Inside Golf March 2013

Australia’s Most Read Golf Magazine

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Issue 92 March 2013

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Time for change

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Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

The PGA of Australia recently announced that they were bidding a fond farewell to Coolum, and moving the annual PGA Championship to another course in Queensland.

While “Jeff the dinosaur” was but one part of a large set of issues forcing the move, he is actually a symbol of a larger problem affecting golf in Australia.

There are many current “Dinosaurs” that are roaming free across the Australian golf landscape. And by that, I mean that we have many outdated practices and ideas.

One particular “Dinosaur” is the Australian Open. Not the tournament itself (for it is doubtless our biggest and best event), but the fact that it is stuck in the same state, year after year.

Don’t get me wrong, NSW certainly deserves to have an annual golf tournament – the staging of golf events in each state is beneficial in terms of “Spreading the Wealth” and growing the game. But I reckon that our National Open should be contested on, well, a nation-wide basis.

In the past, when the Australian Open was considered the “Unofficial Fifth Major”, it was akin to a travelling show. Much like The (British) Open and the US Open Championships are today. A different course each year, on a rotational basis. In years gone by, golf fans in Adelaide, Tasmania, Perth, etc, all got a chance to witness the best golfers take on the best courses our nation has to offer. A different challenge every year, an influx of tourism to a new location, and a sense of mystery surrounding a course that may be in the spotlight again after years of hiding in the shadows.

These days, it feels a bit stodgy. Too familiar. Same-old, same-old. This isn’t the fault of the course, mind you, as The Lakes is a great venue. But isn’t it time to shake it up a bit?

And what if our National Open took a page out of the book of the Victorian Open, where the men and women play concurrently? Imagine how fun a Pro-Am could be if you’d get to play with both a top

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www.insidegolf.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au

PLANNING AN EVENT FOR 2013?

male professional AND a top female player?

Or even if you staged it in successive weeks?

Logistical issues aside, fan attendance and media involvement could be massive. Not to mention the sponsorship dollars.

So why not rotate all of our tournaments, and spread the wealth to more states?

Ultimately it’s about the almighty dollar.

There are certainly infrastructure and cost savings by having a set venue. So maybe we could start by having set venues, but rotating the tournaments. Again, like they do for The Open Championship.

And then there is the issue of Politics, which is another “Dinosaur” in the mix.

There are still too many associations, and too many fingers in too many pots.

We need to put politics aside and work together to simplify our overall structure.

Fewer committees, fewer organisations and, unfortunately, fewer golf courses in some areas. We hear rumours all the time about courses and organisations looking into amalgamation (which would benefit everyone), but then discussions break down because of politics. In this day and age, consolidation and amalgamation are a necessity. We need to accept that.

Finally, there is one “Dinosaur” that went extinct long ago, but I reckon should be brought back: caddy programs.

Some of the best players in history started as caddies – like Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson. And while I am light-years removed from that level of player, I also started off as a caddy. For me, it wasn’t about the pocket money (although that was certainly welcome), but more about being really involved in the game of golf. Learning the etiquette, the nuances of the game, and

all the great lessons about honour, truth and discipline.

As a caddie, we also got reduced rates and/or access to the courses at certain times. Having been inspired by the players we’d caddied for earlier in the day/week, we’d eagerly hit the course to see how well we could play. And no, we were nothing like the stereotypes from Caddyshack. We treated the course and the members with the utmost respect.

With childhood obesity on the rise, and with a distinct lack of junior golfers on our courses these days, isn’t it time that more courses brought back some sort of caddy program? It seems like a match made in heaven.

While we’re on juniors, I find it hard to fathom why there isn’t a more robust “golf in schools” program here in Australia. Growing up in America, the school golf team was a way of life. From year seven, I was on the school golf team – travelling across the state to battle it out with other schools in our zone.

There was a structured hierarchy of city/state/ national championships, and you’d be hardpressed to find a school that didn’t participate.

Why don’t we have something similar here?

Sure, we have some great programs like PUMP Golf, Schweppes’ “Tee it up”, Golf Australia’s MyGolf and the like, but we really need more club professionals and courses to get involved on a proactive basis. Heck, you might even generate some new future members to the club, or, at the very least, some regular lesson revenue.

There has never been a better time to get on the front foot and start being proactive in our industry. Otherwise, your club (and golf) may go the way of the dinosaur. •

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news

Course record puts Brown into The Open New Zealand’s Mark Brown set a new course record at Kingston Heath Golf Club on his way to qualifying for The Open Championship via International Final Qualifying Australasia.

Starting the day at even par and five shots off the pace, Brown went on to fire an eagle and eight birdies to shoot 10-under 62, beating the previous course record of 9-under 63 set by amateur Cruze Strange.

This will be Brown’s second Open Championship–thanks to his order of m e r i t f i n i s h o n t h e P G A To u r o f Australasia he qualified for the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry where he missed the cut.

Also qualifying into the world’s oldest golf championship via International Final Qualifying Australasia were Steven Jeffress on 9-under 63 and Stephen Dartnall on 8-under 64.

The 42nd Open Championship will be played at Muirfield from the 14-21 July 2013. •

Aussies to compete on Asian Tour in 2013 Eight Australians qualified to compete on the Asian Tour in 2013 after successfully performing at the Tour’s qualifying school.

Leading the Australian charge was Tim Stewart who fired rounds of 69, 70, 66 and 69 to finish outright third on 11-under the card.

Also regaining his card on the Asian Tour is Adam Groom, while David Lutterus will tee it up in Asia after finding himself with limited status in America.

Other Australians to play their way on to the Tour were 2012 NZ Open Champion Jake Higginbottom, 2012 NSW PGA Champion Matthew Stieger, Ryan McCarthy, Matt Jager, and Sam Brazel.

More than 100 hopefuls teed it up in the final stage of Asian Tour qualifying school with the top-40 earning playing privileges for 2013. •

Antill Park impresses Davies and co

STAR ATTRACTION: Laura Davies joins the shootout action during the Ingham Antill Park pro-am.

INSET: Shootout winner Esther Choe IF you didn’t already know it, Laura Davies is a star.

A player of her standing in world golf can nominate the tournaments she wants to contest, but she doesn’t let ego get in the way of supporting the ALPG (Australian Ladies Professional Golf) pro-am circuit.

That’s because the former world number one is an unabashed fan of Australia and Australian golf.

Yes, the big-hitting Briton is always one of the first to put up her hand and play in the nation’s pro-am tournaments.

Prior to the Volvik Ladies Masters, Davies contested a number of pro-ams including the $25,000 Ingham Antill Park Ladies Pro-Am at Picton in NSW. Davies finished nine strokes behind winner Emma de Groot (NSW), but that didn’t matter.

She was there supporting the tour and she certainly attracted a large following.

Good for golf? You bet.

Anyway, de Groot and Esther Choe fired 66s and de Groot won the playoff on the first extra hole.

Mianne Bagger, Tamara Johns, Joanna Klatten and veteran Karen Lunn finished a shot further back.

Antill Park Golf Club’s first ladies pro-am received rave reviews from the players so there

is a good chance it will be played again next year.

Sixty-nine professionals played in the event and Davies wasn’t the only international in the field.

The event attracted visitors from the USA, New Zealand, Denmark, France, Spain, Sweden, Norway and Thailand.

Some of the other stars included Stacey Keating, Julia Boland, Nikki Garrett, Sarah Kemp, Kristie Smith, twins Caroline and Jacqueline Hedwall and Frances Bondad.

More than 100 amateurs joined the professionals, who competed in 40° heat.

Seventy professionals took part in the novelty shootout, which offered a cash prize of $500.

Tournament runner-up Esther Choe won the 70-metre shootout to the ninth green.

“The whole experience was a huge success for the club and feedback from all who attended was very positive,” said the club’s secretary-manager Katrina Bartyn.

“The professionals were complimentary of the course, the friendly atmosphere and the excellent greens and surrounds.

“A few players said the greens were the equal of any anywhere, with many players saying they would definitely come to Antill Park again.” •

Club targets 26 to 45-year-olds CARBROOK Golf Club in Brisbane’s east is offering a membership category for golfers aged between 26 and 45.

It’s specifically designed to meet the needs of golfers trying to juggle career and family life.

“We call it Intermediate 2,” said the club’s popular general manager Scott Wagstaff.

“It’s part of our plan to offer a membership category that caters for the younger golfer who can’t play enough to justify a full unlimited style playing membership.”

Golfers who sign up to this membership category receive the following benefits: • 20 rounds of golf per annum; • Seven-day playing rights including Saturday play; • Use rounds for social or competition play; includes a Golf Australia handicap on GolfLink; membership discounts; and • Loyalty program.

“When an Intermediate 2 member’s 20 rounds expire he/she won’t be able to play on Saturdays anymore,” Wagstaff said. “But they will be able to play on other days at the standard members’ guest rate.”

Those who sign up will receive a 50 per cent discount on the full membership rate.

“This is just $539 per annum,” Wagstaff added. “Anyone who joins now will be offered a special mid-year rate until the end of September.”

For more information, call the club on (07) 3287-6499. •

Keep up with us online!

Catch the latest golf news online: www.insidegolf.com.au. Join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/insidegolf, keep up to the minute with our Twitter feed (@InsideGolf ) or if you prefer–drop us a line at ed@insidegolf.com.au

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news Vics the victors in Blind Golf Interstate Challenge

Blind golfers Robert Curtin, Rick Krolik, Sean Witting, David Blyth, Doug Sloan and Brian Gear proudly hold the Don Hogg Memorial Shield.

Last month, the Yass Golf Club hosted the 19th Interstate Challenge between blind golfers from New South Wales and Victoria. Each team consisted of 6 members with the 5 best stableford scores to count.

Much to the delight of the Vics, they won the stableford team event securing the Don Hogg Memorial Shield. These exact same team members defended the title they won in 2012.

David Blyth, with his caddie Gary McInnes, won the individual event with 35 stableford points.

Graham Coulton, speaking on behalf of Blind Golf New South Wales President John Hayward, presented the shield to Doug Sloan, President–Blind Golf Victoria, and both gentlemen thanked the Yass Golf Club for hosting the event and allowing the use of its facilities.

To learn more about playing blind golf or caddying for a blind golfer go to the Blind Golf Australia website www.blindgolf.com.au or see www.internationalblindgolf.com •

The life of O’Reilly PENNANT Hills Golf Club’s Callan O’Reilly successfully defended the Avondale Amateur Medal last month.

The world and state amateur ranking tournament attracted the cream of the crop including the Australian squad, the NSW state squad and four English national squad members.

O’Reilly, who started the final round four shots adrift of Englishman Nathan Kimsey, rallied with a final round 66 (five-under) to finish eight-under par and two shots clear of Kimsey, who could only manage a final round 73.

Avondale’s Matthew Wittenberg and Daniel Yu (Oatlands) finished a further three shots back. •

What the pros are playing

Avondale Amateur Medal winner Callan O’Reilly (centre) with Avondale club captain Greg Smith (left) and Golf NSW life member and high performance selector Bruce Nairn OAM.

PGA Championship bids farewell to Coolum Following months of speculation, the PGA of Australia last month confirmed the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola is headed to a new home in 2013, sending a fond farewell to the Sunshine Coast which has hosted the tournament for the last 11 years.

Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA, confirmed that the move was due to a variety of issues.

“For various reasons, including a lack of flexibility of dates for the tournament and signage matters, we decided to look at alternative venues outside the Sunshine Coast to host the event.

“The Sunshine Coast has been a great home to the Australian PGA Championship

presented by Coca-Cola since 2002, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the local community who has tirelessly supported the tournament and embraced our players over the years.

Thorburn reiterated that the Championship will remain in Queensland.

“The Sunshine State has hosted the Championship since 2000, and with the ongoing support of Tourism and Events Queensland, we’re committed to ensuring the tournament continues to feature on the state’s vibrant events schedule.”

At press time, the PGA had not yet announced the location of the 2013 event, which will again be co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia. •

The new year continues to see players and sponsors inking new deals.

In January, Mizuno announced an extension of the contract of world #3 Luke Donald. The agreement ensures that Donald will continue to play the Mizuno equipment that has led him to 13 professional victories. Donald has recently switched to Mizuno’s Grain Flow Forged MP-64 irons and MP-T4 wedges.

“We’ve refined my Mizuno equipment in the last couple of seasons and I’m really happy with what I have in the bag right now, so it gives me great pleasure to extend this relationship. Mizuno is the most precise, incredible club-maker out there, and I’m honoured to represent this quality brand.”

Donald said.

A short time later, Nike Golf announced the resigning of David Duval. Duval, who was the first Nike athlete to win a major championship using Nike clubs in 2001, will be playing the VR_S Covert driver, VR Pro Limited Edition fairway wood, VR Pro Blade irons, VR Pro wedges, Method Prototype putter and Nike’s new 20XI-X ball.

“I could not be more excited to once again become a Nike Athlete,” said Duval. “I am thrilled to return to the Swoosh and continue my career with a brand that focuses on developing innovative products.”

Rounding out the announcements, COBRA PUMA GOLF announced Jeremiah Wooding as the newest addition to their global team of professional golfers.

Jeremiah, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas graduate, had an accomplished junior golf career and was an accomplished athlete in high school.

“I want to play golf and look good doing it – COBRA PUMA GOLF can help me do that,” said Jeremiah.

“They are changing the industry through innovative thinking and top performing products and I am thrilled to be a part of such an exciting company.” •

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news

Qld Junior Interstate teams named Golf Queensland has announced the 2013 Queensland Junior Interstate Boys’ and Girls’ Teams to compete in Western Australia in April.

Golf Queensland’s Head Coach, Tony Meyer said all selected players thoroughly deserve their places on the teams.

“All players have had fantastic results over the past couple of months and are looking forward to representing their home state,” he said.

Queensland has had an excellent record in this tournament in the past, with the Girls’ Team winning four of the last five Championships.

Two male and female development players have also been selected to travel with their respective Junior State Teams to compete in the Australian Junior Amateur Championship.

Boys’ State Team:

WA state teams announced The 2013 Girls and Boys State Teams to compete in both the Australian Junior Amateur Championships and the Junior Interstate Series were announced last month at Mosman Park Golf Club. The Girls Championships will be contested at WA Golf Club and Mount Lawley Golf Club, while the Boys Championships will be held at Pinjarra and Bunbury Golf Clubs. The teams are:

Girls State Team

Hannah Green; Mount Lawley Golf Club Alyssa Keir; The Vines Golf and Country Club Claudia Pisano; Mount Lawley Golf Club Hira Naveed; Mount Lawley Golf Club

Nicha Thanissorn; Mount Lawley Golf Club Jessica Whitting; Mandurah Country Club Sue Thomson – Manager Ritchie Smith – Coach

Boys State Team

Curtis Luck (Captain); Cottesloe Golf Club Minwoo Lee; Royal Fremantle Golf Club Sherman Chua; Cottesloe Golf Club Fritz Arnold; Royal Fremantle Golf Club Kiran Dayawala; Lake Karrinyup Country Club Cameron Jones; Royal Fremantle Golf Club Roy Jones – Manager Craig Bishop – Coach •

Viraat Badhwar (Indooroopilly) Matthew Cheung (Pacific) Jack Hulyer (Coolangatta/Tweed) Blake Proverbs (Pacific) Jack Sullivan (Robina Woods) Shae Wools-Cobb (Horton Park) Boys’ Development Players: Kodi Koski (Caloundra) Tristan Nicholls (Sanctuary Cove) Boys’ Team Manager–Graeme Mathers Boys’ Coach–Grant Field

Talented up-and-coming Queensland player, Becky Kay

Girls’ State Team:

Samantha Foley (Coolangatta/Tweed) Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta/Tweed) Kate Law (Maryborough) Dee Dee Russell (Coolangatta/Tweed) Amy Walsh (Emerald Lakes) Stacey White (Pacific) Girls’ Development Players: Kirsty Hodgkins (Redcliffe) Kimberley Ikin (Pacific) Girls’ Team Manager–Jessica Jenkins Girls’ Coach–Virginia Irwin Development Player Manager–Shane Stevenson •

Bransdon wins inaugural Heritage Classic Victorian David Bransdon won the inaugural Lexus of Blackburn Heritage Classic contested at the Heritage Golf and Country Club last month.

Heading into the final round one shot off the lead, Bransdon looked in control of the tournament throughout the final day before being caught by South Australian Max McCardle and 17-year-old amateur Lucas Herbert.

The trio finished tied on 14-under the card

where it took just one playoff hole for a relaxed Bransdon to triumph with a birdie, while McCardle (par) and Herbert (bogey) finished equal second.

Finishing a shot out of the playoff on 13-under the card was New Zealand’s Michael Hendry.

Rounding out the top-5 on the leaderboard was New South Welshman Matthew Giles and Victorian amateur Nathan Holman with a score of 10-under 278. •

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club news

Logan club out in the cold LOGAN City Golf Club, devastated by the Australia Day long weekend floods, must be feeling extremely unloved right now.

The club, which boasts 27 holes, is ineligible for government grants from the QRAA (Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority) because the Logan City Council is not in an area that will receive the QRAA “special disaster assistance grant” of up to $25,000.

That’s despite being eligible for a low interest loan under the “natural disaster assistance” as they have direct damage from an “eligible natural disaster”.

Golf Queensland CEO Lindsay Ellis has gone in to bat for the golf club.

“This is extremely frustrating for the golf club because in 2011, when they were also severely flooded, they received no government or community support aside from Golf Queensland and Golf Australia funding,” he said. “At that time, they missed out on all the state funding because they are a small business and not an incorporated club.

“They missed out on the QRAA funding because they were in area that was not declared as being affected by a natural disaster.

“The club provides a fantastic service to the local community offering affordable access to golf that is basically the same as a public course,” Ellis said.

“Despite this, they are always at the wrong end of the queue when governments are offering support to organisations that are damaged by flooding.”

Ellis highlighted the club’s dilemma in the hope it would gain some support through the golfing community.

Logan City Golf Club director Carl Evans said it was extremely frustrating for the club.

“We are frustrated as we are not the only floodaffected club with Riverlakes, Windaroo, Mt Warren, Gainsborough Greens and Carbrook all affected by the floods this time in Logan City Council,” he said.

“We are going to approach our state member, Michael Latter, and ask for reasons why we aren’t

eligible as many businesses in our area were affected by flooding, loss of power and road closures with major damage to residents, businesses and parks and sporting facilities.”

Evans said the clean up and recovery costs would exceed $100,000.

“That doesn’t include loss of revenue,” he said. “We have had two weeks without turnover and that has cost the club around $80,000.

“We had major infrastructure damaged with our irrigation system (pumps, irrigation switch board, decoders and valves), which is an estimated $50,000 as well as the damage to greens, tees and paths.”

Evans said he was in the process of completing the flood survey.

“We are quite confused as we were listed this time as a Flood Disaster Zone, but now it seems again that we can’t get the help we need,” he said. •

Help Qld flood clean-up CLUB golfers can assist people affected by the recent Queensland floods by signing up to play in a golf day at Brisbane’s Nudgee Golf Club on Friday, March 15.

The day’s proceeds will be shared among those people currently housed in the tent city in Bundaberg and the evacuation centre in the Lockyer Valley.

The entry fee for a team of four is $450, which includes golf, electric cart, breakfast, lunch and a gift bag.

Raffle and auction items are also up for grabs.

Hole sponsorships are also available at $500.

The golf day has been organised by Nudgee Golf Club general manager Aaron Muirhead, Redlands RSL general manager Peter Harrison and Club Pine Rivers general manager Wayne Moffatt.

To book telephone (07) 3267 7744. •

Science to solve ’roo population SIX months ago, Nelson Bay Golf Club embarked on a plan to reduce the number of kangaroos on its golf course.

Rather than cull or relocate large mobs of kangaroos, the club, which is located at Port Stephens in the Hunter region of NSW, enlisted the help of University of Sydney veterinary scientist Dr Catherine Herbert to help solve the problem.

Dr Herbert and her team of research students and volunteers have been monitoring, tagging and testing kangaroos that have taken up residence on the golf course.

She said the aim of the exercise was to control the large population of kangaroos with fertility implants.

“We are trying to take a scientific approach to managing a population so that when we do go in to alter the population we can actually understand how it will affect them,” Dr Herbert said.

There are close to 200 kangaroos residing on the golf course, according to the club’s general manager Jason Russell.

“The fertility control will commence in May,” he said.

“We had to wait for approval from the APVMA (Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority), which has come through.

“The fertility drug will be implanted in the females to stop them breeding.

“We are hopeful that over the next few years the number of kangaroos will reduce through natural attrition.

“It’s a much more humane way of dealing with the issue.”

Russell said the issue came to a head when it was discovered the large population of kangaroos were damaging the golf course.

“They were causing quite a bit of damage to

Large mobs of kangaroos and wallabies reside on Nelson Bay golf course the course by digging up fairways and things like that,” he said.

“It started to become a real issue with continuous repairs and maintenance.”

Russell said the club had considered relocating some of the animals, but decided against it.

“It wasn’t favoured because kangaroos don’t react well when they are relocated.

“Sometimes when you relocate kangaroos you are just shifting the problem somewhere else.

“We have found this is the most acceptable way to deal with it and the community is supportive of this program.

“With this program, we are hoping to see numbers dwindle to a more manageable number. That is what this kangaroo management plan is all about.

“We are not going to eradicate them because they are an asset to the club as a tourist attraction.”•

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club news

Forget fore – it’s T-I-M-B-E-R

Kooindah Waters’ golfers to represent Australia in China A team representing Kooindah Waters Golf Club will represent Australia in China after placing second at the national final of the 2012 Holden Scramble Championship, held at Twin Waters Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast.

More than 38,000 competitors participated in over 400 local events at golf clubs across the country as part of the 2012 Holden Scramble, Australia’s largest pro-amateur golfing teams event. More than 750,000 players have participated in over 8,000 events since the tournament’s inception in 1992.

With a total score of 160.2 for the rounds, the team finished eight shots behind Glendon Golf Club and three shots ahead of Magenta Shores Golf Club.

The Kooindah Waters team consists of David Lulham, Kooindah Waters Golf Club’s Director of Golf as well as Chad Robert, Brad Roberts, Ron Roberts and Jeff Miles.

The Kooindah Waters team will now join forces with the Glendon team to represent Australia in the Champions Tour of China. The team will be joined by two additional PGA Club Professionals, Nick White from Tasmania Golf Club and Gary Burmester from Mt Warren Park Golf Club to form a squad of twelve to compete against the Chinese team. The twelve players will participate in a two-day tournament in Australia before competing in China in May. •

Spread the news!

Does your club, course or social group have news to share with the world? Email it to us at ed@insidegolf.com.au and we’ll put it in a future issue.

Eastern Golf Club relocation moves forward The Board and members of The Eastern Golf Club have cause for celebration, as their planned relocation has overcome the final hurdle, clearing way to begin construction of their proposed 27hole multi-million-dollar Greg Norman-designed facility in Melbourne’s Yarra Ranges.

Following two years of challenges from developers, council and environmental organisations, the club announced last month that the proposed site in Yering had been approved for development, following a successful Planning Scheme Amendment.

In essence, the zoning of the Yering land was changed from ‘Green Wedge’ to ‘Special Use’, thereby eliminating the need for a planning permit to develop the site as per the club’s masterplan.

This outcome drastically reduced the time, hassles and — most importantly — the costs which would have been incurred by the club had there been further challenges or obstacles resulting from the hearing.

The amendment was approved by Planning Minister Matthew Guy just days prior to a scheduled VCAT hearing on the relocation. With the amendment’s approval, however, the VCAT hearing was rendered mostly unnecessary, other than to recognise the amendment itself.

“We can finally move forward with certainty,” said Club Captain/Board Chairman Peter Dane in a letter to members. “This is a significant achievement that has involved a lot of work for a lot of people.”

The first steps for the club’s relocation will be to finalise the land contracts regarding their new/ proposed site in Yering, as well as with Mirvac, who purchased the club’s current Doncaster property for an estimated $100 million.

If all contracts are signed, and all the other paperwork/requirements are achieved without incident, the club could break ground on the new property within a matter of months, perhaps as early as June. •

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AT Burleigh Golf Club, the word TIMBER replaced the word FORE for a day when Mother Nature unleased her fury on the Gold Coast golf course.

Wild weather on the Australia Day long weekend dumped more than a metre of rainfall on the popular and picturesque golf course and 100 kph wind squalls knocked over around 30 grand old trees.

Buffeted by strong wind, one magnificent 50-metre tall gum tree gave up the ghost and crashed to earth.

Many of the trees had stood guard over the golf course for many decades.

Still, it didn’t take Darryl Edwards, his ground crew and club volunteers long to clean up most of the debris.

The club’s general manager Gordon Gower said it was going to cost the club a five-figure sum to have a contractor remove the larger trees.

“We lost a couple of really big gums, which was unfortunate,” he said.

We had one of the bigger trees fall in front of the first green.

“There had been some jovial discussion about putting in a bunker in that area and a couple of the wise guys said ‘don’t worry about the bunker, keep the tree there’.”

Perhaps a few members will be glad the “hazard” has gone.

That was about the extent of the damage to the club although there were a number of “dirty power surges”.

“The storm hit on Monday and on Wednesday the members were out playing golf,” Gower said.

“We only closed the course because of all the debris lying around.

“The water drained off reasonably quickly. I would suggest we are one of the better-drained courses in this area.

“The golf course has recovered really well and is in great condition.

“We are just keeping on keeping on.” •

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13

special report: floods

Qld floods: here we go again

Capricorn Country Club

One of the worst flood disasters to hit Queensland seriously affected a number of golf clubs, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom, writes DAVID NEWBERY Bundaberg Golf Club WHEN it comes to real estate, it’s all about position, position, position.

Bundaberg was one of the hardest hit Queensland towns when floodwaters virtually drowned the town and ripped houses from foundations, but somehow Bundaberg Golf Club escaped serious damage.

The golf club’s general manager Greg Hills said the club was extremely lucky to escape with minimal damage.

“We fared pretty well,” he said. “We were flooded from the rainfall, not the floodwaters.

“We lost sand out of the bunkers and the course superintendent lost the club’s ute, which was in his shed at home when his house was flooded.

“We closed the course for a week mainly because people couldn’t get here so we lost a week’s income.”

Hills said the golf club survived the floodwaters because it’s positioned on high ground in Bundaberg North.

“It always floods down the bottom end of the course away from the clubhouse and work shed, but the water drains away quickly,” he said. “We were very lucky.

“The only damage to the clubhouse was water coming through a ceiling light, which damaged our dance floor.”

Maryborough Golf Club AS the floodwaters receded, Maryborough Golf Club was left to count the cost.

“We got a fair bit of silt across the golf course and had seven holes out of play for the first couple of days,” said the club general manager Paul Bray.

“We still have bunkers GUR – some of them had three inches of silt in them.

“We pumped water from a natural water hole that runs around the side of the course on three of the holes.

“That water was used to wash the silt off the greens because our irrigation pumps were knocked out and are still not reconnected.

“Everything went under including the fuse box.

“We are yet to assess all the damage to the greens and bunkers.

“We had one tee (box) subside and has dropped a fair bit so there is work to be done there.

“One of our cart paths copped a flogging and is in urgent need of repair.”

Bray said he believed the damage bill would easily exceed six figures.

“In 2011, our damage bill was $97,000 when we had damage to 16 bunkers and this time 27

bunkers washed out – not to mention all the other damage.

“We don’t know the extent of the damage to the greens, but we did manage to remove 95 per cent of silt quite quickly. We still have seven or eight bunkers out of play.”

Bray said it was a huge blow to the club.

“The club was travelling okay after a couple of good trading months in December and January,” he said.

“But every time you close for a week you lose $15,000 in income straight away. You still have to pay wages and all the other bills.

“The hardest part is getting all your bunkers back in play because the silt goes into the bunker drainage as well so you have got to pump and wash it out.”

Bargara Golf Club A TORNADO ripped through the coastal town of Bargara tearing the roof off the bowls club, but the golf club, a kilometre away, was virtually untouched.

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special report: floods “If you want a good luck story, I have got one for you,” said the club’s general manager, Geoff Peard.

“We copped a tornado in the middle of the town that took the roof off the bowls club.

“The tornado went up the 12th fairway and took out a huge tree, but apart from that the golf club lost power from 1pm on Saturday to 6pm on Sunday.

“Our sixth fairway goes under quite quickly so it was a lake for two days, but 75 per cent of the golf course is built on sand so we were playing golf on Tuesday and by Thursday we had carts on the course.

“Our volunteers did a magnificent job.

They picked up all the tree limbs and cut up the uprooted trees.

“That allowed the superintendent and his staff to concentrate on the fairways, greens and bunkers.

“We lost four days’ trading, but we were very lucky compared to other clubs.”

Rockhampton Golf Club THE Rockhampton golf course resembled a fish market after the recent floods.

According to club professional Ian Collins, the floodwaters washed “truck loads” of fish including barramundi, bream, catfish, garfish, perch and yellow belly onto the golf course.

“The staff and volunteers worked pretty hard to remove the dead wood and fish,” Collins said.

“It was a smelly job, but they cleaned it up.”

C ol l i ns s ai d f l o o dw ate rs h it Rockhampton twice in a couple of weeks.

“We got that heavy rain at first and then a week later got everybody else’s rain,” he said.

“It takes a couple of weeks for the water to come from out west and up north down the river systems.

“We had 18 holes open for one day before the second deluge arrived.

“We had 822mls in two days. That’s a lot when you consider the average annual rainfall for Rockhampton is 908mls.

“I haven’t seen that much rain ever and I have lived here all my life.”

Capricorn Country Club CAPRICORN Country Golf was one of the worst affected golf clubs in Central Queensland.

T h e c lu b’s s e c re t ar y D e l l i a h MacGillvray told Inside Golf the estimated damage bill to the golf course and clubhouse would be more than $36,000.

“We had eight greens, five tees covered with water and silt so we have had a fair bit of damage,” she said. “We lost our irrigation pump station and also had water in the clubhouse.

“We are still in the recovery stage – it’s looks like a fire has gone through the course because of all the silt lying across the golf course.”

Yeppoon Golf Club UNLIKE near neighbours Rockhampton and Capricorn golf clubs, Yeppoon Golf Club escaped virtually unscathed.

Riverlakes Golf and Country Club

Wendy McCosker, the club’s general manager, said the only damage was to trees and bunkers.

Our club fared fairly well considering the damage to the other courses,” she said. “We had hundreds of branches and a few trees down, but we had a threeday working bee and managed to get the course up-and-running quite quickly.

“We are fully operational and even have carts on the course.”

Yeppoon Golf Club has extended the hand of friendship to its near neighbours by waiving competition green fees to members of clubs affected by the floods.

“We just want to give them a helping hand,” McCosker said.

Ipswich Golf Club THE last thing Ipswich Golf Club near Brisbane needed was another damaging flood, especially after the 2011 devastating floods.

General manager Steve Day, who only took over the reins mid-December, said there had been significant damage to the golf course and some infrastructure.

“We had a fair bit of water over a number of holes, which caused a lot of damage,” he said.

“We lost four pumps and the electrical boards that run it.

“A couple of bridges were damaged and will have to be rebuilt and there are still a number of bunkers out of play.

“There was a fair bit of mud over six greens, but the greens staff, along with a few volunteers, did a great job cleaning up.”

Day said the damage to the golf course and infrastructure would exceed $100,000.

“We were just starting to claw our way back and then we get something we didn’t need,” Day said.

“It’s just another challenge, but we are determined it’s not going to beat us.

“It’s a good club with some fantastic members. The membership base is growing so we are hoping to get through it.

“It’s one of those things you can’t plan for or predict. We have to cop it on the chin, move on and do our best.”

Mt Warren Park Golf Club VOLUNTEERS came to the rescue when Mt Warren Park golf course flooded recently.

“We had a good crew of volunteers who came in the next day to hose silt off the greens,” said the club’s assistant professional Anton Booy.

“There was two or three metres of water in some places, but with the help of the members (volunteers) we were back playing 18 holes with carts quite quickly.

“A lot of the bunkers were lost when the sand was washed out and we had some water through the greenkeeper’s shed and the pump house.

“Considering the damage to other course, we aren’t too bad.

“We were lucky we got the help from the volunteers who spent three or four days cleaning up the golf course.”

Riverlakes Golf and Country Club THERE were reports of deadly bull sharks moving in on Riverlakes Golf and Country Club near Brisbane.

“We reckon there were some out there,” said the club’s operational manager Daniel www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

15

special report: floods Paynter. “We went out with torches and some people indicated they saw some earlier in the day. I reckon there were small bull sharks feeding around the edges.”

What did turn up was plenty of dead fish and eels.

“We had a working bee and were overwhelmed with the response,” Paynter said. “We had more than 100 people turn up to pick up the dead fish and debris off the course.”

Still, the golf course received damage when the river burst its bank and left quite a mess.

“We have lost $50,000 in revenue from the events of the Australia Day long weekend,” Paynter said. “That doesn’t include the repair costs.

“Our bunkers have literally been destroyed.”

Mid-February, there was still a significant amount of mud on some fairways.

In January, the club had to turn on the town water to feed the greens and tee boxes.

“Prior to the floods, I was scratching my head wondering where the water was going to come from,” Paynter said. “I had to turn on town supply to irrigate our greens and tees.

“In future, I will have to be careful what I wish for.”

A few days after the water subsided, Riverlakes opened six holes for play and within two weeks had all 18 holes in play.

“There are certain holes that look really good. but others look like a disaster,” Paynter said.

Logan City Golf Club HAVING a 27-hole golf course is attractive to golfers but when natural disasters like floods occur, it can mean a bigger clean-up bill.

That’s exactly what happened to Logan City Golf Club.

Club director Carl Evans said 23 of 27 greens went under water and there was water across 26 holes,” he said.

We have had two weeks without turnover and that has cost the club around $80,000.

16

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“Damage to the golf course alone will be at least $100,000. Once we have assessed all the damage and loss of revenue it will be around $200,000 all up in damages and turnover loss.

“Our pump system went under and the irrigation system is not working.”

Evans said the club was working overtime to repair the damage.

“We don’t know how the greens will fare in the next few weeks. Obviously, we will renovate the greens. We have to treat for fungicide, then fertiliser, core scarify and sand the greens to make sure they survive.

“We will know more after that. We have been through this before and will get through this one.”

At the time of going to press, members were playing an 18-hole composite course.

Other affected clubs GOLF Queensland CEO Lindsay Ellis told Inside Golf a number of other clubs that had reported significant damage.

They are: • Gayndah Golf Club – entire course flooded, silt on course, some machinery/tools destroyed; • Caloundra Golf Club – structural damage to the clubhouse; • Windaroo Golf Club – 33 per cent of course underwater, eight greens flooded, large deposits of silk on course; • Gainsborough Greens GC – 75 per cent of course under water, silk on course, trees down, bunkers destroyed; • Palm Meadows GC – 25 per cent of course under water, bunkers destroyed, debris on course; • Keperra Country GC – 25 per cent bunker damage, water pump station destroyed, erosion, debris on course; and • Mundubbera GC – three greens and four fairways flooded, irrigation/sprinklers destroyed, debris on course. •

Shark ‘Greg’ goes missing CARBROOK Golf Club’s general manager Scott Wagstaff was a little concerned when floodwaters arrived and virtually flooded the golf course.

Damage to greens and fairways was a major concern, but the thought of losing the bull sharks that reside in Shark Lake was, well, worrying.

In fact, so worried was Wagstaff that he posted a tongue-in-cheek advertisement on the club’s Facebook page.

It read, LOST. One pet bull shark, approximately eight feet in length, grey in colour and answers to the name “Greg”. May bite … reward offered.

At the time of going to press, there hadn’t been any sightings of “Greg” or the other sharks.

“We haven’t found the sharks yet because you can’t see in the water,” Wagstaff said.

“It’s just muddy at the moment so there is no visibility.

“I’ll wait until it clears up and go down and see if they are still there.

“The sharks have become part of the family at the club and it would be terrible to lose this fascinating and remarkable phenomenon that the members have become so proud of.”

According to Wagstaff, the sharks washed into the club’s main dam when the Logan River bust its bank and flooded the golf course in 1996.

“Since then the sharks have been landlocked and have grown up and bred in the healthy ecosystem that now exists,” he said.

“It has been a great source of publicity and marketing for the club.

In recent years, there have been more than 2.2 million YouTube views of the shark

Carbrook’s 9th fairway

video at http://www.carbrookgolfclub.com. au/sharks.php.

They have even had hits from Pakistan.

The Logan and Albert rivers meet at the end of the golf club’s property and the extensive flooding caused by both rivers is equal or worse to that experienced in 1996 – the area’s last major flood event.

“The floods seriously affected three holes (10th, 11th and 12th), which are on the river,” Wagstaff said.

“The rest of the course recovered beautifully so that’s positive.

“We had to close the course for 10 days because the course was completely flooded.”

Wagstaff said the clubhouse and maintenance sheds were unaffected.

“We were pretty lucky in terms of infrastructure damage,” he said.

“It was just the three holes near the river that got a bit of a smashing. Two greens went under waters and they have recovered quite well.

“The 15 holes that are open are in really good condition.”

Carbrook Golf Club now has 18 holes open for play. •

industry news

From the CEO

As you may have seen, the PGA recently said goodbye to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast after 11 years of staging the Australian PGA Championship presented

by Coca-Cola at Coolum. A decision months in the making, the move has been prompted by a number of factors, including a lack of flexibility of dates for the tournament and signage matters. And, while we’re obviously looking forward to a new opportunity for the Championship, we’re also disappointed to be saying goodbye to a community that has so strongly supported the Championship since 2002.

The role of regional communities in the success of tournaments such as the Australian PGA Championship cannot be understated. In the case of Coolum, the support shown for the Australian PGA Championship over the last 11 years was nothing short of world-class, and while we now look forward to building a new home for the Championship, I know many of our PGA Members will continue to return to the region with their families for years to come.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate PGA Member Brian Twite who was recently

honoured by the Governor General, receiving an OAM as part of the Australia Day honours list.

At 87, Brian was recognised for his services to the sport of golf as an administrator and mentor. A PGA Member since 1955, he was the principal Club Professional at the Metropolitan Golf Club until 1994 and throughout his career provided advice to some of the legends of the game including Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.

Whilst spending his career at Metropolitan Golf Club, Brian was also willing to offer his knowledge and skills further afield volunteering at many rural golf clubs.

To be recognised in the Australia Day Honours List is one of the highest acknowledgments for any individual and I sincerely congratulate Brian on behalf of the PGA and all our Members. Brian’s dedication to teaching and his passion for golf is commendable, and we are extremely proud to have an already highly respected PGA Professional honoured in such a way.

Finally, a congratulations must also go to Richard Gallichan of the Manly Golf Club in New South Wales, who recently took out the 2013 Coca-Cola Rich River Trainee Classic by two shots. In its 25 year history at Rich River, the illustrious PGA Trainee tournament has produced some notable winners including Rod Pampling, and we wish Richard all the best with the remainder of his Traineeship. •

Day new face at Ipswich

Paul’s back in charge

Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

THERE has been a changing of the guard at Ipswich Golf Club near Brisbane.

Brett Holdway recently pulled up stumps and Steve Day took over the general manager’s role.

It’s Day’s first foray into the golf industry after managing bowls and football clubs.

“I was managing the Paradise Point Bowls Club on the Gold Coast and arrived at Ipswich just before Christmas,” he said.

“I have been working in clubs for quite a while – that is what I do.

“This is my first golf experience so it’s a bit of a learning curve for me.”

To add to the challenge, Day has had to deal with the recent floods that seriously affected the club.

“The job is hard enough without having to deal with natural disasters,” he said. •

MARYBOROUGH Golf Club (Queensland) general manager Paul Bray is back in the saddle and making every post a winner.

Diagnosed with cancer seven years ago, Bray, a popular figure around the club, left the golf industry to recover and pursue other interests.

“I was at the club for eight years, left for a while and now I’ve been back for the past two years,” he told Inside Golf.

I had cancer seven years ago and had stem cell transplants.

“I went and worked for the radio station for a while and then I was a secretary at a school for 18 months.

“Then the golf club offered me the job back so here I am.

“I have always liked the job and, besides, it’s a great club.” •

Local golf pro takes up new role at Pacific Dunes

Kurt Linde

Pacific Dunes Golf Club has appointed wellknown Newcastle local and pro golfer Kurt Linde as Director of Golf and Membership.

Linde spent 12 years at Belmont Golf Club, including six years as Head Professional, before making the move to Pacific Dunes and says he is excited by the challenge of helping the growing club to move forward.

“Pacific Dunes is the best conditioned course in the region. Nowhere else comes close. And our fee structure is so generous at the moment, it’s the best value in town, so I’m looking forward to helping the club get more golfers in,” said Linde.

Kurt will join the recently appointed Club General Manager, Scot Ranse, as part of the club’s management restructure after it cut ties with Troon Golf. •

Get involved in community coaching in Qld Golf coaching can be an extremely rewarding experience for both the player trying to improve their skills, and the coach assisting in the development of a golfer. Coaches are an integral part of golf, as they often provide the first experience for beginners and are vital in developing golfers of all standards.

The Community Coaching Course is designed for the beginner/intermediate coach and represents a pathway into the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme. The target group includes school teachers, golf club personnel, volunteers, parents and students interested in developing golf within their community.

The course expands on the basic skills of golf.

It also covers the role of the coach, physical and mental preparation, safety, and organisation.

Participants are required to undertake a practical assessment during the coaching course to achieve their accreditation.

• Be a registered teacher • Be a current Level 1, 2, or 3 Coach in any Sport • Have completed the Online Beginning Coaching General Principles Course • Be at least 16 years of age

Pre-requisites:

Visit www.golfqueensland.org.au to find out how you can get involved with Community Coaching. •

To attain full accreditation participants need to be or have one of the following:

Course Dates for 2013:

Golf Queensland State Training Facility at Brookwater • Sunday 3 March • Sunday 21 April • Sunday 14 July • Sunday 20 October

Regional Community Coaching Courses • Saturday 27 April–Rockhampton • Saturday 27 July–Bundaberg • Monday 21 October–Townsville

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Big-hitting Jones ready to shine Bradley Green ed@insidegolf.com.au

GOLFERS love nothing better than seeing their names high up on the leaderboard late in the final round at the world’s biggest tournaments.

For those young players just starting out in the professional ranks, it gives them the confidence to know that their game is good enough to be successful at the elite level.

After a series of strong results on the OneAsia and PGA Tour of Australasia to finish 2012, Victorian Steve Jones is feeling a lot more comfortable when it’s his turn in the spotlight.

Jones posted top 20 results at the co-sanctioned Perth International (T11) and the Australian Open (T14). He also finished tied for eighth in the China Masters.

They were results that caught the eye of some prominent Australian golf commentators such as Brett Ogle and 1991 British Open champion Ian Baker-Finch.

That led to him carrying some pretty high expectations into 2013, but Jones said he’s happy to be earmarked as a player to watch among the next generation of Australia’s emerging talent.

While acknowledging 2012 as a breakthrough year in his career, Jones admitted there were times he started to seriously doubt whether he was good enough to live up to his potential.

“For the first eight months of the year I really battled,” Jones said.

“My game was at such a bad point in the middle of the year.”

After a series of missed cuts, Jones turned to sports psychologist Jamie Glazier to help rid him of the on-course mental demons that were causing his game so much grief.

“My belief system has gotten a lot better,” Jones said. “(And) that’s the main difference between a good golfer and the guys who win – they have that belief that they can win every tournament they tee up in.

“That’s why it was good to play well and finish

Steve Jones at the China Masters (Photo courtesy OneAsia) high up in some of those big events, like the Australian Open. (At the Open) at one stage I was only a couple of shots off the lead starting the back nine on the final day.

“So I felt really comfortable being out there - and it was also good to put some dollars in the bank.

“I’ve gone away from setting myself resultbased goals. I just want to go out every day and do everything that I can to prepare myself mentally and physically to play well.”

Glazier encouraged Jones to compile a complete dossier on his game – making notes after every round listing the good and bad shots that he had played that day along with his thoughts.

“It’s just little things that can build up your confidence so you feel good about yourself,” Jones said.

“Some of the things that I’ve been working on with my coach (Kevin Healey) was also becoming a bit more engrained with me and I’m starting to see the benefits flow through into my game.”

Since he started working with the Gold Coastbased Healey in 2011, Jones’ world ranking has improved by more than 300 places.

He already has one professional victory to his credit, that coming when he played America’s Gateway Tour back in 2008.

Renowned as one of the longest hitters in the country, Jones has won numerous Pro-Am tournaments around Australia.

Speaking to Inside Golf before last month’s Victorian Open at Barwon Heads’ Thirteenth Beach Golf Links, which is located in his home region of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, Jones was confident of breaking through for his first win on home soil sooner rather than later.

“I feel that my game now is in good shape to be able to compete with the top players,” Jones declared.

The 2004 Victorian Amateur champion has come close in a few Tier Two tournaments since turning professional in 2006.

His best result was tied for second at the 2008 New South Wales Open while he’s also posted top five results in the West Australian Open (2009) and the Victorian Open (2011).

He tied for ninth in the 2009 New Zealand Open and was top 10 in the 2010 Moonah Classic, a cosanctioned event with the Nationwide Tour.

After this month’s New Zealand PGA Championship concludes in Queenstown, Jones will head across to OneAsia to play the Thailand Open (March 14-17) and then the Indonesia PGA Championship (March 28-31).

Like many in his position, Jones’ long-term goals are to secure a Tour card overseas.

His 13th place finish on last year’s Australasian Order of Merit is likely to give him exemption into the final stages of qualifying schools for the European and Japanese Tours at the end of the year.

“I’d like to win one of these early tournaments to take the pressure off me so it allows me to be able to go over and have a crack at the qualifying school,” Jones said.

“So I don’t have to stay home and play all the big events in Australia at the end of the year.” •

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on tour

Jiyai Shin clinches Women’s Australian Open in style

Magic 8 is great for Webb

Karrie Webb won the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters for an incredible eighth time and in doing so equalled Sam Snead’s record for most wins of a single tournament.

Snead won the Greater Greensboro Open eight times in a run spanning four decades. Webb first won the event in 1998 and her most recent victory was 2010.

Webb, who started the final round two shots behind teenagers, Su-Hyun Oh and Ariya Jutanugarn, fired a flawless round of five under par 67 to finish at top of the leaderboard at 13-underpar and two clear of the field at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.

On her eighth win she responded “I am very happy, it never gets old when you get a win, what a way to start the year, I’m very happy”.

Three players finished at 11-under-par South Korean Chella Choi (69) and the two teenagers who share the lead in the final round, Australian amateur Su-Hyun Oh (71) and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn (71). American Jessica Korda (71) finished outright fifth, while Australian Stacey Keating (72) was sixth at nine-under-par. Swede Pernilla Lindberg (72) and American Dori Carter (72) were a further shot back and tied for seventh. •

Rolex World Number 8 Korean Jiyai Shin held on to win the 2013 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open by two strokes in front of a packed gallery at Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla.

Shin, a runner-up at the Open in 2008, claimed the first LPGA Tour event of the year after a final round 1-under par 72 to hold off Taiwanese World Number 1 Yani Tseng who fired a closing round 7-under par 66 to finish second.

“I missed a few greens today but my chip shot was great and I had a good up and down out there. And then when I come through the 18th, the green, so many people were down there so I felt it was amazing,” Shin said.

Tseng said she was pleased with her performance and runner-up finish.

“I was always feeling good here and I tried my best today. I think today I got some pretty good lucky bounces too, because I didn’t drive as well like last few days but I got some good bounces, kick on the fairway, hit the tree, bounced to the fairway, so it’s kind of really lucky. To finish 7 under, I’m very happy for whole week,” Tseng said.

World Number 1 amateur Lydia Ko finished with a 3-over par 76 to finish third and was philosophical about her final round.

“Obviously there are points and aspects where I do need to learn. Like, to me, today I think I realised that you know, after a bad hole it kind of carried onto the next hole. Like you can see, Jiyai Shin didn’t really matter what she had on one hole,

Caroline Hedwall

Jiyai Shin

Hedwall wins NSW Open

the next hole it was pretty fresh. So those are the kind of aspects I learnt. You know, I played with some big names out there this week, I was very privileged to play with them,” Ko said.

Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn finished in a tie with Spain’s Beatriz Recari at 13-under par while France’s Gwladys Nocera finished in a tie for sixth with Spain’s Carlota Ciganda at 12-under.

Queensland’s Katherine Hull-Kirk was the leading Australian, finishing in a four-way tie at 11-under par.

Shin, Tseng and Jutanugarn have all earned places in the LPGA Tour’s season-ending CME Group Titleholders tournament in November in Naples, Florida. •

Swede Caroline Hedwall captured her second Bing Lee Samsung Women’s NSW Open title at Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney.

The five-time winner on the Ladies European Tour held off two of the world’s finest young amateurs, defending champion, Lydia Ko from New Zealand and Western Australian Minjee Lee. Hedwall fired a final-round of four-under-par 68 to finish on 13-under par, two shots clear of world No.1 ranked amateur Ko (69) in drizzling conditions.

Australian amateur champion Lee (71), the No.3-ranked amateur in the world, stayed in contention until the 16-year-old incurred her first and only bogey of the tournament after 48 holes and finished on 10-under.

Queensland’s Bree Arthur (68) finished outright fourth a further shot back, with Victorian Stacey Keating (69) rounding out the top five at eight-under-par. Western Australian Kristie Smith (71), New South Wales Emma De Groot (66) and France’s Joanna Klatten (69) all finished at seven-under-par. •

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on tour

I’m due for a win, says Percy David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

FAME and fortune hasn’t yet come to Cameron Percy, a 15-year touring professional whose best career finish on the US PGA Tour was a second place at the 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

The 38-year-old is hoping to turn around his fortunes in 2013 especially after a couple of heartbreak playoff losses.

“Jonathan Byrd had a hole-in-one in the dark on me in the Justin Timberlake playoff,” Percy said.

“The hole before that, he hit it in the bank a foot from going in the water and got up-and-down to stay in the playoff.

“Then he (Byrd) said it was getting dark and we should stop, but I said ‘no let’s keep going’ and that’s when he holed his tee shot for an ace. I hit it in the water and lost.”

Last year, Percy again lost a playoff, this time to fellow Australian Nick Flanagan on the secondtier Web.com Tour.

“Nick bounced one off the cameraman to beat me at the BMW Charity Pro-Am,” he said.

“I reckon I’m due for a win soon. I know I can win – I just need an ounce of luck, but it’s just fantastic to be back on the US PGA Tour.

“That was my number one goal at the start of 2012.”

The Victorian, who is based in North Carolina, achieved his goal when he finished 13th on the Web. com Tour with earnings of more than $256,000.

Percy, whose US career has been split between the US PGA Tour and the Web.com Tour, no longer beats himself up over those playoff losses.

Last year, he played 24 events on the Web. com Tour.

In 2011, he played 12 tournaments on the US PGA Tour and 10 on the secondary tour earning $290,320 and $34,000 respectively.

There is no denying the affable father of three has served his apprenticeship since turning professional in 1998 after winning the Tasmanian Open in 1997 and 1998 and the 1998 Malaysian Amateur.

Other victories include the Victoria and Queensland PGA championships and the Queensland Masters.

Prior to turning professional, Percy was earning $200 a week while working behind the bar at Southern Golf Club.

“The club let me work there and I practised during the day,” he said. “That’s how I saved my money to get on the tour.

“I remember winning $3000 or $4000 at the Australian Masters when I first turned pro and thought ‘this is great’.”

A talented ball-striker, Percy doesn’t hit too many shots wide of the mark.

“I am always there or thereabouts,” he said. “My misses aren’t very wide, which is not always good in America because that’s where they grow all the rough – just off the fairways.”

With a decade of international experience under his belt, Percy is more than comfortable teeing it up with the likes of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

“I am a little bit more used to it now,” he said.

“What is daunting is knowing you have to earn between $700,000 and $800,000 to keep your job.

“The numbers are quite mind-blowing really because the money is so top-heavy. When you are playing well it makes a massive difference if you can finish as high as possible on the leaderboard.”

Percy twice has qualified for the Open Championship – the first in 2003 at Royal St George’s when Ben Curtis won and again in 2010 at St Andrews when Louis Oosthuizen triumphed.

“Qualifying for my first Open Championship in 2003 is a definite career highlight,” he said.

“I missed the cut, but I really enjoyed the experience because I had my wife (Katie) caddying for me. That was a big thrill.

“Playing at St Andrews was an awesome experience because I had my family and friends there. That was pretty cool.”

Australasia’s tournament schedule last year meant Percy was unable to return to play in the Australian Masters.

He wanted to play in the Masters but cited the

Cameron Percy aims to take full advantage of opportunities on the US PGA Tour. three-week break between the Masters and the Australian Open as the rationale for his absence.

“I wanted to come to the Masters, but it would have meant flying to Australia, then flying back to the US to pick up the family to play the Australian Open and the PGA Championship,” Percy explained.

“It just wrecks your body if you fly back and forth.

“I have three kids, one at school, so it’s not that easy to take him out of school (mid-November).

“The players all want to come home and support

the tour, but it’s not always possible,” he said.

Unfortunately, the Percys have no family support in the US, which does put additional pressure on the family.

“I’m away playing 23 weeks of the year and my wife has three boys under the age of six to look after on her own so it’s pretty hard on her.

“I get homesick when I am away. I leave on Sunday and by Wednesday, I am ready to go home,” said Percy, who never leaves home without his laptop.

“Skype becomes old hat after a while.” •

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on tour

Alistair Presnell: living the

American Dream

Alistair Presnell was all smiles at last year’s US Open (Photo: USGA/Dak Dillon)

Garrett Johnston ed@insidegolf.com.au

US PGA TOUR ‘rookie’ Alistair Presnell is beginning to realise his talents in a sport that his late father Ray inspired him to pursue.

The tall and amicable native Melburnian is best known for his immense power, as well as his impressive showing in his first major

championship last year, the 2012 US Open. This event was of extra inspiration as it took place at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, the same place where his father, Ray Presnell, had gone to watch the 1987 Open twenty-five years prior.

Alistair’s performance at the Olympic Club placed him in second position following Friday’s second round of America’s national championship.

He eventually placed in a tie for 29th, a relatively impressive showing for a first-timer.

But what makes the ‘09 Moonah Classic champion tick? What about life and his journey tell the measure of this man?

Inside Golf sat down recently with Alistair as he talked about his passion for golf, life, travel and music.

What’s the journey been like now that you’re here?

It’s fantastic. Every boy dreams of playing on

the PGA Tour and winning the (US) Masters and competing against the Greg Normans and Adam Scotts. It’s fantastic being out here with these guys.

It’s nice being able to walk along the range and there’s Stewart Cink and Phil Mickelson, major winners of this Tour, and being part of it.

You’ve mentioned Greg Norman as an inspiration in the past, what makes you look up to him so much?

Just everything about him, the way he presents himself, the class that he’s got in both victory and defeat. Just the way he presents himself as a human being is outstanding. You never see him blowing up, you never see him quitting, he always looks a million dollars the way he dresses, he’s just a smart individual.

How much of a thrill was it to play in the US Open last year?

It’s always a thrill and a kid’s dream to be able to play in a major. To be able to qualify and just squeeze into it, and then have a terrific caddie like Timmy (Butler) to tell me how the week is all going to unfold and how the course suited my game so “don’t be too worried or horrified”. To go out and perform reasonably well was a fantastic experience.

What are you most looking forward to on Tour?

Every week is exciting and new for me. I haven’t been to these places. Ultimately I’d like to be looking forward to the week that I win, but every week is something to look forward to.

You like seeing the different towns?

Yeah, I live in Phoenix, and I think that San Diego is similar to back at home. It’s got that beach feeling right on the coast. The temperature and climate is very similar too. And New York… there’s everything. If I was a businessman then I would definitely want to be living there. I think it’s just an exciting town, there’s something going on all the time. You could fill up every night going to shows and concerts. You can just spend time wandering around the town looking at the

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on tour

Voice Operated Golf GPS

Presnell gives his sign of approval following a booming drive at The Lakes architecture and the history of the place.

I think it’s a lot of fun and an exciting place. I’ve been there three times. Twice to see the US Open tennis and the other time hanging out with friends and eating at some great restaurants.

You’ve spoken about your love of the US Open Tennis, What draws you so much to that sport?

It’s a game that I grew up playing, I even came over to the States with that sport playing down in San Diego and went to the Tennis Academy there. It’s just a game that when I was a kid I used to love playing. It still is, I guess, with the Australian Open being in Melbourne.

I actually used to be a ball boy at the tournament and still got a great deal of interest in it. I was like twelve or thirteen.

I remember Ivanisovic, Michael Chang, Pete Sampras.

Which Aussies are you close to on the US PGA Tour?

Cameron Percy and Scott Gardiner from the web tour, they’re a bit more on my level. But John Senden and Geoff Ogilvy have been terrific. Greg Chalmers offers any kind of assistance I need. If I need anything then they’re there for me and that’s fantastic to have. Even back in Australia, Chalmers and I played a couple times together, it was very nice of him to offer his assistance and any type of knowledge.

What do you make of your fellow US Tour rookie Scott Gardiner?

He’s hilarious, he’s so thoughtful, such a nice guy, he’s a little different in the way he’s got his hat and sunglasses but I mean, that’s just Scotty. He walks up to his first tournament in Hawaii (Sony Open, where he finished T15) and hasn’t booked accommodations. He walks up the second week in California and

hasn’t booked any accommodation, but that’s just Scotty Gardiner. He’s all ready to go and just stripes it on the first tee. If that had been me I’d be all flustered and worried about where I’m going to sleep, but it doesn’t seem to faze him.

Who in your life do you feel has been most instrumental in shaping your game?

My parents, both mom and dad (Ray and Fiona). Dad was definitely the golfing influence. He’s been gone now for nine years and mom has been fantastic support, she’s stayed strong and she’s supported me 100 percent the whole way.

What changed in your life that ultimately brought you to golf?

A bit of an injury. I’ve got some ordinary feet--the family history with the feet bones. I was doing a little bit of cross country running as well and therefore the pounding on the feet just began giving way and I fractured them a few times. I needed to find something a little less penal on the structure of my feet. My mom and dad played golf so that was kind of the obvious option to keep out of the study.

Why do you enjoy golf so much?

It’s just the challenge. Growing up with my dad he made it a lot of fun playing any game, but golf was his passion. I guess that just dragged me into the game.

We can play it with these guys out here in this pro-am format and it doesn’t matter your standards. It’s no different than going and having a business meeting for five hours or having a luncheon with guys.

If you get along with them then you’re going to have a good time and that’s exactly what we do.

Talk about your other life as an Air Conditioning mechanic I just did the apprenticeship, so that’s a four-year course. I completed that

and it was just to give me some sort of a backing. We don’t have a college system like America. I wanted to have something behind me in case the golf didn’t work out or I got an injury or something, to fall back on.

How about your downtime…What’s on your iPod? Anything from Coldplay to the old stuff with Rod Stewart through to Pink.

It’s no particular beat, it’s rock & roll.

ACDC. I always love hearing those guys.

I don’t seem to hear enough of them on the radio.

Do you play any musical instruments?

As a kid I played a number of things from Piano and trumpet, and even guitar.

I would love to have the talent, but I have no patience for it.

Favorite course in Australia?

I’m a member down at The National, and there are a couple courses down there that I love. It brings me back every time. It’s a little unique but the views are spectacular. As far as golf courses in town I think Kingston Heath. If I could be playing that every day then that would be fine.

Favourite course in the States?

Spyglass. I think it’s got a bit of everything with the tree-lined fairways and down onto the coast. It’s scenic. I think it’s just a terrific golf course.

What’s the best swing tip that you’ve received to this point?

Just to hit within yourself. You can just let the club do the work. Off the tee let the driver shaft just play into your hands, you don’t need to bash it as far as you can.

Just letting the club do the work, it’s the same as in the sand, the club is designed to pop the ball out so you don’t need to try to scoop it out, just swing within yourself. • www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

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on tour

Rebecca’s Olympic dream David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

FORMER swimming great Ian Thorpe might not like the idea of golf returning as an Olympic sport, but Australian professional golfer Rebecca Artis is rapt.

Artis, who plays on the Ladies European Tour (LET), remembers dreaming of representing her country at an Olympic Games.

In his autobiography This Is Me, Thorpe suggested golfers wouldn’t take winning Olympic gold as seriously as winning a major tournament.

“Growing up being a swimmer, I used to love watching the Olympics and used to think ‘I’d love to compete at an Olympics’,” said Artis, who represented NSW at swimming.

Then I started playing golf and used to think ‘I never will get to an Olympics’ (because it wasn’t an Olympic sport).

“But now that golf is in the Olympics, I would love to compete.”

The 24-year-old said she would fulfil a childhood dream if she could compete in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

“If I can go in 2016 I could walk away from my career when it ends saying ‘you know what, I competed at an Olympics’.”

Rebecca Artis (nee Flood) had a stellar amateur career winning the NSW 72-hole stroke and Victorian amateur and represented Australia at the Queen Sirikit Cup and played in Trans Tasman teams.

Inside Golf caught up with Artis, who was born at Coonabarabran, northwest of Sydney, where she spoke openly about growing up a “country girl” and life as a touring professional.

What was it like growing up in country NSW? I really enjoyed it. Nan and Pop had a farm so I spent a fair bit of time on the farm. We did farm work, rode a motorbike and little poddy calves with my four brothers. It was good fun.

TOP TEAM: Rebecca Artis with husband and caddie Geoff Artis at Royal Pines Resort What was your first job?

My parents own a bakery in Coonabarabran and I’d help mum and dad bag hot cross buns at Easter.

How did you meet husband Geoff Artis?

I met him at the Tamworth Westpac Rescue Helicopter charity day his pub was running.

We have been together six years and last month celebrated our first wedding anniversary. Geoff is a good golfer and started a traineeship, but he left and managed pubs for a couple of years. Now he is my full-time caddie.

How did you get started in golf?

Dad took us (my four brothers and I) to junior

golf on a Saturday morning. I was 10 years old and stuck with it.

Was it an easy transition from amateur to professional golf?

I was lucky Geoff travelled with me. I think if I had gone to Europe on my own at such a young age I might have struggled. Having Geoff there meant I could play without worrying about booking flights, accommodation, etc. He does all that. I have also had tremendous support from Golf Australia through their rookie program.

What are your goals for 2013?

I would like to win this year. I have the belief I can win in Europe.

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You came close to winning the Swiss Open last year.

I led for 71 holes and didn’t quite get over the line, but it was nice to be in contention. It gave me a lot of confidence and the belief I can compete in Europe.

Have you thought about switching to the US LPGA Tour?

At the end of the year, I will reassess where I am at and consider going to America or Japan.

I like the thought of Japan because there’s good money, good scheduling and a lot of events. I am based the Gold Coast now so it’s easy to fly in and out of Japan.

What is the best thing about being a pro golfer?

I enjoy the travel and the friendships you make.

I like the lifestyle of being on the road and playing professional golf.

What’s the downside?

I’d say living in hotel rooms and out of a suitcase, but you learn to deal with it. I try not to think about it because it’s part of what I do.

If you weren’t a pro golfer, what would you be doing?

Maybe I would have stuck with swimming.

I would have to work in a sporting field.

At school, I was more into sport than academics.

Maybe if I wasn’t sporty I would have concentrated more on the academics and gone to university.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

My HSC. I spent so much time travelling and playing golf that when it came time to sit exams it was tough and stressful, but I got though.

Do you have any hidden talents?

My Pop taught me to say the alphabet backwards. I can still do it, but I’m not as good as I used to be.

When you are not playing golf, what are you doing?

Living on the Gold Coast I spend time at the beach and have Robina Town Centre and Pacific Fair within 15 minutes. I am a bit of a shopaholic and spend quite a lot of time at the shops. •

The New SRIXON Z-STAR Series delivers greater advances in spin control and softness while improving the flight characteristics that have won high acclaim. Newly developed Spin-Skin Technology enables players to hit short approach shots with plenty of backspin. Newly developed dimples reduce air resistance for improved flight performance, resulting in a strong, longcarrying trajectory that can conquer even strong headwinds and delivers greater flight distances.

Keegan Bradley PGA Champion

Graeme “G-Mac� McDowell US Open Champion

PLAY A BETTER BALL. Z STAR IS THE ANSWER.

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Find out how you can play the new Srixon Z Star for FREE at www.playabetterball.com.au.

business

C’mon, don’t be so anti ‘social’ Mike Orloff

mike@golfindustrycentral.com.au

The term social media is bantered around so much nowadays and most of Clubland is terrified about joining in on the cultural swing we have been experiencing throughout the world.

Consumers are just simply tired of hearing the same ol’ sales pitch, and why you are “so good”. Up to recent times this has been done solely through regular marketing mediums such as newspaper adverts, flyers and websites.

Instead, consumers are now discussing service standards and overall quality of experience online in forums such as iseekgolf.com and posting feedback in a variety of trip, course and Google reviews along with myriad social media sites. They are sharing experiences and providing feedbackgood and bad – with people they know and trust.

Businesses are now checked out well ahead of time prior to a purchase or booking being made.

The feedback they receive from “trusted” third parties carries so much more credibility than the above mentioned “regular” media. Social media is now an interesting and very important part of marketing which most clubs are really unsure on how to manage.

What is social media?

In simple terms, these are websites that don’t just give you information, but interact with you while giving you that information. This interaction can be as simple as asking for your comments or letting you vote on an article. Think of regular media as a one-way street where you can read a newspaper or listen to a report on television, but you have very limited ability to give your thoughts on the matter. Social media,

32

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

on the other hand, is a two-way street that gives you the ability to communicate too.

We all have heard about social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The list of these types of sites is enormous and growing by the day.

Most businesses, clubs included, are now looking to get involved with social media for their respective audiences. A good understanding of your target market is important here as well when deciding which medium to use.

Social media has become very popular as society has changed and we, as consumers, are tired of the one-sided relationships. We want our voice heard, to provide feedback on our experiences, and also to be part of the decisionmaking process.

We now easily get to know people and companies, interact with each other and build relationships. A strong relationship is hard to break and much more valuable to you in the long term.

Clubs are starting to understand the importance and value of this approach and are now budgeting for a greater focus on this part

of their overall marketing. In many cases, the cost for social media is very minor, if anything at all, so return on investment is great.

Two-way feedback

Prior to social media, an unhappy guest would tell 9-10 others. Today, an unhappy guest can easily notify 90, 900, or even 9,000 others about their perception of bad service while they are still experiencing it.

However, by embracing social media, you can turn that bad experience into a positive by utilising the same social mediums to your advantage. Create positive PR online by other readers seeing that you “did the right thing”.

Engagement

“On Facebook, content is king and engagement is queen and she rules the house.” – Mari Smith A leading expert in social media.

With greater popularity than Twitter, LinkedIn and You Tube, Facebook is the leader in social media marketing, according to Social Media Examiner’s 2012 Social Media Marketing Industry Report.

If you want to connect people with your brand or business on any social medium such as Facebook, you have to post great content that engages your audience. If you don’t have information that your readers want to see they will not come to visit you very often or at all. Let them get to know you and start creating a real relationship with them.

One of the main things to know about Facebook is only about 16 per cent of your content is actually being seen by your fans, thanks to Facebook’s Edgerank formula. This is largely determined by how often someone interacts with your page, by liking or sharing a post, or leaving a comment.

To work out your page’s engagement rate, look at the two figures under your page name on your timeline. Take the ‘number of people talking about this’ and divide it into the total number of likes for your page. ‘Talking about this’ is the number of people who have interacted with your page as a rolling seven day total that changes daily.

Check your engagement rate at the same time each week to see how effectively you have engaged with your fan base.

With improved engagement you will get to know your audience much better and you should see increased satisfaction with your members and visitors, ultimately improving growth in your business.

Social media is only one part of your overall marketing strategy. Come on: join in social media and have some fun!

Editor’s note: Share your feedback about this article on our website (insidegolf.com.au), Facebook page (Facebook.com/InsideGolf) or via Twitter (twitter.com/InsideGolf). mike@golfindustrycentral.com.au www.golfindustrycentral.com.au

business

A view to a thrill on the Mornington Peninsula Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

Arguably the most diverse and spectacular golf region in all of Australia (maybe even on the planet), Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula has everything a keen golfer could want: great golf, gorgeous scenery and plenty to see and do.

So it’s no wonder why golfers across the world flock to the region every year.

One of the key drivers of tourism to the area is the Mornington Peninsula Golf Tourism (MPGT) group, a collective of 15 clubs that work together to get more people to play more golf in the region.

“It’s a unique organisation,” explains Nick Sayle, the Executive Officer of MPGT. “It may be the only one in the world where you can get so many clubs working together as a group when, at the end of the day, they are pretty fierce competitors.”

According to Nick, the uniqueness of the organisation is reflective of the region itself.

“The Mornington Peninsula has a huge variety — everything from links courses to Resort courses and everything in between. You can go from paying $25 up to $100+. And plus we’re so compact – if you’re holidaying in Rosebud, you’ve got 19 courses all within a 25km radius. There aren’t a lot of regions in the world that have that many courses in such a confined area.”

Driving tourism in a difficult economy is no small feat, but MPGT has been seeing recent success.

“We work with the tourism bodies and do things like advertising the official visitors guide. And we’re working on a new Golf Map at the moment, which would include the ‘Mornington Peninsula Golf Trail’, which will be a new concept.

Nick Sayle shows off the gorgeous view from Rosebud Park Golf Course, one of the many courses on offer along the beautiful Mornington Peninsula “We’ve also instigated a few major initiatives in recent times, the main one being our annual tournament in May.” The Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic is an annual event that is growing in popularity. Now in its fourth year, the event has expanded from a three-day, 54-hole competition into a four-day, 72hole extravaganza, with a full field of 244 golfers teeing it up last year. This year, the event will be held May 6-9, and played at Moonah Links, St Andrews Beach, Eagle Ridge and Rosebud Country Club – with an optional fifth day at Devilbend Golf Club.

“It’s really grown over the years,” he says. “This year, we’ve added a celebrity dinner, an extra round of golf, plus an optional fifth day of golf and so forth. We’re very pleased with its success.”

While top-rated courses certainly generate a lot of attention on the Peninsula, one of the challenges

for Nick and the group is to also highlight the lowcost, less-famous courses.

“It’s a challenge,” he says,” with such a wide variety of clubs, from the lower-cost public courses, all the way up to The National. The challenge is to market the region and attract people for all those different facilities.”

Luckily, each of these smaller courses offers their own unique brand of enjoyment; a point Nick knows intimately as he is also the Secretary/Manager of Rosebud Park public golf course, a slightly hilly, elevated 18-hole parkland course.

“It’s a fantastic community asset,” Nick says. “The course is challenging for golfers of all standards.

Many holes have magnificent views of Port Phillip Bay, The Heads, City Skyline and Bass Strait. As you get lower, there is a beautiful bushland-type setting, with lots of birds and wildlife in the area.”

Unlike many other courses in the area, Rosebud Park operates on a shoestring budget, with only six full time employees, and no food & beverage operations. The course also doesn’t have members as such; but instead has a yearly “ticket” system for playing rights.

“Tickets for seven-day rights are just $710; fiveday is $570, and we have a fairly unique ‘pay as you play’ option for $330 and then you pay $6.50 for 9 holes and 8.50 for 18 holes. So it’s a good option for people that don’t want to make a large financial outlay.”

In addition, the course has a strong partnership with a local social club.

“Across the road is Carrington Park Club, which is a social club that consists of men’s and ladies’ golf, and they have an agreement with our committee for certain tee times. They are so integral to the course that people often refer to the course as Carrington Park!”

Another unique benefit of the course—which is part of a public parkland— is the large barbecue and picnic areas for groups to cook their own food.

“It’s very popular with social groups, particularly on the weekends. The barbecues are free. They can bring their own food and drinks—and sell them if they like – so it’s a good option for them to raise money if they want. It’s very cost effective for them – low green fees, great golf course, and very low food & beverage costs.”

And like the success of region itself, the future is looking bright for Rosebud Park.

“At the moment, we’re talking to Carrington Park – they have sold their facility across the road and are having discussions with our committee about moving over on to the course and actually creating a clubhouse on the course. It could be great for everybody.”

More www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au, and www.rosebudpark.com.au. •

2014 US Masters Tour on Sale NOW! US Masters 2014 • 3 DAYS at Masters Tournament (extra available on application) 5 star hospitality including breakfast, lunch, canapés, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages throughout the day, live entertainment of an afternoon and evening and dinner • 7 games of golf • Motorised carts and range balls • Golf competitions and prizes • 12 nights luxury accommodation

• Cooked breakfast daily • 3 dinners at Pinehurst ala Carte Restaurants • Golf presentation night, canapés and drinks • Private transfers • Tour guide • Pre-golf clinic and lessons from PGA Professionals • Group airfares with QANTAS available for additional cost • Porterage throughout *Las Vegas and Pebble beach extensions also available extra cost. Masters week only available on request.

For further enquires, additional information and brochures please contact: Stacey Arthur P: 4285 0711 | M: 0402 327 606 E: stacey@itravel-au.com | W: www.itravel-au.com www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

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gear Titleist 913F Fairway Metals

RealXGear cooling towels Need cooling down on course in the summer heat? RealXGear cooling towels will do just that – simply wet them and they stay cool for up to 6 hours. They can be worn around the neck or used to pad yourself down.

Go to www.realxgear.com.au and type in INSIDEGOLF at checkout for a 10% discount.

HDK Golf buggies Since launching in Australia in May last year, HDK has generated a lot of buzz with their top-quality products. Sales for HDK products have been so vigorous that additional stock was ordered to keep up with demand.

According to HDK sales manager, Roger Riddle, their success has been due to good quality at a great price.

“As an industry standard, you would expect to pay over $8,000 for a two-seater but HDK offers a two-seater with an array of accessories as standard, from as little as $6,450. There’s no other golf car on the market that offers such value for money and it’s as simple as that.”

Indeed, the overall package of HDK with its features and accessories has proven to be irresistible to the consumers, and it is one of the most economical and efficient golf cars on the market today.

RRP: SPECIAL: $6,450 inc GST (normally $8250). Three-year warranty, with free freight to selected destinations until stocks run out. www.hdkaustralia.com.au Ph: (07) 55 299499 sales@gcint.com.au 36

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The Titleist 913F is a high performance, classic shaped fairway that delivers long distance and all-around performance from the tee and turf.

Titleist’s patented SureFit ® Tour hosel technology allows loft and lie to be independently adjusted to precisely fit your game. 913F delivers both speed and forgiveness with uncompromised looks, sound and feel.

RRP: $349

Titleist 913F.d Low Spin The Titleist 913F.d Low Spin is a larger, high performance, full pear shaped fairway that delivers long distance with lower spin and a penetrating flight.

Titleist’s patented SureFit ® Tour hosel technology allows loft and lie to be independently adjusted to precisely fit your game. 913F.d delivers distance and forgiveness with uncompromised looks, sound and feel.

RRP: $349

Titleist 913H Hybrids The Titleist 913H is a high performance hybrid that delivers long distance with outstanding ground contact and ball flight.

Our patented SureFit ® Tour hosel technology allows loft and lie to be independently adjusted to precisely fit your game.

913H delivers the proper distance and forgiveness through the range of lofts via a progressive centre of gravity location and progressive offset.

RRP: $319

Nike ONE RZN

Olympic Pro Stand Bag Last year, Underpar introduced a revolutionary and ergonomic sand dispenser integrated into a stand bag. The Olympic Pro stand bag continues to stay at the forefront of carry bag sophistication with its new stylish side pocketing providing four spacious storage pockets. Ultra lightweight comprising of eight pockets, a scorecard and pencil facility, GPS compartment and an integrated putter sleeve. The14 full-length horizontal and vertical dividers provide club organization and protection for the grips and shafts. Included in the substantial number of pockets, there is also a fully insulated cooler pocket with drainage holes. The integrated stand mechanism with triangular nonslip feet provides great balance and stability. A Quick-Fit dual strap system is easily adjusted and provides a very comfortable carry. Other features include a velour-lined valuables pocket to keep your precious items, two Eagle magnetic ball markers and a Velcro glove gripper with towel clip. Available in Black/White. www.underpar.com.au (02) 9417 4055

ONE RZN features the same larger, softer RZN core found in the new Nike 20XI tour ball, but with a slightly different formulation. RZN replaces conventional rubber cores with a highly neutralized polymer that’s faster and lighter, engineered to produce longer distance and more controlled shots.

ONE RZN are available in two versions, ONE RZN and ONE RZN X. With ONE RZN, players can expect to experience longer and straighter shots with softer feel on impact. ONE RZN X will deliver longer, more penetrating shots by generating maximum velocity on impact.

RRP: $49.99

Callaway HEX Golf Balls

Clicgear 3.5+ The new 2nd generation Clicgear 3.5 + model delivers total performance with improvements in cosmetics, brake mechanism, drink holder and storage net. Clicgear has continued their brand philosophy to only use premium components in constructing this evolutionary buggy. The three 30cm diameter oversize wheels provide unsurpassed lightness, stability and balance. The new and improved hand brake mechanism is quick and easy to use.

The oversize drink holder will accommodate larger drink bottles. The increased capacity of the storage net will allow for extra accessories offering instant access. There are new exciting colour options to choose from, including arctic/white, arctic/lime, charcoal/yellow, charcoal/black, blue, arctic/pink, arctic/orange, black, red & charcoal/lime. There are more than 12 high-quality accessories that provide extra comfort and enjoyment . www.underpar.com.au (02) 9417 4055

Callaway introduces three new HEX balls to their product line. The HEX Warbird features a larger, softer core that results in faster ball speeds for maximum distance. The result of a larger core is a thinner cover that enhances feel without sacrificing speed and distance off the tee. Callaway’s proprietary surface pattern has been re-engineered to produce even better low-speed lift for more distance while maintaining the stable, penetrating ball flight that’s a trademark of HEX Aerodynamics. $24 per dozen, available in traditional White or Optical Yellow.

The HEX Diablo promotes lower driver spin so players gain better distance and accuracy from their drives while maintaining the soft feel off the clubface that most golfers prefer. The reengineered HEX Aerodynamics increase lift at low speeds for additional distance while maintaining a proven, penetrating ball flight to hold its line in the wind. $29 per dozen.

HEX Solaire is designed specifically to provide the best balance of long distance, feel and control for women who want to shoot lower scores. The soft, resilient core and HEX Aerodynamics design combine to add carry and distance while the softer cover creates more spin around the green.

Available in a pure white or vibrant pink with a Pearluminous Finish, HEX Solaire brings distinctive flair and a refined, elegant look to any woman’s game. $29 per dozen.

gear Odyssey Versa 7

We tried it!

Cleveland 588 RTX Wedge

Inside Golf was the only Australian golf publication at this year’s PGA Merchandise show in Orlando, Florida.

Over the coming months, we’ll show some of the coolest products we saw. Here are some of the early standouts.

adizero Tour golf shoe

Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

Alignment for putting is critical – being just one degree offline can mean the difference between a drained putt or a dreaded lip-out. The new Odyssey Versa putter features a High Contrast Alignment system that helps solve alignment problems.

The black and white contrast on the putterhead accentuates the face angle at address, through the stroke and at impact. It almost feels like having a T-Square ruler on your putter – ensuring you have a full 90-degree, perpendicular alignment.

The Versa line of putters also debuts an improved White Hot® insert. The new insert has a very soft feel, and extremely quiet sound at impact – probably the softest and most quiet impact for any putter we’ve ever tested. It was so soft and quiet, in fact, that our actual putts felt a lot like we were just making practice swings (you almost don’t hear the impact), which helped our overall consistency. The Versa is available in mallets and blades, with a variety of styles/models. RRP: $219. www.odysseygolf.com/Versa.

Another critical part of golf (which is often

overlooked) is your connection to the ground.

A stable base translates to better consistency and power. And a light, comfortable shoe goes a long way to providing stability and decreasing fatigue.

The new adizero Tour golf shoe from adidas Golf is 38% lighter than the TOUR360 ATV and is specially-designed with ultra-light materials to deliver tour-proven performance without sacrificing stability.

We found the adizero Tour to be extremely light and comfortable, and true to the promise that “it’s like wearing nothing at all”. The shoes made our walking easier, which doubtless translated to more energy throughout the round. We breezed through the 18 holes and, believe it or not, we almost forgot to take them off when we got into the car (They were THAT comfortable). RRP: $199. www.adidasgolf.com.au.

Next up: clothing. Now, let’s face it, nothing makes a statement on the course quite like a pair of plus-fours and the associated historical garb.

And until recently, traditional golf attire has been hard to find in Australia.

So we’ve been rapt to discover GolfKnickers. com, the world leader in traditional golf apparel.

Created and designed by an Italian tailor who has been in the clothing game for decades, they specialise in an expansive line of men’s and ladies’ plus-fours or golf knickers. The company has a full line of matching argyle socks, caps, shirts, bow ties,

and sweater vests -- delivering a complete outfit.

In preparation for my annual “Boys Golf Weekend” last month, I decided to deck myself out in a traditional outfit. So I hopped on to golfknickers.com and placed my order. As far as online ordering systems, golfknickers.com does everything right. The sizes are easy to determine, there are large photos of every item, and the “shopping cart” system is easy and quick. After a few clicks, my order was placed, and I got an instant email confirmation of my order (nice!). One week later (very quick, from the US), my package arrived. The items were individually wrapped in a professional manner, and were exactly as described.

Top marks.

And guess which golfer won ‘best dressed’ for the weekend? (It was a landslide!)

Finally this month, we tested out the new Cleveland 588 RTX Wedge. Sleek and streamlined, these wedges deliver the goods when it comes to short-game scoring. The Rotex Face is Cleveland Golf ’s most advanced spin technology ever, and we certainly see why. We tested a 54-degree in the Black Pearl finish (also available in Satin Chrome) and saw plenty of our shots stop on a dime. The wedge became our go-to club for the few rounds that we tested it, and it did not disappoint. This wedge is suitable for players of all abilities. Available in a variety of loft/bounce combinations. RRP $139.00 www.clevelandgolf.com •

GolfKnickers.com

WIN! One of six Cleveland 588 RTX wedges Inside Golf and Cleveland are giving away six Cleveland 588 RTX Wedges this month.

To enter, simply answer the following:“What are the lowest and the highest lofts available for the new Cleveland 588 RTX Wedge?” (Answer can be found at www.clevelandgolf.com).

Entry forms are available at www.insidegolf. com.au/competitions. Good luck!

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37

gear

The #1 ball in golf just got even better

Adam Scott was the first player to win with the New 2013 Titleist Pro V1 (at The Australian Masters last November).

Proving that “performance is for every player”, Titleist introduces the New Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls.

Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

Improving the world’s top-performing golf ball is no easy task. With a ball as good (and popular) as Titleist’s flagship Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls, you’d think that the R&D department at Titleist would have their work cut out for them to make their best-selling balls even better. But it appears that the team at Titleist may have done just that with the newly-launched 2013 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x.

Titleist began the Tour seeding process in September last year with many Titleist golf ball players around the world putting the New 2013 Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls into play for the first time; among them Titleist Brand Ambassador Adam Scott (New 2013 Pro V1) and Titleist Golf Ball loyalist Luke Donald (New 2013 Pro V1x).

And it’s probably no coincidence that both players chalked up victories in quick fashion on the same weekend in Australia and Japan.

Scott, playing the 2013 Pro V1, posted a pair of weekend 67s on his way to a four-shot victory at the Australian Masters, his third consecutive top8 finish after putting the new ball in play. Donald, playing the 2013 Pro V1x for the first time in competition at the Japan Tour’s Dunlop Phoenix event, opened with rounds of 64-65 and eventually won by five shots.

“I put the 2013 Pro V1x into play for the first time, and won on a tight, demanding golf course,”

said Donald. “From tee to green, I felt I had total control of distance, ball flight and shot shape, and on and around the greens, the ball performed just as I needed in order to shoot winning numbers.”

Scott was equally impressed with the performance of the New 2013 Pro V1 golf ball.

“The new Pro V1 golf ball definitely has a softer feel which is something that I personally like,” he says. “The soft feel, especially around the greens, is where I find the biggest benefit. That’s where you want the touch and the nice feel coming back up off the clubface and into your hands and you can really zero-in on getting it close to the hole.”

Most recently, Titleist Brand Ambassador John Merrick celebrated the performance of his New 2013 Pro V1x, winning last month’s Northern Trust Open on the PGA Tour. In the closing holes of the final round (and during a two-hole playoff) Merrick made some absolutely amazing short-game shots that were no doubt the result of the softer feel and higher spin of the New 2013 Pro V1x around the green.

That same weekend Titleist golf balls players recorded victories on every major tour around the world with South African Darren Fichardt (New 2013 Pro V1) winning the African Open on the European Tour, Bernhard Langer (Pro V1x) The Aces Classic on the PGA Champions Tour, Ji-Yai Shin (New 2013 Pro V1) The Womens Australian Open on the LPGA Tour and Queenslander Brad Kennedy (Pro V1x) winning the Queensland PGA Championship on the Australasian Tour.

So what did the team at Titleist do to improve their already successful ball?

The New 2013 Pro V1 utilises a new, softer compression ZG process core technology for the softest Pro V1 yet. Golfers also benefit from more distance and its Drop-and-Stop™ greenside control.

An improved Urethane Elastomer cover formulation and new paint system have increased the durability of the new Pro V1, making the ball look whiter and brighter for longer. The new cover and paint system also contribute to an aerodynamically more consistent golf ball. In addition, the 352-dimple pattern has five different dimple sizes and three axes of symmetry that help produce a penetrating ball flight that holds its line in the wind.

“This is the softest Pro V1 we’ve ever made,” said Bill Morgan, Senior Vice President, Golf Ball R&D, Acushnet Company.

“Due to the softer ZG process core technology, new Pro V1 has a lower, more controlled flight with lower driver and long iron spin that results in a shallower angle of descent, providing golfers with even more distance. That softer compression also makes this the best-feeling Pro V1 yet and gives golfers an even greater sense of control with shots into and around the green.”

Meanwhile, the New 2013 Pro V1x features a four-piece multi-component design, and utilises a new, very soft ZG process centre within its dual core to maintain lower driver spin for exceptional distance while increasing iron spin for control into the green. Its deep downrange peak trajectory, tight ball flight and proven short game scoring performance make it the most advanced Pro V1x ever.

“Using ZG process core technology in the centre of the 2013 Pro V1x results in a more consistent core hardness and more consistent concentricity,” Morgan said. “Any time you can improve the uniformity of the golf ball, it translates into more consistent oncourse performance for golfers. When golfers have less variation in their equipment, they have the opportunity to improve their performance.”

Both the New 2013 Pro V1 and ProV1x from Titleist are available at a SRP of $69.95 per dozen (also available in High Numbers).

To find out which Titleist golf ball is the best ball for you and help you lower your score, visit Titleist Golf Ball Fitting at http://www.titleist.com. au/golf-ball-fitting/

Tired of strangers grabbing your balls?

Want to avoid awkward situations with your playing partners?

Like hitting each others ball by mistake? Just visit our website at www.thatsmyball.com.au suits you to a tee. There’s heaps of designs to choose from, or you can design your own. Prices start at $14.95 plus postage.

So why not check out our great range of golf ball stamps and accessories online today? Or if you prefer you can phone us on 1300 445 054. And keep your balls to yourself on the fairway.

Now available!

Body Cooler Neck Wraps are now available from www.thatsmyball.com.au. The Body Cooler neck wrap requires no refrigeration and stays cool for up to 3 days. $13.95 plus postage.

38

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 10–18 APRIL 2013

Su Hyun Oh (Vic)

Minjee Lee (WA)

DEFENDING CHAMPION

2013 AUSTRALIAN AMATEUR CHAMPION

WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

Viraat Badhwar (Qld) AUSTRALIA’S NO.1 JUNIOR

Australian Girls’ Amateur 10-12 April; Mount Lawley Golf Club Australian Boys’ Amateur 10-12 April; Pinjarra Golf Club Australian Girls’ Teams Matches 14-16 April; The Western Australian Golf Club Australian Boys’ Teams Matches 15-18 April; Bunbury Golf Club

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gol . w w

GolfAus

fau

lia a r t s

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people

Around the traps with...

Inside Golf’s Michael Green chats with a few celebrities at the recent Jack Newton Celebrity Classic

Damien Oliver

Damien Oliver

When did you start playing golf?

Played a little bit in my late teens but got more serious in my 20s.

How often do you get to play?

Once a week at Huntingdale and also at different courses as part of The Fairway Club, a social group in Melbourne. Wilbur Wilde and John Blackman are members.

Favourite golf club in the bag?

Driver or my 22° hybrid.

Dream foursome?

One of the best days I’ve ever had on the golf course was with Greg Norman, Shane Warne and Andrew Gaze. We played in the Pro-Am at The Heineken Classic at Royal Melbourne. It was one of those days, you just didn’t want it to end.

Best ever score?

Mid-70s.

Michael Hagan Any aces?

One. At the 8th at Keysborough.

Favourite golf course?

Royal Melbourne.

Funniest thing you’ve seen on a golf course?

I was playing with Jimeoin one day and his ball went 150metres one way and his driver head went 150metres the other way. We were at The Heritage and we were looking for his driver head in the long grass and he picks it up, takes a look at it and says, “Nah, that’s not mine” and throws it over his shoulder.

Michael Hagan

When did you start playing golf?

Since the age of 15 but not consistently.

Golfing superstitions?

Try and stick to a routine.

Favourite golf club in the bag?

6-iron Dream foursome?

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els What’s your best ever score?

10-over, 82 Favourite golf course?

Newcastle Golf Club Funniest thing you’ve seen on a golf course?

Mate of mine knocked his ball onto a long par-3 at Charlestown Golf Club and there is always a danger of a crow grabbing the golf ball. The group in front had moved on and next minute this little kid comes from out of the bush onto the green, grabs his ball and took off. Filthy after having this ball for six rounds, he gave him a 200metre start but couldn’t catch him. He was wound up about this for ages. I hadn’t seen that before, that was funny.

Nikki Garrett

Nikki Garrett

When did you start playing golf?

Starting playing at the age of 7 or 8 and had a handicap at the age of 9.

Favourite golf club in the bag?

I love my 54-degree wedge.

Dream foursome?

Jo Wilfred Tsonga, Ryan Gosling, Carl Barron.

Best ever score?

-8 in the 1st round Spanish Open 2012.

Any aces? I have had 3. 1st one when I was 9, one in a practice round and one in a tournament.

Favourite golf course?

I have a few. Cypress point (in Pebble Beach) and Metropolitan are probably top 2.

Funniest thing you’ve seen on a golf course?

I would have to say in South Africa. We were just about to hit, when two large monkeys stopped in front of us and decided to mate. •

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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seniors

Royal Melbourne hosts Australia’s best senior golfers In January, many of Australia’s best senior amateur golfers had a wonderful beginning to the new golfing year with a start in the inaugural 54-hole Royal Melbourne Senior Classic. Over 200 golfers aged 55 and over had entered the event which then required a handicap ballot to reduce the field to 116 senior amateurs on handicaps of 4.7 and less.

Royal Melbourne member and main tournament organiser, Alan Evans, had worked hard with the host club and Golf Victoria to provide a special treat – 18 holes on the West course, 18 holes on the East course and a final 18 on the world-famous composite course. This was a first for an amateur tournament and the large field certainly appreciated the generosity of Royal Melbourne in providing such a magnificent course and tournament.

Accompanied by a week of perfect summer days the world renowned course provided a real challenge with many top-class and lowhandicapped senior golfers struggling with the cavernous bunkers, the tea-tree lined fairways and the famous firm and fast Royal Melbourne greens. Some high scores were recorded as players tried hard but often failed in their efforts to understand this iconic course.

Hailing from the Young Golf Club, 60-yearold Rick Oliver confirmed his status as one of Australia’s leading senior golfers with a 54-hole total of 236 (81-73-82) to finish in a tie with New South Wales compatriot, 65-year-old Denis Dale (80-82-74). Dale, from the Twin Creeks Golf Club, had fired the low round of the day with a two-over 74 to come from 9 strokes behind the leader and gain a place in the play-off.

In previous events, Dale and Oliver had finished in a tie and eventual joint winners of the 2007 Australian Senior Amateur Championship at the nearby Commonwealth Golf Club. They also played in the final of the 2008 Australian

Full-service golf marketing business launches in Australasia Golf Industry Central has launched its specialist golf marketing arm, Golf Marketing Central, expanding its marketing services to claim the title of the only full-service golf marketing company in Australasia.

Golf Marketing Central will assist businesses in the Australian, Asian and New Zealand golf industries to grow their golf market share with creative and timely marketing strategies and campaigns.

According to Mike Orloff, founder of GMC and Golf Industry Central, there is a real demand for golf businesses needing assistance— not just with marketing strategies but also with ongoing support services such as graphic design, PR, advertising and printing needs.

“The industry is crying out for marketing support that is specific to golf. We are perfectly placed to assist them with this as I have specialised in growing golf businesses for my entire career and have been behind many successful golf marketing campaigns.

I understand what needs to occur at the operational level as well as the marketing level,” he said.

“We are the only organisation to provide all the marketing tools to help golf clubs achieve their operational goals, including brochures and newsletters, websites, promotional campaigns, and publicity,” he said. “We become your virtual marketing assistant.”

Mr Orloff, a US and Australian PGA Member, has marketed and managed various levels of facilities from two to five star quality for the past 22 years throughout Australia and the USA. Golf Marketing Central’s current client list includes Golf Queensland, iseekgolf.com, Gary Player Design, and AimPoint Golf.

Visit www.golfmarketingcentral.com.au or contact Mike Orloff, at mike@golfindustrycentral. com.au m: +(61) 415 682 259 •

Rick Oliver (left) with Denis Dale Senior Amateur Matchplay Championship at Barwon Heads GC where Dale was the winner.

The sudden-death playoff commenced on the famous 18th at Royal Melbourne. Oliver hit first and found the middle of the fairway while Dale pushed his drive into rough on the right. Oliver’s approach with a fairway metal was pulled left and into the deep greenside bunker some forty metres from the pin. Dale’s second from a very heavy lie finished about the same distance but short of the green.

Dale pitched well but still had a 4 metre putt remaining as he stood back and watched Oliver play the shot of the tournament–a magnificent long bunker shot to one metre from the hole. When Dale narrowly missed his putt it was Oliver who passed the test of nerves to hole his putt that saw his name etched as the very first on the championship cup.

In his winning speech Oliver was lavish in praising both the course and the tournament organisation and was also pleased to now even the score with his golfing friend and rival.

Spring Valley’s Gary Easte (78-77-83) fired a final round 83 to finish in a tie for third place with the consistent Queenslander Brad Oliver (81-77-80), both finishing two shots behind the winning score. After leading into the final round, NSW senior Stephen Gibson (78-7587) closed with an 87 to finish on 240 and a tie for fifth place with New Zealand’s Michael Barltrop (75-82-83) and Devil Bend’s Robert Burford (84-78-78).

Burford took the honours in the overall handicap section with a 54-hole net total of 231.

The Over 65 division was won by Dale finishing seven strokes clear of his nearest competitor, Yarra Yarra’s Michael Jackson.

The Royal Melbourne Senior Classic will be on again in January 2014 and has very quickly taken its place at the forefront of Australia’s senior amateur events. This year the course was the winner but it is certain that next year many will return to see if they can use the lessons learned to take up the challenge again. •

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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www.thecorporategolfer.com.au

corporate golf

Moonah Links is one of the many top courses that cater to the corporate golf market.

Business Links - Your guide to

in Australia Corporate Golf events are still one of the best ways to reward loyal clients, engage with potential clients, or simply have a fun day out with employees and colleagues. As golf is one of Australia’s highest participant sports, it’s a good bet that the majority of your business contacts will include some golf lovers. And spending 4-5 uninterrupted hours on the course with a client can translate to a better business relationship in the future.

Choosing the right venue, course and service providers is paramount to success. By carefully matching the course to the skill level and preferences of your players – and taking care of all the

Nelson Bay Golf Club

little details and finer points along the way – you can ensure a successful event for everyone.

This month we are presenting our largest ever guide to corporate golf in Australia. We’ve highlighted some of our favourite courses across the nation that will “go the distance” to help your event run smoothly. We’ve also added a few tips and techniques to help you get the most out of running your Corporate Golf Event. Finally, we introduce a great source for getting fantastic tee prizes and golf products for the day, courtesy of our feature sponsor, The Corporate Golfer.

Host of th NSW M e 2013 Ladies M en’s and id-A Champio mateur nships

Enjoy your next Corporate Day at

OxlEy GOlf Club

Corporate Golf Packages from $54 per person* Includes: - 18 Holes of Golf - Shared use of motorised golf cart - Personal Golf Day Coordinator - free function Room Hire - Personalised Cart Signage - Post Golf Scoring - Organisation of On-Course Activities

27 Championship Holes ~ Rated in theTop 50 Courses in Australia for Under $50

Twilight Mid-Week (Mon-fri) Golf Special after 3pm unlimited Holes - $18 per person

Monday Golf Special after 11am 18 Holes - $25 per person

Ideal Venue for your next Wedding, Conference, Function or Celebration Corporate, Competition & Social Golf Available 7 Days (Subject to availability) * Conditions Apply

P 02 4981 1132 E golfclub@nelsonbaygolf.com.au W www.nelsonbaygolf.com

for more information: 290 boundary Rd, Oxley Qld 4075 www.oxleygolfclub.com.au E: golf@oxleygolfclub.com.au P: (07) 3379 6322 www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

43

the corporate golfer

corporate golf

Moonah Links Resort

Melbourne Golf Academy

VICTORIA Melbourne Golf Academy For those looking for a Corporate Golf day that is a bit different, then consider an outing at Melbourne Golf Academy.

Host of the annual Victorian Putting Championships, The Melbourne Golf Academy is one of Melbourne’s premium public practice facilities.

But it is also a great location to host Corporate Events, Meetings, parties and more.

Overlooking the massive 18th hole putting green, the MGA function room caters for groups of 10 -150 guests in stylish and modern surroundings. Their purpose-built private meeting room, professional service and a wide variety of catering options makes the facility a great choice for hosted golf activities, staff meetings and product launches.

Their great staff and fun golf options can result in a spectacular golf day, with a difference.

The 350m practice fairway is long enough for the biggest of hitters to show off their skills, while the 10 target greens give players a chance to fine-tune their long and short irons (or, say, have mini competitions like nearest to the pin, etc). The undercover, private bays have soft-feel practice mats, club racks, drink holders and, best of all, brand-new, shiny range

balls recently put into play. Plus, the range is floodlit at night, allowing you to host your event into the later hours.

MGA also features an impressive short game area, where your event guests can go head-to-head in putting, chipping, pitching and bunker shot competitions.

If you’d like to give your guests some instruction, then the instructors at MGA are top-notch. MGA’s Vaughan Somers, for example, is rated one of the top 50 coaches in Australia. His mastery of identifying a golfer’s “swing personality” has proved to be exactly what some golfers need to turn their game around.

FACT FILE Melbourne Golf Academy Open 7 days a week 385 Centre Dandenong Road Heatherton, Vic 03 9558 3477 www.mgagolf.com.au Contact: Functions & Events Manager Catherine Grogan 0417 694 797 cgrogan@mgagolf.com.au

Moonah Links Resort One of the premier Golf Resorts in Victoria, Moonah Links Resort offers two world-class championship golf courses, each boasting superior course conditions which assure yearround playability.

Since opening in 2003, Moonah Links Resort has achieved global recognition and acclaim having hosted five major tournaments: the 2003 and 2005 Australian Open Golf Championships and the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Moonah Classic.

The Open and Legends courses have been voted the No. 1 and No. 2 Best Conditioned Golf Courses in Australia (2008-2012), respectively.

Complementing the course facilities are a driving range and practice facilities designed to Australian Institute of Sport specifications and one of the foremost elite training facilities in world golf – The Moonah Links Golf Academy – home to Golf Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport elite player development programs. Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, Moonah Links Resort is easy to access for your guests, and provides all the facilities to ensure a successful event. With the largest fleet of motorized golf carts in Victoria, a comprehensive pro shop,

Corporate Golf

On-course food & beverage cart, 89 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, restaurant, spike bar, extensive banquet and conference facilities, day spa and ancillary recreational facilities such as a swimming pool and tennis courts, Moonah Links Resort constitutes one of the finest, most comprehensive Golf Resorts in the country.

In addition, they are currently running a special Corporate Membership offer, featuring great value for money with two nominees plus corporate golf day for 72 players. (See advertisement in this feature). In addition, they are offering two stay and play packages for Inside Golf readers who join before 30 June.

FACT FILE Moonah Links Resort 55 Peter Thomson Drive Fingal, Victoria 3939 Hotel enquiries 03 5988 2000 Golf enquiries 03 5988 2047 www.peppers.com.au/moonah Contact: Stephanie Doodson, Golf Events Manager.

03 5988 2080, sdoodson@moonahlinks.com.au

Now available on Mondays and Thursdays

36 holes of tournament quality golf Qualified PGA Professionals Fleet of over 90 golf carts Full length driving range 280 Accommodation Rooms

Stay and play packageS from $155.50 pp twin Share Pro Shop (07) 4925 2621 • Email: golf@capricornresortgolf.com.au

www.capricornresortgolf.com.au 44

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Monash Country Club 256 Powderworks Road INGLESIDE NSW 2101 (02) 9913 8282 enquiries@monashcc.com.au

www.monashcc.com.au

MOONAH LINKS

LEGENDS COURSE

VOTED NO. 2 BEST CONDITIONED GOLF COURSE IN AUSTRALIA (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012)

NEW CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE Just

$9900 per annum

Join before 30 June 2013 – quote: ‘inside golf magazine’ and receive:

2 STAY & PLAY PACKAGES AT PEPPERS MOONAH LINKS VALUED AT APPROX. $650ea. *These stay & play packages will be offered as prizes for your corporate golf day.

Corporate membership package includes: • • • • • • •

Unlimited playing rights on both the Open and Legends Courses for 2 nominees Discounted guest green fees – currently $50.00 per person per round (maximum of 3 guests per nominee at any one time) Discounted motorised cart hire – currently $30.00 per cart per round Free range balls Eligibility to play in Medallion Member Competitions 10% discount on all purchases in Moonah Links’ Pro Shop (excludes hardware and already discounted items) Handicap management for both nominees

... and in addition to the above: Your corporate membership includes the opportunity to host your own corporate golf day!

•

A corporate golf day for up to 72 players* (includes green fees, shared motorised cart hire and scorecard collation)

*Corporate Golf Days must be scheduled for mid week play within the 12 months of the membership term **Food & Beverage Packages for corporate golf days are available at additional cost subject to menu selection

For further information contact the Moonah Links Membership Team on 03 5988 2047 or email moonah@moonahlinks.com.au

MOONAH LINKS

OPEN COURSE

VOTED NO. 1 BEST CONDITIONED GOLF COURSE IN AUSTRALIA (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012)

the corporate golfer

corporate golf Peppers The Sands Torquay

Peppers The Sands Torquay

At The Sands Torquay on Victoria’s Surf Coast, the team understand how important relationships are with your clients, and The Sands Torquay is the perfect venue to host your next corporate golf day and enhance those relationships.

With an immaculately presented golf course designed by Australia’s own Stuart Appleby, located in the picturesque Surf Coast and running parallel with white beaches, The Sands is an ideal setting for an enjoyable golfing experience for your clients or employees. The course includes five tee positions to cater for all standards of golfer, a strong fleet of 50 electric golf carts to ensure all players travel in comfort while enjoying the day, first-class practice area, fully-stocked pro shop and experienced staff on hand for your every need. This is all complemented by fantastic clubhouse facilities, mouth-watering catering along with friendly and professional service from start to finish.

The Sands Torquay also boasts a fourand-half star, self-rated Peppers hotel with 112 modern rooms, ranging from a studio room to a premier suite. Also with a fantastic health club and 25-metre lap pool for those clients that wish to extend their stay following their round.

The Sands Torquay is a must for any business looking to have a corporate golf day.

FACT FILE Peppers The Sands Torquay 2 The Sands Boulevarde, Torquay Victoria 3228 (03) 5264 3333 www.thesandstorquay.com www.peppers.com.au/sands/ info@thesandstorquay.com Corporate Golf days: Daniel Hyndman, (03) 5264 3316, daniel.hyndman@thesandstorquay.com Conference and Events: Ebony Kirk (03) 5264 3305

Noosa’s only championship golf course ~ 3mins from Hastings Street ~

Accommodation in a luxury two bedroom apartment Full buffet breakfast daily pp Daily Unlimited Golf pp (includes motorised cart) OR Daily Spa Passport pp (2hrs) Complimentary access to 25m heated pool and Fitness Centre Complimentary shuttle bus to Hastings Street available twice daily

$219* Twin Share ~ per person per day $179* Quad Share ~ per person per day Links Drive, Noosa Heads, Qld ~ Phone (07) 5440 3333 resort@noosasprings.com.au ~ www.noosasprings.com.au *Terms & conditions apply. 2 night minimum. Block out days may apply. Excludes peak periods.

New bookings only.

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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

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

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the corporate golfer

corporate golf

Settlers Run Golf & Country Club

Settlers Run Golf & Country Club Lying adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and centrally located, just 40 minutes’ drive from both the Melbourne CBD and the picturesque coastline of the Mornington Peninsula, Settlers Run offers a perfect blend of lifestyle and location.

The Greg Norman-designed championship golf course is the jewel in the crown of Settlers Run. Greg Norman and his design team have worked tirelessly to design and build a golf course that rivals the best in the country. Norman’s international experience, coupled with his intimate

knowledge of the famous Melbourne sand-belt, has enabled him to design a truly wonderful golf course. The 6607 metre, par-72 championship golf course will be a delight to play, round after round.

After a round of golf, golfers can unwind in the lavish surroundings of the architecturally designed Golf and Country Club that boasts an extensive range of beautifully appointed amenities. Members and guests will also enjoy quality dining at Settlers Bar and Bistro as they relax and take in the expansive vistas of the golf course, Melbourne skyline, Dandenong Ranges and Royal Botanical Gardens. The Golf and Country Club also boasts a fully equipped Golf

Shop, Locker Rooms, Gymnasium, 25 metre Pool and Tennis Courts.

The Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, luxurious clubhouse facilities, exclusive access and the Troon experience, all make Settlers Run the ideal venue for your next successful corporate event.

Troon Golf has been managing corporate and group golf outings around the world for more than two decades and has mastered the art of ensuring your corporate golf outing is truly memorable for all involved.

The experienced Settlers Run Corporate Golf team works closely with organizations, to develop a personalized agenda tailored to achieve the

overall objective of the golf event. The world-class golf course, contemporary clubhouse facilities, exceptional service and fine food, all ensure a corporate golf day at Settlers Run is a complete experience that encompasses much more than just a round of golf.

FACT FILE Settlers Run Golf & Country Club 1 Settlers Run Botanic Ridge, Victoria, 3977 03 9785 6072 www.settlersrun.com.au.

BrisBane’s Premier Corporate Golf Venue Situated just 15mins south of the Brisbane CBD, Pacific Golf Club provides a challenging golfing experience for your next corporate event.

Pacific Golf Club provides corporate golf packages to suit your business needs. Our professional event management team will ensure your day is delivered above your expectations leaving you and your guests with fantastic long lasting memories.

For details and information, see the club’s website or email events@pacificgolf.com.au Social Golf memberships are available through the Club’s “Pathway 5” and “Pathway 10” categories where the low annual fee allows you to play 5 or 10 rounds per year – a perfect way to experience the course or periodically bring guests along for a business or social game during the week. See the club’s website for details or email events@pacificgolf.com.au 430 Pine Mountain Road, CARINDALE QLD 4152 Ph: (07) 3343 0888 www.pacificgolf.com.au

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

www.thecorporategolfer.com.au

corporate golf Monash Country Club

NEW SOUTH WALES Monash Country Club

The beautiful Monash Country Club is located on the stunning Northern Beaches of Sydney.

Its picturesque yet tranquil setting high in the hills above Narrabeen is perfect for any golf day.

The clubhouse and course boasts spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean on many holes. This championship golf course can accommodate your corporate, charity or casual golf day on either Monday or Thursday. No matter how small or large your golf day they can cater to your needs.

The course itself can often be described as a “hidden gem” with some of the best greens you will find in Australia. This “hidden gem” is currently undergoing some course renovations to improve the greens, bunkers and layout which

will propel it into the top group of courses in Australia. This renovation is having minimal disruptions to golfers. The renovations allows Monash Country Club to offer a special rate for corporate golf, while giving you the chance to try the new holes.

FACT FILE Monash Country Club 256 Powderworks Road, Ingleside NSW 2101 (02) 9913 8282 Golf Operations Manager: Jonathan Walker (02)9913 8282 ext 105 www.monashcc.com.au jonathan.walker@monashcc.com.au

Golf at Palmer Coolum resort

Oatlands Golf Club

Oatlands Golf Club Oatlands Golf Club is located in the geographical centre of Sydney, a 10-minute drive North East of the Parramatta CBD. Boasting an internationally renowned golf course, Oatlands Golf Club is rich in tradition and history. The course itself is a true test of golf and was recently described on international television by leading golf professional and commentator Brett Ogle as “The best par-70 golf course in Australia”.

The layout, condition and aesthetics of the golf course are testament to Oatlands’ private status and the Club is currently the host of the Bing Lee Samsung NSW Women’s Open. This outstanding venue, surrounded by picturesque bushland will make your corporate day one to remember.

The clubhouse facilities are excellent and include an elegant function room and members’ bar that includes

a panoramic vista of the course. The friendly staff contains a dedicated corporate golf manager as well as a team of professional golfers who are on hand to ensure you and your guests enjoy a great event.

For more information, see the details below, and ask about our “Corporate Golf, $89 Winter Special”.

FACT FILE Oatlands Golf Club Bettington Road Oatlands NSW 2117 www.oatlandsgolf.com.au Lachlan Geeves Operations Coordinator Lachlan@oatlandsgolf.com.au (02) 9630 4444, 0421 493 165

A stunning 18-hole Championship course challenges even the best golfers while still providing plenty of enjoyment for the novice.

Our 72 par, 6137 metre course has been graced by the game’s best including US Masters winner Bubba Watson, British Open winner Greg Norman and Adam Scott. Diverse and exciting, it offers contrasting landscapes, from lakeside holes to manicured fairways that weave their way through native bushland.

People

Availability

9 Holes

18 Holes

8 - 32

Mon - Fr Sat - Sun

$60 pp inc cart $65 pp inc cart

$95 pp inc cart $100 pp inc cart

33 - 60

Mon - Fr Sat - Sun

$55 pp inc cart $60 pp inc cart

$90 pp inc cart $95 pp inc cart

61 - 96

All days

N/A

$85 pp inc cart**

97 - 128

All days

N/A

$75pp inc cart** ** Includes 5 x $15 Nearest the Pin vouchers

Palmer Coolum Resort Warran Road, Coolum Beach T. 07 5449 3366

www.palmercoolumresort.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

49

the corporate golfer

corporate golf Murwillumbah Golf Course

Murwillumbah Golf Course If you want to impress your clients with a hidden gem of a golf course look no further than Murwillumbah Golf Club. Situated just 50 minutes south of the Gold Coast, Murwillumbah has a fullyequipped clubhouse with function rooms and an 18-hole championship course, the perfect venue for your next corporate occasion.

Just far enough away from the congested Gold Coast and Brisbane areas, Murwillumbah Golf Club is truly a hidden gem when it comes to corporate golf. With a brand-new function area that seats up to 100 people overlooking the 1st and 18th holes of the picturesque course, your clients will be more than impressed with this hidden treasure that you’ve invited them to. The club also has catering facilities with excellent Australian and Asian cuisine from the Hot Wok and Grill.

With competitive rates and excellent conference

Pacific Dunes Golf Club

facilities Murwillumbah is the next destination for your event.

The golf course is truly unique and one of the best courses in NSW. Each hole possesses a different challenge with undulating fairways and greens it truly tests your game and makes your day thoroughly enjoyable. The club has 25 electric carts to hire along with an additional 20 push carts.

Whether you’re a once-a-year player or an avid golfer, Murwillumbah Golf Club will satisfy the thirst of anyone.

FACT FILE Murwillumbah Golf Club 233 Byangum Rd Murwillumbah NSW 2484 www.murwillumbahgolfclub.com.au (02) 66 721799

Pacific Dunes Golf Club Pacific Dunes has established a reputation for providing a unique golfing experience on the 18hole championship golf course, featuring two very distinct nines. Ideally situated on a natural sandy base and rolling topography, the course showcases a native woodland backdrop in the opening nine holes and stunning wetland back nine.

Designed by renowned course architect, James Wilcher the layout uses strategic placement of bunkers and water hazards to create a golf course that is extremely playable to the average golfer, whilst still challenging to low handicappers.

Visitors to Pacific Dunes will experience some of the finest playing surfaces in Australia amongst other facilities including The Dunes Restaurant, fully-stocked golf shop and Summer House function facility set as the centrepiece of the $180 million Pacific Dunes Golf and Residential community.

Renowned for its superb playing surfaces and professional services you and your guests will be looked after from start to finish.The dedicated Golf Group Coordinator will take care of all your requirements and preparations for the day, as well as signage and food and beverage requirements to ensure all you have to worry about is your golf game.

Pacific Dunes can cater for corporate groups up to 144 and personalize your day providing you and your guests with services unsurpassed by any other Club with the region. The dedicated events manager can also tailor a package specific to your requirements to ensure you get the most out of the day for your business.

The club’s newly released corporate membership are a great way for businesses to connect with their clients, colleagues and partners by providing both networking and rewarding opportunities for your company.

Great functions at the Melbourne Golf Academy

Hosting your golf day at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club provides a unique opportunity for your special guests to play at this spectacular new Greg Norman designed course

www.mgagolf.com.au Overlooking the 18th hole putting green. The MGA function room caters for groups of 10-150 guests. Offering stylish and modern surroundings.

Great staff and fun golf options - the choice is easy.

Melbourne Golf Academy

Corporate golf bookings available Monday, Wednesday and Friday

385 Centre Dandenong Road, Heatherton

Stonecutters Drive, Colebee NSW 2761 General phone number: (02) 9627 7081 Email: functions@srgc.net.au

Functions & Events Manager - Catherine Grogan 0417 694 797 or cgrogan@mgagolf.com.au

www.stonecuttersgc.com.au

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

www.thecorporategolfer.com.au

corporate golf

Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club

Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club

The planned clubhouse will see 2013 to be an exciting year for Pacific Dunes with the construction of the architecturally-design stateof- the-art Clubhouse overlooking the 1st and 10th tees and fairways. The Clubhouse will encompass a bistro area and bar, lounge areas throughout with adjoining terraces, change rooms facilities, fitted Pro Shop, function and board room facilities catering for all guests needs.

Located in the picturesque Port Stephens region on New South Wales’ lower north coast, Pacific Dunes Golf Club is only 20 minutes to Nelson Bay, 20 minutes to the city centre of Newcastle, and less than 2 hours’ drive to Sydney, making the decision to play the course an easy one.

FACT FILE Pacific Dunes Golf Club Open 7 days a week to the public.

Championship Drive, Medowie, NSW, 2318 (02) 4916 0500 www.pacificdunesgolf.com.au Contact: Jessica McDonald Sales & Marketing Manager (02) 4916 0500 jessicamcdonald@pacificdunesgolf.com.au

Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club Located in the beautiful surrounds of the Nepean Valley, Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club is a unique and breathtaking venue offering a first class golf course, a contemporary club house with modern conference facilities and exceptional service standards.

The Graham Marsh-designed 18-hole championship golf course, set amongst 800 acres of bushland, presents the perfect location for Corporate Golf Days and Team Building activities. Key facilities that make Twin Creeks an attractive corporate destination include a full

turf driving range and practice green, fleet of 60 golf carts, large retail golf shop and on-course beverage cart.

To complement the magnificent rural setting, the beautifully appointed club house features four flexible function spaces with an abundance of natural light that can accommodate a range of corporate events from meetings and conferences to product launches and corporate dinners. The functional breakout area, outdoor terrace and Paperbark Restaurant offers uninterrupted view of the 18th green and provides a wonderful atmosphere to extend corporate hospitality, catering up to 220 guests.

Conveniently located near the major motorways (M4, M5 & M7), Twin Creeks is less than an hour’s drive from the CBD with ample parking for guests.

FACT FILE Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club 2-8 Twin Creeks Drive Luddenham NSW 2745 (02) 9670 8888 www.twincreeksgolf.com.au sales@twincreeks.com.au Function Coordinator: Vanessa Southern (02) 9670 8866 Corporate Events Coordinator: Rachel Crouch (02) 9670 8863

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corporate golf Riverside Oaks

Riverside Oaks Corporate businesses have long recognised the value and business development opportunities a well-organised corporate golf event can attract.

Riverside Oaks offer a complete corporate event package of which thousands have enjoyed over the years, catering from 16 up to 144 players on course with a full fleet of motorised carts.

Each company has unique features and requirements on their day and Riverside Oaks have established a great record in producing successful, memorable and enjoyable golf events. The Par-72 Championship Resort Course provides a beautiful panorama of natural surrounds within an ideal course layout to excite and challenge sponsors and their guests.

Suitable for all golfers-- whether a seasoned club player or social golfer-- Riverside Oaks exceeds the competition for its unique setting in Cattai NSW, adjacent to the Hawkesbury River.

This superb facility offers a Grand Style Clubhouse

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view on arrival as you enter via the tree-lined driveway. With undercover parking onsite, you proceed upstairs to bag drop and Pro shop, where friendly professional staff assist your transfer ready for registration. Each guest’s name is clearly identified on the players’ board, ready for play. Activity on course can be tailored to suit the needs of each company along with signage options, while their friendly coordinators will assist you.

All guests are treated in a professional and friendly manner right from arrival, through to pro shop, restaurant and luxury accommodation. The early start will have you wanting for a little breakfast and a cup of coffee before a player briefing. You are then led out to the start of your golf event.

Following golf, the after-match function--either lunch or dinner--and presentations take place upstairs in the all-glass-fronted dining lounge, a spectacular sight overlooking the entire course and lakes. The perfect conclusion to a wonderful day for guests, sponsors and business partners.

Kooindah Waters Golf Club

FACT FILE Riverside Oaks Golf Resort Address: 74 O’Briens Rd, Cattai NSW Phone: 02 4560 3200 Email: info@riversideoaks.com.au Web: www.riversideoaks.com.au

Kooindah Waters Golf Club Kooindah Waters Residential Golf and Spa Resort is the ideal venue for your next corporate or social group function. The 4.5 star golf and spa resort is located only 90 minutes north of Sydney’s CBD or an easy 60-minute drive south of Newcastle.

Golfers of all levels of ability will enjoy the stunning, par-72 championship golf course, designed by leading Australian golf course architect Ross Watson with input from Club Ambassador,

Craig Parry. Natural wetlands, sleeper retaining walls and bunkering provide a rustic feel.

Managed by Troon Golf, Kooindah Waters Golf Club provides the highest level of service and quality in all aspects of course conditioning and clubhouse amenities.

Kooindah Waters can provide your group with a relaxed and sophisticated environment with a dedicated team member to create the perfect destination for your corporate event including: 18-hole championship golf course and practice facilities, Motorised carts, organisation of on course activities, full registration set up with clothed tables, locker and shower facilities with complimentary towels, welcome announcements and rules explanation, Banner erection and collection, collating of golf day scores with a full winners list provided to the organiser, microphone and lectern upon request for pre and post golf speeches and complimentary post-golf presentation and prize set up with clothed tables

www.thecorporategolfer.com.au

corporate golf Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club

and decorations.

To provide your guests with the ultimate experience, all golf carts are equipped with an esky and ice to keep beverages cool and fresh.

A refreshment cart rotates the course for all corporate golf days, which supplies a variety of food and beverage options.

If you were looking for conference facilities, look no further than Mercure Kooindah Waters.

Catering for small and large conferences and everything in between, Mercure Kooindah Waters offers a wide range of premium conference rooms ranging from their 12-seat executive boardrooms through to a 300-person capacity ballroom.

Featuring 4 function rooms and 2 executive boardrooms, each has natural light and wifi internet access, and several indoor and outdoor dining and breakout areas including golf breakouts tailored to suit all needs.

Fact File Kooindah Waters Golf Club Address: Kooindah Boulevard, Wyong, NSW 2259 Website: kooindahwatersgolf.com.au Email: info@kooindahwatersgolf com.au Phone: 02 4351 0700

Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club

Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club Corporate golf days at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club are a great way to improve your business relationships while enjoying a relaxing and educational golf experience.

Hosting a golf event is considered a standard business practice employed by companies around the world. Providing your guests with a memorable time while being able to discuss important business matters is a unique part of golf that makes it such an important business tool.

Whether you’re entertaining guests from abroad or from a local businesses, you must choose the right golf club in order to impress and satisfy your guests.

Meticulously planned and crafted by Greg Norman and his team, Stonecutters Ridge is a 6,328 metre, par72 course and is surrounded by natural meanderings of Eastern Creek and native bushland. Impressive water features, challenging greens and bunkers to test and dare even the best, Stonecutters Ridge offers a world-class course that will impress.

The team’s experienced Coordinator has gained proficiency in anticipating clients’ needs and will work with you in all stages of the event, including planning, organization, execution and completion with all-round attention to details. Events at Stonecutters Ridge afford a variety of possibilities to suit your schedule and needs.

The perfect venue to mix business with pleasure

FACT FILE Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club Stonecutters Drive. Colebee NSW 2761 02 9627 7081 www.stonecuttersgc.com.au Functions/Corp events manager: Vicki Dunn functions@srgc.net.au

Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club is a golfing oasis at the centre of Sydney.

Since its establishment, the Club has retained key traditions and character whilst embracing significant changes to remain contemporary.

Ryde-Parramatta offers a challenging, manicured golf course, and a magnificent clubhouse nestled in an easily accessible location midway between the city and Parramatta.

The picturesque course includes truly memorable holes and water features, having been designed by

acclaimed Top 100 course architect Ross Watson, and will test any level of golfer.

With GPS-equipped electric carts to smooth the way, a well-stocked proshop, an experienced golf day planner, on-site parking for 200 cars and a variety of great value-for-money packages, Ryde-Parramatta has the perfect combination of course, clubhouse and infrastructure to put on a memorable corporate or charity day.

If you are seeking a superb golf day venue, call in for a tour or a complimentary game with the team’s event planner, who will contribute ideas to help you get more from your day.

FACT FILE Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club 1156 Victoria Road, West Ryde NSW 2114 (02) 9874 4031 Contact: events@rydeparramatta.com.au, golf@rydeparramatta.com.au www.rydeparramatta.com.au

Entertain clients, build new relationships or provide incentives for your staff right here at The Glades Golf Club, located in the heart of the Gold Coast’s resort courses.

Described as one of Greg Norman’s great designs the Glades is the premier location for your next corporate golf experience.

For all your group golf and corporate day requirements look no further than right here at the Glades for your event.

Corporate Golf

Conferences

Corporate Membership

From small corporate and social groups to championship events we can create a unique package specific to your every need.

Jeff Blaszkowski, Sales Manager

Twin Creeks Drive Luddenham NSW 2745 T: 02 9670 8888 E: sales@twincreeks.com.au www.twincreeksgolf.com.au

The Glades Golf Club (07) 5569 1900 M 0459 180 897 Email jeff@theglades.com.au

www.glades.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

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corporate golf

FACT FILE Mercure Capricorn Resort Yeppoon Iwasaki Road Yeppoon Queensland, 4703 Contact: Graham or Andrew: (07) 4925 2621 www.capricornresortgolf.com.au

Links Hope Island Golf Course

Mercure Capricorn Resort Yeppoon

QUEENSLAND Mercure Capricorn Resort Yeppoon

Where else can you experience two worldclass golf courses, a fantastic full-length driving range, two practice putting greens and almost 300 accommodation rooms on site? Capricorn Resort Golf is without doubt regional Queensland’s premier golfing escape destination. Home of one of Australia’s richest Pro-Am golf tournaments, the Pat O’Driscoll Real Estate / Tropical Auto Group Golf Classic is held the last weekend of July and hosts over 200 amateur golfers and almost 100 leading professionals.

The Karl Litten-designed Championship Course is included in the top 1000 courses in the world, whilst the Thompson/Wolveridge, Resort Course sits well inside the top 100 public access courses in Australia.

“I have played on many courses throughout Australia and the world, the back nine on the Championship Course is still the best nine holes of golf I have played and would recommend it to any golfer,” says Graham Sheppard – Golf Operations Manager, Capricorn Resort Golf.

Capricorn Resort has been recognised for many years as a great location for golfing vacations and

corporate golf days alike. The facility has a myriad of services and most recently the courses are now run by two highly experienced PGA Professionals.

Graham Sheppard (Golf Operations Manager) and Andrew Humble (Teaching Professional), these PGA members have over 25 years professional experience between them and ensure that your next visit to the beautiful Capricorn Coast will be enjoyable and a trip to remember.

To arrange your next tropical golfing adventure or to entertain your valuable clients contact in the Capricorn Resort Golf Pro Shop on or visit the website

Located just 20 minutes from Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes from both Brisbane and Gold Coast Airports, Links Hope Island Golf Course is the centrepiece of Hope Island Resort. With its 5-Star facilities and consistent rankings as one of Australia’s top ten resort courses, Links Hope Island is the ultimate destination for corporate and social golf, functions and events.

Your day begins with a friendly welcome from their concierge, and may include a practice session on the aquatic driving range, or a meal on the Legends Terrace. It will then involve some careful strategic thinking while you make your way around the Par-72 course, avoiding the natural and manmade hazards and the 128 challenging pot style bunkers.

The signature Par-3 Hole 17 is a challenge for any golfer and is an experience in courage or folly. At 230m off the black tees and 180m off the whites, most players cannot reach the green due to the prevailing head wind. So one must consider playing this as a par-4 rather than a par-3, but then again, you decide!

Hole 18 provides visitors with a fantastic view and although it may be a long journey “home”, there is plenty to see and avoid. The 18th green is surrounded by bunkers and a hollow out front.

A challenging end, yet it is hoped you’ll not be disappointed.

233 Byangum Road, Murwillumbah NSW • Phone (02) 6672 1799

Home of the Bing Lee/Samsung NSW Women’s Open

89

$

* WiNter

(June - August)

SpeciaL

Breakfast, BBQ Buffet Lunch, Drinks Package for Lunch, Golf and Carts for first 44 players *Conditions apply.

Tel: (02) 9630 4444 lachlan@oatlandsgolf.com.au

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

www.murwillumbahgolfclub.com.au

Golf ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Open Comp - Friday & Sunday Mens - Wednesday & Saturday Ladies - Tuesday & Thursday Veterans - Monday Social golf 7 days Motorised golf carts Golf Academy

ClUBHoUSE ❖ Large function room ❖ Hot Wok & Grill Chinese & Australian resturant

❖ Licenced Bar, TAB & Keno ❖ Brand new function room ❖ Corporate golf packages available on request

www.thecorporategolfer.com.au

corporate golf Pacific Golf Club

Links Hope Island Golf course

Pacific Golf Club

Links Hope Island is the chosen corporate golf venue for several of Australia’s highest profile companies including Mercedes Benz, Lexus, QBE, The Queensland Reds and Ronald McDonald that expect a quality golf day on a world-class course supported by excellent service.

The carts feature the new Golf Pilot GPS system, the first of its type in Australia. The system provides accurate distances from the tee to fairway bunkers, hazards and Out of Bounds including the lay-up distance to any hazard at a glance. There are Pro Tips assisting golfers wanting to know the best way to play each hole.

Of interest for Corporate Golf Day organiser are the various promotional opportunities that can be loaded and run at designated places on the course. Golf Pilot accepts broadcast quality

radio, TV, banner or print ads, all very powerful tools for sponsors.

Corporate Golf Day packages can be custom made based on individual requirements.

The Club welcomes Visitors and there are plenty of opportunities for both corporate and social golfers to enjoy one of Australia’s favourite clubs.

FACT FILE Links Hope Island Golf Course Hope Island Road Hope Island QLD 4212 (07) 5530 9000 www.linkshopeisland.com.au emailgolfmail@linkshopeisland.com.au

Take advantage of golf’s popularity and associate your company with one of Brisbane’s finest golfing facilities.

A corporate golf event is a fantastic networking/social event that provides a special opportunity to build business relationships, enhance company image, improve staff satisfaction and provide awareness of what your company has to offer.

At Virginia Golf Club, the organisation and assistance for your corporate golf day is a complimentary service.

Our team specialise in providing hassle free events with a difference, so allow us to transform your golf day into your best experience ever.

Pacific Golf Club offers corporate players a memorable golfing experience due to the challenging golf course and picturesque surroundings. Players are presented with lush fairways, rolling greens and a championship golf course which is beautifully landscaped and wrapped around the foothills of Carindale. Pacific is just 15 minutes from the Brisbane CBD, but provides a natural and relaxed setting away from the bustle of city life.

The Corporate Golf staff are experts at delivering every amenity needed for your clients to have a golfing experience second to none. Whether it’s just a small gathering of your most respected clients or a full day of fun and excitement for your business associates, Pacific Golf Club also has the facility to cater for pre and post functions from presentation dinners to more informal BBQ settings. Sitting on the hillside above the course, the Clubhouse presents the perfect setting for a fully-catered function where your players can reminisce about their golfing prowess from the day’s play, whilst enjoying a cool beverage and scrumptious meal.

Our golf operations team can assist you with any or all of the following areas: • Designated coordinator organising all aspects of the day • Fully stocked beverage cart • Flexible catering options at the clubhouse • Pre/post catering and beverage tabs organised if required • Names and company logos on golf carts, tailored rule books, information flyers and display signage • Sourcing of personalised golf balls & tees • Team drawsheet and scoring • Optional unique on-course activities • Player registration • Club and shoe hire

Pacific Golf Club offers all the experience of its 75 years as the staff provide you and your clients with a fantastic golfing event. Corporate packages are customised to suit the needs of your Corporate or Charity group, with pricing to match.

To sample this magnificent course at its finest, take part in the monthly Blue Marker Challenge.

Social Play, Adult and Junior golfing memberships are now available for all levels and offer great opportunities to get your children involved in a socially fun outdoor sport.

If you are looking for a reasonably priced, but professionally delivered corporate event, then look no further than Pacific Golf Club.

FACT FILE Pacific Golf Club 430 Pine Mountain Road, Carindale, Qld 4152 (07) 3343 0888. www.pacificgolf.com.au events@pacificgolf.com.au

C G V VIRGINIA GOLF CLUB The course of champions Elliott Road, Banyo 07 3267 6333 www.virginiagolf.com.au

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corporate golf Virginia Golf Club

Virginia Golf Club In 2013 Virginia Golf Club will celebrate its 85year anniversary and underscore its place as one of Queensland’s (or Brisbane’s) oldest and most time-honoured courses. Situated just 20 minutes’ drive from Brisbane CBD and 10 minutes from Brisbane Airport, the Club boasts a championship course and Clubhouse which makes it the perfect place to enjoy a round of golf or hold a special occasion. In recent years Virginia Golf Club has come to be known as ‘The Course of Champions’ with many rising stars honing their skills on the

challenging layout. Not surprisingly it was the platform that launched careers including the echelon of Greg Norman (1972 and 1973) and Wayne Grady (1976 and 1977).

Virginia Golf Club’s Secretary Manager, Nathan Young sums it up perfectly. “When it comes to Corporate Golf, we pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectation by creating exactly the event they wished for and more!

Virginia Golf Club may be home to a magnificent golf course, but its beautiful surroundings and impressive Clubhouse provide endless possibilities when it comes to making memorable events. At

Virginia Golf Club ‘The Best Serving the Best’ is more than a philosophy, it’s THE golden rule.”

FACT FILE Virginia Golf Club Elliott Road Banyo, QLD 4014 Main: (07) 3267 6333 Pro Shop: (07) 3267 7057 www.virginiagolf.com.au golf@virginiagolf.com.au

Oxley Golf Club Oxley Golf Club is the perfect venue to mix business with pleasure, providing a true test of golf and boasting an 18-hole championship golf course and a range of outstanding dining and entertaining options. Oxley Golf Club was the host the 2010 Australian Men’s Interstate Series, so you can be assured that the course is of high quality.

Make your corporate day one to remember with a dedicated coordinator and professional staff all at hand to ensure you and your guests

THE LANDMARK NELSON BAY $200 per person $150 per person

Nelson Bay

$310 per person $265 per person

res@landmarknelsonbay.com.au groups@landmarknelsonbay.com.au www.landmarknelsonbay.com.au 56

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

www.thecorporategolfer.com.au Oxley Golf Club

corporate golf The Glades Golf Club

The Glades Golf Club

have an enjoyable day of golf and hospitality. We recognise your day is very important from both a customer relations and financial point of view, and have the flexibility to ensure that we meet both expectations.

The function room and restaurant facilities all have magnificent views over the golf course.

Complimentary services with all Golf Days at Oxley include a personal Golf Coordinator who organises all aspects of your day including bag drop, pre-event registration, players briefing, oncourse competition and banner services, collation of scorecards and scoring, post-golf presentation as well as all food & beverage services. Oxley also offers practice facilities including a 220-metre driving range, a chipping green and practice bunker and a putting green, all of which are

complimentary to corporate golf groups.

Oxley is dedicated to not only making your corporate golf day a complete success but also a memorable one for both you and your guests.

Oxley can cater for groups from 20 to 144 golfers with supporting bar and restaurant services, with packages starting from $54 per person, including shared use of motorised carts.

FACT FILE Oxley Golf Club 290 Boundary Rd, Oxley QLD 4075 (07) 3379 6322 golf@oxleygolfclub.com.au www.oxleygolfclub.com.au

Boasting the reputation as one of Australia’s prestigious courses, The Glades Golf Club is located right on the Gold Coast. Designed by champion Australian golfing icon Greg Norman, The Glades is a truly a unique golfing experience.

The Glades is conveniently located at Robina and just 15 minutes from Surfers Paradise, 20 minutes from the Gold Coast International Airport and 60 minutes from Brisbane.

The international-standard, par-72 championship course spans 6 hectares of natural waterways and wetlands providing idyllic surrounds with abundant birdlife.

The spectacular Glades Clubhouse offers private loft dining , function rooms, golfers’ lounge, premium stocked golf shop and al-fresco style dining at The Glades Restaurant and Bar. The Glades practice facility offers the highestquality grass hitting surfaces, practice balls and short game area on the Gold Coast. The range is

open 7 days a week.

The Glades Golf Course and its facilities are open to golfers and visitors from anywhere, anytime, to share and enjoy. Electric carts are included in green fees at The Glades.

A full range of memberships are available including corporate memberships. Please contact The Glades directly for more information.

FACT FILE The Glades Golf Club 1 Glades Drive Robina QLD 4226 (From the M1 take exit 79 at Robina.) www.glades.com.au (07) 5569 1900 Jeff Blaszkowski Sales Manager (07) 55691902 M 0459 180897 jeff@theglades.com.au

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corporate golf Palmer Coolum Resort

Palmer Coolum Resort Palmer Coolum Resort, located in the heart of Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast is the perfect venue for your Corporate Golf Day. The resort is set on 150 hectares of bushland at the base of Mt Coolum. The five–star luxury resort provides an idyllic location for your event.

With 324 luxurious suites, diverse facilities and a long history of successfully hosting golf events of all sizes, the team look forward to welcoming you to Palmer Coolum Resort Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, the Par-72 course measures 6137m from the Championship tees. Although not the longest course you will play, the challenging and exciting course offers contrasting landscapes from lakeside holes to manicured fairways that weave their way through native bushland.

Over the years, the course has been graced by the game’s best including current US Masters winner Bubba Watson, former British Open winners Greg Norman and Darren Clarke, USA’s Rickie Fowler, Aussie favourites Adam Scott, Jason Day, Geoff Ogilvy and Robert Allenby, YE Yang and KT Kim from South Korea, Liang Wen Chong from China and many more.

Offering the latest in golf tuition facilities, including a full-swing analysis system, the 250m floodlit Golf Driving Range is the perfect place to warm up prior to the event. Boasting an on-site computerised ball dispenser, the range also includes a large putting green, pitching / chipping green and a practice bunker.

The highly experienced, dedicated and Professional team will make your corporate event one to remember. They recognise the importance of your golf day, both for yourselves and for your guests and guarantee that they will exceed your expectations by ensuring your guests receive a five-star service and enjoy an unforgettable experience at Palmer Coolum Resort.

All of their golf events are tailored to suit your exact requirements. They run each event exactly

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to your needs and with their very own dedicated Golf Co-ordinator, they can arrange everything for you to ensure the perfect day.

With every event, the team at Palmer Coolum Resort provide complimentary services including: your own personal Golf Co-ordinator to arrange and oversee all aspects of your day; Bag Drop with personalised bag tags; Golf Draw and personalised scorecards and cart cards; Pre-Event registration; Players briefing with ‘escort’ to each hole on the course; Longest Drives, Nearest the Pins and novelty hole markers provided; Collecting of score cards and compiling of results; Presentation tables and speaker/microphones provided.

With seven restaurants within the Resort, there is no shortage of ideal venues for your presentation or after-golf meal or function. With several exciting and mouthwatering catering options available, including any specific dietary requirements or needs, their multi-award-winning chefs will create a menu specifically for you to ensure the perfect end to your day at Palmer Coolum Resort.

FACT FILE Palmer Coolum Resort 1 Warran Rd, Coolum Beach QLD 4573 www.palmercoolumresort.com.au Paul Crangle - Director of Golf paul.crangle@palmercoolumresort.com.au Pro Shop: 07 5449 3366 Direct Line: 07 5449 3581 See more online!

For more information on corporate golf days in Australia, visit our website: www.insidegolf.com.au. Or, share your Corporate Golf Day experiences on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ InsideGolf

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the corporate golfer

corporate golf

For a great corporate golf day, don’t forget the gifts and goodies!

For over 50 years, Melbourne-based David Golf has been a household name to golf course superintendents and club managers. The company is Australia’s largest supplier of golf course hardware, practice and range equipment.

With this knowledge and supply chain, David Golf expanded into promotional golf products establishing The Corporate Golfer.

The Corporate Golfer has been one of the leading suppliers of corporate promotional golf products for over 10 years. Sourcing the latest golfing products and accessories for client or staff gifts, rewards and incentive programs, or supplying the perfect corporate golf day packs, The Corporate Golfer works directly with promotional companies to ensure they can deliver a package that suits their client’s needs.

Corporate golf days are the perfect client networking event, involving not only clients but companies to promote their brand, service or product.

With the complete kit of golf promotional products, a golf day can be completely fitted out. There is a lot to think about when preparing a golf day—from logoed golf balls, player’s packs, and prizes for nearest the pins to longest drives, through to place prizes and not forgetting the NAGA award. There is a range of golf accessories from pitch repairers right through to golf bags, travel accessories and apparel to choose from.

Now that you have the players sorted, don’t forget to dress up the golf course. Complete signage packages are available including

logoed flags, sand buckets, tee markers and hole signage discs.

The Corporate Golfer has access to all the big golf brands as well as its own custom-designed range of products, there are items to hit any quantity and budget.

If you’re not sure where to start with your corporate golf day, check out the new corporate golfer website launching on Monday 11th March (www.thecorporategolfer.com.au) for the complete catalogue of products and packages available to make your day a success.

The Corporate Golfer only works directly with the promotional industry to be able to provide innovative and new golfing solutions tailored for the corporate client’s needs.

Contact your promotional company for more details on the range of corporate golfing products available to you.

• Corporate Golf Days • Golf Balls, Tee Gifts, Signage & Prizes • Product Launches • Corporate Gifts • Rewards & Incentives • Unique golf packs - Design your own pack!

For more information, visit www.thecorporategolfer.com.au •

the corporate golfer

RYDE-PARRAMATTA GC

Limited Memberships and Corporate Golf dates now available

Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club boasts a challenging and picturesque Ross Watson designed members golf course . The layout takes full advantage of Archer’s Creek which meanders its way strategically through the course and our intake policy ensures all members are able to enjoy the facilities.

We eagerly await welcoming you to the Club.

To arrange a trial round or to receive a prospective members pack please email subject “Inside Golf Offer” to golf@rydeparramatta.com.au

1156 Victoria Road, West Ryde NSW 60

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

www.rydeparramatta.com.au

ph: +61 2 9874 1204

www.thecorporategolfer.com.au

corporate golf

Top tips to running a successful Corporate Golf Day unthinkable happens and two or more people get a hole in one then all successful golfers will receive the hole in one prize).

Gary Lisbon

Owner & Managing Director of GOLFSelect

Photography of your golf day

In organis ing a corporate golf day, a number of key elements can ensure the success of the day. Get it right and your clients will remember the day for the right reasons. Get it wrong, however, and the time, effort and costs could be wasted.

Here are some ideas to help your golf day achieve everything you want it to and have people talking about it for the right reasons!

A picture tells a thousand words..or so the saying goes. A corporate golf day, being a single-day event, can be easily forgotten after a few days. Employing the services of an experienced golf day photographer (the skill requirement is quite different from normal photographers) can help that memory to be retained and provide you with the opportunity to connect with your clients after the day and provide them with copies of their photos.

The Ideal Venue

When it comes to selecting a venue for your golf day it pays to do your homework. Factors such as location, availability and budget are all important, as are service levels and inclusions.

• Location – is it convenient to your clients? To minimise travel time for your clients, a maximum of one hour driving time from a central point should be used when selecting a course • Availability –courses offer selected days of the week to host corporate days. Depending on your industry a particular day may be more desirable than others. Booking well in advance (up to 12 months) will offer you the greatest range of choices • Budget – Costs vary greatly between courses according to the prestige of the course and level of inclusions. Obtain an accurate quote before making a final decision and compare this to at least two other potential venues.

• Services – many private courses in the southern states tend to be walking courses whereas in QLD and WA most offer motorized carts. Determine if carts are necessary. If walking is required, does the layout of the course lend itself to an easy walk?

The difficulty of the course should be taken into considerations – most “corporate golf day” golfers have moderate ability at best.

The Right Time

Correct timing is key. One wouldn’t consider a golf day in Melbourne in the middle of July whereas further north in Brisbane, July is a perfect time to hold a golf day. Be aware also of holidays such as Easter, Labour Day and different state school holidays, as scheduling events around these times can significantly affect your player numbers.

Most courses will offer either a morning start (typically an 8am shotgun start) or an afternoon start (typically 12:30pm). There are benefits to each and this will be governed by your clients.

Increasingly morning rounds are proving more popular as players arrive early (with less chance of getting caught up at work) and the day finishes at a reasonable time (enabling them to get home to family – or back to work…).

The invitation & RSVP process

One of the more difficult administrative tasks associated with a corporate golf day is the invitation and RSVP process. In addition to sending out the invitation, the collection of data from invitees is time consuming and error-prone.

A proprietary system developed by GOLFSelect has been designed to save time and effort in the administering and managing of your day. GolfDays. com.au provides the organiser with the ability to send personalized, company-branded, golf specific invitations to all invitees.

Prior to the day pre-game confirmation emails are sent (including all golf course information, driving directions, timings, player requirements and more) and a wide variety of reports are available to the organiser for printing prior to the day. A post-game website is automatically created featuring all the results and photos from the day.

Hole in One Insurance

A great way of spicing up your golf day is to put a “hole in one” prize on offer. Recent changes to the amateur status rules means that an amateur golfer can win any prize for a hole in one and still retain their amateur status. This could be a new car, cash prize, golf holiday or anything you like.

Best of all, you can insure the hole in one by paying an insurance premium to cover the risk. Look for policies that offer resintatement (meaning if the

Event Management

Sometimes the organising of your golf day can all become too much. Just as you might outsource the maintenance of your garden or your computer network to an expert, so it is with the organizing of your corporate golf day.

If you want to put your Corporate Golf Day in the hands of an expert, then look no further than GOLFSelect, one of Australia’s most respected corporate golf event managers. GOLFSelect has been successfully organizing golf days for over 15 years throughout Australia, New Zealand and abroad.

Their experience from running hundreds of events will allow you to spend time with the key stakeholders in the process – your clients.

GOLFSelect enjoy long-standing, well established relationships with the vast majority of Australia’s exclusive private golf club and other corporate golf venues and can recommend the most suitable venue for your golf day. They also work with the world’s largest insurer of hole-in-one competitions to provide you with very competitive pricing (in fact, their quotes won’t be beaten).

For more info visit www.golfselect.com.au or www.golfdays.com.au •

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

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instruction

Fix that slice once and for all

Length matters Glenn Whittle

Brent Dale

glenn@whittlegolf.com (02) 9541 4960

At The Ridge where I coach, I have a laminated sign hanging up called “Golf ’s Frustration Cycle”. This cycle has ten points to it and in summary this is what I DO NOT want to achieve with my clients, irrespective of their age or handicap.

It is important to point out that the number one point on the frustration cycle is CLUB LENGTH. Reason being, I want to get each golfer in a good solid starting position (posture) at address, we obviously cannot change the golfer’s body (length of their torso, arms, legs etc) so therefore in my view the only true solution is to set the player’s posture first and their club length second, not vice versa.

In this photo, you can see the iron that I am using is too short and it is negatively affecting my posture; my legs are too bent and my back is too rounded and bent over. You might be asking why you can’t just stand in the correct posture but closer to the ball. The reason is the lie angle of the club simply would not allow good contact with the ball and also the swing plane would be way too upright, not to mention the lack of control.

So the message here is, always get your clubs fitted by a PGA Professional. This way

brent@brentdalegolf.com.au

you will be heading in the right direction and reducing your chances of slipping into the dreaded frustration cycle If you are having any equipment or swing issues, do not hesitate to book a one-on-one lesson or fitting session at The Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range on 02 9541 4960. •

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The 2008 NSW PGA 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

I’m sure most readers that have had a lesson or read books about the swing have come to realize that they have an ‘over the top action’ (getting to the top of the swing and looking like you throw your hands away from the body) which causes the player to cut across the ball, resulting in a big slice that starts way left.

So they set about to fix the ‘over the top action’, only to find themselves starting the ball straighter and hitting a huge slice into the trees, they give up, saying that they can’t be fixed, and go back to swinging it over the top.

What I have found during my teaching is that the brain subconsciously realises that the club is being pulled way to the left (over the top), so a golfer instinctively holds their hands tight and keeps the club face open to avoid hitting the ball left. When the golfer finally starts to fix the swing path (eliminating the over the top action) the hands have been so well trained to stay open that now they are actually now causing the problem rather than fixing it. In addition, gripping the club too tight will make it tough to get rotation of the clubface.

So if you feel like this is your problem, try this: 1. Line the logo of the golf ball up so it’s on the inside; pointing at your right foot.

2. When you make your downswing you need to feel like you are hitting the logo and pushing out to the right more than you normally would.

3. Allow the hands to gently rotate the club face closed (this will feel really closed to you because you have been keeping it open.)

Note: don’t flip your hands. Instead, allow the right forearm to feel like it is slightly overtaking the left forearm.

It’s like hitting a topspin forehand in tennis.

This will generate more “hook spin” on the ball, rather than the slice you are used to.

Even though it may feel like you are pushing to the right and hooking the ball, it will actually come out straight.

So I would suggest practicing this on the range or even just swinging the club at home to help build up the feeling of what your hands have to do in the swing. Then take it to the course and hopefully you will see a straighter shot off the club face. •

Brent Dale is a AA PGA teaching professional available for lessons at Milperra driving Range & New Brighton Golf Club. Full Swing, Short Game and On Course Lessons available. Brent is also TPI Certified. www.brentdalegolf.com.au. brent@brentdalegolf.com.au. 0402 038 227

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63

mental game

Improve your golf by improving your attitude Tiffany Mika

tiffany@theladygolfteacher.com.au

Are you the best possible golfer you can be?

If you are a dedicated golfer, you practise, take lessons, compete on course and perhaps even do flexibility and strength training off course (which is essential to improving your game).

But do you work on your mental game?

Most golfers don’t, unfortunately, and this is where they are let down in a very big way.

We all know that the professional tour pro works on every aspect of their game because it is their career and they are finely-tuned in every area. You should too.

Did you know that you can improve your golf purely by improving your attitude? Too many times I hear “oh, I can’t get over the water” or “I’m not going to play well today”. That’s an attitude!

Not a good attitude, by the way. Of course you are not going to hit over the water or play well because you are already predicting what is going to happen. Unfortunately, few people realise just how much our physical performance is governed by thoughts and emotions.

Dr Denis Waitley, author of “The Psychology of Winning”, concludes that the single most important factor determining success or failure at any task – be it sport, university study, business or whatever – is your attitude.

Just think for a moment about the times when you don’t perform well at golf. Are you focused when you perform your shot? Are the people you are playing with bugging you? Does everything

annoy you? Do you believe in yourself? Are you positive about how you will play? Are you enthusiastic about playing golf? How is your self discipline? What’s your motivation like? How determined are you when you are faced with challenges on the golf course?

If you could be completely honest with yourself, could you acknowledge that you most probably haven’t spent much time on your mental game?

Would you agree that your golfing performance would be much more enjoyable if you learned how to use your mind when playing out on the golf course?

Mental skills and emotional qualities are learnable and are as easy to train and acquire as physical skills. The fact is that all sports are a highly efficient science (the physical training) which leaves a great opportunity to improve the mental and emotional training of the athlete and

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the recreational athlete.

Unfortunately, few people realize the immense power of thought and its effect on our behaviour and performance. To perform at your best, you need to overcome mental obstacles such as lapses in concentration, excessive nervousness, self doubt, self recrimination and poor motivation.

The best performance occurs when the body, mind and emotions are all working in harmony, I call it ‘The Zone”. It’s an amazing feeling. If you have experienced it you know exactly what I am talking about: you can do anything and it all just happens. But how do we get there? It is learning to train your mind. Too often, great effort is spent learning the skills and leaving mental and emotional preparation to chance.

Enter the Sports Psychologist. Most recreational athletes (like club golfers) are reluctant to do any psychological training for their golf. To be honest,

you don’t need “aspirations of being a professional tour pro” to gain enormous benefits from a sports pysch’s guidance.

Wouldn’t you like to benefit from improved concentration, motivation, stress management, attitude reprogramming even a more optimistic outlook? These are the very skills that training your mind can help you develop to overcome the obstacles you are experiencing. If you are repeating the same habits each day and getting the same results each day, shouldn’t you think about taking some steps to overcome your obstacles?

Getting the best out of yourself will not happen overnight. You will need to start spending time working on the golfer you want to be ‘mentally’.

So, yes, you will have to reprogram yourself and, yes, it is going to take some time to do that. If you spend the time on improving your attitude, you will notice a difference in your performance on the golf course.

Here is something to start with: Try this exercise for reprogramming when you are out on the golf course.

1. When you do a poor shot, acknowledge in a detached way that you performed the shot incorrectly.

2. Release it, don’t hold onto the thought.

Imagine your mind throwing away the error.

3. Close your eyes and concentrate on the shot you wanted to play – the perfect shot 4. Ask yourself to do the shot in the correct way the next time. Trust it! And do it! • 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

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instruction

Making golf simple and fun Peter Croker

0415 292 549 www.crokergolfsystem.com

Some of my students asked me why would Chris Beckett and I travel all the way to Orlando to attend the USA PGA Golf Coaching Summit this year? After all, we had just been to our own PGA Coaching and Teaching Summit in the second half of 2012.

The answer is simple: Those who dare to teach should never stop daring to learn–and there was plenty to learn at the 2013 US PGA Golf Coaching Summit.

The Theme was “Where Communication Meets Excellence.” Each speaker presented their slant on what is required to lower the handicaps of their golfing students and have more golfers reaching out for golf instruction and coaching.

650 Golf Instructors attended, and to meet some of the legends in the teaching world was a great thrill for Chris and myself.

Teachers such as Chuck Cook, Gary Wiren (past PGA Educational Director), Michael Hebron (Founder of the USA PGA Coaching Summit), Dr Jim Suttie, Brian Mansella, Mike Adams, Jim McLean, T J Tomasi (Golf Magazine Top 100 Teachers), Dave Stockton, Dr. Stephen Norris, Martin Hall, Joseph Hallett (Coach to Stacey Lewis), and many more were all attending as students still eager to learn and keep up with the trends.

Growing the game through better coaching was never too far away from any of the speakers’ main messages.

Dave Stockton and his son, Ron, were early presenters at the two-day summit. They gave

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

some great coaching ideas on “How to hole putts consistently under pressure” and “How to quiet the mind” on the putting surface. To hear what this “Champion of the Green” had to share was well worth the price of admission.

His “putter head low at the finish” is what we covered in our “Putting Lesson” with Gary Warburton from Nudgee G. C. several months back.

One of the speakers who made a lasting impression on me was Joseph Hallett. He spoke alongside his highly talented student–LPGA Player of the Year and #3 Player on the World Circuit– Stacey Lewis. The harmony between them was great and they shared how they worked on Stacey’s swing and game to remove the weaknesses and build on the strengths.

Earlier in her life, Stacey underwent major back surgery and has a steel rod inserted in her back.

To play at this world-class level is a credit to Joseph’s coaching. He and his father had attended a Croker Golf System School in the late 1990’s and still applies the “CGS Push Technology” to minimize stress on the back with Stacey and all his students.

Stacey trains long hours in her quest to become #1 in the world. Her work ethic is one that all young aspiring golfers would do well to follow.

Another great Instructor to present was Tim Kremer, President and founder of “Spirit of Golf LLC”. I had the privilege to attend a “Short Game School” with Jerry Tucker and Tim Kremer after the Coaching Summit. Tim’s ability to help us become more in control of our “Emotional State” is literally mind blowing. The area of taking charge over your emotional state goes far beyond golf and reaches deep into our daily lives. Tim Kremer is a champion in this area of helping us all become better at golf and other things that we put our heart and soul into.

He is so good that I will bring him here to Australia to deliver his “Magic” to those who

would like to experience golf on a higher level of emotional control. Please contact me via peter@crokergolfsystem.com if you are interested.

It is my belief that to play better and have more fun doing so requires: 1. Understanding and applying correct fundamentals such as grip, stance, takeaway, etc.

2. Properly fitted equipment.

3. A “Target Oriented” Training Program (such as “The Laws of Accuracy” by Sasha Novak).

4. An ability to take charge of your Emotions (such as taught and trained in by Tim Kremer).

The point I want to share with you this month is that a lifetime learning program is a major contributor to how much fun you can have in

your quest to hit better golf shots and become more consistent along the way.

A winning viewpoint:

1. Decide that good golf is easy! (Bad golf may be difficult and confusing) 2. Connect to a golf coach who will help you build a plan and pathway to achieve your golfing goals.

3. Get started NOW! Life is too short to strain and struggle trying to do things you love. If you strain and struggle with golf, you will not LOVE it for long.

Golf is one sport that we all need a coach for.

The time has come for you to get yours.

Enjoy the Hit! •

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

fitness

Improve your stability to improve your golf Richard Nizielski richard@golffitsolutions.com 0438 027 768

In last month’s issue, I outlined several tests for assessing flexibility for golf.

However, this is not the only important aspect of golf fitness to consider when wanting to improve your golf game.

Stability is an important factor to the generation of power through the golf swing. Here are several tests, which can help you determine if your stability (or lack of) is affecting your golf swing.

Single leg standing stability:

Single leg stability is needed to effectively transfer weight from one side of the stance to the other during the golf swing.

To test your one-leg stability: Stand tall, with your arms by your side and slightly away from your body. Raise one leg so your knee is at hip height and your thigh is parallel to the floor. Close your eyes and hold this position for as long as you can.

30 seconds and above is a good score. Lower scores may indicate balance is being compromised and needs addressing.

Trunk stability in both the front and sides of the body will provide support for the spine and increase your ability to generate power when the trunk is in rotation.

Front bridge

Lie on the floor, face down, prop your body up on your elbows, draw your shoulders down and back and engage the muscles around the shoulder joints.

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Place your toes on the floor and raise the hips, lifting the body away from the floor.

Engage the lower abdominals to support the lower back and maintain posture.

Hold this position for as long as you can without losing proper form. <20 seconds = Poor 20-43 seconds = Below Average 44-66 seconds = Average 67-89 seconds = Above Average 90 seconds = Desirable

Side bridge

Lie on your side on the floor. You may wish to use a yoga mat.

Prop your body up on your elbow, draw your shoulder down and back and engage the muscles around the shoulder joint.

Place the feet on top of each other and raise the hips, lifting the body away from the floor.

Engage the lower abdominals to support the lower back and maintain posture.

Hold this position for the required time <15 seconds = Poor 15-32 seconds = Below Average 33-51 seconds = Average 52-69 seconds = Above Average 70 seconds = Desirable

Shoulder bridge

Lie on you back on the floor.

Place you arms across your shoulders.

Place your feet around 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) apart, bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor.

Raise your backside until your shoulders, hips and knees are inline. Raise one foot and extend the leg.

Hold for 10 seconds, attempting to maintain both the hip height and evenness of the hips to the floor. Repeat the exercise with the opposite foot.

Single leg standing stability

Front bridge

Side bridge

Shoulder bridge

If the hip of the raised leg drops below parallel, this indicates a weakness in glute activation and/ or trunk stability.

If you are stable at this level, then move your feet further apart to challenge the stability and activation needed. <5 cm = Poor 5-10 cm = Below Average

11-15 = Average 16-20 = Above Average 21-25 = Desirable Optimum stability will allow greater efficiency of power delivery within the golf swing. The tests shown here may give an indication of whether poor stability is contributing to your swing faults.

Happy golfing â&#x20AC;˘

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

architecture

Getting the ‘band’ together This month, we continue our full start-to-finish coverage of the new golf course at St Andrews Beach.

Ross Perrett ed@insidegolf.com.au

Building a great golf course is a team effort and requires many ingredients–a suitable piece of land, a supportive client, a site-responsive design and a talented construction team.

For the new course at St Andrews Beach, It was decided to set up an in-house construction team to build the course rather than go down the more traditional method of tendering and engaging an external head contractor. It was felt that having our own team would provide greater quality control and more flexibility in the project delivery. Assembling the best possible team is analogous to forming a band in that a variety of skills are required but with an emphasis on achieving the right chemistry and a balance of work ethic, humour and attention to detail.

By necessity, the Golf Course Architect has to play a ‘hands on role’ to oversee the whole construction process. Like a conductor of an orchestra he directs the various machines and activities to create a well-balanced symphony–a giant sand sculpture that will provide an enjoyable and challenging golf experience whilst at the same time is a living canvas and a sustainable landscape. Such lofty ambitions must be matched by a construction team with the appropriate technical skills to deliver the project on time, on budget and to the high quality expected.

The first step was to recruit John Geary as the Construction Manager/Golf Course Superintendent. John is a highly respected Superintendent who lives locally and played a

The team designing and building the new course at St Andrews Beach, on the Mornington Peninsula. similar role in the construction of the adjacent Tom Doak-designed Gunnamatta Course. His knowledge of the site and local conditions made John an obvious candidate for the role but it was his passion for the place that won him the role. John has a gentle nature and is a perfectionist in matters relating to turf and environmental management. As John will be responsible for the ongoing course maintenance it is highly beneficial that he oversees and understands every detail of the course construction.

Securing the services of experienced shapers was the next key role to fill. The site is exceptional and like a wonderful piece of stone, it deserves the best artisans to reveal its inherent beauty. Initially, consideration was given to securing the services of some

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high-profile international shapers, and discussions were well advanced with suitable candidates from Ireland, Canada and the United States. Each had excellent experience and all would bring something special to the task at hand. Given the uncertainty about the starting date for construction, issues with Visas and the availability of local shapers it was decided to back the local lads who were well known to the Course Architect and the Construction Manager. The idea of building something of world class using only Australian labour gathered momentum and it was decided to adopt an ‘Australian Made’ policy. In recent decades Australians have done exceptional things on the world stage particularly in the creative arts–theatre, music, movies as well as our traditional strong suit of sport. Golf

course design and construction should be no different especially given Melbourne’s rich golfing heritage. Ronny Nyhuis who was the lead shaper on the nearby Moonah Links Legends Course and locals Ben Chambers and Brad Willis have committed to the project and are already producing great results using a combination of excavators, dozers, bobcats and hand tools.

A sophisticated irrigation system is fundamental to the success of the project particularly given that the course will be completely grassed with cool season grasses.

Paul Jones and Associates have designed a state-of-the-art irrigation system which was tendered late last year and won by A & M Irrigation. Paul and his trusty engineer Alistair have successfully designed irrigation systems for courses designed by many international architects including finalists in the Rio2016 Olympics Golf Design Competition Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Thomson Perrett, Tom Doak and Robert Trent Jones. Likewise with A &M, who under the leadership of Brendan Graham have installed numerous irrigation systems at prestige courses in the Melbourne Sandbelt and on the Mornington Peninsula including Royal Melbourne and The National.

To support the key specialists, an enthusiastic band of local greenkeepers, tradesmen, nurserymen and labourers have been recruited.

This dynamic hard-working team is ever expanding and is looking more like a football team than a rock band. Key players include Clem, Romano, Glenn, Tim, Jason, Nick, Wills, Adrian, Mark, Mighty Mick, Joel, Brigitte, Michael, Longy, Brenton and Beau.

The above list of participants reinforces the reality that building a golf course involves a large cast. Clear communication and hard work will be essential to enable such an eclectic group bond together to create a cohesive team capable of producing greatness. If they can, the experience will be one to remember. •

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www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

69

people

Son inspires club pro dad to raise $400,000 Chapell said all the money raised came from the club’s charitable members and the local community.

“The fundraising golf day began with a shotgun start ambrose event,” he said.

“Everyone pays an entry fee, goes out to enjoy themselves on the golf course and then come in for a massive auction with up to 60 or 70 items on offer.

“Most or all of the items are donated by the local community and the club’s members.

“A lot of people each contributed a little bit and that created this fantastic goal that we had.”

Sports memorabilia, holidays, dinners, games of golf at private clubs were just some of the items up for grabs when the bidding started.

“It could be anything,” Chappell said. “You name it, we had it. Whatever you wanted we would find it for you and make sure you got it.”

According to proud dad Brett, Luke is thriving since completing his education at Mater Del School.

“He’s 22 now and is going really well,” he said.

“He does a lot of volunteer work in the community working at a different place each day.

“One day he works at a blood bank handing out drinks to blood donors, another day he goes to a pre-school and cuts up the fruit and does a few other chores.

“He also visits old people’s homes and has a yarn with the people there and another day he works at a nursery watering the plants.

“So, he is really busy and is having a ball. We are always trying to keep him active – that’s the secret.”

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

THE telephone call caught Brett Chappell by surprise.

At first, he was, well, lost for words when I called, which may come as a bit of a surprise to those who know him well.

Chappell is the congenial head professional at Antill Park Country Golf Club and it’s fair to say he enjoys a chat.

After all, his business is about communicating with the members and guests.

But Chappell does more than talk – he also walks the walk.

Over a 15-year period, the 50-year-old and his wife Nichola worked tirelessly to raise more than $400,000 through golf fundraising days to support the special needs Mater Del School at Camden and the Chromosome 18 Foundation of Australia.

Their son Luke attended Mater Del School.

“Luke was born with a Down Syndrome-type challenge,” Chappell said.

“Wherever our son’s education has taken him that is where the money has gone.

“We hold a function every second year and bring out genealogists and professors from a specialised college in America.

“They talk to parents whose children have the same challenges our young bloke had.

“Obviously, the parents get together to talk about their life experiences and that sort of thing.”

The Vintage

TOP EFFORT: Brett and Nichola Chappell flank their son Luke.

Chappell has been the head pro at Antill Park for 25 years – half his life.

When he arrived at the club in 1988, he intended only to stay for a few years, but the club’s friendly atmosphere soon changed his mind.

“I thought this would be a stepping-stone to a big Sydney club, but guess what – I’m still here,” he laughed.

I ask Chappell what kept him at Antill Park, which is located 70 kilometres southwest of Sydney.

“The hospitality,” he said. “It’s the friendliest club in the state.”

Chappell arrived at Antill Park after a threeyear stint at Inverell Golf Club in northern New South Wales.

The son of an air force man, Chappell grew up in Richmond.

“I played rugby league like most kids and when I turned 12 my brother Neil, who was a keen golfer, started his traineeship at Windsor Golf Club,” he said.

“I followed him there. I would catch the train from Richmond where my dad was in the Air Force.

“Every day I would go there to practise and

play. I had some success as a junior player so when my brother finished his apprenticeship I started mine.

“I was 16 when I started my apprenticeship at Windsor, qualified at 19 and played the tour for three years with mediocre success.

“I did a bit of part-time teaching at Windsor while I was playing just to keep my hand in.

“Then I looked for a club job and managed to secure the job at Inverell when I was 22 years old.”

Well entrenched in the club’s culture, Chappell intends to keep servicing the club’s 600 members and local community.

When he’s not attending to customers in the pro shop, he’s out on the range teaching all-comers.

“We teach everyone here – from kids, to the more advance and the ladies,” he said.

His teaching philosophy is simple yet effective.

“You have to work with a player to bring out the best in them,” he said. “I don’t go crazy and try to mould everyone’s swing so that they are all the same.

“My aim is for each student to have a good, repetitive swing that will stand up under pressure.” •

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All Players must have a registered Golf Australia handicap. Conditions apply.

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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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

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More information at visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/golf

people

Colour my world David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

IT already has more than 35 per cent of the Korean golf ball market sewn up and now Volvik, sponsors of last month’s Volvik RACV Ladies Masters, has its sights set on the rest of the world.

In just over three years, Volvik chairman Kyung-ahn Moon has turned a company that used to manufacture low-to-medium-priced golf balls into a potential world leader.

I met with Moon at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast and, with the help of interpreter Steven Jeong, asked him how he turned the company’s fortunes around with brightly coloured golf balls.

How did your company come to sponsor the Ladies Masters?

At the time, the tournament was having trouble finding a new sponsor and Volvik was looking for brand expansion internationally. I thought it would be a good idea to get involved in the tournament and raise brand awareness. Since November, when the brand was exposed, I have seen people become more interested in the Volvik brand. I believe it’s had a positive effect.

Do you have any plans to sponsor other events?

We do have plans to sponsor elite amateur tournaments and sponsoring elite players through our Australian distributor CGS, who are promoting Volvik in the region.

What is the company’s philosophy?

My number one priority is making the best golf ball that can be enjoyed by all levels of golfers.

What is the significance of coloured golf balls?

Firstly, people may think that coloured golf balls are for fashion and a visual feature, but it’s more about performance. The performance is the key and colour makes the game more enjoyable. People can become bored playing with white golf balls so coloured golf balls can make playing golf more fun. The balls in other sports like soccer, basketball and volleyball are becoming more colourful and golf should follow the trend. When you play in a group of four with white golf balls, you have to identify your ball by numbering or signature. Volvik makes four different coloured golf balls in a dozen. So, when a group of four play, they play four different coloured golf balls of the same quality and they can easily identify their golf ball. When you play golf, visualisation is important and the coloured ball has the visualisation. You can see the ball better than the white ball.

Coloured golf balls are attractive to women, but can you see men falling in love with them?

I agree coloured golf balls are favoured by women, but as time goes by men will get used to it. At first, men don’t try it but once they try the golf ball they’ll know the performance and visualisation of the ball is better, especially for men over the age of 40. Golf shoes and clothing (apparel) has become more colourful so I think golf has become more colourful and fashionable.

TaylorMade made a white driver and it’s favoured by both men and women and the PING pink driver has become popular with men since Bubba Watson won the US Masters. Pink may be considered a women’s colour, but that’s not the case as Bubba Watson has proved.

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Volvik chairman Kyung-ahn Moon showcases the Volvik brand at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.

What is the difference between Volvik golf balls and other leading brands?

The number one difference is the core. Volvik has patented a dual core, which is different to the others. With the other companies, the inner core is soft and the outer core hard. Volvik’s patented dual core is the opposite with a hard inner core and a soft outer core so it gives a straighter trajectory. To sum up, when you play a twopiece golf ball it gives you distance, but reduces spin control because the core’s compression goes to the core and doesn’t generate too much spin.

To compensate this we, through Korean and US technology, have developed a dual core (hard inner and soft outer) and that adds more distance and the softer outer core give you better feel.

Volvik started in south-east Asia – are you now turning your attention to a global market?

We established in the US last year and showcased the brand at the US PGA Golf Show.

We are doing marketing programs on the LPGA Tour and Symetra Tour and, so far, the marketing has been successful. In the next 12 months, we expect to expand to between 40 and 50 countries worldwide. The ultimate goal is to rival Titleist, the number one golf ball manufacturer in the world. I think the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters has been a good launching pad for the company in Australia.

What is Volvik’s share of the global market?

We have 35 per cent market share in Korea and 15 per cent in China. Globally, we started to expand our market late last year so it’s not significant at the moment. We expect to have five per cent of the US market this year. In 2014, we expect to have five per cent market share

people worldwide. The ultimate goal is to be number one in the world.

You launched the brand at the US PGA Golf Show, what response did you receive?

We surveyed more than 600 people at the US PGA Golf Show and 54 per cent were already aware of the Volvik brand. Twenty-seven per cent of those surveyed were already using the brand and 54 per cent of those intended to use the Volvik ball. We expect 80 per cent are using the Volvik coloured ball.

We also surveyed people who had tried the golf ball and 87 per cent of those surveyed said impact feel was very good and 82 per cent intended to buy the Volvik ball after trialling it.

How many touring professionals are using the Volvik golf ball?

We have 15 players playing Volvik balls on the US LPGA Tour, which is the third most used golf ball on the tour. There are three male players on the Asian Tour, 10 players on the Korean PGA and Korean LPGA and two players are using Volvik balls on the Japan LPGA Tour. We have started sponsoring PGA players this year so it’s expanding.

Any Australian players using Volvik golf balls?

We recently signed an agreement with Lindsey Wright.

How many golf balls are you producing annually?

It’s currently about two million dozen annually.

We are looking to establish a second factory, which should produce 10 million dozen annually.

What is your marketing strategy and how much money do you spend on marketing?

We are doing aggressive marketing worldwide by sponsoring tournaments and players … that is our focus. We are putting 30 per cent of our gross sales into marketing as we have an aggressive marketing strategy. Long term, we expect to reduce that to 15 per cent of gross sales.

How important is golf ball fitting?

Well, club fitting is important because they fit the shaft for a player’s swing speed, but you see amateurs are using the same golf ball as the pros and that is nonsense.

The player should think about their swing speed just as you do with club fitting. The average woman golfer’s swing speed is 75-85mph, the average man is 90+ mph and good golfers it’s 100+ mph.

Volvik has six-to-seven different golf ball categories to suit players by age, swing speed and ability. I think the tradition of people using the same ball as the pros should change.

As I said, there are six or seven different types of golf balls, but we categorise three – the Crystal

and Lady350 (women and senior golfers, ProBismuth and Bismuth (average golfers) and Vista series (advanced and pro golfers).

The Crystal and Lady balls are for people who have less swing speed. The compression is between 75-80 and offers more distance. The Bismuth is for golfers with 90+ mph swing speed and Vista iV is for best players (95-100+ mph swing speed.

If the swing speed is not fast enough, the ball compresses less for women and senior golfers so it maximises its resilience and the ball goes further. Golf ball fitting is important when it comes to getting maximum distance.

How does pricing compare to other brands?

There are some differences, but we are setting the price more expensive than other brands.

Other brands are manufactured in China or Thailand to reduce costs, but we are utilising our own technology and patents. The Volvik

balls are 100 per cent made in Korea – that is the point of difference and why our product is slightly more expensive.

Do you have any other products in the market?

We have caps, bags, gloves and we are expanding the categories.

South Korean women are dominant on the world stage, but not so the men – why?

In Korea, the percentage of males and female golfers is 60-40 in favour of men. Forty per cent for women golfers is quite high and that’s why we have so many good players on tour.

Our traditional culture is sensitive, playing intelligently and our positive characteristics are important in golf. I believe within the next five and 10 years male golfers in Korea will dominate tournaments more than women will because we have plenty of potentially good players coming through the ranks. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

73

pga igi

PGA IGI recognised globally David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

AUSTRALIA is strengthening its reputation as a leading golf industry educator as a steady stream of international students beat a path to the PGA International Golf Institute’s door on the Gold Coast.

According to PGA IGI Dean and Executive Officer Dominic O’Brien, a growing number of Asian and European students are emerging from the program and are taking the knowledge and skills learned back overseas to manage and grow the game in their respective countries.

“The overwhelming trend is most, if not all, international students in our program go home after they graduate to help grow, shape, build and work in their own industries,” O’Brien said.

This year’s program boasts students from China, Burma, Japan, Belgium, Switzerland, Singapore, Finland, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa and, of course, Australia.

“Having a strong international contingent in the program is paramount to the learning experience for both Australian and international students across our one and three-year study options,” O’Brien said.

“The international students add diversity to the student body and clearly inject their culture, which is a fantastic experience whilst studying.

“Secondly, when the graduates inevitably return home and look to establish their careers in golf management, it strengthens the reputation of the PGA as a leader throughout the Asia Pacific region.”

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Duc Pham

Nicole Wong

A number of international graduates are proving to be golf industry assets in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

Singaporean Nicole Wong, who last year completed the PGA IGI program, is now working in her home country.

“With the skills and knowledge gained through the PGA IGI and sports management MBus at Griffith University, I am hoping to be able to help shape and build the game of golf, not only in Singapore, but in Asia,” she said.

“Along with my bilingual language abilities and working experience in the IT industry, I am confident I can help take the golf industry to another level.”

Wong said she found the PGA IGI program a “valuable and rewarding experience”.

“It provides a pathway to various roles in the golf industry,” she said. “It equipped me with the necessary knowledge, trends, practical skills and background information that is necessary to make the right decisions.

“It is such a diverse and dynamic program that leads to various roles within the business of golf.”

Two other graduates, Leon Ang (Singapore) and Charlie Lee (Hong Kong) are currently completing their Professional Year at Royal Queensland and Victoria Park golf clubs respectively.

Ang said his eventual goal was to work in China.

“With the PGA IGI accreditation, I can go over there, help grow the game and at the same time influence the next generation to come here and partake in the PGA IGI program,” he said.

“That will continue the cycle of people being properly trained by the PGA IGI and allow them to take the knowledge back to China.”

Ang said the PGA IGI’s well-structured program combined with Griffith Universities Sport Management major provided him with a more business- orientated mindset.

“Eventually, I want to work in China or Taiwan in a golf operations and development role similar to what PGA Professional Chris Rutherford is doing at Royal Queensland.”

Lee, too, hopes to take his knowledge and skills learned through the PGA IGI program to Hong Kong and China, but first he wants to try his luck as a touring professional.

“When I finish my Traineeship, I will try and get on a tour and play for a few years,” he said.

“Eventually, I will go to Hong Kong to work in the management side of the golf industry.

Because I have a PGA IGI diploma and a degree from Griffith University, it means I can use my knowledge to help the golf industry over there.

Meanwhile, Duc Pham has returned to Vietnam where he is helping grow the game.

“Golf in Vietnam growing like never before and the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA) is helping facilitate that growth,” said Pham, who works for Vietnam Golf Distribution as a Titleist fitting specialist.

“I also work voluntarily for the VGA in the training department and on the rules committee.

I, together with the government, club managers and other PGA Members, want to see the game grow to its full potential.

Pham said the PGA IGI program gave him the confidence and skills to work in the golf industry.

“The course gave me the basic knowledge of sports management, especially in golf,” he said. “The fact that I have been working in the golf industry means I can utilise everything I studied.”

For more information about the PGA International Golf Institute program and its delivery, telephone (07) 5657 6116 or go to the website www.pgaigi.com •

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people

When left is right – the ‘hidden X factor’ Wally Wright ed@insidegolf.com.au

Besides the fact that they are all major championship winners, what do Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Nick Faldo, David Graham and Johnny Miller have in common?

No idea?

The answer is they’re all left-hand dominant but play golf right-handed, which is the ‘hidden X factor’ according to Maitland Golf Club’s, Mike Holden, who has written a fascinating research paper on the subject, titled Two Handed Sports Hidden X Factor.

Like most golf professionals, Mike is a true student of the game, who has seen thousands of swings over his 20-plus year teaching career; ranging from touring professionals to total beginners who don’t even know what side of the ball to stand on. On the rare occasion that Mike encountered the latter, he would always insist they ‘follow whichever side they favoured when they played other two-handed sports like cricket, baseball or softball’. After a few years of using this directive he began to notice a trend amongst the golfers whose top hand on the club was their dominant side.

“These people, even if only new to the game, developed the skills of golf at a dramatically increased rate,” says Holden.

From the late 1990’s to 2010, Mike sporadically researched information on the rates of right and left-handedness, ambidexterity, cross dominance and preference for two-handed sports, all the while assuming that someone, in this age of sports science, would have examined the subject in a comprehensive research paper or thesis.

“In this time I digested many articles and research papers on a range of subjects, however none that I found addressed how people approached one-handed actions as opposed

to actions that required two hands,” recalls Holden.

In August 2010, Mike attended the Australian PGA Srixon Coaching Summit on the Gold Coast, eager to hear golf teaching guru, David Leadbetter, speak on the golf swing and his coaching techniques. He was also interested to hear David’s thoughts on two-handed actions being performed by some players in reverse to their one-handed movements, as was the case with Nick Faldo, one of Leadbetter’s star pupils.

“In open question time with David, in a room with 400 fellow PGA Professionals, I very nervously asked David if he had done any work or had any statistics on elite players who approached golf opposite to their one-handed tendencies,” recounts Holden.

“David’s immediate response was: ‘That’s an interesting question and sort of an open-ended one; you could go on for hours as to what’s the best thing’.

“That one point inspired me to formalise my theories and conduct some intensive research into the subject.”

Mike covers a variety of topics in his paper, including rates on right and left-handedness, how the brain is ‘wired’ for sports and eye dominance.

His hypothesis is succinct and easy to understand unlike so many sports science research papers.

The crux of it being: Sportspeople who approach two-handed actions, reverse to their one-sided tendencies gain an advantage in reflex time and then mechanically also in strength.

Mike clearly states in his research paper that not all his findings are 100% accurate because finding comprehensive statistics on such a topic is very difficult. However, Mike believes only 5% of the population approach two-handed actions in an opposite manner to their general one-handed actions. From his research to date, Mike is adamant that at least 25% of golf ’s major championships

have been won by golfers who were in this 5% - a compelling statistic. Mike’s list of major champions who have the ‘hidden X factor’ includes most of golf ’s greatest players, including “Lefty” Phil Mickelson, who plays golf left-handed despite being right-handed in everything else. Mike’s statistics are also backed up by several thoughtprovoking quotes from well-known players and teachers. For example: Chi Chi Rodriguez was quoted in the Dallas Times Herald in 1987: “I think if you do research you’ll find most of the great golfers were lefthanded.”

Dick Aultman, Golf Digest instruction editor: “There is more or less a direct correlation between improved scoring and the degree that the left side muscles are trained to dominate the backswing.”

Mike’s research paper doesn’t just examine this phenomenon in elite golf, but also cricket and baseball. You only need to look at the Australian Cricket Team this summer to see that Mike is definitely onto something. At one point this summer, six of Australia’s top seven batsmen (Cowan, Warner, Clarke, Hussey, Wade, Hughes) had the ‘hidden X factor’ and the other (Shane Watson), is right-handed when it comes to all aspects of cricket, but writes with his left hand (cross dominant).

Whilst Mike would like to dedicate more time to developing his theories on the ‘hidden X factor’, in the hope of one day presenting his findings at a gathering such as the Australian PGA Coaching Summit, he admits that his work and family commitments will always take precedence over this project.

“I wish I could give this subject more of my time, however I view it more as a life project that I will continue working on, even if only parttime,” says Holden.

“The paper published on the internet is designed to give coaches, mentors, and parents a better understanding of how to advise young players

Maitland Golf Club’s Mike Holden is uncovering intriguing data on golfers who play in ‘reverse’ to their left or right-hand dominance. to approach the two-handed actions.

“I’m currently working on a slight re-write of the original paper with the help of a Lecturer and Researcher from Newcastle University.”

As a golf industry employee, who at one point in time worked in a golf shop with three right-handed golfers who were all left-side dominant, I found Mike’s research paper particularly interesting, and I think you will too.

Two Handed Sports Hidden X Factor is available to read by going to twohandedxfactor.tumblr.com. If you wish to help Mike with his continued research into this subject, please fill out the online survey on his website. •

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junior golf

World-class coaching for Bankstown juniors Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

There is some fantastic work being done around the country with junior golf programs, but it would be hard to find a venue doing more for the kids than Sydney’s Bankstown Golf Club. Under the guise of local identity Ray Harrison, Bankstown has become one of the best organised and most successful Junior Development programs I’ve ever seen.

Harrison has been in and around golf for most of his life, having owned and run “Rays Airport Golf Driving Range” next door the Bankstown Airport in Sydney’s Western Suburbs. For 35 years, Ray helped and encouraged countless aspiring young golf pros, allowing them free use of the range at his facility to work on their games and their coaching. His passion and commitment to the game has been acknowledged twice by the NSW PGA, being awarded the Golden Tee Award for his exceptional service to the industry, but Ray isn’t about to sit back and rest on his laurels.

After getting out of the range in the late 1990’s Ray’s self-imposed obligation to giving kids a pathway into golf needed another facility, and he wisely chose Bankstown Golf Club.

With the help of renowned coach Alex Mercer and a core group of four

young golfers, Ray started the Ray Harrison Junior Golf Foundation in 2001. The program has now grown to 80 youngsters and is increasing every week due to the continued commitment of Ray, Alex and past professional Steve Aerts and current pro, Lee Hunt.

So what drives Ray to continue his work for junior golfers?

“I’ve always felt golf has been a terrific vehicle we can use to keep kids off the street and away from drugs. I also knew there were lots of youngsters who couldn’t afford to

join a club and buy equipment.....I wanted to make sure every junior had the same opportunities,” Ray says.

Ray’s dedication to junior golf has become infectious at the Bankstown club and the surrounding districts.

“We receive donations each year from clubs like Bankstown Sports, Canterbury Leagues and Revesby Workers, plus a huge donation from a local businessman of $100,000. We run an annual junior benefit day, regular sportsman’s lunches and auctions.We even created our own wine label called

the Mercer-Harrison Shiraz. Of course, all proceeds go to our junior development program,” he explains.

Ray’s team has an expert in every field to get the best out of the kids, including golf performance coach HT Tran. Tran is a product of the Titleist Performance Institute of NSW where he studied the physiology of the golf swing and how the individual characteristics of each person need to be looked at differently.

“The four core issues I work on are stability, mobility, flexibility and

strength. We do a screening on each junior and I keep a record of their development. It’s a very rewarding job and I admire the work Ray and the team are doing to teach these young golfers discipline and a set path for life,” HT said.

Professional Lee Hunt is another important member of “Team Ray”.

His knowledge in club fitting and technology is up there with the best in the country and the high-tech fitting facility he has built inside the Pro-Shop is first class.

“It’s particularly important to have juniors using the properly fitted gear as they are constantly growing and improving their actions,” Lee told me.

Ray and his band of helpers have produced some pretty handy players like former world number 1 ranked Junior and now One Asia Tour Player Mitchell Brown, Australian Women’s Amateur Champion Justine Lee, two-time NSW Women’s Open Winner Sarah Oh and a bunch of NSW representatives including brother and sister Kieran and Celina Yuan. Actually, when I asked Ray for a list of notable juniors from Bankstown Golf Club it would have filled this month’s issue of Inside Golf! I have a feeling that list is going to get bigger and bigger very soon.

If you’re interested in being par t of this fantastic Junior Development Program, visit www.bankstowngolf.com.au. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

77

events

Club golfers are the big winners at RACV Ultimate Skins Amateur golfers will compete for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes when the Ultimate Skins event returns to the Gold Coast at RACV Royal Pines from 30 June – 4 July 2013.

Starting back in 1983, Skins tournaments have traditionally been invitation-only events where four of the world’s best PGA professionals have competed for million-dollar prize pools. Tailored for television, the Skins are played over one round of 18 holes. Each hole has its own cash prize that is won by the pro with the lowest score on that hole.

When the best score is tied, the cash jackpots to the next hole and all players are eligible to win.

Par is rarely good enough to win a hole and as such golfers tend to take greater risks in search of birdies and the cash. Excitement builds during the round with escalating cash prizes on each hole, and depending on jackpots, winning a single hole can make you an instant millionaire.

Greg Norman won $1 million in the 2001 LG Skins event.

Gold Coast-based tournament organisers, Go Golfing, have hosted Skins events for club golfers for more than seven years. Such has been their popularity that Go Golfing launched the RACV Ultimate Skins at Royal Pines Resort last year. Teams of two play three rounds of stableford competition on the Ladies Masters championship layout at RACV Royal Pines Resort. The team accumulating

Big winners at 2012 RACV Ultimate Skins Challenge the highest stableford total on each hole over the three rounds wins the prizes allocated to that hole. While there will be no million-dollar payday for club golfers, there is $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

The RACV Ultimate Skins has a minimum prize of $200 allocated to each hole, with some holes worth up to $1,000. Excitement builds when there is a tie for the best score as the

prizes jackpot to the next hole with all of the teams back in the running to win.

Auckland’s Tony Tusa and Lorraine Clark were the big winners at the inaugural RACV Ultimate Skins last year, taking home an incredible $3,400 in prizes. Luck played a huge part in their winnings as Tony averaged just 28 stableford points and Lorraine 30 points over the 3 rounds.

Tony and Lorraine couldn’t believe their luck and the bounty of prizes which included a golf holiday, a $600 shopping spree in the Royal Pines pro shop, $400 Golf World voucher, 2 dozen premium wines and more.

Lorraine was both shocked and overjoyed with the winnings. “It’s amazing, we didn’t play very well at all, but we must have combined

A.C.T. CENTENARY MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT

well on a couple of holes. Some teams scored much better on other holes only to tie and have the prizes jackpot. Luck played a big part in our wins.”

“The Skins is a great innovation and revealing the team scores holeby-hole on the big screen at the end of the day was very exciting. We play for fun and the three rounds on the Ladies Masters layout in sunshine is just golfing bliss. Before we won any prizes we thought the all-inclusive tournament package was tremendous value and were very impressed with the event organisation.”

Go Golfing managing director Peter McCarthy has confirmed some subtle changes to spice up this year’s event. “Each day 3 random holes will be selected and these will be worth double stableford points. Sponsors have been keen to get on board and that translates to even better prizes.”

Mr McCarthy says.

“We already have players from most states and New Zealand confirmed for this year.”

Go Golfing is renowned for running Australia’s biggest and richest tournaments for club golfers, including the Mitsubishi Motors World Masters Golf Championship on the Gold Coast each October for the past 18 years.

Contact Go Golfing for more information on 07 5536 8681 or email info@gogolfing.net.au. Visit the Go Golfing website at www.gogolfing.net.au •

APRIL 2013

The A.C.T. 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.

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.

ITINERARY

Monday 8th April - Gold Creek Country Club

Registration from 10am, BBQ lunch 11.30am, Golf shot gun start at 12.30pm Carts included in entry fee at Gold Creek.

Entries close Sunday 31st March at 5pm.

Late entries accepted if time slots still available

Tuesday 9th April - Gungahlin Lakes Golf with food voucher supplied.

Wednesday 10th April

Rest day for sight seeing or for those keen golfers tee times available at various clubs in the Wednesday competition at the clubs guest green fee rate.

Thursday 11th April - Yowani Country Club Golf with food voucher supplied.

Friday 12th April - Federal Golf Course

ACCOMMODATION Accommodation is still available at Yowani Country Club for approx $130 per night Special accommodation rates also available at Canberra Rex Hotel, Northbourne Ave

COST Four rounds of golf, meals, gift pack and presentation Lunch $380 per player including GST if booking on-line through MiTournament.

Paper or emailed entry $390 Presentation Lunch only for non golfers $55 including GST.

8am shotgun start followed by a presentation Lunch.

ACT Masters Golf Tournament is proudly sponsored by the ACT Government Community Centenary Initiatives fund

Online registration is available through Information about events in Canberra for 2013 can be found on the 78

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

actgolf.com.au

canberra100.com.au website

events

Tri-State Masters turns twenty-one One of Australia’s most unique and prestigious events for A, B and C grade club golfers, is celebrating its 21st anniversary with a massive injection of prizes that will push the total for this year’s tournament past $270,000.

The prize pool includes three Honda Jazz cars as well as fourteen holes which each carry $10,000 in prizes and two others with a prize booty of $20,000.

Based in Victoria’s north-western tourism capital of Mildura, the Tri-State Masters capitalises on its border location by conducting rounds of the tournament in different states.

The Tri-State Masters began in 1993 when local golfing identity, Shane Doherty, spearheaded a plan to attract golfers to the golfing Mecca on the Murray.

Combining competition rounds in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, as well as social rounds and tourism activities, the sixday, holiday-style event has seen more than 5000 entries and 22,000 rounds of golf played since its inception. It also has handed out more than $400,000 in prizes, trophies and gifts to participating players.

This year, entries for the event to be conducted from May 19 to 24, already have been received from New Zealand, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Tasmania and neighbouring regions.

“The Mildura region has the strategic advantage of being home to string of outstanding MurrayRiver-based golf courses, as well as a diversity of sensational tourism experiences,” Mr Doherty said.

“For 20 years, the Tri-State Masters has been drawing these elements together into a fun, threeround Stableford tournament for men and women, added with two social rounds and then capped it off with nightly events including catered river cruise dinners, winery-based restaurants and visits to local attractions.

“Mildura is unique – competitors to play three rounds of the tournament in two different states, but which are situated only 20 minutes’ drive from each other,” Mr Doherty said.

“The third round traditionally has been located just 125km away over the South Australian border.

However, last year we modified that plan to make it more convenient for people to attend the evening functions as a travelling group,” Mr Doherty said.

The format will see the Tri-State Masters host 14 sections for men and women contesting the 54 holes of the tournament. As well as A, B and C grade Stableford events which form the core of the tournament, there also will be A-grade scratch events and special stableford categories for the Over 55 years of age champion and the Over 65 years champion.

The first round will be Monday, May 20 at the Mildura Golf Club Resort followed by Red Cliffs Golf Club on Wednesday with the final round being at the premier golf course on the Murray River, Coomealla on the Friday, May 24.

In-between, there will be optional social rounds including a 4BBB Stableford at Mildura Golf Resort on Tuesday May 22 and a four-player Ambrose at Coomealla on Thursday, May 24th.

Social events include the opening Cocktail Party, a winemakers’ dinner, at the multi-award-winning

Vic Aanensen and his mates relaxing in the spa on the Adventure Houseboat, one of the many prizes for the annual Tri-State Masters Trentham Estate winery, four course dinner at the Rendezvous Restaurant which has been one of Mildura’s leading restaurants for fifty years, a country style golfers’ dinner at Red Cliffs Golf Club and a dinner dance cruising the Murray on the PS Mundoo paddle steamer.

“Fantastic support from an impressive list of sponsors allows us to package the entry fee, three competition rounds of the golf tournament, the opening cocktail party, the final night presentation dinner and a welcome gift pack for just $220 for players and $69 for non-playing partners,” Doherty said.

“It’s fantastic to have such strong support for the event, but it’s hard to match seeing so many people from different locations, from vastly different backgrounds and a spread of age groups really beaming when they hook up with each other

again on the opening night of the tournament.”

“During the 20 years of the Tri-State Masters we’ve seen regulars return, learned that others have passed away, seen stalwarts genuinely welcoming in the first timers–it’s like a massive family reunion every year,” Mr Doherty said.

More than $50,000 in door prizes and trophies including a stay on an Adventure luxury houseboat are guaranteed to be given away, with the balance of $220,000 being based on hole-in-ones being scored on any of the tournaments 19 par-threes.”

“We’ve averaged a hole in one every couple of years, but haven’t had one for one for five years.

“Obviously a couple of them are well overdue.”

For more information, contact Shane Doherty on 03 5024 6799, email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au, or visit www.sunraysiagolftours.com.au •

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

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events

Senior golf takes off across Australia Denis Dale

ed@insidegolf.com.au

The previous issue of Inside Golf reported on the sensational development in senior amateur golf at the national level. This year there are 16 events in a year-long Australian Senior Ranking competition. The very best players are also striving for selection in representative teams that will compete at home and overseas. All players are enjoying competing on some of Australia’s very best courses.

However, it is not just national level that has seen senior amateur golf take off – it has also happened at the state level. Beginning with NSW and Victoria in 2006 most state golfing organisations have progressively developed toplevel golf competitions for the over 55-year-old golfer.

VICTORIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT In 2006 Golf Victoria introduced a Senior Order of Merit competition for the Doug Bachli Trophy.

This trophy is awarded in memory of the late Doug Bachli, who in 1954, famously came from behind at Muirfield to become the first Australian to win the British Amateur Championship. Bachli, a Life Member of Victoria Golf Club, was also named in the VGA Team of the Century in 2002.

The Victorian Senior Order of Merit competition has been a wonderful success and now also includes competitions for Over 65-years players

80

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

and a Handicap trophy. Beginning in 2006 Cobram-Barooga’s Ross Percy has won the title four times while Yarra Yarra senior Michael Jackson has been equally dominant in the Over 65 years division.

The 2013 Victorian calendar includes nine 18 hole events, fourteen 36 hole events and five 54 hole events played on many of Victoria’s best regional and metropolitan courses. The courses for 2013 include Royal Melbourne, Kooringal, The Sands, Cranbourne, The National, Hidden Valley, Spring Valley, Woodlands, CobramBarooga, Rosanna, Lonsdale, Flinders, Portsea, Commonwealth, Kingston Heath, Victoria, Keysborough, Bright, Metropolitan, Coomealla, Heathcote, Shepparton, Tocumwal, Northern, Rosebud, Sorrento and Port Fairy. In 2013 there are eight senior events that will also include a section for senior women.

For further information including all the dates and venues for the 2013 Victorian calendar interested golfers should visit www.golfvic.org. au.

NSW SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT In 2006 the NSW Golf Association introduced a Senior Order of Merit competition using the best 8 scores from 23 events. The competition was an immediate success with each event attracting good fields of senior golfers keen to test themselves in stroke competition. Many of these players had previously been among the state’s best players while others were new to this level of competition.

Often old friendships were renewed while new ones were also formed.

Monte Fairhall (left) with Gary Cosier (right) Both the NSW Senior Order of Merit and the NSW Over 65 Years Order of Merit have been dominated by two players. Beginning in 2006 Twin Creeks golfer Denis Dale has won the open title six times with Stefan Albinski from Mona Vale the other winner in 2008. 72-year-old Wyong senior Jack Parker has claimed the Over 65 title for the last three years after Geoff Everett (The Lakes) won the inaugural Over 65 title in 2009.

Since 2006 subsequent years has seen Golf NSW increase both the number of Senior Order of Merit participants and events. This year there will be more than 40 events with the best 14 results to count towards the trophies. Every year Golf NSW has improved the competition with recent additions including more senior women’s events and a State Senior Foursomes title. 2013

introduces a Seniors Sand Greens Championship to be held in May at the Manildra Golf Club (near Orange).

The NSW Senior Order of Merit is used as a basis for selecting players to represent NSW in the Interstate Teams section of the Australian Senior Amateur Championship and the annual “Walking Stick” competition held between NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

The 2013 calendar has events on many of NSW’s best metropolitan courses including St Michael’s, Concord, Castle Hill, Pennant Hills, Monash, Royal Sydney, Bonnie Doon, Manly, The Lakes, The Australian, Royal Sydney, Avondale, Oatlands, Pymble, Cabramatta, Mona Vale, Strathfield, Twin Creeks, Carnarvon, Cumberland, Liverpool, Long Reef and Cromer.

events Regional and country courses include Windsor, Camden, Belmont, Charlestown, Waratah, Wollongong, Howlong, Gungahlin Lakes, Gold Creek, Bowral, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Ocean Shores, Mollymook, Manildra, Duntry League, Kooindah Waters and Federal. A great selection of courses!

All NSW Senior Order of Merit events include age categories and handicap prizes. A full calendar listing all dates and venues is available at www. golfnsw.org.

QUEENSLAND SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT In 2006 Golf Queensland began their program for senior golfers with the introduction of a Senior Club Teams Challenge. This event has continued every year and in 2012 attracted teams from fourteen clubs.

The Team Challenge features teams of eight seniors playing matchplay with four scratch single games and two handicap fourball games.

The matches are played on a home and away basis. The most successful teams have been from the Coolangatta-Tweed and Sanctuary Cove Golf Clubs.

2013 introduces a new competition for Queensland senior golfers – a Senior Order of Merit. Forty five events have been scheduled for this state-wide competition with tournaments being held from Cairns and surrounding districts in the north to Toowoomba and Warwick in the west and all along the Queensland coast to the base in and around the southeast corner.

When the season is complete trophies will be awarded to the leading seniors in the open scratch section, the handicap section and an Over 65 years section. The Queensland Senior Order of Merit competition is for both senior men and women.

The 2013 Order of Merit began with a 36hole tournament at the Indooroopilly Golf Club in Brisbane. A total field of 67 male and female

Jack Parker golfers competed in the inaugural event with home clubs ranging across south east Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

The winner at Indooroopilly was NSW senior Monte Fairhall who made the trip from Ballina to claim the title after very good rounds of 74-78 on the championship layout.

Local member Gary Cosier was the winner of the first handicap event with 75 Stableford points over the two rounds. Wendy O’Çonnell (North Lakes) had the honour of winning the first woman’s event with outstanding rounds of 74 and 77.

A lot of work has gone into preparing a magnificent program of events for senior golfers in Queensland. It is expected that local players will regularly be joined by holidaying golfers from many states enjoying the sunshine of the north and some world class golf facilities.

All the information you need to play in any or all of the Queensland Senior Order of Merit events is available at www.golfqueensland.org.au.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT Toward the end of 2011 a dedicated group of South Australian senior golfers began work on establishing a South Australian Senior Order of Merit competition to begin in 2012. They were successful with a six tournament competition underway in 2012 that included 18-hole events at Blackwood, Tea Tree Gully, Mt Osmond and Flagstaff Hill Golf Clubs and concluded with the 36-hole Grange Golf Club Senior Classic and the 54-hole South Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Barmera Golf Club.

Good fields entered all events and at season’s end the 2012 South Australian Senior Order of Merit champion was Clive Renner from Flagstaff Hill. Renner was consistent all year and defeated Grange senior Tony Mazzone, Tea Tree Gully’s Chris Everett and Mt Osmond’s John Hill. Tony Mazzone was also the winner in the Over 65 section.

In 2013 the competition has grown slightly with the same clubs as listed above joined by a new 18-hole event at the prestigious Kooyonga Golf Club. Grange Golf Club will again host a 36hole event while the 2013 The South Australian Seniors will be held at Gawler Golf Club.

Information on the South Australian Senior Order of Merit can be found at www.golfsa. com.au.

WEST AUSTRALIAN SENIOR ORDER OF MERIT West Australia is currently finalising details of a program that is hoped will see a WA Senior Order of Merit competition up and running in 2013.

Currently 18 hole events are scheduled for the Lake Karrinyup and Mandurah Golf Clubs with other clubs expected to join this list. The 54-hole West Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Royal Perth and the 36-hole Lake Karrinyup Senior Classic will be held during March. These

are the major events for the WA senior golfing year and also count towards the Australian Senior Ranking System.

More information will be available at www.golfwa.org.au. •

UPCOMING SENIOR AMATEUR EVENTS 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) April 1 Bonnie Doon Seniors (NSW) April 3 Sanctuary Cove Seniors (QLD) April 4-5 Alpine Seniors at Bright GC (VIC) April 8 Southport Seniors (QLD) April 15 Mount Osmond Seniors (SA) April 16-18 *The National Senior Masters (VIC) April 21 Jubilee Seniors at Bowral (NSW) April 22 Coolangatta Tweed Seniors (QLD) April 29 Manly Seniors (NSW) April 29 Colonial Seniors (QLD) April 29 Flagstaff Hill Seniors (SA) *Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

81

events

Magenta Shores gets in the spirit for Youth wins the Auto Club Golf Championship Women’s Summer

Magenta Shores got in the Aussie spirit when they hosted their Inaugural Auto Club Golf Championship Qualifying Round on Australia Day this year. The event was a smashing success, with 128 players and the Club already locking in their next event to be on Australia Day in 2014.

All 45 of the Australian Regional Events of the Inaugural Auto Club Golf Championship have now been completed. Embraced by both Clubs and golfers across Australia and New Zealand, the supporting Auto Clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT AANT and AANZ) are now getting behind their teams to vie for bragging rights of hosting the Inaugural Champions.

The Championship Final is underway this month so stay tuned for the next issue, which will announce the Inaugural Australasian Amateur Pairs Champions. The Winning Pair will be heading to Penang Malaysia to compete in the World Amateur InterTeam Golf Championship.

A big surprise at the Championship Final is the announcement of yet another giveaway by Event Partners Suzuki who, apart from awarding a brand-new Kizashi for the national hole-in-one competition held throughout the qualifying rounds, will now also be holding a Suzuki Shoot-out Lucky Shot competition at the Final for a brand-new Suzuki Alto.

Foursomes

RACV Resorts NTP Winner Gay Saines in all her Australia Day glory!

The most exciting Amateur Event for Australasian golfers is going from strength to strength in 2013. This new regional event series will be expanding to 60 events kicking off on the 19th June with the RACQ at Paradise Palms Golf Club. Any Club wishing to host a qualifying round should contact the Assistant Tournament Director, Hayley Hunt on 08 8239 0666 or

hayley@championgroup.com.au as soon as possible to secure a date.

Keen golfers should make sure your local Club seriously considers hosting an event as there is no better value competition of its kind and the 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. •

15-year-old Grace Hallinan (Royal Canberra) and 25-year-old Xanthe Macklinshaw (Eastlake) defeated 2012 Winners, Jackie Morgan and Jenny Roberts from Monash, 3&2 in the final match at Cromer for the 2013 Women’s Summer Foursomes, held in January at Cromer Golf Club. A strong field of 150 players took part in this event, the participants coming from all over the NSW region.

In Division 1 Belmont’s Susan Oliver (15) and Julie McCallum (7) had a nett 74 to win the Nett prize for the day. Nett runners-up were Jacqui Morgan (2) and Jenny Roberts (13) from Monash with a 74 ½. Xanthe Macklinshaw from Eastlake and Grace Hallinan from Royal Canberra took out the scratch with a 9 over par 80 off the stick.

Nett Winners for Division 2 were Anne Glance (24) and Yvonne Bean (17) from Shelly Beach with a score of 75 ½. Long Reef ’s Sandra Heath (26) and Wendy Millson (18) were runnersup for the nett with a score of 76.

Scratch winners were Robyn Winter (Horizons) and Ann McClintock (Kogorah) with a 96 off the stick.

Berefield’s Ann Lowbridge (28) and Georgina Hall (32) won the nett for Division 3 with a 74. Nett runners-up were Diane (28) and Susanne Davies (28) from Bayview with a 76. And

fellow Bayview ladies, Judy Wildon and Eileen Connors won the scratch with 101 off the stick.

The leading four pairs in each division qualified for the Match Play on the second day of play. Kogorah’s Ann McClintock and Robyn Winter from Horizons were the Division 2 victors, 5 & 4, over Anne Glance and Yvonne Bean from Shelly Beach, while Judy Wildon and Eileen Connors defeated fellow Bayview golfers Diane Doering and Susanne Davies on the 19th hole More info: www.golfnsw.org •

Men’s NSW Senior Foursomes Medal Sal Ballard & David Limbach from Penrith GC, were crowned champions of the 2013 Men’s NSW Senior Foursomes Medal with a strong oneover par, 70 at Cromer Golf Club. The format for the event was stroke play; 18 Hole Scratch Stoke Foursomes (18 hole nett in conjunction).

Four strokes behind with a threeover par 74 were 2012 winners Greg Stanford and Stefan Albinski from Mona Vale. Nett Winners were Long Reef ’s Michael Krilich (6) and Steve Twigg (9) with a 71 ½.

The Over 65 winners were Geoffrey Everett (The Lakes) and Jack Parker (Wyong) who shot a 10 over par, 79 to take out the prize for 2013.

More info: www.golfnsw.org •

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The home of Sarah Kemp 82

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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events

NSW wins State of Origin FOR the past seven years, Queensland has dominated New South Wales in State of Origin rugby league, but when it comes to golf, NSW has the edge.

For the fifth successive year, NSW (Jack Newton Junior Golf ) claimed bragging rights when it defeated Queensland (Greg Norman Golf Foundation) 16-14 at Newcastle Golf Club.

Mind you, the result could have gone Queensland’s way had it not been for some final-hole heroics from NSW players.

Leading 9.5-8.5 heading into the singles matches, NSW got off to a fast start with Amy Chu defeating Caitlin Cotterill 5/4.

Rebecca Kay (Qld) returned fire with a 4/3 victory over Doey Choi to cut the margin to one match.

The turning point came when NSW got out of jail on the final hole on numerous occasions.

NSW’s Chris Fan made a brilliant birdie on the last to square his match with Josh Wellwood.

Josh Armstrong (NSW) birdied the final hole to edge out Bailey Knoll and NSW’s Celina Yuan’s birdie putt did a full 360° lap of honour before dropping in to give her a come-frombehind one-up victory over Karis Davidson.

Three final-hole birdies got NSW to 14 points and within sight of victory, but Queensland closed the gap once more when Kate Law stormed home to beat Jess Lasky (NSW).

DeeDee Russell (Qld) came from two-down through 10 holes to defeat Lizzie Elmassian 3/2 and Qld’s Shae Wools-Cobb defeated Grant Booth one-up.

Blake Windred steadied the ship for NSW with a narrow victory over Kodie Koski and

Jack Newton (far right) with the NSW and Queensland State of Origin teams. that left the score at 15-13 with the 17 years matches still on the golf course.

Mia Martin (Qld) edged out Nicha Jomjaturong one-up, but Cameron Davis ensured NSW victory with a one-up win over Ryan Gaske.

“This is a tremendous event that is really a feature of the junior golfing calendar,” said tournament host and founder Jack Newton.

“The rivalry that exists on the State of Origin football field is certainly not forgotten on the golf course.

“There’s plenty of history around the concept and that stigma is not lost on the kids.

“What I like about it is that it celebrates a

real sense of team – the kids seem to revel in that sort of environment and that often inspires them to raise the bar for their own individual performances.”

The Srixon State of Origin consists of one boy and one girl from each age group from 12 through to 17 years involved in matchplay, based on a President Cup-style format. Mixed foursomes, fourball, foursomes and singles are all part of the event.

Singles results: NSW def Qld 6.5-5.5; Foursomes NSW def Qld 3.5-2.5; Fourball NSW def Qld 4-2; mixed foursomes Qld def NSW 4-2.

For a full list of the results, go to www.jnjg.com.au or www.gngf.org.au •

Australia wins Ten Nations Cup

Australia held their nerve against a spirited challenge from New Zealand to complete a superb victory at the inaugural Ten Nations Cup at Kingswood Golf Estate in George, South Africa.

Brady Watt (WA), Lucas Herbert (VIC), Ryan Ruffels (VIC) and Geoff Drakeford (VIC) combined to win the international team competition with a 38-under-par total of 826, finishing just a single shot clear of the Kiwis.

Australia’s final round 205 was a combination of a 70 from Watt, a 69 from Drakeford and a superb six-under-par 66 from 16-year-old Herbert.

Team coach David Nable said the side was absolutely thrilled with the victory.

“It’s incredible to have won the Ten Nations Cup and to have Australia’s name on the trophy,” he said.

“We came over here with the hope of winning it. To have done it, is really incredible.”

“It’s a very proud moment for the team. Brady shot that course record 62 on Thursday, our young 14-year-old Ryan Ruffels shot a seven-under-par on Friday and Lucas brought it home with his 66.”

Watt, who recently joined the Golf Australia National Squad, won the Individual Competition.

The world number five finished with a 72-hole total of 18-under-par 198, three shots clear of New Zealand’s Hodge and four ahead of Colombia’s Carlos Ernesto Rodriguez. • TEAM LEADERBOARD – FINAL RESULTS 826 Australia 216-202-203-205 827 New Zealand 209-215-200-203 833 England 212-208-207-206 839 Argentina 212-212-202-213 842 Scotland 211-207-218-206 847 Colombia 214-217-203-213 851 South Africa 217-223-206-205 861 Ireland 214-222-211-214 877 France 215-221-217-224

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Middle Ridge set for Easter Open TOOWOOMBA Golf Club (Middle Ridge) is gearing up to host its 20th annual Open Amateur 36-Hole Stroke event over the Easter weekend (March 30-31).

The field is limited to 200 players and offers prizes valued at more than $5000.

It’s a Golf Queensland approved Angus Buchanan and Bill Kennedy event played in conjunction with a women’s approved stroke average event.

There are two divisions for both men and women. Men’s division 1, (handicaps 0-9) and division 2, (10-24.4). Women division 1, (0-18) and division 2, (19-27.4) Players with handicaps outside the limits indicated go on a wait list.

The event offers daily prizes for best gross and best nett

March

Australian Rotary Health Charity Golf Day When: 1st March, 7th October Where: Riverside Oaks, NSW, Royal Melbourne GC, 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 oncourse 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;

and runners-up prizes in each category in each division (men and women).

In addition there are overall trophies offered over the 36hole event. The nomination fee for the two-day event is $60.

The club offers all clubhouse facilities with Ridges Bar & Bistro open for lunch on both days plus a la carte dining on Saturday night from 6:00 pm and breakfast on Sunday morning from 8:00.

Current men’s champion and local member Brad Ward will defend his 36-hole championship title (141) as will other locals Brian Ellevsen (best nett Div I), Darcy Habgood (women’s best nett div 1) and Gayle Cole (women’s best nett div 2).

Download nomination forms the website www.toowoombagolfclub.com.au

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

Handiskins

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 five-qualifyinground 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.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Balgowlah Golf Club 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

Mercure Ladies Palm Meadows Amateur Cup (hosted by the Golf School) Where: Palm Meadows Golf Course When: Quarterly event. Mar 18th, Jun 17th, Sept 9th, Dec 9th.

Info: (07) 5594 2450, events@palmmeadows.com.au Sponsored by Mercure Gold Coast Resort with great prizes to be won, the event is a Single stableford in conjunction with a team aggregate stableford. 7.30am Registration and morning tea, 8.30am Shotgun, 1.00pm Lunch and Presentations. Cost is $69 for non members ($39 for members), and includes morning tea, greenfee with cart, comp fee, lunch and a glass of champagne.

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.

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.

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

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

calendar 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

May

Men’s and Women’s NSW Mid-Amateur Championships When: Sunday 5, Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 May 2013 Where: Nelson Bay Golf Club Info: www.golfnsw.org.

The Men’s NSW Mid Amateur Championship is open to male amateurs who are between 30-54 years of age, with a handicap of 9.4 and under. It is stroke play over three rounds of 18-holes. The draw for the first two days of play is random, with a seeded draw for the final round.

The Women’s NSW Mid Amateur Championship is open to female amateurs who are between 30-54 years of age (Handicap TBA). It is stroke play over two rounds of 18-holes (play will be on Sunday 5 and Monday 6 May). The draws for both rounds will be random.

This year a gourmet BBQ buffet dinner will be held on the Sunday evening, open to all entrants and their guests. Cost for this is just $25, payable at the time of entry.

There are a number of prizes awarded for the Championships, including scratch and nett winners.

Pink sports day 2013

When: Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 May – Mother’s Day weekend Where: More than 1,000 sporting clubs right across the country Info: www.bcna.org.au | Freecall 1800 500 258 Sporting clubs around Australia will ‘pink up’ their clubs on Mother’s Day weekend for Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA) annual Pink Sports Day.

Previously just Pink Footy & Netball Day, this year Pink Sports Day is involving all kinds of sporting clubs from AFL to lawn bowls. Hockey teams, tennis courts, netball clubs and more will be turning HOT PINK to pay tribute to those in their community affected by breast cancer.

Monies raised through Pink Sports Day go directly to BCNA to support its work in ensuring women diagnosed with breast cancer are provided with the very best information, services and support possible, right across Australia. Last year more than 900 sporting clubs took part and raised almost $350,000 for BCNA.

Women’s NSW Senior Amateur Championship When: 20, 21, 23 and 24 May 2013.

Where: Manly Golf Club Info: Christy Collier on 9505 9105 or christy.collier@ golfnsw.org.

The Championship is open to female amateurs who are 55 years of age or over as at the first day of play, whose handicap does not exceed 28 strokes at the date of entry.

The event is also part of the Women’s NSW Senior Order of Merit.

The Women’s NSW Senior Amateur Championship is played over 36 holes qualifying rounds. The eight best scratch scores qualify for the Senior Amateur Championship Match play.

For players who do not qualify in the Senior Championship Match Play, there is also match play broken down by age category: Each Match shall consist of one round of 18 holes, or as many holes as is required to achieve a result.

Entries are now open–$70 via hard copy, or $60 online.

To enter log onto www.golfnsw.org. Entries close Friday 3 May 2013.

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.

Royal tee open to women WOMEN with an official handicap are invited to take part in a Birdies Day Out Ladies Golf Event at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.

The invitation comes hot on the heels of the successful Volvik RACV Ladies Masters won by Karrie Webb.

The first of four Birdies Day Out Ladies Golf Events tees off with an Easter special on Tuesday, March 19.

The $79 entry fee includes 18 holes of golf in a shared electric golf cart and a two-course lunch.

It’s a great opportunity for women to play the course Karrie Webb and her fellow professionals played, meet new friends and win prizes.

There’s even a complimentary golf clinic run by Nancy Harvey, who has more than 20 years’ experience on the LPGA Tour.

Other event dates are June 4 – Battle of the Clubs; September 3 – Winter special with clinic and November 26 – Christmas Birdies special.

Golfers are invited to “bring a friend” to enjoy RACV Royal Pines Resort’s wonderful hospitality.

Bookings are essential phone (07) 5597 8700 or visit www.racv.com.au/royalpines to download a registration form. •

Holden Scramble for Coolum THEY won’t host the Australian PGA Championship this year, but the Palmer Coolum Resort will host a number of Holden Scramble events at the resort in 2013.

Ironically, the Holden Scramble comes under the umbrella of the PGA of Australia.

Palmer Coolum Resort director of golf Paul Crangle said the resort would host up to six Holden Scramble events.

“If there are people out there who can’t make up a quartet then they should contact us and we will do what we can to help,” he said.

“The Holden Scramble is a massive national event and we are delighted to be hosting qualifiers at Palmer Coolum Resort for the first time.

“There are some great prizes on offer and of course the chance of playing with a top pro in the final.”

Palmer Coolum Resort’s stage one local qualifiers will be held on the following dates: Friday, March 29; Friday April 26; Friday, June 28; Friday, July 26, Friday, August 17 and Friday, September 13.

Entry to one of the local qualifiers is $125 per person, which includes the Holden Scramble national entry fee of $35 per person.

All participants receive a gift pack, which includes six Callaway golf balls and a $550.00 cash back offer from major sponsors Holden. For more information, call (07) 5449 3366. •

Keep up with us online!

Catch the latest golf news online: www.insidegolf.com.au. Join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/insidegolf, keep up to the minute with our Twitter feed (@InsideGolf ) or if you prefer–drop us a line at ed@insidegolf.com.au

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social golf

Go well, go Shell EIGHTY years after it formed in Sydney, the Shell Social Golf Club is still going strong.

This year the club will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a tournament and lunch at Asquith Golf Club on Sunday, April 21.

According to club spokesperson Shaun Colley, the club is the oldest social golf club and is arguably Australia’s oldest.

It all started in 1933 when a small band of keen golfers from the Shell Oil Company gathered to play a round of golf against the NSW Police Department at Sydney’s Pennant Hills Golf Club.

“This was the beginnings of the Shell Social Golf Club that still exists today,” Shaun said.

“Regular matches were played at Pennant Hills between the Police Department, Army and Air Force but as membership grew it was able to hold events with only Shell employees.”

During World War II, monthly matches were limited and records show that from 1939-1945 few games were played annually.

In 1946, this changed when past employees rejoined the club following military service. The first annual weekend away was at Moss Vale in 1947.

Today, the Shell Social Golf Club annually travels to Moss Vale for its weekend away and its members have spent many memorable weekends at Dormie House. Over the years the members have also enjoyed courses such as Kiama, Wyong, Blackheath, Goulburn, Nelson Bay and Cessnock, to mention a few.

Shaun said the social club plays monthly between February and November on a variety of courses around Sydney.

“We travel north to Asquith, east to Mona Vale and Long Reef, south to The Coast and south west to Camden,” he said.

Members of the Shell Social Golf Club gather for a round in 1938.

“Over the years, we have played hundreds of Sydney golf courses including NSW at La Perouse.

“Membership of the social golf club has always been an important part of the social fabric for Shell employees but membership has varied over the years in line with changes in employee numbers, transfers and retirements.”

In the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, the club attracted a regular turnout of 36, but times have changed and, like many golf clubs, membership numbers have fallen to 24-28.

Still, each month’s event is keenly contested and annually the members play the A, B and C grade championship.

In 1983, the club celebrated its 50th anniversary year at Concord Golf Club with more than 110 members, past and present, attending the celebration.

The club has since celebrated its 60th, 70th and 75th milestones and this year will celebrate 80 years of golfing friendship with a special event at Asquith Golf Club.

“Over 80 years the club’s membership has changed to reflect the changes in our wider society,” Shaun said.

Queensland Women’s Fourball Championship

“For its first 50 years the club had been a male dominated affair, but during the 1980s moves were made by some female employees to make the club available to women.

“Some members objected when the rules were changed to allow women to play, but today that is something welcomed by all members.”

So what keeps a club like Shell together for over 80 years?

Long-standing convener Richard Wiseman summed up the club’s success with one word – “camaraderie”.

“This comes from working with fellow golfers in the oil business,” he said.

“You immediately have something in common, staying in touch with those members who have moved on or retired and finally enjoying the company of each other on the course and not taking the game too seriously.

“There is always next month to rectify the mistakes.”

The social golf club is in the process of arranging a special guest speaker for its 80th anniversary celebrations. •

100 holes in 12 hours?

Bragging rights will be assured for the twenty golfers who will assemble at the Shortland Waters Golf Club on the 18th of March to play a 100-hole golf marathon benefit in twelve hours.

Youth With a Mission, or YWAM, Newcastle is hosting the event, which will help them raise funds to continue renovations of their warehouse centre. The staff of YWAM Newcastle have given over 50,000 volunteer hours of time last year, invested into the Hunter Valley. One of their activities is “Youth Street” which serves 12 to 17-year olds with concerts, dance, art and sports activities.

Simon Gough, Head Pro at Shortland Waters Golf Course, says,“We are very excited to be hosting this brand-new type of event in Newcastle. We are pleased to support YWAM and its activities in the Hunter.”

YWAM is looking for players who feel game to play 100 holes in twelve hours.

Each player will receive exclusive use of a petrol powered golf cart, two dozen golf balls, caddy, breakfast, lunch and dinner and a chance for prizes on the day. They will also be looking for “Hole Sponsors” for the event. Players agree to raise sponsors for at least a $1,000.00 donation.

Play will start promptly at 7:00 AM with a shotgun start. Lunch is served by staff in roving carts, who will also provide bottled water during the day. Prizes will be awarded for the longest drive of the day, closest to the pin, most balls lost, least balls lost, fastest completion of 100 holes and other feats.

More info: Jack Narvel, 0432 088 640 or jack.narvel@ywamnow.com. •

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March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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the 19th hole

Show some more skin

The quick nine quiz With David Newbery 1. Which controversial golfer would like to forget the record of carding an 18 at the par-5 in the Bay Hill Invitational in 1998?

Michael Green ed@insidegolf.com.au

2. Who was the first British golfer to earn £1 million in a year – Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomery or Tony Jacklin?

3. Which well-known American golfer whose surname begins with W graduated with a degree in psychology?

4. In which year was the US Open first televised – 1947, 1949 or 1951?

Imagine how interesting (and fun) a skins tournament would be if the stars put their own cash on the line Australian skins events including the first Australian Skins Challenge in 1985. The event also featured Seve Ballesteros, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus. Not a bad foursome.

Norman won the bulk of the cash and was quoted after the event as saying, “I really enjoyed it. This kind of game is a lot of fun”. I don’t doubt him for a second.

But what if they were playing for their own cash? What if we could get these guys to fork out a bit of money for televised skins event?

Skins is the professional equivalent of the same game that we all play on weekends with our mates.

Except for a lot more money and it wasn’t their money to start with.

I actually think they would find it a lot of fun, win or lose. It’s not like they haven’t got enough cash to stump up for it.

Take Rory and Tiger for instance. Last October, they played an exhibition round of golf in China and reportedly earned $3million between them.

Just for turning up and playing 18 holes. Wouldn’t

it be better if they had to buy in to the event? Let us say $1.5 million and you’re in.

In the wake of a sombre summer of Australian professional golf, tournament organisers are wondering how to attract the big name golfers back to our shores. Maybe the skins format should be resurrected with this slightly more personal touch.

This is a crazy idea with tongue firmly in cheek. I realise the idea is not going to happen for numerous reasons, none the least the idea of losing $1.5million out of their own wallet probably doesn’t appeal. But would there be anything in it at all for these millionaire golfers?

Well, win or lose, I guarantee the likes of Tiger and Rory will enjoy the round, and will vividly remember their final nervous putt for the rest of their lives. • 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

Antill Park

5. Can you name the golf club that hosted the Women’s Australian Open?

6. A caddie casts a shadow on the putting surface for the purpose of indicating to the player a line for putting. Is this permissible?

7. How many times has Tiger Woods missed the cut in the 66 major events (US Masters, Open Championship, US Open and US PGA) he has contested – two, four, six or seven?

8. How many times has Karrie Webb won the Ladies Masters at Royal Pines Resort?

9. Who will captain the Europeans when they take on the Americans at the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles?

ANSWERS: (1). John Daly; (2). Ian Woosnam; (3). Tom Watson; (4). 1947; (5).

Royal Canberra; (6). No. Such action is a breach of Rule 8-2b if the shadow remains in position while the stroke is being played; (7). Four; (8). Eight; (9). Paul McGinley.

It’s not that I get to play golf that often these days, it’s just that as I’ve been playing it for over 25 years, the rounds are all blending into one a little bit.

Sure, there are a handful of spectacular golf shots I can summon up at a moment’s notice and I’m not against spinning a yarn about the utterly awful shots I’ve played. Overall though, considering the hundreds (possibly thousands) of rounds of golf I’ve played, it’s remarkable how few of them I remember.

But of the shots I do recall, many of them are vivid recollections of specific putts (some quite short) when there was a little bit of money on the line. Often no more than around five dollars.

Now I’m no Clive Palmer, but five dollars isn’t a huge amount of money. I certainly wasn’t going to buy a dinosaur with it and I often used the same amount just getting to the golf course in a barely functioning (although very impressive) 1979 Toyota Celica. It’s just amazing how nervous you can be when you have a four foot putt to win (or lose) five bucks out of your own wallet, and how clearly you can remember it.

In the late nineties, Fred Couples was given the nickname “Mr. Skins” for his penchant for winning exorbitant amounts of money in Skins Games.

The concept has fallen out of favour a little over the past decade but the format saw four famous golfers playing a round of golf for a large amount of money. Couples won over $3.5 million in 11 skins tournaments.

Greg Norman won $1million a single skins event in the US once. He also played in many

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your voice

Letter of the Month

Pro-Am thoroughly memorable I am writing to thank you, as one of the three Inside Golf Team Pro-Am winners, for the opportunity to play in the Ladies Masters Pro-Am at the RACV Royal Pines Resort. I want to share with you what transpired during the day.

As I was in the morning field, I left Redland Bay under clear skies at around 5am and headed for the Gold Coast.

The heavens soon opened and it bucketed down. It was still raining when I arrived at the course and was told the Pro-Am would start when the rain stopped. I was asked to register and meet the other Inside Golf team members and our group professional Sarah-Jane Smith and to partake in the breakfast in the clubhouse.

The rain continued and, at 11am, the morning competition was called of and we were invited to have an early lunch with Sarah and hubby/

Beating the odds Professional golf produces some truly amazing performances. There are probably more upsets in golf than in other sports. Keegan Bradley’s win at the 2011 US PGA was remarkable.

Before the tournament I saw one betting market listing him as a 6001 chance. Keegan did not flinch as highly fancied players tried to make their move. Just recently with the Australian PGA, a similar upset win occurred when Daniel Popovic captured the trophy. Daniel was ranked outside the top thousand in the golf rankings. He was listed as a 400-1 chance of being the champion.

caddie Duane. During lunch—which was a combination of great food and conversation about their life on the tour—the rain stopped. Sarah suggested we see if there were any spots available (due to cancellations) in the afternoon field.

All three of us were lucky and got a start.

I was given a spot in one of the RACV teams with the delightful Katherine Hull-Kirk as our pro. We had a terrific afternoon with Katherine and hubby/ caddie Tom, and the golf was great too.

I would like to thank Inside Golf, RACV Royal Pines Resort, all the sponsors and especially Sarah, Katherine and their hubbies for giving this 67-year-old club golfer an experience he will remember for a very long time!

Gordon Green

Gentleman Tom, indeed!

I read and enjoyed your story on David Meredith (January issue) and his contact with players in the privacy of the locker room. David is obviously a nice guy himself with an interest in people not just golf.

I watched the Lance Armstrong interviews and, as a father, golfer and cyclist it’s been devastating to discover that, first, Tiger was mortal with feet of clay, and second, that my idol on wheels cheated us all for years.

“Say it isn’t so, Joe!” While that quote may have been a largely apocryphal story in the annuals of baseball bribery and cheating, the recurring theme of dishonesty and

Crossword 1

Yet, he proved all the doubters wrong and led from start to finish.

Many predicted that Popovic would not be able to handle the pressure.

This guy definitely has the talent to succeed, so let’s hope he continues his winning ways.

It’s these performances that inspire players and fans alike. We all know anything can happen on the golf course. It gives us once-a-week club participants that little bit of extra hope. Yes, anything can happen. Hey, if I can score a-hole-in-one, then the seemingly impossible is doable.

Linda Nathaniel

lack of integrity in sports is real.

Should we all look back longingly to the amateur days when the only people who were regularly cheated were the players themselves?

I was fortunate to be a marshal at Beth Page and at Pebble Beach for the 2009-10 US Opens. I walked part of a practice round at Pebble from the side ropes watching Tom Watson out of respect and a feeling that there may not be many more opportunities to do so. I took some photos, as it was a practice day. Mr Watson was so gracious that, when he noticed while walking the fairway, he stopped, turned to me and made

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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!

1. Winner of the 2013 Tournament of Champions, ______ Johnson (6) 4. Fluffs a golf shot (7) 9. Miguel A. Jimenez’s homeland (5) 10. Provides tuition, as a golf pro does (9) 11. Make do in a difficult situation (9) 12. First name of golfing great, Ballesteros (4) 14. Describing a stylish player (6) 16. Putting surfaces (6) 18. A particular grace or excellence (6) 20. An artist’s workroom (6) 22. Consumes a meal (4) 23. Adam Scott’s country of birth (9) 27. Say formally (9) 28. Rowing boat (5) 29. Supporter’s badge made of ribbons (7) 30. Brand-new (6)

Down 29

sure that I got a very special memory.

Gentleman Tom indeed.

Thank you for your insight from inside the tour and for providing hope that there is still decency in sport at the highest level. Good stories don’t always get told, we need them more than ever.

1. Well-defined (8) 2. Cutting (5)

3. Welsh pro who won the European Order of Merit in 1990 (3,7) 4. Male paid to relieve aches and pains (7) 5. Tried and true (4) 6. Built up (9) 7. Procedural way of doing something (6) 8. Birthplace of Vijay Singh (4) 13. Successful Swedish golfer, Carl __________ (10) 15. A hole in three below par (9) 16. Winner of the 2013 Humana Championship, Brian ___ (3) 17. Summed up all scores (8) 19. Cadet (7) 21. Another successful Swedish golfer, ______ Parnevik (6) 24. Player in sport who is ranked highly (4) 25. Winner of the 2013 Volvo Golf Championship, _____ Oosthuizen (5) 26. Highest-finishing Aussie at the 2013 HSBC Golf Championship held in Abu Dhabi, Andrew ____ (4) Answers: pg 97

WE CAN CATER FOR ALL YOUR GOLFING NEEDS ENJOY A ROUND, BECOME A MEMBER OR LET US HOST YOUR CORPORATE GOLF EVENT IN 2013 TO BOOK OR FOR MORE INFORMATION

Phone 02 4991 4777; or email huntervalleygolf@ihg.com Conditions: Offer valid until 31 March 2013.

Present this ad at the Pro Shop prior to tee off.

Any voucher presented after play will not be honoured.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, NSW 2321 Phone 02 4991 4777 • huntervalleygolfcc.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

93

chips and shanks

Stalker banned from attending events

Goosen standing tall TWO-TIME US Open champion Retief Goosen has grown by eight millimetres after back surgery.

In August last year, Goosen had an operation in London to repair a disintegrated disc and with a titanium and rubber replacement now stands 1.81m.

The seven-time US PGA Tour winner told journalists he was feeling fine after the operation.

Goosen believes he is the first touring professional to have disc replacements.

“My back was so messed up I pretty much couldn’t play anymore,” he said.

The 44-year-old said he thought his career was over.

“I couldn’t practice or hit the ball anymore,” he added.

The quietly-spoken South African said he felt 20 years younger and planned to play a full schedule on the US PGA Tour. •

What’s in a name?

THE club professional at Yeppoon Golf Club in Central Queensland is Jason Mulligan.

Mulligan has been the club pro at the golf club for the past 15 months. Prior to that, he was the club professional at Lakes Entrance Golf Club in Victoria.

A proud New South Welshman, Mulligan has copped plenty of banter from members about his name being associated with golf.

There isn’t a Mulligan jibe he hasn’t heard so it’s water off a duck’s back.

Mulligan was left counting the cost following the recent floods in the region.

“It’s been a testing few years for the golf industry with the weather,” he said.

“It’s not easy when there are no players, no cart hire and no retail trade.

“Mind you, I spent five years at Lakes Entrance and got bashed by the weather down there as well.

“We had a couple of good sets of floods at Lakes Entrance.” •

Covert Operations Last month, Nike Golf launched the new Covert range of Fairways and Drivers on our shores, and celebrated with a special event at the ultra-cool X-Golf virtual golf simulator at the House of Golf in Malvern, Victoria.

Athletes and guests like Nick and Jack Riewoldt (pictured here with Derek Hawkins, Nike Golf Brand Manager) put the new Nike

Sock it to me, baby IF you follow Twitter, you may have come across a little friendly banter between touring professionals Rod Pampling (US PGA Tour) and Rebecca Artis (nee Flood), who plays on the Ladies European Tour.

The banter eventuated when Artis came across a photograph of Pampling wearing long socks (remember them?) while having a lesson from coach Gary Edwin.

When asked about it Artis said, “that’s brilliant” and burst out laughing.

“I can’t believe you have just asked me about that (tweet),” she said.

gear to the test, including the world’s first High Speed Cavity Back Driver, the Nike VR_S Covert, which saw some of the guys belting 300+metre drives in the Long Drive competition.

Inside Golf was there, and we were extremely impressed with the Covert line. They felt crisp, solid and responsive. Equally impressive was the X Golf facility, which is one of the most advanced golf simulators we’ve seen.

Info: www.nikegolf.com.au, www.xgolf.com.au • Gold Coast-based Edwin coaches both Pampling and Artis.

“I was at the computer at the Glades going through the old files that Gary and Luke (Edwin) have of some of their players.

“I brought up my swing from when I first started working with Gary and Luke and came across one of Pamps when he first had a lesson off Gary years ago.

“He was wearing long socks so I thought I’d have a little bit of a joke and banter with him.”

Word is it’s a photograph from last century.

The question is, are there any golf clubs around that still insist golfers wear long socks? Almost as bad as those hideous safari suits. •

PROFESSIONAL golfer Christel Boeljon isn’t the only golfer to be stalked, according to Australian professional and Ladies European Tour chairman Karen Lunn.

“I wouldn’t say it’s all that common but it does happen – not only in golf, but tennis as well,” Lunn said.

“Many years ago, Laura Davies was stalked.

I have heard of other golfers being stalked, but I’m not sure who they are.”

In the lead-up to the Volvik Ladies Masters at RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast, Boeljon spoke openly with the media about being stalked by a male fan in America and Europe and the psychological scars it left.

“It was a mental strain and I had to take time off playing,” she said.

The Dutchwoman said the incident affected her form.

“I think there are a lot of girls that have gone through similar situations,” she said.

“For me, it was a first time and it was a very strange feeling.

“When someone is so close and demanding you don’t feel safe even going back to your hotel.

“I don’t want to use it as a excuse for my bad play in the second half of the season (last year), but it was definitely something I struggled with.

“The LPGA worked hard to keep me safe and make me feel comfortable. They did a good job and, in the end, it was okay.

“It stopped because he (stalker) was banned from attending LPGA tournaments.

“It did affect my golf a little bit which was a shame. I would have preferred if it didn’t happen, but it happened and has happened to other players.

“You have just got to try and shake it off.” •

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

94

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

demo dates Ping Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Location New South Wales New South Wales Golf Club* ° Cabramatta Golf Club* ° Bathurst Driving Range* ° Mudgee Golf Club* ° Dubbo Golf Club* ° Duntry League Golf Club* ° Wentworth Golf Club* ° Drummond Golf Northmead (Dural) Drummond Golf Northmead (Dural) Eden Gardens Golf Club* ° Pambula Merimbula Golf Club* ° Bega Golf Club* ° Narooma Golf Club* ° Mouryra Golf Club* ° Mollymook Golf Club* ° Randwick Golf Club* ° Bayview Golf Club Narrabeen Driving Range The Australian Golf Club* ° Elanora Country Club* ° Thornleigh Golf Centre* ° Campbelltown Golf Club* ° Asquith Golf Club* ° Maitland Golf Club* ° Shortland Waters Golf Club* ° Merewether Golf Club* ° Queensland Coolongatta Tweed Heads Coffs Harbour Golf Club Oxley Golf Club Victoria Park Golf Complex* Sanctuary Cove* ** Gladstone Golf Club Yeppoon Virginia Golf Club Drummond Golf Rockhampton at Capricorn Country Club Drummond Golf Rockhampton at Capricorn Country Club Parkwood International Caboolture Golf Club Pelican Waters Wynnum* Mr Tees Driving Range Palm Meadows House of Golf Hervey Bay Tin Can Bay Golf Course Victoria Warragul Country Club* Melbourne Golf Academy Riversdale Golf Club* National Golf Club* HOG Ringwood* Gisborne Golf Club* Long Island Country Club* Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range Kew Golf Club* Barwon Heads Golf Club* Medway Golf Club* Kooringal Golf Club* Kingswood Golf Club* Sandringham Golf Range Warrnambool Golf Club* Western Australia Carramar Golf Club Mandurah Country Club Wannaroo Golf Club South Australia Blackwood Golf club House Of Golf Mildura The Grange Golf Club Mount Gambeir Golf Club* Glenelg Golf Club* Mt Osmond Golf Club* Royal adelaide Golf Club* Mt Barker Golf Club* Tea Tree Gully Golf Club* Royal adelaide Golf Club* Adelaide Shore Golf Park* Tasmania Launceston Golf Club* Seabrook Golf Club* Country Club Driving Range Claremont Golf Club* Royal Hobart Golf Club* Tasmania Golf Club* Golf Park Hobart Devonport Golf Club*

Day

Callaway X Hot Demo & Long Drive Comp Date

Time

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

March 01 March 04 March 05 March 06 March 07 March 08 March 08 March 09 March 10 March 12 March 13 March 13 March 14 March 14 March 15 March 18 March 19 March 20 March 20 March 21 March 21 March 22 March 25 March 26 March 27 March 28

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

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

March 01 March 02 March 02 March 05 March 07 March 07 March 08 March 08 March 08 March 09 March 14 March 15 March 16 March 21 March 22 March 29 March 29 March 30

2 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 10am - 2pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 12 - 2pm 2 - 5pm 8 - 11am 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 4 - 7pm 1 - 5pm 9.30am - 1.30pm 2 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 4pm 9am - 12pm

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

March 01 March 06 March 08 March 09 March 12 March 13 March 14 March 14 March 15 March 16 March 18 March 19 March 20 March 20 March 21

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

Friday Friday Wednesday

March 01 March 22 March 27

12 - 4pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 1.30pm

Saturday Thursday Saturday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

March 02 March 07 March 16 March 22 March 23 March 24 March 25 March 25 March 26 March 27 March 28

10am - 1.30pm 3.30 - 7.30pm 10am - 1.30pm 10am - 2.30pm 8.30am - 3.30pm 10am - 3.30pm 9am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 9am - 3.30pm 8am - 4pm 8am - 12pm

Saturday Sunday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday

March 02 March 03 March 03 March 04 March 05 March 06 March 06 March 07

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

* 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.

Location

Day

New South Wales NSWGC The Custom Golf Group Dural Driving Range Dural Driving Range Moore Park Driving Range Moore Park Driving Range Royal Sydney Golf Club* ** ‡ Northbridge Golf Club* ‡ Windsor Golf Club Thornleigh Golf Centre* ‡ Queensland Indooroopilly Golf Club † Bargara Golf Club Gladstone Golf Club Yeppoon Golf Club Capricorn Country Club Capricorn Country Club Woodford Golf Club Victoria Black Bull Golf Club * ‡ Tocumwal Golf Club * ‡ Morack Public Golf Course * ‡ Flinders Golf Club * ‡ House Of Golf Sunraysia Blackwood GC Melbourne Golf Academy Morack GC * ‡ Flinders GC * ‡ Western Australia Melville Glades Golf Course

Mizuno Location

Date

www.callawaygolf.com

Time

Friday Thursday Saturday Sunday Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Thursday Friday Monday

March 01 March 07 March 09 March 10 March 13 March 14 March 19 March 21 March 22 March 25

12.30 - 2.30pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 4pm 3 - 9pm 3 - 9pm 9am - 1pm 8am - 12pm 3.30 - 6pm 4 - 7.30pm

Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday Saturday Thursday

March 04 March 06 March 07 March 08 March 08 March 09 March 21

12 - 1pm 9am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 9 - 11am 12 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 1 - 3pm

Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday

March 01 March 02 March 06 March 07 March 07 March 06 March 06 March 06 March 07

11am - 3pm 9am - 1pm 4.30 - 7.30pm 11am – 3pm 3 - 8pm 10.30am - 1pm 4.30 - 7pm 4.30 - 7.30pm 11am - 3pm

Saturday

March 09

1 - 4pm

Day

Date

mizuno.com.au

Time

New South Wales Bathurst Driving Range Tuesday March 5 12 - 6pm Ryde Parramatta G.C* ** Tuesday March 5 12 - 4pm Royal Sydney G.C* ** Wednesday March 6 10am - 3pm Dubbo Golf Club Thursday March 7 8am - 12pm Thornleigh Golf Centre* Tuesday March 12 4 - 7pm Northern Beaches Golf Centre Thursday March 14 4 - 7pm Belmont G.C.* Saturday March 16 9am - 1pm Golf Paradise Terrey Hills Tuesday March 19 5 - 7pm Boonie Doon Golf Club* Wednesday March 20 10am - 2pm Bonville international G.C* Wednesday March 20 11am - 4pm Drummond Golf Camperdown* Thursday March 21 4 - 7pm Coffs Harbour G.C* Thursday March 21 9am - 1pm Tamworth G.C* Friday March 23 9am - 1pm Moore Park Golf Club* Tuesday March 26 4 - 7pm Drummond Golf - Casula* Thursday March 28 4 - 7pm Northbridge G.C* Friday March 29 9am - 1pm Queensland Calliope Country Club Saturday March 16 10am - 3pm Boyne Island Golf Club Sunday March 17 9am - 12pm Cairns Golf Club* Wednesday March 20 9am - 1pm House of Golf - Herbey Bay Friday March 22 9am - 6pm Tin Can Bay Golf Club Saturday March 23 9am - 12pm Caloundra Golf Club* Wednesday March 27 9am - 1pm Western Australia Maylands Golf Course Saturday March 2 10am - 2pm Marangaroo Golf Course Saturday March 16 10am - 2pm Victoria MGA Driving Range Wednesday March 6 3 - 6.30pm House of Golf - Mildura Thursday March 7 3 - 7pm Kingston Heath Golf Club* ** Wednesday March 13 10am - 2pm Long Island Golf Club* ** Thursday March 14 10am - 2pm Sunshine Golf Club Wednesday March 20 4 - 7pm Yarra Bend Golf Course Thursday March 21 4 - 7pm Morack Driving Range Thursday March 28 3 - 6.30pm South Australia North Adelaide Golf Course Wednesday March 13 4 - 7pm Barossa Valley Golf Club Saturday March 23 10am - 1pm www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

95

golf directory

Golf Packages Include

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

THINK…

Gifts, Pri z

BUY online, mail, phone

www.allaroundthevines.com.au www.portkemblagolf.com.au

es or

YOUR TREAT

All Around the Vines 22 Branxton St Nulkaba, NSW Phone: 0459 145 065 or Email: enquiries@allaroundthevines.com.au

www.allaroundthevines.com.au

For ladies golf accessories

www.

highteeladies.com.au

Ph: 0419 501229

FOR SALE or LEASE THE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB 1/3 B Corporate membership

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.

Conditions apply & bookings essential

For further information or to make your booking please contact the Golf Shop team on (02) 42741159 or email golfshop@portkemblagolf.com.au

96

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Includes TWO full family playing rights, plus family privileges for children aged between 14 and 23, every day of the week on 3 championship courses on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.

Fantastic clubhouse with underground parking and unsurpassed practice facilities.

2 individual memberships would cost approximately $18,000

The asking price for this share is great value at $13,900 ONO For more details and to express interest please call Bruce

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

0401 555 563

golf directory

Benalla Golf Club

pp $185 From share n i tw week mid

Three Day / Two Night Golf Package Includes: Unlimited golf, two nights accommodation, breakfast each morning, 2 x evening meals (vouchers up to the value of $20) • Fully Irrigated Greens & Fairways • Full Bar & Bistro Facilities • Abundant Wildlife including Kangaroos

www.benallagolfclub.com.au (03) 5762 1920 | benagolf @bigpond.net.au

Play anytime - No waiting

GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN? Need new batteries?

Don’t replace them… Restore them with the Battery Reviver.

Howeston Golf Course Enquiries welcome

$

16 Weekdays

$

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

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

*prices include GST

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

The Battery Reviver can bring old batteries back to life by sending a high frequency pulse through the batteries dissolving the sulphate build up and turning the sulphur crystals back into sulphuric acid.

The Battery Reviver is powered by your golf cart batteries and it can be left connected permanently to increase the life of your batteries by up to three times, or used occasionally to restore them.

30 DAY

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK.

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

LADIES MEMBERSHIP OPEN

No Nomination Fee (Save $440)

›› Hole Out

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

Mike McGuire & Yumi Yoshida 1-7 Oceanview Ave, Merimbula NSW

Nudgee Golf Club Incorporated 1207 Nudgee Road NUDGEE QLD 4014 Phone: 07 3267 7744 E-mail: golf@nudgeegolf.com.au www.nudgeegolf.com.au

P: M: E: W:

02 6495 2366 0437 801 270 info@pacificheights.com.au www.pacificheights.com.au

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

Great Golf Packages

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

$455 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

4 Rounds of golf + Carts Breakfast each day

FROM

Sapphire Coast Merimbula

FROM

Spectacular

Ladies Competitions every Saturday from 9am till 11am and Tuesday from 8am till 9am. Friday and Sunday Open Medley Competitions.

$525 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

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

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 | March 2013

97

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

Inside Golf Digital

Cobram-Barooga Golf View Motel

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.

Play & Stay PackageS on courSe

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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.

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$7 From ay per d

16 Golf courses!

Port Stephens Golfing Holidays

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

• 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

$185pp Quad Share

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

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

http://bit.ly/HSdId8

InsideGolf

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 98

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

golf directory

Aquarius

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

R

E

S

O

R

MAGIC MERIMBULA This is the most popular package on the Sapphire Coast, it gets booked out early - don't miss out

T

• 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/ Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega, and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort.

• 6 nights accommodation in a 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment (linen supplied).

• 6 FREE fully cooked poolside breakfasts, buffet style.

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

Packages starting from: $489*pp / 2 Share $399*pp / 3 Share $379*pp / 4 Share

• Free use of resort facilities, indoor gas heated pool, sauna & spa, full size tennis court, BBQ area and outdoor pool.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

*Conditions apply

• Large Groups Welcome

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

Phone Toll Free 1800 688 881 Ring toll free for free brochure

aquariusresort@netspeed.com.au Crn Dunns Lane & Arthur Kaine Drv, MERIMBULA NSW www.aquarius-resort.com.au

Let us organise your Gold Coast golf tours Hassle Free

GOLF MEMBERSHIP from $245 until 30/06/2013

TOURS TO SUIT EVERY NE

Let us organise your golf packages including airport & course transfers.

Individual/ groups & nonplaying partners catered for.

1300 26 20 55 | www.golfaccom.com.au info@golfaccom.com.au

GREAT GOLF SPECIALS Play FROM $97 pppn • Horizons • Kooindah Waters (Wyong) In Beautiful

• Pacific Dunes • Cypress Lakes • Nelson Bay • Tanilba Bay • Hawks Nest • The Vintage

Offered by

100 years

Celebrating

of golf in Temora

$4500

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

Temora Golf Club

$100 per player

LEMON TREE PASSAGE MOTEL

For reservations or additional information call Christine or Mike on

A weekend of golf and entertainment at

Website: www.lemontreemotel.bizland.com Email: lemontreepassagemotel@idl.net.au

47 Meredith Ave, Lemon Tree Passage, NSW 2319

in

prizes

Super Medley 4BBB Weekend

Open to all Men & Women golfers with a golf link handicap

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th April 2013

Entry fee includes 2 days golf 2 course meal Saturday night Rikki Organ Rockin’ the 19th Hole (J.O.K & Friends & Blues Brothers Rebooted)

Non golfers Meal & Entertainment $50

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

www.insidegolf.com.au | March 2013

99

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

Providing you with the most inclusive golf package

65

$

on the Murray

pp per day

min 4 share 2 room apartment

$75 per person per day twin share

Genuine All Inclusive Golf PAckAGe • 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 dinners • 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

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”

MELVIEW GREENS STUDIO & FAMILY APARTMENTS, PLOUGHMANS LANE ORANGE NSW 2800

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

100

March 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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 ON HOW ODON T BR R A O P W C SHEP URY ALB

RIC

MELBOURNE

THURGOONA

PETROL TOO EXPENSIVE? USE OUR SELF DRIVEN

FREE mini B USES & TRAILER

FROM MELBO URNE @ YO Bus offe UR r applies to

groups of 12DISPOSAL or

more Grou Make any for p Organis ward bookin e g and you rec rs

Entir

eive your

Free OEFhColiday harge 1. Must finalise •Conditions Apply your bookin

g with the nex 2. Gro t 3 months (not available ups of 12 or more with free bus or petrol offer)

DO IT NOW!

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

“

2 years ago you could get away without having a GPS for corporate days, but not anymore.

”

Tim Parker, General Manager, Mona Vale The iPar Range Features: • Affordable • Local Servicing • Cart fleet management & tracking • Advertising Capability • Interactive course guide

Try an On-Pin Demonstration today and see the benefits of increased cart revenue for corporate and social play.

GPS SOLUTIONS to keep you ON-PLAY

www.on-pin.com +61 (0) 2 9979 9908

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

ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE TO GOLF CLUBS

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

$672

$419

Srixon Q Star Balls

TaylorMade Rescue II Hybrid ½ PRICE!

$14

Tour quality 2 styles

$18 Tour Special by SRIXON

5 FOR

$45

INC. POSTAGE ANYWHERE IN AUST

TS+ Green box or TS Tour Gold box Individually boxed

$35

$20

dozen

Cleveland CG-16 Tour Irons

7 Irons 4 - PW Dynamic Gold Regular or Stiff Right & Left hand

Srixon Distance Balls

$156

Great for ball comps Distance and control

$14

$168 for 144 balls Individually boxed

Cooler Pocket Putter holder Full length dividers Black/blue, black/red, black

dozen

$179

$119

TaylorMade Penta TP5 Balls 5 piece urethane cover

Wide, easy fitting Heaps to choose from Some white All sizes in black

$79

$49

$31

US sizes: 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13

Eagles & Birdies Cypress Point bag

doz

Cleveland Fairway Sale FL Men’s & ladies 3, 5, 7 DST Launcher Men’s regular & stiff 3 + 5

SAVE$60

$199

½ PRICE

$89

Includes cover

Srixon Soft Feel Ball Sale

TaylorMade XD balls

Distance ball with great feel

$168

Cleveland Classic Driver

Srixon Z-Star X Balls

$159

$209

Cleveland Cart Plus 14 Way Bag

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

SAVE$140

SAVE $50

Includes cover & wrench

Srixon AD333 Balls

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

Distance ball with great feel

$110

Includes cover & wrench

Adjustable loft (not bonded) Original & best Lots of different specifications

$119

14 Full length dividers Magnetic pockets Cooler pocket Lots of colours

$399

SAVE $100

Adjustable loft Aldila shaft Mens right hand Stiff No 2 16º Regular No 4 21º Mens left hand Stiff No 4 21º

TaylorMade RBZ Driver

Waterproof Leather Shoe Sale

OPTIMA Ball Sale

39g, 43g and 61g Miyazaki shafts Regular & Stiff 10.5º, 9º, 12º and 7.5º lofts Not all variations available Includes cover

Doz

$179

Doz

ALL WEATHER GLOVES

Great for ball competitions Bulk Qty

3 piece ball Long and soft 3 piece quality $168 for 144 Individually boxed

adidas Powerband 4.0 Shoe

Pure white or Tour Yellow $216 for 144 Individually boxed

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

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 6 Days

TopFlite Gamer V2

TaylorMade RBZ Irons

Easy to use irons

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) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 6 Days

8 irons 4-SW Matching Regular Flex Steel shafts Right and left hand

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

Individually boxed balls

$18

Mens or Ladies Soft Feel 144 Balls for $216

per dozen

Cleveland CG-16 Wedges

Urethane cover 3 Piece Tour Quality ball ½ PRICE

$25

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

doz

Bulk deal: 144 for $300 incl postage anywhere in Australia

$99

$50