Inside Golf February 2013

Australia’s Most Read Golf Magazine

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When ‘no news’ is ‘bad news’ Richard Fellner

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richard@insidegolf.com.au

One of the most common flaws in any business or organisation (or, according to my wife, a marriage!) is a failure to communicate.

Get it right, and you’ll reap the rewards.

Get it wrong, however, and you’ll be in the doghouse.

History is rife with examples of poor communication.

One that quickly springs to mind is NASA’s famed $125 million Mars Climate Orbiter spacecraft which, in 1999, met a disastrous end as it smashed into the red planet following a nine-month voyage.

The problem: engineers from Lockheed Martin sent raw ‘course correction’ data (based on Imperial units) to engineers at NASA (who had blindly assumed the numbers had been sent in Metric). Over that nine-month voyage, if even one person simply made a short phone call just to say “Hi” and confirm the numbers, a disaster could have been averted.

Back here on Earth, I receive stories from club golfers (and committee members) who often feel out of the loop when it comes to communications from their club.

Whether it is due to the club’s apathy, lack of communication skills or simply the desire to keep things “under wraps”, there appears to be a growing problem whereby club members are simply not receiving information that is important to them.

From simple matters like a change of hours at the Bistro, to a more serious situation like changing personnel, budgetary issues or course closures/relocation, members have a right to be informed.

And according to readers, the communication problem isn’t confined to just clubs. Our governing bodies and associations are equally culpable. Over the years, I’ve fielded heaps of emails/ calls from readers on topics like the national handicap system revamp/rollout (with “ambiguous dates on deliverables”), national course re-ratings/slope system (“very little communication at all”), the “silent” dismantling of Golf Access, etc.

To be fair, in some cases, information

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HAS been communicated from, say, the Associations to the key contacts at clubs, but the clubs have failed to pass the information on to members. Golf Australia, the state bodies (like Golf NSW, Golf Victoria, etc) and other associations generally send out regular communications, emails and newsletters that are packed with the latest news. And it is the responsibility of each club to pass this information on to the members (and not simply assume that the members will read it on their own).

In some instances, a club may defend their lack of communication with “No news is good news” or “Well, there just wasn’t anything new to say.” The problem here is that there is ALWAYS something to say.

Remember: ever y time you communicate with members – no matter what you say — you have an opportunity to improve the relationship. And building on that relationship is critical if you want to keep them as a member.

Even if you say “Regarding [project x]: there has been no further progress, but we are looking into...[etc]” you will get a much better reaction from members than simply staying silent. Silence, on the other hand, can breed suspicion, generate rumours and create an overall feeling of discontent by members.

If we draw some parallels with “Business/ Customer Communication” we can shed further light on this.

For example, if you look at committee members as your “partners”, then the fallout of poor communication can be things like lower efficiency, unclear goals, poor leadership, lower morale, decreased innovation, increased misunderstandings and lack of trust. These are not good traits/ results for a committee.

Likewise, poor communication to your

everyday members (i.e. your “customers”) can result in poor retention, customer confusion, decreased customer life cycle, customer anger and long-term increased costs.

(Does any of this sound familiar in your club?)

Now, I’m not saying that clubs need to start disclosing confidential information.

But when it comes to anything that has been communicated by the governing bodies/associations which is intended for distribution to club members—or for anything club-related that could have an impact on even the smallest number of club members —then clubs MUST do the right thing and pass it on, no matter how mundane it may seem, or how overloaded the key contact’s workload might be.

More importantly, remember that it is always better to “overcommunicate”.

Studies have shown that, for a message to “stick” it must be heard/seen multiple times. You can’t expect to send out one message and have everyone read/ understand it the first time. Or the second/ third time. Repetition is key.

Clubs have many communication tools available these days. From email, to newsletters, to notice boards, to flyers, Twitter, Facebook, websites... the list goes on. Use them all. There is simply no excuse to not take five minutes and connect with your people with a short note to say “Hi, here’s a bit of news.”

It’s not rocket science (as NASA found out).

See you on the fairways •

Contributors:

Advertising Sales: Lisa Coleman E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au | M:0406 031 344

Larry Canning, Mike Orloff, Denis Dale, Peter Croker, Brian Thorburn, Warren Sevil, Michael Green, Bradley Green, Richard Nizielski, Wally Wright, David Allen, Tiffany Mika, Glenn Whittle, Lee Harrington, Ross Perrett, Nick Mooney, Kristen Walker

Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au

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Joanne’s easy lesson

Smith and Lee amateur champions Juniors on course at Cottesloe

FORMER touring professional turned teaching pro Joanne Mills would like a dollar for every time someone asked how to hit the ball further.

When asked the same question, Greg Norman’s former coach Charlie Earp would say, “tee up the ball, hit it and then run backward and don’t stop until the ball stops rolling”.

Of course, he was joking.

Mills reckons amateurs golfers would be better off concentrating on the basics – grip and set-up.

“If you haven’t got the basics, it’s hard to hit a good golf shot,” she says.

“The grip is the biggest problem in people’s swings. If you don’t have the right grip it is going to be hard to hit the ball straight.

“As a teaching professional I try to get people hitting the golf ball consistently.

“I’m a positive person and always encourage golfers to work on their game.

“We want more people playing golf so it’s important to encourage them.” •

Right start for left-handers The National Association of Left Handed Golfers–NSW (NALG–NSW) recently announced an exciting new golf events programme for 2013.

There will be a new monthly competition for all members, played on some of Sydney’s top golf courses, including events at Moore Park and Stonecutters Ridge. Visitors are also welcome to all these events. At the end of the year, the competition winner will win a golf trip for two to one of Australia’s leading golf resorts.

In addition, there will be the State championships which will be held at Ryde Parramatta in September, and the National Championships at Ballina/Byron Bay in October. For those who want to travel further, there is the World Championship, which is being held in Turkey in September.

To become a member of the association and find more information about these events, visit www.nalg-nsw.org.au •

Cottesloe Golf Club’s on-course tuition for juniors

STRAIGHT TO THE POOL ROOM: Cameron Smith and Minjee Lee proudly display their new hardware.

Queenslander Cameron Smith completed an extraordinary turnaround to win the Australian Men’s Amateur Championship against Victorian Geoff Drakeford at Commonwealth Golf Club last month.

Trailing 5-down to Commonwealth member Drakeford at various stages, Smith fought back to win his maiden Australian Amateur title with a 3&2 victory.

“I’m gobsmacked, I can’t even believe I came back from that,” Smith said.

“I played some good shots and put him under pressure and holed some putts. I thought if I could him get down the last hole I was in with a shot but turns out I got it done before that which was quite nice.”

“Mum was pretty stoked when I told her, she was just yelling and couldn’t get a word out,” Smith said.

Smith earns an exemption into the 2013 Emirates Australian Open with his victory.

“It’s definitely a good start to 2013 and hopefully this form can carry through to the next few

tournaments,”Smith added.

In the final of the Australian Women’s Amateur Championship, Western Australia’s Minjee Lee cruised to a 6&5 victory over South Australianbased Korean Jenny Lee. Minjee was in control for much of the match and it was a chance for the Royal Fremantle member to go one better than her narrow loss in the final in 2011.

“It feels amazing. It’s such an honour to win this tournament. It’s been a long week so it’s a great reward,” Lee said.

Lee, the current US Girls’ Junior Champion, said she felt she could respond when she was challenged.

“I felt I could always get back up if I was down,” she said.

Lee earns an exemption into this month’s ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open at Royal Canberra Golf Club from 14-17 February.

“It’s an LPGA event so it will have a great field and I’m really looking forward to it,” Lee added. •

While many junior golf programs limit the students to mostly range and short-game practice, WA’s Cottesloe’s junior program is focussing on teaching boys and girls to play golf by getting them out on the course.

Previously, tuition was kept to the practice range, but this resulted in very few kids actually playing golf. Now they get used to playing golf straight away.

As Bruce Hay, the Head Professional explains: “In the past we have had heaps of kids coming to learn golf, but it was always difficult to get them to play. Now it is difficult to get them off the course.”

Cottesloe’s junior program runs on a Saturday afternoon throughout the year. It is open to all boys and girls, not just children of members. The weekly session consists of one hour of tuition and skills practice on the range followed by two hours on the course.

During supervised play, a staff member teaches one technical point and one etiquette point. For example, the lesson could be on how to line up your stance, and on how to mark your ball.

After a trial period, Cottesloe Golf Club invites each boy or girl to become a junior or sub junior member. They then become eligible to play on Saturday mornings at the club where tee times are set aside for juniors. The only requirement is that they can keep up with the field.

A notable success from this revised approach is state player Curtis Luck who defended his Smarter Than Smoking State Junior Amateur title in November at the Wanneroo Golf Club.

According to the kids: “learning golf by actually playing the game is cool.” •

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Vic open field gets talent boost

Troy Cox

Cox tops at Q-School Troy Cox from New South Wales took home the top prize at the 2013 PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School played at Peninsula Country Golf Club.

Shooting an 11-under 277, Cox earned himself a full Tour card for the 2013 season as well as a $4000 paycheque.

“My game sort of fell apart toward the end of today, I haven’t been in that situation for about 15 years,” said Cox. “So I am rapt, I came to Tour School just wanting to get through but to win it, is just fabulous” “It’s going to make it a lot easier not having to go through pre-qualifying so hopefully I can perform in the Aussie Open and those sorts of tournaments to keep my card.”

Finishing a further three shots back was Queenslander Steve Jeffress who has been a regular on the PGA Tour of Australasia for more than 10 years.

The aim for players at the event was a top10 finish; which would earn them starts into all

tournaments on the 2013 schedule including the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola, Emirates Australian Open, Australian Masters and the Perth International.

As well as Cox and Jeffress, players to have finished inside the mark were; Neven Basic (NSW), John Wade (VIC), Brett Rankin (QLD), Grant Scott (NSW), Brad Lamb (VIC), Leigh Deagan (VIC), Dimi Papadatos (NSW) and Tom Bond (SA).

Other players to have earned status on the PGA Tour of Australasia for 2013 are former PGA TOUR winner Phil Tataurangi, 1998 Australian Master Champion Bradley Hughes and New Zealand’s Josh Geary.

Also making it onto the Tour in 2013 is 16-yearold Kota Kagasaki who, at the age of 13, played an exhibition match against Tiger Woods in Japan.

Turning Professional last year, Kagasaki missed his 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia card but spent the year competing on the Canadian Tour. •

The Victorian Open— to be held at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links this month—was given a boost of talent with the player commitments of Matt Griffin, Kristie Smith and Spaniard Tania Elosegui.

Victorian Griffin will tee it up on the men’s side looking to build on some recent success he has enjoyed playing overseas.

In 2012, Griffin earned his debut victory at The Charity High 1 Open on the OneAsia Tour in September. The 29-year-old, who has had a number of previous Vic Open starts, will attempt to have his name etched on the famous trophy that has been won by some of world golf ’s biggest names since 1957.

This year will mark the second consecutive year the Women’s Championship has been played, having been reintroduced for the first time in 20 years in 2012. With the 2011 New Zealand Women’s Open Champion, Kristie Smith committing to play, the Western Australian may soon have another trophy to display around the home. Smith, who plays on the APLG Tour, Ladies European Tour and Futures Tour has five professional wins to go with her rich pedigree as an amateur. A 2013 Vic Open win would be another feather in the 24-year-old’s cap.

For Elosegui, the 31-year-old Spanish LPGA and LET Tour player will hope to start a trend of international women taking out the Women’s Vic Open with France’s Joanna Klatten being crowned last year’s Champion.

Elosegui is a former winner of the ABN AMRO Ladies Open on the LET Tour and in 2009, represented the European Team in the Solheim Cup. Tournament Director, David Greenhill believes the calibre of players on both the men’s and women’s sides will be one of the best in the event’s history, particularly due

Matthew Griffin to the timing of the tournament.

“The field for both the men’s and women’s Vic Opens is coming together really well.

Interest is certainly high amongst our best up-and-coming players. Last year—and for many previous years— we’ve hosted the Vic Open in early January. Late February is a good option for us in 2013.

“On top of our marquee names such as Richard Green and Stacey Keating, and last year’s men’s winner Scott Arnold, we are looking forward to seeing the likes of Matty Griffin, Kristie and Tania,” said Greenhill.

More information: www.golfvic.org.au and follow @VicOpenGolf on Twitter. •

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news

Nomads Golf gets underway in Perth The first, and highly successful, game for the Nomads Golf Club Perth took place recently at Marangaroo Golf Club.

The Nomads Golf Club was originally formed in South Africa in 1960. Its purpose is to encourage the enjoyment of golf while at the same time raise funds for charity and the furtherance of junior golf. Now with over 3000 members it has expanded outside Southern Africa to Australia and New Zealand.

In 2003 Nomads Golf reached the shores of Australia with the establishment of the first club in Sydney followed five years later by Brisbane. Each year an Australian team travels to South Africa to participate in their National Tournament which is the largest amateur tournament in the world. This is reciprocated at an Australia National Tournament where over

The Nomads Golf Club at their inaugural event. (Photo: Claire Lloyd-Adams) 100 members from Australia, New Zealand, and Southern Africa compete for the TriNations and Club of Origin Trophies.

On one Sunday morning a month at a different golf club in Perth there is a Stableford competition.

The emphasis is on enjoyment and making new friends within a well-run golfing environment

Industry unites for club support program Golf Australia, in collaboration with the State Associations and industry stakeholders, has embarked on developing a strategy for a national club support and development program to assist the health and sustainability of Australian golf clubs.

The Club Development Support Program, identified as a key priority of the National Participation Plan, will be progressively rolled out from 2013.

To assist the development of this important strategy, an advisory group including representatives from the Australian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, Australian Sports Commission, Clubs, Golf Australia, Golf Management Australia, PGA of Australia and State Golf Associations has been formed with golf business consultancy WellPlayed (formerly Flow Project Services) being engaged to

manage the project.

Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said the industry-endorsed program would play an important role in providing expertise and resources to Australian golf clubs.

“The feedback and requests for advice we get from golf clubs covers a diverse range of issues.

With the collective expertise of the industry at hand, the new Club Support and Development Program will make that information easier for clubs to source and use,” Pitt said.

“Healthy golf clubs and a healthy Australian golf industry go hand-in-hand. The advisory group’s resources will cover the key areas of club operations and provide clubs, where possible, with the information to adopt industry best-practice in their businesses.”

with the added charitable aims.

The Nomads Perth web site sets out the calendar of events as well as information on Nomads Golf worldwide. If you would like to learn more about Nomads Golf visit the web site and register for a game at www.nomadsgolfperth.com or email perthnomads@gmail.com • The mission of the program is to develop a leading, trusted and sustainable ‘Club Support and Development’ program to assist clubs in improving their performance and provide valuable golf participation opportunities.

The program framework will include a new club health check tool and resources to assist clubs in the areas of governance, strategic planning, marketing, membership attraction and retention, benchmarking, financial performance, education and sustainability.

The program will use both existing information developed by the golf industry in Australia and the outcomes from research conducted by a number of other sports in regard to their club development and support initiatives.

The strategy is expected to be finalised by the middle of the year. •

Justin time for two aces BET there aren’t too many golfers in the world that can claim they started 2012 with a hole-inone and ended the year with an ace.

Moss Vale Golf Club’s Justin Allen achieved the feat by acing the 123-metre 11th hole during his first event in January 2012 and repeated the feat at the same hole during his last game in December.

The January hole-in-one was his career first and the December ace his second.

For the record, the cup’s pin position was in the identical spot for both of his holes-in-one.

The club’s director of golf Robert Kennedy said the 11th hole at 123m was the shortest of the four par-3s on the golf course.

A gully either side of the hole wraps around the green, which is protected by a deep bunker on the front right. Another bunker is positioned to the back left of the green. •

That’s Max – to a tee

IF you see a gentleman strolling around with a huge smile on his face and a T-shirt that reads “Australia’s newest pensioner” be sure to say hello.

Max Mason, Nudgee Golf Club’s former longserving general manager, swapped his business suit for the T-shirt he had designed when he retired on December 31, 2012.

Max arrived at Nudgee Golf Club in 1995 following a four-year stint as general manager at Toowoomba Golf Club (Middle Ridge).

“Basically, I have been a workaholic and I have spent most of my time at the club,” he said after 17-and-ahalf years in the job.

“I very rarely play golf, but I would like to get a game of golf in now that I have retired.”

Sorry Max, you won’t be able to wear the T-shirt to golf – Nudgee Golf Club has a strict dress code thanks to the club’s previous manager. •

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Final Call: Help McKenzie triumphs at Vic PGA Percy’s amateur advice us measure how far golfers walk during 18 holes

Over the last two months, Inside Golf has been running a study on the actual distance a golfer walks during a standard round of 18 holes. Apart from the Tee-to-Green scorecard length, you also have 18 return trips between your buggy and the tee box, and 18 more to/from the greens. Then there are things like travelling to the next hole, looking for a lost ball, playing in (and raking) bunkers, walking to/from the carpark to the clubhouse or practice range, etc.

It all adds up. In fact, early data is showing that on a course of, say, 6000m, some golfers are walking upwards of 11-12km!

This is great news to prove the fitness benefits of golf (and fighting obesity).

To further this study, Inside Golf is looking for Australian golfers to help us expand this research and create what may be a World’s First smartphone study into the distance walked during a round of golf. All you need is a smartphone (like an iPhone/ Android, etc) and one of the popular GPS fitness Apps (like Map My Run, RunKeeper, etc). You can even use some GPS units with built-in distance tracking.

To participate, simply walk a round of 18 holes (No riding in a cart!). Prior to playing, activate your GPS app when you are in the carpark (be sure to set your phone on “silent” and also disable any audio updates from your app– lest your partners wonder why your bum is speaking!). Keep the unit it in your pocket for the round (don’t leave it in your buggy, as that will not accurately measure the distance you walk). Turn it off when you return to your car.

Then enter the data via our website: www.insidegolf.com.au •

David McKenzie David McKenzie won his first PGA Tour of Australasia title, taking out the Turner Plumbing Victorian PGA Championship at Forest Resort Creswick last month.

McKenzie claimed the Jack Harris Cup by two strokes over Scott Laycock, while Stephen Dartnall, Matthew Griffin and John Wade rounded out the top five.

Despite getting off to a tough start with a bogey on the first, McKenzie’s game came together when it counted to claim the first PGA Tour of Australasia tournament of the year.

“It’s been hard work for a while. It’s been a long time coming,” said McKenzie who has competed on the PGA Tour of Australasia since 1990.

“Words are eluding me now. I actually lost a Victorian PGA by missing a short putt about 20 years ago, so it’s nice to actually win.”

After his round an emotional McKenzie thanked his wife and parents for their support

throughout his career and also made special mention of his very good friend Ramsay McMaster who passed away unexpectedly just over a year ago.

Following McMaster’s passing, McKenzie said it took him a long time to even want to go near a golf course, but says he’s back enjoying golf again, and will always look to Ramsay for inspiration.

“Ramsay was one of my biggest supporters,” said McKenzie of his friend who was renowned as one of the world’s leading golf specific physiotherapists.

“He’d call at three in the morning just to give me a rev up and just to say to keep going in only a way that Ramsay knows how. It has and will take me a long time to get over it.”

At the presentation ceremony he added, “I wish he was here to see this..and hopefully he did.”

For the win, McKenzie received the trophy from six-time Victorian PGA Champion and PGA Life Member Jack Harris, along with a prize cheque for $19,500. •

CAMERON Percy might play golf at the highest level, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy sharing a round with amateur golfers.

When he does get the opportunity to play in a pro-am-style event he happily passes on his knowledge of the golf swing when it’s required.

Several times during the Holden Scramble championship final at Twin Waters Golf Club, Percy was spotted offering advice to one of his amateur playing partners from the Gold Coast Country Club.

“I can’t stand there and watch a guy struggle all day,” he said. “I have got to say something and offer them advice.

“Some guys do want it and some don’t so you have to be careful with that kind of thing.

“I like to help them with some simple things if I can. Most guys can hit it okay, but they are just set up in the wrong spot.” •

Magic 59 for Abbott David Abbott, a 23 year-old, second-year trainee at Campbelltown Golf Club fired the golfer’s magic number of 59 recently, a round of 11-under-par on the par-70 course.

David’s front 9 was an impressive 29, while he came home with a 30 on the back. His round was made up of birdies on holes 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 17 and also included an eagle on the par5 13th. Incredibly, his round included a penalty stroke on the 16th, where he drove into the water.

Despite the stumble, he still managed to get up and down to salvage his par on the hole.

In 2011 David won the NSW Trainee’s Championship at Hawks Nest Golf Club. •

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news

New face at Virginia

Ocean Shores up $1million renovation OCEAN Shores Country Club is looking a million dollars after the club’s $1m renovation.

Everything old is new again including carpets, lighting, ceilings and even the clubhouse (interior and exterior) has received a fresh lick of paint.

“We have also built a new indoor/outdoor gaming area,” general manager Andrew Spice said.

“A lot of the upgrading work was to essential services like a new disabled access to the front of the club, fire alarms and booster pumps.”

Out on the golf course, superintendent Shane Heaney and his staff are close to getting the fairways back to pure couch.

“That’s coming along nicely,” Spice said.

“You can definitely see the differences to the golf course.”

That’s resulted in more spikes on the fairways as golfers enjoy the fine conditions of the golf course and the fine weather.

“I have been here for five-and-a-half years and, weather-wise, this summer has been the best one I have seen here,” Spice said.

“We have had a long, dry summer so far which has been good for golf.

“We are starting to get into a position where we are seeing growth in golf, which is against the trends so we must be doing something right.

“We’ve been busy over the holiday, which has been good financially because we rely a lot on this period.

“In previous years, we have had atrocious weather at this time of the year, but this year has been by far the best one I have seen.” •

Yamba golf course

Yamba awash with golfers LAST year the town of Yamba in northern NSW was voted the best holiday destination and since then the Yamba Golf and Country Club has been reaping the rewards.

Club captain David Miles told Inside Golf there had been a spike in the number of people visiting the golf and country club.

“The onset of the fine weather means our golf course is absolutely awash with people,” he said.

“We have a lot of people, particularly from Queensland, holidaying in Yamba,” he said.

“Thursday we had a field of 211 and 50 of them were visitors – the majority from southeast Queensland.”

Of course, the golf course’s pristine fairways and greens mean golfers keep going back for another round.

“In the middle of November we started treating our fairways with Fusilade and now our fairways are better than they have ever been.

(Fusilade is a solution that kills everything except couch).

“Our course is the best it’s ever been and we get so many compliments from visitors.

“While the good weather continues, Yamba will continue to be full of success.”

Speaking of success, Jack Stevens from Royal Sydney made the most of the pristine conditions recently when he carded 48 stableford points.

“We have had someone come in with 47 points, but we can’t recall 48 individual points in a competition,” Miles said.

Meanwhile, the golf and country club has been offering holidaymakers a $40 one-month membership.

“It allows them to have all the benefits of membership, such as cheaper golf, benefits within the clubhouse and it becomes their point of enjoyment,” Miles said.

“If they are thinking of having a beer or a dinner, the golf club becomes their first choice.

It has really worked well for us.”

Yamba Golf and Country Club has 800 playing members and 3500 social members.

The golf and country club will host the Yamba Junior Classic on March 4. For more information, contact the club professional John Wright on (02) 6646 1656. •

BRISBANE’S Virginia Golf Club has a new man at the helm.

Nathan Young, who has extensive experience in the Sunshine State, has taken on the secretary-manager’s job.

His hospit a lit y, tour ism and e vent management experience spans 20 years and includes a leadership role as general manager of Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club near Cairns.

He was regional operations manager for Spotless Services in Townsville (management of Dairy Farmers Stadium – home of the North Queensland Cowboys and the annual Sucrogen Townsville 400, V8 supercars).

Young spent six years (2004-2010) at Paradise Palms and oversaw the addition of resort accommodation and facilities and a $5m clubhouse refurbishment.

“With a love of golf and career-driven interest in sports management you could say this is my dream job,” Young said.

“Virginia Golf Club is quite simply a beautiful place with terrific members and a remarkable history.

“My objective is to ensure the club advances into its deserved place as one of Brisbane’s premier golfing and event facilities.”

Virginia G olf Club has come to b e known as the “Course of Champions” as many rising stars honed their skills there including major winners Greg Norman and Wayne Grady.

Of the five Queenslanders who have won the Australian Amateur Championship, two have come from Virginia – Jack Rayner in 1955 and Andrew Buckle in 2001. •

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news

Deck it out at Benalla

AFTER years of planning (and dreaming), Benella Golf Club finally has its new 80seat outdoor area.

After months of deliberation, the club engaged local builder and club member Rex Brock (78 years of age) as project manager on a voluntary basis.

Employed on Friday night, he started work on Monday morning with the famous saying “looking at it won’t get it done”.

He looked at the project at night and worked on it during the day.

For the next eight-plus weeks, Benalla Golf Club became Rex’s first home along with many other members who gave up a few hours of their time to achieve the dream.

Spare a thought for a project manager who has 500 bosses and seven million

Benalla Golf Club’s new 80-seat outdoor area. ideas to deal with.

All patrons – from members to visitors and locals – have given the achieved result the thumbs up.

“I and all Benalla Golf Club members thank Rex and his cohorts for the terrific contribution to ‘The Terrace’ (the dream),”

said golf shop manager and member Wayne Hocking. “It has become a major asset of our great club.” • FOOTNOTE: Benalla is a small city located on the Broken River in the High Country north-eastern region of Victoria.

Expert coaches hit Tenterfield MORE than 80 junior golfers attended a junior clinic at Tenterfield Golf Club in NSW and played in the club’s 54-hole classic.

There to cast an eye over the talent were professionals Charlie Earp (Greg Norman Golf Foundation president), Colin Edwards (Ballina) and Andrew Walkley (Armidale).

Tenterfield Golf Club manager Dean Hines, a local who took on the top job 12 months ago, said the junior classic was a major success.

“It’s gathering numbers every year, which is good,” he said.

Of course, the kids love hearing from Charlie Earp.

“Charlie is excellent with the kids,” said Andrew Walkley, who has been the professional at Armidale Golf Club for the past six months.

Legendary professional Charlie Earp with fellow pro Andrew Walkley and his son Jack at Tenterfield.

“It was great catching up with Charlie again, but the highlight was seeing the kids improve,” Walkley said.

Top man to Nudgee THE awarding-winning Nudgee Golf Club now has an award-winning general manager at the helm.

Aaron Muirhead, the Queensland golf club manager of the year, has pulled up stumps at Redland Bay Golf Club to take the Nudgee post.

Muirhead takes over the role from Max Mason, who retired after more than 17 years in the job.

Nudgee club members will instantly

recognise Muirhead for his enthusiasm, boundless energy and hard work.

His replacement at Redland Bay will have big shoes to fill as Muirhead presided over the club when named metropolitan golf club of the year in 2010 and awarded best club redevelopment or alteration under $1m in 2009.

At Redland Bay, the ever-smiling Muirhead developed a reputation for providing invaluable and innovative initiatives to

“We split the kids up into groups and sent them on a rotation to try and teach them something different.

“The young ones certainly got a lot out of it. A few of the kids there looked as if they have had some good coaching already, which really helps.

“This will be an annual event for me now.”

Walkley, who enjoys coaching kids, says one of his own junior golfers at Armidale Golf Club is showing enormous potential.

“I have been teaching Callum Bulter, who has come down from a 13 handicap to six,” he said.

Walkley said the 14-year-old had ambitions of becoming a professional golfer.

“He is going really well and has quite an aggressive golf game and is starting to build the game to match it.” • improve services to members and guests.

Under his stewardship, there was a spike in membership across the board and corporate and wedding functions.

He is also one of the leading proponents of modern communication with members via newsletters, websites, Twitter, Facebook and the club blogs.

Muirhead is on the executive committee of Golf Management Australia (Qld) and in his spare time lectures for the PGA International Golf Institute.

He also sits on the PGA IGI advisory panel. Strap yourself in Nudgee. •

Bunkering down for perfection NO golfer likes finding his or her golf ball in the bunker but if they do, they want to know they can extract it with some confidence.

The bunkers at Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club are being renovated and it seems everyone is happy with the Matrix bunker system.

“The first two bunkers have been done and the initial stage of the bunker renovation program has been very successful,” said the club’s general manager Daniel Constable.

“ T h e Mat r i x bu n k e r s y s t e m dramatically improves drainage.

“Basically, an asphalt-type mix is used to line the bunker and provide a porous base rather than solid clay.

“Together with a deep gravel undersurface the bunker’s ability to handle heavy rainfall and be in play much quicker is improved.”

“The base is covered by 150mm sand and plays superbly.”

The durable, long-lasting material is designed to allow unlimited drainage while preventing washouts and flooding.

Additional benefits include reduced bunker maintenance costs, faster return to play after heavy rains and improve playability.

The Matrix bunker system is now in place at a number of other Sydney golf clubs. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

15

from the ceo

Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

Women’s professional golf is in the spotlight in February with the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open leading the showcase of the world’s best players in Australia.

The ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open has the makings of a successful championship on all fronts and we look forward to kicking off Canberra’s year of Centenary celebrations.

We have a sensational field at Royal Canberra for the season opening event on the global LPGA Tour.

Two-time Open champion and World Number 1 Yani Tseng, World Number 3 and LPGA Player of the

Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

While the year is only a month old, the Australian summer of golf for both our Vocational and Professional Members has continued throughout Christmas and the New Year, with much already to report. With the latest AGIC report showing a sustained increase in rounds towards the end of 2012, there is much to look forward to in 2013.

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome the 91 new first-year Trainees who have now commenced their Traineeship with the PGA. Working alongside experienced PGA Members for the next three years, these Trainees represent the future leaders of our golf industry, and I wish them all the best for what will no doubt be a challenging yet rewarding learning experience as they work towards becoming full PGA Members.

It would also be remiss of me not to mention our recent Qualifying School graduates, including

Year Stacy Lewis and golf phenomenon Michelle Wie are among the players to confirm their commitment.

We expect to have five of the world’s Top 10 players in the field with Suzann Pettersen (World Number 6), So Yeon Ryu (7) and Jiyai Shin (8) starting their Tour season in the ACT. The mix of the world’s most experienced players and proven young talents makes for an exciting championship and the champion will need overcome a field full of Major champions to lift the Patricia Bridges Bowl.

It is a terrific few weeks for Australasian golf and provides a real chance for the industry to increase the profile of women’s golf around the country and introduce the game to women and girls who may not have considered playing golf before.

If you can be there, I encourage everyone to join us in Canberra and if not, follow the action live on ABC TV. • Troy Cox who won the final stage, who are now full Tournament Members. With their new cards in hand, the 2013 PGA Tour of Australasia season is already underway, with five tournaments and International Final Qualifying for The Open Championship scheduled before the end of March.

This year we’re expecting to run 14 tournaments as part of our Tour schedule, with details available as confirmed at www.pga.org.au/australasia.

On the Seniors front, the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour recently held its annual awards night, recognising a number of Members for their outstanding performances throughout 2012.

Congratulations must go to Kym Olsen who took out a number of awards including Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year, while the Randall Vines OOM award for players over 65 went to Guy Ferguson. Congratulations also to Tewantin Noosa Golf Club for taking out the Country Tournament of the Year award and to the National Golf Club for winning Metropolitan Tournament of the Year.

The Tour is already back underway for 2013 and we wish all the Legends and the host golf clubs another successful season. •

Yani Tseng

Warren Sevil CEO – ALPG

February sees the cream of women’s golf on show down under as we play our three major ALPG Tour events at the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters, ISPS Handa Women’s New Zealand Open and ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. What golf fans will notice is the strength of fields which include many of the top names from world golf, those recognizable names many of which are high on the list of the Rolex world rankings and previous years’ money lists.

What golf fans also note – and often comment to me – is that our tournaments attract such high quality fields despite low levels of prizemoney in comparison to the men’s tournaments. Such is the nature of the women’s game and their desire to play, to travel, to promote the game.

Take the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters for example. For so many years, our premier event with a rich history of quality fields and exciting finishes,

being played for the 24th time this month. The tournament’s prizemoney has been as high as $1.1 million, but recent years has seen the purse drop to $800k, then $600K then $500K and this month, due to the withdrawal of Queensland Government support and difficulty in replacing that equity, a published prize pool of $250K. Disappointing, but a reality that had us nervous about the level of support we’d receive from the players. At close of entries we announced a field of 144, including one seven-time champion and Hall of Famer, K Webb, one current British Open Champion in Jiyai Shin, one world number 7 in So Yeon Ryu and a host of leading European and LPGA Tour players joining every leading Australian player for an event reduced to 54 holes, offering a total purse less than the first place prizemoney offered at the European / PGA Tour of Australasia event played in Perth just a few months ago.

Different kettle of fish, these girls. None asking for appearance money in Australia; all willing to attend the functions, assist with junior clinics and any media requests asked of them. All of them a credit to the game of golf. •

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

industry news

Golf’s economic Gear change for top players impact: $68.8b GOLF 20/20, the collaboration of leading organizations representing all segments of the United States golf industry, last month reported that golf had an economic impact of $68.8 billion in 2011.

The study, conducted by SRI International, reported findings based on several core segments (golf facility operations, golf course capital investment, golfer supplies, tournaments and associations, and charities) and enabled categories (real estate, hospitality and tourism).

When indirect and induced economic activity driven by the golf sector is taken into consideration, a total impact of $176.8 billion was generated. Highlights of the report include: 1.98 million jobs; $55.6 billion wage income; 25.7 million golf participants and 15,751 traditional golf facilities.

In November 2012, GOLF 20/20 announced the game’s charitable impact of $3.9 billion. Golf as a fundraising vehicle includes an estimated 12,000 golf facilities, 143,000 events, 12 million participants and raises $26,300 average per function.

“The economy has endured two significant recessions the past decade and golf has fared well,” says Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation, administrator of GOLF 20/20. “The health and growth of the game has a direct bearing on jobs, commerce, economic development and tax revenues for U.S. communities and industries.”

Golf ’s core industries alone exceed the economic impact of spectator sports, the performing arts, and the amusement and recreation industries.

More information www.golf2020.com •

Rosebud appoints new Golf Operations Manager Nigel Stephens is the newly appointed Manager, Golf Operations at Rosebud Country Club. Nigel brings a wealth of experience working in the golf industry and replaces Russell Wilson who served the club for 42 years as the Club Professional and Manager Golf Operations.

Nigel has been employed by the RACV for the past ten years. He worked at the RACV Cape Schanck Resort and more recently at the organisation’s head office in Melbourne. •

Last month saw a flurry of activity from major manufacturers who were quick to announce new players on their respective “Tour Staff ” rosters.

Nike Golf stormed out of the gates early and often with a rash of new player announcements, including Rory McIlroy, Kyle Stanley, Nick Watney, Thorbjørn Olesen and Seung Yul Noh. McIlroy’s signing of a multi-year agreement, which had been reported in various outlets months earlier, was made official at a press conference in Abu Dhabi.

“I chose Nike for a number of reasons,” said McIlroy. “It’s a company and a brand that really resonates with me. It’s young. It’s athletic. It’s innovative. They are committed to being the best, as am I. Signing with Nike is another step towards living out my dream.”

The 23-year-old Northern Irishman, who is known for his length off the tee, will be playing with the world’s first high speed cavity back driver that conforms to USGA and R&A Rules, the Nike VR_S Covert. He will also play the VR Pro Limited Edition fairway woods, VR Pro Blade irons, VR Pro wedges, a Nike Method prototype putter, Nike’s new 20XI golf ball, and will wear apparel from the Nike Golf Tour Performance Collection and the new Nike Lunar Control footwear.

McIlroy had a standout year in 2012, securing five global wins, a Ryder Cup victory for Team Europe and taking countless season titles across the PGA and European PGA Tours. His five global wins in 2012 include his second Major Championship victory (PGA Championship) and two PGA Tour playoff events (Deutsche Bank Championship and BMW Championship).

He won the 2012 PGA Championship with the largest margin of victory in the PGA Championship history. McIlroy joins Tiger Woods as the only two active players under the age of 40 with multiple Major wins. (Check

Chirnside on track The relocation of Melbourne’s Chirnside Park Golf Club to a new 18-hole facility is drawing closer. Bulk earthworks on the project are virtually completed, as is the fine shaping of the first 9 holes. Grassing is about to commence, the club house is partially constructed and all is in place

Rory McIlroy joins a handful of players switching to new gear in 2013 out Nike’s fun Tiger/Rory video ad online: http://youtu.be/2NCDYjHtEcU) Also last month, 10-time Japanese tour winner Ryo Ishikawa signed a multi-year contract with Callaway Golf.

Ishikawa will play the company’s cutting-edge equipment, including its new RAZR Fit Xtreme™ Driver and the Odyssey putters he has relied on throughout his career, including in nine of his professional victories. Beyond the equipment, the Saitama, Japan native will wear Callaway-branded apparel, caps, gloves and footwear.

Ishikawa is one of golf ’s most promising young talents, becoming the youngest golfer to win a men’s tournament on the Japan Golf Tour at the age of 15.

Ishikawa famously donated his 2011 tour earnings, plus an additional 100,000 yen for every birdie he made, to Japanese earthquake relief efforts.

“I am very happy to join the Callaway team,” Ishikawa said. “I believe the wonderful innovation and support Callaway gives to its many great staff players with help me grow as I compete on the PGA Tour this year.”

Golf fans can follow Ishikawa on Twitter at @RyoIshikawaPGA. • for an opening late this year.

This exciting project will see the old course closed and sold for development into residential allotments, while the golf club will get a new course of superior quality. The new course, designed

by Pacific Coast Design is 5km from the club’s current location, and is being built on the site of an old clay quarry. •

On Course and Golf Plus announce consolidation Two of Australia’s leading golf buying groups, On Course and Golf Plus, have joined forces, consolidating into a single brand under the On Course banner.

Both companies will leverage their specialisations and expertise to create a more powerful brand that makes use of in-store branding, print media and TV advertising, online, database management and eCommerce functionality.

On Course General Manager, Geoff Zarth said “The consolidation of the two groups will provide all of the members / retailers involved with better opportunities to improve and develop their independently-owned businesses.

In addition, the consolidated store base will also provide preferred suppliers with a more efficient way to communicate new product releases through to the retailer network and onto the golfer.”

Golf Plus General Manager, Mark Robertson said “The varying platforms and modules developed by Golf Group will now be implemented across literally hundreds of participating golf retailers, thus establishing Golf Group as the leading eCommerce and communications provider to the Golf Industry. This has been recently reinforced by the aligning of our Golf4Less website as ‘The Official Online Marketplace of the PGA of Australia’.”

As an amalgamated 220+ stores, On Course members will now benefit from Australia’s #1 Green Grass Buying Group, which features superior buying power, preferred trading terms, comprehensive marketing solutions, complete online offering, premier support network, and a flexible membership platform. •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

17

on tour

Hall standing tall Bradley Green ed@insidegolf.com.au

VICTORIAN golfer Ashley Hall literally has millions of reasons to be excited about having a full schedule for the first time in his professional career.

Because that’s how many dollars in prizemoney Hall has the opportunity to play for when he tees it up on the revamped Web.com Tour in America this year.

After years of travelling around chasing his dream, the Melbourne-based Hall finally secured his card on the US secondary tour last December when he finished tied for 57th at the tough PGA Tour qualifying school.

It was a significant result for the 29-year-old, who came close to giving up his life as a touring pro late last year to find a “real job” back in his home city to support his family.

But some strong performances gave his finances a significant boost and securing his card in the US has rejuvenated the tall, bighitting Hall.

He’s now eager to emulate the achievements of good friends like Cameron Percy, Scott Gardiner and Alistair Presnell by taking the next step to the lucrative US PGA Tour in 2014.

“I really can’t wait to get over to the States and start playing,” Hall told Inside Golf.

“It’s going to be awesome. I’ve never had 25 events a year to play in so it’s great to have a full schedule.”

Helping him make the transition a bit easier, Hall’s wife Tara and 15-month-old son Cooper will travel the circuit with him.

Hall said during breaks in the schedule, the family have been offered the use of a house in Tennessee to spend some time in and recharge the batteries for the next tournament.

“It’s going to be great having Tara and Cooper coming along and sharing the experience with me,” Hall said.

“It’s actually the perfect time (to play in America) with where my game is at the moment.

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ITE

“It (last year) was the last ever time you could qualify for the main PGA Tour so as soon as I found that out, I wanted to go over and try and get my card.”

While he missed out on finishing in the top 25 at the final stage of the Q-school, Hall is happy to keep sharpening up his game on the US secondary Tour and waiting for his opportunity to join the “big time”.

Hall, the 2007 Victorian PGA and 2009 Victorian Open champion, plans to head across a week before the season-opening event in Panama City later this month to start preparing for a busy year ahead.

It’s a far different scenario from the way Hall used to begin his year since he turned professional back in 2006.

He would play the early events on the Victorian Pro-Am circuit to try and raise some money to help fund his travels.

He did well enough to collect a few healthy paycheques, which would allow him to take his clubs and travel around Australia to enter the richer Pro-Ams and Tier Two tournaments on the Australasian PGA Tour.

He would play a few tournaments here and there in Asia and on other tours around the world, but could never quite crack it for lengthy stints in the elite category.

“Those Pro-Ams used to be my bread and butter to try and make some cash to travel around with for the year,” Hall said.

“But this year I’ve been using them as a chance to tune up my game before I go over to America. I can pick and choose what events I wanted to play so I didn’t have to be away from home all the time.”

Hall’s big break came last January when, after years of trying, he booked a spot in the field for the British Open at the Australian qualifying event at Kingston Heath.

Although he narrowly missed making the cut after rounds of 71 and 75, the highlight of Hall’s week came in his opening round when he shot fiveunder around the back nine of the tough Royal Lytham and St Anne’s layout.

“It was the best back nine by anyone for the whole week, so that was a little bit of satisfaction that I took away from the tournament,” Hall said.

“The whole experience of being involved in one of the major championships was amazing – hopefully I get a few more opportunities.”

Hall followed up his British Open appearance with a tie for 22nd at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships and then finished tied for 47th at the China Masters before returning home for the summer.

He then finished tied for 17th at the inaugural Perth International and was tied for fourth at the West Australian Open.

It was his $50,000 cheque from the Alfred Dunhill Championships that allowed him to head across to America and the PGA Tour Qualifying School.

Hall’s goal is to play well enough on the Web. com Tour, finish in the top 25 on the money list to automatically qualify him for the PGA Tour next year.

Under changes made by the PGA Tour to the qualifying system, players ranked 126-200 on the PGA Tour money list at the end of the regular season and the top 75 players on the Web.com Tour will play a three-tournament series in October.

That series will determine who are the next 25 players to earn the PGA Tour cards.

The qualifying school at the end of the year will now only make players eligible for the Web. com Tour.

Hall, who will turn 30 in November, is looking forward to testing himself on one of the world’s toughest circuits.

“I feel like my game is getting so much more consistent, which is what you always crave at this level.

“I can see that now when I play the big tournaments, I’m able to mix it with the best.” •

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

on tour

Start without me, says Nev David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

HANDS up if you have received a letter from Jack Nicklaus on your birthday, attended Gary Player’s birthday party and been smacked in the mouth with a golf club on the first tee?

Octogenarian Nev Quailey has.

Nev who? You might not recognise the name, but you will recognise his voice as the starter at many of Australia’s major tournaments including the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship.

For the past 38 years, he has introduced thousands of professional golfers to the first tee gallery, but at 11:03am on Sunday, December 2012 he switched off the microphone for the last time after sending away Peter Senior, Anthony Brown and Australian PGA champion Daniel Popovic at Palmer Coolum Resort.

“It’s all over,” the 81-year-old said.

“They will ask me to do it again next year, but that’s it – I won’t be back.”

Nev’s role as starter began in 1974 when he was the general manager at Tuggerah Lakes Golf Club on the Central Coast of NSW. The AGU was short-staffed and asked Nev if he would fly to Perth for the Australian Open at Lake Karrinyup.

He agreed and so began a long career as tournament starter.

“From there we went back to the Australian Golf Club in the Kerry Packer-era,” Nev said.

In those days, Nev started fields at the NSW Open and the Australian Open as well as the prequalifying tournaments.

And he has plenty of interesting stories to tell.

“The strangest one I ever did was a prequalifying event at the Lakes,” he said. “Virtually every player who had a late tee time requested an early tee time.

“I have never seen so many pros with a doctor, dentist or accountant appointment in the afternoon.

“They all wanted to hit off early because the wind gets up in the afternoon when a seveniron in the morning can become a driver in the afternoon.”

Nev has hundreds of similar stories.

He was there when Greg Norman decided to tee off rather than wait for the starter’s “gun”.

“It happened during the ANZ Players Championship in about 1994 or 1995 at Royal Queensland,” Nev said.

“Greg was on the tee when the tournament director asked me to hold the group back a minute so they could take a commercial break.

“Well, Greg looked at the clock, came over and said ‘what’s the matter’?

“I told him the television was on a commercial break, but he said, ‘I’m off at 10 past’, teed up his ball and went bang.

“The director wanted to know what happened and I told him Greg didn’t want to wait and that was that.”

Nev was also there in 1976 when the Shark duffed his tee shot off the first tee at the Australian Open.

“Greg won the Westlake Classic in Adelaide and got an automatic entry into the Australian Open,” Nev recalls.

“He looked nervous on the tee and I told him it was only a short par-4 and to just get up and hit it.

“Well, he duffed it down on to the ladies’ tee – the ball only did about 12 hops.

“Jack Nicklaus came along, tapped him on the shoulder and said ‘son, what’s your favourite club in the bag’?

“Norman said, ‘I think it’s a four-iron, sir and Jack said, ‘take it out and hit it’, which he did and knocked it straight down the centre and still got his par.

“Jack was a thorough gentleman. On my 70th birthday, I got a lovely letter from him thanking me for the way I looked after the players.

“He sent me a beautiful autographed photograph, which is hanging in my memorabilia hall.”

In 1974, Gary Player invited Nev to his birthday bash during the Australian Open at

FAREWELL: Nev says goodbye to Australian PGA Championship promotions staff at Palmer Coolum Resort.

Lake Karrinyup in Perth.

“Gary took a number of us (officials) out to dinner, which was nice.”

On another occasion, tournament officials were caught unaware when Arnold Palmer arrived to tee off.

“Palmer was drawn early on Thursday and officials didn’t think many people would turn up to watch so we didn’t have many marshals and security on duty,” Nev said.

“Well, wouldn’t you know Arnie’s Army turned up in their thousands.”

Nev, who was the general manager at Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane from 1982 to 1992, was also great mates with Billy Dunk.

“He is the only bloke I know who never looked at the menu when we went out for dinner,” Nev said.

“He always looked at the wine list. He was a real wine buff and had a special wine cellar dug out under his house.”

I ask Nev about the time he got a smack in the mouth on the first tee.

“I think it was one of the Yanks,” said Nev not wanting to name the player. “I got in the way of a swinging club, which is easy to do when you are handing out cards.

“Anyway, it knocked out one of my teeth.”

In his youth, Nev was a handy golfer getting his handicap down to five at Bonnie Doon Golf Club.

He played against Bruce Crampton in the quarter-finals of the NSW junior and also played alongside Billy Dunk, Kel Nagle, Harry Berwick et al.

Nev seldom tees it up anymore due to two knee replacements.

“That has slowed me down a bit,” he said. “These days I get in the caravan and zip away about four times a year.”

So, next year when tournament organisers come knocking they might be confronted by the sign, “GONE CARAVANNING”.

“It’s been a long journey, but a good journey,” Nev said. “I have met a lot of nice people and a lot of good golfers.” •

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on tour

Baker-Finch back in the swing David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

FORMER Open Championship winner-turned television golf commentator Ian Baker-Finch hasn’t forgotten his roots.

Recently the tall, likable Queenslander interrupted a holiday on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to play in the Barton’s Bayside/BMD Wynnum Pro-Am in Brisbane.

“I enjoyed playing an event on the Queensland Sunshine Tour, but I wished I could have played better,” said Baker-Finch after signing his card for a 72.

“I have been coming here for more than 30 years and I am so proud of the way Wynnum Golf Club, the King family and Doug (Barton) and Mick (Power) and all the sponsors get behind the club and keep doing what they do every year.

“It’s really a fantastic day and they want to make it big – it’s a special day.”

Baker-Finch told Inside Golf he continued to enjoy the game.

“I play a lot of golf, but I don’t practice much,” the 52-year-old said. “I am always working and fiddling on my golf swing trying to get better, but I am not sure the body is as capable as it used to be.

“Sometimes I try things and they don’t last very long, but I love the game and I play as often as I can.

“But life is great. I have a great job over in the States with CBS, which I enjoy because it keeps me close to the game and the players.

“It’s a bit like coaching and being involved with the players post play.”

A student of the game, Baker-Finch is always eager to find out as much information as possible about the

CHAMPIONS: Ian Baker-Finch and Peter Senior show off the Queensland Open trophy at Wynnum Golf Club in Brisbane. The Queensland Open has been off the golfing calendar for a few years, but makes a welcome return in 2013. players before going into the commentary box.

“I do a lot of research because it’s my life,” he said. “I am researching all the time.

“For instance, Brad Hughes (former Australian Masters champion) is here and I got a couple of tips from him the other day.

“Brad is another golfer who is coaching and working with a lot of the elite players.

“So I am always talking to guys like that and finding out what they are doing with their players.

“Sometimes I try it myself, which is probably why my golf swing goes off because I am always trying something different.

“But everything I do day-to-day is really research for what I am doing on the television.”

Australian Open champion Peter Senior, Rod Pampling and Steven Bowditch joined BakerFinch at Wynnum.

Pampling fired a 66 while Senior and Bowditch shots 68s. Aaron Cox and Peter Shaw carded 63s to share the spoils. •

Queensland Open returns in 2013 Golf Queensland recently announced the Queensland Open would return in 2013 with Isuzu as its naming rights sponsor.

Isuzu’s three-year commitment has ensured the tournament’s return as a state-based championship to be played from 22 to 25 August 2013 at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club.

Forming part of the PGA Tour of Australasia, the tournament will carry Official World Golf Ranking points and a purse of $110,000.

Golf Queensland chair Peter Castrisos said it was pleasing to have this premium event back on the calendar after last being played in 2007 when it was won by Queenslander Ryan Haller.

“The Isuzu Queensland Open will give a fantastic opportunity for our top amateur golfers to qualify and then compete against the PGA professionals in a 72-hole championship event,” Mr Castrisos said.

Mr Castrisos said since 1925 the Queensland Open has been a key tournament for many top-ranked professional players.

“Golfers including Norman Von Nida, Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch, Peter Senior and Stuart Appleby, who was an amateur when he won in 1991, have their names etched on the TB Hunter Cup,” he said.

Brian Thorburn CEO of the PGA of Australia echoed Mr Castrisos’ thoughts.

“Throughout the years the sunshine state has produced some of our country’s best international golfers, all of whom started out playing in events such as the Queensland Open.”

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Contact Luke Bates on 07 3252 8155. •

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on tour

Impressive field set to battle for Masters title Australia’s greatest female golfer, Karrie Webb, will be looking to capture an incredible eighth Ladies Masters title when she tees it up in the 2013 Volvik RACV Ladies Masters being played from 1 to 3 February at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the magnificent Gold Coast.

The World Golf Hall of Famer, who missed her first Ladies Masters in 2012, is looking forward to returning to a place where she has had such an incredible record.

Webb has won seven times, finished runner-up four times and posted another four top-10 finishes.

"I am very pleased that I am returning to RACV Royal Pines where I have so many great memories in the past," Webb said.

"My nieces and nephews will be joining me so I look forward to some good golf and time on the beach on the beautiful Gold Coast and all that it has to offer."

As usual, Tuohy Associates has been able to assemble another impressive field, which includes Rolex World No.7 South Korean So Yeon Ryu. Ryu, is a major championship winner, and two-time runnerup at the Ladies Masters, so she is definitely one for everyone to keep their eye on.

Defending champion Christel Boeljon is back, and she is joined in the field by Swede Sophie Gustafson, who has won multiple times in Europe and America, has represented Europe in the Solheim Cup and is a four-time LET Order of Merit winner.

Defending ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open American Jessica Korda will also be in town. The affable 19-year-old thoroughly enjoyed her time on the Gold Coast last year in her first visit and is looking forward to returning. The ever colourful American

World’s best women ready for capital performance

Defending champion Christel Boeljon Christina Kim is back as well.

Two-time winner of the Volvik RAVC Ladies Masters and always a crowd favourite England’s Laura Davies will once again be present, along with 2009 champion Katherine Hull.

A player that will certainly attract media and spectator interest is Cheyenne Woods. The niece of Tiger Woods has received a sponsor invite and will be one to watch. The talented 22-year-old turned pro mid last year after an impressive amateur career in which she won no less than 30 tournaments.

Lindsey Wright, Nikki Campbell, Stacey Keating and Kristie Smith will be leading the Aussie charge along with Webb and Hull.

The tournament is once again co-sanctioned with the Ladies European Tour, their contenders

will be led by the 2012 ISPS Handa Order of Merit Winner, Spainard Carlota Ciganda. Ciganda had an unbelievable rookie year, when she captured two titles and posted another nine top-10 finishes. She was the first player since Laura Davies, 27 years ago, to win Order the Merit and Rookie of the Year.

Other LET players to watch include France’s Gwladys Nocera, who has recorded numerous top-10 finishes at Royal Pines, Germany’s Caroline Masson, South African Lee-Anne Pace and Italian Diana Luna.

The Ladies Masters will be broadcast from the Gold Coast by ABC Sport, live throughout Australia, on Friday 1 February between 3:00pm and 6:00pm, Saturday 2 February between 3:00pm to 6:00pm and Sunday 3 February between 3:00pm to 6:00pm. •

Rolex World Number 1 Yani Tseng, Rolex World Number 3 Stacy Lewis, defending champion Jessica Korda, and young golf stars Michelle Wie and Cheyenne Woods (niece of Tiger), will tee off in Canberra at the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open from 14 -17 February at Royal Canberra Golf Club.

Tseng, 23, won three times on the LPGA Tour in 2012 and, being a two-time former champion at the Women’s Open, is looking forward to her return to the championship which forms part of Canberra’s Centenary celebrations.

“I’m really excited about returning to Australia to play,” Tseng said. “I’ve made a lot of good friends at this championship and in Australia and I’m looking forward to playing for my third Australian Open title which would also be a great start to my 2013 LPGA Tour season,” she said.

Woods, 22, turned professional in 2012 and will make her ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open debut after claiming her first professional win on the SunCoast Ladies Series in the United States in August.

Lewis, 27, enjoyed her most successful year on Tour winning the Rolex Player of the Year award following her four victories. She was the first American player to win the Player of the Year award in more than 15 years.

Korda, 19, returns to defend her Open crown after maiden LPGA Tour victory last February.

Wie burst on to the international scene as a teenager setting a number of amateur records before turning professional as a 15 year-old in 2005.

The stars will join Australia’s Karrie Webb and a host of international stars on the Yarralumla layout. The championship will be broadcast live on ABC1 on all four days.

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February 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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The Virginian

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Wally Wright ed@insidegolf.com.au

There is only one golf club in the world that can lay claim to having two members who have gone on to become major champions. That distinct honour belongs to Virginia Golf Club in Brisbane – the ‘Course of Champions’. The honour boards that adorn the clubhouse walls are filled with famous names like G. Norman and W. Grady, along with several other names that are well-known throughout both professional and amateur golf in Australia, such as J.Rayner, S.Tait and A. Buckle. However, the name that appears most is S. Mackay, a prolific amateur who was content playing the game the way the legendary Bobby Jones always thought it should be played, for love not money.

Somerled ‘Sommie’ Mackay is the youngest member of one of Queensland’s great sporting families. Almost every member of his family has represented Queensland or Australia in a variety of sports, most notably his eldest brother, Ken, the tough-as-teak Test cricketer of the 50’s and 60’s. The Mackay family home was within a 7-iron (9-iron if Ken was holding the club – he couldn’t putt though) of the seventh green at Virginia GC, so Sommie was exposed to the game well before he ever swung a club.

Like many talented golfers of his generation, Sommie’s career began as a caddy. For threepence-a-day, Mackay would sometimes carry a bag on each shoulder, as he trekked the course that he would come to know like the back of his hand. His first taste of success came when he won Virginia GC’s Caddies Cup in 1949 at the age of 11. In 1950 and 1951, Sommie not only won Virginia’s Caddies Cup, but the Courier Mail Caddies Cup, which was contested by the respective winners from the other Metropolitan clubs. At the same time, Sommie was also making a name for himself as a promising leg-spinning all-rounder in cricket. He was selected as captain of the Queensland Schoolboys side that defeated a New South Wales team that included future greats, Bob Simpson and Norm O’Neill.

Sommie carried on playing several sports until the age of 17, which coincidently was the minimum age for becoming a member at Virginia GC. Despite the fact that he was being touted as Queensland’s next Colin McCool, Sommie stopped playing cricket to focus on golf – with a bit of table tennis on the side. His decision was justified a few years later in 1957, when he won the inaugural Junior Championship of Queensland at Brisbane Golf Club, winning him selection in the Queensland Amateur Golf team for the first time.

Anyone that lived through the 1960’s will tell you that it was a ‘time of change’ for

everything – golf included. In 1962, Charlie Earp, Paul King and Errol Hartvigsen started up the Queensland PGA Sunshine Tour, which enabled professional golfers to make some decent money playing Pro-Ams in rural towns, which supplemented their earnings at the various state and national tournaments throughout the year. At the time, Sommie was without question one of the best golfers in the state, having won his fourth Virginia Club Championship in a row (he would go on to win nine in succession and 13 overall), as well as the Queensland Amateur and the Central Queensland Championship, but he had no desire to relinquish his amateur status and turn professional, a decision which many of his peers couldn’t understand.

“Every second person would ask me: ‘Som, why don’t you go pro?’,” Mackay recalls with a smirk.

“My response was the same every time; the money wasn’t there in those days, plus I wasn’t a good traveller.

“It always took me a day or so to feel right after a long car ride or plane flight, which isn’t ideal for someone who wants to make a living playing golf.

“I’ve never regretted my decision to stay an amateur.”

The fact that Sommie also landed a job with golf equipment manufacturing company, Precision Golf Forgings (PGF) in 1962, made his decision to stay an amateur much easier.

“The job at PGF was a great opportunity to work and enjoy it at the same time,” said Mackay.

“As part of my job, I was often invited to play in the Pro-Ams or the occasional exhibition match, which was a lot of fun and good practice.”

With a clear mind and a job that encouraged him to be the best amateur golfer he could be, Sommie took all before him during the 1960’s. He was the Brisbane Amateur Champion from 1963 to 1967 (also 1970), Queensland Amateur Champion 1962 and 1968, Queensland Close Champion 1963, Queensland Champion of Champions 1960, 1962, 1964 and 1967, as well as being a permanent fixture in the Queensland State Team. Sommie’s greatest victory however was when he won the 1967 Queensland

Open at Gailes Golf Club, beating fellow left-hander Errol Hartvigsen in an 18-hole playoff, to become only the second person to win the event as an amateur. Mackay also managed to become Brisbane Table Tennis Champion in 1968.

The next decade saw Sommie remain as one of Queensland’s best amateurs, but his work and family commitments, coupled with an influx of exceptionally-talented young golfers (Greg Norman, Wayne Grady, Glen Cogill and Mark Tickle) to Virginia, loosened (only slightly) his stranglehold on all the major trophies at the club. These talented youngsters quickly identified Mackay as somewhat of a mentor figure, and his impact on their respective careers cannot be understated, particularly when it comes to Norman. In 1973, Greg’s mother, Toini, herself a single-figure handicapper at Virginia, asked Sommie if he could find a job for her golf-mad 17-year-old son.

“I told Toini I’d create a job for him at PGF,” recounts Mackay.

“I made him a ‘junior executive’. He usually worked from 5am until 11am, and then he’d practice at Virginia for the rest of the day.”

Mackay won his last Club Championship in 1984 at the age of 46. After suffering from a few back injuries in recent years, Sommie’s handicap has gradually drifted into double figures for the first time in his 60-plus-year career, but he’s still a much sought-after partner in Fourball and Foursomes’ events (just before Christmas, Sommie and his son Richard, took out the Father/Son Championship). Whilst Mackay is not a ‘gentleman amateur’ in the oldfashioned sense of the term, he is arguably Queensland’s greatest ever amateur golfer, as well as being ‘one of nature’s true gentleman’, as Glen Cogill describes him. He is also a very proud Virginian.

When I asked Sommie to name his favourite course, I expected him to mull it over for a while, seen as he’s been fortunate enough to play at some of Australia’s best courses over his career. But his response was immediate: “Virginia.”

As for his favourite hole at his beloved course, well, Mackay says that’s still to be decided: “The one that I’m going to holein-one eventually.” •

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

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Jones finds peace in Japan David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

AUSTRALIAN touring professional and Japan Tour star Brendan Jones is adept at multi-tasking.

As a father of two young boys, he has to be.

Jones is midway through a two-month break from golf, but remains as busy as a one-armed bricklayer as he goes about changing nappies, showering, feeding and taking the toddlers to swimming lessons.

Then, if he has the time, he’ll get stuck into the garden.

Still, the 37-year-old is enjoying every minute of the experience although the nappy changing is not a chore he relishes.

“It doesn’t take long to change a nappy, but it’s not my favourite thing to do,” he said.

Still, wife Adele is more than happy he’s around to help with the domestic duties.

Australian golf fans will remember Jones for his courageous runner-up finish at the Australian Open behind Peter Senior at wind-swept The Lakes Golf Club and for being in contention at the Australian PGA at Coolum. That was until a triple-bogey on the 72nd hole crushed his chances.

Ranked 73rd in the world, Jones is making the most of the summer break by spending plenty of quality time with Adele and their sons Curtis (18months) and Kieran (six months).

Last year, Jones was one of Australia’s most successful professionals, winning more than $1m in prizemoney courtesy of two victories on the Japan Tour.

A brilliant iron player with good course management skills, Jones finished number one in greens in regulation in 2012 and third on the money list.

“It (2012) was a good year,” he said. “Coming home and almost winning the Australian Open was a highlight along with my two wins in Japan.”

Earlier in his career, Jones contemplated playing in the US or Europe, but chose instead to play closer to home.

“It was a lifestyle decision,” he said. “One of the reasons I play in Japan is I get to live in my own

HOMEWORK: Domestic duties are all in a day’s work for Japan Golf Tour star Brendan Jones. house 30 weeks of the year and you can’t do that playing on the other big tours.

“I am only in Japan the weeks I’m playing there.”

Of course, the Japan Golf Tour is almost the forgotten tour, but it’s been a happy hunting ground for plenty of Australians including Peter Senior, Graham Marsh, Brian Jones, the late Roger Mackay and others.

After a stellar amateur career that included winning the Australian amateur, Jones turned pro in 1999 and joined the Japan Tour in 2001.

Since then he has amassed more than $9m in earnings despite spending the best part of 2005 and 2006 playing the US’s secondary Web.com Tour where he scored a victory and the US PGA Tour where he finished in a tie for second at the B.C. Open.

In 2007, he returned to the Japan Tour full-time and since then only once has he finished outside the top-10 on the money list.

He has won 12 times in the Land of the Rising Sun. For the past 12 years, Jones has put his trust in the long putter, which remains a work in progress.

“Like everyone, I don’t always putt well and just because I have a long putter doesn’t make me a

better putter,” he said.

“I have good and bad days, but on my bad days I am better than I was with the short putter. On a good day, I am as good as anybody.”

I ask Jones his reaction to the R&A and the USGA’s proposed rule change to prohibit anchored strokes.

“Personally, I think they are barking up the wrong tree,” he said.

“If they are going to start banning clubs that have been in play for 25 years you are going to hurt a few people, but there are other issues with golf balls and hybrid clubs.

“If you are going to look at the putter then you have got to look at all other areas of the game. The players are unanimous the ball is a bigger problem than people using long putters.

“But what I say is not going to change what the R&A and the USGA decide to do.”

Born in West Wyalong (NSW), Jones moved his family to Canberra several years ago and is a huge Canberra Raiders fan.

He’s also an avid gardener.

“Gardening clears the mind and I just like things to look good,” he said. “I like to spend time in the garden, but I don’t get a lot of time these days with two boys.” •

Two caddies on Brendan’s bag IT took two caddies to keep up with Brendan Jones at the Australian PGA Championship at Palmer Coolum Resort.

Last December, Canberra-based Jones auctioned off his caddie’s job to raise muchneeded funds for the Canberra Cancerians Society.

Bidding was fierce and Jones accepted two bids of $12,500 each and donated $25,000 to the society.

Step forward John McKay and David McGilvray – the two men who would share caddie duties at Coolum.

“Every year I give golf bags or put up a game of golf for a group to bid on and every year the same people are at these auctions,” Jones explained.

“This year I decided to share it with someone who wanted to caddie for me and was very surprised with the interest.

“I thought I might have got $10,000 for the charity, but bidding was crazy and there were two gentlemen offering $12,500 each so I accepted both bids and they agreed to share the role.

“They really had a good time and I was in contention pretty much the whole time.

It was good for them and good for me and it turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable week.”

Normally, a professional will tell a first-time caddie to turn up, keep up and shut up.

“But it was never like that,”Jones said. “John McKay did what he had to do and stood in the right places and the more experienced caddies helped him out a bit.

“David McGilvray was really involved trying to club me, reading putts for me and really getting it.

“The disappointing thing for them was my last hole,” Jones said. “I was tied fourth and tried to make birdie and it didn’t work out, but it was still a very good week and the guys loved it.”

Jones’s regular caddie, Kiwi Scott Bint, enjoyed the week off. •

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business

Constitutionally challenged to succeed Mike Orloff

morloff@golfindustrycentral.com.au

As an operational consultant, my first point of review is always to look at the structure of a club. I need to fully understand the core items that make a club tick before making any recommendations for potential changes to its operation. It’s very important for all clubs to have guiding principles that keep it on track over their years of existence, change of Boards and management and to keep the true essence of what they represent as a group.

The constitution lies at the heart of all clubs and stands as a fairly permanent fixture in many ways but it is not always fully understood by all its members on what its true purpose really is.

Unfortunately it also can lie smack in the way of some clubs being able to adapt to ever-changing market conditions and to make the necessary operational changes to improve the club’s longterm sustainability.

What is a constitution?

A constitution is a basic set of rules for the daily running of a club or group. All good organisations have a written constitution setting out members’ rights and liabilities. It details for the members and others the name, objects, methods of management and other conditions under which the club or group operates and generally the reasons for their existence. It also regulates the relationship between members by setting out the basis for working with other co-members.

The constitution is a document establishing the organisation and setting out the purposes for which it has come together and all of the rules under which it proposes to operate. It must reflect the way in which the entire organisation actually works.

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Tough to impart change

A constitution is a document that is not easily amended, and fairly so, shouldn’t be. Changes to the constitution are usually required to be debated and voted upon at an annual general meeting or a special general meeting. This can be a very long process and one that needs to be driven by the Board. You need a strong Board with clear strategic direction to push for constitutional change. As many Boards tend to change every year, progress may be stunted from making changes that would potentially help future Boards and managers and ultimately the Club as a whole.

What happens, though, when a club wants/ needs to adapt to market changes and may not be afforded the luxury of time in going through the process of making a constitutional amendment?

Do they just give up and let the next Board worry

about it? In many instances yes, but hopefully not always the case, and Boards and Management see the true value in seeing these changes through to an eventual acceptance.

I know of one club that wanted to offer a new membership category which would open them up to a certain local demographic that would bring in heaps of new members. The idea-to-concept took close to two years to get approved! Not a very effective process when the market is changing all the time and being slow to change can make it easy to miss the good opportunities when they actually appear. At least they stayed the course and eventually got the amendment through.

In any constitution there are certain matters which are common and which should always be included for the protection of members, i.e., the constitution should define the rights and duties

of individual members and those of the members of the committee, who are elected to run the organisation on a day-to-day basis.

I believe the document should also have some “flexibility” written into key areas or clauses in the document so the operation can adapt more quickly to market opportunities, i.e., a clause can be put in that gives the Board some powers to provide new products and services to the market without having to go through the process of amending the constitution. It may be as simple as allowing short-term offers available to new members that the Board can approve as they see appropriate.

This would still keep the main key parts of the document intact and members protected but also will allow the management to do what they need to do in the best interest of the Club.

The market continues to be challenging and ever changing. As an operator, having flexibility and additional options available without a huge process to get approval would be very handy in improving the performance of a facility.

In closing, I recommend that Clubs review their constitution if they haven’t recently and see if any parts are no longer relevant, or if there can be some flexible clauses written in that will allow managers and Boards to react to the market influences in a much quicker fashion. This can still be done along with keeping control mechanisms in place that will keep decisions true to the core values of the Club. If you spend time amending it now, it will benefit you for the long term. • Mike Orloff specialises in providing golf operations and marketing solutions for all levels of golf facilities and businesses with the major outcomes being in growing revenue and the bottom-line for your facility. www.golfindustrycentral.com.au

business

Cameron managing the game at Pacific David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

THE man who was a junior member at Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane is in the general manager’s office knee-deep in paperwork.

It’s only been 12 months since Cameron Harvey landed the plum job at one of Brisbane’s top golf clubs, but already members have noticed a positive change.

Harvey has his roots in the golf club.

When he left school, he worked behind the bar, was a member of the ground staff and later worked in the office with former GM Don Gregory while attending Griffith University where he graduated with a Health Science/Sport, Fitness and Management degree.

In the mid-1990s, Harvey, took the role of assistant manager at The Brisbane Golf Club and within a few years graduated to the top job.

After nine years at Brisbane, the travel bug bit. He resigned his post and spent the next three months trekking through Africa. He also spent time in Turkey, Greece, the UK and parts of America.

“The funny thing was within two weeks of resigning from Brisbane I missed the golf industry and at that point I knew it was the industry I wanted to work in,” said Harvey, whose first job was delivering newspapers and flipping burgers at Hungry Jacks.

He was still at school, but he must have had management stamped on his forehead.

“I soon became a trainer for Hungry Jacks and opened up a couple of different stores for them in Cairns, the Gold Coast and Annerley in Brisbane,” he said.

Following his African adventure (Cape Town to Cairo), Harvey returned to Australia, moved south to manage Gosford, Asquith and Pennant Hills golf clubs.

After seven years, he returned to Pacific where it all began.

In the past 12 months, Harvey has improved the line of communication between the members and management.

GIDDY UP: Cameron Harvey checks out the pyramids on horseback.

I try to talk to all the members and I personally respond to every email that comes in “Communication with members is important,” Harvey said. “When I arrived here our behind-thescenes management systems were lacking. It was hard to get information to members so we have changed that.”

Harvey said the members now had a better understanding as to what made the club tick.

“I like making sure the members have the best of everything – service and facilities,” he said.

“At Brisbane and Pennant Hills, both purely private clubs, the facilities and services were terrific, but the members paid a lot more for it. I would like to give that same service here, but without the price tag.”

In recent months, the club has also introduced a members’ house account.

“The house account, improved website and the

golf system are some of the things I have put in place,” Harvey said.

“The new golf system is an easier site for members to use to book golf and for us to administer. So, it’s saving time and money and the website has allowed communication to the members.”

He likes to keep his finger on the pulse, describes his management style as “hands-on” and communicates regularly with his staff.

“I’m approachable and my door is always open,” he says.

“An enjoyable working environment is important, but I expect everyone to get their work done in an efficient manner.

“In the hospitality industry, we can’t afford to get things wrong because you lose customers and people.”

According to Harvey, golf club managers have a lot more on their plate compared to decades past.

“There is a lot more legislation to deal with these days,” he said. “The governance and the legal side of things eat into a manager’s time.

“Membership is another issue.

“You always have to be on top of it because the slightest movement in subscription fees or any change you introduce does have an impact so you do need to fight to keep your members.”

Harvey, who plays off five, often shares a round with the members to keep them informed and to hear their concerns.

“You have to earn the trust of the members,” he said. “I try to talk to all the members and I personally respond to every email that comes in.

“I try to make myself accessible to members and staff as much as possible.

“I am never going to please 100 per cent of members, but if I can get close to it then I’m happy.”

There are, of course, certain dislikes that come with his job.

“Sometimes when a decision is taken that I feel won’t work or benefit most of the members, it can be frustrating,” he said.

“Another frustration is members’ naivety.

“What they perceive to be the truth and then share with others when they don’t have the facts is annoying.

“That’s why I like to make sure members have all the facts because rumours in a club don’t help matters.”

Harvey is a perfectionist and makes no apologies for wanting to “dot the I’s and cross the T’s”. He also understands managing a big club equals long hours.

“It’s a seven-day-a-week job,” he said. “I know that and I gladly do that whether I am here or not. If I am not here in person, I am here in mind.”

Away from the rigours of work, Harvey enjoys kayaking, walking and going to the movies.

“It’s a short escape from work that can sometimes take my mind off the job.” •

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business

GMA helping managers move forward David Allen

Executive Officer of GMA

Golf Management Australia (GMA) is the national body representing Managers of affiliated golf clubs throughout Australia.

GMA’s mission is “To represent Golf Club Management in Australia and, through state associations, provide professional development and support for members”.

Although GMA is sometimes seen as being reasonably new to the golf club industry, its origins as a constituted body date back to September 1953 when, at a meeting held at the Avondale Golf Club in Sydney, the first federal constitution of the then named “Golf Club Secretaries and Managers Association of Australia” was formed.

Records show that a previous body simply named the “Secretaries and Managers of Australian Golf Clubs” conducted their inaugural conference in 1946.

In 2007, the State golf management associations (GMA Queensland, GMA New South Wales, Golf Management Victoria, GMA South Australia and GMA Western Australia) resolved to create a new national constitution which enabled GMA (the national body) to assume far greater responsibility, particularly in the areas of professional development, education and support services for golf club managers.

Prior to 2009, State golf management associations accepted the responsibility of hosting and financing biennial national conferences. This meant that each state association hosted a conference every 10 years.

(L to R) Brian Thorburn (CEO, PGA), Stephen Pitt (CEO, Golf Australia), David Burton (GMA President), Allan Devlin (former President of AGCSA) and Mark Hayes (Herald Sun golf writer) at the 2011 GMA Conference golf forum.

Once GMA was formally constituted in 2007, it has assumed responsibility for funding the biennial national conference with the first of these occurring in 2009 in Perth.

GMA conducted its second conference in Melbourne in 2011 and it received acclaim as the best conference attended by a number of long-serving golf club managers.

The GMA Board is currently working diligently to ensure the 2013 conference to be held in Sydney will reach the same level of success as the previous conference, Currently, the GMA Board of Directors is comprised of a group of six golf club managers and one golf state body CEO: David Burton (New South Wales Golf Club – GMA President and GMA NSW nominee),Simon Parker (Brisbane Golf Club – GMA Queensland nominee), Stewart Fenton (Huntingdale Golf

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Club – Golf Management Victoria nominee), Andrew Gay (Royal Adelaide Golf Club – GMA South Australia nominee), Damon Lonnie (Lake Karrinyup Country Club – GMA Western Australia nominee), Damon Selwyn (Heidelberg Golf Club – Independent appointment by GMA Board) and Stuart Fraser (CEO, Golf NSW – Independent appointment

by GMA Board).

In 2010, the GMA Board (who all give their time on a voluntary basis) decided that GMA could better serve its members by having a professional person devoting a greater period of time to the purposes and strategic plan which had been established by the Board.

Subsequently, the Board appointed David Allen as its inaugural Executive Officer.

David has an extensive history in golf management and administration and was

previously involved at club and state level for a period of some 26 years including the General Manager of Kingston Heath and Kingswood Golf Clubs as well as the CEO of Golf NSW. The Executive Officer works with the Board to continue implementation and review of its Strategic Plan which, in summary is as follows: 1. Industry Representation (Universally recognised as representing Australian Golf Management and an active participant in the development of golf in Australia) 2. Education and Professional Development (Provide resources to develop better managers) 3. State Relations (Foster a cooperative working relationship with Member States) 4. Communications (Efficient, timely and relevant information flow) 5. Membership (Assist State Associations to build their membership base) 6. Resources (The capacity to deliver services to members) GMA also hosts a very popular website www.gma.org.au where members and visitors are acquainted with the latest news and management employment positions currently available within the golf industry.

GMA is also a part of the Australian Golf Industry Council.

Over future issues, we will provide further information on specific initiatives GMA is providing for its members as well as other pertinent manager information of interest which we are currently working on.

For any enquiries regarding GMA operations, please phone David Allen on 0410 225 545 or email eo@gma.org.au •

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Mills joins ‘grow the game’ brigade David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

GOLF needs people like Joanne Mills.

After a 17-year career competing on the Ladies European Tour (LET) and the US LPGA Tour, the 43-year-old is now committed to giving something back to the game.

Chatting with Mills, it’s quite evident she has a genuine love for golf and is passionate about growing the game.

That’s why she has taken on the role of assistant club professional at Pacific Dunes Golf Club at Port Stephens.

“I am trying to grow the game and give something back so that the golf industry starts to thrive again,” said Mills, a two-time winner on the LET. During her playing career, she won seven Australian Ladies Professional Golf events including the Women’s NSW Open.

Mills is an ALPG board member and a member of the PGA of Australia.

“We (ALPG) are trying to grow women’s golf and junior golf into a lot of high performance areas and work with Golf Australia trying to get more girls playing the game,” she said.

Mills is no stranger to the task of growing the game.

She spent five years playing the US LPGA Tour and returned to Europe with a few good ideas of her own.

“I took a lot of ideas back to Europe to open their eyes and encourage them to think a little bigger and they have thrived,” said Mills, who was on the LET players’ council.

“The enthusiasm for golf in the US is extreme compared to the Ladies European Tour, but the tour in Europe has grown tremendously with 22 or 23 events today compared to 10 when I first when there.

“It’s great to be able to put your ideas forward and hopefully make the tour better.”

Sydney-born Mills had a stellar amateur career representing NSW and Australia and

winning the NSW, Victorian and Tasmanian stroke play championships.

Mills’ deadly short game and deft touch on the greens made up for her lack of length off the tee.

Her first win on the Ladies European Tour was the Ladies’ German Open in 1993 followed by the Wales Ladies’ Championship in 2007.

“My two wins were definite highlights of my career,” she said.

Mills is particularly proud of her victory at Machynys Golf and Country Club in Wales.

“The weather was horrible, it was wet, windy and cold and the conditions were tough,” she said.

“We played in rain most of day and I stuck it out so well and was so proud of myself for not letting it slip.”

Mills came close to winning in the US. She was leading the Williams Championship when thwarted by then world number one Annika Sorenstam.

“I was leading with nine holes to play and from memory Annika birdied three of the last four to win,” Mills said.

“You can’t control what other players do – only what you do.

“The missed opportunities will always play on my mind, but there’s nothing you can do about it.

“If I could have changed things maybe I would have handled the pressure a little differently coming down the stretch in those events.”

Injuries, financial pressures and living out of a suitcase began to wear thin and Mills quit the tour midway through 2010.

“In 2008, I got calcified tendinitis in my left shoulder and didn’t really get back to my best form,” she said. “Financial pressures didn’t help and I was over the travelling.”

Mills’ philosophy has always been to treat golf as a game – not as a job.

“I wanted to have fun with golf – not beat myself up over it,” she said.

Mills admits slotting into the workforce after

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Joanne Mills shows off the Wales Ladies’ Championship she won in 2007 on the Ladies European Tour. almost two decades playing and travelling the world wasn’t easy.

“I miss the players, caddies, officials the tournament atmosphere and competing,” Mills said. “That why I will play the Australian events this summer.”

Still, Mills has become accustomed to the lifestyle change.

“It’s a different lifestyle working in a golf shop and having a club job compared to

playing and travelling the world,” she said.

“It’s good to see the other side and give back to the game.

“I wish I could have done better as a player – maybe I could have retired,” she joked.

“Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen with a lot of players.

“We have to get back into the real world and sell the nuts and bolts that make up what we used to do.” •

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people

Playing ‘The Jack’ is a treat for all Michael Green ed@insidegolf.com.au

This BBQ was unlike any other I’d ever been to before.

Celebrities, professionals and amateur golfers mingled in the themed attire for the evening, their favourite football jerseys. A Channel Nine TV crew kept an eye on the gathering, fireworks went off over the nearby golf course and everyone was doing their best to pose for a photograph alongside some old bloke who was holding court in the middle of it all.

This was the opening night welcome BBQ at the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic golf tournament, an annual event that was now in its 34th year that has raised more than $3million for diabetes research and the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation. The ‘old bloke’ in the photo sessions was not just a golfing tragic who could spin a yarn but Australia’s former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke.

The now 83-year-old Hawke looked to have enough energy to still be holding office. “Have you ever heard Hawkey sing?” I was asked on several occasions. It was an odd question I thought. Akin to being asked if I’d ever seen Kanye West play table tennis, or Julian Assange swim freestyle. It turns out it wasn’t so odd after all, as I was later to hear Hawkey charm the crowd with an old Aussie favourite that I’ll never forget.

Earlier in the day I arrived at Cypress Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley to see a stunt plane doing some incredible aerial acrobatics above the golf course, tournament host Jack Newton standing by the putting green and a host of golfers practising their game with a grin from ear to ear. This obviously was no ordinary

32

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Brendan Smith celebrates his win at the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic golf tournament and I felt like I’d just arrived at some sort of golfing utopia.

The Cypress Lakes Resort was a stunning setting for the event with over 200 villas accommodating the star-studded field, bars and restaurants surrounding a number of swimming pools, and a championship golf course which challenged some of our country’s finest young golf talent, including NSW PGA Championship winner Matt Steiger and NZ Open champion Jake Higginbottom.

With such elite golfing company I was in no mood to embarrass myself on the golf course and decided to change my regular routine (straight from the car park to the first tee) and head for the practice range.

While I managed to iron out a few creases in my

game, the experience was still a daunting one as I shared the range with the likes of Nathan Green, Jake Higginbottom and LPGA player Sarah Kemp – all happy to have a chat in between sending darts into the distance.

The tournament soon became even more surreal when I finally arrived at the first tee. You didn’t need 3D glasses to notice European LPGA star Nikki Garrett arrive in a full Avatar costume or Ewan Porter arrive shirtless, dressed as Slash from Guns ‘n Roses. Wally Lewis wandered by, Wilbur Wilde was keeping the locals amused and my partner arrived and introduced himself; rugby league legend Michael Hagan.

Stieger joined our team for the first round and

STRIPING IT: Nikki Garrett’s attire demonstrates why The Jack is no ordinary golf tournament eliminated any thoughts I had of a late-career move into professional golf by bombing tee shots out of sight like he was shelling peas. In truth, this was spring break for the professionals, a golf tournament where they can finally relax before putting the clubs away for a few weeks.

people

THE HOSTS WITH THE MOST: Jack and Jackie Newton survey the field at Cypress Lakes

PLAY IT AGAIN: Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke charmed the players both on and off the course

Former European player Lisa Jean joined us for the second round and our team managed to negotiate a mid-round wine tasting, sledging from New South Wales origin fans and rum tasting on the tricky par-3 15th hole to finish the event with our heads held high.

The golf course was in good shape with some recent changes making it a more enjoyable place to play in between visits to the nearby wineries and long afternoons by the pool. The previously controversial 12th hole has now been shortened to a far more manageable long par-3, which still requires an accurate tee shot for any chance of a par.

The finishing holes are where a good round can disappear at Cypress Lakes. It was easy to distinguish between golfers who went to bed early and those that partied late, especially in the warm, humid conditions we encountered.

The 16th hole is a true three-shot par-5 requiring distance control between bunkers that litter the approach to the green. The 17th is arguably the best

for this unique tournament when the former Jack Newton Foundation member announced his recent diagnosis with diabetes and his struggle to live with the disease.

Despite the success of the young Australian golfers who have come through the Jack Newton Golf foundation, its raison d’être is not about producing Australia’s next batch of golfing stars, but rather providing the opportunity for young Australian kids to have access to the game of golf.

“Diabetes is much understated and it’s a massive problem the world over and I think getting kids out playing some sort of sport and a game like golf with its rules and etiquette, they’re all good foundations and qualities for young people.”

My memories of the event will always be dominated by the image of Bob Hawke strolling to the stage after Jack Newtown’s opening remarks at the welcome dinner. This was the moment. I was about to hear Bob Hawke sing, and he didn’t disappoint.

Hawke made his way to the stage just as he had done

tee shot on the golf course with plenty of risk-reward choices to make and the 18th not only needs good shotmaking but superior putting skills on an immensely sloping final green. Jake Higginbottom had a putt to force a playoff on the final hole, but three-putted to finish in a tie for fourth place.

For the record, Brendan Smith won the event, finishing at 10-under par with rounds of 69 and 65.

Just behind him was Brad McIntosh in 2nd place with -9, while Ewan Porter, Aron Price and Jake Higginbottom all tied for 3rd with -8. With all of these players having come through the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation, it’s a testament to the success of the program.

It was comforting to hear that Smith too was also starry-eyed for much for the event.

“The first night I was here I was wearing my Bulldogs jersey and had a dream come true when I had dinner with (former Canterbury great) Terry Lamb and I just couldn’t believe it,” the 23-year-old Smith said.

Smith’s victory speech summed up the reason

when he became the patron on the event in 1983, the year Jack had his accident. He commended the tournament on its support for the Junior Golf Foundation and diabetes education and then launched into a stirring rendition of all four verses of Waltzing Matilda.

The room of professionals, sponsors and amateur golfers gave him a standing ovation with most surprised that the tune had more than one verse.

Golf is the common thread at the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic that brings a remarkable range of people together for what is a uniquely Australian annual event. • Photos by Geoff Jones Michael Green is an avid golf fanatic, and the author/blogger of the Aussie Golfer blog (www. aussiegolfer.net) one of Australia’s most popular golf blogging sites.

Follow him on Twitter (twitter.com/AussieGolfer) or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AussieGolfer

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Led by two all-new contemporary colour collections, the Autumn line includes exciting performance pieces for all style preferences and playing conditions. Colours of Byron Bay are vibrant & refreshing featuring Navy Blue, Sky, Raspberry and White colour combinations.

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The new line of X Hot™ Drivers and Fairway Woods feature Callaway’s Speed Frame™ Face Technology that increases ball speed, saves weight and optimizes stiffness and stress distribution across the face for more efficient energy transfer. The new face technology promotes more distance, even on off-centre impact.

In the X Hot Drivers, Callaway has implemented its thinnest casting technology ever in the all-titanium head to create a lighter swing weight and overall configuration. The adjustable OptiFit Hosel, adjusts the face angle in Open, Square or Closed positions to improve accuracy and trajectory. Project X Velocity shafts are the stock offering.

The X Hot Fairway Woods feature a Forged Speed Frame Face Cup made of high strength Carpenter 455 stainless steel that is up to 40 percent thinner than last year’s fairway wood face -- with a 90 percent larger sweet spot. The low CG in the head delivers more ball speed and lower, more consistent backspin, resulting in longer, more consistent distances. This new, waveshaped weighting design engineered inside the club head projects up from the sole toward the face, creating a lower and shallower CG and higher MOI. X Hot Driver, 460 cc, available in 9.5-, 10.5-,11.5-degree models and a 13-degree HT-model.

X Hot Pro Driver, 440 cc, will be available in 8.5-, 9.5- and 10.5-degree models ,and feature slightly more open face angles than the Standard version.

RRP $389 X Hot Fairway Woods: Project X Velocity shaft, available in a 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 11-Woods.

X Hot Pro Fairway Wood will be available in 13.5-, 15-, 17- and 19-degree models.

RRP: $269 www.callawaygolf.com/au Twitter: @CallawayGolfAUS.

WIN!

Inside Golf and TaylorMade are giving away a new R1 Driver to one lucky reader.

Visit www.insidegolf.com.au to enter!

Fairway Cruizers FC-PRO DIGITAL Golf is an endurance activity: every round requires 3 to 5 hours of walking and swinging clubs. Pushing or pulling a manual trolley around the course puts strain on your arms, shoulders and back which impedes your swing, not to mention the energy you use especially on the hilly courses. If you can diminish fatigue and muscle strain you will play a much better round of golf.

Fairway Cruizers is a West Australian-based company with a vision to provide golfers with energy-saving technology via the best quality product at an affordable price. Their new FC-PRO DIGITAL lithium power features a combination Power, Performance & Practicality making it one of the best value electric golf trolleys on the market, backed up with local aftersales service, full warranty & spare parts. www.fairwaycruizers.com.au or 0417 093 006 36

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

TaylorMade R1 Driver The new R1™ continues TaylorMade’s mastery of adjustable drivers by offering the greatest range of adjustability of any driver in the brand’s history. R1 gives the golfer 12 loft-sleeve settings and 7 face-angle positions, as well as two movable shot-shape weights. R1 also allows loft and face angle to be adjusted independently of each other – a critical benefit. The R1’s three adjustability technologies allow it to be tuned 168 different ways to specifically fit a player’s swing to optimize distance and accuracy. Its “Loft-Sleeve Technology” offers a 12-loft sleeve settings to deliver a 4°-range of lofts, meaning the golfer can play anywhere from a 8° to 12° driver.

RRP: $499 www.taylormadegolf.com.au

gear

TaylorMade SuperDeep, Burner

TaylorMade LETHAL Sporte Leisure Dri-Sporte Polo Shirts Celebrating their 21st Year, Sporte Leisure have combined the latest style trends with performance properties to make the Summer 2012/13 range for men and women a must have for the summer months. There is a strong technical emphasis of moisture wicking, UV protection and AntiMicrobial properties. Perspiration is drawn away from the body for rapid evaporation, keeping the body dry and at a balanced temperature. Enjoy the benefits of easy care, quick dry and the super soft hand feel of Sport Leisure’s Dri-Sporte Polos.

RRP: from $55 www.sporte-leisure.com.au or 02 9693 5777

Greg Norman Performance Eyewear The Greg Norman Performance Eyewear Collection conveys The Shark’s attitude towards performing at the highest levels, whilst enjoying an active lifestyle. The collection has an emphasis on sophisticated style with function, resulting in sun wear that will perform superbly during your outdoor sport and transfer comfortably to your leisure activities.

All performance styles include Full UVA and UVB protection, Oleophobic lens coatings that resist water, moisture and oils for ultimate clarity, Flash mirror coating for a visually appealing experience, Grilamid memory polymer frame material that retains its shape and nose pads and temple tips to increase comfort and prevent slipping.

Lens options include: High Contrast lenses with increased colour definition and maximum clarity, De-centred lens which eliminates distortion, Scratch and shatter resistant, 8 base curve for added peripheral vision on sun protection, Glare Control Polarized – the addition of glare control for a clear field of view, Extreme – Exclusive NXT lens technology for extreme colour definition and contrast, Cast lens for higher abbe value and clarity. Reduced eye fatigue. Processes colour and contrast faster for quicker response times.

RRP $79.95 www.sporte-leisure.com.au or 02 9693 5777

Shark Hunter Club Men’s Golf Package Package contains Driver, 3 wood, 21° & 24° hybrids, 5-iron to SW, a stylish matching golf bag that includes 14 full-length dividers, an external putter holder, and a large cooler pocket. Add a soft feel mallet putter and matching head covers and this package pulls together everything needed to Attack the course. 460cc high launch driver gives you all the forgiveness and reward you need in a driver. Graphite shafts in the woods and hybrids are made light for more distance. True Temper “Made in USA” shafts in the irons are strong and consistent for distance and accuracy.

Available in men’s right (SHK405) and left hand (SHK427).

RRP $399 www.sharkgolf.com.au or 02 9693 5777

Greg Norman Ultra Lite Golf Bags The famous SHARK logo now adorns some of the lightest golf bags on the Australian market. Quality and strength of the 900D honeycomb fabric combined with excellent workmanship makes these bags look as good as they perform.

Features include 14-way top with fulllength dividers, umbrella storage, towel ring with velcro glove keeper, over- sized vented cooler pocket, large apparel pocket, valuables pocket, and magnetised golf ball marker. The front panel of the ball pocket can be zipped off for individual embroidery of your club or team logo.

Available in Cart Bag (GNC102) and Stand Bag (GNC103).

RRP: $199.95 www.sporte-leisure.com.au or 02 9693 5777

Optimal spin control for every shot, incredible distance regardless of clubhead speed (progressive velocity), and the most penetrating flight of any TaylorMade ball (seamless LDP 322-dimple pattern) make the 5-layer LETHAL the ultimate Tour performance golf ball.

Similar to the PENTA ball that it replaces, LETHAL features five separate layers that provide a “layer for every shot,” optimising spin and launch through the bag. It also employs “Progressive Velocity,” meaning the fastest layers of the ball are on the outside, which provides outstanding velocity regardless of swing speed. As a result, LETHAL can be played by Tour professionals and amateur golfers of all skill levels.

RRP: $49.95 per dozen www.taylormadegolf.com.au

Bellerive Golf Bag The Bellerive has an ergonomic integrated injection molded lift assist handle for easy access, magnetic head cover and ball marker port, oversize putter/ball retriever tube, separate GPS compartment and an integrated waterproof rain cover. 14-way full length horizontal & vertical dividers with concave shaft inlets separate and organize the clubs, while eight generously proportioned pockets are accompanied with a semi-umbrella sheath.

The thermoformed oversized insulated cooler pocket with two drainage holes has a generous capacity to store all your consumables. This feature-loaded golf bag weighs a mere 4.20 kg.

The proprietary laser lamination water repellent UV 40 + fabric comes in five stylish colour combinations. www.underpar.com.au or (02) 9417 4055

TaylorMade RocketBallz Stage 2 Fairway Woods and Rescue Clubs Key to the performance gains of RBZ Stage 2 fairways and Rescues is highstrength TaylorMade RocketSteel supplied by Carpenter™, which creates a thinner and faster-flexing face. Both fairways and Rescues also incorporate an improved version of the company’s Speed Pocket design, which flexes to promote faster ball speed for more distance.

Both RBZ Stage 2 fairways and Rescues are available in a tunable “Tour” version.

Featuring the company’s Loft Sleeve technology, golfers can easily adjust the loft +/- 1.5° to find their optimal launch conditions.

RocketBallz Stage 2 fairways. Shaft: RocketFuel 60 graphite (43.5”). Heads/ lofts: 3 (15.0), 3HL (17.0), 5 (19.0), 5HL (21.0) and 7 (22.0).

RRP: $279 Tour model: Shaft: Matrix RocketFuel 70 graphite (43.5”). Heads/loft: Tour Spoon (13.0), T3 (14.5), T3HL (16.5) and T5 (18.5).

RRP: $319 RBZ Stage 2 Rescue: Shaft: RocketFuel 65 (41”). Head options: 3-6 in righthanded and 3 and 4 for left-handed players RRP: $229 Rescue Tour model: RRP: $249 www.taylormadegolf.com.au

adizero Footwear Revolutionizing the fit, feel and shape of adidas Golf footwear, the new adizero line has been speciallyengineered from the ground up. The adizero Tour is 38% lighter than the TOUR360 ATV and touts the thinnest outsole ever for adidas Golf at 1.2mm.

It’s specially-designed with ultralight materials to deliver tour-proven performance without sacrificing stability. The key is a new anatomical last and revolutionary SPRINTFRAME outsole that significantly reduces shoe weight while maintaining comfort and returning energy to each stride.

The SPRINTWEB internal TPU layer provides unrivaled upper support during lateral movements, and a new microfiber leather SPRINTSKIN ensures a consistent fit with no water uptake and long lasting durability.

RRP: $199

SuperDeep is engineered to deliver on the promise of its name – to go deep and long off every club in the bag. Its two-piece construction consists of TaylorMade’s ultra-fast REACT core and ultra-fast IOTHANE cover that work in conjunction to store and release energy with maximum efficiency, to promote fast ball speed for long distance. Its LDP (Low Drag Performance) dimple pattern and configuration is engineered to deliver long carry for long distance while also promoting improved performance on driver mis-hits. SuperDeep is the softest of TaylorMade’s two-piece balls, giving it excellent feel for a distance ball.

The new Burner’s two-piece construction pairs TaylorMade’s high-energy REACT core with an exceptionally durable and shearresistant IOTHANE cover, resulting in “use it till you lose it” durability.

SuperDeep RRP: $29.95 per dozen Burner RRP: $24.95 per dozen (Available in white and translucent yellow). www.taylormadegolf.com.au

TaylorMade RocketBallz Stage 2 Driver RocketBallz Stage 2 combines a lower and more forward CG location, a more aerodynamic head shape and an expansive 4,100 sq mm club face to promote more distance compared to the first generation RBZ driver. It also features TaylorMade’s Loft-Sleeve technology, which gives players the ability to easily tune loft and club face angle to fit their swing. The combination of a longer, lighter (50gram) Fujikura RocketFuel shaft and light grip enabled TaylorMade to keep RBZ Stage 2 under 300 grams of total club weight. That, along with balancing the club to a slightly higher swing weight, allows the RBZ Stage 2 driver to promote faster swing speed for most golfers. The lightweight characteristics of the shaft coupled with the RBZ Stage 2 driver’s mass properties work together to create a moderate draw bias.

TaylorMade is also offering a RocketBallz Stage 2 Tour model, which has a lower and more forward centre of gravity and a stock Matrix 6Q3 shaft to promote a more penetrating ball flight.

RRP: Standard: $389 Tour model: $TBC www.taylormadegolf.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

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gear

PING Scottsdale® TR™ (True Roll) Adjustable-Length Putters

PING G25™ Adjustable Driver PING’s largest-profile, most forgiving head design. Golfers can optimize launch conditions for maximum distance through a lightweight, aerodynamic adjustable-hosel design using Trajectory Tuning™ Technology.

Golfers can add or subtract one-half degree of loft to the 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 12° heads. The adjustable-hosel design maintains the same outer diameter and mass of PING’s fixed hosels. Ultrathin-crown technology in the deeper profile, 460cc Ti 8-1-1 head distributes weight to the perimeter, positions the CG lower and farther back than any PING driver to date, and increases MOI. The variable-thickness face delivers a powerful energy transfer for faster ball speeds and greater distances.

Available in 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 12° lofts. Shafts: TFC 189D (Soft R, R, S, Tour Stiff, and Tour X-Stiff flexes) RRP: $440 www.ping.com

PING G25™ Hybrids PING G25™ Fairway Woods An extreme variable-thickness face creates an efficient energy transfer, producing faster ball speeds for greater distance. The face is the thinnest of any PING fairway wood. The lowprofile, forgiving design features mass low in the 17-4 stainless steel clubhead, positioning the CG low and back for higher launch and increased forgiveness, especially on shots hit low on the face, the most common “misshit”. It features a large head design with a traditional shape that aligns easily with the target.

Available in: 3 (15º), 4 (16.5º), 5 (18º), and 7-woods (21º). Graphite shaft: TFC 189F (Soft R, R, S, Tour-Stiff, and Tour X-Stiff flexes) RRP: $290 www.ping.com

Progressive CG positions help to achieve proper trajectories and ensure functional distance gaps between clubs. The CG position is lower and farther back in the lower-lofted hybrids and progresses slightly forward in the higher lofts to help minimise spin and prevent ballooning (common in higher-lofted hybrids). External sole weighting positions weight low and back and elevates the MOI for greater distance and forgiveness in the 17-4 stainless steel heads. Generous camber heel-to-toe and sole relief ensure playability and solid contact from all types of lies. A large hitting surface and thin face perimeter provide forgiveness and high ball speeds.

Available in: 17º, 20º, 23º, 27º, 31º.

Graphite shaft: TFC 189H (Soft R, R, S, Tour-Stiff, and Tour X-Stiff flexes) RRP: $250 www.ping.com

PING G25™ Irons The Custom Tuning Port (CTP) is integrated into the sole to lower the mass and position the CG for highlaunching, forgiving results. The CTP aligns directly with the impact area, allowing for a lower CG and a high MOI. Support bars in the cavity stabilize the 17-4 stainless steel face to ensure a solid feel and exceptional distance control throughout the set.

The progressive sole widths provide higher-launching, more-forgiving long irons, and short irons with added playability and control.

Available 3-9, PW, UW, SW, LW. Shafts: Steel: PING® CFS® (Soft R, R, S and X flexes), graphite: TFC 189i (Soft R, R, S) RRP: $125 per club w/steel shaft $155 per club w/graphite shaft www.ping.com

Variable-depth grooves in the insert are deepest in the centre and get gradually shallower to the perimeter to provide nearly identical ball speeds across the putter face for more consistent distance control. The insert is made from a lightweight 6061 aerospace-grade aluminium that provides a solid feel and sound. The finish is a non-glare black PVD, and all models feature white sight lines that aid in alignment. A mid-size full-cord PING Black PP58 grip is standard on all traditional-length models.

Adjustable-length, USGA/R&Aconforming shaft adjusts 31” to 38” in standard models (optional); belly models 37.5” to 46.5”; long models 44.5” to 55.5”.

12 Fit For Stroke™ models. Slight arc models = Anser® 2, B60, Shea®, Tomcat S®, Anser® 2 B (adjustable belly). Strong arc models = ZB S®, Shea® H. Straight models = Piper® C, Tatum™, Carefree® L (adjustable long). All stroke types available = Grayhawk™, Senita® AU RRP: $210 standard or $240 Adjustable (Anser 2, B60,Tomcat S, ZB S, Shea, Shea H, Piper C, Tatum). www.ping.com

Sizzling Summer SpecialS SUPER TUESDAY COMPETITION - $25 Open to any Golflink registered golfers Minimum Cash Prize of $100 plus many other prizes up for grabs WEEKDAY 2 COURSE SPECIAL - $22.50 Save 50%, 18 Holes of Golf & Lunch Tues-Friday only CONTACT PH.9363 1691 475 Mt Derrimut Rd, Derrimut, Vic 3030

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Enter the CUB Challenge to win overnight accommodation for two at the Gold Coast including two rounds of golf with a cart.

Greg Norman Collection’s ML75 polo’s combine high performance properties with luxury appeal. 30% lighter than the average golf shirt, its natural UPF and Play Dry moisture wicking ensures comfort and coolness on the hottest of summer days.

For stockist information tel: 02 9693 5777 www.shark.com

PERFORMANCE BY DESIGN Shark Black Attack Club Set and Ripstop Stand Bag

Shark Ferocious Distance Balls

Shark Attack Gloves

Shark Qwik-Fold Cart

Shark GWS Tour Golf Bag

SHARK PROVIDES GOLFERS WITH ADVANCED PERFORMANCE AT A GREAT PRICE FOR STOCKIST INFORMATION TEL: 02 9693 5777 • WWW.SHARKGOLF.COM.AU

by Greg Norman

TM

gear

Cleveland 588 RTX 588 RTX Wedges combine the legendary performance of 588 with the breakthrough Rotex Face â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cleveland Golfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most advanced spin technology ever. This wedge is suitable for players of all abilities. Available in Satin Chrome and Black Pearl finishes.

Available 15th March.

RRP $139 www.clevelandgolf.com

Cleveland Classic XL Driver More Distance, More confidence, More style. The Classic XL Driver had the largest and deepest club face of any driver in golf, and an even larger sweet spot for maximum forgiveness. The Classic XL Driver suits players of all abilities.

Available 15th March.

RRP $299 www.clevelandgolf.com

Cleveland 588 TT (Tour Trajectory)

Cleveland 588 Altitude

Cleveland 588 MT (Mid Trajectory)

With this hybrid-iron set, hitting the ball longer and higher has never been easier. 588 Altitude Irons are fully interchangeable with 588 Mid Trajectory and Tour Trajectory Irons so you can build your perfect set. The 588 Altitude irons suit players looking for an iron to improve their game.

Available 15th March.

RRP $119 Graphite & $99 Steel www.clevelandgolf.com

Find more greens with an unparalleled combination of forgiveness and feel. 588 Mid Trajectory Irons are fully interchangeable with 588 Tour Trajectory and Altitude Irons so you can build your perfect set. The 588 MT irons suit players of all abilities.

Available 15th March.

RRP $119 Graphite & $99 Steel www.clevelandgolf.com

Take your accuracy to a new level with tour-calibre flight and feel. 588 Tour Trajectory Irons are fully interchangeable with 588 Mid Trajectory and Altitude Irons so you can build your perfect set.

The 588 TT irons suit players from game improvement to experienced players.

Available 15th March.

RRP $119 Graphite & $99 Steel www.clevelandgolf.com

Cleveland Classic XL Custom Driver

Srixon Z-Star

Srixon Z-Star XV

Style and confidence are now tunable.

The Classic XL Custom Driver has the largest and deepest club face of any driver in golf with an even larger sweet spot.

An adjustable hosel and interchangeable weight port allow any golfer to tune the driver for precise performance. The Classic XL Custom Driver suits experienced players looking for high performance.

Available 15th March.

RRP $399 www.clevelandgolf.com

The golf ball to take your game to the next level, this ball has more advanced technology in order to meet the requirements of even the most demanding golfer. A major new feature is the introduction of the new SPIN SKIN, this new technology generates more spin and better control with great feel around the green and has an extremely soft feel. The Z-Star golf ball is for players who are looking for a golf ball that offers spin control and soft feel. Available in both Pure White and Tour Yellow.

Available 15th February.

RRP $59 www.srixon.com

The golf ball to take your game to the next level, this ball has more advanced technology in order to meet the requirements of even the most demanding golfer. A major new feature is the introduction of the new SPIN SKIN, this new technology generates more spin and better control with great feel around the green and has an extremely soft feel. The Z-Star XV golf ball is for players who are looking for a golf ball that offers spin control and Driver Distance. Available in both Pure White and Tour Yellow.

Available 15th February.

RRP $59 www.srixon.com

Contact your local Alco Battery distributor

1300 883 643 www.alcobatt.com.au Sydney (3) - Brisbane (2) - Melbourne - Adelaide Perth - Newcastle - Port Macquarie - Ballina Hervey Bay - Gympie - Rockhampton Sunshine Coast - Toowoomba - Wagga - Orange Maryborough - Bunbury - Shepparton - Townsville 40

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

gear Nike Golf VR_S Covert Fairway Woods and Hybrids The Nike VR_S Covert fairway woods and hybrids include three proprietary technology platforms: High Speed Cavity Back; FlexLoft adjustability (in Tour models only); and NexCOR face - all combining to create unparalleled distance, control and forgiveness.

The High Speed Cavity Back in the VR_S Covert is a technology used in irons, and now brought to drivers, fairways and hybrids. The result is greater distance and control. The weight of the club has been moved to the corners, raising Moment of Intertia (MOI) to increase forgiveness and add even more distance to off-centre shots.

FlexLoft is a simple pull, turn, and push/tighten mechanism that allows for an intuitive adjustment system. The patented Dual Axis adjustment allows golfers to choose their loft and face angle independently of each other by de-coupling loft from face angle. This all leads to an optimal ball flight for more distance as well as enhanced workability.

NexCOR creates more speed at impact by employing variable face thickness that increases the ball speed off the clubface, especially on the bottom half where players are most likely to make contact.

Available March 1st.

Nike VR_S Covert Tour Fairway Woods. 3W: 13°-17° (RH), 5W: 17°-21° (RH Reg Only). Kuro Kage Silver 70 Shaft Flex: X, S, R RRP: $299.99 Nike VR_S Covert Fairway Woods. 3W: 15°(RH/LH), 5W: 19° (RH).Kuro Kage Black 60 Shaft Flex: X, S, R, A RRP: $259.99 Nike VR_S Covert Tour Hybrids. 3H: 17°-21° (RH), 4H: 21°-25° (RH Reg Only).Kuro Kage Silver 80 Shaft Flex: S, R RRP: $279.99 Nike VR_S Covert Hybrids. 2H: 17° (RH), 3H: 20° (RH/ LH), 4H: 23° (RH),Kuro Kage Black 70 Shaft Flex: S, R, A RRP: $229.99 www.nikegolf.com.au

Nike VR_S Covert Irons The High Speed Cavity Back in the VR_S Covert irons allows athletes more distance and control with every shot. The cavity back technology is hidden “covertly” giving the iron a sleeker look at address with the performance advantages of a highly forgiving distance iron. The VR_S Covert irons are Nike’s most versatile irons to date and will appeal to a very wide range of players.

For the VR_S Covert irons, engineers have created a dual bevel sole, which allows the club to sit low to the golf ball and prevent digging. The sole makes a clean cut through the grass making interaction with the turf less disturbing to the golf shot.

Available March 1st.

Specifications: 4-PW, True Temper Dynalite 90: S/R (RH/LH); 4-PW, Nike Kuro Kage Black 70: R, A (RH) RRP: $799.99 Steel/$899.99 Graphite www.nikegolf.com.au

Nike 20XI Nike Golf has taken their proprietary RZN technology to the next level by adding more RZN to its new 20XI ball. With more RZN material added to the core and mantle of the golf ball, the 20XI can help produce longer distance and more controlled shots.

A larger, softer RZN core improves feel off all shots while maintaining driver distance. The added RZN mantel produces longer shots off irons while providing a softer short game feel.

The 20XI will be available in two versions. The 20XI ball is designed to improved feel and enhanced short game control. 20XI X delivers maximum distance, improved feel and reduced spin for greater accuracy off the tee.

RRP: TBA www.nikegolf.com.au

World Class Golf

in the Outback For a truly unique outback golf experience, come and play the brand new Graham Marsh designed championship course.

Situated in the heart of the West Australian Goldfields, the Kalgoorlie Golf Course is rated amongst the best public access courses in the country.

AFFILIATED COURSE OF THE NULLARBOR LINKS

Phone: (08) 9026 2626 Email: golf@kalgoorliegolfcourse.com www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com proudly managed by

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

41

instruction: video lessons

Making golf simple Peter Croker

0415 292 549 www.crokergolfsystem.com

Over the past 43 Issues of Inside Golf (since August 2009), I have written a series of instruction articles on various swing fundamentals with the aim to drive improvement of all readers who read them and/or watch the associated videos.

My goal has been to present the essence of the swing fundamental in a way that you can apply it to your game out on the golf course. However there has been some missing data on “How you can transfer the ‘theory’ into practice.”

The fact is that it is very difficult to take your new-found knowledge directly to the golf course and have your handicap come down. As a matter of fact, I cannot change the swing you have to any great degree. However I can and will help you build a new and more effective swing that will over time replace the swing you take to the golf course and driving range now. Please view Daniel Coyle’s YouTube Video on “The Talent Code” and “How Talent is not born – it is grown.”: youtu.be/dY7QNxXbziA. Most of us are looking for instant results and if we do not get them we either run off to some other “theory on swing mechanics” or attempt to apply “the Mental Game Approach” to our game.

It is time that you are given some tools to help you succeed in your quest to build a more competent golf swing and game.

The “Key to Golf Program” is designed to deliver these results in a most simple and direct way. (Visit www.keytogolf.com to get access to a seven-video program.). Here are some of the highlights:

Look for a conceptual understanding of what you need to do to have your golf shots become more consistently under your control from putt to drive.

(Video: http://bit.ly/WckrFD)

Build a better “Grip of the club!” (Video: http://bit.ly/10FOI77)

Start with the small shots. Learn what “Impact” really is, starting with a putting and chip and run.

(VideoS: http://bit.ly/W5yQGC , http://bit.ly/SXS2qX)

Realize that “Golf is a Two Target Game.” Train in “How to throw the clubhead down and out directly into and through the golf ball.”

(Video: http://bit.ly/13OkLj8)

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 Golf Science Centre in Cheltenham, and the Mornington Peninsula, he delivers school instruction, individual lessons, and has an “Online Lesson Program.” www.crokergolfsystem.com/ Academy/view-your-swing.html

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

To receive the remaining three steps, visit: www.keytogolf.com Remember that golf is a journey and always aim to enjoy each new discovery that helps you hit the ball more solidly and with control. Your

attitude determines your altitude in the game and making it an adventure and fun to play gives you the best chance to gain the maximum from the time you spend out on the Links.

Enjoy the Hit! •

instruction

Peeling away the layers:

Which golf ball should you use?

Core Mantle Cover

A cutaway view of a new Srixon Z-Star 3-piece ball (left) and the Srixon Z-Star XV 4-piece ball (right). Each layer of today’s multi-layered golf balls have specific properties to benefit your game.

Tiffany Mika

tiffany@theladygolfteacher.com.au

There are so many golf balls out on the market today that it can become very confusing to decide which ball would suit your game.

Whether you are a scratch golfer or a high handicap player you want to use a golf ball that can maximize your potential.

It is very important to define what your ball should be doing for your game. I am going to simplify the confusion for you so you can gain a better understanding.

When choosing a ball for your game, your goal should be a ball that allows you to maximize driver distance for your swing speed while controlling any unintended side spin such as a slice or hook. You also want a ball that has good greenside and putting performance to assist your short game.

There are many layers to today’s golf ball, and they fall into three main components.

All balls start with a Core. Think of the Core as The Engine of a golf ball. A car doesn’t move until the engine is engaged. The core gives life to the total ball construction. The ability to which you can engage the core with the club face determines how fast the ball leaves the

club face, ultimately resulting in either optimal distance or poor distance for your swing speed.

Mantles are the inner ‘boundary’ layers that lie between the core and the cover. They give ball engineers another variable that can be used to optimize the performance of the golf ball.

Finally, there is the Cover. These are often made out of materials like Ionomer or Urethane.

Ionomer is a thermoplastic (plastic) material that is durable, resistant to cutting, and versatile. Urethane is a rubber material used for covers. It is very soft, but typically not as durable as Ionomer.

Manufacturers design their golf balls using different combinations of these components to produce two-piece, three-piece and even fourand five-piece balls. But what is the difference?

The two-piece ball This is the distance ball. They come in different compressions from very soft to higher compressions. They are only made from two components: a core and the cover. This is also a lower-spinning ball which means the initial spin produced when ball is struck off the tee spins less, which reduces the hook and slice spin. This can be a great benefit if you are often wayward off the tee. However when you hit your approach shots and greenside shots, these balls can be a little more challenging to control due to the covers being firmer and the low spin produced from the ball.

The three-, four- and five-piece ball These are multi-layered balls with main components being the core, which can be a

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

single or dual-layer core, the mantle(s) and the cover. With so many components, these balls have almost limitless possibilities. These balls are engineered to have responsive mantle layers and enhanced feel for approach and green-side shots. The additional layers allow for a more optimal ball flight to counteract the traditional effects of excessive spin. They also reduce the spin off the driver for maximum distance.

So which one would be the best for you to use?

The Beginner or Inconsistent Golfer If you have just begun or you are inconsistent, you may experience sliced shots, hooks, topping of the ball and/or pull or push shots.

If you are scoring over 100 off the stick for 18 holes, you can definitely benefit from using a two-piece golf ball. This is to reduce some of the unintended side spin. The aim here is to use a ball that is most efficient for your swing speed.

For a slow swing speed, perhaps try the Nike Power Distance Soft. For a moderate or faster swing speed try the Srixon AD333, Callaway HEX Warbird or Bridgestone e5.

The Intermediate Golfer You are quite a good golfer, you have a good handle on the game and you are wanting to become more consistent. You are scoring around the high 80’s to just below 100. You can definitely benefit from a ball with higher spin— especially shots into the green. A three-piece

ball would benefit you such as a Nike One RZN/One RZN-X, Srixon TriSpeed, Callaway HEX Diablo or Bridgestone e6.

The Skilled Golfer This is typically a golfer under the handicap of 12. Ideally an A-grade player. You have a good command of your golf swing, you have good touch around the green and you score in the 70’s and low 80’s. You will need a ball that is long off the tee but provides the feel you desire around the green, approach shots and your putts. You would benefit from a multi-layered ball such as Nike 20XI/20XI-X, TaylorMade Lethal/Penta, Bridgestone B330RX, Srixon Z-Star or Callaway HEX Black Tour or the HEX Chrome.

Of course, these are just a few examples of the many options available to you. The best thing to do is to take some balls out and try them out off the tee, on approach shots to the green, and with chips and putts around the green. Get the feel for the ball. It may take a bit of time to work out which best suits your game but testing will assist in better performance out on the golf course. • 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

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: 17th - 20th February and 15th - 18th May 2013

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instruction

The effects of an incorrect lie angle on your putter

Glenn Whittle

glenn@whittlegolf.com (02) 9541 4960

In my last article, I wrote about the effects of lie angle with your iron clubs, and I mentioned that the process of combining golf instruction with club fitting is very important, mainly because the two need to go hand-in-hand. This is no different when looking at the effect that lie angle has on putting consistently.

For example, if your putter has loft on it (99% of putters do) then if the lie angle of your putter is too upright and the toe of the putter is up in the air you will be prone to hit your putts to the left. And the more loft you have on your putter

46

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

the more your ball will go left. Conversely, if the lie angle of your putter is too flat and the heel of the putter is up in the air you will be prone to hit your putts to the right. As before, the more loft you have on your putter, the more your ball will go right.

The next time you are playing with some friends, take note of whether their putter head is sitting flat on the ground. Then compare to the tour players on TV. Putting is a huge part of scoring, so nearly all of the pros have their putters fitted to their own stroke with the correct lie angle, length, weight, etc.

I know that there are players over the years (pros or not) that use ill-fitted putters with incorrect lie angles and some have learned to adapt to the

putter and putt quite well, but please note that this is an exception rather than the rule.

If you are putting inconsistently or are missing your putts consistently to the left or right, when you get a spare five minutes before your next round, grab your putter and do a quick check to see if your putter head is level, and sitting flat on the ground. If it is hard to see, then a great little tip is to place a video camera (or even just an iPhone with the camera/video app running) on the ground directly behind your putter, and just make a few practice putts. The results may surprise you.

A side note, the longer or shorter you make a putter (or any club for that matter) the more the lie angle is affected, this is why a PGA Professional with experience in putter fitting should assist you one-on-one to determine YOUR specifications.

Please make a booking at The Sydney Putting Studio based at The Ridge Golf Course in Sydney if you need assistance with either your putter or to improve your putting - Phone 02 9541 4960. • 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.

Bushnell announced as Official PGA Tour partner The PGA of Australia last month announced Bushnell as the Official Laser Rangefinder of the PGA Tour of Australasia in a deal extending across the next two years.

The partnership gives Bushnell the ability to showcase their collection of measuring devices through the season’s biggest events including the Emirates Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola while also gaining exposure through the PGA’s extensive golf channel.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the PGA as the exclusive laser rangefinder partner.

Bushnell is the number one brand of choice for over 90% of PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour Pros and used by some of the world’s best golfers and caddies,” said Fiona Marty, Marketing Manager – Asia Pacific.

“Supported by our fantastic ambassadors Lee Westwood and Rickie Fowler, the team at Bushnell is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the PGA and their Members over the next two years.”

The partnership with the PGA offers Bushnell a number of opportunities including experiential marketing, retail sales and access to both PGA Tour Professionals and Tour staff on course throughout the next two PGA Tour of Australasia seasons.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Bushnell on board as our latest PGA partner and look forward to working with them over the next two years,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA. “Through our tournament platform and network of Members Australia-wide, the channels available through the PGA provide exceptional opportunities and value for PGA partners and we look forward to working with Bushnell to solidify their brand through our sport.” •

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fitness

Testing your golf mobility

• 0-75º - Poor • 76-80º - Below avg • 81-85º - Average • 86-90º - Above avg +91º - Good

Hamstring

Overhead deep squat

Seated torso rotation (start)

Seated torso rotation (finish) • 90-80º - Poor • 79-70º - Below avg • 69-60º - Average • 59-46º - Above avg -45º - Good

Overhead deep squat:

richardniz@gmail.com 0438 027 768

Just as with everything else, golf fitness results come much quicker if you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, what needs working on and what to do to make the changes.

A comprehensive physical competency assessment will give a clear indication of which areas (flexibility, stability and strength) require attention. It is then much easier to design a training program to address the specific needs of the individual.

Many golfers I deal with have underlying flexibility issues which inhibit their golf swing.

Here are a few flexibility tests that you can do, which will give you an idea of your golf mobility.

(Note: You will need someone to assist you in checking the positions of the body area being tested.)

Hamstrings:

Lie on your back, head on the floor and legs straight. Keep one leg firmly fixed on the floor and raise the other leg as high as possible. Raising the leg, check the angle between the raised leg and the floor.

0-75º Poor 76-80º Below Average 81-85º Average 86-90º Above average +91º Good Tight hamstrings contribute to swing problems such as early extension, loss of posture and lower back injuries.

Seated torso rotation:

Sit on a chair or bench, your back straight and your feet and knees together. Hold a golf club above your chest in front of your shoulders. Keep the club touching your collarbones at all times and rotate your torso to the left and to the right.

Check the angle created between the shoulders and the hips.

0-10º Poor 11-21º Below average 22-32º Average 33-44º Above average +45º Good

External hip rotation:

Seated on a bench or low chair, place one foot onto the knee of the other leg. Lean your torso slightly forward. Check the angle between the shin and the floor. +130º Poor 115-129º Below average 105-114º Average 91-104º Above average -90º Good

• +130º - Poor • 115-129º - Below avg • 105-114º - Average • 91-104º - Above avg -90º - Good External hip rotation

Internal hip rotation

A low score here can mean tightness in the glutes and hips, which will inhibit hip rotation, placing greater demand on the lower back area.

69-60º Average 59-46º Above average 45º and below Good Low scores here indicate a lack of ability to rotate the hips inwardon the backswing and/or follow-through, creating more rotational stress duties to the lower back, and a greater risk for lumbar injuries.

There are many flexibility tests, which can be done. The ones shown here are often problem areas most common to golfers and doing the tests can give you an indication of whether a lack of flexibility is contributing to your swing faults. •

Internal hip rotation:

Lie on the floor face down, with your hands under your chin and your knees bent to 900.

Keep your knees together and let your feet fall outwards, away from each other.

Check the angle created by the thigh and the floor.

90- 80º Poor 79-70º Below average

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

Monday Madness @ Burleigh Golf Club open day Centrally located in Miami, Burleigh Golf Club, is a private members golf course. This is your invitation to enjoy a diverse selection of membership options.

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Richard Nizielski

In a doorway, place a strip of tape on the floor 30 cm from the frame. Hold a golf club and stand side-on in the doorway, middle of the body inline with the doorframe, feet shoulder width apart, pointing straight and toes behind the tape.

Place the club above your head, elbows bent at 90º and then extend your arms.

Perform a squat as deep as you can go, keeping your heels on the floor and feet firmly secured.

If the club or your head touches the doorframe, it is an indication of poor upper to lower body integration and/or poor upper back mobility.

This can affect posture, swing plain and the ability to rotate the spine.

• Non-members $30 all inclusive • Bookings through Pro-shop (07) 5572 8972 • Competition of the day or (07) 5572 8266 • Tee off from 6:30am

www.BurleighgolfCluB.Com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

15/01/2013 10:48:40

51

instruction

The three-minute golf stretch Lee Harrington (07) 5596 3373 www.thegolfschool.com.au

I regularly hear from my students that they do very little stretching in their general lives, let alone for golf.

Improving your range of flexibility, no matter what age you are, can greatly assist your golf improvement. We can then get you in better positions as your range of movement improves.

I encourage my students to be working on the following stretches every day, before practice and before they play.

Hold each stretch for 10 seconds. Try and improve each stretch after relaxing and exhaling a breath. Then hold for another 10-second stretch.

Be able to pinpoint your deficiencies and improve them by doing these every day.

The photos shown here are taken of one of my students, who is very flexible. Practice each stretch within your limitations and over a few weeks you will notice improved flexibility leading to improved golf. • 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.

Stretch 1: Forearm Stretch Stretch your fingertips toward the ground while your forearms are horizontal. The aim is to create at least 90 degrees to forearm.

Stretch 2: Reverse Forearm Stretch The opposite to Stretch 1. 90 degrees up is the aim.

Stretch 3: The “write on ceiling” stretch This stretch works your rotator cuff group of muscles and also front of shoulder. A minimum 45-degree forearm angle is the aim, keeping your body upright without bending backwards.

Stretch 4: Shoulder Stretch Hold a 6-iron between your hands, keeping your arms straight, roll the club back over your head, this stretches the back and side of your shoulders. Getting your arms anywhere past your ears is the aim.

Stretch 5: Arm Roll With your back on a wall and thumbs touching, roll your arms back. Once again, the aim is to get to your ears or further.

Stretch 6: Rotation Stretch Hold the club above your head. Rotate standing still and getting your shoulder turn to 90-degrees while keeping your hip below a 45-degree turn.

On both sides the aim is to get to 90 degrees.

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

junior news

Clive Palmer replaces ailing Shark David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

ORGANISERS of the Greg Norman Junior Masters thought they had hooked the Shark, but he slipped through the net – albeit slightly wounded.

For the past 20 years, the Greg Norman Golf Foundation (GNGF) has tried unsuccessfully to get Greg Norman to make an appearance at the tournament’s opening ceremony.

Finally, he found a gap in his busy business schedule and agreed to attend the event that bears his name.

But it all came to nought when the Shark fell ill on the eve of the Australian PGA Championship at Palmer Coolum Resort and was forced to cancel the engagement.

GNGF organisers weren’t sure who was more disappointed – Greg Norman or the junior golfers, who were looking forward to hearing from the great man.

Still, the Shark did send an apology, delivered by billionaire Professor Clive Palmer at Palmer Colonial Golf Club on the Gold Coast.

“I spoke to Greg Norman and he is very upset he couldn’t be here,” Palmer told the juniors.

Palmer then went on to read Norman’s prepared speech.

“I wanted to come down to the Gold Coast today because you are the future of golf,” Norman wrote.

“I hope competing in the Junior Masters will be a start of a golfing career for many of the people competing in this tournament.

“Golf is a great game and you should always remember anything is possible with hard work, commitment and dedication.

“I will be paying close attention to what

TEAM PALMER: Professor Clive Palmer poses with golfers Anna Stanton and Jack Sullivan, who finished runner-up and sixth respectively in the Greg Norman Junior Masters. happens in the tournament and I wish you all the best of luck.

“When we look to the future it’s important to remember the past, where we come from and what we stand for.

“With that in mind I would like to say thanks to my former coach Charlie Earp because he does a wonderful job as president of the foundation.”

Earp then addressed the juniors and read a quote from early 20th century American sportswriter Grantland Rice.

“When the great scorer comes to write against your name he marks not that you have won or lost; but how you have played the game,” Earp read.

Then Earp said: “It’s not the winning or the losing – it’s the manner in which the game is played.

“We wish you all the best with your golf and don’t forget there has to be people who don’t win

TORE! S N I W RICES! NT NO P E E M L P I B H A BULK S Y - UNBELIEV ALIT EAT QU

GR

and they will be in the back of the bus with me.

You get used to it after a while.”

Professor Palmer, too, had a message for Australia’s elite young golfers.

“Sport is about bringing people together, about making a difference for our community and what we can aspire to.”

The opening three rounds were played at Palmer Colonial and Palmer Gold Coast with the final round at Palmer Coolum Resort.

For the record, Pacific Golf Club’s Ryan Garske won the boys’ 17 years and under title from Kade McBride (Indooroopilly) and Curtis Luck (Cottesloe, Perth).

Sanctuary Cove’s Annie Choi won the girls’ 17 years and under section from Anna Stanton (Woodford).

For a full list of results, go to the website www.gngf.org.au •

Palmer Sea Reef latest course in Palmer portfolio PROFESSOR Clive Palmer has acquired another golf course for his growing portfolio, with the recent acquisition of Sea Temple golf course in Port Douglas.

Now renamed Palmer Sea Reef, the course was on the market for around a year before Professor Palmer completed the purchase in December last year.

It became the fourth golf course in Professor Palmer’s stable, adding to Palmer Coolum Resort on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Palmer Gold Coast and Palmer Colonial (both Gold Coast).

The 6125-metre, par 71 course was designed by Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett and is currently the only tropical links course in the world. The spectacular mountain views, tropical rainforest backdrop and proximity to the beach make Palmer Sea Reef a peaceful and picturesque golf venue.

Along with the golf course, 44 premium residential housing allotments that line the course were included in the purchase.

“Our acquisition of Palmer Sea Reef is fantastic for Far North Queensland and we aim to play a part in revitalising the region,”Palmer Golf Managing Director Angie Ison said.

“We are already looking at ways of strengthening the course’s position in the marketplace and investigating the possibility of hosting tournaments at Palmer Sea Reef, which will be very exciting for everyone.

“We want the course to be an integral part of the local community as well as attracting tourists.”

More information: phone: (07) 4087 2222. •

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Southern

Charm

The Princes Highway stretching from Wollongong to the Sapphire Coast is arguably one of the best golf trails in the country.

Dotted between Wollongong and the New South Wales/ Victorian border are a diverse array of golf courses. From seaside links to stunning parkland designs, this part of Australia is becoming increasingly popular with golfers from Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.

When you find some time off the course, be sure to take in the region’s many attractions. Great beaches and wineries make it an ideal destination for families and groups of golf mates.

So check out the courses on offer in the following pages to plan your next golf getaway to this stunning part of Australia.

Narooma Golf Club

Narooma Golf Club

For golfers, no visit to the south coast of NSW is complete without playing a round at Narooma’s famous golf course. With its unique and stunning coastal setting, the course is both a challenge for serious golfers and a pleasure to play for the notso-serious.

The unique setting and overall quality of the

course and greens has Narooma Golf Course favourably compared to many premiere courses around the world. Narooma has also consistently ranked highly on lists of Australia’s top golf courses and has been unchallenged as the highest rated course on the NSW south coast. The Narooma Golf Club is proud to be ranked in the top 50 public courses in Australia, while the 3rd Hole has

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been officially recognised as one of the country’s best holes.

Narooma’s most famous six holes are perched high on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

But the back nine also offers something slightly different as it heads inland to feature a series of holes framed by tall timbers, before meandering around a large lake that comes into play on six of

the nine holes. It is the range of varying conditions created by the ocean and forest sections of the course that are greatly appreciated by many golfers who relish the challenge of a vastly changing environment within a single round of golf.

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aquariusresort@netspeed.com.au Crn Dunns Lane & Arthur Kaine Drv, MERIMBULA NSW www.aquarius-resort.com.au

Phone: (02) 6492 1570 | Fax: (02) 6492 3855

www.begarsl.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

57

feature

Sapphire Coast Golf School / Eden Gardens

level, with an “Absolutely nothing out of a packet” approach. Michael often uses produce from his family’s own market garden full of such things as kaffir limes, olive trees and pomegranates.

Whether dropping in for a quick meal after work and enjoying a special, or visiting for a more leisurely treat on the weekend, Michael aims to provide “stress-free dining with great quality food and a real emphasis on warm hospitality”.

The Pro Shop at Narooma Golf Club provides a complete range of golfing equipment and services - including tuition. The Pro Shop is headed by AAA rated golf professional Colin Holmes who has been a member of the PGA since 1990. The Pro Shop is open seven days a week and can take

bookings for both social and competition golf.

FACT FILE Narooma Golf Club 1 Ballingalla Street Narooma NSW 2546 www.naroomagolf.com.au Pro Shop (02) 4476 0507 Club Reception (02) 4476 2522

Sapphire Coast Golf School / Eden Gardens

Are you frustrated with your golf and not achieving your goals?

The experienced team at Sapphire Coast golf

School can help. They keep things simple and have a genuine enthusiasm to see you improve.

Run by AAA rated PGA Professionals Lisa Newling and Loraine Lambert, the school is located at the stunning Eden Gardens Country Club and offers the perfect way to combine golf tuition and a holiday rolled into one.

“We have a diverse range of people who attend our schools as individuals, couples or a group of friends” says Lisa. “Individual lessons, group lessons, full and half day schools are all available.

You will leave our school feeling relaxed and more confident with your game.”

Eden Gardens Country Club is one of The Sapphire Coasts real hidden gems, and is a very

friendly and relaxed environment to play golf.

You could easily spend a week in this part of the world, playing Golf, bushwalking, lazing on the beach and fishing. Eden is well known for its local produce and fresh Seafood.

There is plenty of accommodation available in Eden from four and a half star Motels, to B&Bs, to very modern Caravan Parks close to the Eden Gardens Country Club.

While there is no questioning the quality of the golf course, the tuition and advice you will get from Lisa and Loraine while you’re at the school will make your playing experience more enjoyable.

Lisa and Loraine also have a fully-stocked Pro Shop, and are both Certified Club Fitters.

“The great thing about our Golf Schools and Instruction is we have easy access to the Golf Course; we like to see you take the new techniques you’ve learnt from the Driving Range to the Golf Course to improve your scores,” says Loraine, who along with Lisa can tailor a package to suit your needs.

Eden is only a 15min drive south of Merimbula airport, and is easily accessible from Sydney and Melbourne; Canberra is just a three-hour drive.

FACT FILE Sapphire Coast Golf School Eden Gardens Country Club Princes Highway Eden NSW 2551 www.sapphirecoastgolfschool.com.au Lisa or Loraine on 02 6496 1054

Bega Country Club

The Bega Country Club is one of the truly great courses on the South Coast of NSW. Set among the splendour of towering gums, surrounded by lush pastures and forests hugging the escarpment, the 18-hole course offers a golfing experience hard to match.

Founded in 1922 the club began as a 9-hole

Calderwood Valley Golf Course Nestled in a picturesque valley 20 minutes south of Wollongong, the 18 holes feature breathtaking surrounds of the rugged Illawarra escarpment as a backdrop.

Social groups and players are welcome every day of the week.

532 Calderwood Rd, Albion Park 2527 Pro Shop: (02) 4256 3055

www.calderwoodgolf.com.au

The South Coast’s Friendliest Golfing Facility • Groups of 12 or more receive an 18 holes gift voucher • Come play for free on your birthday!

• Twilight Golf from 2pm every day • Weekday senior rates available Conditions apply

58

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

feature

Bega Country Club sand green course. The original clubhouse, built on the site of the current 11th tee, was opened in 1925. In 1957 Bega opened its new 18-hole grass green course and was, at that time, the only 18hole course on the coast south of Nowra.

Visitors are welcome to play in weekly competitions, while social players are welcome at all times. Green fees are set at $20 for 18 holes and just $12 for nine holes.

The Club has four squash courts and offers

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

a wonderful facility for social functions and Conference needs, just 2km from the Bega town centre. Facilities include Keno, Bingo, Raffles and a Courtesy Bus. Friday nights, bring the family along and

enjoy the Country Club bistro, which offers an excellent range of great value meals, or why not cook your own BBQ with salads catered by Grace’s @ Club Bega.

Their experienced PGA Professionals Lisa

Bermagui Golf The far South Coast of NSW is one of the most beautiful parts of Australia.

Bermagui greets its visitors with fresh salt air and the bluest water you could wish to see.

Come play Bermagui and see why people rave about our course.

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

In fact, Golf NSW were so impressed with our course that Bermagui will host the 2014 Women’s Senior Championship and 2016 Men’s Senior Championships.

Play and Stay Includes: • Motel accommodation • 18 holes golf at Bermagui Country Club • A motorised cart • Continental breakfast

Memberships now open - no joining fee Country Membership also available.

Dine with spectacular views G lass house REstAURAnt and BAR

‘Bermagui is a beauty’ ‘Friendly and welcoming’ ‘Lush fairways’ ‘Can’t wait to get back’

PMGC

PAMBULA MERIMBULA GOLF CLUB

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

One night play and stay $110 per persOn twin share Phone (02) 6493 4340 for more information

Bermagui Golf Club ~ Tuross St, Bermagui NSW Tel (02) 6493 4340 lisa@bermaguicountryclub.com.au www.bermaguicountryclub.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

59

feature pioneered the sport of game fishing there in the 1930’s.

The Bermagui Country Club has a 18-hole championship golf course. It has fabulous views of the seaside town of Bermagui, Horseshoe Bay and the brooding Mount Dromedary. Your Bermagui golfing experience starts when you walk into the pro shop. You are greeted by unassuming golf pro Chris Hearn. By the time you head towards the 1st tee, Chris will know where you come from, what handicap you play to and will probably tell you a short story relating to your golf course, or one of your members. Old fashioned? Maybe, but that’s how you’ll find the staff at Bermagui Country Club.

Fairways are lush and most are lined by a variety of beautiful trees. Water features prominently on a number of holes, not the least being the 164metre, 15th where the fairway is a lake. The 6,085 metres (par 72) course is a serious walk with plenty of hills. That said, you will really enjoy this high quality challenging course, the beautiful views and abundant bird life.

In March 2011, Bermagui successfully hosted the NSW Senior Championship. Golf NSW was so impressed that the Men’s Senior Championship will again be held in Bermagui in 2016 and the Women’s Senior Championship in 2014.

FACT FILE Bermagui Country Club Tuross St. Bermagui NSW 2546 Telephone: 02 6493 4340 Pro Shop: 02 6493 4657 www.bermaguicountryclub.com.au bermaguicountryclub@bigpond.com

Bermagui Country Club Bermagui Country Club

Newling and Loraine Lambert can help you with all your golfing requirements. There is a full range of Golfing equipment, Clothing and accessories on hand.

Services provided include Club Fitting, Golf Club repairs, Practice and teaching aids, Golf Lessons and Club and Buggy hire. The Pro Shop carries demonstration clubs in the top brands for you to try out.

FACT FILE Bega Country Club Tarraganda Lane, Bega Phone: (02) 6492 1570 Functions: (02) 64921 055 www.begacountryclub.com.au

›› Hole Spectacular Sapphire Coast Out MeriMbula

Bermagui is surrounded by National Parks and State Forests which gives you the feeling of leaving the ‘real world’ behind. Take off your watch, turn off your phone and immerse yourself in ‘Bermi-time’.

Bermagui is a relaxed, laid-back fishing village which is internationally famous thanks to the American author Zane Grey who

Calderwood Valley Golf Course

Nestled in a picturesque valley only 50 minutes drive from southern Sydney, designed by golf course architect Ken McKay, it’s little

experience the challenge

naroomagolfclub

•18 Hole Championship Golf Course • Modern Club House & Pro Shop

•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.

3 Rounds of golf + Carts - Breakfast each day

$455 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

5 NIGHTS ACCOM.

4 Rounds of golf + Carts - Breakfast each day

$525 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

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 60

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Narooma on the NSW South Coast is an outstanding holiday destination in all seasons with local attractions including Montague Island, Gulaga, the Mill Bay Boardwalk, Australia Rock, the heritage villages of Central Tilba and the beautiful local beaches.

There are also so many activities to enjoy - from bushwalking, mountain biking to whale watching, kayaking, surfing and, of course, Narooma Golf Club.

Stay and Play Packages from $230 per person* Your choice of two on course accommodation options with Amooran Oceanside Apartments and Surf Beach Holiday Park

Just Play Packages from $120*

18 holes of golf on two days, Including a motorised cart for each round, NGC balls, tees and marker and Club welcome pack

more details online at www.naroomagolf.com.au *Terms and conditions apply. Prices subject to change.

enquiries@naroomagolf.com.au | ph. (02) 4476 2522

feature surprise that Calderwood Valley Golf Course is so popular with all levels of golfers.

The course is always immaculately presented with well-contoured fairways and true greens.

Each of the 18 holes has its unique features, combining clear creeks, native plant species, wildlife and stunning scenery. The breathtaking surrounds feature the rugged Illawarra escarpment as a backdrop.

Calderwood Valley welcomes social group bookings. With no need to work around competition days the course is available for social play seven days a week.

In 2013, they have upgraded their golf cart fleet and will provide better service and more offers for golfers. The weekday discount for groups of 12 or more players brings the green fees down to $18 per golfer. Every group of 12 or more players receive a free 18-holes game voucher for the next booking. Golfers are welcome to play a free game on their birthday. The senior’s week day rates are just $16 for 18 holes. Twilight starts at 2pm every day of the year.

Being a locally operated business, the team take pride in their course and the service they provide.

They love to have visiting golfers and they’ll treat you like the valued patrons you are.

Calderwood Valley Golf Course

FACT FILE Calderwood Valley Golf Course 532 Calderwood Rd, Albion Park 2527 Pro Shop: (02) 4256 3055 www.calderwoodgolf.com.au

Pambula Merimbula

The Pambula Merimbula Golf Club is one of the most popular and successful golf clubs and golfing destinations on the Far South Coast of new South Wales.

Located just a few minutes from the centre of town in Merimbula, the 27-hole golf facility

is widely regarded by amateur and professional golfers alike. The Club hosts over 50,000 rounds of golf per year, with approximately 30,000 of these being visitors to the Far South Coast.

The club held the NSW PGA for several years, and continues to host a number of major amateur competitions. The club also hosts 2 major golfing tournaments each year: The Ace of Clubs is held

in June and is played across 4 different courses on the Far South Coast, while the Week of Golf in October has been held for 30 years and is one of the largest amateur golfing events in Australia. It is widely regarded as one of the best tournaments for golfers in Australia with visitors from every state, and several groups from overseas each year.

The event should be on every golfer’s calendar,

with approximately 800 players playing a variety of competitions over 8 days in a tremendously friendly, carnival atmosphere.

The Pambula Merimbula course offers a good test for any standard of player. The facilities include 27 beautifully manicured golf holes cut through natural Australian bushland, with modern clubhouse facilities that provide commanding

SAPPHIRE COAST GOLF SCHOOL

Eden Gardens Country Club a superb 18 hole Championship course.

Set amongst majestic Gum trees, gentle undulating fairways, the beautiful Eden Gardens Country Club. Friendly, fun and reasonably priced, we welcome you to join us for a round.

EDEN GARDENS COUNTRY CLUB 79 Princes Highway, Eden NSW 2551 Clubhouse: (02) 6496 1126 ProShop: (02) 6496 1054 Email: reception@edenfishermens.com.au

- Fully stocked Pro Shop - Custom fitting on Range - Individual golf lessons - On-course golf tuition - Seniors, women and kids golf clinics - Golf swing video/ipad analysis - Half and full day golf programs - Stay, play and improve golf holiday packages - Golf for school groups and school holiday programs

Club Professionals: Loraine Lambert Lisa Newling

Loraine & Lisa are Accredited: - PGA Members (AAA Rated) - Australia Ladies Professional Golf Member - Qualified Titleist, Cobra & PING golf club fitters - Level 1 Certified Golf Fitness Instructors Phone (02) 6496 1054 Loraine: 0423 149 012 Lisa: 0417 485 635

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

61

feature views over the course toward the pristine Merimbula Lakes and beautiful Merimbula township beyond.

The natural environment boasts an abundance of native wildlife, and provides an outstanding golfing experience for everybody, including the relatively inexperienced. The course is a relatively easy walk, or motorised carts are available.

The Club’s Glasshouse Restaurant delivers some of the best food in the area, with seasonal menus and a great selection of local produce.

The Clubhouse and restaurant are friendly, relaxing, warm and inviting and provide an experience above the rest for all visitors. The attractive menu and wine list add to patrons’ pleasure. Live entertainment is regularly available throughout the year.

Most visitors to Merimbula often stay a few nights to enjoy the course, so the club has a weekly green fee that offers exceptional value for money. Play and stay packages can also be arranged through the club directly.

FACT FILE Pambula Merimbula Golf Club 173 Arthur Kaine Drive, Merimbula.

NSW 2548 Phone: 02 6495 6154 Email: info@merimbulagolf.com.au Web: www.merimbulagolf.com.au

Mollymook Golf Club

Mollymook Golf Club is situated at one of Australia’s iconic tourist destinations on the south coast of New South Wales. The club features two unique courses with the 18-hole, “Hilltop” course set in a natural bushland environment, with each hole providing its own amphitheatre with heavily tree-lined fairways. The 9-hole, “Beachside” course cut along the ocean provides breathtaking views and interesting challenges.

Another unique feature of Mollymook Golf

Mollymook Golf Club

Club is that it has two separate clubhouses--with the Beachside clubhouse open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, featuring magnificent views overlooking Mollymook Beach. You can enjoy a quality meal in luxurious surroundings with full TAB and Gaming facilities available.

Both courses are available for the public to play 7 days a week with bookings essential for the Hilltop course. Mollymook Golf Club is the perfect destination for couples or large groups from beginners to the accomplished player with

the choice of two different courses and multiple tee options. The latest fleet of golf carts are also available at both courses.

The club is fortunate to be surrounded by motels and several accommodation options to suit any budget.

Troon Golf, the worldwide leader in upscale golf course management, have recently taken over the management of the golf operation at Mollymook Golf Club so now the golf club membership of almost 1,000 members are able to enjoy the Troon

Rewards program whilst receiving preferential rates and bookings at any of the 200 Troon courses around the world. • FACT FILE Mollymook Golf Club Golf Avenue/Clifford Close, Mollymook NSW 2539 Phone: (02) 4455 1911 www.mollymookgolf.com.au

Green Fee Special Monday & Fridays only All you can play all day for only

$18.00

y a l P & Stay

MOLLYMOOK GOLF CLUB

Golf PackaGe

$100

1 nights accommodation at Springs Resorts 18 holes of golf at Worrigee Links Golf Course Conditions Apply (per person twin share - executive room) Note : A full buffet breakfast can be organised for group bookings of 20 or more.

•46 spacious new superior suites with deluxe spa units, executive spa units & executive units •Magnificent views over the Worrigee Links Golf Course •Adjacent to the Ex-Servicemen’s Sports Club •Central to Shoalhaven’s many attractions

131 Greenwell Point Rd, Worrigee NSW Phone: 4422 4522 • Fax: 4422 4688 shoalhavensportsmotel@springsresorts.com.au www.springsresorts.com.au

• Worrigee Links Golf Course • Social golf welcome everyday • Open medley competitions • Motorised golf carts available • Fully stocked Golf Pro Shop All at The Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens Sports Club

131 Greenwell Point Rd, Worrigee NSW Phone: 4421 7430 • Fax: 4421 7427 golfpro@exservos.com.au www.exservos.com.au

Can you piCture yourself here? ✦ 18 Hole Championship “Hilltop” Course ✦ 9 Hole Resort “Beachside” Course ✦ Visitors welcome ✦ Open Competitions every week ✦ Full Golf Memberships available for under $15 a week* ✦ Golf Carts available ✦ Gaming & Function areas ✦ Lunch & Dinner 7 days a week

MOLLYMOOK GOLF CLUB Golf Avenue, Mollymook NSW 2539 www.mollymookgolf.com.au • (02) 4455 1911 *Annual Membership $750 per year

62

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic - your next Challenge!

Eagle Ridge Golf Course

Rosebud Country Club

Following the outstanding success of the May 2012 Tournament, Golf Mornington Peninsula already has plans nalised for its Fourth Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic in May 2013.

WHERE AND WHEN Golfers from all over Australia and overseas are expected to again come together for a wonderful week of golf to be played on some of Mornington Peninsula’s highly ranked courses.

Players will all have the benet of playing the magnicent courses at Moonah Links, St Andrews Beach, Eagle Ridge and Rosebud Country Club, with a choice of morning or afternoon shotgun starts.

“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.

St Andrews Beach Golf Course

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”.

SPARE TIME? Players and non playing partners will have plenty of time to explore the many wonderful attractions the Mornington Peninsula offers.

Morning and afternoon elds have been included to ensure everyone 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”.

Moonah Links Golf Club

EVENT DETAILS › Tournament Dates 6-9 May 2013 › Entry Fee $425 per person. › Inclusions Four days of golf (two with carts), 3 daily lunches, presentation day lunch, prizes and show bag. › Optional activities Celebrity dinner 7 May and Friday golf on 10 May.

Further details including tournament options and online registration can be found at: golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au

PLAY AT AUSTRALIA’S NUMBER ONE GOLF DESTINATION

DEVILBEND GOLF CLUB

RACV CAPE SCHANCK RESORT

In the heart of the Mornington Peninsula. Challenge yourself on this beautiful course, set amidst a ora and fauna reserve. With fast smooth greens and lush Santa Anna Couch fairways, you will not be disappointed.

Best value for money golf on the Peninsula. ½ price golf and carts after 2pm.

The magnicent 18 hole, par 70 championship golf course offers spectacular ocean views. The course features huge greens with large open bunkers, tree lined fairways and superbly manicured greens.

Driving range, pro shop, resort style accommodation and dining facilities.

Ranked the #3 Public Access Course in Australia for 2013, St Andrews Beach welcomes all golfers 7 days a week. Designed by Tom Doak, the course offers many challenges to the serious golfer whilst being thoroughly enjoyable for the social player.

With cliff top views across Western Port Bay to Phillip Island and the rugged Bass Strait coastline, the Flinders Golf Club provides a stunning panorama whether you are strolling the fairways of this unique golf course, enjoying a light lunch or hosting your special occasion in our clubhouse.

03 5978 8470 www.devilbendgolf.com.au

03 5950 8000 www.racv.com.au/resorts

03 5988 6000 www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au

03 5989 0583 www.indersgolfclub.com.au

ST ANDREWS BEACH GOLF COURSE

THE FLINDERS GOLF CLUB

More information at visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/golf

seniors

Senior golf booming across the country Denis Dale

ed@insidegolf.com.au

In case you haven’t noticed, the biggest development in Australian amateur golf in the past seven or eight years has been the dramatic growth of state, national and international competition for the nation’s senior amateur golfers.

Reacting to an increasing demand for serious competition from the “Baby Boomer” generation, state and national governing bodies have continually added “Over 55” events to their respective golfing calendars. The current result of this growth now sees a 2013 nationwide senior golfing calendar that includes more than 120 events for the Over 55 golfer.

A HISTORY OF SENIOR AMATEUR GOLF AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL As recently as 2004 the only events available for the lower handicapped senior golfer were the annual Australian Senior Amateur Championship held on a rotational basis in different states and the Senior Amateur Championship of each state. Many of these state senior championships were virtually closed championships comprised of small fields of local players. There were a handful of other minor events that also mainly catered for local senior golfers.

Commencing around 2004-05 a small group of senior golfers keen for an opportunity to play high level competitive golf began competing in other state senior championships. The earliest of these pioneers was Queenslander Chris Coats who recalls playing in the 2003 Tasmanian Seniors where he was the only interstate player in a field of 18 and the 2003 West Australian Seniors where once again he was the only interstate player in a field of 22. Today these events regularly have fields of more than 80

Senior golf “pioneer” Chris Coats who went on to win two Australian Senior Matchplay titles. seniors, often with more interstate players in the field than locals.

Other senior golfers soon began travelling to compete in interstate Senior Amateur Championships and quite often were successful with many titles going to the “visitors”.

News on the quality of courses and the level of competition plus the “good fun and good times” enjoyed by all soon spread. The concept of travelling to play interstate senior amateur events was underway. New friendships and keen interstate rivalries developed. It was an exciting time for all involved. It was the beginning of the “Senior Amateur Tour”.

As this travelling player group expanded it became clear that there was a need for more direction and coordination of the various events. In 2005, following the NSW Senior Championship at Howlong Golf Club, a meeting took place to discuss and formalise

the future development of senior golf. Amongst the participants were leading senior players Alan Evans, Michael Jackson and Paul Lulofs representing Victoria, Ian Read, Norm Way and Ray Adams (Queensland), Bill Banks (ACT) and Clark Gibbons, Wal MacDonald and Les Browne (NSW). The meeting was chaired by Stuart Cox, at that time the Chairman of the NSWGA Match Committee.

The meeting has proven to be a milestone in the growth of Australian senior golf. Many significant proposals for the betterment of senior golf came directly from that meeting. The structure and formalisation that followed was the breakthrough that senior amateur golf needed. Senior Advisory Groups were formed in most states with a National Senior Advisory Group formed that had a formal communication link to Golf Australia.

Responding positively to many of the suggestions, Golf Australia announced the introduction of a

National Senior Order of Merit competition. 2006 was the inaugural year for the OOM and it included every state senior championship, a second event from many of the states plus the Australian Senior Championship.

The Australian Senior OOM winner in 2006 and again in 2007 was NSW senior Denis Dale. Others to subsequently claim the title include fellow NSW players Rick Oliver (2008) and Stefan Albinski (2009-10-11) and the current 2012 champion, Queenslander Peter King.

From its inception, the Senior OOM competition (later to be renamed the Australian Senior Ranking System) has been used as the basis for selecting Australian teams to compete in senior representative matches both within Australia and overseas.

Beginning in 2006 Golf Australia has used the ranking system to select Australian teams competing in Asia Pacific Senior Championships held in The Philippines, Sabah/Borneo, Thailand, Hong Kong, Melbourne and Perth. As well as selecting the teams Golf Australia also contributes funds to cover the cost of travelling and competing in these championships.

A six-man senior team will be selected and funded to travel to Vietnam later this year for the 2013 Asia Pacific Senior Championship.

2007 saw the introduction of a “Ryder Cup” competition between 12-man teams of senior golfers from Australia and New Zealand. The 2007 TransTasman match was hosted by Sanctuary Cove Golf Club with generous independent financial support from Mulpha, the developer of Sanctuary Cove. The opportunity to represent Australia in international competition gave twelve senior golfers a golfing thrill they could only have dreamed about!

Australia was the winning team in the inaugural match and subsequent ongoing sponsorship from the Mulpha Group has been fundamental in allowing the series to continue every year. With matches

STAY AND PLAY PACKAGES SUPER SUNDAY PACKAGE - FROM $133 • 1 night’s accommodation staying at historic Duntryleague Mansion (Sunday) • 2 rounds of golf at Duntryleague’s Championship 18 Hole Golf Course • Shared Golf Cart • 1 Full Breakfast

GOLF ORANGE - 3 COURSE GOLF PACKAGE - FROM $202 • 2 night’s accommodation staying at historic Duntryleague Mansion (Sunday - Thursday) • 1 round of golf at Duntryleague’s Championship 18 Hole Golf Course • 1 round of golf at Wentworth Golf Club • 1 round of golf at Orange Ex-Service’s Country Club • 2 Days Full Breakfast

WEEKEND WONDER PACKAGE - FROM $292 • 2 night’s accommodation staying at historic Duntryleague Mansion (Friday & Saturday) • 2 rounds of golf at Duntryleague’s Championship 18 Hole Golf Course • Shared Golf Cart • 2 Days Full Breakfast • 2 Night’s Evening Meals (Main & Dessert) 2 NIGHT MID-WEEK PACKAGE - FROM $197 • 2 night’s accommodation staying at historic Duntryleague Mansion (Sunday – Thursday) • 2 Days Unlimited golf at Duntryleague‘s Championship 18 Hole Golf Course • Shared Golf Cart • 2 Days Full Breakfast

2 NIGHT MID-WEEK PLUS PACKAGE - FROM $237 • 2 night’s accommodation staying at historic Duntryleague Mansion (Monday - Thursday) • 2 Days Unlimited golf at Duntryleague’s Championship 18 Hole Golf Course • Shared Golf Cart • 2 Days Full Breakfast • 1 Night’s Evening Meals (Main & Dessert, Tue-Thur) 5 NIGHT MID-WEEK PACKAGE - FROM $495 • 5 night’s accommodation staying at historic Duntryleague Mansion (Sunday – Thursday • 5 Days Unlimited golf at Duntryleague ‘s Championship 18 Hole Golf Course • Shared Golf Cart • 5 Days Full Breakfast 5 NIGHT MID-WEEK PLUS PACKAGE - FROM $615 • 5 night’s accommodation staying at historic Duntryleague Mansion (Sunday – Thursday) • 5 Days Unlimited golf at Duntryleague ‘s Championship 18 Hole Golf Course • Shared Golf Cart • 5 Days Full Breakfast • 3 Night’s Evening Meals (Main & Dessert, Tues-Thur)

Only 3 1/2 hours from Sydney Ph: 02 6362 3466 www.duntryleague.com.au 64

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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16/01/13 9:57 AM

seniors held on a rotational basis in Australia and New Zealand the score now stands evenly balanced at three wins for each country. The 2013 matches will again be played at the Sanctuary Cove Golf Club.

2007 also saw the first playing of another “Ryder Cup” format match between 12-man teams from Golf Australia and the Australian Defence Force Golf Association. The first two matches finished in exciting 12-12 draws before the Golf Australia team broke through for a win in 2009. However, recent years have seen the talented ADF team prove a little too strong.

Golf Australia uses the Senior Ranking System to select their team each year. The team is selected from high-ranked seniors who have not represented Australia in the previous Asia Pacific or Trans-Tasman events. This selection criteria means that every year there are at least 24 senior amateurs from across Australia rewarded with selection in a major representative team.

The ADF match certainly provides very keen competition but the social interaction between senior golfers and the younger servicemen is a definite highlight. The 2013 match will be hosted

by The National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula. Competition for a place in the team is high but there are new faces every year as new seniors participate in ranking events.

Increasingly the major Australian Senior events are attracting international players. The top New Zealand senior amateurs regularly make the trip “across the ditch” with Royal Wellington legend Rodney Barltrop being the standout player with three Australian Senior Amateur Championship titles. Kemp Richardson, a winner of both the USA and British Senior championships, is another notable senior to make several trips to Australia.

Richardson narrowly missed adding an Australian title to his trophy list when runner up to Stefan Albinski at Royal Canberra in 2010.

• Did you know that South Australia and Western Australia have recently kicked off their own Senior Order of Merit competitions?

A detailed report on the growth of senior amateur golf at the state level will appear in next month’s issue of Inside Golf. •

UPCOMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS

Australia and New Zealand Trans-Tasman teams – Sanctuary Cove Golf Club, 2011 The Australian Senior Ranking competition continues to expand with both the quality of the courses and the strength of the fields growing every year. 2013 will see major ranking events conducted on many of Australia’s best courses including: • Lake Karrinyup and Royal Perth (WA) • The National (54 holes including all 3 courses), Royal Melbourne. Thirteenth Beach and Rosebud (Victoria) • Royal Queensland, Oxley, Lakelands, Royal Pines and Sanctuary Cove (Queensland) • Darwin (NT) • The Lakes, The Australian, Avondale and Howlong (NSW) • Grange (the new East course) and Gawler (SA) • Mowbray (Tasmania) • Federal, Gungahlin Lakes and Gold Creek (ACT) A study of the courses listed above would make any golfer more than a little jealous of the opportunities available to Australia’s senior amateurs.

Many of these courses are world ranked and regularly host major professional tournaments including Australian Open Championships.

A highlight for 2013 was a new senior event played in late January at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

This championship was played over 54 holes using the West and East courses with the final round on the Composite course – a unique combination rarely made available in tournament golf. Results and a full report on this event will be in the next issue of Inside Golf.

Almost all Australian Senior Ranking events have generous handicap limits to cater for a wide range of golfing abilities. Ranking events always include age categories and handicap trophies. If you are 55 years or older and looking for a wonderful golfing experience then it is already here waiting for you to join in!

For further information on all Australian senior amateur events interested golfers should visit the AUSOOM web site (www.ausoom.com) .

SENIOR AMATEUR GOLF AT A STATE LEVEL • Did you know that in 2013 Queensland will have more than 40 senior amateur events for men and women covering courses from Cairns to the Gold Coast?

• Did you know that NSW and Victoria have had a Senior Order of Merit competition for the last seven years?

Feb 4 Wollongong Seniors (NSW) Feb 4 Yarra Courses Senior at

Rosanna GC (VIC) Feb 8-10 New Zealand Seniors Feb 11-12 Surf Coast Seniors at

The Sands GC (VIC) Feb 11 Wynnum Seniors (QLD) Feb 13-15 * Tasmanian Senior Amateur at

Mowbray GC (TAS) Feb 14-15 Lonsdale Seniors (VIC) Feb 18 Concord Seniors (NSW) Feb 22-23 Redcliffe Seniors (QLD) Feb 22 Blackwood Seniors (SA) Feb 22 Royal Perth Seniors (WA) Feb 26-28 *NSW Senior Amateur at

Howlong GC (NSW) Mar 4 Cranbourne Seniors (VIC) Mar 7 Cumberland Seniors (NSW) Mar 8 Redland Bay Seniors (QLD) Mar 11 Castle Hill Seniors (NSW) Mar 15 Gungahlin Lakes Seniors (ACT) Mar 18 Brisbane GC Seniors (QLD) Mar 19 Pennant Hills Seniors (NSW) Mar 20-22 *West Australian Seniors at

Royal Perth GC (WA) Mar 21 Monash Senior Masters (NSW) Mar 24-25 * Lake Karrinyup Seniors (WA) Mar 25-26 Mornington Peninsula Seniors at

Flinders and Portsea GCs (VIC) Mar 25 Carbrook Seniors (QLD) Mar 31 Royal Sydney Invitational (NSW) * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

65

women in golf

Annie drives into the sunset Lyle finds car, loses driver

OVER AND OUT: Australian PGA Championship transport co-ordinator Annie Robinson (centre) with drivers Norma Bouveng, John Green, Doug Macaulay and Phyllis Fourte.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

AT 73, Annie Robinson has lost her drive.

After 15 years as the Players Championship and the Australian PGA Championship’s transport co-ordinator in Queensland, Annie has decided to take her foot off the “accelerator” and cruise into retirement.

Like “Jeff ” the dinosaur at the Palmer Coolum Resort, Annie feels she is getting a bit long in the tooth to continue in the role.

Each year Annie and her team of dedicated drivers spend eight days a week transporting players and officials to and from the resort.

“It has become a little too much sitting here from 4am to 8pm (16 hours) every day during the tournament,” said Annie, who is on duty the entire time.

Ten full-time drivers and two part-timers ensure the motor keeps running smoothly.

“I’m definitely retiring because I do it (bookings) all by hand as computers are a little beyond me.

Doing it by hand is the way I started and it’s the way I will finish.”

During her long reign, drivers Norma Bouveng,

Doug Macaulay, John Green, Phyllis Fourte and Di Phelps have worked alongside her.

“Norma, Phyllis, John and Doug have been with me the whole time,” she said.

“We have driven everyone from Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Darren Clarke, Bubba Watson and many others. We have also transported celebrities like Wilbur Wilde, Deborah Hutton, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Jimmy Barnes.

“We have seen some interesting characters, had a wonderful time and met some beautiful people.”

It’s not just the players, celebrities and officials Annie and her team look after. They also take care of the players’ wives and partners.

“We took Greg Chalmers’ fiancée to pick up her wedding dress when the tournament was at Royal Queensland,” she said.

“We all have some fabulous memories and get lots of nice things from the players.

“We have received signed golf balls, caps, boxes of chocolates, bottles of wine and all sorts of things. The players really do appreciate what you do for them.

“We like to go the extra mile and help them out when we can. Only today we picked up Cameron Percy’s dry cleaning because he wasn’t able to get there.

SERVICE & PARTS

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STAR PLAYER: Annie with former Open Championship winner Darren Clarke.

“They are little things, but they mean a lot to the players because they have other things on their minds so if we can reduce the load we do.”

Annie said it wasn’t unusual for the drivers to be on the road at 4:15am.

“Some players like to have a 90-minute or twohour practice session and the physiotherapist and chiropractor have to be here at the start of play.

“We also pick up the photographer and people like that.

“Every year the winner presents Annie with a signed cap, which she displays on a board in the office.

“I am not sure what we will do with the caps now that I have retired,” she said.

“One of our favourite people is Jarrod Lyle, who is recovering from leukaemia. I have been in touch with him recently and he might be able to use it to raise some money for the Leukaemia Foundation.”

The tournament isn’t going to be the same without Annie’s drive and friendly smile.

“I will miss it terribly,” she said. “I’m 73 so I think it’s time to give it away.

“It’s all to do with memory and I don’t want to make any mistakes. I would rather quit while I’m ahead.” •

TOURING professional Jarrod Lyle had Australian PGA transport co-ordinator Annie Robinson and experienced driver Phyllis Fourte in a flap a few years ago.

Lightning forced tournament officials to evacuate the players from the course and Phyllis went to pick up Lyle and his group from the fourth hole.

“I told Phyllis to wait at the fourth, but when she got there she radioed and said there wasn’t anyone there,” Annie explained.

“I told her they would arrive but Phyllis being Phyllis decided to go for a walk and look for them.

“In the meantime, Jarrod Lyle and his group found the car thinking it had been left for them and brought it back.

“When Jarrod gave me the keys I asked, ‘where’s the driver’.

“He said he didn’t see a driver and thought the car had been left for the group to drive back to the clubhouse.

“Meanwhile, Phyllis very sheepishly got on the radio and said ‘I’ve lost the car’.

“She thought we had hidden it on her,” Annie laughed.

“The next day I got a message to Jarrod saying I needed to see him urgently. He came in looking a little worried and wondering what I wanted to see him about.

“He sat down and we presented him with an honorary driver’s badge, put it around his neck and told him he was now an honorary driver.

“Ever since then we have had a great rapport with Jarrod.” •

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golf architecture

Building a new course...where to start?

Over the coming months, Inside Golf will track the step-by-step construction of a new course at St Andrews Beach to give you an insight into what goes into making a quality golf course.

Ross Perrett ed@insidegolf.com.au

There are very few new courses under construction in Australia at present. As a mature golfing nation with one of the highest ratios of golf courses per capita in the world, the demand for new courses has waned in recent times, especially given the global financial downturn. One exception is the new course under construction at St Andrews Beach, an hour south of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula. It is a bold project, especially given there are currently 28 golf courses on the Peninsula.

To create a successful project it is necessary to tick many boxes including site selection, planning and design, construction, maintenance, marketing and operation. Excellence must be attained in all these areas if the project is to flourish.

In Australia building a new course is not a simple exercise. A planning permit is required before any works can commence and this involves the detailed consideration of many issues relating to State and Local government policies that are constantly evolving over time. At St Andrews Beach the key policies to be considered were legislation relating to Cultural Heritage, Native Vegetation Removal, Green Wedge Policy and a raft of environmental overlays detailed in the local Planning Scheme. A comprehensive planning submission was prepared that responded to each policy. This was then advertised to over 100 interested parties including abutting neighbours.

In order to obtain an approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP), specialist archaeologists were engaged to undertake a desktop review of known archaeology sites in the area which was then followed up with an extensive on-site dig. This confirmed the past indigenous occupation on the site resulting in two additional Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Places being registered. Artefacts found during the digs were returned to the site and buried at depth. Representatives from both the Bunurong Land Council and the Boon Wurong people were present during the dig and the reburial of the artefacts.

The development has committed to exclusion zones around these recorded sites. In any event the construction of the golf course will require minimum disturbance to the natural surfaces as the design was considered to be very site responsive.

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) was prepared for the development and describes a set of environmental targets / policies to be met in the delivery of the project. The plan outlines the mechanisms by which the policies can be accomplished, and sets specific criteria by which

An aerial view of the site for the new course at St Andrews Beach. Part of the course has been mapped out and mowed-in, ready for construction. the degree of achievement can be measured. A comprehensive monitoring programme is proposed and this will address land disturbance and erosion, noise levels, preservation of indigenous vegetation, pest control, cultural heritage sites, maintenance of ground water quality, waste management, fire protection and management, use of chemicals and fertilizers and so on. Specialist consultants were engaged to verify that the proposed activities would meet the required performance criteria. For example, an acoustic engineer has to provide evidence that noise levels from the pump shed would not be excessive (to avoid disturbing the neighbours).

A key trade-off in seeking planning permission for a golf course is the acknowledgement that a golf course will provide massive environmental benefits to the site in terms of the retention and enhancement of the habitat. The site is blessed with an abundance of wildlife that will only be enhanced by the project’s commitment to the restoration of the indigenous landscape. An on-site nursery will propagate over a million plants of local provenance that will increase the biodiversity of the site and be a catalyst for

attracting other bird and animal species to the area.

The project has adopted the policies of the Golf Environment Organization (GEO), the world’s peak golf environmental body who promote sustainable golf development and will demonstrate the ripple effects of sound environmental management.

The site for the golf course is in an area covered by the State Government’s Green Wedge Policy. This policy is aims to preserve farming land and maintain the rural character of land outside the suburban area of Melbourne which has grown dramatically since the 1960’s. Essentially golf is not a rural activity but golf courses are generally well managed and environments that afford excellent buffers to urban development. The positive contribution golf courses make to our cities was recognised in the 60’s in the Victorian Governments ‘Cultural and Recreational Lands Act. Acknowledgement that golf courses play a vital role as ‘the lungs of the city’ ensured that they are exempted from Land Tax whilst they remain as golf courses.

A vital key to securing planning permission for a golf course is to be able to demonstrate the positive

environmental outcomes of the project. In this regard the starting point is to have a site responsive design.

In the case of St Andrews Beach this was relatively easy to achieve as the land is ideally suited for the development of a links golf course. It comprises undulating sand dunes of the appropriate proportion with endless variety and requires limited work to render it suitable for golf. The free-draining sand base is ideal for sustaining the desired playing surfaces and will be receptive to the restoration of a productive indigenous landscape.

Having received planning consent, the exciting construction phase of the project has commenced in earnest and will be reported on over the coming months.

Ross Perrett is Managing Director of Thomson Perrett Golf Course Architects, one of the world’s premier golf course design companies. Together with Australian legend Peter Thomson, Thomson Perrett has worked on over 250 projects around the globe. They can be contacted on +61 3 8698 8000, or via thomsonperrett.com.au.

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

opinion

Should Australia challenge South Africa on the golf course?

IAN BAKER-FINCH

ROD PAMPLING

Former Open Championship winner It’s a fantastic idea, but we need a benefactor.

It costs a lot of money to put on such an event. We tried it with the English in a test match-type contest a couple of times. The budget for a tournament (Australian PGA Championship) was $4.5m just for a $1.2m event. You have to find that much money just to put it on and then invite the players.

It’s expensive, but yes it would be a great idea. Maybe you get England involved as well. A tri-nations – Australian, England and South Africa. It would be awesome and maybe we could have a cricket game afterwards.

Former Australian Masters champion There is definitely potential for it. There are enough good players on both teams, but I don’t know if you want to make it eight or 10 or 12 players on each team.

The hardest thing would be finding a date to play it because this time of the year (December) is crowded as all countries are trying to get their events in. But it is definitely a good idea.

BRENDAN JONES

PETER SENIOR

Australian Open champion The hardest thing is finding a date in the schedule for it. The problem with our tournaments at the end of the year is we have to fit in with everybody else. With any of those type of tournaments, like the Presidents Cup, it needs time to develop. The Ryder Cup is unbelievable, the Presidents Cup has a way to go, but it would be great to see it happen.

MARK GIBSON

PGA of Australia chairman I think it’s a great idea and has great merit, but there would be some hurdles to overcome.

That doesn’t mean you can’t do it – it’s just means it becomes a more difficult event.

Scheduling is a big issue because South Africa has the Tournament of Hope, the South Open

In response to growing interest from last month’s column, David Newbery asks a number of players and officials whether Australia should challenge South Africa to a Presidents Cup-style contest in order to spice up our summer of golf. and the Nedbank Challenge. With the timing of our tournaments, it would be around the same time and getting players to travel at that time of the year is difficult. If you run it up against the Ryder Cup, we would play a

secondary role getting television involvement.

But if we dealt with all those things it’s still an event that would have some credit. I believe it could be a successful event and would profile golf in both countries.

12-time Japan Tour winner That’s not a bad idea – two strong countries as far as golf goes. Australia has always been very strong but South Africa in last 15 to 20 years has had some of the world’s best players. It would be a fun thing because South Africans and Australians get on quite well.

It would be a good thing to do and a good idea. It’s something I have not thought about before. But it will be hard to find a week in the schedule where it can happen because there is so much golf on all over the world every week of the year. The glory days of Australian golf are long gone.

CHARLIE EARP

Teaching pro and Greg Norman’s former coach I think anything like that is good for golf. It’s an idea so why not? The South Africans have some great players and they are lovely people.

I think it’s a good idea – you’ve got me. You can include the amateurs. The only drawback is the Asian Tour is growing and it’s difficult to find dates. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

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travel

Royal St David’s - The Welsh Patron Saint

The 17th hole affords a breathtaking backdrop at Royal St David’s, in Northern Wales

Nick Mooney ed@insidegolf.com.au

Nestled within the Snowdonia National Park in Northern Wales, UK, the setting for Royal St David’s is breathtaking; featuring views North across to Snowdon and the lower peaks of Snowdonia, whilst behind the dunes to the North West lies the magnificent Bay of Tremedog.

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The surroundings moved Bernard Darwin to write: “Small wonder if the visitor falls in love with Harlech at first sight, for no golf course in the world has a more splendid background than the old Castle.”

Sir Bob Charles said: “I love links golf and it doesn’t get much purer than here at Royal St David’s. It’s one of my favourites.”

The club was founded in 1894 at the very end of the first great golf boom, when the sport at

last ceased to be an almost exclusively Scottish pastime. Royal St David’s is named after the patron saint of its country, just like two of its counterparts, Royal St George’s (England) and St Andrews (Scotland).

To say I was feeling a little nervous over my own first tee shot, having just met my playing partners was an understatement. Your first tee shot at Royal St David’s is a unique and marvellous affair. How many first tee shots

have you ever hit with a twelfth century castle towering over you, watching your every move?

The Aussie Connection

“The story of the beginnings of the links has an air of fantasy. From the heights of the cliffs above the dunes a Mr. WH More saw a figure far below engaged in some strange form of exercise.

He investigated and found a young man hurling a

travel boomerang about. They fell into conversation and the young man said his name was Harold FinchHatton, and that he had recently returned from Australia. A few days later, Mr More observed him at some even stranger pursuit and went to investigate again. “Capital place for a golf links, said Finch-Hatton. Come on, let’s lay one out.

And so they did.”

The “Royal” Connection

There are thirty seven Royal golf courses in the United Kingdom. Wales has only two of these; Royal St David’s in the North West and Royal Porthcawl in the South West.

Each course must get the “Royal” designation in writing from Buckingham Palace. Royal St David’s was given Royal status by Edward VII in 1909. However in their royal designation letter, the club was reprimanded in no uncertain terms by the palace. They had jumped the gun some 12 years earlier in 1897 when the Prince of Wales had given the club his patronage. Buckingham palace somewhat acidly pointed out that the club had erroneously taken on the delegation too early.

The Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VIII was Captain of the club in 1934, and HRH the Duke of York is the current patron of the club.

The Golf Course Your golfing experience starts by driving across the Aberdovey railway line, but only after a phone call to the signal box in the next town, to get the “all clear” to cross the tracks – no boom gates here!

Rated amongst the best 50 courses in the British Isles and Ireland by Golf World and Golf Monthly, it has frequently hosted and continues to host world-class amateur and professional events.

Make no mistake; this course is not for the fainthearted. The members rate this as the toughest par69 golf course in the world; the deep Marin Grass rough running along both sides of almost every fairway proves to be the main obstacle. However,

there is a reason these grasses are so long.

Significantly, the course lies within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (S AC) giving it protection under international law for the rare and endangered habitats and wildlife that can be found there.

This, however, may be seen as a double-edged sword, causing the club to go through arduous approval processes to clean ditches, trim back protected rough and grasses and generally maintain the course to the specifications it would like. On the protected list are rare plants and animals including seven different orchid species and the extremely rare sand lizard. Keep your eye out for the local grass snakes near the ditches that run through the course and drain water out to the estuary.

My playing partners were all Welsh golf club managers who were at Royal St David’s for a mangers’ tournament. Barney, Mike and Keith were great company and a good source of replacement golf balls on what would prove to be a very challenging day.

With the howling crosswind coming straight off Tremadog Bay, my first drive was into deep rough straight away, causing me to reload on the first of many occasions. To give you an idea of the wind strength on the day, I hit a driver on the 221-yard (202m) par-3 14th facing directly into a prevailing westerly, while I only needed a 7-iron on the 201-yard (183m) 18th playing in the opposite direction.

The course measures 6500 yards (6062 metres) from the back pegs and there are typical links-style bunkers on every hole but two. The opening twelve holes are fully exposed to the elements. They play back and forth across a fairly flat and at times, open ground. By this point I was five balls down and a considerable amount more over par. Once you start the 13th, you have entered the magnificent undulating dune land with glimpses of the Irish Sea from the elevated tees.

The 15th is the club’s signature hole. Running perilously low on balls by now, standing on this

The 15th at Royal St David’s is a frightening yet beautiful golf hole. tee is absolutely frightening. It’s a dog-leg right from an elevated tee with deep rough left and right and 439 yards in length. After a drive over tangled dunes, a long second shot awaits with a narrow gap some 100 meters from the green. Once you reach the green it is the only low-slung “dell” green on the course.

After a fairly long slog, the clubhouse was in sight and so was a pint of ale to repay all the borrowed golf balls to my playing partners. The course closes out with a tough 201-yard par-3 with the green directly in front of the clubhouse. A birdie on the last was a rare treat and a nice way to finish.

The small Edwardian clubhouse is an absolute gem with age-old honour boards adorning every spare piece of wall, including the photos and names of over 100 former club captains. See if you can spot the names of five Open champions on the boards whilst you are there. Dining is available

and the full cooked breakfast in the morning is not to be missed after staying in Dormy House right on the course.

Some royal courses can be a little austere, however people are continually surprised by how friendly Royal St David’s is. My experience with the manager, pro shop and clubhouse staff was first class all the way.

Harlech itself is a grand centre for the golfer, with a number of challenging courses nearby. For others there are medieval castles, empty beaches, narrow gauge railways and any number of other attractions for the family.

Thirty thousand rounds are played here each year which gives you an insight into what a fabulous experience Royal St David’s is. Make sure you don’t miss it on your “Royal” UK tour. A warm welcome “Croeso Cynnes” awaits you.

More information: www.royalstdavids.co.uk •

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

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travel

A Turkish delight Kristen Walker info@gogolfing.net.au

Turkey is fast becoming one of the most popular countries to travel to, and has an enormous amount to offer its visitors. Its past history of rulers, invaders and conquers have left a legacy of fascinating and interesting history and sights that will keep you wanting to learn and discover more.

Istanbul is the first port of call for most people arriving into Turkey, and there is a lot to see. The beautiful Blue tiles of the Blue Mosque, the exquisite mosaics of the Aya Sofia, the opulent Topkapi Palace where the Ottoman rulers kept their Harems, and the summer homes of the affluent–seen whilst cruising along the shores of the Bosphorus are top of the list, but my personal favourite would have to be the underground Basilica Cistern where in the dark depths of the underground, the water for the great palace was stored back in 532. It’s slightly spooky but well worth wandering around looking for Medusa’s head!

When hitting the tourist trail a must for any traveller from Australasia is a visit to pay your respects to the men who gave their lives on the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915. ANZAC Cove is an emotional, moving place to visit, but the site is an informative tour into the hardships and realities of our heroes that gave their lives defending our countries almost 100 years ago and should not be missed.

Continuing south and stepping way back into the past there are Roman and Grecian ruins literally all over the countryside. The most famous of these would have to be Troy (nothing like the movie! – and no signs of Brad

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Pitt!) Pergamum and Ephesus give a wondrous insight to how lives were lived centuries ago, and the ruins have been recreated to give visitors a realistic feel as to how these cities were in their heydays. The famous Library at Ephesus makes you feel very insignificant and small, and wondering along the main paved road conjures up images of Romans peddling their wares.

Travelling inland, Pamukkale is like an oasis in the wilderness. After driving through dull brown countryside a crystal white hillside suddenly appears in the distance. It looks as though someone has turned on a snow-making machine in the middle of nowhere creating a small ski field. As you get closer you realise it is the famous Pamukkale Travertines. Beneath Pamukkale and the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis lays a vast source of water heated by volcanic lava. The Romans used the ancient city (worthy of a visit in itself) as a place of healing, bathing in the Thermal waters at the Ancient Pool. If you have the chance, and the time, it’s well worth taking a dip in the 36C waters of the pool to relax amongst the fallen Roman columns.

If I had to choose, the highlight of my trip would have to be the Cappadocia area. It’s well worth making the effort to go to this mystical moonlike landscape area, where “fairy chimneys” (isolated pinnacles caused by erosion) look like giant mushrooms growing out of the ground, and rooms are carved out of the hillsides where the inhabitants lived.

If you have the nerve–try crawling around in the underground cities where upwards of 3000 people hid for months on end hiding from the invading armies in the 6th and 7thcenturies.

To top it all off, take an early morning Hot Air

Balloon ride over this incredible landscape, it’s an amazing sight to see upwards of 50 Hot Air Balloons floating over this dramatic landscape and something that will be forever etched in my mind.

I could go on and on about this special country – the very friendly, helpful and respectful people, the great shopping for leather goods (jackets a speciality), cotton clothing (excellent quality) and Turkish Rugs to name a few things–you could spend days in the Grand Bazaar alone!! But be warned: it’s not for the faint-hearted as there is an overwhelming number of people in here at any one time!

One cannot forget to mention the food – if you can grab a bunch of friends and try the

delicious meze plates, or the two-metre-long pides served on wooden planks, the shish, the kebabs, the fresh fish and vegetables, and the Turkish bread–you should be extremely satisfied. And lastly, don’t forget to try the Turkish Delight (the Pomegranate with Pistachios is extremely moreish!) Like me I think you will be pleasantly surprised with this amazing country and leave here wishing you had another two or three weeks to discover more. Overwhelmingly it is the best Turkish delight in every way!

Tees & Trojans – Turkish Golf Tour departing 2nd September 2013. Contact Go Golfing Travel for more information on (07) 5536 3280 or email info@gogolfing.net.au. Visit the Go Golfing website at www.gogolfing.net.au •

events

ACGC soon to crown inaugural champions

Competitors at a recent event at Mt Osmond Golf Club: Simon Matthias (Leukaemia Foundation), Barry Bryant & Mark Tan (Mt Osmond GC) and David O’Loughlin (SATC)

With 49 regional events of the inaugural Auto Club Golf Championship completed as of 9 February, 49 pairs from across Australia and New Zealand will soon be making their way to the “Golf Coast” to battle it out for the glory of being crowned the Australasian Amateur Pairs Champions. The winning pair will also be heading to Penang, Malaysia to compete in the World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Not only will the winning pair receive the trip to Malaysia, accommodation and entry, as this is a four-person team competition they will also have the opportunity to nominate their two teammates of choice to accompany them and battle it out with the world’s best amateur golfers.

The Championship Final is being held from February 27th – March 2nd at the stunning RACV

Royal Pines Resort, also home of the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters. But don’t despair If you didn’t play or qualify—you don’t have to miss out on this special opportunity to play RACV Royal Pines in tournament condition. Tour packages are available to participate in both events from Champion Golf Holidays Tel: 1300 300 516 www.championgolfholidays.com.au.

Plans for the second year of the tournament in 2013 are already well underway with Tournament Director, John Harriss over the moon about the response to the Inaugural series.

“The event has been embraced by both Clubs and Golfers across Australia and New Zealand,”

Harriss says. “The support from all the Auto Clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT AANT and AANZ) as well as major Sponsors Suzuki and Thrifty has provided a truly outstanding new Amateur Event for Australasian Golfers that we know is only going to go from strength to strength in 2013. The new regional event series is expanding to 60 events, kicking off on the 19th June with the RACQ at Paradise Palms Golf Club”.

All keen golfers should make sure your local Club seriously considers hosting an event as the 2013 schedule is filling up fast. To find out more, go to www.acgc.com.au or call the Tournament Office Champion Events on Tel: (08) 8239 0666. •

The Auto Club Golf Championship has been approved by Golf Australia for the payment of expenses Rule 4-2g/GA/1/2013

Strange joins the elite at the 2012 Handa Nedlands Masters West Australian Scott Strange won this year’s Handa Nedlands Masters with a rock solid round of 71 and final total of 14 under par.

“It’s a great feeling to know I’m joining an elite field of Nedlands Masters winners” said Strange of joining the long list of champions at Nedlands including Terry Gale, Kim Felton, Rodger Davis, Stephen Leaney, Stuart Appleby, Greg Chalmers, Brett Rumford and Michael Long.

Strange, who started the day seven shots ahead of fellow West Australian Stephen Dartnall, quickly had his lead cut to four after Dartnall commenced his round in hot fashion with birdie, eagle. A double a few holes later for Dartnall brought an end to a possible challenge and breathing room for Strange who coasted in unthreatened.

“I knew I had to stay focused when ‘darts’ (Dartnall) started off so strong; a few birdies of my own and Stephen’s double provided a more relaxed outlook for the remaining holes”, said Strange.

Dartnall, who birdied his final hole of the day jumped into outright second ahead of Brody Ninyette, Vernon Sexton-Fink and round one leader, Michael Long, all finishing tied for third on seven under par.

One of the oldest events on the WA PGA schedule, the Handa Nedlands Masters was first played in 1947 won by Les Nicholls, and has since established itself as a respected event on the WA Golfing Calendar. The event has proved through time to be a launching pad for many professional and amateur golfers alike. •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

73

events

Queensland Senior Order of Merit kicks off Golf Queensland recently announced the introduction of the Queensland Senior Order of Merit to its calendar for 2013.

Queensland Senior Order of Merit (QSOOM) events will be held at various clubs from Coolangatta to Mosman throughout the year and are open to golfers over the age of 55 years.

Golf Queensland’s Golf Operations Manager Luke Bates said the schedule has been designed so players throughout the State have the opportunity to participate.

“The QSOOM offer many possibilities for Senior Golfers. Golfers located in Northern Queensland can play in the QSOOM without having to travel to the southern part of the State, while at the same time we envisage many players travelling north from South East Queensland to play in QSOOM events,” Bates said.

“We have scheduled 45 events this year with the first being kicked off at the Indooroopilly Golf Club in January.

“The QSOOM promotes Senior golfing events, played under the same structure all across Queensland,” he added.

The QSOOM is available to all male and female golfers, 55 years of age and over, who hold a current Men’s Australian or overseas equivalent handicap of 27, or a Women’s Australian or overseas equivalent handicap of 45 to play in a Queensland-wide event.

QSOOM program administrator Alan Davies has been the driving force behind the development of the calendar and said it was pleasing to see so many golf clubs support the concept.

Queensland Senior Order of Merit program administrator Alan Davies

“We welcome all senior golfers to play as there will be an Order of Merit for each category, with both a Scratch and Nett division,” Davies said.

The QSOOM will recognise performances for both scratch, nett (handicap reduced) scoring and 65 and over age group for men and 60 and over age group for women.

A player’s final QSOOM points total for both scratch, nett and 65 and over age group, will comprise of all points accrued from his/her best eight performances in designated events during that calendar year. Once a player plays more than

eight designated events, his/her worst performance (e.g. lowest points total from a designated event) drops off for each additional event he plays.

In addition, a number of positions on the Queensland Senior representative team will be picked from the Senior Order of Merit in 2014.

For further information about QSOOM please contact program administrator Alan Davies on 0418 984 286 or email QSOOM@golfqueensland. org.au. For the full calendar of events, conditions of the QSOOM and points table, go to www.golfqueensland.org.au. •

Aussie golfers playing and spending more Australian club golfers increased the number of rounds they played in 2012 according to new data released by the Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC).

For the 2012 calendar year, approximately 12.38 million rounds were played, marking a 2.4% increase on 2011 figures.

In 2012, rounds played by males accounted for more than 81 per cent of all rounds played.

Despite a slow start to 2012 due to unseasonal rainfall, strong Autumn and Winter seasons saw month-on-month growth continue until the end of the year with a 6 per cent increase in the fourth quarter of the year.

Metropolitan and regional courses benefitted equally with both sectors recording 2.4 per cent growth increases on 2011 figures.

Metropolitan markets accounted for approximately 45% of total rounds played.

AGIC Chairman and Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said the new figures were a good reflection on Australian golf in 2012.

“Australian golfers are playing more rounds of golf and spending more time at their favourite courses which is a big positive for everyone in the industry,” Pitt said.

“The flow-on effects of these figures are very important to clubs, pro shops, retailers, coaches and a range of other industry stakeholders. Everyone, including the individual golfer, benefits from this level of business and activity in the golf industry.”

The Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) was established in late 2006 to provide a forum to help unite the industry on agreed industry wide initiatives.

Membership includes: Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association, Australian Ladies Professional Golf, Australian Sporting Goods Association, Golf Australia, Golf Management Australia, PGA of Australia and the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects. •

Golf Life Tours Pty Ltd Tuncurr y Course rate Australi d in a’s Top 100 Pu blic Acc Course ess s

Where else can you get the choice of 2 beautiful courses?

Nowhere else but the Forster Tuncurry golf courses on the majestic mid north coast – less than 3 hours drive from Hornsby.

• Social golfers most welcome • Stay and play packages are available Ring the Club on 02 6554 6799 for your booking.

• All weather courses that test the abilities of all levels of golfers • Enjoy a drink at the club after the game overlooking the picturesque Pacific Ocean.

Forster Course Tuncurry Golf Course Strand Street, Forster Northern Parkway, Tuncurry (02) 6554 6167 (02) 6554 7622

www.forstertuncurrygolf.com.au

The home of Sarah Kemp 74

February 2012 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Indochina Golf and Travel Experts

Vietnam Golf Trip through Saigon and Da Nang Dates: 19th-26th May & 1st-8th september 2013 Single share $2440pp | Twin share $1990pp LimiTed To 16 PLaceS 4 Star accommodation, domestic flights, golf green fees (5 rounds), caddies, buggies, daily breakfast and other meals as specified on the itinerary, arrival and departure transfers, led by Golf Life Tours Director Patrick Kelly & much more

Further information is available by email at info@golflifetours.com or by contacting Patrick Kelly on 0422 578 162

www.golflifetours.com

events

E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour in full swing Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

OK people, time to lock up your wives, mothers and in some isolated cases, your pets!

The E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour is off and running for 2013. In fact, we’ve already played three events in Sydney: The Richmond Legends Pro-Am, The Col Crawford BMW Legends Pro-Am at Bayview and the Oatlands Bing Lee/Samsung NSW/ ACT PGA Legends Championship.

And you don’t have to wait until next month’s issue of Inside Golf to see who took all the loot, you can simply go to the PGA website and follow the links to E-Z-GO Legends Tour.

We also welcomed four new members to our Tour in January, by virtue of their success in the Legends Tour Qualifying School played at Peninsula Golf Club on 3rd, 4th and 5th of January. Scott Ford (NSW), Adrian Campbell (NZ), Greg Rix (QLD) and Andrew Lucas (QLD) battled a sweltering heat wave and gale force winds, which nearly saw officials suspend play on the tough Peninsula layout.

Scott Ford was the standout with four terrific rounds citing his familiarity in similar conditions and the support of his son as the main reasons for his success.

“The week was fabulous, I thought the course was great and I would

like to thank Peninsula for holding it, the PGA for running it and I would like to thank my young bloke Dan Ford for being on the bag, I couldn’t have done it without him,” said Ford.

Having learnt to play golf on the NSW Central Coast on courses like Toukley, Tuggerah Lakes and Magenta Shores, Scott said he used his experience on the beachside tracks to full advantage. “I didn’t find it too bad because Magenta Shores is

a windy course...It suited my game and I was able to control the ball in the wind, so it probably made it a bit easier for me rather than some of the other guys.”

When asked why it taken so long to try his hand at “play for pay”, Ford replied: “I have been a builder all my life, I was a builder since I was 20 but I have always enjoyed playing golf.

“For the last couple of years I started thinking about playing

senior Pro golf so this is a dream come true.”

Having admired the likes of Mike Harwood, Peter Senior and Rodger Davis, Ford will now tee up alongside them.

“I am looking forward to it; it’s going to be like playing with some of my boyhood idols.

“The plan for the year is to play as many tournaments as I can and to gain as much experience as I can from the more seasoned veterans.”

I grew up on the Central Coast and saw firsthand how well Scott swings a club. If his game is anything like it was back in the eighties, we over 50’s better do some practice real soon.

This month, the E-Z-GO Legends Tour moves to Tasmania for the Tassie Senior Open at the Devonport Golf Club which was won last year by Mike Harwood. From there we turn left and fly about 2 and-a-half hours to New Zealand in March, where we will tackle the Pegasus Golf Club in Christchurch, then wind around the magnificent South Island through Terrace Downs, Methven, Ashburton then head north to Auckland. From there we take a short drive to the beautiful Wairakei Golf Course near Lake Taupo followed by Mount Maungunui culminating at the Lakes Resort Pauanui where the 12 best, middle-aged Aussie Professionals play against a dozen of the finest Kiwi senior bro’s for the NagleCharles Challenge. The TV3 Rebel Sports Senior Pro-Am played on the same course rounds off one of the most popular legs of the Legends Tour for the year.

As most of these tournaments are played in a Pro-Am format and anyone is welcome to have a hit, why don’t you get a group of mates, girls or both and join us for a hit, giggle and a beer? If you are interested, go onto www.pga.org.nz to find specific dates or try your favourite travel agent. •

You will enjoy the “Chips” at Riverside Oaks!

for only $69 per person you can enjoy 18 holes of golf, including a shared golf cart plus

Fish and Chips Lunch in the Brasserie!

Available anytime Monday to Friday during February. Lunch is available 11am – 3pm Daily.

for more information contact our team on (02) 4560 3200

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

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events

Bonnie Doon win NSW 3BBB State Final It was a tight finish in the 2013 NSW Women’s 3BBB Team Classic State Final, played over 18-holes at Bonville Golf Resort, with teams from Bonnie Doon Golf Club and Temora Golf Club finishing their rounds on +10 (vs par).

On a count back it was the team from Bonnie Doon—Kathryn Howe, Laura Prophet & Elizabeth McAlister—who secured the title.

Runners-up Temora—Sandra Crowe, Julie Boland and Fay Guymer—all played well.

Although disappointed to not take out the title, they were very pleased with their round. In third place were the hot favourites the local team from Bonville Golf Resort—Carolyn Garland, Vicki Kalmar and Dianna Happ.

Twenty-one teams took to the course, all having qualified through Club and District / Metropolitan playoffs to make their way to the State Final.

Scores varied, with some players coming from Clubs with Sand Greens, to others home clubs not having any water hazards or bunkers..

Full results, prize winners and images can now be found online at www.golfnsw.org •

NSW Women’s 3BBB State Final Winners–Bonnie Doon

Tying the ‘Nott’ with schools Sharon Nott, a representative from Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG), attended the Western area annual Teachers and Friends Golf Day held at Duntryleague Golf Course in December.

The day was organised by Jo Kingham from James Sheahan High School who undertook a JNJG Teacher Golf Training day earlier in the year. Jo has successfully introduced golf into her PE class, linking her students with Wentworth Golf Club in Orange.

Although very much a social hit amongst teachers and club members, the aim was also to promote JNJG Junior programs at schools, particularly the MYGolf Program; to let teachers know about the resources and support available from JNJG; and to form links between the schools and clubs.

The day was well supported by teachers and their friends with over 60 entrants from 11 different schools competing. Special mention went to Louise

Topalov, a teacher at Bourke Primary School, who travelled to Orange especially for the day.

Information on the JNJG programs was well received by the teachers assembled.

“JNJG is very open in trying to encourage juniors to play. It is a challenge, however if someone is keen to offer guidance JNJG are more than happy to help in whatever way...I am more than happy to help out to try and get schools and clubs working closer together in the promotion of junior golf,” said Sharon.

“Golf is a game for life, and also the game of life.

Golf is rich in tradition and is based on personal integrity. We are providing a great opportunity for teachers and juniors to participate in the game.”

The Duntryleague Course was picturesque as usual and was well appreciated by the players.

Despite rather warm conditions and the wind picking up later in the day some good scores were recorded:

Winner of the Wayne Pearce Memorial Trophy for the stableford event was Tom Brice from James Sheahan Catholic High School with 38 points. In second place was David Mellier with 37 points on a countback from Tim Jennings, who also finished on 37 points.

In the men’s scratch event, Matt French from St Josephs in Manildra took out first place, from Maurie Ryan with David Maher in third place.

In the ladies stableford event Maria Crawford won with 40 points, closely followed by Tania Rusden (39 points) and Pam Evans (38 points c/b).

The day also catered for social golfers with ninehole events. Congratulations to Greg Wiencke who took out this event in the men’s section and Mary Russell who won the ladies.

Contact Sharon Nott at email: nottsharon@ hotmail.com if you would like to get involved with a junior golf program; or visitwww.jnjg.com.au •

NSW 3BBB moves to fourball in 2013

Golf NSW recently announced a number of developments which will be implemented in 2013 regarding the NSW Women’s 3BBB Team Classic.

Firstly, and most importantly, the NSW Women’s 3BBB Team Classic will become the NSW Women’s Fourball Classic. This event will remain versus par.

The format of this event will be twoperson teams, played as fourball best ball versus par. The structure of the competition will remain the same, with Stage 1–Club qualifying, Stage 2–District / Metropolitan playoffs and Stage 3–State Final. The only difference is an increase in what is being offered at the State Final, which will be all expenses paid at Bonville Golf Resort, played over 36-holes (not 18-holes as it was previously), over two days.

Secondly, prior to Club qualifying, Clubs will receive pads of post-it notes that have the details of the competition pre-printed on them. Golf NSW will ask that Clubs stick one note on the scorecards of those participating in the event. The aim of this being to ensure players are aware they are participating in the competition and understand the three stages.

Finally, all information and results for this event will now be done online via the Golf NSW website. That means no more filling out forms and mailing them in. Clubs can simply go to the website to nominate the Club to participate (entry into the event), entering Club results and making payment, and reviewing District / Metropolitan qualifying information.

Conditions for the event are now available on our website, with all other online capabilities available in the new year.

For further details and information on this event go to www.golfnsw.org or contact Christy Collier on christy.collier@golfnsw.org or 9505 9105. •

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calendar

February

ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open When: 14 - 17 February 2013 Where: Royal Canberra Golf Club Info: www.womensaustralianopen.com.au

Royal Canberra Golf Club will play host to the 2013 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open.

A U.S global Tour event, the 2013 tournament will be headlined

by World #21 Australian Karrie Webb and will be part of Canberra’s Centenary celebrations, with the month of February focusing on women.

Social Media: Twitter: @womensausopen; Facebook.com/ WomensAusOpen Tickets: Now available via Ticketek at www.ticketek.com or by calling 132 849

Handiskins

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS:

When: Various Where: Various Info: www.handiskins.com.au Handiskins is the closest thing to a PRO Tournament that a club golfer will ever play in. Handiskins is a fivequalifying-round stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score. Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough.

The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

Balgowlah Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 9th February 2013 2nd Qualifying Round 17th February 2013 3rd Qualifying Round 23rd February 2013 4th Qualifying Round 9th March 2013 5th Qualifying Round 24th March 2013 Final 7th April 2013 Wakehurst Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 9th March 2013 2nd Qualifying Round 23rd March 2013 3rd Qualifying Round 13th April 2013 4th Qualifying Round 27th April 2013 5th Qualifying Round 1th May 2013 Final 25th May 2013

Victorian Open

When: February 21-24 Where: The Thirteenth Beach Golf Links Website: www.pga.org.au 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 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.

Men’s NSW Senior Championship

When: 26-28 February Where: Howlong Country Golf Club Info: www.golfnsw.org, christy.collier@golfnsw.org or (02) 9505 9105.

The Men’s NSW Senior Championship is open to male amateurs who are 55 years of age or over as at the first day of play, whose handicap does not exceed 15.4 strokes at the date of entry. The Championship will be stroke play over three rounds of 18-holes (54-holes).A seeded draw will be completed for Round 3. The entire field will contest all three rounds.

The event will see a host of recognized golfers competing, including Stephan Albinski, Denis Dale and Bill Banks.

However for every serious competitor, there will be a handful of participants out to enjoy the few days of golf with their mates. A social dinner function will be held on Tuesday 26 February at the Club, available for all participants and guests.

There are a number of prizes awarded for the Championship, including: NSW Seniors Championship (Overall winner), Division 1 (55-60 years),Division 2 (60—64 years), Division 3 (65-70 years), Division 4 (70 years and over) and NSW Seniors Country Champion Entries are now open–$110 via hard copy, or $100 online. The dinner is $38 per person. Entries close 8 February.

March

Australian Rotary Health Charity Golf Day

When: 1st March, 7th October Where: Riverside Oaks, NSW, Royal Melbourne Golf Course, Vic. By supporting and participating in this Charity Golf Day you not only get to enjoy a fantastic round of golf at a location with world-class facilities and a sumptuous dinner, but you also get to meet some local Ambassadors while helping to fund vital health research.

The year’s first golf day will be held at Riverside Oaks in NSW. This will be followed by the inaugural Melbourne golf day at the Royal Melbourne Golf Course in October. This is a prestigious event to play in an event that is invitation only.

For more info on either of these events ,contact: Terry Davies, Corporate Manager, Australian Rotary Health by calling 0412 229 994 or emailing terrydavies@australianrotaryhealth.org.au.

12th Annual Bulls & Bears Charity Golf Day Where: Bonnie Doon Golf Club, Sydney When: Thursday 14th March 2013 Info: www.hri.org.au/bulls_and_bears

The event is a 4-ball Ambrose Event, with a range of on-course activities and some excellent prizes to be won. A chance to bring friends, colleagues or clients together for an enjoyable afternoon at one of Sydney’s finest courses. Registration is from 10.30am with a sausage sizzle prior to a shotgun start at 12.00pm. Drinks and substantial finger food after the game with a monster auction and lots of great prizes. Help the Australian Stockbrokers Foundation support The Heart Research Institute. All funds raised, after costs, will go directly to fund a Fellowship at the The Heart Research Institute where the research is focussed on the early detection, prevention and reversal of heart disease, not only Australia’s No 1 Killer but the World’s No 1 Killer!

Hole Sponsorship–$2,000 for a 1 in 18 chance to Win a trip to the US Masters;

Team of 4 players–$2,500; Individual players–$625.

For sponsorship and registration please go visit www.hri.org.au/bulls_and_bears or contact Andrew Tracey at JBWere on M: 0402 062 144 or E: andrew.tracy@jbwere.com or Libby Stavrinos, at The Heart Research Institute on (02) 9241 4300 or E: libby.stavrinos@hri.org.au

“Youth Off The Streets” Golf Day When: 26th March Where: Campbelltown Info: www.youthoffthestreets.com.au

Youth Off The Streets is a non-denominational community organisation working for young people aged 12 to 21 who are facing challenges of homelessness, drug dependency, disadvantage, exclusion from school, neglect and abuse.

Staff of Campbelltown Catholic Club (who are long time supporters of Fr Chris Riley and his work at Youth Off The Streets) are hosting an inaugural golf day at their local course and are hoping to raise over $60,000 to fund programs for severely disadvantaged young people on Tuesday 26 March 2013.

For more information, Phone: 1800 06 22 88, Email: info@ youthoffthestreets.com.au

April ACT Centenary Masters Golf Tournament When: 8th-12th April, 2013 Where: Various courses Info: www.actgolf.com.au, www.canberra100.com.au

The ACT Centenary Masters Golf Tournament is open to all male and female golfers over the age of 35 who have an official golf handicap. The 72-hole event will be single stableford format with handicap divisions determined by entries with a minimum of two Mens and one Womens division.

A U S T R A L I A’ S M O S T R E A D G O L F M A G A Z I N E

Queensland PGA Sunshine Tour Proud Sponsors 78

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

calendar Golf NSW – February Calendar of Events

Daily prizes in each division to 4th place, nearest the pins for men and women each day and a ball competition each day. Overall prizes for each division to 3rd place.

The event will be played at four of Canberra’s better courses, and as the weather in Canberra in April is usually very good, the event will surely be a hit. There will be plenty of things for non golf playing partners to do as well.

Cost is $380 per player if booking on-line through MiTournament, and includes four rounds of golf, meals, gift pack and presentation lunch. Early bird special of $350 if booked on MiTournament before January 1st.

Paper or emailed entry $390 ($360 early bird before January 1st.) Presentation Lunch only for non golfers: $55.

Accommodation: 23 rooms available at Yowani Country Club for approx $130 per night – first in basis.

Golf NSW Events Event NSW Amateur Championship (Match Play) (National Ranking) Women’s Captain’s Meeting NSW Family Bowl (Mixed) Men’s NSW Seniors Championship (SOOM)

Women’s Autumn Meeting When: 29th April to 2nd May Where: ACT Info: www.golfnsw.org

The Women’s Autumn Meeting is a four-day event which begins with two days of 18-hole scratch events (overall 36 hole event) for all three Divisions. Day 3 is an 18-hole foursomes event, followed by a Best Ball vs. Par Teams event on Day 4. The draw for the event is semi seeded for Days 1 and 2, with players nominating their playing partners on Days 3 and 4.

The hosts for this year ’s event include Federal, Murrumbidgee, Queanbeyan, Gungahlin Lakes, Gold Creek, Viking Capital, Belconnen and Yowani Golf Clubs. This event has been held over many years and attracts women golfers from around the state, it has been an opportunity for the competitors to meet up with old friends and make some new ones.

The Presentation Dinner is always an enjoyable evening and this year it is again at Yowani Country Club on Tuesday 2 May. Entries close Friday 12 April 2013.

For further information, contact Nicole Bessant at Golf NSW on 02 9505 9105 or email nicole.bessant@golfnsw.org

Nelson Bay Golf Course

August

Port Stephens Golf Classic

When: 11th August– 16th August Where: Various Info: www.golfportstephens.com.au Port Stephens Classic offers golfers a unique experience on the NSW Coast with the Golf Tournament being played on three premier golf courses. This year the Port Stephens Golf Classic Tournament will be played twice on Nelson Bay Golf Course, Newcastle Golf Course Fern Bay and Pacific Dunes at Medowie.

The Port Stephens Golf Classic is now in its 15th year and always books out. It is a visitor only event with play over four days for 190 to 200 golfers. Only visitors to the region are able to participate in the Port Stephens Classic. Male and Female golfers can participate in the Port Stephens Classic over four days and can win prizes worth upwards of $5000.

Queensland Senior Order of Merit

Venue

Date(s)

Royal Sydney GC

3-5 February

Pymble GC

8 February

Wentworth Falls Country Club

10 February

Howlong GC

26-28 February

Men’s Vardon Events The Lakes Medal The Lakes GC Avondale Medal Avondale GC (54) Camden Lakeside Camden Lakeside CC Cup NSW Cup New South Wales GC Concord Cup Concord GC

3 February 8-9 February 16 February 16 February 23 February

Women’s Jean Derrin / Senior Order of Merit Events The Elanora Salver Elanora CC 4 February Bayview, Cromer, Barrenjoey Week Long Reef, Manly, 11-15 February of Golf Monash, Mona Vale & Wakehurst The Lakes Cup & The Lakes GC 18 February Bowl Women’s Silver Cup New South Wales GC 25 February Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events Wollongong Wollongong GC Seniors Concord Seniors Concord GC

4 February 18 February

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

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www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

79

events

Hawgood claims the big five

Badhwar ‘masters’ amateur field

BRIBIE Island Golf Club’s Sam Hawgood had a year to remember, winning five honourboard events at his home club in 2012.

Sam, who plays off a three handicap, captured the club championship, matchplay championship, foursomes, mixed foursomes and the 4BBB championships.

“To our knowledge, this has not been achieved in the club’s history and is a major achievement,” said the golf club’s general manager Steve Middleton.

Sam’s goal at the start of 2012 was to reduce his handicap and to win the club championship.

“I really wanted to win the A grade championship because I had never won it before,” Sam told Inside Golf.

In the matchplay final, he defeated Craig Lawrence and then partnered Craig’s brother Matt Lawrence in the 4BBB championship.

In the mixed foursomes, Sandy Hose joined him on the podium and Brendan Stann was his playing partner in the foursomes championship.

The 25-year-old was nine when dad Denis introduced him to golf.

In the early years, Denis, who plays off seven, coached his son and recently the club presented him with a Super Coach of the Year trophy.

Denis and Sam have been members at Bribie Island for 20 and 15 years respectively.

Both electricians, the pair run the family business but rarely play together or join forces in the club’s major golf championships.

According to Denis, his son would prefer to play with the younger club members in the bigger events.

“On Saturdays, I like playing in the morning and dad plays in the afternoon,” Sam said.

With its seaside location and bushland

seventeen-year-old Queensland teenager Viraat Badhwar battled heat, wind and a six-shot deficit to capture the famed green jacket at last month’s Master of the Amateurs event at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

Badhwar, the youngest golfer to triumph in the 15 years of the event, fought gusty northerly winds and temperatures in the high 30’s on the very difficult Royal Melbourne West course. Despite the finicky weather, he recorded six birdies and a round of 70 to take the title by two shots, eclipsing tournament leader Brady Watt, who struggled throughout the final round.

Watt led the tournament from day one and held a commanding lead going into the final round. But big problems on the 391-metre parfour 6th (4-over) and the 346-metre par four 8th (3-over) were blemishes that cost him the title.

South Australian Chris Brown fired an impressive 67 in the final round, the only player to go around under 70. Melburnian Geoff Drakeford, who had sub-par scores in his first three rounds, went three-over on the day to finish third, one shot ahead of last year’s champion Nathan Holman.

The best finish among the 20 highly-ranked internationals who contested this year’s event came from Scotland’s Ewan Scott who finished fifth, one shot clear of England’s Garrick Porteous and Patrick Rodgers of the United States.

Tournament director Peter Mann said 2013 had seen the strongest field to ever contest this event.

“Fifty four top players from 12 different countries with an average handicap of plus 3 and playing Royal Melbourne, one of the best golf courses in the world …this is a unique event for Australia and a much admired event in world amateur golf ”, he said. •

Bribie Island’s Sam Hawgood made history at Bribie Island Golf Club on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. setting, the golf course offers all the playing advantages of a sand-belt course as the slightly undulating fairways follow the contours of ancient sand dunes.

“I like it because it’s tough,” said Sam, who possesses a deadly short game. “If you miss the fairway here you end up with a sandy lie and it’s hard to get out.

“Overall, it’s a very good golf course and it’s always in good condition.” •

Viraat Badhwar (Photo: Bernie Phelan)

TOP SCORES 279 281 282 283 285 286 287 289 290 291

Badhwar (Qld) Watt (WA) Drakeford (Vic) Holman (Vic) Scott (Scotland) Porteous (England), Rodgers (USA) Sinnott (Vic), Beaucousin (France) Brown (SA) Hodge (NZ), Rank (Canada) Lamb (USA), Hinton (England), Rannar (Sweden), Hoeve (WA)

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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the 19th hole

What the players and officials are dreaming Brian Eagle gazes into his crystal ball for a tongue-incheek look at what some of our top golfers and others are hoping for in 2013.

Rory McIlroy: More major titles and a bank with a bigger vault.

Tiger Woods: Major number 15 – five years is a long time between drinks – less media attention for Rory McIlroy and a book on Irish jokes.

Adam Scott: To take revenge on Open champion Ernie Els and win a major so he doesn’t have to hear the words “choke” and “best player never to win a major” ever again.

Ernie Els: A win in the fight against Autism.

Peter Senior: A victory on the Champions Tour with son Mitchell on the bag, of course.

John Senden: An Australian Open played in conditions better suited to golfers rather than kite-flyers and yachties. Failing that, more recognition for the world number 38 – especially in Australia.

Jason Day: A trip Down Under to play in the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship.

Brendan Jones: More recognition for the Japan Golf Tour.

John Daly: An invitation to play golf in Australia.

Failing that, enough golf balls in the bag to get him through a round.

Rod Pampling: A bit more luck and more invitations to US PGA Tour events.

Robert Allenby: A return to the top-50 in the world rankings. Is asking to move up 147 places too much to ask?

Clive Palmer: A major golf tournament at Palmer Coolum Resort on the Sunshine Coast, more dinosaurs and a seat at the captain’s table on Titanic II. Vijay Singh: Lots and lots of new practice balls and a money belt for when he joins the Champions Tour in March.

Greg Norman: More people playing golf and joining golf clubs so he doesn’t have to hear the words “Australia needs another Greg Norman”.

Will “Jeff ” find more friends in 2013?

Nick Price: An International Team victory at this year’s Presidents Cup. Steven Bowditch: To be more friendly with journalists.

Geoff Ogilvy: A good start to the 2013 season and an invitation to play in the US Masters.

Aaron Baddeley: Same as Jason Day and some good form to allow him to qualify for all the big events.

Marc Leishman: More top-25 finishes and another win to go with his Travelers Championship victory on the US PGA Tour in 2012.

Daniel Popovic: A name golf fans will remember when it pops up in a quiz.

Stuart Appleby: To finish inside the top-125 on the US PGA Tour.

Jarrod Lyle: A clean bill of health and a return to the fairways.

Aussie golf fans: A few more big name international stars to grace our fairways next

summer including John Daly, Jason Day and Aaron Baddeley.

Australian golf clubs: More members.

Golf Australia: An Australian Open without incident.

PGA: Greg Norman or any other big name Aussie to pen a weekly newspaper column promoting golf to the masses. All other sports do it – why not golf?

LPGA: More Americans in the world rankings top-10. One is not enough.

Karrie Webb: A return to the top-10 in the rankings to remember what is was like.

England: A clean sweep in the majors – one each to Luke Donald, Justin Rose, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter. Failing that, back-to-back Ashes victories.

Golf writers: To see an Australian finally win the US Masters at Augusta National. •

McGinley captain for ‘14 Ryder Cup Paul McGinley has accepted an invitation from the Tournament Committee of The European Tour to become Captain of The European Team in The 2014 Ryder Cup at The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland from September 26 - 28, 2014.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, on December 16, 1966, McGinley becomes the first Irishman to captain a Ryder Cup Team against the United States. He will be the 24th different golfer to lead the European (formerly Great Britain and Ireland) Team.

McGinley, a four time winner on The European Tour, made three consecutive, and victorious, Ryder Cup appearances from 2002 – 2006 and will always be remembered as the man who holed the winning putt during his first appearance at the Belfry 11 years ago.

McGinley succeeds José María Olazábal with the aim of retaining the Ryder Cup following the Spaniard’s brilliant stewardship of Europe’s ‘Miracle at Medinah’. The 46 year old was a Vice-Captain to Olazábal in Chicago last year, the same role he fulfilled for Colin Montgomerie’s victorious 2010 Team at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.

McGinley has also been Captain of two winning Great Britain and Ireland Teams in the Vivendi Seve Trophy, defeating Continental Europe in both 2009 and 2011.

At The Gleneagles Hotel, McGinley will look to continue Europe’s phenomenal recent record which shows them to have won seven of the last nine biennial contests with the USA. Since the change from a Great Britain and Ireland Team to that of Continental Europe in 1979, Europe have won nine and tied one of the 17 matches contested.

Europe’s victories were achieved under the captaincies of Tony Jacklin (1985, 1987), Bernard Gallacher (1995), Seve Ballesteros (1997), Sam Torrance (2002), Bernhard Langer (2004), Ian Woosnam (2006), Colin Montgomerie (2010) and Olazábal (2012), while Jacklin presided over the halved match in 1989. •

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

the 19th hole

Golf unresolutions for 2013

your game by enabling more fluid movement through the ball. And besides, it’s the opening tee shot that the rest of the members see anyway, not the opening putt.

Michael Green ed@insidegolf.com.au

It is about that time of year when all those well-intentioned New Year’s Resolutions are beginning to look a little faded. Somehow, despite vowing to get to the driving range every week, you haven’t actually been there since the first week of January.

The goal to get the handicap down has had the opposite effect and you may have spent more time around the BBQ than you have around the putting green.

Well, all resolutions are meant to be broken and golf resolutions are no different. Let’s put things back into perspective and ditch those unrealistic goals you may have made over a bottle of red on New Year’s Eve and focus on things you should stop doing when it comes to golf that ultimately should be easier to achieve and of more benefit.

Stop hitting balls

Of course if you have the time to hit golf balls at the range on a regular basis you should do so, but if you’re only managing to get to the range once or twice a month, maybe think about using the time to practice your short game. If you really must hit golf balls, stop hitting so many in one session. Time after time I see golfers

Stop sloppy shopping

We can all use an extra dozen balls but be careful when eyeing that shiny new driver on the New Year sale rack.

Make sure you’re properly fitted for any new clubs and work out whether it/they will improve your game at all.

Otherwise you may just end up with a pile of gear that doesn’t work and an extra credit card purchase to explain when you get home.

head to the range and hit a hundred balls or more all in the space of a half hour. Hit around 60 golf balls, or a similar number to those you would in a round of golf and hit each one like you were playing the final round of the US Masters.

how your mate with three kids can somehow manage to convince the family it is a good idea to go play golf for three days in August.

Stop talking about planning that golf trip

This also falls into the ‘stop arriving to the course just before your tee time’ category but is often overlooked in favour of a quick couple of putts.

I’d argue whether four or five putts really does much for your game apart from maybe giving you a little bit of confidence depending on whether you make them or not. While there is not a huge amount of evidence to support that stretching before exercise prevents injuries, it can certainly help

We all talk about making that dream golf trip to Mission Hills, Barnbougle Dunes or even heading off down the coast with a few mates for a few days, but only the very organised among us actually go ahead and do it. Stop talking about it and actually get the thing organised! Give everyone six months’ notice and you’ll be surprised

Stop playing golf without warming up

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Stop taking golf so seriously If you’re someone that turns up to the golf course with barely enough time for a practice or warm-up, then don’t expect too much on the golf course, especially over the first few holes. No one wants to play with a grump and certainly not in the first few holes of what should be a fun day on the golf course. If you must make a resolution this year, let it be this one: Chat to your partners like you’ve just hit a good drive – even when you haven’t. • Michael Green is an avid golf fanatic, and the author/blogger of the Aussie Golfer blog (www.aussiegolfer.net) one of Australia’s most popular golf blogging sites. Follow him on Twitter (twitter.com/AussieGolfer) or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ AussieGolfer

Aussie amateurs step back in time

Rising stars go back in time using hickory golf clubs Three of Australia’s leading amateur golfers wound back the clock last month, playing a threehole skins match wearing early 19th century clothing, using the hickory clubs that their previous Australian Amateur Champions used.

Grace Lennon (Victoria), Lucas Herbert (Victoria) and Cameron Smith (Queensland) were joined by players from the Golf Society of Australia for an opportunity to step back in time at Commonwealth Golf Club, before teeing it up for the first round of the Australian Amateur Championship the following morning. Nice! •

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www.dunhevedgolfclub.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

83

the 19th hole

Senior a real sportsman

AUSTRALIAN Open champion or not, Peter Senior is a winner.

Playing in the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum, Senior was in contention going into the final round.

In fact, he was in the final group with eventual winner Daniel Popovic and Anthony Brown.

When tournament starter Nev Quailey introduced tournament leader Popovic, Senior applauded the young man along with the gallery.

Nice one, Peter.

Price right man for job: IBF

Popovic the golfer ASK any non-golfer what sport Daniel Popovic excels at and they’ll probably say he is a member of the Socceroos squad.

That’s understandable when you consider the Australian PGA champion’s parents Radi and Mila hail from Yugoslavia, a proud soccer nation.

“My parents are from the former Yugoslavia, but they moved here when they were very young, when my father was 19 and my mum when she was 20 or 21,” Popovic said.

Well, the name Popovic is now engraved on the Joe Kirkwood Cup alongside better known golfing names like Allenby, Senior, Norman, Parry, Marsh, Devlin, Thomson and O’Hern.

Popovic, ranked 358th in the world, says he now has his eye on winning a major tournament.

“My goal with golf is to win a major championship in the world and I don’t feel it is that far off,” the 26-year-old said.

“Mentally I am there, but there are a couple of things I need to improve like chipping and pitching.

“I’m not too far off, if I keep doing the right thing I’m going to get there.” •

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February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

ZIMBABWEAN and former world number one Nick Price is the ideal person to captain the International Team at this year’s Presidents Cup,

according to Ian Baker-Finch.

“Nick has great passion for the game and everyone loves him,” said Baker-Finch, a former British Open winner and four-time International Team vice-captain.

“Nick is a legend and he’s in the Hall of Fame.

The guys on the team are really going to respect him and will want to play hard for him.

“At the same time, he will be the guy telling jokes on the bus and having a good time keeping it light so I think he will be an excellent captain.”

Price has won more than 50 tournaments worldwide including three majors – the Open Championship (1984) and two US PGA Championships (1982 and 1984).

Muirfield Village, designed by Jack Nicklaus, will host the Presidents Cup from October 4-6. •

Crossword 1

2

3

6

4

5

7

8

10

9

Cullen tests winning putter IF it’s good enough for Australian PGA champion Daniel Popovic, it’s good enough for touring professional Nick Cullen.

A d ay a f t e r t h e Au s t r a l i a n P G A Championship, Cullen was spotted trialling a new Odyssey putter – the same model Popovic used to cruise to victory at Palmer Coolum Resort.

Cullen, who won the Indonesia Open on the OneAsia Tour in 2012, was at Wynnum Golf Club in Brisbane to play in the Bartons/ BMD pro-am where he fired a 64 to finish one shot off the pace.

After that performance, the new Odyssey putter has probably found a permanent home in the left-hander’s bag – for now. •

Across

Down

1 & 22-down Winner of the 2012 Australian

26 Golf clubs (5)

1 Winner of the 2012 Australian PGA, Daniel _______ (7) 2 Making minor adjustments to a swing, say (6) 3 Golf driving area (5) 4 Medication for golfers with poor vision, possibly (3,5) 5 Company willing to back a golf tournament (7) 6 Tees off on the first hole (6) 7 Leaving out (8) 8 Australian who came second at the US Open in 2003, Stephen ______ (6) 15 Came back (8) 16 Punctured; lacking air (8) 17 Someone who insists on great precision and correctness (6) 18 Prepare for a fresh start (7) 20 Difficult to accomplish (7) 21 End (a round) (6) 22 See 1-across

27 Moved quickly (4)

24 An insignia of identification (5)

28 Makes money (5)

Answers: pg 89

Open (5,6) 4 Straightforward (4) 9 Very short putt (3-2)

11

10 The top ranking (6,3)

12

11 Income (7) 12 Retires (5,2)

13

14

13 Hit hard (4)

15

14 Oz winner of the 2007 Australian Open (5,5)

16 17

18

19 22

23

20

21

17 A proportional part (10) 19 Equal score on a hole or round with an opponent (4) 23 Normal, customary, or usual (7)

24

24 Australian, Jones, who finished second in the 2012 Australian Open (7)

25

26

27

28

25 Highest-finishing Australian in the 2012 Thai Championship (5,4)

your voice

Rulemakers are ‘shorts’ sighted What great timing it was to read the story regarding the controversy about the tournament in Turkey where the pros wore shorts during play (The long and the shorts of it, December).

Pro golfers should be able to wear more fashionable attire to add interest to the TV coverage and to the spectators and players themselves.

We must remember that, although this is an old and respected game, it is never too late to change our thinking about what is expected from our rule makers and what our up-andcoming players actually want to see.

The story asks what Sam Snead and Byron Nelson would have thought about this break out in change. I hope they would understand that, although they wore ties and button-up jackets in their day, it is now acceptable to wear polo shirts. Even Tiger got away with wearing the crew-neck Nike tops for a while when it was “in”. Now maybe it is time to move on to shorts.

Let us look back to the times when Wimbledon would only allow plain whites. Then, suddenly, they relinquished their grip on the past and the game exploded with the likes of Andre Agassi wearing an almost boardshort-type look. The

kids went “Wow” and the game took off and tennis fashion and popularity is still evolving.

Is it time to see the USPGA and others letting go and loosening their dress codes a little?

I think so and I hope to see the day soon. Anything to inject youth and interest to golf is worth it because as we all know, the game is struggling and needs new participants.

J. Whitwam

The perfect game As an ardent golf fan, I always try to see the Pro-Am at golf events.

I went to the Australian Open event at Sydney’s Lakes course, which boasted Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Justin Rose and Tom Watson. It was a fabulous opportunity to see these stars up-close and personal. All of them displayed a generosity of spirit. They happily chatted to fans, were photographed and signed autographs. Such events acknowledge the fans. There is this mutual respect. I believe golf exudes the most amount of etiquette in professional sports today. The players regularly praise each other’s shots. They wait for each other to finish putting on the green before they walk to the next tee. Golf is the perfect game for young children to observe and indeed, admire.

Linda Nathaniel

A little less conversation...

I am an avid watcher of golf on television and it annoys me to see the Australian coverage lowering its standard to that of the American coverage. Too many ads, too many interviews and only showing the players that are playing well.

Australia used to have the best coverage in the world, followed by U.K. then Europe & Asia with the Americans the worst -- only showing the leading players’ shots and if there was only one leader in the group they would show scenery or money lists and the order of merit.

We used to see all golfers in the groups, not like the recent PGA where the cameras showed one player putt out and then stay on him talking to his caddie while the other players in the group putted out. Also on the first two days there were too many interviews and not enough action on the course. In this day and age with technology as it is, surely they can show the interviews inset in the corner of the screen?

Keep up the good work on a brilliant magazine.

D.P. & E. Paterson

Letter of the Month Weighing in on anchors Technology and technique must always be encouraged and nurtured to enhance the enjoyment of sport. Never has this statement been more evident than in the game of golf.

We love to watch the “perfect swings” of Rory McIlroy/Adam Scott and marvel at the distinctive efforts of Bubba Watson/Jim Furyk.

Golf allows this individualism to flourish, providing the galleries with a plethora of golf swings unique to each golfer.

The putting stroke should be no different. The biggest satisfaction for us golfers is seeing the ball go into the hole for one stroke, regardless if it is for a bogey or even a double bogey. Finishing the hole with good putting relieves some of the frustration it took to get to the green. If pressing or holding a putter against your body (anchoring) gives you some peace of mind and confidence to finish the hole, then that’s TERRIFIC. This style of putting will not destroy the integrity of the game.

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On the contrary, these putting methods have been in the game for thirty years and the game is better for it.

You would not tell a long hitter you cannot overswing your driver because this could give an advantage in distance over your rival.

Let technology and new ideas continue to be introduced into the game of golf. This is what keeps golf at the forefront of the myriad sporting activities vying for the time and dollars of participation.

Having an anchor is not the worst thing in golf, but hearing ‘anchors aweigh’ with people leaving the game would be a disastrous result.

Chuck Gard

YOUR VOICE Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via email at ed@insidegolf.com.au or

mail a letter to: The Editor, Inside Golf, PO Box 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131. Tell an interesting story or something funny about golf and you could WIN a prize like this month’s GolfBuddy Voice GPS unit!

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85

last word

The twitching hour

The quick nine quiz With David Newbery 1. Who won the 2012 Australian PGA Championship at Palmer Coolum Resort?

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

3. Why did Greg Norman withdraw from the 2012 Australian PGA Championship after playing just two holes?

4. May a player about to start his round seek advice as to clubs used at various holes from a player who has just finished?

a medical name – “Focal Dystonia, which is the apparent loss of fine motor skills without apparent explanation” (which might explain the substantial increase of incontinence on the Senior Tour). It goes on: “Athletes affected by the yips demonstrate a sudden, unexplained loss of previous skills.

Sufferers sometimes recover their ability, sometimes compensate by changing technique, or may be forced to abandon their sport at the highest level”.

“In describing the yips golfers have used terms such as twitches, staggers, jitters and jerks” (That sounds like the names of my last four Pro-Am partners). And what about this little snippet: “The yips affects between one-quarter and one-half of all mature golfers.” Now that’s a scary thought, don’t you think? Good thing I’m very immature.

“A recent case study by Rotheram and colleagues (2012) in the Sport Psychologist, looked at a novel intervention to treat Type I ‘yips’. They used Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to help the golfer in question completely overcome their symptoms”. I

think that means when your chip shot has rolled two feet past the hole, you can bury your wedge into your golf bag then bawl your eyes out. The study goes on to suggest the yips could be “caused by potentially significant life experiences which occurred prior to the initial experience of the ‘yips”. I can relate to this.

During an Australian Open one year, I had a terrible putting round right after I saw Peter Senior walking out of the showers.

Probably the best way to help your Yip Friend is to take up a petition against banning the long putters or at least the option of being able to use one if you can present a doctor’s certificate proving you are a sufferer. If we get really desperate we could send Arthur Canning over to St Andrews and tee him up in a foursome with the officials from the R&A. 18 holes with Dad, and I reckon at least two of those blokes wouldn’t be able to pull the head cover of their putters without suffering some kind of spasm. By the time Dad had finished with them they’d be banning putting altogether! •

5. In which year did American Larry Mize chip in from a difficult position to win the US Masters?

6. Who will captain the International Team at this year’s Presidents Cup? 7. Solve the anagram “Rick wasn’t ET” to identify the American golfer. Clue: He won the 2009 Open Championship.

8. In which country will you find the following golf courses – San Lorenzo, Vila Sol, Pinta and Quinta do Lago?

9. Who won the 1998 US Masters at Augusta and Open Championship at Royal Birkdale?

ANSWERS: (1). Daniel Popovic; (2). “Jeff”; (3). Alleged food poisoning; (4). Yes. Rule 8-1 applies only during the play of a round; (5). 1987; (6). Nick Price; (7). Stewart Cink; (8). Portugal; (9). Mark O’Meara.

Hello my fellow yippers! Actually it’s not certain I suffer from this dreadful infliction. I’m still waiting for my blood test results to come back. My coach didn’t seem too worried when he saw me putting recently, he just whispered something along the lines of “Larry, you putt like crap”, which apparently is a much better than having the yips. He did suggest, however, that as I have been exposed to the virus through the Senior Tour I should be careful, as I could be a carrier.

My first exposure to the yips came from my dad, Arthur Canning. I was only a kid when one day I saw Dad miss a 9-inch putt at Gosford Golf Course. It wasn’t so much that he missed the putt that stunned me, it was the violent twitch in his entire body that really brought it home. It looked like the ball was plugged into an electric socket and when the metal putter made contact, 1000 volts of electricity shot through Arthur’s entire body. Even his hair stood straight up. I had to use all my strength and a can of Toohey’s to pry the putter out of Dad’s hands.

You may not suffer from these bad boys, in which case you are one of the lucky ones, but you could know someone who does and you might want to help them.

Particularly with the announcement by the R&A that the only known cure, using the Broomstick Putter will soon be regulated. For this reason I thought I’d open up discussion and try and shed some light on the Yips.

I put my best researchers on the case (Wiki and Pedia) and they came up with some fascinating information. It turns out the Yips actually have

2. What is the name of the dinosaur that is wedged between the ninth and 10th holes at Palmer Coolum Resort?

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Mizuno Location

www.callawaygolf.com

Time 12 - 1.30pm 11am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 4 - 6pm 4 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 12pm 8am - 12pm 10 - 11.30am 3 - 4.30pm 10.30am - 12pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 2 - 5pm 3 - 6pm 9:30am-12:30pm 10.30am - 1pm 2 - 5pm 10am - 12pm 1 - 5pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 12pm 9am - 2pm 2 – 6pm 10am – 3pm 9am – 3pm 10am - 2pm 9am – 3pm 11am – 3pm 9am – 3pm 9am – 1pm 4 - 7am 11am - 1pm 11am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 3 - 7pm 11am - 1pm 11am - 1pm 9am - 1pm 11am - 3pm 10 - 2pm 11am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 4pm 2 - 5pm 1.30 - 4.30pm 2 - 4pm 1 - 4pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 4pm

mizuno.com.au

Day

Date

New South Wales Northern Beaches Golf Centre Thursday February 14 Golf Paradise Terry Hills Tuesday February 19 St. Michaels Golf Club* Thursday February 21 Concord Golf Club* ** Tuesday February 26 The Custom Golf Group* Wednesday February 27 Cumberland Golf Club* Thursday February 28 Queensland Gripped on Golf Friday February 01 Nambour Golf Club* Thursday February 07 Victoria Park Golf Complex* Tuesday February 12 Parkwood International* Thursday February 14 Tewantin Noosa* Saturday February 16 Big Easy Driving Range (Golf Gurus) Thursday February 21 Mt Coolum* Thursday February 21 Pine Rivers* Friday February 22 Palm Meadows Golf Course Friday February 22 Victoria MGA Driving Range Wednesday February 06 Beaconhills Golf Club* ** Wednesday February 13 Sunshine Golf Club Wednesday February 20 Morack Public Golf Course* Thursday February 21

Time 4 - 7pm 5 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 5.30pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 6pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 4pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 5 - 7pm 10am - 2pm 5 - 7.30pm 3 - 6pm 3 - 6pm 2 - 4pm 3 - 6pm 3 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 3 - 6.30pm

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. °Ping fitting day. † Odyssey demo day. ‡ Callaway fitting day. Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending. www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

87

golf directory Hunter Valley NSW D.A approved

Comes with...

• Luxury 5 bed, 3 bath home • Plus separate 2 bed managers residence • Tennis court and pool • 28 Bay sealed car park

For ladies golf accessories

THINK…

Gifts, Pri z

es or

YOUR TREAT

$1.3 MILL Call Steve

0414 344886

www.portkemblagolf.com.au

BUY online, mail, phone

www.

highteeladies.com.au

“Golfers Getaway” 2 nights from

STAY & PLAY PACKAGES $60pp twin share includes 18 holes of golf on Monday, one night’s accommodation (Sunday) with full breakfast.

An additional round of golf can be added to the package for just $20 for Sunday play (this can include competition play).

Accommodation at Comfort Inn Fairways, Golf Place Primbee.

Other packages available upon request.

Visitors Welcome!

18 hole championship course, full length - grass teed driving range, well equipped golf shop, motorised golf carts & hire clubs available.

Social green fees from $15 to a maximum of $30.

Competitions run on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday. Visitor competition fees from $25.

Ph: 0419 501229

$199.50pp*

Includes: • 2 nights accommodation • Unlimited Golf • Continental breakfast daily • 2 course dinner on one night of your stay *Conditions apply

Conditions apply & bookings essential

www.wisemans.com.au (02) 45 66 44 22 Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry NSW

For further information or to make your booking please contact the Golf Shop team on (02) 42741159 or email golfshop@portkemblagolf.com.au

Just an hour from Sydney, our picturesque 18 hole (9 hole alternate tees) par 69 course borders the Hawkesbury River.

It can be enjoyed by golfers of all standards, but its tree-lined fairway command focus for even the experienced golfer. Dinner in the Riverbend Restaurant will be another highlight of your visit.

HUNTER VALLEY GOLF GETAWAYS

Stonebridge Golf Club

The Home of the Cool Brands A FULL CO BREAK OKED F INCLU AST D ALL W ED IN EEK PACKA END GES

GREAT TRADITIONAL COUNTRY STYLE

• Singles to Large Group Accommodation • Fantastic Location for Wineries/Golf Courses • Local Access to Stonebridge GC, The Vintage, Cypress Lakes G&CC, Hunter Valley G&CC and Kurri Kurri GC

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT THURS - SAT NIGHTS • The Award Winning Kurrajong Restaurant • Great Pub-Style Atmosphere • TAB • KENO

GOLF & ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES FROM JUST $53pp Including • 18 Holes of Golf • Accommodation

PH: (02) 4990 1002 234 Wollombi Road, Cessnock, NSW 2325

www.thecessnockhotel.com 88

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

golf directory

Benalla Golf Club

pp $185 From share n i tw week mid

Golf Packages Include

Three Day / Two Night Golf Package • • • •

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

www.benallagolfclub.com.au (03) 5762 1920 | benagolf @bigpond.net.au GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN? Need new batteries?

Don’t replace them… Restore them with the Battery Reviver.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK.

PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE

Play anytime - No waiting

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

LADIES MEMBERSHIP OPEN

Howeston Golf Course

16 Weekdays

$

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

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

No Nomination Fee

*prices include GST

Enquiries welcome

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

www.allaroundthevines.com.au

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

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

All Around the Vines 22 Branxton St Nulkaba, NSW Phone: 0459 145 065 or Email: enquiries@allaroundthevines.com.au

www.allaroundthevines.com.au

The Battery Reviver can bring old batteries back to life by sending a high frequency pulse through the batteries dissolving the sulphate build up and turning the sulphur crystals back into sulphuric acid.

The Battery Reviver is powered by your golf cart batteries and it can be left connected permanently to increase the life of your batteries by up to three times, or used occasionally to restore them.

30 DAY

$

Courses: The Hunter Valley Golf & www.allaroundthevines.com.au Country Club; The Vintage; Cypress Lakes; Stonebridge; Newcastle; Pacific Dunes; Horizons and Kooindah Waters.

• Airport transfers • Accommodation arranged • Tee off times organized • Transfers to and from golf • Wine tours • Restaurant Transfers during your stay • Day trips and activities organized for partners

(Save $440)

Ladies Competitions every Saturday from 9am till 11am and Tuesday from 8am till 9am. Friday and Sunday Open Medley Competitions.

Subscription year is 1st October till 30th September.

36 Hole Club including 3 practise putting greens, 100m pitching green with bunkers, 250m driving range and fully licensed 1 level air conditioned clubhouse Nudgee Golf Club Incorporated 1207 Nudgee Road NUDGEE QLD 4014 Phone: 07 3267 7744 E-mail: golf@nudgeegolf.com.au www.nudgeegolf.com.au

Crossword Answers OUTLASTS ANY OTHER GLOVE

$2495

(CSIRO tested and proven)

each

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

+P&H

$3495 +P&H pair

GIFT PACKS AVAILABLE

P: (07) 4128 8148 | www.kakadugolfglove.com For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

89

golf directory BANKSTOW N G OL F C LU B

MEMBERSHIPS NOW OPEN New Sunday/Public holiday memberships only $1220, great value. Only $23.50 per week, competition fees only $6, pay by the month plans available.

Phone (02) 9773 0628 Enquiries: info@bankstowngolf.com.au

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.

0

$7 From ay per d

16 Golf courses!

Port Stephens Golfing Holidays

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

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

✓ Established in 1996

Cobram-Barooga Golf View Motel summer special play & stay packages on course

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

110

$

• 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

$190pp Quad Share

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

1869 Point Nepean Rd Rosebud West VIC, 3941

at Co Barooga Only

Available January to Februar y 18th ly on Mid week

$215pp

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

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

ROSEBUD MOTEL

Free T C ar bram

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

Clearwater Noosa 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

PA

E

IN

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

A ROU

I

S

AY

ND

Clubs and other packages available on request.

PL

(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 90

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

golf directory

MERIMBULA

‘Play a round then play around’

★★★★

Luxury AccommodAtion opposite pAmbuLA-merimbuLA GoLf cLub

• 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

"Only 60 metres from the 1st tee"

$135

Twin share

from

$380 Twin share

per person 3 nights

Now fully refurbished “stay and play in style and comfort.”

South CoaSt touriSm award for the best moteL

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

www.fairwaymotorinn.com.au

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

180 Arthur Kaine Drive Merimbula

ph: debbie/peter on (02) 6495 6000 or fax 02) 6495 1411

TOURS TO SUIT EVERY NE

Let us organise your golf packages including airport & course transfers.

Individual/ groups & nonplaying partners catered for.

$

r p131 er so n

pe

t Twin Share Accommodation t Continental Breakfast t 18 holes golf t Two Course Dinner t Twin Share electric cart hire

Co nd itio ns a

pp ly

and enquires call Packages designed to Bookings Pacific Palms Motel suit individual needs (02) 6680 2222

www.oceanshorescc.com.au

www.pacificpalmsmotel.com

Orana Rd, Ocean Shores NSW Ph (02) 6680 1008 Fx (02) 6680 1721

ppalms@bigpond.net.au Ph (02) 6680 2222 Fx (02) 6680 2018

1300 26 20 55 | www.golfaccom.com.au info@golfaccom.com.au

Only 30 minutes South of Coolangatta and 15 minutes North of Byron Bay

GREAT GOLF SPECIALS Play FROM $97 pppn • Horizons • Kooindah Waters (Wyong) In Beautiful

• Green fees at Pambula/Merimbula, Tura, Eden & Bega Courses • Self contained accommodation • Breakfast to room • Free usage of Resort facilities • Dinner charge back facilities available at Pambula/Merimbula Golf Club's Restaurant or Wheeler's Seafood Restaurant next door

Let us organise your Gold Coast golf tours Hassle Free

Play & Stay Packages

• Pacific Dunes • Cypress Lakes • Nelson Bay • Tanilba Bay • Hawks Nest • The Vintage

Offered by

LEMON TREE PASSAGE MOTEL

Inside Golf Digital Now available on iPads and iPhones!

Get Australia’s most regularly read monthly golf publication directly on your iPad or iPhone.

Packed with our award-winning content, Inside Golf Digital includes bonus videos, photo galleries, links, interactive elements and more! All in an easy-to-read digital format, delivered directly to your device.

This Excellent Package includes • Twin share accommodation & cooked break-fast at Lemon Tree Passage Motel (3½ Star) • 18 Holes of golf (at the course of your choice) • $20.00pp dinner voucher at a local restaurant • Non golfing partners catered for • Special arrangements /prices for groups

Phone (02) 4982 3300 Fax (02) 4984 5999

from

per person per night

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

For reservations or additional information call Christine or Mike on

Play & Stay Packages

Website: www.lemontreemotel.bizland.com Email: lemontreepassagemotel@idl.net.au

47 Meredith Ave, Lemon Tree Passage, NSW 2319 For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

Available in iTunes, the App Store or via the Apple Newsstand.

Only $0.99 per issue. Or get a full 12-month subscription for only $5.49 Never miss another issue.

Check out Inside Golf Digital today!

http://bit.ly/HSdId8

InsideGolf www.insidegolf.com.au | February 2013

91

golf directory

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

Play & Stay for $120

*

fro m

ips

bersh em

$220 va

A

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

M

*

ila ble *Conditions apply

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

• Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25 • Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale • Fully Licensed Clubhouse • Social Clubs & Corporate Days

Visitors pay only $22 to play in our competitions (Wed, Sat & Sun)

MEMBER NoMiNatioN fEE oNLY

$100!!

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

www.casinogolfclub.com.au

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

AAA TOURISM

HOTTEST SUMMER DEAL ON THE MURRAY

package a

69

$

pp per day

min 4 share 2 room apartment

Walk Don’t ummer this s t

MiniMuM 3 days, 2 nighTs

$79 per person per day twin share

ar Free C

genuine all inclusive golf Package FREE bus Ex MElbouRnE MEtRo aREa, gRoup oRganisER F.o.C. oR $30 pER RooM pEtRol REbatE

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 courses 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 courses) ---$215 pp twin share.

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

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

92

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Feb 20 only THE CA to 18th dweek c 2011 ays , mi m 1st De blic holid BLE fro 2011, pu AVAILA 03 Jan to 11 Dec 20 Es 23rd ExCLuD

• On Course accommodation all on ground level Central to all Murray Courses • Self-serve, eat as much as you like, Buffet Continental Breakfast.

• Club Evening Dinner Voucher • Unlimited golf each day (conditions apply at some clubs).

• Non golfers deduct $30 per day.

• Single Supplement $20 extra per day.

• Upgrade to Spa Room or Cooked Breakfast Only $7.00 per person per day!

• FREE Golf Prizes – min. group of 12 • WEEKENDS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS $10 extra per person per day • FREE Internet Access

All Murray Courses below available on our package

SYDNEY

WAGGA WAGGA BERRIGAN CANBERRA

DENILIQUIN

ADELAIDE 8hr

Murray Downs L

A R A IVE MW GA H R TOCU OG ON OWA RO RAW COR G -BA YAR LON GA AM N HOW ODON BR PARTO W CO SHEP URY ALB

RIC

MELBOURNE

MELVIEW GREENS STUDIO & FAMILY APARTMENTS, PLOUGHMANS LANE ORANGE NSW 2800

onlY rooGa aGe ram-Ba at CoB e to our paCk iv s u R exCl 12 RT OFFE

THURGOONA

not availaBle With anY other oFFer

Stay at the newly renovated A family run business for 15 years Best Service & Best Value Guaranteed

CALL US NOW

1800 631 082 Tel: 03 5873 4477 ● Fax: 03 5873 4511

Golf Course Rd, Barooga NSW

Contact michael@murrayrivergolf.com.au or visit our website www.murrayrivergolf.com.au

Barooga’s largest on course accommodation

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

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

(02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 6 Days

ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE TO GOLF CLUBS

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 - 6 Days

Srixon AD333 Balls

Adidas summer lightweight shoe

Cleveland Classic Driver

Great for ball comps Distance and control

Wide, easy fitting Breathable White only Tech response 4.0 Not waterproof

39g, 43g and 61g Miyazaki shafts Regular & Stiff 10.5º, 9º, 12º and 7.5º lofts Not all variations available Includes cover

$14

$168 for 144 balls Individually boxed

dozen

Eagles & Birdies Cypress Point bag 14 Full length dividers Magnetic pockets Cooler pocket Lots of colours

US Sizes: 7, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5

$48 SAVE$40

SAVE$60

$199

Half Price

OPTIMA Ball Sale

Urethane cover 3 Piece Tour Quality ball

$99

½ PRICE

$50

$25

Eagles & Birdies 14 way bag SAVE $50

Tour Special by SRIXON

$35

$20

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

doz

Bulk deal: 144 for $300 incl postage anywhere in Australia

ALL WEATHER GLOVES

TS+ Green box or TS Tour Gold box Individually boxed

$159

Srixon Z-Star X Balls

Cleveland CG-16 Wedges Great value Lob, Sand, Gap & Pitching wedges Right & Left hand

SAVE$140

5 FOR

$45

INC. POSTAGE ANYWHERE IN AUST

14 Full length dividers Cooler Pocket Putter Holder Black/Blue and straight Black

$155 Medalist 3.75kg

dozen

Cleveland CG-16 Irons

7 Irons 4 - PW Satin or Black Pearl

TaylorMade Penta TP5 Balls 5 piece urethane cover

CLEARANCE

$369*

$49

*Graphite $419

$31

Stiff or regular

TaylorMade RBZ Driver, Fairway & Rescue Deal Set of 3: Driver, Fairway & Hybrid Includes cover

$500

Callaway Tour Umbrella

$69

68” Large Fibreglass shaft Dual canopy Automatic pop-up

$44

Includes cover

Callaway Staff Tour Bag Pro Style 10” large diameter

$269

Callaway Tour Caps

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

Black, White or Navy Adjustable 100% Cotton

$99

Srixon Distance Balls Distance ball with great feel Great for ball competitions Bulk Qty

$156

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

$29

$14

Each (+ Postage)

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

$168

FL Men’s & ladies 3, 5, 7 DST Launcher Men’s regular & stiff 3 + 5 Includes cover

½ PRICE

$89

Cleveland CG-16 Tour Irons

7 Irons 4 - PW Dynamic Gold Regular or Stiff Right & Left hand

SAVE $100

Cleveland Mashie MkII Hybrid

SAVE $50

doz

Cleveland Fairway Sale

$399 Cleveland Cart Plus 14 Way Bag Cooler Pocket Putter holder Full length dividers Black/blue, black/red, black

$179

$119

Srixon Soft Feel Ball Sale Individually boxed balls

Distance ball with great feel

Mens or Ladies Soft Feel 144 Balls for $216

$18

per dozen

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