eve party between the scenic cruising of Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound,” he adds. Mr McCarthy says the popularity of golf cruising is unprecedented with more than 500 bookings since Go Golfing started offering golf cruises less than two years ago.

Gold Coast

Go Golfing Travel’s 2013 cruise schedule includes departure from Brisbane on P&O’s Pacific Dawn, taking in the Whitsunday Islands, Cairns and Port Douglas. “The 7-night cruise combines the beauty of cruising the crystal clear waters of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef combined with a 3 round tournament,” he says. “When the ship anchors along the coast, our guests go ashore to play the world-class Hamilton Island layout as well as Paradise Palms in Cairns and Sea Temple at Port Douglas.” Mr McCarthy says Go Golfing tours explore many iconic destinations and events around the world. “We are passionate about golfing and travel, and we want our clients to enjoy the very

best in golf, while visiting the most beautiful locations that Australia, and the world, has to offer,” he says. “The company has established a strong reputation among the golfing community for their expertise in arranging domestic and international tour and holiday packages for over two decades. “As a licensed travel agency, we are committed to looking after golfers in every component of a holiday, including accommodations, golf, transfers, flights and car hire arrangements.” Go Golfing is also renowned for hosting Australia’s biggest amateur golfing tournament, the annual Mitsubishi World Masters Golf Championships which has been hosted on the Gold Coast for the past 17 years. For more visit www.gogolfing.net.au •

Radisson Resort Gold Coast is the home of golf on the Gold Coast. Ideally located among the lush surrounds of the internationally-renowned Palm Meadows Golf Course, the property is a 30-minute drive from Coolangatta airport and about an hour from Brisbane. Relax and enjoy deluxe accommodation, tranquil surrounds and outstanding leisure facilities. Play 18-holes at one or all of five challenging partner courses. Stroll to the Greg Norman-designed Palm Meadows or transfer to Lakelands, The Glades, Palmer Gold Coast or Palmer Colonial. These partner courses are all within a few minutes drive of the resort and discounted green fees are available to Radisson guests. There is plenty to do away from the greens; the resort has two swimming pools, four tennis courts with night lighting, a gym, day spa and a driving range. Chelos at Radisson Restaurant and Bar offers a relaxed ambience and international cuisine at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy a meal and a drink with views of the pool, swaying palms and rolling greens. Chill out in the lounge bar, play a game of pool, or watch sport on the big screen. Guests who plan to enjoy more of the Gold Coast can rely on the concierge team to arrange tours, transfers and theme park tickets. The resort is a 10-minute drive from surfing beaches, the casino, and all the excitement of the Broadbeach entertainment hub. Radisson Resort Stay and Play packages are ideal for golfers and couples with non-golfing partners. Radisson has exceptional business facilities including free internet access and free undercover parking. Plan carefully and no one will guess you have escaped from the office. Visit www.radisson.com/goldcoastau for more information or phone 07 5555 7700. •

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

events

World-renowned skins competition returns to the Gold Coast A master stroke for Amateur golfers will compete for $10,000 cancer research in prizes and experience the world-renowned skins competition concept that has previously only been available to PGA tour professionals. Go Golfing’s annual Ultimate Skins Challenge returns to the Gold Coast’s RACV Royal Pines Resort from 30 June – 4 July 2013. Traditionally the four-player skins tournaments have only been available to PGA tour professionals with the LG Skins and the Canadian Telus Skins the most notable events, with players competing for milliondollar prize pools. Go Golfing managing director Peter McCarthy says the concept of the Skins competition has been around since 1983 and has since evolved into a competition for major money prizes. “Greg Norman won $1 million in the 2001 LG Skins and Annika Sorenstam won $100,000 on the first day in the same event in 2003,” McCarthy says. The RACV Ultimate Skins will see teams of two play three rounds of stableford competition. The team scoring the highest cumulative score on each hole over the three rounds wins the prizes allocated to that hole. While there will be no million-dollar payday for club golfers, there is $10,000 up for grabs. Each hole has a guaranteed minimum prize valued at $300 with some holes worth up to $1000. Excitement builds when there is a tie for the best score on a hole, as the prizes jackpot to the next hole and all teams are back in the running to win. Auckland’s Tony Tusa and Lorraine Clark were the big winners at last year’s skins, taking home an incredible $3,400 in prizes. Luck played a huge part in their winnings as Tony averaged just 28 points and Lorraine 30 points over the three rounds.

RACV Royal Pines Resort will again host the Ultimate Skins Challenge Their combined score of 14 points over three days on the 7th was good enough to win. However with the 3rd, 4th and 5th jackpotting they bagged four skins on the 7th. They won a single skin on the 14th with 16 points and 13 points was good enough to win the 16th which was for two skins as the 15th had jackpotted. Tony and Lorraine couldn’t believe their luck and the bounty of prizes which included a golf holiday, a $600 shopping spree at Royal Pines pro shop, $400 at Golf World, two dozen premium wines and more. Lorraine was both shocked and happy with their winnings. “It’s amazing, we didn’t play very well at all, but we must have played well on the same holes. We didn’t expect to win any prizes. The Skins is a great innovation and then revealing the team scores hole by hole on the big screen was so exciting. Lots of cheering. We play for the fun and camaraderie and as

with all Go Golfing events we have played, this was great value and professionally managed. Following the inaugural event, Go Golfing have made some changes to enhance player enjoyment. “Last year we played 27 holes per day and this was too much, even in carts, so we have reduced to 18 holes per day. Each day 3 random holes will be selected and these will be worth double stableford points. We have also added a wine tasting, a private tour of the Q1 observation tower ‘Sky Point’ and other social activities to foster the fun and friendship,” McCarthy says. “We already have players confirmed from most states and New Zealand for 2013.” Go Golfing is renowned for running Australia’s biggest amateur golfing tournament, The Mitsubishi World Masters G olf Championships each year on the Gold Coast for the past 17 years. For more information on the Go Golfing event calendar visit www.gogolfing.net.au •

Australian golf pro Josh Marris has vowed to ace a world record in January while raising money for vital cancer research. A year after raising $5000 for the Queensland Institute of Medical Research by playing 10 rounds in 24 hours in Brisbane, Marris wants to beat the mark on a US course in California, where he now lives. His goal is to break the world record for “most golf holes played in 24 hours by an individual walking.” The fresh challenge is a very personal one. Cancer has affected more than a dozen of Josh’s close family and friends in the past decade, most recently his mother. He’s been inspired by the courage and determination of those close to him. “It might seem daunting, and I can assure you it is, but it’s nothing like the idea of fighting for your life,” Josh said yesterday. “I played 10 rounds in a day last year and didn’t really prepare for it. But that was for a reason. I wanted to push my body and to feel the pain, because my Mum was about to start chemo. “This time I’m setting the bar higher, and by aiming to break the world record I’ll need to spend months preparing in order to get my body into condition. This isn’t going to be a one-day effort, it’s a three-month challenge.” This time around, Josh hopes to raise $50,000 for cancer research and he’s appealing to individuals and businesses to chip in. “Everyone knows at least one person affected by cancer. This is a chance to make a difference by raising much-needed funds for two great cancer research organisations: QIMR and the Cancer Research Foundation in the US,” Josh said. Donations can be made at Josh’s website www.the24hourman.com •

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

events

Fans in a frenzy over Monsterball MONSTERBALL. It sounds scary and it can be if you get between a competitor’s clubhead and his golf ball. Monsterball is Australia’s latest golf craze – the equivalent of T20 cricket. Ultimate Golf Events director John Noble, the man behind Monsterball, says it’s the most exciting form of golf. “Monsterball is man versus man, power versus power,” he said. “The only thing standing in the way is the distance between your ball and your opponents. “There are no birdies or bogeys, just excess clubhead speed as players launch the golf ball into the distance some 300-plus metres away. “Golf has been crying out for a fun and entertaining format that everyone can enjoy and Monsterball is that format. “Everything about Monsterball is big – big swings, big egos and big hits. “This form of the game is explosive, exciting and exhilarating, not to mention the entertainment factor and party atmosphere that promises to attract fans in a variety of age groups. “We have had long drive competitions in the past and it’s been a little bit boring so we have decided to amp it up,” Noble said. “We have a live DJ on the tee so the guys come out on to the tee box with their own theme music. “We have two guys on the tee at the same time and they shoot it out and the winner goes through to the next round and the loser is eliminated.” Anyone can enter the event. The next round of Monsterball will be at Sydney’s Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club on Saturday, November 17.

Fans gather at last year’s Australian PGA Championship at Coolum to watch Monsterball. Then on Saturday, December 8, golf fans can join in the fun when the event is held at The Lakes Golf Club during the Australian Open followed by the final Monsterball event at Palmer Coolum Resort during the Australian PGA Championship on Saturday, December 15. “LPGA Tour stars Laura Davies, Sophie Gustafson, Lexi Thompson and PGA tour professionals Steve Jones and James Mclean have all teed it up in Monsterball events,” Noble said. If you fancy yourself as a big-hitter of the golf ball then rock up to one of the above venues or even just go along and watch the competitors

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hit the ball into the next postcode. Noble also runs the popular Driving Drag Race event, which caters for all levels of golfers – not just those who monster the ball. “We launched Driving Drag Race at last year’s Australia PGA and over the four days, we had over 400 come through,” Noble said. “All you have to do is nominate a distance and the person closest to the distance wins. “If you nominate 180 metres and hit it 185m – then you have a nett score of five metres. If I nominate 300 and hit it 350m then I have a nett score of 50m so you win because you are closest to your nominated distance. “Up at Coolum last year we had a 10-year-old

kid who led for five hours and at the end of the day he got beaten by a 70-year-old. “It’s something different and appeals to every age limit, every ability and even people who have never played golf before. “You only have to hit it – it doesn’t have to go in a hole. Guess how far you can hit it and away you go.” The minimum distance women and juniors can nominate is 125m and for men it’s 150m. It costs $5 to enter and there is more than $4000 in prizes up for grabs. “The pinnacle of what we do is long drive and the driving drag race is now accessible to a lot more people,” Noble said. For more visit www.monsterballgolf.com •

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events

Mum’s roast Taylor-made for Macdonald’s Classic victory David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

HOW does a strapping, fit-looking 20-yearold celebrate a famous victory? Well, for champion golfer Taylor Macdonald it’s tucking into him mum’s delicious roast dinner. Macdonald couldn’t wait to get back to his mum’s house after winning the 41st Gary Player Classic. As soon as the final putt dropped and the presentations were complete, he was off to enjoy a dinner fit for a king. When pressed, he said he might even celebrate his stylish win with a cold beverage. “I might even have a one or two beers,” he said after winning the 18-20 years age division at Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane. Macdonald is no stranger to the Gary Player Classic winner’s circle having captured every age division – 15 years and under, 16-17 years and the 18-20 years division twice. He joins a few other famous names to lift the winner’s trophy including Greg Norman, Peter Senior, Adam Scott, Jason Day and Ian Baker-Finch. As a member of the Queensland state team, Macdonald is also well-known in amateur circles. He plays off a handicap of +6 at Redcliffe and Nudgee golf clubs and has been as low as +7. He says having such a low handicap is “a bit silly”, but if he continues shooting low numbers then his handicap is justified. The talented Queenslander fired a 64 in the first round of the Gary Player Classic, which set him up for a one-shot victory over last year’s champion Simon Viitakangas.

(Left) James Macklin and (right) Viraat Badhwar

PLAYER’S PLAYER: Taylor Macdonald was all smiles after winning another Gary Player Classic. In his short golf career, Macdonald twice has shot 61 – 10-under par – at his home club and has won three club championship (two at Redcliffe and one at Pine Rivers) and has four holes-in-one on his résumé. He got into golf “about 10 years ago when a couple of mates convinced me to try the game”. He excelled at AFL and tennis, but the golf bug has bitten and there is no turning back. A man of few words, Macdonald prefers to let his clubs, or in his case his putter, do the talking.

“I am a good putter,” he said. “I guess if you can putt well you can win tournaments as long as the rest of your game is alright.” Still, Macdonald, who held a seven-shot lead going into the final round, did get the wobbles as eventual runner-up Viitakangas chipped away at the lead. Viitankangas drew level with six holes to play, but Macdonald rallied and birdied the 16th and 18th holes to win the title. An unabashed Tiger Woods fan, Macdonald, like most talented ball-strikers, has ambitions of

playing the game professionally. “I am going to play amateur golf next year and then probably turn professional at the end of 2013 depending on where I am at and how I am playing,” he said. Macdonald says he will continue to hone his skills under the supervision of coach Brian Swann at Redcliffe and will travel to Melbourne in the early part of 2013 to familiarise himself with the sandbelt courses. Macdonald attended the Kelvin Grove College Golf School of Excellence and now works as a casual painter when he’s not practising, which is up to five times a week. He said he was impressed South African Gary Player has continued to sponsor junior golf in Queensland for the past 41 years. “One day I would like to meet Gary Player and thank him for supporting junior golf.” • FOOTNOTE: James Macklin and Viraat Badhwar won the 15 years and under and the 16-17 years divisions respectively. Next year, Badhwar will attend Stanford University’s golf scholarship program. For a full list of scores, go to www.golfqueensland.org.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

seniors VICTORIA Bullas new leader in Doug Bachli

Graham Blizard

NATIONAL Blizard and Dale win in South Australia The 2012 Australian Senior Ranking competition continued with two major events held in South Australia during September. The Grange Senior Open was held over 36 holes on the West course at The Grange Golf Club. The winner was NSW senior Graham Blizard who continued his meteoric rise up the senior ranking table with his fourth win of the year. Blizard had rounds of 78-74 to defeat two local members, Joe Scopacasa (74-81) and Tony Mazzone (75-81). Blizard now has a sensational record of four wins from only six starts in Australian Senior Ranking events. He has finished third and second in the other two (the NSW Seniors and the Australian Seniors). He is currently in third place on the twelve months ranking table behind two other star senior golfers - Stefan Albinski and Peter King. The following week saw the 2012 South Australian senior Amateur Championship played over 54 holes at the Barmera Golf Club on the Murray River. The championship produced three rounds of close competition with the last round especially exciting with the top three players all facing eagle putts on the final green. The winner was NSW senior Denis Dale (73-82-75=230) by two strokes from joint second-placegetters, Victorian Alan Bullas (77-78-77=232) and South Australia’s number one senior John Beaumont (74-8078=232). More information: www.ausoom.com

The 2012 competition for Victoria’s senior amateur golfers (the Doug Bachli Trophy) has a new leader with Commonwealth’s Alan Bullas taking over the top position for the first time. Bullas finished second in the recent 54-hole Coomealla Seniors and the points gained were enough to take him to the top of the table. The winner at Coomealla was defending Doug Bachli champion Ross Percy, who is in second place just 60 points behind Bullas. Yarra Yarra senior Michael Jackson makes up the top three in the competition. Percy’s win at Coomealla was one of the most convincing in recent years. Percy fired rounds of 73-75-73=221 for a winning margin of 10 strokes. He defeated the consistent Alan Bullas who had rounds of 77-77-77=231 with the ageless Goonawarra senior Pat Giles third after rounds of 75-79-78=232. The Northern Senior Amateur was played at the Northern Golf Club celebrating its centenary year. The winner was Eastern senior Andrew Hansen who recorded his first win in the Bachli competition after rounds of 77 and 77 for a three stroke victory over Gary Wells (RAE), Freddy Barton (Drouin), Guy Krall (Yarra Yarra) and Pat Giles (Goonawarra). Yarram senior Ignatius Duivenvoorden (1230 points) continues to lead in the handicap trophy competition but his lead has been significantly reduced by Pat Giles (1203 points) who has charged up the table with some great golf in recent events. Commonwealth senior Graham Bone (928) is in third place. More information: www.golfvic.org.au .

NEW SOUTH WALES Dale maintains lead in NSW Senior Order of Merit Denis Dale, the defending 2011 champion, maintains his lead in the 2012 NSW Senior Order of Merit competition. Dale on 1755 points leads from Mona Vale senior Greg Stanford (1650 points) with Long Reef ’s Ross Bockman (1590 points) very close behind in third place. St Michael’s Steve Gibson (1530 points) has climbed into fourth place with Stefan Albinski (1442) rounding out the top five

The Kooindah Waters Seniors was won by Dale with a par-equalling round of 72 that saw him victorious over Greg Stanford (76) with Bexley’s Tom Yates (79) sharing third place with the veteran Geoff Everett (79). 2012 saw the playing of the inaugural Camden Seniors and a large field teed off eager to be the first ever champion. That honour went to Twin Creek’s member Geoff Wright who played some exceptional golf to equal par with a great round of 71 on the challenging course. Fellow Twin Creeks member Denis Dale was second after a round of 73 with third place going to John O’Keefe from Magenta Shores on 76. Penrith’s Clark Gibbons continues to lead the NSW Over 65’s Order of Merit competition with 872 points from 21 starts this year. Wyong’s Jack Parker (763 points) has moved up the table into second place ahead of Vince Clark (758) from The Lakes. There are still 5 events remaining in the 2012 NSW Senior Order of Merit Competition during November. More information: www.golfnsw.org.

2012 Australian Senior Rankings

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

2012 SA Senior OOM – 55yrs

Senior Order of Merit Winners for 2012 2012 saw the introduction of the inaugural South Australian Senior Order of Merit. There were six events in the initial year with the first four 100-point events held at Blackwood, Mt Osmond, Tea Tree Gully and Flagstaff Hill clubs. The year ended with two major events - the Grange Senior Classic (36 holes and 200 points) and the South Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Barmera (54 holes and 300 points). For the Over 55’s, Clive Renner from Flagstaff Hill proved that consistent performances over all the events held would be hard to beat and he became the worthy inaugural winner of the SA Senior Order of Merit. Hot on his heels was John Hill from Mt. Osmond who again benefited from playing in all events with fellow Mt Osmond senior Rod Phillips in third place. In the over 65’s it came as no surprise that Tony Mazzone (Grange Golf Club) was the clear winner, after outstanding performances in all the events he played. Runner up went to Chris Whitford from the Glenelg Golf Club who also showed he still has the game to be competitive. •

Pos Player 1 Stefan Albinski 2 Peter King 3 Graham Blizard 4 Roy Vandersluis 5 Denis Dale

State Avg NSW 128.48 QLD 111.60 NSW 109.48 NSW 87.50 NSW 83.36

2012 NSW Senior OOM Pos Player 1 Denis Dale 2 Greg Stanford 3 Ross Bockman 4 Steve Gibson 5 Stefan Albinski

Club Best 12 Twin Creeks 1755 Mona Vale 1650 Long Reef 1590 St Michael’s 1530 Mona Vale 1442

2012 Victorian Senior OOM Pos Player 1 Alan Bullas 2 Ross Percy 3 Michael Jackson 4 Pat Giles 5 Barry Tippett

Club Commonwealth Cobram-Barooga Yarra Yarra Goonawarra The Sands

2012 SA Senior OOM – 65yrs Pos Player 1 Tony Mazzone 2 Chris Whitford 3 Tony Timmins 4 Paul Bagshaw 5 Paul Starrs

Pos Player 1 Clive Renner 2 John Hill 3 Rodney Phillips 4 Joe Scopacasa 5 Ken Brown

Club Points Grange 413 Glenelg 397 Kooyonga 240 Thaxted Park 176 Flagstaff Hill 165

Club Points Flagstaff Hill 448 Mt. Osmond 397 Mt. Osmond 363 Grange 340 Tea Tree Gully 316

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Nov 5 Castle Hill Seniors NSW Nov 12-13 Melbourne Seniors - Spring Valley & Woodlands VIC Nov 13-15 ACT Seniors – Federal, Gungahlin Lakes, Gold Creek Nov 16 Goulburn Seniors NSW Nov 22 Moyne Seniors VIC Nov 26 Long Reef Seniors NSW Nov 27 Cromer Seniors NSW Nov 28-30 Asia Pacific Seniors Championship, Hong Kong Dec 5-7 Hong Kong Senior Championship, Hong Kong Dec 6-7 Victorian Senior Club Championship, Sorrento Jan 14 NSW Senior Foursomes, Cromer GC Jan 21-23 Royal Melbourne Senior Classic Jan 30 St Michael’s Seniors NSW Stats and recaps by Denis Dale

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events

Bloomfield and Cain tie at Toowoomba

Nicholas Russell

Royal win for McKendrick and Russell David McKendrick and Nicholas Russell have both added their names to a piece of history, taking out this year’s Norris Motor Group Royal Queensland Cup. Both McKendrick and Russell recorded rounds of three-under-par 69, finishing one shot ahead of Heath Reed, Sam Brazel and Steve Jones. Russell had come off one of the worst rounds of his season at the Brisbane Invitational, while McKendrick was only elevated into the field by a last-minute withdrawal. “Words can’t really describe how I am feeling at the moment,” McKendrick said. “I was playing in the rain at my home club in Melbourne when I received the call that I was in the field. I decided to catch a flight and play the course blind. It is a decision that I am so glad I made and I am just so happy that I have been able to make the most of the opportunity that I was given today.” Not only do McKendrick and Russell walk away with $8,500 in prizemoney, but both players add their names to an honour roll that includes Jack Rayner, John Klatt and Randall Vines, all of whom are classed as golfing royalty in Queensland.

Blustery conditions throughout the day certainly made scoring difficult with only 10 professionals managing to break par around the Royal Queensland links layout. Executive Officer Broc Greenhalgh from the Queensland Division of the PGA was excited to see that Pro Am events are continuing to offer an opportunity for our up and coming professionals to play. “It certainly was a brutal day out there, but it’s great to see two up and coming professionals walking away with the win,” he said. “It’s events like the Royal Queensland Cup and other Pro Ams that give the bright stars of the future an opportunity to play and the PGA are certainly grateful for the continued support the clubs have been giving the Queensland Sunshine Tour for the past 50 years.” Both McKendrick and Russell will now have the luxury of scheduling their playing commitments for the next twelve months as a win at the Royal Queensland Cup elevates both to Divisional Status, guaranteeing them into almost every Pro Am around Australia for the next 12 months. •

The Toowoomba region is normally known for its Carnival of flowers at this time of year. Last month, however, it was upstaged by professional golf, with 64 professionals including 1990 US PGA Champion Wayne Grady taking to the fairways of the Toowoomba Golf Club for the 2012 Toowoomba BMW/ Westpac Middleridge Pro Am. Although Grady could only manage a three-over-par 75, it would be Queensland Sunshine Tour stalwart Marcus Cain and fellow competitor Ben Bloomfield that found themselves atop the leaderboard at the end of play, both firing a four-under-par 68 and being declared joint champions. With the Toowoomba Golf Club once again presented in immaculate condition, Bloomfield was full of praise about the course and how well the tournament was run. “I have been to many Pro Ams in my career, but this has certainly got to be up there with the best,” he said. “Right from the time I arrived, the event has had a real tournament feel about it, something we don’t get to experience all that much in Pro Am golf.”

Ben Bloomfield Both Cain and Bloomfield finished one shot ahead of Ben Wedmaier, his best finish to date on the Queensland Sunshine Tour. A further five players finished in a tie for fourth on 70 which included Brendan Chant, Sven Puymbroeck, Heath Reed, Paul Donahoo and Matthew Ballard. •

Wakehurst wins Women’s Bronze Medallion The team from Wakehurst Golf Club captured the 2012 Bronze Medallion at Pymble and Carnarvon Golf Clubs last month, narrowly edging out Cabramatta Golf Club by a single stroke. The winning team from Wakehurst included Bev Orme, Fiona, Lorraine Mackenzie and Robyn McClurg who, as a team, achieved a combined nett score of 300, pipping Cabramatta’s combined 301 produced by team members Linda Schwarz, Tracey Shanahan, Patricia Bissett and Leanne Stanton. The best scratch score from each course was awarded to Lidya Miller from Bankstown with a

94 at Carnarvon whilst Maureen Edwards from Concord shot a 95 off the stick to claim the prize at Pymble. Marrickville’s Kath Loosley (31) had an amazing 68 nett to win the individual nett prize at Carnarvon whilst at Pymble Golf Club, Liz Ross (25) from Asquith GC scored a great 67 nett. This year saw 58 clubs represented from both the metropolitan and country districts with a total of 232 players competing, 116 at each of the host venues. For a full list of all results from the Women’s Golf NSW Bronze Medallion please visit www.golfnsw.org. •

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November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

events

Women’s Country Meeting a hit

The winning team from Ryde-Parramatta

Ryde-Parramatta capture Women’s Coronation Medal For the second year in a row, Ryde-Parramatta has captured the Women’s 2012 Coronation Medal, held at the Ryde-Parramatta and Concord Golf Clubs. The Ryde-Parramatta team finished on a total of 312, a massive 14 shots in front of the rest of the field including runners-up The Lakes Golf Club on a total of 326. The winning Ryde-Parramatta team members were Cecilia Song, Katherine Peck, Cheryl Fairclough and Collette Blacklock. Peck’s 74 nett and Song’s 78 nett scores proved to be the clinchers on the difficult Ryde-Parramatta layout — with many players’ scores being affected by the vast areas of water hazards that are a prominent feature of the course. Whilst numerous players found low scores hard to come by, a number of them stood out from the rest of the field with Shelly Shin from Concord shooting a 75 off the stick at her home club; whilst a score of 78 was enough to see Sandra Schultz from Oatlands claim the scratch prize at Ryde-Parramatta. For a full listing of results and other major prize winners from the 2012 Women’s Coronation Medal please visit www.golfnsw.org •

Gavin Fairfax

Fairfax unstoppable at Brisbane Invitational Little-known touring professional Gavin Fairfax added his name to an illustrious group of champions after taking out the Metropolitan Funerals Brisbane Invitational last month. Fairfax set the course alight, firing a sevenunder-par 65 which included four birdies, two eagles and a solitary bogey on his opening hole. The round was a new course record for the revamped Yeerongpilly Course and gave Fairfax a three-shot victory over Scott Laycock and Steven Jeffress. Henry Epstein finished in solo fourth with a 69, while Craig Hasthorpe and Max McCardle tied for fifth a further shot behind. Fairfax relied on an invite to play in the limited-field event and he was certainly grateful for being given the opportunity. “Today’s round was just so unexpected. A bogey at my opening hole did not see me get

off to the start that I would have liked, but my game has been in good shape and I just had to hang in there. It is a great feeling to add my name to the likes of Peter Senior and Terry Price and I really need to thank the Brisbane Golf Club for giving me the opportunity to play,” he said. With the Metropolitan Funerals Brisbane Invitational also being classed as a Divisional event, the win will also give Fairfax the added bonus of moving up a number of spots in the exemption categories for the next 12 months. “It’s good to know that I am guaranteed a start into almost every Pro Am held in Australia for the next 12 months, and that I can schedule my next twelve months not having to worry about whether or not I am going to gain a start,” he said. •

Concord, Bankstown and Carnarvon golf clubs played host to this year’s Women’s Country Meeting, which saw Newcastle’s Jane MacDonald taking the major prize, the Mabel McKenzie Cup with a total of 170 off the stick. Runner up in the scratch, four strokes behind Jane MacDonald was Debbie Finlaison from Highlands GC with 174. Overall Nett (Rose Payten Trophy) was Port Macquarie’s Wendy Gordon with 154. Lousea Johnston from Coonabarabran GC had a 158 to take out 36-hole Nett Runner-up. Division Two’s Rose Payten Trophy was won by Muree’s Lorraine O’Connor with a total scratch score of 193, narrowly beating Julie Jenkins from Cootamundra GC on 195. Belmont’s Jill Field was the winner of the Overall Nett with a total of 155 on a countback from Port Macquarie’s Margaret Bateman. The winner for Division Three (Marie Chapman Trophy) was Sue Rice from Young GC with a total score of 68 points, pipping Darleen Van Der Kemp from Belmont GC by one point. The foursomes component of the event was played at Carnarvon. Di Thomlinson from Gosford GC and Kim Burke from Shelly Beach GC who won the Division One Scratch (Vera Rankin Trophy) with an 85 off the stick. Runners-Up were Julie McCallum and Susan Oliver with an 87. Division One Nett went to Morisset’s Cheryl Andrews and Robyn Dunn with a score of 73 on a countback. Also on a countback was Runner Up Nett winners, Wendy Price from Wauchope and Judy Mika from Port Macquarie with a 73 ½. Jean Ramsey from Camden Haven and Sue McLeod from Port Macquarie had an amazing 90 off the stick to win Division Two Scratch by four shots. Runners Up were Joanne Hudson and Roslyn Judge from Wauchope with a 94. Maitland’s Robyn Searle and Clare Fleming won the Division Two Nett with a score of 69 ½. Runner Up Nett (73) went to Enid Dougherty and Noelene Smith from Grafton. •

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events

Pathway of a Holden Scrambler As the local event season of the Holden Scramble draws to a close, and Regional Finals heat up, we take a look at the familiar pathway that a Scrambler takes when teeing it up at their local golf club. It all begins in the local pro-shop where the player forms his or her fantastic four and enters the event, not knowing whether they will come away with a new Callaway golf bag-and subsequent spot in a Regional Final--or whether they will just enjoy the teams format and re-group for next year. After 21 years, popularity of the event remains high as the Holden Scramble welcomed back clubs such as the magnificent Newcastle Golf Club in the NSW Hunter Valley, which held a local event for the first time since 2002, as well as clubs such as Redland Bay and Redcliffe in QLD, Latrobe and Wodonga in VIC and Devonport in TAS. The Holden Scramble is truly a national event, with clubs as far west as Esperance in WA, as north as Palmerston just outside Darwin and down south in Hobart all forming a brick in the road. The collective result of the local season saw 456 events, almost 40,000 participants and more than 160 Holden Dealerships involved with the Holden Scramble; with 20,000 dozen golf ball gift packs and 1,800 golf bags given out as part of the local event season. Following the local season, it is time for PGA Professionals to join in the fun as they compete alongside their winning teams at the Regional and Women’s State Final series. One of the busiest months on the Scramble calendar, October sees approximately 580 teams compete in 29 different Regional Finals

all with the ultimate prize, a trip to the Holden Scramble Championship Final, on their radar. The team of five players ensures the birdies are flowing and the high fives are aplenty, as scoring is generally hot in October. At the time of printing, 10 Regional Finals had been held, with Portsea (VIC), Kareela (NSW), Kooindah Waters (NSW), Muirfield (NSW), North Haven (SA), Naracoorte (SA), Gold Coast Country Club (QLD), Laidley (QLD), Royal Queensland (QLD) and The Vines Golf & Country Club (WA) all securing a place in the Championship Final. With a further 19 events to be played there are still many

Final, there is always a mixture of emotion as anticipation runs high for what the week may hold. With the introduction of the Champions Tour, where the top two teams book their spot to represent the Holden Scramble in the home and away matches against China Golf Club League, there is now much more at stake and nerves tend to blur with excitement. Over the four days of the Championship Final, participants are treated to an itinerary befitting any national final complete with practice round, welcome dinner under the stars, a theme night to get the creative juices flowing, and culminating with the gala presentation dinner. Of course, amongst this there are three rounds of serious Scramble golf, where naturally every team is vying for one of the final round tee times to be joined by a Tour Pro. In past years, players the likes of Stuart Appleby, John Senden and Ian BakerFinch have all experienced the excitement of the Holden Scramble Championship Final. In 2012, like 2011, the Scramble pathway won’t finish at Twin Waters, with winning teams being given the opportunity of a lifetime to represent the Holden Scramble in China. The evolution of the Holden Scramble continues, and so whether the Scramblers are teeing it up locally in the hope of winning through to a Regional and Championship Final or whether they are playing as a guest of Holden before purchasing a new car, or quite simply they enjoy the teams format of Scramble, the pathway of a Scrambler is wide and varied but always exciting. For more information on the Holden Scramble please contact the PGA Events Division on (03) 8320 1999 or email holdenscramble@pga.org.au.•

more Scramblers yet to find out their fate at a Regional or State Final. Once December comes, the lucky 29 teams made up of 116 amateurs and 29 PGA Professionals pack their bags for the Championship Final. Teams will head north to Twin Waters; the venue that has become synonymous with the Holden Scramble Final over the past two decades. The 2012 event will be played from 7 – 10 December, once again leading into the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola held just down the road at Palmer Resort Coolum. As players arrive at the Championship

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events

FNQ edge out closest rivals IF you thought the rivalry between State of Origin teams NSW and Queensland or South Australia and Victoria in the AFL is intense, wait until you see the battles between North Queensland and Far North Queensland. It was on again in earnest last month when a Far North team of women edged out their North Queensland rivals to claim the Meg Nunn Salver at Coolangatta Tweed Heads on the Gold Coast. The Meg Nunn Salver, which started in 1983, is a matchplay event that pits Queensland’s seven districts against each other. The players consider it the pinnacle of the golfing calendar. It was the fourth time the “FNQ green machine” had captured the title in 11 years. The team representatives were Nikki Bruce, Erina Williams and Sai Lenz (all Cairns) and and Marion Wright, Pam Shay and Pam McGowan (Half Moon Bay). Atherton’s Michelle Pearsall was team manager. “It is an extraordinary result considering the size of our district in comparison to Brisbane, Gold Coast and Wide Bay Burnett,” said Erina Williams, FNQ’s team captain. The team approached the event quietly confident with three players backing up from their victory on the Gold Coast in 2005. “Marion Wright (HMB) has been a member of the team for each of the four FNQ’s wins,” Erina said. “Nikki Bruce and I have been members of the winning FNQ team three times. “This year we had one new team member, Sai Lenz of Cairns, an experienced player who has played representative golf for Fiji.” According to Erina, the result hinged on the clash between tense rivals FNQ and NQ. Going into the match, FNQ was 1½ points

Back row left to right: Michelle Pearsall (manager), Pam Shay, Sai Lenz, Pam McGowan, Annette Seawright (caddie) and Nikki Bruce. Front row: Marion Wright and Erina Williams (captain). ahead of NQ and needed two wins and a half to win the salver. “It was an exciting morning,” said Erina, who got her team off to a flying start by winning her match. Erina then hoofed it down the 18th to tell Marion Wright she had to win. “She responded with three magnificent shots onto the challenging par-5 green and secured our second win,” Erina said.

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“Then I ran back down the 18th fairway to Nikki Bruce who was playing number one against a top NQ golfer Eillen Bell. “I let Nikki know we had two wins secured already and she shouted – ‘I’m one-up’. “The worst Nikki could have on the hole was a half, which meant that we had won the salver. “Tears and shouts of joy unfolded and in a sporting gesture Nikki conceded the hole to Eileen Bell to allow the celebrations to begin.” •

Qualifying nears for Master of the Amateurs Australia’s top-ranked amateur event, The Australian Master of the Amateurs, is drawing attention from across the globe, with international players of all ages scrambling to qualify for the highlyanticipated annual championship. The Australian Qualifying Round will be played at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, West Course, on Friday 7th December. The top three players from the Qualifying Round receive Exemptions into the 2013 Australian Master of the Amateurs Championship, to be contested 8th-11th January, also at Royal Melbourne. The world’s up-and-coming golf superstars are already making their way down under to try and qualify. Among those is 12-year-old Markopolo Fullepp, a 3-handicapper from San Diego, California, as well as Hanele Mikkola, an 18-year-old 2-handicapper from Sweden. Last year, Victoria’s Nathan Holman took home the Green Jacket, following a 72-hole score of 278 (10-under). The event has proven to be a launching ground for the world’s top young superstars, including Jason Day and Rickie Fowler. The Qualifying event is open to all amateur golfers with an official handicap not exceeding 4.4. For more infor mation visit: www.masteroftheamateurs.com •

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events

November

Men’s NSW Country Championship When: 3rd and 4th November Where: Muswellbrook Golf Club Info: www.golfnsw.org

The Championship will be played over 36-holes stroke play, with shotgun starts on both days. The Championship also incorporates the Inter-District Teams Challenge between teams from District Golf Associations throughout NSW. The field is always strong, and features representatives from the NSW Senior, Colts and Junior State Teams, along with talented youngsters and experienced players from NSW country areas. An added incentive for the winner of the Championship is automatic entry into the 2012 Men’s NSW Open. Online entry is just $70, while all other forms of entry are $80. Entries close: Friday 19 October at 5.00pm. More info: christy.collier@golfnsw.org or (02) 9505 9105.

Remembrance Golf Day When: November 9th Where: Redland Bay Golf Club Info: (07) 3206 7011

“They served us, now we should remember them”. All proceeds from the day are donated to Legacy. $75 entry fee includes pregame breakfast burger and post-game lunch burger. 8:30 am shotgun start. Book your spot by Nov 2.

Regis Australian Veteran Golfers National Championships When: November 11-16 Where: Mornington Peninsula Info: Phone: 0400 799 852 The biggest event on the Australian Veteran golfers calendar is almost upon us, and preparations are hotting up to make this one of the best “Nationals” ever. This annual event is incredibly popular with entries from all over Australia being submitted up to 12 months in advance.

The courses to be played, Rosebud Country Club, The Dunes, The Legends at Moonah Links, and The Ocean at The National Golf Club. The 54-hole Championship will be played at the latter three courses, and will provide a serious challenge for all grades of golfer. More information: Ken McNamara, Mornington Peninsula Veteran Golfers Association, 0400 799 852

Lifeline Northern Beaches Charity Golf Day Where: Long Reef Golf Club When: 13th November Info: www.lifelinenb.org.au

Lifeline provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services and also provides national services and campaigns that promote emotional wellbeing, encourage help seeking, and address suicide prevention and awareness. Lifeline invite local businesses and community members to support this key fundraising opportunity by participating in an enjoyable day at Long Reef Golf Club. The 4-ball Ambrose event begins at 12.30 pm (Shotgun start, registration at 11am), and includes a light lunch, dinner and beverages. Individual packages start at $165. Teams: $650. Silver and Bronze sponsorship packages still available. For more information contact Jayne Persico: 0421 527 574 or fundraising@lifelinenb.org.au

Golf Expo

Where: Pelican Waters Golf Club When: 17th November, 10am - 4pm Info: 07 5437 5002, kiera@pelicangolf.com.au Chat with some of Queensland’s golf experts and check out great gear from Queensland’s best golf suppliers at this year’s Pelican Waters Golf Club Golf Expo. The event features prize giveaways, free golf clinics, putting competitions, kids’ entertainment, lunch specials and chances to win prizes including a golf day experience, rounds of golf, annual driving range membership, golf lessons, junior packs and more. See the latest products from TaylorMade, Titleist, PING, Callaway, Srixon, Cleveland, Oakley, Calvin Klein, Peter Wright, Fayde, Adidas and others. Free Entry.

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AVGU NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS When: 17th-22 November 2013 Where: Various courses Info: www.canberra100.com.au

The Australian Veterans Golf Union National Championships will be played on three of the ACT’s best championship courses which are in close proximity: Gold Creek, Gungahlin Lakes and Yowani. Monday’s event is a 4BBB. The Championships, played on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are a 54-hole stroke event in three grades. Ladies will play a 54-hole stableford event in two grades. Wednesday is a rest day to allow participants to take in many of the region’s attractions. The Presentation Dinner on Thursday 21st will be held at the Hellenic Club (Club of the Year in 2012). The cost will be approximately $250. For more information contact Paul Kringas on 02 6242 9013 or email paul.kringas@gmail.com

Australian Rotary Health: Golf For Research When: 23rd November Where: Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club Info: terrydavies@australianrotaryhealth.org.au; (02) 8837 1900, 0412 229 994 Play golf with a purpose and make a difference to health in Australia by supporting much-needed research. The Golf for Research event is an Ambrose Event (team of 4 players), and every player shares a cart. Included: Coffee on Arrival, On-course Vegetarian/Meat Rolls Buffet Lunch. All money raised goes to Australian Rotary Health, Supporting healthier minds, bodies and communities through research, awareness and education.

Daddo Charity Golf Day

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events supports people with a disability or other physical need to regain, retain and extend their independence. Set at one of Victoria’s finest golf courses, Moonah Links, the day is comprised of a highly enjoyable round of golf, with prizes for the Longest drive and nearest the pin, the famous silent auction, winning teams, numerous activities around both courses and a delicious brunch and dinner spread. Prices: Single player registration $250. Team registration (4 players) $1,000 For more information or to purchase a team please visit www.independenceaustralia.com

3rd Annual ‘Team Chriso’ Cystic Fibrosis Charity Golf Day When: 30th November Where: Leonay Golf Club Info: www.facebook.com/teamchriso Help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis, an inherited genetic disorder in which excessive mucus clogs the lungs and pancreas, causing respiratory and digestive problems. The 2010 and 2011 Charity Golf Days raised a total of $36,500, which helped purchase much needed equipment for families battling CF. Organisers expect a massive turnout for this year’s event. Cost is $60 per person, and includes 18 holes of golf and Lunch. For more information, send an email using “Charity Golf Day” as the Subject to: rachelchriso@ ymail.com, or phone Rachel at 0413 428 341 or Michael at 0412 304 190.

Australian Father and Son Open Golf Championship Where: Country Club Tasmania When: November 30 to December 2 Info: www.australianfatherandsongolf.com Share a memorable moment with your father or son in the upcoming 7th Annual Australian Father and Son Golf Championship. Last year, 50 teams of fathers and sons and even grandfathers and grandsons ventured to Tasmania for the two-ball aggregate stableford event. This year, organisers expect even more golfers to participate. For more information telephone (03) 6394 4158 or 0407 124 373, email eric.roberts7@bigpond.com or download the entry form from www.australianfatherandsongolf.com

Leading amateurs heading for The Dunes The nation’s leading amateur golfers will head to The Dunes Golf Links this November for the 14th running of The Dunes Medal. The 72-hole Open Amateur event has grown in stature since its inception to be recognized as one of the leading amateur events in the country. The first round is played on Tuesday 27th November, with the final round held on Friday 30th November 2012. Lee Park was the female champion last year with an 8-over

Queensland Sunshine Tour

Golf NSW – November calendar of events

2012 Queensland Sunshine Tour Schedule 2-4 November – IHG Fiji Teams Challenge 27 November – Twin Waters Pro Am 17 December – Bartons/BMD Wynnum Pro Am 19 December – Glades Pro Am

Queensland Sunshine Tour Order of Merit Pos Player 1 Grant Scott 2 Bradley Andrews 3 Tony Carolan 4 Steven Jeffress 5 Henry Epstein 6 Kurt Carlson 7 Luke Marino 8 Samuel Brazel 9 Sven Puymbroeck 10 Paul Donahoo 11 Brett Rankin 12 Edward Stedman 13 Matthew Ballard 14 Benjamin Bloomfield 15 Christopher Wood 16 Samuel Eaves 17 Steven Jones T18 Jim Cusdin T18 Aaron Pike 20 Brenton Fowler

Points 298 295 269 262 254 253 244 243 232 199 195 193 189 186 183 180 171 166 166 154

*Following the Ipswich Pro Am

Platinum Partners Rookie of the Year Pos Player 1 Sven Puymbroeck 2 Christopher Wood 3 Samuel Eaves 4 Paul Hayden

Points 232 183 180 124

total. Over 40 women will be vying for the coveted title again this year. Last year’s male winner was Todd Sinnott who fired a 7-under 281. Other notable past champions include local gun Bryden Macpherson (2008), Kieran Pratt (2009) and US PGA star Jason Day (2005). This year’s men’s event includes another strong field with a strong overseas contingent joining the 100+ Australians in the line-up. Spectators are encouraged to come along and spot a future star. Volunteers are also needed to help through the week, with The Dunes offering incentives to all who volunteer. Please call the pro-shop on (03)5985 1334 for more details. Tournament Schedule: Monday 26th Nov – Practice round. Tuesday 27th Nov – 18 holes, am & pm two-tee start. Wednesday 28th Nov – 18 holes, am & pm two-tee start. Thursday 29th Nov – 18 holes, am two-tee start. Friday 30th Nov – Final Round 18 holes, am two-tee start.

Event Venue Golf NSW Events Men’s NSW Country Championships & Inter-District Musswelbrook GC Teams Championship Women’s Medal Play-off – Bankstown GC BRONZE Women’s Medal Play-off – SILVER Liverpool GC Women’s Medal Play-off – GOLD Bankstown GC Men’s Vardon Events Prince Henry Cup Men’s Federal Open (National Ranking) Richmond Cup Long Reef Medal Penrith Open Amateur

Date(s) 3-4 Nov 13 Nov 13 Nov 16 Nov

The Coast GC

3 Nov

Federal GC (ACT)

9-11 Nov

Richmond GC Long Reef GC Penrith GC

17 Nov 17 Nov 24 Nov

Women’s Jean Derrin / Senior Order of Merit Events ACT Seniors Championship Gold Creek, Capital, 13-15 Nov (National OOM) – WOMEN Gungahlin Lakes GCs Long Reef Salver Long Reef GC 17 Nov Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events ACT Seniors Championship Gold Creek, Capital, 13-15 Nov (National OOM) - MEN Gungahlin Lakes GCs Goulburn Seniors Goulburn GC 16 Nov Long Reef Seniors Long Reef GC 26 Nov Cromer Seniors + SOOM Cromer GC 27 Nov Presentation Pennant and Inter-Club Competitions Eric Apperly Shield Metro R2 Junior Pennant Metro R2 Eric Apperly Shield Metro R3 Junior Pennant Metro R3 Eric Apperly Shield Metro R4 Junior Pennant MetroR4 Eric Apperly Shield Metro R5 Junior Pennant Metro R5 Eric Apperly Shield Country play offs

Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various Various

4 Nov 4 Nov 11 Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 18 Nov 25 Nov 25 Nov 25 Nov

For information on any of the above events, or for a full list of fixtures go to: www.golfnsw.org

DECEMBER

RDP Charity Challenge 2012 When: 20th December Where: Bonnie Doon Golf Club Info: golfday@rdp.com.au

The RDP Charity Challenge raises funds for ChildFund and The Spastic Centre and is now in its 10th year. Donation of $225 per player includes: Golf – fourball Ambrose format, range and practice balls, breakfast, tea and coffee on arrival, motorised cart, two course lunch including wine and great prizes. This year RDP is again offering the opportunity for businesses to sponsor a tee. For $1900 you can bring along a team of 4 and sponsor a tee of your choice. As every player has to play every hole, your advertising and promotional materials will be seen (and heard). We are also asking for offers of prizes or auction items. More info: golfday@rdp.com.au or 1300 859 771.

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the 19th hole

Characterising a lost golf ball The quick Michael Green ed@insidegolf.com.au

You meet some characters on the golf course. The personality of every golfer is somehow reflected in the style of game they play, as well of course in their general on-course demeanour. I’ve been privileged enough to play with a wonderful array of different golfers and I’ve particularly noticed the different personality traits when it comes to looking for golf balls. Some golfers rarely need the help of others to find their ball no matter how far they’ve strayed from the fairway, while others won’t find theirs if you give them the rest of the afternoon, insisting they hit the ball as far as Bubba Watson. With this in mind, I’ve categorised a few of these characters with emphasis on their roles when a golf ball needs to be found.

The Sheriff

We all love playing with these guys. They have a knack for knowing exactly how many shots everyone has had, while knocking his own ball down the middle of the fairway. They have an uncanny ability to know everything going on around them, which extends to everybody’s golf ball. As soon as you start to wonder about the whereabouts of your ball, The Sheriff will direct you to it with the accuracy of a GPS. It is also not surprising that The Sheriff is keen to uphold the law and a wise sage when it comes to the rules of golf.

The Outlaw

The “Outlaw” rarely knows his own whereabouts, let alone the whereabouts of his golf ball.

The Sweeper

Here is one meticulous golfer. The Sweeper’s golf clubs are as clean as the day they were purchased. If he finds himself in the rough he’ll take a sweep across the area like a satellite mapping the moon’s surface, leaving no stone, leaf or tree unturned. It is a mathematical approach to finding a golf ball and is usually successful. Exactly the sort of golfer you want helping to find your own ball.

The Prince

The Prince plays his golf in a fantasy world. Looking a million dollars with a bag to match,

The Outlaw is completely clueless as to the whereabouts of his golf ball. Often in the form of a beginner golfer, The Outlaw is antithesis of The Sheriff and will generally have his or her golf ball found by someone else. Picking its line, or noting which tree it went behind doesn’t register as a logical thing to do off the tee and The Outlaw relies on the goodwill of others to make their way through 18 holes of golf. The Outlaw has been known forget where he parked his golf buggy and not surprisingly, often plays in groups exhibiting slow play.

The Racehorse

The Racehorse is a fearsome competitor but not the person you want helping you to find your golf ball. The Racehorse has blinkers on when it comes to anyone else’s ball but can find his own in the deepest of jungles within seconds of arrival. The Racehorse doesn’t need your help to find his ball and don’t expect him to help you find yours either. •

nine quiz With David Newbery

1. Which Australian golfer won back-toback tournaments (Tenerife Open and French Open) on the Ladies European Tour (LET) in the past month? 2. Can you name one of the three amateur players who represented Australia in the Eisenhower Trophy in Turkey? 3. In what position did the three-person Australian women’s team finish in the Espirito Santo Trophy in Turkey last month? 4. Which European player played and squared his singles match against Tiger Woods in the recently held Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club? 5. How did Samuel Ryder of “Ryder Cup” fame make his fortune? 6. Which European player has made the most appearances in the Ryder Cup? 7. Who is the defending Australian Masters champion? 8. A player whose ball lies in the rough close to the fairway is entitled to relief from an immovable obstruction. In obtaining relief under rule 24–2b(i), may the player drop the ball on the fairway? 9. Solve the anagram, Room on melting ice, to identify a well-known Scottish golfer? ANSWERS: (1). Stacey Keating; (2). Daniel Nisbet (Qld), Cameron Smith (Qld) and Matthew Stieger (NSW); (3). Tied for third; (4). Francesco Molinari; (5). Selling flower seeds; (6). Sir Nick Faldo with 11 appearances; (7). Englishman Ian Poulter; (8). Yes. There is no distinction in the Rules between fairway and rough; both are covered by the term “through the green”; (9). Colin Montgomerie.

it’s always a shock to see he’s not the golfer he dresses to be. In fact, it’s always a shock to him too. This bloke can’t believe his luck most of the time and refuses to believe a 24-handicapper can’t shoot par. Johnny Lee sang about looking for love in all the wrong places and The Prince looks for his golf ball in exactly the same way. These golfers will persist in looking in the most accessible, clearest parts of the golf course only succumbing to a bit of bush-bashing as the five-minute mark approaches and all other golfers are on the green. The Prince is always in utter disbelief when it’s pointed out to him that his drive is 50 metres back towards the tee.

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last word

Pushing on (and on...and on...) Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

This year’s Ryder Cup was an absolute inspiration and I reckon we should all take as much as we can from it and use it in our own golfing careers. Stuff like “never give up even when the odds are squarely against you”. I did this recently in the Victorian swing of the Hairy Backs Tour. I copped a bad break at the magnificent but somewhat scary Dunes Golf Course, when my first drive landed right in the middle of a divot. My next shot required me to stay composed and find a way to lift my nut out of the trench with enough force and height to carry a cavernous… I don’t even know what you’d call it. “Wasteland” doesn’t do this area enough justice. This expanse of wilderness looked more like something Bear Grills would have been dropped into and given two weeks to find his way back to civilisation. My mate and host for the two weeks, Danny, gave me a yardage to the safe left side… at least I think that’s what he was telling me (Danny is Irish). The advice was probably sensible and I took it on board until I heard a voice in my head say “Larry! you forgot to wear underwear again!!”. That was the first voice anyway. The second and more relevant one said – “Now Harry (some of my voices forget my name), what would Ian Poulter do here?” The answer was simple. Poults would whip out his hybrid, take dead aim over

the badlands, play a high towering fade… then punch the air like Serena Williams in a pub fight! I drew my 19-degree rescue from its scabbard, took one look in the general direction of where I thought the green might be then cold-topped my agate straight into the crap. My first reaction was to look to my friend Danny for some compassion and encouragement. I couldn’t quite make out the words he used but I’m pretty sure it was

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something along those lines. (Is ‘Shite’ an Irish word for shot?) After I abseiled down to my ball, I was heartened to see someone else had been there before me. I think the footprints were from around the Jurassic period. I managed to extricate my pill—and then myself from the gaboondy—then proceeded to pull my next shot to the left edge of the green. Three putts later and it was pretty obvious there was going to be no fist pumping…. Possibly some putter throwing but nothing resembling a show of Ryder Cup-type passion! Before I could place (slam), my putter back in my bag, a bolt of lightning suddenly flashed across the sky like a profound sign from the golfing god “Callawaymus”. I was sure the message was some spiritual guidance on how to suck it up and drive on. Anyway, it sounded better than Danny’s advice to stand out in the open with my putter above my head. And push on I did… every second putt. The other ones I was pulling. By the time I had reached the turn, I wanted to find Ian Poulter, remove one of his orange Pumas and place it firmly up his plaid arse. Looking back, I now reckon the lightning strike was a message to the officials at The Dunes Golf Club to bring Larry in off the course before he damages something. It’s now pretty obvious I will not be part of the 2014 European Ryder Cup Team when they defend the title at Gleneagles in Scotland. For starters I have about the same amount of “push on regardless” as a beached Humpback. Secondly, I don’t speak fluent Irish and finally and most importantly, it can be bloody freezing in Scotland and I keep forgetting to wear underpants! •

We love our BBQ Australians love their sport and our BBQs. At a little country golf club in Gippsland, Victoria, one player takes his golf to the next level. Mick “Two Socks” Matthews enjoys a round of golf and a BBQ on the way around Garfield Golf Club. Mick has a little gas cooker attached to his golf buggy. In his golf bag— where most players have spare balls, tees, etc—Mick packs bread, sauce and a bottle of red to flavor the meat. The uphill par-5 10th hole is the perfect hole to cook the snags, as they turn themselves rolling around on the hotplate. This certainly puts a different spin on the social side of golf, and makes for a relaxing day out. And Mick’s playing partners don’t mind the free feed on the way around. Mick is a character around Garfield GC, and is known for his colourful spotty pants, never wearing a matching pair of socks and his unique one-hand putting style. •

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mailbox A wee bit of bother Women and junior golfers, especially junior female golfers, are not encouraged on golf courses where toilets are not provided about half way on the front 9 and on the back 9 (near holes No. 4 or 5 and No. 13 or 14.) Men, especially older men, therefore do not like anybody except men around. I have played golf in several mixed groups and on a pair of occasions, a woman had to urinate after three holes away from the Clubhouse (during slow play). With no toilet within two holes and many houses overlooking the golf course, the rest of us in the group formed a circle of golf buggies and people to shelter the women from public view as much as possible. Females, therefore, favour golf courses where toilets are provided on the course as do men when playing golf with female relatives or friends. Local Councils will FINE a person for urinating in a park but appear to accept urination at trees and bushes on golf courses as a norm. Why? I have in the last five years played golf on 92 courses in Sydney and surrounding areas and have encountered many such “user unfriendly” golf courses. One golf course manager had hired “Porta Loos” and told me that the subsequent increased use of the golf course, especially by “social and corporate groups” more than covered the cost of hire and maintenance of the “Porta Loos”. Knut Kjorrefjord

Passing your boards Re: your article about board members, (Getting your club on “board”, on our website) I was at a recent meeting for registered clubs and it was stated that all board members from next year will have to pass an exam to remain a board member. It will be interesting how the smaller clubs will go with this. Jim Glenday

in the latest devices go some way to assisting, but there is still quite a lot of fiddling to be done. Recently my Club agreed to my trialling a narrow strip of reflective tape around the pin just below the flag. This significantly enhanced the bounce-back from the laser and with the pin now providing a strong and dominant reflection, the laser device immediately ‘read’ the pin. This immediate response was apparent as far out as 250 metres and even a little unsteadiness in the hands was better accommodated. The result was a rangefinder much easier and quicker to use. A 50mm band of reflective tape is quite sufficient and can be found in the safety products section of most marine stores. Carry on with your excellent publication. Peter Jenkins

A pitch for Pitch & putt TV too slow

Two quickly

There are many people who think that golf is unsuitable for television viewing, and the sport itself must take some of the blame for this. The recent final between Rose and Westwood in Turkey is a typical example of why non-golfing viewers are turned off. Since there were only two players in the final, the TV commentators had to pad out the broadcast from tee shot to putt on every hole. It would have been a better product if the length of the event was shortened by the use of carts so that the gap between each shot was not filled by waffle by the commentators. I don’t see why the same can’t be applied to other tournaments that are decided by suddendeath playoffs. We want more people to be entertained, and hopefully become players themselves, by presenting a TV spectacle that doesn’t turn the audience away. John Harrison

Here is one more tip on speeding up play. When there is a group of 4 players that have fallen behind for whatever reason, the first 2 players to putt out immediately head over to the next Tee and hit off. Most times I find that the first 2 players have teed off by the time the others get to the Tee. Filling in score cards, etc., can be done as the last 2 players are preparing to Tee off. We have used this method on many occasions and at times caught up 2 full holes. PS. Thanks for a great magazine. Andrew Theochari

A sticky fix for Lasers Having used a laser rangefinder for some while (October Issue), I have become familiar with the single limitation of the system: players taking quite some time to get a fix on the pin. Essentially the greater the distance to the pin, the less the device is able to discriminate between the pin and the background. The software improvements

I read with interest your article on “Getting kids into golf” (September). Like any club, the sooner we get kids into golf the more likely some of them will stay playing and be the members of the future. “Pitch & Putt” (P&P) golf is a way of getting the kids into golf. While P&P is sometimes seen in a bad light (and people often get it confused with putt-putt), it is a really good way to get the smallest of kids playing golf. It has all the things a big golf course has in the way of fairways, first and second cut rough, bunkers and, on some courses, water hazards. It is a perfect way to teach the kids the basics of golf, the rules and the etiquette of golf, like being quiet while someone else is teeing off, not to walk on another players putting line, etc. When the kids are big enough to hit the ball any distance, then they can graduate to the real thing and hopefully, they will continue on in this game we all love. P&P only takes about an hour and a half to play the full 18 holes and you don’t have to reduce games down to 3, 4 or some funny number of holes. Warren Gray

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mailbox

I’m following up on the reader letter regarding ‘Charging (for) your buggies’ (September). Firstly, I would like to address Tony’s concern that golf club boards don’t listen and are more focused on making money. I think we should all remember that golf club boards or committees are made up of volunteers who generally want to help manage a sustainable club operation that provides its members value and enjoyment through the game of golf. In these days and times this is no easy task with the many government regulations concerning issues such as serving food and beverage or various liabilities associated with club operation. The role of ensuring a club is financially viable while meeting the demand for inexpensive membership is an unenviable task. With the last two years being the wettest in Queensland for decades a large number of clubs have found it hard to break even with little opportunity to ‘make money’. It is therefore not surprising that levies or charges have been developed by some clubs to subsidise development of expensive cart paths or the maintenance costs associated with heavy cart use. Essentially it is a user pay system. Tony is correct in that there is a potential legal issue concerning levies or charges imposed by clubs on the use of privately-owned golf carts where a player may have a physical impairment and he or she is reliant on the use of a motorised golf cart to participate. In this instance, there is potential for the affected member to make a

Quicker in carts Well done with your article on speeding up play (October). I would like to add to your list one tip passed on to me many years ago by renowned club professional Henry Cussell during his days at The National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula. Henry’s advice

complaint to the Anti-Discrimination Commission alleging a breach of the Queensland AntiDiscrimination Act on the basis of indirect discrimination. Unfortunately Tony’s letter contains inaccuracies on other issues. I have had advice collected from two insurance companies and, while golf clubs do have a duty of care when providing players access to their course, the duty of care (and hence potential legal liability) does not necessarily increase because the club requires the buggy owner to pay a levy or fee. Liability in the case of an accident would still be predominantly dependent on the circumstances such as whether a party has been negligent in its duty of care. Following Tony’s letter one club has approached their solicitor on the matter and the advice was similar to this. While Golf Queensland has been aware of the ruling concerning cart fee charges and indirect discrimination, Tony is incorrect that we ‘walked away from sending information out to clubs’. We welcome the opportunity to assist clubs on golf or club related matters wherever our knowledge and resources permit. In this instance, a bulletin concerning the potential problems of a general levy on motorised golf cart usage was sent to all clubs affiliated with Golf Queensland’s Member Districts on the 7th July 2010. In closing, I acknowledge the sometimes difficult but very important role golf club Boards or Management Committees have to play in running golf clubs and helping people enjoy golf. Lindsay Ellis, CEO, Golf Queensland

was that, when playing in a cart, do not put your club back in the bag until you arrive at your ball for your next shot. Especially with two players in a cart this practice saves a significant amount of time over the course of a round. Norm Cleland

Crossword

20 22

21 23

26 27

Answers: page 108

Charging for buggies

ACROSS 1. Interrupt a golfer during play, say (7) 5. 2012 US Open winner, Webb _______ (7) 9. Increase gradually (5) 10. Aspect of golf that generally covers approach shots and putting (5,4) 11. Winner of the 2012 AT&T National tournament (5,5) 12. Cricket shot that may result in a catch in the slips (4) 13. A little rounded lump or swelling (6) 15. Backside movement sometimes seen when teeing off (6) 19. Caught (6) 20. Adam Scott, Jason Day, or Nick O’Hern, for example (6)

23. Golfing great, ____ Irwin (4) 24. Qualities of a person (10) 27. Designated places in a team (9) 28. Turn of phrase (5) 29. Cross (7) 30. Absolutely correct (5-2) DOWN 1. First-timer (8) 2. Action of trying to hit a golf ball (5) 3. Choose the wrong iron, for instance, to achieve the desired distance (9) 4. Location of the 2012 Deutsche Bank Championship (6) 5. Pull up completely (4,4) 6. Winner of The Players Championship in 2012, ____ Kuchar (4) 7. Location of 2010’s British Open (2,7)

8. Required (6) 14. Winner of the 2012 Irish Open, Jamie _________ (9) 16. Complaining (9) 17. Winner of the 2012 Nordea Masters on the European Tour, Lee ________ (8) 18. Winner of the 2012 Travelers Championship, Marc ________ (8) 21. Swedish golfer who regained his PGA Tour card for 2012, Daniel ______ (6) 22. Loser in a play-off at the 2012 BMW International Open, Marcus ______ (6) 25. Rotary motion (5) 26. Remain (4)

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

November 01 November 02 November 05 November 06 November 07 November 08 November 09 November 09 November 10 November 12 November 13 November 14 November 15 November 16 November 19 November 20 November 26 November 27 November 28 November 29 November 29 November 30

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

Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Thursday Saturday Friday Friday

November 06 November 07 November 07 November 08 November 09 November 13 November 15 November 17 November 23 November 30

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

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Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

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Includes 18 holes golf & 1 night’s shared accommodation with a continental breakfast.

RESORT MAGIC MERIMBULA

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

$220 Per Person

Includes two rounds of 18 holes & 2 night’s shared accommodation with continental breakfasts & 1 dinner in Nowra Golf Club’s River Bistro

www.nowragolf.com.au

Packages starting from:

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

Cnr Dunns Lane & Arthur Kaine Dr, Merimbula NSW

MIDWEEK SPECIAL

Phone Toll Free: 1800 688 881 Email: aquariusresort@netspeed.com.au

Motorised Cart & 18 Holes Golf

www.aquarius-resort.com.au

*Conditions apply

Only

Drive, North Nowra, NSW 2541 $30pp Fairway Bookings & Info Phone: (02) 4421 2249

(twin share) *Conditions apply

Or email: proshop@nowragolf.com.au

ASQUITH GOLF CLUB Situated just North of Hornsby on the beautiful North Shore of Sydney

NO JOINING FEE SAVE $500 Plus, if you take up this offer, you will receive a

›› Hole Out

Mike McGuire & Yumi Yoshida 1-7 Oceanview Ave, Merimbula NSW P: 02 6495 2366 M: 0437 801 270 E: info@pacificheights.com.au W: www.pacificheights.com.au

•All golf courses within 20 minute drive •Heated year round pool •Free BBQ area •500m walk to restaurants •FSC Apartments & Munn Tower House •Sensational views of Village, Lake & Ocean

Great Golf Packages

LET US QUOTE YOUR OWN PACKAGE 4 NIGHTS ACCOM. 5 NIGHTS ACCOM. 3 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

$455 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

FROM

Sapphire Coast Merimbula

FROM

Spectacular

$525 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

Pambula Merimbula GC • Eden Gardens GC • Bega Country Club • Tura Beach Country Club

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

*offer available for a limited time

$50 Asquith Pro Shop voucher. Asquith Golf Club Limited Lord Street MT COLAH NSW 2079 Phone: 9477 1266, email: office@asquithgolfclub.com.au Website: www.asquithgolfclub.com.au

Port Stephens Getaways

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. ✓ Golf and accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts. ✓ Established in 1996

$7 From ay per d

16 Golf courses! Port Stephens Golfing Holidays

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

‘Play a round then play around’ • 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

• 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

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!

admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

Ph: (07) 5494 0630 Golf Shop (07) 5494 6611 106

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

River Street, Yamba NSW | Ph (02) 6646 2104 | Pro Shop (02) 6646 1656 | www.yambagolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

golf directory

Bellbird Hotel

Gol Pack f Spec age ialists

Traditional Hunter Hospitality

Clearwater Noosa

Resort

Stay & Play Golf Packages

Golf packages starting from $99pp Golf • Accommodation • Continental breakfast Group bookings of 10 or more welcome, packages start from $140pp

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

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

from

479

PP 4 share basis Package #1

Some conditions apply

SAPPHIRE COAST GOLF SCHOOL • Eden Gardens Country Club a superb 18 hole championship course available for competition & social play • Individual golf lessons • Seniors, women and kids golf clinics

• On-course golf tuition • Golf swing video analysis • Half and full day golf programs • Stay, play and improve golf holiday packages • Golf for school groups and school holiday programs

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

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

THREE COURSE SPECIAL

Only $290

Mossman, Mirage & Sea Temple Includes Carts, Fees & Transfers (Price based on 2 person share. +$30 single person supplement)

TWO COURSE SPECIAL

Only $195

Mossman & Sea Temple Includes Carts, Fees & Transfers (Price based on 2 person share. +$20 single person supplement)

MOSSMAN

Only $49

Includes Fees & Transfers

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

A ROU

Clubs and other packages available on request.

(Price based on 2 person share. +$20 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

www.insidegolf.com.au | November 2012

107

golf directory

Golf MeMbership from $370 until 30/06/2013

Crossword answers

Social Club bookings now available on Saturday’s

New members only

Golf Packages not available during competition or Saturday play or sunday before 12pm

• 18 hole championship course with enormous greens • Twin Share electric cart hire • Lunch

Great Course Great Deal

er so

Bookings and enquires call

Pro Shop

(02) 6680 1247 Or visit

www.oceanshorescc.com.au Orana Rd, Ocean Shores NSW Ph (02) 6680 1247 Fx (02) 6680 1721 Only 30 minutes South of Coolangatta and 15 minutes North of Byron Bay

3 GREAT COURSES AND A GREAT PLACE TO STAY IN ORANGE

There is nothing like golfing in the high country of Orange only 3 hours drive from Sydney. Orange has three wonderful coursers where visitors are most welcome. All courses are minutes from Melview Greens Apartments which is a chip away from Wentworth Golf Course and owned by a keen golfing family. All apartments are fully appointed have undercover parking at the door.

Golfing Packages are our specialty. 2 night accommodation and 3 rounds golf (different coursers) ---$215 pp twin share.

“Once you have stayed you’ll come back again”

MELVIEW GREENS

D I S T U R B S I M P S O N E W N O T A T E B U I L D S H O R T G A M E U N E T P T N D T I G E R W O O D S E D G E A C N E R D N O D U L E W A G G L E T O U W D R W L N A B B E D A U S S I E C A S F M I H A L E A T T R I B U T E S O D S W A L W H P O S I T I O N S I D I O M R O A O E N S A A N N O Y E D R I G H T O N Our ‘Rain Check’ Guarantee*. If you can’t play because of rain, www.tocumwalgolf.com.au we give you P. 03 5874 9111 replacement rounds FREE! 36 Hole Championship Course with great greens, *Applies to ‘TGC friendly staff and a easy 3hr drive from Melbourne. Golf Packages’ Only. Take the Drive!

STUDIO & FAMILY APARTMENTS, PLOUGHMANS LANE ORANGE NSW 2800

Phone 02 6362 0955 • www.melviewgreens.com.au

specialises in the production of visors and hats ideal for the lady golfer or sporting women alike

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE

Cobram-Barooga Golf View Motel Special play & Stay packageS on courSe

p: 07 5594 3475 f: 07 5594 3477 t: 1300 309 299 1a 658 Nerang Broadbeach Road, Carrara Qld 4211 e: sales@preciouscargo.com.au w: www.preciouscargo.com.au

• 2 Nights’ Accommodation • 2 Rounds of unlimited Golf (subject to availability) • Continental Breakfast each morning (cooked upgrade $8pp per day) • Meal Vouchers for the Sports Club

Play anytime - No waiting

$175pp Quad Share

Howeston Golf Course

$200pp

tWin 179 Golf Course Road SH are Barooga, NSW Australia, 3644 FreeCall 1800 557 192 or Fax +61 5873 4556 www.baroogagolfview.com.au | julie@baroogagolfview.com.au 108

November 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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

Enquiries welcome $

16 Weekdays

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

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

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

*prices include GST

We specialise in Group Bookings Let us organise your next Golfing Getaway With the people who know

View it in action @

ezgo.com.au/video-library

View it in action @

ezgo.com.au/video-library

View it in action @

ezgo.com.au/video-library

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks)

(02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 7 Days

Srixon Distance Balls

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA Postage and handling any quantity.

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 7 Days

Precept Laddie X Balls

TaylorMade XD balls Great for golf ball competitions Bulk qty 144 balls ($14 a doz) Individually boxed

Distance ball with great feel Great for ball competitions Bulk Qty

ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE TO GOLF CLUBS

$156

Distance ball with great feel

$30 for 24 individually boxed balls

$179

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

$168

Srixon Ball Sale

TaylorMade RBZ Driver

Cleveland Golf Umbrella

Variable Loft Men’s Seniors and Ladies Right and Left Includes wrench Includes cover

Gust buster Dual canopy Fibreglass Shaft 62” Large Includes cover

Individually boxed balls

$18

Mens or Ladies Soft Feel or AD333 144 Balls for $216

per dozen

Cleveland Classic Driver Regular and stiff 10.5º loft Includes cover

SAVE $100

$189

Smoothy 3-Wheel Suspension buggy Seat Brake Black only

144 individually boxed balls

SAVE$90

$279

Cleveland Mashie MkII Hybrid

SRIXON Z-STAR

Lofts 15.5º, 18º, 20.5º 23º, 26º Shafts - Reg, Seniors & Stiff Right hand and some left 59g Miyazaki shaft Includes cover

Removable head 5 wood Graphite regular or stiff Adjustable head Includes wrench & cover

SAVE $50

$99

TaylorMade Penta TP5 Balls 5 piece urethane cover

$229

$49

$179

$33

Cleveland CG-16 Wedges

Callaway Tour Caps

Great value Lob, Sand, Gap & Pitching wedges Right & Left hand

Black, White or Navy Adjustable 100% Cotton

Half Price

$99

$50

14 Full length dividers Magnetic pockets Cooler pocket Lots of colours

doz

$29

$14

Each (+ Postage)

Eagles & Birdies Cypress Point bag

ALL WEATHER GLOVES Tour Special by SRIXON

SAVE$60

$45

INC. POSTAGE ANYWHERE IN AUST

Callaway 2 year Waterproof shoe Men’s white: 8, 8.5, 9, 11, 11.5, 12 US sizes Ladies white: 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 US sizes Men’s black: 8, 8.5, 11, 11.5, 12 US sizes

5 FOR

Mens Left or Right White or Black Mens - S, M, ML, L, XL

$199 $129

Cleveland CG-16 Irons 7 Irons 4 - PW CLEARANCE

$69 $369 Each (+ Postage)

$39

Stiff or regular

Fairway Metalwood

$299

$89

Cleveland Cart Plus 14 Way Bag Cooler Pocket Putter holder Full length dividers Black/blue, black/red, black

$179

$119

Srixon Distance Balls TaylorMade XD Balls Precept Laddie X balls Optima M2 Distance balls Maxfli Lady Noodle Maxfli Black Max Maxfli Tempo

$13doz $14doz $15doz $15doz $13doz $13doz $10doz

Srixon AD333 Callaway HX Hot 3 piece Srixon Soft Feel balls Srixon Soft Feel Lady Nike Power Soft Distance Callaway HX Diablo Srixon Q Star

$18doz $18doz $18doz $18doz $22doz $22doz $23doz

TaylorMade Burner Low Compression $25doz Callaway Lady HX Pearl balls $25doz TaylorMade Rocketballz 3 piece $25doz Srixon Z-Star or Z-Star X $33doz Callaway Tour i(s) or i(z) $33doz Bridgestone B330s or B330 $33doz Taylormade Penta TP5 $33doz