Inside Golf Issue 95 by Inside Golf

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InsideGolf www.insidegolf.com.au

Issue 95 June 2013

BRETT RUMFORD

Cracking the

code With a new caddie, a new self-belief and newly-rediscovered FORM, AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST CHAMPION SETS HIS sights sky high.

SUNNY DAYS Great golf on the Sunshine Coast

LEGENDS

Kel Nagle: the popular champion

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PLANNING The great rake debate AN EVENT FOR 2013? starter’s box

Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

While playing in a recent golf event, I was the recipient of a rather unlucky bounce, as my perfectly-struck approach shot to the green hit a rake and deflected into a bunker (where the ball came to rest, no less, in the middle of an unraked footprint.) As a golf purist, I accept that bad bounces like this are part of the game (and are equalled by the inordinate number of good/lucky bounces that I get). But I still couldn’t avoid grumbling at the Golf Gods, and wondering if there was a better way to place rakes on a course. We get a lot of mail from readers concerning rake placement. Should they go inside the bunker? Outside the bunker? Should they be eliminated altogether? There are many viewpoints across the country. At many clubs, the policy is for rakes to be placed in the centre/base of the bunker, pointed in (or parallel to) direction of play. “Our fairway contouring is designed to feed balls towards bunkers,” explains Peter Whittle, GM of The Links Kennedy Bay. “Having rakes outside of bunkers could stop this occurring and subsequently aid the player who should be penalised for not playing far enough away from the hazards.” Aaron Newnham, Director of Golf at Royal Melbourne, offers a similar viewpoint. “With Royal Melbourne’s extensive bunkering configurations, leaving rakes outside of bunkers wasn’t an option,” he says. “It was believed that too many would go missing, they would be placed on bunker islands and it would detract from the playability and look of the course.” Other courses ask players to place rakes outside of the bunkers, either along the edge, or in a “strategic entry position”. “At Green Acres we adopted this policy because we found that bunker rakes were being left in inappropriate locations,” explains Ian Robertson, former GM at Green Acres (and new GM at Yarra Yarra.) “This was neither assisting members to properly rake the bunkers, nor would they leave the rake in the proper position for the

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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

next golfer. The current system is working well but—like pitch repairs on greens and divot repairs – reminders are ongoing.” “At all my past Clubs over 15+ years, the policy of rakes has been the traditional ‘leave in centre, parallel with the line of play’ option,” says Ben Telley, GM of The Eastern Golf Club. “At Eastern, a number of years ago, the Golf Committee decided to trial them outside the bunkers. This remains the policy at the present time and the Golf Committee are satisfied it is working. So which is better? Personally, I have seen little evidence to support one or the other.” While there aren’t any official rules about rake placement, the USGA recommends placing rakes outside the bunker and parallel to the line of play, preferably along the outer edge of the bunker: “There is not a perfect answer for the position of rakes, but on balance it is felt there is less likelihood of an advantage or disadvantage to the player if rakes are placed outside of bunkers.” “It may be argued that there is more likelihood of a ball being deflected into or kept out of a bunker if the rake is placed outside the bunker. It could also be argued that if the rake is in the bunker it is most unlikely that the ball will be deflected out of the bunker. “However, in practice, players who leave rakes in bunkers frequently leave them at the side which tends to stop a ball rolling into the flat part of the bunker, resulting in a much more difficult shot than would otherwise have been the case. This is most prevalent at a course where the bunkers are small. When the ball comes to rest on or against a rake in the bunker and the player must proceed under Rule 24-1, it may not be possible to replace the ball on the same spot or find a spot in the bunker which is not nearer the hole.” “Also, if a rake is in the middle of a large bunker it is either not used or the player is obliged to rake a large area of the bunker resulting in unnecessary delay.” So what is the answer? While a uniform policy across all courses in the country could be beneficial, the nuances and characteristics of each course and club would make this highly unlikely. (Though it should be noted that Golf Australia, in their Administration manual for preparation of bunkers for

elite competition, requires rakes be placed outside of bunkers.) Perhaps we should borrow ideas from the US, where some courses have rakes attached to buggies, or with players carrying their own? In other courses, rakes are stored in vertical tubes that are sunken below ground level, so that only the tines are shown. Maybe we should all just take a page out of the book from courses like WA’s Secret Harbour, where bunkers are purposely NOT raked. If you get stuck into a bunker, you simply pick up your ball, wipe a nice lie in the sand, and place your ball. While this may bother the golf purist, this gives all players an equal chance, avoids those impossible “Footprint lies”, and eliminates the need (and costs) for rakes and bunker maintenance. It also speeds up play a bit, especially for the higher handicapper who has enough trouble escaping the sand at the best of times. Or, we could go the whole hog and heed the words of Australian golf legend Peter Thomson, and simply not rake them at all, thus transforming bunkers into a real hazard. Because, after all, we shouldn’t be in there in the first place, right? One thing is certain: it is up to the members to do the right thing, and follow their club’s policy. “It comes back to communication of the policy to members and for members to implement the policy,” Telley says. “Sadly, it is another aspect that falls in to the same category as ‘divots’, ‘pitchmarks’ etc. Whilst the majority do the right thing, a small minority for whatever reason don’t and that is frustrating for everyone at a Club. Each club just needs to do what works for them.” See you on the fairways (and not in a bunker.) •

Contributors:

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

Larry Canning, Mike Orloff, Denis Dale, Peter Croker, Brian Thorburn, Michael Green, Richard Nizielski, Henry Peters, Stephen Pitt, Glenn Whittle, Garrett Johnston, David Allen, Steven Jeffress, Tiffany Mika, Tracey-Lea Tiley

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Your say What are your thoughts on the great rake debate? Email ed@insidegolf.com.au and let us know.

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news

Let’s talk Turkey SOME of the women who contested the Turkish Airlines Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour recently might have considered seeking counselling after battling the monster golf course at the National Golf Club in Turkey. Designed by former Ryder Cup player turned television commentator David Feherty, the golf course is more than a challenge. It’s bloody tough. Just five players finished the 72-hole tournament under par with the winner, LeeAnne Pace of South Africa, carding a 289 total – three-under par. The most talented players on the Ladies European Tour had been humiliated. Ten Australians played the event with half making the cut at +7. American Jessica Yadloczky must have been delighted when she made the cut with rounds of 78-75, but her mood changed dramatically as she carded 83-86 in the final rounds to be 30-over par. Aussie Karen Lunn, who missed the cut, described the golf course as “very tough”. “It is tree-lined with very tight fairways and lots of doglegs,” she told Inside Golf. “You really can’t miss a shot and there is not one easy hole on the course. In fact, the par-5s are all very, very tough. “The greens were extremely firm and not that big with run offs everywhere so if you miss the greens it’s is very tough to get up-and-down.” Opened in 1994, one golf course critic described the golf course as “a long country lane” unlike many newer courses that are wide and open. Sarah Kemp was the best of the Australians finishing in a tie for 12th at two-over par. •

Easy win for Yamba pair WINNING the Mother’s Day mixed fourball at Yamba Golf Club in northern New South Wales was a walk in the park for the winning combination of Carolyn Chester and Bob McKibbin. The pair carded 50 points to finish five points clear of runners-up Janelle and Guy Carpenter with Deidre Gough and Brian Dwyer next with 43 points. Fifty-two players contested the event. •

Mercure Portsea Golf Club & Resort to open this month

Following a $12 million redevelopment, Portsea Golf Club is set to re-open its doors to the public this month as Mercure Portsea Golf Club & Resort. The club, which has partnered with leading hotel group Accor, will introduce 24 four-star accommodation rooms onto the property, as well as a new clubhouse and modern facilities. Set amongst lush bushland in an exclusive pocket of the coast on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, the facility is framed with panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, and will doubtless create more interest among tourists and avid golfers from intrastate, interstate and internationally. It was important to Portsea Golf Club that they continue to be progressive and competitive in the golfing goldmine that is the Mornington Peninsula and position themselves as the premier Play & Stay golf club in Victoria. The Mornington Peninsula and particularly Portsea is extremely popular for weddings and conferences. The new Mercure Portsea Golf Club & Resort has been specially designed to cater for

such functions without intruding upon the Club’s members’ and golfing visitors’ ability to enjoy the spectacular views and golf course. Work commenced on the planning for the redevelopment in 2005, culminating in Planning Approval in 2009 with construction commencing in April last year. The Clubhouse including accommodation is sited on the highest point on the course with sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff and beyond to the skyscrapers of the City of Melbourne in the distance. To the South there are glimpses of Bass Strait. The Mercure Portsea Golf Club & Resort allows golfers and holiday makers the opportunity to play on a great course, which is rated in the top 30’s in Australia and the ability to enjoy the wines, vineyards and restaurants of the Mornington Peninsula as well as the National Park and historic Quarantine Station which are just next door. To celebrate the opening, The Mercure Portsea Golf Club & Resort will be running a special from $169.00 per night. See the website for details. www.portseagolf.com.au •

The Big Easy seeks pros

THE Big Easy Golf Driving Range in Brisbane’s northern suburbs is looking to replace departing teaching professional Geoff Smith with a team of professionals. After five years, Smith is off overseas to Singapore’s Orchid Country Club where he will work at the Phil Brew Golf Academy. Now Big Easy proprietor Mike Pelling, a former top jockey, is keen to fill the void with a bank of professionals. “I am inviting teaching and club professionals who want to use the facility to expand their customer base to use the driving range,” Pelling said. “We have a large grassed tee area as well as an undercover area for protection. “Anyone who doesn’t have a base to teach can come here.” The range is open from 9am to 9pm Tuesday to Friday and from 9am to 8pm on Saturdays. On Mondays and Sundays, it is open from 10am to 6pm. “The great thing about teaching here is the pro doesn’t have to pick up the golf balls after a lesson,” Pelling said. Pelling said he was proactive in the community and catered for golfers and non-golfer alike. The Big Easy is a popular venue for golfers of all ages thanks to a number of novelty props in specific target areas. “At the Big Easy we make sure that your practice is fun,” Pelling said. Horty Harry sits in a bright yellow Kombi van and gestures to anyone who hits the van. Then there is Dame Edna who struts her stuff atop a bus and Fred the Vampire, too, is animated. “These targets are strategically placed to sharpen your golfing skills and are great for competing with your mates,” Pelling said. Interested parties can contact Mike Pelling on (07) 3862 8804. •

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news Rounds numbers maintain growth into Autumn Adam Scott’s Masters victory should boost an already positive year for the Australian golf industry with the number of golf rounds played continuing to increase according to new data released by the Australian Golf Industry Council. For the nine months to date in the current financial year, the number of rounds played is up 6.4% on 2011/12 figures to nearly 9.8 million with growth consistent across both genders. With national rainfall levels in March 2013 only 1% different to the long term average, March results were notably different to results of March 2012, the fourth wettest on record. All states except South Australia recorded increases for the month. The 2012/13 March growth in New South Wales was 29.2% up on 2011/12 figures which reflects the rainfall totals of March 2012 which were the second wettest on record in the state. Total national competition rounds for March 2013 were up 15.8% on March 2012 figures. Growth was slightly stronger in metropolitan areas at 7.2% while regional areas recorded 5.8% growth. Golf Australia CEO and AGIC Chairman Stephen Pitt said the consistent growth would be boosted by Scott’s victory. “There is absolutely no doubt that Adam’s win will have a significant impact on the Australian golf industry. His achievement and the people it inspires cuts through on all levels of golf,” Pitt said. “Anecdotally we’ve already had reports of increased foot traffic through golf clubs around the country in the days following his win. It’s the ideal time to harness that enthusiasm for golf and welcome people, new and old, through the doors of golf facilities across the country.” www.agic.org.au •

The shark tales

Aussie to serve as R&A Golf Club Captain

A SECOND Brisbane golf club is claiming it has a shark lurking in the shallow waters of one of its dams. Nudgee Golf Club general manager Aaron Muirhead contacted Inside Golf after club president Dr Robert Sang reported a one-metre bull shark had been seen residing in the dam between the 11th green and the 12th tee. “It would appear that it came in during the floods when we had a metre of water over this area of the golf course,” Muirhead said. The shark has captivated members, who now are reluctant to retrieve golf balls from the deadly water hazard. “It’s probably claimed a few of my Titleist golf balls,” Muirhead joked. Meanwhile, Carbrook Golf Club general manager Scott Wagstaff, too, has shown an interest in the story. “Shark whisperer Wagstaff reckons he is going to come down and chuck a chicken carcass in to attract it so he can get a better look at it,” Muirhead said. For 10 years, Carbrook has reported large bull sharks residing in its main lake aptly named

OUT OF BOUNDS: A bull shark has taken up residence in a dam at Nudgee Golf club. “Shark Lake”. Wagstaff fed chicken carcasses to the sharks and dined out on the well-founded story for many years claiming Carbrook was the only golf course in the world with sharks. There have been more than 2.2 million YouTube views of the shark video at www.carbrookgolfclub.com.au/sharks.php. They have even had hits from Pakistan. Earlier this year, Wagstaff thought the sharks had “escaped” from the Carbrook course when the big wet hit Brisbane, but it was a false alarm. “We have had video footage just recently proving our main attraction is still alive and well,” he said. •

Cows out of bounds

website. The grateful dairy farmer picked up his “lost” cows, but he was scratching his head as to where the rest of the sizable herd had gone. Meanwhile, William Wilson, from Calliungal station at Wowan south-west of Rockhampton, too, lost a significant number of his 4000-strong herd. Apparently, strong winds pushed the herd into the torrent and possibly washed down the Dee River. Golfers might like the idea of cows keeping the rough short on the golf course, but realistically cows and golf courses are not a good mix. •

SHARKS, crocodiles, snakes and kangaroos are part of the golfing landscape on golf courses in Australia, but cows are uninvited guests. Well, during the big wet earlier this year, staff at Rockhampton Golf Club in Central Queensland arrived early one morning to find 28 confused cows roaming the fairways. Club president Grant Vickery told Inside Golf the cows had swum from Gracemere, which is more than five kilometres away, and ended up on the golf course. Identification markings allowed the quickthinking president to locate the owner via the

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Alexander Sinclair Dawson will serve as the Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in 2013/14. He has been nominated by the past Captains of the Club and will begin his year in office with the traditional driving-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course at 8am on Friday, 20 September 2013. He succeeds Frenchman, Pierre Bechmann, and will be the second Australian to hold the position after Viscount Bruce of Melbourne in 1954. Born in 1943, Dawson is a former Australian Universities Golf Champion and, from 1988 to 1993, he was Captain of Royal Sydney Golf Club where he has been Club President since 2010. Mr Dawson lives in Sydney with his wife Jane and has three children and nine grandchildren. He plays to a handicap of four and is also a keen skier. He has been a Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews since 1974. Established in 1754, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews evolved through two and a half centuries as a leading authority in the world game. As the Club celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2004 it devolved responsibility for the administration of the Rules of Golf, the running of The Open Championship and other key events, and the development of the game in existing and emerging golfing nations, to a newly formed group of companies collectively known as The R&A. As a separate entity The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews remains as a private golf club with a world-wide membership of 2,400. •

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news

Vic Pennant champions crowned for 2013

Pros duck for cover as bullets fly

IT’S not often a game of golf is disrupted by a gunfight between police and a bunch of suspect criminals. It happened during the recent CocaCola Morobe Open in Lae, Papua New Guinea with a couple of Australian professionals virtually trapped in the middle of the action. Hervey Bay golf professional Chris Taylor told Inside Golf he feared for his life when he heard gunshots slamming into objects close to where he was on the golf course. “I was the closest pro to it (action) because I was putting on a par-3 near the road,” he said. “I had just hit my first putt to four inches when I heard the M16 assault weapons going off and hitting cars and fences. “When that happened I hit the deck and lay flat on the green. “The police and the rascals were firing at each other as they went past the golf course – it was like watching a movie. “When I got up I didn’t know how I was going to sink the tap-in putt because my hands and arms were shaking. “Apparently, the other pros ahead of me were running for cover in the trees as they came down through there.” Taylor said he had heard the police had caught up with the “bad guys” at a roundabout at the other end of the golf course. •

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Brady Watt hits the first drive on the new 13th hole at Sun City

New era begins for Sun City The first stage of a multi-million dollar redevelopment at WA’s Sun City Country Club was officially opened last month. The completion and re-opening of holes 13, 14 and 15 marked the beginning of a complete overhaul of the nearly 40-year-old course, undertaken by Sun City Country Club with Ogilvy Clayton design. Speaking at the opening ceremony, designer Mike Clayton said he was impressed with the results from the first stage of the redevelopment. “The best golf is played over and around hazards on the ground,” he said. “In the past, much of the game played at Sun City has been about hazards in the air. Bringing the focus back to ground level is the single most significant change reflected in the redevelopment of these three new holes and will help to transform the game played here at Yanchep.” “Land as good as what we have here should make for a course well inside of the top 30 in Australia. If the redesign of the remaining 15 holes turns out as well as these first three have then I believe this course could become one of

the top 15 in the country,” he said. Stage one saw holes 13, 14 & 15 realigned and made wider than the original holes. In addition, a barranca hazard (a dry ditch filled with rocks) and a series of bunkers have been constructed on the 13th hole. New Santa Ana Couch grass has been planted on the fauirways, while landscaping work has been undertaken along the boundary between the Club and Yanchep Golf Estate. Following the opening ceremony, 22-year-old Brady Watt, one of golf’s rising stars and Yanchep local, hit the first drive on the 13th hole, which overlooks the southern portion of the course. The focus now shifts to the second phase of the course redevelopment with work underway on the second and eighth holes. The new second hole will be a short par-four where the longer hitters will be able to fly the ball over the imposing bunkers on the right and up to the front of the green, while the par-three eighth green will become the course’s longest green at over 50m long. More info: www.suncitycountryclub.com.au •

Yarra Yarra has won the Men’s Division 1 while Metropolitan has taken out the Women’s Division 1 following the 2013 Golf Victoria Pennant finals played at Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West course). In the finale to the 114th Golf Victoria Pennant season, Yarra Yarra made it backto-back Division 1 Men’s titles by defeating Southern 4 1/2 to 2 1/2. Yarra Yarra gained ascendency with strong -performances from its lower order with wins from team captain Ian Susic and father/son duo Peter and Ryan Woodward, while Victorian Amateur Champion Taylor Macdonald prevailed with a 3&2 win over Southern No. 1 Ben Hollis. In the Women’s Division 1 final, Metropolitan prevailed five matches to two over Heidelberg to win the club’s first Division 1 Women’s title since 1965, and 11th overall. After No. 7 Debbie Baulch secured the first team win for the day with a 6&5 victory over Heidelberg’s Elizabeth Sinclair, Metropolitan’s strong top order sealed the result with wins from Tomi Crewes, Michelle Hui, Victorian Women’s State Team Captain, Jo Charlton and Australia’s No. 1 ranked amateur, Su-Hyun Oh. The 2013 Men’s Pennant finals saw the remaining Divisions won by Cheltenham (Division 2), Long Island (Division 3), Rossdale (Division 4), Patterson River (Division 5) and Churchill Park (Division 6). Winners of Women’s Pennant finals were Huntingdale (Division 2), Spring Valley (Division 3), Medway (Division 4) and Box Hill (Division 5). Commonwealth took out the Division 1 Colts final for the second year in succession by defeating Yarra Yarra three matches to two. The remaining Colts finals were won by Kooringal (Division 2); Metropolitan (Division 3); Rosanna (Division 4) and Goonawarra (Division 5). •

news

Vics to tee up at Ladies British Amateur A team of six Victorian players will head to the 2013 British Amateur in South Wales this month to compete for one of the most prestigious events in Women’s Amateur golf. The players are being supported by the Victorian Golf Foundation and Golf Victoria in an initiative to increase the opportunities available to Victorian elite female golfers. Including five out of the six victorious 2013 Women’s State Team, the players are looking forward to the opportunity of competing against the best women amateurs in the world. Golf Victoria CEO, Simon Brookhouse stated, “It will be a fantastic experience for our elite female golfers to compete on the world stage. The experience is invaluable and allows our players to understand the demands mentally and physically of a professional athlete.” The team includes VIS scholarship holder Grace Lennon, who was the leading amateur at the 2013 Victorian Open and Australia’s

number one ranked female player Su-Hyun Oh. Lennon and Oh were members of the recent Queen Sirikit Cup winning Australian team. 2013 Junior State Team Captain, Bianca Ling; Victorian Women’s State Team Captain, Jo Charlton; Metropolitan’s Grace Daniell and 15-year-old Julienne Soo, already a threetime State representative will join Lennon and Oh for the innovative trip. The 111th staging of the Ladies’ British Amateur Championship will be played from June 11-15 at a new Ladies’ Golf Union venue–the Jack Nicklaus-designed Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club, near Llanelli in South Wales. The composite course to be used for the LGU’s flagship amateur event will come in at 6,290 yards, a little longer than when the four Ladies European Tour events were played at Machynys and Kirsty Taylor set the women’s professional course record of 61. The team will be managed by Golf Victoria High Performance and Commercial Operations Manager, John Anderson. •

Srixon supports Qld senior golf, Qld Open Golf Queensland recently announced that Srixon has come on board as the naming sponsor of the Queensland Senior Order of Merit (QSOOM), and also confirmed its support for the 2013 Isuzu Queensland Open. In addition to the end-of-year major prizes for the QSOOM (a year’s supply of Srixon Golf Balls and two Cleveland RTX Wedges), Srixon’s support will be felt at club level with each host club being supplied 4 dozen boxes of golf balls to be used as prizes. “The Queensland Senior Order of Merit has grown rapidly in the first part of this year and we look forward to being associated with the event as it moves around the State and continues to grow,” said Martin Wright, Managing Director for Srixon. The QSOOM is available to all male and female golfers, 55 years of age and over, who hold a current Men’s Australian or overseas equivalent handicap of 27 and

under, or a Women’s Australian or overseas equivalent handicap of 45 and under to play in a Queensland-wide event. In addition, Srixon has confirmed its support for the 2013 Isuzu Queensland Open, a State -based championship which will be played from 22 to 25 August at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club. “Srixon is a strong supporter of Golf Queensland and this is just another show of their commitment,” Golf Queensland chair Peter Castrisos said. A pre-qualifying round for the Isuzu Queensland Open will be hosted at the Ipswich Golf Club on Monday, August 19. A number of sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event. For more information, contact Luke Bates at Golf Queensland office on 07 3252 8155, or visit www.golfqueensland.org.au •

Griffin wins SK Telecom Open

Australian Matthew Griffin won his second OneAsia title in less than a year when the final round of the SK Telecom Open was called off without a shot being played due to thick fog at Pinx Golf Club on Korea’s Jeju Island. Griffin can credit the win to a spectacular 40 foot putt from off the back of the 18th green on the Saturday, as it meant he held a one-shot lead over Korean veteran Kang Wook-soon at the end of three rounds. The tournament ended in similar circumstances in 2011 when Kurt Barnes was declared the winner after fog prevented any play in the final round. Built on a plateaux, Pinx Golf Club is prone to rolling fog from the extinct Mount Halla volcano, but the weather had been perfect for two rounds -- albeit damp and windy for the third. “It’s unfortunate to finish like this, but I’ll take it,” said Griffin, 29, who banked 200,000 won (around U.S. $180,000) for the win and leapt to the top of the OneAsia Order of Merit with earnings of over $233,000 for the season. “I thought my final putt yesterday was big as it gave me the lead, but I didn’t think it would be the winning putt. It just goes to show you really must try and make

everything.” Griffin recorded rounds of 64, 67 and 72 for a 13-under par aggregate of 203 around the 6,732 metre (7,361 yard) course -- one better than Kang and four ahead of China’s Hu Mu and Koreans Lee Ki-sang and Park Do-kyu. •

Links Festival of Golf a huge success! Family members of all ages experienced the world-class facilities of Links Hope Island in April during the Links Festival of Golf. This was the perfect opportunity for guests to try out golf or brush up on existing golfing skills on the full grass practice range, two putting greens as well as the chipping and short course game area. The MYGolf program was extremely popular with the younger children and gave them a safe and fun way to test the waters of the wonderful world of golf. The children loved the activities put together by the teaching professionals and impressed their parents with their undivided attention.

“The highly qualified coaching Pros are PGA members and are extremely passionate about bringing juniors to the game and developing programs and pathways formal for all sk ill levels,” General Manager Mark Holland said. The newly launched Links Junior Academy offers juniors access to practice and develop their skills at world-class facilities. Available now the Links Junior Academy Card offers more than $350.00 in value for just $199.00. To find out more please contact Links Hope Island on 5530 9000 or see www.linkshopeisland.com.au •

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news

Shark circles island paradise

Dan Cullen congratulates Al Howard on turning 100

PGA’s Al Howard swings past century AUSTRALIAN PGA great Al Howard, OAM, who can lay claim to being the world’s oldest golf pro, celebrated his 100th birthday in Sydney early in May with more than 100 of his family, friends and a host of his PGA peers. Howard was hearty enough to give a speech and crack a joke before cutting a unique huge birthday cake – made in the shape of the famous Howard-designed seaside-hugging third hole at Tasmania Golf Club, quipping: “This is one hole where it’s good advice to slice”. The Tasmania GC, designed by Howard and opened in 1971, played a special event , named in his honour, on his birthday. Since joining the PGA in 1931 Howard successfully has embraced every aspect of golf. At age 10 he caddied for his father, carrying just the seven hickory clubs his father needed for 72 holes to win the 1923 Australian Open at Royal Adelaide. Al himself won numerous pro titles in tournament play but hit the heights in the pre-championship 18-hole pro purse at the 1946 Australian Open at Royal Sydney

when he had two birdies and an eagle on the back nine for a 70 to tie Ossie Pickworth, who that weekend won the Open. Al was also club pro at Woollahra, Monash, Cromer and Rosnay, a course designer (more than 200 layouts from Papua New Guinea to Western Australia and Tasmania), a newspaper golf columnist (Sydney Sunday Truth and Sunday Mirror from 1936 to 1972) and an original TV commentator (Channel Nine early telecasts of tournaments). Howard is being hotly pursued by his golf mate of more than 50 years, Sydney’s Dan Cullen, who will be 100 in November. Cullen gave a speech at Al’s 100th birthday party, which was staged at the Anzac War Services village at North Narrabeen. At his century celebration Howard, who was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 1994 for service to golf, received congratulatory messages from the Queen, Peter Thomson, Ian Baker-Finch, Peter Senior, Wayne Grady and Bill Dunk. •

THE Great White Shark, Greg Norman, has been circling Great Keppel Island where he has landed the job of turning what is literally a goat track into a championship 18-hole golf course. Before work begins on the island site Norman describes as “magnificent”, the development team will have to remove the feral goats that roam the island, lantana, rubber vine and prickly pear. Still, even before all that, Tower Holdings, who plan a $600m redevelopment of the island, must negotiate with the traditional owners – the Woppaburra. Last month, peaceful protesters were out in force waving flags and displaying signs, which read: “Woppa land, not golf land” and “Don’t ignore our heritage”. Tower Holdings CEO Terry Agnew, the man behind the project, has agreed to talk with the Woppaburra. Once he overcomes that hurdle, he has big plans for Great Keppel Island, which is just off Yeppoon near Rockhampton in Central Queensland. Aside from the Greg Norman-designed golf course, there will be a five-star hotel, threestar apartments, restaurants, spas and shops and a marina.

“This development is so exciting for not only Central Queensland, but all of Australia,” said Agnew on Greg Norman’s golf course design website – www.gngcd.com. “There has not been a new tourism development like this for 30 years.” “Great Keppel Island is truly a spectacular site and we’re excited to have the opportunity to create a golf course that will highlight and complement the natural beauty of the Island,” Norman said. “Once complete, we hope that this golf course and resort will be one of the finest golf destinations for Australians and people all around the globe.” Norman, whose design philosophy is simple, has designed and opened close to 80 golf courses worldwide. Central Queensland District Golf Association president Ron Murphy said the golf course and new development would be a boon for tourism.” “It will be really good for tourism and for people who like to play golf and spend a bit of time on an island,” he said. But Murphy fears the locals will have limited opportunity to play the golf course. “I don’t think they will go over there to play golf, but I could be wrong.” •

Australian team selected for Toyota World Junior G olf A u s t r a l i a h a s s e l e c t e d t h e Australian team to defend the Toyota World Junior Championship at Chukyo Golf Club near Nagoya, Japan from 18-21 June. The team members are Lucas Herbert (Commonwealth GC, VIC), Ricky Kato (The Australian GC, NSW), Anthony Murdaca (The Grange GC, SA) and Ryan Ruffels (Victoria GC, VIC). Herbert finished second at the Australian Junior Championship in April following his tie for second at the PGA Tour of Australasia’s Heritage Classic in January. Murdaca won the Australian Junior Championship for the second time in 2013

while Kato is the current Tasmanian Open champion. Ruffels was part of the winning Australian team at the Ten Nations Cup in South Africa and won the Srixon International Sub Junior. The Team Coach is Peter Knight and the Assistant Coach is Alex Head. Golf Australia High Performance Director Brad James said the players would be eager to defend the title. “We had a great result last year with the team shooting a combined 10 under par on the final day to win,” James said. “The Toyota event is a great opportunity for these players to continue to develop their international experience.” •

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from the ceo

Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

T h e P G A r e c e nt l y c e l e b r at e d t h e announcement that the World Cup will be returning to Australia and Royal Melbourne Golf Club for the first time since 1988, with the PGA Tour of Australasia the host sanctioning partner. Having won the World Cup on three occasions since its beginnings as the Canada Cup, Australia has a proud history and association with this event and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best golfers back to Australia. The addition of the World Cup will complement an already strong swing of PGA

Tour of Australasia tournaments throughout October and November and will significantly boost the international player prospects for our major tournaments. This is a great ‘win’ for the Australian golfing public, and again positions us for a memorable and successful summer of golf. I’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge the Victorian Major Events Company and IMG who were integral to the World Cup moving to Australia and are wonderful supporters of Australian golf. I congratulate them on their vision to bring this prestigious tournament back to Australia and look forward to working with them towards a successful event. Since my last Inside Golf update Australia has celebrated multiple wins of the international stage. Brett Rumford has achieved an amazing feat and gone back-to-back on the European

Tour, Wade Ormsby claimed the Asian Tour’s Panasonic Open India, Matthew Griffin has won on OneAsia and of course Adam Scott claimed Australia’s first green jacket at the Masters. While I have since personally congratulated all three of these PGA Members on their success, I would like to point to Adam’s achievement and acknowledge the impact his victory has had at a club level. In the days immediately following Adam’s victory, PGA Professionals around the country reported immediate increases in foot traffic through their clubs, with non-golfers and golfers alike embracing the game with great enthusiasm. As an industry, it’s now our collective duty to embrace this interest in the game for the benefit of our entire community, and we’re excited about the possibilities that lay ahead for us all. •

Golf Industry Council that April delivered the highest number of competition rounds played in any month over the entire financial year to date (See story on page 7). This data is published each month on Golf Australia’s website www.golf.org.au and at the AGIC’s website www.agic.org.au. This regular

macro data allows golf facility managers to measure their performance against the state and national market trends which helps to put their own facility results into perspective. In championship news, our schedule now enters its winter break following a successful Australian Interstate Series in Tasmania. Royal Hobart and Tasmania Golf Clubs were fantastic hosts for a week of great golf and rivalries. Congratulations to the Queensland men’s team and the Victorian Women’s team on their respective victories. June is a big month on the international circuit and we wish all the Australians well. In addition to both the U.S Open and U.S Women’s Open, the British Amateur Championship and Ladies British Amateur will be held while the Australian team will defend our title at the Toyota World Junior Championship in Japan. Let’s hope for more reasons to celebrate. •

Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

Plenty of us hoped but few may have believed at the beginning of the year that we’d be celebrating Australia’s first Masters champion. I have no doubt that Adam’s win at Augusta has inspired people across many walks of life and all areas of golf. The inspiration carried through to his fellow professionals with Brett Rumford breaking a five-year drought to win twice in a row on the European Tour and Matt Griffin won his second OneAsia title in May. There was anecdotal evidence in the days following Adam’s win of more people visiting golf clubs and booking in to play rounds of golf and we’ve since heard via the Australian

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

It’s official: Anchors away in 2016 Last month, USGA and The R&A announced the adoption of Rule 14-1b, which prohibits anchoring the club in making a stroke. Rule 14-1b, which will take effect on January 1, 2016, states that, in making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point.” The decision comes after years of debate over the use of broomstick putters secured against the chest and/or stomach. “Having considered all of the input that we received, our best judgment is that Rule 14-1b is necessary to preserve one of the important traditions and challenges of the game – that the player freely swing the entire club,” said USGA President Glen D. Nager. “The new Rule upholds the essential nature of the traditional method of stroke and eliminates the possible advantage that anchoring provides, ensuring that players of all skill levels face the same challenge inherent in the game of golf.” The major professional tours were quick to respond to the announcement. The PGA TOUR said that they will discuss the ban with its player council and its policy board this month, stating “We will now begin our process to ascertain whether the various provisions of Rule 14-1b will be implemented in our competitions and, if so, examine the process for implementation.” The PGA of America said “We do not believe 14‐1b is in the best interest of recreational golfers and we are concerned about the negative impact it may have on both the enjoyment and growth of the game. “ The PGA European Tour, the LPGA Tour and other golf organisations said they were in favour of the rules change. Visit our website for the full story: www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=9646 •

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industry news Irwin to join Golf Qld Golf Queensland recently announced the appointment of Virginia Irwin as Program Officer (Marketing and Communications). On welcoming Virginia to the organisation, Golf Queensland Chief Executive Officer Lindsay Ellis said a component of the part-time role would be to assist with implementing the iGolf Queensland product across the state. “ The casual golfer market is a key strategic focus for the organisation and the iGolf Queensland program has been developed to target this group of golfers,” Mr Ellis said. Mr Ellis added that Virginia already has a strong understanding of the organisation having been an integral part of the High Performance coaching panel. •

Crothers retires after 29-year involvement with golf Former Golf Queensland Chair Tom Crothers retired from the Board of Golf Queensland in March, after serving six years as a Director of the State association and a 29-year involvement in the administration of golf. As the Inaugural Chair of Golf Queensland, Crothers led the organisation for five years after the Queensland Golf Union and the Women’s Golf Queensland amalgamated in 2007. He was the Chair of the Planning and Development Committee and was one of the key drivers behind the recent refreshing of the Company’s Constitution. In retiring from Golf Queensland’s Board and Committees, Crothers said that it was time for him to step aside for some new blood and different ideas to be brought onto the Board. •

Hogben new GM of Golf at RACV Royal Pines

The Eastern Golf Club wins ABIA Club Reception of the Year Melbourne’s The Eastern Golf Club has added another award to their already jampacked trophy wall, taking out the highly sought-after Annual Bridal Industry Academy (ABIA) award for Club Reception of the Year. The award was based on feedback from over 6,000 past brides who were invited to rate their best wedding suppliers and venues based on the quality of product, quality of service, value for money and attitude of staff. 350 of Victoria’s finest wedding suppliers celebrated Achievement in Excellence at the 15th annual awards night, with The Eastern coming out on top, beating club powerhouse RACV Healesville for the first time in three years in this category. “The Eastern Golf Club team is extremely proud of this achievement which is a true reflection of the quality personalised services we provide our guests on every occasion at the Club,” said Peter Vlahandreas, Operations Manager at The Eastern. “This award is a great sign of things to come with our team in full flight to continue our success at our new course and clubhouse in Yering”.

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The Eastern will break ground on their new $50million Greg Norman-designed course and clubhouse development in July this year. •

Win a $5000 retreat, Golf Getaway show for your club iseekgolf.com and Golf Getaway, Australia’s only free to air Golf/Travel Show, are giving golf clubs a chance to win a Golf Getaway episode for their club. And one lucky entrant will also have the chance to win the Ultimate Golf Retreat at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, valued at $5000. The promotion runs until June 21st through Facebook, and asks golfers to describe, in 25 words or less, why their favourite club should win. The best entry wins the $5,000 golf package prize. The course/club that receives the most votes wins the Golf Getaway show . More: http://a.pgtb.me/vwqJ3H •

David Hogben, former Troon Golf Director of Operations for Australia and the Pacific, has become General Manager of Golf and Sport at RACV Royal Pines. Hogben says the next nine months will be a challenging period, as the course is to host the Jeep PGA Tour Event in August, the Hi-Lite Pro-Am in October, the Australian PGA in November, and the Australian Ladies Masters early next year. “ The resort, in addition to the professional events, has a long list of corporate and conference golf days. RACV Royal Pines Resort has a competent golf team in place and we’re all enthusiastic about what lies ahead. That enthusiasm extends to delivering a $5 million revamp of the course for the PGA over the next five years.” RACV Royal Pines Resort General Manager John Morris says the resort has been fortunate to attract a person with a wide range of golf-industry skills. “It could be said that David is ‘a man for our times’. “The RACV Royal Pines professional golfing agenda is probably unmatched in Australia and our events will have a big positive impact for the Gold Coast. “The resort will be on show to the country and the world and David is well qualified to help us put our best foot forward.” •

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tournament news

Aussie November set to sizzle with World Cup of Golf In a move that has been celebrated by golf fans across the country, the International Federation of PGA Tours and The State of Victoria last month announced that the 2013 World Cup of Golf will be held in Australia in November this year. To be staged from November 21-24 at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, the event is slotted between the Australian Masters (November 14-17, Royal Melbourne) and The Australian Open (Nov 28Dec 1, Royal Sydney). When you add in the Australian PGA Championship (Nov 7-10, Royal Pines), our November calendar is jam-packed, and represents an enticing ‘Aussie swing’ to lure the world’s top golfers. “It is an honour to host the World Cup and welcome another international golf event to Melbourne, home of great sporting events and, of course, the incredible Sandbelt region,”said Victorian Premier Dr. Denis Napthine. “Melbourne is the pride of Australia when it comes to major events, and we would argue rivals any city in the world in that regard. We eagerly anticipate the World Cup, when we can once again showcase all that Victoria has to offer to the event’s players and fans.” Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia, welcomed the World Cup announcement. “We’re thrilled to be the host sanctioning partner for the 2013 World Cup and to welcome the world’s best golfers back to Australia. “As a nation, we’ve got a long and proud history with this event dating back to its beginnings as the Canada Cup when Kel Nagle and Peter Thomson prevailed twice, and we’re delighted to see this tradition continue at Royal Melbourne in 2013.” “The addition of the World Cup will complement an already strong swing of PGA Tour of Australasia tournaments throughout October and November and will significantly boost the international player prospects for our major tournaments. As part of the move, the event boasts an $8 million total purse and returns to an individual, stroke-play competition for $7 million, with a team component (adding the total scores of two-man teams) for $1 million. The qualification system for the event is similar to that which will be used in the 2016 Olympic Games. The field will include 60 players (no cut), with eligibility taken from the Official World Golf Ranking. Up to four players can qualify, per country,

Royal Melbourne Golf Club, which hosted The Presidents Cup 2011, will return to the spotlight in November as it hosts both the Australian Masters and the World Cup of Golf. if they are in the top 15 of the OWGR. Beyond No. 15, up to a maximum of two players per country can qualify. If two or more players from a country qualify, then the country is eligible for team competition, with the top-two players comprising the qualified team. The major difference between the World Cup qualification model and that of the Olympic golf competition is that England, Scotland and Wales will each be considered a separate country (for the purpose of the Olympics, those countries compete as Great Britain). In addition, as has been tradition since the inception of the World Cup, players from Ireland and Northern Ireland will continue to compete together as one team representing Ireland. “We’re thrilled that the World Cup will return to Australia, bringing this historic event to a venue, city and country that have hosted the biggest and best international sporting events for many years,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “The Presidents Cup 2011 was the best in event history, thanks in no small part to the welcome provided to us by the incredible Australian sports fans, the Victorian government and the Victorian Major Events Company. With all of those ingredients still in place, and added to them Adam Scott’s win at the Masters Tournament in April, there is tremendous momentum and excitement for the World Cup 2013.” The tournament was founded by the International Golf Association in association with industrialist John Jay Hopkins for the purpose of promoting international goodwill through golf. It began in 1953 as the Canada Cup and was renamed World Cup in 1967. The World Cup was staged as part of the World Golf Championships series from 2000 to 2006. In 2010, it was announced

that the event would change from annual to biennial, held in odd-numbered years, to accommodate the 2016 inclusion of golf in the Olympics Games. The United States has a clear lead in team wins, with 24, including Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland in 2011. Australia holds four World Cup titles, the last coming in 1989 (Wayne Grady/Peter Fowler). The World Cup is the fifth worldwide event sanctioned by the International Federation of PGA Tours, joining the four World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship (Arizona, USA); Cadillac Championship (Florida, USA); Bridgestone Invitational (Ohio, USA); HSBC Champions (Shanghai, China). Network Ten will broadcast the World Cup live on free to air. •

Quick Facts: Australia and the World Cup • The World Cup has been played in Australia on three occasions: 1959, 1972 and in 1988, all at Royal Melbourne. • Australia is ranked fourth in overall performance at the World Cup since 1953, having won the title four times, and finished runnerup five times. • Peter Thomson and Kel Nagle claimed the title in 1954 and 1959 and finished runners-up on two occasions in 1955 and 1961. • Australia’s last glimpse of World Cup success came in 1995 at Mission Hills in China when Robert Allenby and Brett Ogle finished runners-up to Fred Couples and Davis Love III. • The US team of Couples and Love share the record for the most wins at the World Cup (4) with compatriots Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.

Aussie Summer of Golf DATE

EVENT

COURSE

STATE

October 17-20

Perth International

Lake Karrinyup Country Club, Perth

November 7-10

Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola

RACV Royal Pines, Gold Coast

QLD

November 14-17

Australian Masters

Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne

VIC

November 21-24

World Cup of Golf

Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne

VIC

November 28-Dec 1

Emirates Australian Open

Royal Sydney Golf Club, Sydney

NSW

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

industry

Managers aiming to ‘bridge the gap’

GMA Conference Schedule Monday 2nd September: • Opening / Key Note Speaker.

Tuesday 3rd September: The format of this day will revolve around the game of golf. Subjects to be presented include: • Golf Trends. • Membership Trends. • Golf, the Game (an in depth panel interview session involving some of the greats of Australian Golf ). • Golf Club Litigation Issues. • Power Branding for you and your Club. • Employment Relations: Staff Training and Motivation.

David Allen

ed@insidegolf.com.au

Five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson regards the role of the golf club general manager as extremely important for the game. “They are the glue that keeps the club together...the keepers of the keys and the secrets,” Thomson said That’s why the man regarded as the game’s patriarch accepted an invitation by Australian golf club managers to participate in the biennial GMA National Conference in Sydney in September. “I am more than happy to be involved,” Thomson said. Indeed, Thomson rates the role of the general manager so highly that he travelled to China late last year to address 500 golf club managers on the role they play in the game. Through an interpreter, his keynote address centred on the history of the game—something of which not all those involved in the rapidly growing Chinese market are fully aware. “I think it was well-received in spite of the language barrier,” said the self-effacing Thomson. In fact you could have heard a pin drop in the auditorium when Thomson spoke. It will not be any different in Sydney in September although the theme will no doubt be different. Thomson will join a raft of high-profile Australian and international speakers at GMA 2013. They include other greats of Australian golf, including Jack Newton, Brett Ogle and Craig Parry who will join Thomson on a panel to discuss the past, present and future of the game of golf. With the proposed changes to the belly putter and the ongoing discussions on golf equipment, there will be plenty to talk about. International speakers will include Greg DeRosa, General Manager of The Olympic Club

Legendary Australian golfer Peter Thomson will join a host of golf industry luminaries to speak at September’s GMA Conference in San Francisco, along with returning speakers Michael Leemhuis, CEO of Congressional Country Club in Maryland and Gregg Patterson, General Manager of The Beach Club in Santa Monica. A host of other high-quality Australian speakers and golf identities have been engaged to provide golf club managers with essential learning tools to take back to their clubs, including Stephen Pitt, CEO of Golf Australia, John Karren, Director of Golf Australia, Martin Grunstein (voted the most popular speaker from the 2009 Conference) and Dominic Thurbon (ranked 7th best in the world at the World Debating Championships). GMA conferences are held biennially with the first of such conferences being held in 1949 in Sydney. Fifty-one golf club managers from around the country attended the conference which consisted primarily of course and clubhouse inspections. From modest beginnings, the 2013 GMA National Conference is expected to have an attendance in excess of 200 golf club managers, key support staff and Club Directors from throughout Australia.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Bridging the Gap”. All clubs are facing a multitude of challenges and threats and this conference program will provide attendees with the opportunity to enhance knowledge in a range of areas which will assist in ‘bridging the gap’ between what they have and what they need to survive in an industry that has become extremely competitive. Key support staff and Club Directors will also be welcome to attend on either a whole conference or day delegate package. As always, corporate support for the conference has been outstanding, and along with its major partner Schweppes, GMA is also grateful for support from Club Car, Host Plus, Nexus Golf Insurance, the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia, GMA New South Wales, Toro, Carbon Footie, MiClub, Golf NSW, Aon, Greg Norman Golf Course Design, John Deere, Handiskins, E-Par,Golfpac Underwriting, EZ Go, GPS Golf Solutions and The HPL Group. Further information can be found at www.gma.org.au/cms/conference/welcome/# •

Wednesday 4th September: The format of this day will revolve around golf club operational issues. Subjects to be presented include: • Members: Why do they leave? Why do they stay? • Strategic Planning / Director Induction and Education. • Social Media. • Four concurrent workshops (in two sessions) covering the subjects: • Hospitality: Catering options at your Golf Club • Golf: Pro Shop Ownership • Customer Service • Hosting Major Events at your Golf Club Thursday 5th September: The format for this day is to look into the areas that are currently affecting golf clubs and solutions which are available. Subjects to be presented include: • Club Marketing – External. • Technology and Generation Change. • Effectively Managing and Motivating People. • Club Benchmarking. • Duelling Philosophies.

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June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

industry

Mergers, closures as some private clubs feel the pinch Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

The uncertain future for private golf clubs in southeast Melbourne has entered a new chapter with clubs Rossdale and Keysborough investigating the possibility of a merger. The two clubs have been in consultation with Golf Victoria and enlisted the help of Jeff Blunden Advisory Services (JBAS) to investigate a range of future financial models. The JBAS study is expected to last nearly four months after which recommendations will be provided to the clubs. “Keysborough and Rossdale sent a combined letter out to their members just stating that Keysborough approached us with a potential amalgamation,” Rossdale General Manager Tim Hanton says. Both clubs’ general managers watered down suggestions Rossdale will be converted from 18 holes to nine holes as part of a merger. “That’ll come down to what’s in the report,” Hanton says. “There’s no speculation what we’re down the track of at the moment as to who’s staying where and whose going. “There’s probably half a dozen potential outcomes,” Keysborough General Manager Dee Healey says. “And we certainly can’t preconceive any model without due process whether it be retaining our footprints and leaving 18 each, whether it be both clubs selling and moving somewhere else, who knows.

Melbourne’s Keysborough Golf Club is exploring a potential merger with nearby Rossdale, while other clubs may follow suit. Rossdale has a membership base of close to 900 while Keysborough has approximately 1000 members. In financial terms, neither club purports to be in turmoil. Hanton says Rossdale has experienced an insignificant drop-off in membership in the last year while Healey expressed a view that Keysborough’s business model at its current site could be sustainable for years to come. But both agree the long-term security of private golf clubs in Melbourne is under threat. “It’s no secret that the slice of the pie for private membership is decreasing and the market is getting more competitive,” Healey says. “The forward-thinking clubs are the ones that are

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being progressive and ensuring that their future’s going to be guaranteed. Hanton says he’s been frustrated by the impact of RACV golf memberships on private golf clubs. RACV offers time-poor and financially-strained golfers cheaper pay-for-play packages at dozens of Australian courses. “That does hurt the clubs with some people not joining as a member. There is probably a little bit (of frustration) because we want to retain members into the golf club. But Healey says RACV golf memberships could spawn a long-term benefit for private clubs whilst assisting with the growth of the game. “The aim obviously is that those RACV members, once they get that opportunity will ultimately yield

into full memberships in private golf clubs. Meanwhile, Woodlands Golf Club is also feeling the pinch with members defeating a motion in late April to raise full membership fees by 20.4 per cent. But the club says a smaller fee increase of up to five per cent could arise in the short term. It comes two months after nearby Kingswood Golf Club and Peninsula Country Golf Club signed a Heads of Agreement to look at relocating Kingswood to Peninsula’s site in Frankston. But the financial strain on the industry isn’t reserved for private clubs with Perth’s renowned Burswood Golf Course shutting its doors amid little fanfare in April. Reports indicate half of the property will become part of a hotel whilst the other half will eventually transform into a carpark for a new sport stadium. It paints a bleak picture of the financial landscape for golf courses but Thirteenth Beach Golf Links on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula says it’s found a successful business model. The 36-hole complex has a member base of more than 1000 and a loyal pay-for-play market. Thirteenth Beach’s General Manager Anthony Masters says a semi-private business model is particularly attractive to 25 to 45 year old golfers who can’t commit their time and money to full private club membership. “Some private clubs need to look at their client times and really consider whether they open those up to public play,” Masters says. “Set standards, set dress codes but open up the club to public play and also trying to encourage local juniors. It’s a very fine balance between member rights and public access. •

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industry

Clubs lack ‘profitability’ mindset Mike Orloff

mike@golfindustrycentral.com.au

My operational background comes from working in a variety of management roles for two of the largest golf management companies worldwide. American Golf Corporation (AGC) had 330 facilities and ClubCorp 220 facilities respectively under each of their banners back in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. AGC was much more focused on the public access and council type operation and Clubcorp was the largest manager of private golf facilities internationally. Even though each was culturally different, the one thing they both understood very well was how to drive profitability throughout their operations. They knew how to drive and grow revenue in all facets of their business, and yes they were both privately owned companies with sustainable profit at the centre of their existence. They understood the importance of regularly reinvesting these profits back into the facilities to keep things like clubhouses, machinery, irrigation, and other important assets on a proper schedule to update, replace and improve. They continually reinvested back into their operation for the betterment of their company and individual club’s future. The owners easily could have taken the profits out and used for some personal benefit, but with a long-term vision of growing the business, they understood they must keep money in reserve for a rainy day and/or to regularly reinvest on very important capital upgrades to keep the assets in good condition. The members never had to be levied at any time.

Golf in Australia is very inexpensive relative to other major golfing markets. As they are typically traditional member-run facilities, fees, products etc., are kept down so members aren’t charged what the marketplace could/should really sustain. Many clubs have also been underwritten by gaming or with a strong membership base. We now find ourselves with these main revenue earners dropping off and we as operators haven’t changed our mindset to one of driving new revenue and increasing profitability. We used to open the doors to the club each day and have more than enough members walking through to patronise and sustain our facility. Nowadays we open the doors and all we hear are the sounds of crickets chirping and we are trying to figure out what to do to improve. Clubs in many cases are unfortunately experiencing the legacy and sins of previous Boards and managers. The lack of prior planning, savings, and strong strategic management over the years (and still currently) has led many a club down a financial spiral that will be extremely tough to reverse. What happens now is that aging facilities that are in dire need of cash for capital works will not have a choice but to go into further debt, increase membership fees, charge a levy, sell off land or let the asset deteriorate even more than they have. Does your club fit into one of the above categories? We continue to read about so many clubs underperforming in this current economy and that they are looking at a merger, closing, selling off land, or imposing levies against their members. They are “not for profit” facilities and seem to be very good at it! They are the best clubs at not making money and even worse have not spent any money on keeping their facilities up to modern expectations. While not-for-profit organizations are permitted to generate surplus revenues each year, they

to generate revenue which these same members then complain that they don’t want at “their” club. A real vicious little cycle that has to stop and member expectation changed on the reality of golf business in current times.

Operate with profitability in mind at all times

must be retained by the organization for its selfpreservation, expansion, or plans. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t also have the mindset to work toward increasing your cash reserve (profit) as much as you can for the future. Clubs have a captive audience but still keep beer and food prices, cart fees, etc., as low as possible as this is a member’s facility and that is what the members want. A standard profit making facility on the other hand will try and drive the price as high as they can sustain. There is a balance of course in this mindset to charge the highest possible prices, but also selling as much as possible too. Members of clubs are responsible for funding the ongoing upgrades to the facility via their ongoing support of their club, but so many members have become car park members that are not supporting the clubs that they are a member of. The Board is then forced to look at other ways

Even if you are a “non profit” club this does not mean you shouldn’t operate your facility with the commercial mindset of creating “profit” or more properly worded as “reserve” at all times. When you own an apartment in a high-rise or community precinct, as an owner you put money into a sinking fund, a little bit each quarter of the year. These monies are then allocated to specific projects that need to be done around the facility. This same strategy should apply to running any business that has many capital items that need regularly looking after such as a golf course. Boards need to look at how they can maximise revenue in every part of their business. Keep prices as high as possible, but fair and equitable, for the market place they are located. We don’t like change but we need it to happen. Ask yourself, what is in the best good for the club as a whole, not for the squeaky wheels that seem to influence these ailing facilities. If we have a change of mindset to operate with a goal of a profit which then flows onto our reserve, we’d have money for rainy days. • Mike Orloff specialises in providing golf operations and marketing solutions for all levels of golf facilities and businesses with the major outcomes being in growing revenue and the bottom-line for your facility. www.golfindustrycentral.com.au

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industry

Steve Hutchison

we have an exclusive membership base (350 members) and a certain level of public participation (social golf, tourism and resort guests). With membership the way it’s heading we are going to be less affected. Our dropout rate isn’t as high as clubs with 1000 or 2000 members. The percentage is low because we don’t have as many (members) to lose.

From pro to award-winning GM Hutchison agreed to answer a range of questions about changing roles from professional to general manager.

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

AS a promising Queensland junior representative player, Steve Hutchison set his sights on becoming a golf professional. It’s understandable – he was surrounded by talented golfers, his father Stan was a golf club general manager, he loved the game and he played it well. Hutchison still plays it very well. He achieved his goal and turned professional in 1987, aged 21, and hit the road playing the Australian and Asian circuits. For the next 10 years, he eked out a living but after a decade had little to show for his toil. “At 31, I realised I didn’t have cars, kids or family and thought ‘hang on, how many more decades am I going to do this and not have anything’,” said Hutchison, who is the general manager at Twins Waters Golf Club – home of the Holden Scramble national final. “So I took on a coaching role at Kooralbyn Resort with Peter Claughton and ran across a fellow by the name of Adam Scott.” Sixteen years on, Scott and Hutchison created history. Scott became the first Australian to win the US Masters and Hutchison earlier became the first PGA professional to win the Golf Management Australia (Queensland) manager of the year award. It’s a feather in Hutchison’s cap, but he hopes his achievement will inspire more professionals to take the next step into management.

How did you move from professional golfer to general manager?

I did a couple of years part-time teaching and part-time playing until the end of 1997’98 and then took a job as head teaching pro at New Zealand’s Gulf Harbour Country Club. I was teaching and learning other things along the way. I loved it, but it wasn’t home so I took a job at Twin Waters working for Novotel as golf operations manager in 2001. Lend Lease, which bought Novotel Twin Waters Resort and golf course in 2003, sold the golf course to Dr Tsutomu Yamaji in 2005. He asked me to stay on as general manager and here I am.

What did winning the Manager of the Year award mean to you?

I am hoping it’s a step that other golf pros can make successfully. It has to be an avenue for the PGA membership. We need to start training pros to make that next administrative step because there are not enough golf pro jobs out there anymore compared to the number we are putting through the system.

What has been your smartest decision at the club?

Keeping key staff in the key areas. Golf course maintenance is the biggest expense and the most important asset of the business so having a knowledgeable and successful superintendent like Gary Topp is important. The other key areas are kitchen (expert chef), office administration and bar area.

You don’t mind getting your hands dirty, do you?

We only have a small staff so you need to be hands-on – that’s really important. I wouldn’t ask someone to do something that I wouldn’t do myself. I have a 2IC and the rest are line staff. I am one-step up from the line staff. I make sure I am here to run the comps on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s important to be in-tune with your business, members and guests.

What is your vision for the club? Twin Waters Golf Club general manager Steve Hutchison shows off the Queensland club manager of the year plaque.

What are the dislikes when it comes to your work? None. I have a good job and I’m passionate about the industry I work in. Many of my colleagues tell me I have the best job in the world.

Why is that?

I don’t have the committee base many of them have to deal with so don’t have board meetings every month.

To whom do you answer?

I have a board of two directors from Tourism Leisure Corporation, who manage the golf club for the Japanese investor.

Why is Twin Waters a successful club?

Our business model is successful because

I like to keep it in the position it deserves and make sure it gets its recognition for its excellent condition. I think we have the best couch-playing surface in Australia and that’s a credit to Gary Topp and his team. In 11 years, we have only had one temporary green and that was for two days when we had vandalism on the first green.

Most managers say they work long hours, do you? I don’t keep a track of my hours because I love what I do. I try to do what’s required when I’m here and try to have two days off, but sometimes I call in to check on things and to play golf. It’s like a busman’s holiday, really.

What is your favourite hobby or pastime?

Playing golf and spending time with my family (wife and two young children). I also love AFL and watching live sport. •

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cover story

Brett Rumford:

cracking the code to success Buoyed by a new caddie, a new self-belief and inspiration by Adam Scott’s victory at The Masters, Perth’s Brett Rumford has recently rediscovered his form, and is now setting his sights on cracking the world top-50. Following his dramatic wins in Asia, Inside Golf was one of Australia’s first golf publications to chat with our newest golfing hero. Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

With a pair of significant wins under his belt, Brett Rumford has his sights set on cracking the World Top-50 (Photo by Paul Lakatos/ OneAsia)

With back-to-back European Tour wins, Brett Rumford is Australia’s newest golfing hero. Victory at April’s Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea and last month’s Volvo China Open shot the West Australian to the top of the European Tour’s Race To Dubai, and also saw him zoom to number 76 in the official world golf rankings. “It’s just an incredible feeling and you just feel privileged to play on a main tour like Europe, it’s so strong and so many great players out there,” Rumford told Inside Golf. “Winning a couple of tournaments back-toback, it’s a big deal.” The 35-year-old is fully aware of the history he has repeated as the first Aussie to win backto-back official European Tour events since Jack Newton in 1972. “Upon reflecting, I’m probably just more proud of what I’ve achieved, creating a little bit of history. In 41 years I think was the last time Mr. Newton had done it but Graham Marsh did it the same year, ’72 funnily enough.”

Rumford’s win at the Ballantine’s broke a sixyear winning drought since his playoff victory over Englishman Phillip Archer at the 2007 European Masters in Switzerland. Following the win, Rumford jetted from China back to his native Perth, where he got back into the swing of family life, and reflected on his stunning play. “A little bit rundown, exhausted is what I am. I haven’t really had that much time to think about it. I’m just happy playing with the kids at the moment,” he said. Rumford’s win at the Ballantine’s was certainly a close call – winning in a playoff over compatriot Marcus Fraser and Scotland’s Peter Whiteford. At the China Open, Rumford cruised to a fourshot win with four consecutive rounds in the 60s – taking his total earnings for the two weeks to just shy of AUD$999,000. The China Open was as much a physical test for Rumford as it was a mental one. “Monday, Tuesday, I didn’t do a thing. I just tried to let the body recoup. The golf course is very, very hilly at the Ballantine’s, which made it physically quite draining as well. So the mental side I was very, very fresh for China. The golf course is flat, I played the pro-am on Wednesday

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cover story

Rumford’s caddie, John Roberts, has a strong desire to win and strict attention to detail (Photo by Paul Lakatos/OneAsia)

and didn’t really hit too many golf balls at all through the week.” A hot putter had been the catalyst at the Ballantine’s and a red-hot short game also carried Rumford in China. The man from Perth ranked 57th for the week in greens in regulation – more than making up for it by leading the field in scrambling. “I was feeling very, very tired on the Saturday (in China) but I managed to recoup on the Saturday evening and on Sunday I felt strong enough to obviously play the golf that won me the tournament.” Adam Scott’s ascent to golfing superstardom after his miraculous US Masters victory has injected newfound belief into Rumford. Asked whether Scott’s victory had impacted upon him, Rumford left little doubt. “Definitely. One hundred per cent. It’s just such a global event the Masters. Having known Scotty over the years, and grown up playing golf with him and being a fellow Aussie and just the significance of winning that event is just massive. I’m just so proud of Scotty for how he handled himself after the British Open defeat to Ernie Els. Even that was inspiring enough. To be able to come back from that devastation is really, really impressive. Good on him too. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer bloke.” And while Scott’s master class at Augusta had a positive effect on Rumford, the joy of raising twin girls since their birth in May 2011 has severely hampered his preparation for golf tournaments. Hours spent grinding on the range have been reigned in over the last two years for this selfconfessed ‘practicer’, in turn reducing Rumford’s ability to contend regularly. “The last couple of years have been a bit of a blur but this year’s definitely been a lot easier. The

first six months to 12 months is really difficult but then it just takes a little while to build that momentum back up again and get your network and the people around you working for you a lot more effectively.” Until recently, Rumford was forced to scrap his sessions with a sports psychologist to leave enough time for his children. “It was really difficult to try and mentally prepare, technically, physically, you name it. When the kids are in a good spot, it’s easier for my wife so it’s taking the demands away from me with it being easier on Sally. Now I just feel like my focus is back and I’m actually in a good place to prepare myself and play the golf that I know I can play.” In late 2012, Rumford made a change to his team, replacing his previous caddie with 67-yearold Englishman John Roberts. Known on tour as ‘Ronnie,’ Roberts has more than 25 years’ experience as a caddie but had never bagged a win on a major professional tour prior to The Ballantine’s. Coincidentally, on the Friday of the China Open, Roberts turned 67 and Rumford fired a five-under-par 67. “He’s very methodical with everything that he does,” Rumford says. “He’s never played the game before but he comes from a mentality where he checks everything to the nth degree. In practice rounds he’d be out there for six hours on the Monday going through a golf book that’s already been done for yardages. He’ll double check yardages and put in different numbers just to make sure we’re fully prepared or he’s fully prepared to give me the right number.” Roberts complements his attention to detail with a strong fitness background. He competed in marathons around the world through his mid40s – ensuring he never buckles under the weight

of the Titleist staff bag he lugs around each week. According to Rumford, Roberts’ enthusiasm is ‘very infectious’ but he can sometimes let his energy get the better of him. “He’s definitely over the top at times, but that’s just Ronnie. Self-admittedly, he can get carried away but you’ve just got to love his enthusiasm. He’s got so much want to win as well.” That burning desire to win has never left Rumford, despite the six-year drought between victories. While family life may be partly responsible for the wait, it’s also been a matter of luck Rumford says. “Winning’s really, really tough. There’s an element of luck there as well. You can lose a golf tournament by three, four, five shots but have a realistic chance of winning. These things, they’re not noted.” 2010 – a ‘great year’ by Rumford’s estimations – saw him play bridesmaid to Fraser at the Ballantine’s and also finish second at the Johnnie Walker Championship in Scotland. Last year, the Perthian was again runner-up at the Johnnie Walker Championship. “Last year, Johnnie Walker, I had a good opportunity there and on the Saturday through three or four holes I went double bogey, bogey, triple and lost the golf tournament by four shots. I finished second, but it’s a very, very fine line.”

But Rumford has finally cracked the code in 2013. His world ranking of 76 is a career-high and opens up a world of opportunities in terms of the four major championships. He’s earned a spot in July’s Open Championship at Muirfield, is almost assured of a start in August’s PGA Championship and can qualify for June’s U.S Open if he sneaks into the top 60 in the world rankings. But Rumford’s major record is almost nonexistent. His only major starts have come at The Open Championship – a tie for 16th at Hoylake in 2006 and a missed cut at Royal Lytham in 2001. Major championship success, despite his lack of chances, is what’s always driven Rumford. “Getting inside the top 50 and getting into those majors, I’ve given myself a great opportunity with the money I’ve got up so far. I’m really looking forward to that and obviously just closing out the year. If the results happen, they happen, if they don’t, then I just need to be patient with that.” •

Rumford, Van Pelt confirm for Perth International Back-to-back European Tour winner Brett Rumford and inaugural Perth International champion Bo Van Pelt from the United States will return to contest the Perth International in 2013. Rumford said he was looking forward to returning home with the recent wins under his belt. “It’s always exciting to play an international tournament at home. I had a great time at last year’s Perth International, but this year I

will be aiming my sights higher to hopefully round out a career-best year in front of a home crowd,” he said. Van Pelt won an all-American battle at the 2012 Perth International over Jason Dufner. He recently secured his first top ten finish for 2013 at the Wells Fargo Championship on the back of 12 top-ten finishes in 2012. Van Pelt said he was looking forward to returning to Perth to defend his title. “I really enjoyed my first visit to Western

Australia last October and I am excited to have the opportunity to defend. Lake Karrinyup Country Club was a wonderful venue and it is terrific the Perth International will be played there again,” he said. Vice President and Director of Golf for IMG in Australia, David Rollo, said this was the first of many exciting player announcements to come. “The inaugural Perth International was a great success thanks to our event partners,

our location, host venue and the support of both the European and Australasian Tours. We intend to build on these strong foundations and it is great to secure the talents of Brett and Bo so early in the lead up,” he said. The 2013 Perth International will be contested at Lake Karrinyup Country Club from 17 to 20 October. With a prize purse of US$2,000,000 it will again be the richest Tour event in Australia.

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

on tour

The future looks rosy for Gardiner

Following a decade of grinding it out in the Nationwide/Web.com Tour, Australia’s Scott Gardiner now stands tall as a full card-carrying member of the US PGA Tour. Inside Golf ’s Garrett Johnston sat down with the Liverpool native to discuss his rookie season thus far, and the exciting times ahead. How’s your rookie year going? “It’s been good. I’ve seen a lot of people that I haven’t seen in a while, so it’s nice to get reacquainted with anybody who has come through the Web.com in the last eight years. It’s a pretty good place to play, everybody gets along. And it’s nice to see new places.” How much do you enjoy the travel that comes with the Tour in the States? “It’s a lot easier than ten years ago when I was in Europe. This year, going to bigger cities, the planning is a little tougher. It’s all last-minute, not that it’s a bad thing. I’ve seen a lot of places. And you can’t beat this kind of weather.” You played well in your first US PGA Tour start at the Sony Open in Hawaii (finishing T15). “It was on the coast. I grew up on the coast, so I got pretty comfortable. It’s a good golf course. It was a win-win with the climate and (it being a) PGA Tour event. “ Was that your first time to Maui? “I’d been there maybe three years ago. I had a holiday there. A lot of fun memories of the attractions, like North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki…a lot of fun places.” After being a member of the Nationwide/ Web.com Tour over the last decade, what do you make of it? “The Web.com Tour evolves every year. There’s

always a few things that change. There’s always a few new guys coming. A lot of the guys that have been coming up (to the PGA Tour) have been staying here so it’s been pretty good.” What do you make of the direct access to the PGA Tour via Web.com? “It’s good for the people in the system and obviously that’s good for someone like myself. It’s people who are just trying to forge their way into the PGA Tour that it makes it a bit harder. People have to accept that you’ve still got to play great to get to the final stage. I don’t know. It must be that the numbers will say that the web.com has been a good grounding for people to stay out here but it’s kind of a shame. You probably won’t have the guys like John Huh or Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson. There’s only been four or five guys get their cards (through earnings, exemptions).” What draws you to the game of golf? “Income [laughs]. No, I just like playing, just the challenge. It’s you and the course and generally if you finish under par you’ve won and if you haven’t you’ve lost. You’re competing against people and we’re all friends but we’re trying to do the best that we can. Trying to get a trophy every week.” What’s your favourite golf memory? “Playing well at the Sony Open was great. Winning on the web.com Tour (Chattanooga, 2010) was pretty good. I’ve enjoyed many moments playing the game.”

Speaking of moments, was there an “aha” moment when you knew golf was what you needed to pursue? I guess when I moved to the Gold Coast. In Western Sydney, everybody surfed and I didn’t swim very well so golf was something I could pursue when they were surfing. I was about 13 or 14. I would play Coolangatta and Tweed Heads. We moved from Western Sydney to the Gold Coast when I was 13 and that’s when I took to golf more.” You’ve mentioned in the past that the Gold Coast is your favorite place. Why? “It’s a great place. Who doesn’t want to be near the beach?” What’s your favourite course in Australia? “Probably Kingston Heath. You can go down there every day of the year and it’s great.” What are some of your other passions? I like all sports, generally American Football or Rugby League. I’ve been to a couple of NFL games and they’ve been a lot of fun. I’ve seen Denver play Kansas City and the Redskins play the Giants. I’ve gotten to see both Mannings play so that’s pretty cool.” What draws you to American Football?

The contact, and the atmosphere at the games is pretty good. I live in a college town as well. The Arkansas Razorbacks, they’re a top-ten-ranked team for two of the last three years so that’s led me to follow football. You get on to a game with 80,000 people, so it’s good. How enjoyable has it been to have your son in your life? “It’s been great. No matter how many bogeys you make he’ll do things that make you laugh. Probably every guy that’s out here, and has kids, will tell you that. Kids are crazy and fun.” Many of your peers say you like to do your own thing. Is that true? “That’s what they tell me too [laughs]. Nobody else is going to do it for you. You’ve got to do what you think will make you successful. I took up this game because it was fun. I’m going to try to enjoy it. When you get serious, that’s not what got you here. You have to take the good shots with the bad shots. In-between you’ve got to let it go. You see a lot of interesting things so there’s always two ways to talk about something.” Footnote: Gardiner is the first player of aboriginal descent to have full status on the PGA TOUR. His mother is aboriginal and his father is Scottish.

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on tour

US Open preview: Merion Golf Club Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

Finding Merion’s fairways at this month’s US Open will be akin to threading the eye of a needle. I witnessed US Open preparations first-hand a year ago when I made the two-hour trip south from New York City to Ardmore, Pennsylvania to play the club’s famous East Course. I entered the day with a few givens as to what the experience would be like. I knew I’d be taking aim at red baskets for flagsticks, absorbing a traditional American country club vibe and playing a classic US parkland layout befitting one of the world’s ten best courses. But I had no idea the USGA would already be hard at work getting the course up to scratch. I didn’t think I would be sipping from US Open-labeled water bottles that were at the side of each tee and I didn’t think I’d be playing US Open-width fairways. The fairways had essentially been cut in half as part of a USGA ‘dress rehearsal.’ On several of the par-fours and par-fives, we could see the original outline of a ‘memberswidth’ fairway that had been eroded on either side, leaving a narrow landing strip to aim at. I was nervous enough on the first tee with a handful of members eating lunch not more than a number of feet to my left. In fact, from the back tee on the first, the outdoor dining tables and any lurking patrons are very much in play, not much more than 20 degrees to the left of target. But with respect to the narrow fairways, the especially daunting tee shot at the second hole

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Playing Merion Golf Club is both an enjoyable and terrifying experience is fixed in my mind. It’s normally a straight away par-five, marginally uphill from tee to green, with a boundary fence and public road about ten metres right of the fairway. But a subtle change had been made, leaving a terrifying tee shot. The left side of the fairway had been grown into rough, while the right half had been pushed so far right that it was, at one point, no more than three paces from the out of bounds fence. Hitting driver to a sliver of fairway that is almost melting into the out of bounds is no picnic. I sent my subsequent drive a distance to the foul

side of the road that I don’t wish to divulge. The club hasn’t hosted the US Open since 1981 when our very own David Graham put on a clinic – hitting all 18 greens in the final round en route to a famous victory. Critics are queuing up to knock the course that, at 6,996 yards, will be the shortest major course since the 2001 US Open. But at least it will be interesting. As the scorecard reads, it’s worlds apart from what is generally served up at the majors. It’s not all back-to-back-to-back brutal par fours because the USGA has injected some muchneeded diversity.

Along with Pebble Beach, which hosted the 2010 US Open, Merion is one of a shrinking number of major courses with classic short parfours. There are five par-fours at 367 yards or less and the 115-yard par-3 13th, which plays right up beside the stunning and old-fashioned clubhouse. They’re offset by two par-fours over 500 yards and a trio of diabolical one-shotters at the third, ninth and 17th measuring 256, 236 and 246 yards respectively. Isn’t that mix of long and short more interesting than cloning hole-after-hole that is unquestionably difficult yet unquestionably boring? The USGA have placed their trust in a collection of holes, many of which can be birdied just as easily as they can be bogeyed, and they should be applauded for it. Merion’s main calling card is that it’s a venue steeped in history. Ben Hogan’s famous two-iron to the 72nd hole at the 1950 US Open at Merion remains one of the most famous golf photos ever taken. The shot propelled him to a playoff victory just 16 months after he survived a near-fatal car accident. Then there’s Bobby Jones achieving the only pre-US Masters ‘grand slam’ at Merion in 1930 by winning the US Amateur Championship after US Open, British Open and British Amateur triumphs. A calendar year professional grand slam remains elusive. But as we count down to Merion, Adam Scott is the only man who can still do it in 2013. He, like the rest of the Aussies in the field, will have the omen of Graham’s victory in 1981 on their side. •

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on tour

with Steven Jeffress Steven Jeffress ed@insidegolf.com.au

Hailing from Port Macquarie Golf Club where he completed his PGA Traineeship, Steven Jeffress has become a prolific Pro-Am winner with more than 30 victories to his name. Starting this month, he will be providing a behind-the-scenes look at ‘life of tour’, both here in Australia and abroad. Jeffress’ maiden victory came in the 2006 Victorian PGA Championship and after a stint on the Japanese Tour Jeffress has qualified for the British Open Championship at Muirfield Golf Club where he will contest in his first major championship. In my first instalment of ‘Tour Talk’ I would like to highlight the glamorous (or not so) life of travelling overseas. Last month the QLD Sunshine Tour returned to Papua New Guinea and it always presents some interesting challenges. The trip started poorly for one of our travelling partners, former NSW Order of Merit Champion Martin Dive. After making the trip from NSW he went to check in at Brisbane airport where he was told in no uncertain terms that he couldn’t fly due to his passport only having 5 months left before it expired. As any good mate would do, we left him to fight his own battles (but don’t worry: at 6 foot 5 he can handle himself, and ended up making the trip.) The first leg of the tour was the $100,000 Coca-Cola Morobe Open in Lae where I was lucky enough to win in 2008. If anyone has ever been to the domestic terminal in Port Moresby, you would know it’s not the best place to be stuck on a two-hour delay, especially when you’re looking for some dinner. After sitting down to two packets of Chicken Twisties and a can of Coke, dinner was done. Getting to Lae is one thing, and after being greeted by an amazing reception upon our arrival with locals hanging off the fences and wanting to talk to you, you face a drive from the airport into town, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a hour. The road is unbelievable in

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

places, with potholes so deep that you have to put your headlights on just to get out the other side. With our journey complete, we were greeted with a couple of SP Lagers (or ‘Green Cans’) and essentially our day was done. You always expect a few hiccups in PNG. On Friday afternoon, I was at the snack bar buying my caddy a pie at halfway when several gun shots went off approx 120 metres from where I was standing. I turn around to see a police car chasing a stolen car down the road adjacent to the course. They were firing at the stolen car and the thieves were firing back with a machine gun. The first tee at Lae Golf Club is tight enough let along the heart getting started by automatic weapons! Nothing like a little action after a day on the course and luckily nobody was hurt. After finishing in 6th position in Lae, the following week we headed to the recently-crowned ‘Royal’ Port Moresby Golf Club for the $137,500 PNG Open. There were no shootings this week but I did have a difficult position with the caddies. When we arrived for the practice round on Tuesday I saw the local caddy who normally bags for former Danish Open winner Ed Stedman and asked him to find me the caddy I had the past couple of years. I was told he is no longer around, so I asked Ed’s caddy to organize me a

good caddy for the week. When I arrived at the 1st tee, the new caddy turned up...as well as my old caddy! Both wanted my bag for the week. These caddies really depend on this tournament week as the money can keep their families in a position where they can eat for several months. So now I feel really bad: two pairs of children’s eyes looking at me. In the end I went with my old caddy, but I gave the new guy a day’s pay to help out during the practice round. 20 Kenya a day is about $10.00AUD, though the difficult part is knowing if it is going to get to where it is meant, or is one of the bigger caddies going to chase him down the street as he leaves the course to ‘get his share’. I may have painted a drama-filled trip, but the truth is that we get treated like kings in PNG. Staying in extremely secure billets houses and with some of the most genuine people you could ever meet. They really make you feel welcome and given you play for almost a quarter of a million dollars in the two weeks, it is a trip worth taking. On a personal note I have made some life-long friends in the 7 times I have been up to PNG and although it is a long but enjoyable two weeks I must admit, I really enjoy arriving back on home soil being thankful for what we have here in Australia. •

Middle Ridge looks to the future After countless discussions and presentations from three different Golf Course Designers, the Toowoomba Golf Club – Middle Ridge announced the appointment of Mr Richard Chamberlain from Richard Chamberlain Golf Design as the successful designer to rejuvenate the famous Middle Ridge layout. “My appointment to work with the Toowoomba Golf Club – Middle Ridge is a fabulous opportunity for my company. Not only are the grounds and course extremely picturesque, but it offers golfers of all standards the chance to really enjoy a parkland setting in which to play,” Chamberlain said. “My brief is not to change the course, but to examine the existing layout – hole by hole – and propose suggestions on how subtle improvements can be considered from a golfer’s perspective to add to their experience. In essence, members will be presented with a Course Improvement Plan that can be actioned over a long period of time. It will continue to provide a balance between the existing layout and the needs of future golfers of all standards without interfering with the integrity of the course,” he added. “We are very pleased with both the quality of submission and the economies of scale that Richard has offered to the Club with his design for the new 4th green and for his vision for the long term Course Improvement Plan,” Toowoomba Golf Club President, Nancy Young said. Design work has already commenced and it is anticipated that the construction work for the new green will be completed by September. •

on tour

Qld Open back on calendar David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

FOR the past five years, touring professional Ryan Haller has been celebrating his Queensland Open victory. Yes, since 2007, Haller has been able to boast: “I’m the Queensland Open defending champion.” That’s because the tournament has been missing from the golfing calendar following Haller’s popular win at Gainsborough Greens. But that’s history. This year the $110,000 Isuzu Queensland Open makes a welcome return at Brookwater Golf and Country Club from August 22-25. Golf Queensland chair Peter Castrisos said he was excited to have the state’s premier event back on the calendar after a five-year absence. “The Isuzu Queensland Open will give a fantastic opportunity for our top amateur golfers to qualify and compete against the PGA professionals in a 72-hole championship event,” he said. Former Queensland Open champion Peter Senior said the tournament would provide an opportunity for young and up-and-coming players to experience a championship at this level. “The Queensland tournament has a rich history and it is encouraging to see it back on the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule in 2013,” Senior said.

PGA of Australia CEO Brian Thorburn said the return of the Open would see top-flight golf return to Ipswich. “The Sunshine State has produced some of our country’s best international golfers, all of whom started out playing in events such as the Queensland Open,” he said. The Queensland Open has a rich history dating back to 1925. In fact, no fewer than five major winners – Jim Ferrier, Kel Nagle, Greg Norman, David Graham and Ian Baker-Finch – have their names etched on the TB Hunter Cup. Throughout its history, the Queensland Open has mostly attracted the cream of the crop. The legendary Norman von Nida won it seven times in three decades between 1935 and 1961. Other notable names on the trophy include Bruce Devlin, Harry Pickworth, Eric Cremin, Ted Ball, Billy Dunk, Graham Marsh, Peter Senior, Brett Ogle, Stuart Appleby, Terry Price, Ian Stanley, Steven Bowditch and Scott Hend. Nagle won the Queensland Open in 1959 before winning the centenary Open Championship in 1960 and returned to Keperra Country Golf Club in 1964 to capture his second Queensland Open. In the mid-1980s, the Queensland Open attracted international fields including players of the calibre of German star and two-time US Masters champion Bernhard Langer.

Peter Senior and Ian Baker-Finch show off the TB Hunter Cup at the announcement the Queensland Open will return to the golfing landscape. Jason Day, too, had a brush with the Queensland Open before hitting the world stage. The inaugural champion was Harry Sinclair. He was the Australian amateur champion when he won the tournament in 1925. In fact, it helped launch his career. A year after his first Queensland Open victory he turned professional and played the Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club won by Bobby Jones. Sydneysider Sinclair, who started his working life as a greenkeeper, won his second Queensland Open in 1931. Former Australian Golf Union and Queensland Golf Union president Peter Davies was an unabashed fan of the Queensland Open.

Even in the early 1990s when major tournament sponsorships started to dry up, Davies was adamant the tournament would never fall off the golfing calendar. “The Queensland Open will always be played, even if it’s for a gold watch,” he told me. That’s how much the tournament meant to him. Davies kept his promise, but in 1997 and again in 2000-01 it did drop off the calendar. It returned in 2002 when Queensland’s Andrew Buckle lifted the trophy. Now that it’s back, let’s make sure it remains on the golfing landscape. The tournament is too important to allow dust to settle on the TB Hunter Cup. •

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gear

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Limited Edition Masters Flag Collage Celebrate Adam’s historic victory at Augusta! This limited edition (ten pieces) official 2013 Masters Flag collage is matted and framed as shown, with three images, and an informative plaque, to an approximate overall size of 76x86x5 cm. Each piece is custom made and displayed on fabric. $495 plus postage

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Lesson in your pocket A BRITISH PGA professional has developed a tuition App designed to improve a club golfer’s game while practising in private. Tom Long, who is based at Kinloch in New Zealand, developed the App, Golf – Inside the Scoring Zone, to help golfers improve their game with a few simple drills. “I wanted to put something out that was very simple to understand and give instant gratification when people actually take it on board, practice and work with it,” he said. “I have a video library that allows people to download a variety of three-minute clips. “It might be a clip on how to chip off a downslope, playing a splash bunker shot or other easy to understand lessons. “Golfers can download the clips onto their phone and then I am in their pocket. They can take me with them to the practice area where they can structure their practice, become more proficient and practice correctly.” Long came up with the App after setting up a company called Ten Grand Mentality. “Ten Grand Mentality came about from trying to get people to adopt the ten grand mentality into every shot they play, regardless of ability,” he said. “Let’s say you have missed the green and have a simple up-and-down from 15 yards. Because it’s so easy, you lose a bit of concentration and leave yourself an eightfooter instead of a tap in for par. As your eightfoot putt glides past the hole your blood starts to boil because you’ve realised you have thrown away a shot. “Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but rewind and consider this. You have that same chip shot again. This time, if you get up-and-down in two, someone will give you $10,000. Would you try harder? The Golf – Inside the Scoring Zone App is free to download onto a smartphone or other device. To find out more visit: www.tengrandmentality.com 34

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Callaway X Hot Pro 3Deep Fairway Wood Now available in limited quantities in Australia and New Zealand, Callaway’s X Hot Pro 3Deep Fairway Wood is a product that was designed for the longest players on Tour. Driven by the demands of Tour players who wanted a very low-spinning 3-wood that they can hit almost as far as their driver off the tee, the 3Deep features a noticeably deeper or taller face, making it 25 cubic centimetres larger than the more shallow-faced X Hot Pro model. The X Hot Pro 3Deep Fairway Wood will be priced the same as the highly successful X Hot Fairway Wood family that launched in February, with a recommended retail price of $269 in Australia. The 3Deep will also feature the same PXv Shaft that is in the current X Hot Pro Fairway Woods. It will be available in a stock 14.5 Stiff flex or a limited 13.5 model through custom orders only. www.callawaygolf.com/au

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. There are more than 12 high-quality accessories that provide extra comfort and enjoyment . This unparalleled brand philosophy produces a precision engineered golf buggy. The oversize drink holder will accommodate larger drink bottles. The increased capacity of the storage net will allow for extra accessories offering instant access. 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. www.underpar.com.au (02) 9417 4055

WIN!

Uniqueness is of utmost importance in designing bags and this model is the flagship of the Eagles & Birdies range. It has been engineered with cutting-edge magnetic features and is the industry benchmark in club organisation and ergonomic function. The club organizer top divider has 14 concave indentations which the clubs slots into reducing club head contact, lessening noise and protecting the club heads. Six pockets have been ergonomically designed with ‘stadium’ positioning and magnetic openings. Eagles & Birdies customary 14-way full length individual horizontal and vertical dividers organise and protect your club shafts and grips. The bag also has an integrated waterproof rain cover underneath the cooler pocket. The premium high performance water repellent fabric is also further enhanced with laser lamination technology which prolongs fabric structure. The three very popular ‘stadium’ side pockets provide optimum positioning to get quick and easy access to all your golfing necessities. Other features are a waterproof velour lined valuables pocket, oversize cooler pocket with drainage holes, a semi umbrella sheath positioned at the front of the bag, magnetic ball markers and lift assist handles. Five colour combinations available in Eagles Birdies premium legendary fabric.

Inside Golf and Oakley are giving away an Oakley prize pack worth over $500! One lucky Inside Golf reader will win a pair of Cipher 2 shoes ($170 value), a Flak Jacket ($229 value) a Polo ($79 value) and Cap ($40 value

TOTAL value = $518 To enter, simply visit www.insidegolf.com.au and follow the links to our competition page. Good luck!

E-Z-GO Re-Con RXV Alphard Duo Golf Cart DX When it comes to golf push carts, it’s got to be compact. Alphard Golf think it also needs to be easy to use and enhance the total golfing experience. The Duo Golf Cart offers a simple solution with the innovative integration of the golf bag and push cart, reducing storage space required while offering many other great features to make your game more enjoyable. The system features a straightforward and simple two-steps set up. Simply raise the bag, fold out the handle and you are ready to go. It is also very compact: Folded dimensions are 13” W x 46” H x 18.5 D (equivalent to a regular cart

bag). This helps reduce storage space in car or garage, and the all-in-one unit makes transport easy even for golf vacations abroad. A unique feature includes a detachable outer fabric (“skin”). The unit is very ergonomic – height and angle are adjustable via the handle, while the unique varied height base minimizes club clanging. It is also ride cart friendly – wheels assembly are removable. Available in 3 Colours - Red, Black & Blue www.alphardgolf.com Ph 61 2 9971 2770 gary@in2itsports.com.au

Augusta Golf Cars are proud to offer the ReCon RXV, a revolutionary new way to get you into the World’s #1 Golf Car, rather than learning the hard and expensive way by buying an inferior product. Augusta Golf Cars now offer fully ReConditioned E-Z-GO RXV Fleet vehicles as well as Reconditioned RXV Freedom Executive vehicles (shown) – both competitively priced. These vehicles come with a one year bumper to bumper warranty and start at $5950.00. Watch a Short Video at http://bit.ly/149GSAY to see more about this great offer. Contact Augusta Golf Cars on (07) 3807 8895, (02) 8064 9950 or (03) 9558 1211.

gear WedgeWorks Exclusives launches new Vokey TVD-K Wedge The WedgeWorks Exclusives line offers limited release Vokey Tour Van Design (TVD) wedges in a variety of lofts and finishes. The new TVD-K grind will be available in 2013 complementing the TVD-M grind which carries over from 2012. The new Vokey TVD-K is the culmination of Master Craftsman Bob Vokey’s work with PGA Tour players Adam Scott, Jason Dufner, Ben Crane, and Scott Stallings. Featuring a wider, more cambered sole, the TVD-K is very easy to use out of the bunker but still playable for a variety of shots

LETHAL SECONDARY LOGOS

Smoothy Micro Evolving from the rich heritage as the finest golf buggies in Australia, the Smoothy Micro was engineered in the world’s biggest and best buggy factory. Identifying a golfer’s desire for a quick-folding buggy, the Micro will fold or unfold in an effortless 5 seconds. Simply release two levers, attach your bag and you’re on the tee. This award-winning ultra compact design and lightweight frame is constructed of high modulus aluminium weighing only a mere 8.1 kilos. The polyurethane tyres provide a very soft ride with premium high - speed steel bearings in the wheels for easy rolling. When folded down with the front wheel attached the dimensions are 74 x 42 x 38 cm’s which will fit into almost every car boot allowing for extra room to accommodate your golf bag. Superior features include a deluxe wide sponge grip handle which has built-in ball, score card and drink holder. The quick access hand brake is effortlessly engaged on the right side of the handle, so it can be parked when necessary. The upper and lower bag connectors quickly and simply attach or unattached within seconds compared to other types. This state of the art buggy comes in black, silver, blue, red, and white. RRP: $289.00

E GF

Nike Golf Women’s Verdana Club Line Nike Golf brings performance designed specifically for women to its latest women’s club set, the Nike Verdana.Designed from the grip down, the Verdana line is the lightest women’s set ever produced by Nike Golf. Lightweight materials and construction from top to bottom combine to deliver faster swing speeds and more control. The Nike Verdana set is a total game solution that includes 11 clubs: driver, 3 fairway wood, 4-6 hybrids, 7-PW, SW, putter, and a matching carry bag. This holistic full-set design takes distance gapping, trajectory, and spin profiles into account, producing a set engineered just for women. The Nike Verdana set also includes a fashionable carry bag, which utilizes a lightweight ergonomic design for ease of use, even weight distribution and improved comfort. The bag is highly versatile as it was designed to be used on a cart, but includes a stand with a dual strap for carrying. RRP: $1099.99

from the fairway and around the green. WedgeWorks Exclusives allow for a full range of customisation options, including toe engraving, personalisation, paintfill, shafts, shaft bands and grips. Loft, lie, length, and grip size can all be adjusted to meet the players exact needs. WedgeWorks Exclusives are now available with three personalisation packages: the new Snow Package, the Tour Package and the Links Package, or alternatively with no personalisation. www.vokey.com Titleist Customer Service: 1800 660 535.

TaylorMade LETHAL Optimal spin control for every shot, incredible distance regardless of clubhead speed (progressive velocity), and the most penetrating flight of any TaylorMade ball (seamless LDP 322-dimple pattern) make the 5-layer LETHAL the ultimate Tour performance golf ball. LETHAL features five separate layers that provide a “layer for every shot,” optimising spin and launch through the bag. It also employs “Progressive Velocity,” meaning the fastest layers of the ball are on the outside, which provides outstanding velocity regardless of swing speed. As a result, LETHAL can be played by Tour professionals and amateur golfers of all skill levels. RRP: $49.95 per dozen. www.taylormadegolf.com.au

IDENTITY GUIDE

WIN! A dozen TaylorMade Lethal golf balls Inside Golf and TaylorMade are giving away a dozen TaylorMade Lethal Golf balls to 10 lucky readers. To enter, simply like our Facebook page (Facebook.com/ insidegolf) or visit www.insidegolf.com.au and follow the links to our competition page. Good luck!

Caddyrack Pro Caddyrack Pro has redefined golf bag function and design with Soft Grip technology. This patented system is exclusive to Kahma Golf. The genuine organization offered by the system is obvious but the protection offered is outstanding. The shafts of the irons make no contact with either the golf bag or other clubs, making the system especially suitable for graphite shafted irons. The heads of conventional irons automatically make gentle 3-point contact in soft, uniquely shaped partitions. Amazingly, the irons are restrained in every direction except removal. This ingenious combination of angled convex and concave surfaces is at the heart of the invention and what separates it from all others. Kahma Golf has integrated this Softgrip Technology into specially designed range of Kahma Golf Bags to take full advantage of the technology. The new 2013 C5 Golf Bag now includes magnetic cooler pocket cover and additional umbrella holder for easy access. With the integrated Caddyrack Pro this is the most unique golf organizer on the market today. www.kahmagolf.com

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www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

gear

Winter Warmers

As Mother Nature brings a chill to the air, we share our top picks to keep your body warm, and ensure your golf game stays red hot!

FAYDE Apparel

FAYDE is celebrating two years on the fairways. One of Australia’s only golf apparel brands is proud to be making a difference on and off the course in men’s and Ladies apparel and accessories. Golf is more than a game, it’s a lifestyle. FAYDE is proud to be supporting such organizations as the Greg Norman Junior Golf Foundation and the Jack Newton Golf Foundation, and are now the proud clothing partner to the Queensland PGA. FAYDE is also the golf distributor for Vonzipper eyewear and has developed a lens that is specific to golf that looks great on and off the course. www.faydegolf.com

WIN!

To celebrate FAYDE’s second year in Australia, Inside Golf and FAYDE are giving away a free pair of Golf-specific Vonzipper glasses ($170 value) and a fully-tech FAYDE rain jacket ($199 Value) to one lucky reader. To enter, simply like our Facebook Page (Facebook. com/insidegolf) or visit www.insidegolf.com. au and follow the links to our competition page. Good luck!

Sporte Leisure Rainwear

Sporte Leisure has expanded their range of premium Rainwear. With a broad new range of fabric technologies producing their most weather resistant range for men and women yet. ‘Extreme Tec’ with a fouryear waterproof guarantee is their premier rainwear range. The garments are fully seam sealed with a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment which allows for rain protection for 4-5 hours exposure. The 4-way stretch allows for superior ease of movement. ‘Storm-Tec ‘(pictured) also comes with the DWR Treatment and is suitable for up to 4-5 hours rain exposure. 2-way stretch ‘Storm-Tec’ garments are comfortable and breathable, whilst offering a high level of protection and a 3 year Waterproof guarantee. Also available in men’s and women’s styles. RRP: From $159.95 For your nearest Sporte Leisure stockist contact (02) 9693 5777 www.sporte-leisure.com.au

Rainy Day Golf Accessories

Sporte Leisure Knitwear

Form and function combine perfectly in the Sporte Leisure 2013 knitwear range. As with all Sporte Leisure apparel, the range is crafted using yarns carefully selected for comfort, style and quality. These include 100% fine gauge wool, anti-pill mercerised wool as well as cotton blends in everything from vests to a zip-through knit jacket. Showing in a range of solid and marle colours through to reimagined argyles, there is truly something for everyone. Sporte Leisure’s collection of knitwear captures the very essence of timeless style and lasting value. Available in both men’s and ladies styles from leading golf retailers. RRP: From $79.95 For your nearest Sporte Leisure stockist contact (02) 9693 5777 www.sporte-leisure.com.au

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The Canvas Seat Cover Company • Rainy Day Golf Accessories

THIS MONTH’S SPECIALS ONLY WHILE STOCK LASTS

GOLF CAR TILT TRAILER

REAR BAG COVER

Canvas Seat Cover Company Canvas Seat Covers are perfect for 4x4 / commercial and short haul trucks vehicles used in building, transport, mining and rural industries.

Trailers are made from quality materials • Brand new tyres/wheels/hubs • Galvanised - no more rust • Transport your buggy in style • Pickup available in QLD & NSW

Simply folds out when those unexpected showers develop, giving total protection to the clubs and carry basket. EVERY GOLF CAR NEEDS ONE!!! Available in a range of fabrics and colours.....EASY FITTING

• Delivery Australia-Wide • Canvas Seat Covers are a great investment • They are custom made to suit your vehicle • Total protection for your seat

Canvas Seat Covers are exclusive to The Canvas Seat Cover Company. The unique fabric, the custom-fitted designs, the attention to detail means you are guaranteed a long-lasting, comfortable product that looks longer, and protects and prolongs the life of your seats, and avoids costly replacements. Experience the comfort and appreciate the quality of custom-made Canvas Seat Covers.

7A Curban Street, Underwood QLD 4119 Contact: Damian Gregg Ph: (07) 3423 0151 Mob: 0419 765 016 E: dealersu@bigpond.net.au www.rainy-day.com.au www.canvasseatcovers.com.au 36

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Split screens to suit Club Car Precedent & DS Models, Ezgo TXT & RXV, Yamaha G16/19/22/29 SPECIAL PRICE

$125

incl GST

Hub Caps set of 4 suitable for all golf cars

$50

incl GST

Sand Bottles

$20

incl GST

Club Ball Washer

$60

incl GST

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Vanity Fairways Jett Sport Heat Vest

Greg Norman Wind Sweater

The wind sweater by Greg Norman keeps warmth in and the chill out. Featuring a wind protective lining, this sweater collection provides the ultimate comfort against gusting winds. Made with luxurious pima cotton and soft Lenzing Modal, ® the design of the sweater makes it suitable to be worn every day, all day. Available in a range of colours. RRP $99.95 For your nearest Greg Norman stockist contact (02) 9693 5777 www.sporte-leisure.com.au

The Jett SPORT HEAT VEST is designed to be worn under your golf gear. The patented Jett Heat Panel radiates Far-Infrared warmth along your spine, keeping your core warm and effectively heating your extremities. The Jett SPORT Vest has been designed specifically to carry the detachable heat system inside the back of the vest. The two rechargeable batteries sit over your kidney area, not interfering with your golf swing. You can wear whatever you want over the top of the vest. Set your desired warmth by the RF wrist Controller. The whole system weighs just 500g. www.jettheat.com sales@jettheat.com 0417 531 757

Phone 0429 690 662 For further product information and Australia and New Zealand stockists go to

www.icerays.com.au

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

IceRays arm sleeves

If you’ve ever had a problem with those cold mornings on the golf course, when those extra layers restrict your swing, then IceRays have the answer. Along with their very popular UV protective Cooling Arm Sleeves they now stock fleecy lined winter warming arm sleeves. They replace those long-sleeved shirts and allow you to just wear polo shirts and sleeveless vests – with no need to fumble around with bulky layers mid-round. They come in either black or white and in sizes S-XXL. They also help support the muscles, reducing muscle vibration, which in turn reduces lactic acid build-up and tiredness. www.icerays.com.au 0429 690662

Some things just keep getting better and better. At Vanity Fairways, they’ve noticed that the quality of rain and wind outerwear for ladies golfers is a great example of that. Soft shell jackets, vests and even a windbreaker with zip-off sleeves are all on offer this season from Nivo. Vests and jackets in both knits for greater flexibility or more traditional waterproof fabrics are all available now. Just because it’s windy or raining it doesn’t mean that you have to wear dull old boring black or navy blue ……fantastic colours of lime and fuschia have entered the outerwear ranges and even a great checked combination in the wind breaker. Daily Sport also have a fantastic multicoloured houndstooth vest that will be sure to brighten even the coldest of days. www.vanityfairways.com.au Phone: (07) 32791358

A P PA R E L

Few brands in the golf market have a heritage in golf waterproofs as strong as PING Collection’s. The latest line, modelled on Tour by some of the world’s elite, including Louis Oosthuizen and Miguel Angel Jimenez, provides unmatched performance with essential low-noise, stretch fabric. Constructed from the finest Merino wool and cotton, PING Collection also produces some of the game’s finest golf sweaters. These knitted garments adhere to the brand’s ethos of catering for the serious golfer and are available in a host of designs and colour options.

Visit www.pingapparel.com.au for PING apparel stockist information and to view the entire 2013 range available in Australia.

gear

adidas Climaproof Storm Jacket

adidas Climaproof Wind I ½ zip

Cheat the wind with this great-looking 1/2 zip pullover that’s smartly designed to keep the draft from creeping down your neck or up your back while giving you all the freedom you need to make a powerful pass at the ball. Water-resistant to 600mm. Waterresistant to 600mm. On-seam zip pockets and open hem with bungee draw cord.100% polyester plain weave with PU coating. RRP: $69 Short Sleeve shirt: RRP $59

More than a jacket, this is a weapon against inclement weather. adidas has considered every possible way to keep wind and rain from penetrating this jacket while still keeping it easy to wear and restriction-free, allowing you to swing freely and hit the ball solidly no matter what the conditions. Features include: Two-Layer rip-stop fabrication. Storm collar. Dual front bonded waterproof zippers. Side-zipper gussets for adjustability. Adjustable cuff with internal rain gusset.3-year waterproof warranty. Waterproof to 20,000mm. Breathability of 26,700gm/m2/24hours. 100% polyester 2-layer laminate shell with100% polyester mesh lining. RRP: $259

adidas Climaproof Storm Pant

Specially engineered to keep you dry and comfortable from your ankles to your waist when the rain pours down and the wind blows hard. adidas has made these pants especially easy to slip on and off, because you’re out there to play golf, not struggle with your outerwear. Features include: Two-Layer rip-stop fabrication. Button-fly with elastic sideinserts. 12” inch leg zipper openings. Dual back pockets with storm welts. 2-year waterproof warranty. 100% polyester 2-layer laminate shell with100% polyester mesh lining. RRP: $179

FootJoy Performance Windshirt

The ultimate addition to your golfing wardrobe is the FootJoy Performance Windshirt which is ideal for the colder conditions. The FootJoy Windshirt provides amazing comfort and protection on the golf course during windy play. The supersoft microfibre fabric also includes a water resistant finish for extra comfort in light rain. The FootJoy Wind Wear is available now in three different colours. RRP: $109 www.footjoy.com.au 1800 660 535

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gear Footjoy DryJoys® Tour Collection Rain Wear

The DryJoys Tour Collection Rain Wear provides Tour-proven waterproof protection, breathability and maximum comfort during the golf swing. This is achieved through the waterproof stretch panels designed to aid freedom of movement. The DWR (Durable Water Repellency) finish beads off rain for the life of the garment. The FootJoy Tour Collection Rain Wear is available now in a Full Zip Jacket and a Half Zip Rain Shirt RRP: $249 www.footjoy.com.au 1800 660 535

Cross Lifestyle

After 10 successful years as shop manager at Links Hope Island on the Gold Coast, Kerrie Stewart has moved on to pursue a long held ambition to run a DFO Golf Apparel store. The concept was born out of a conversation with several leading Golf Apparel agents and from there Kerrie set about finding a suitable store in a convenient location in Brisbane. Showcasing leading international brands from Sweden, Europe and the US the Cross Lifestyle Store the store was set up at DFO Jindalee in Brisbane in April . Stocked with previous seasons fashion lines the shop offers consumers the opportunity to purchase quality “designer look” golf and leisure wear at up to 70 per cent off the RRP . “With my long standing relationships with suppliers in the industry it only took a few

phone calls for international distributors to join us in this new and exciting venture” Stewart said. “The outlet store enables suppliers to liquidate past season stock and the number of brands have continued to grow since the shop’s inception. “Calvin Klein Golf, Daily Sports, Nivo, Timothy Neate, AUR, Green Lamb, Fairway and Greene, Dwyers, EP PRO, and Bennington Golf bags are the key brands in store and every week we are adding to the collection with ladies golf gloves, golf towels, belts and headwear being the latest accessories to complement the various apparel ranges,” Stewart stated. Cross Lifestyle Shop T18 DFO, Amazons Place Jindalee 4074 Phone 07 31673655 jindalee@cross-sportwear.com.au

ProQuip

Founded over 30 years ago, ProQuip has grown to become one of the world’s leading innovators of lightweight golf weather wear, supplying thousands of golfers every year – men, women and children – with the very best performance products, whether they be waterproof rain suits, like the incredible all-over stretchable Tour Flex 360 or highly technical garments from the water repellent knitwear range. ProQuip represents the very highest standards in performance golf technical clothing, providing golfers across the globe, including the 2012 European Ryder Cup team, with state-

of-the-art agenda-setting technical garments to cope with every type of weather conditions. ProQuip is one of the highest profile weather wear brands in the world of golf and is proud to have been the Preferred Supplier to more Ryder Cup teams – European and US – than any other clothing manufacturer. They will continue their long association with the Ryder Cup in Scotland at Gleneagles where they have again been named official supplier to Team Europe. Pro Quip is proudly distributed in Australia by: Golf 4 U Ph: (02) 9436 4105 E: sales@golf4u.com.au www.proquipgolf.com

STAY WARM TO PERFORM - WEAR JETT The Jett SPORT HEAT VEST is designed to be worn under your golf gear. The patented Jett Heat Panel radiates far-infrared warmth along your spine keeping your core warm, allowing your body to heat your extremities. Now cold conditions won’t stop you enjoying what you want to do - stay warm to perform, wear Jett.

Wireless RF temp. controller

ONE HEATING SYSTEM FOR ALL JETT HEAT PACK GARMENTS - The Jett Heat Pack contains: • Detachable patented heat panel - 2 settings 45°C (Lo) to 55°C (Hi) approx. • Wireless RF controller with wrist strap controls heat setting - no fiddly cables • 2 Rechargeable Li-Polymer Battery Power Pack give 4+ hours* of continuous heat on the low setting or optional Water resistant Battery Power Packs give 3+ hours* in water • Fast charger designed specifically for the Jett Heat Pack with 2 charging points. SIZES XS - 2XL

Like having the sun on your back, stay warm on the course for 4+ hours*

All Jett products come with a 12 month guarantee on heating element, switch/controller and charger. 3 month guarantee on batteries and vest. Jett will process orders within 2 working days. The delivery time frame for orders within Australia is expected to be a further 1-5 working days. For deliveries overseas the time frame should be 5-10 working days depending on location. * Heat time will vary according to setting and the ambient temperatures

Jett Showroom: Macro Race Products, Factory 3, 10-12 Thorthon Cres Mitcham VIC 3132. P: 03-9874 8744

www.jettheat.com

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

technology

New golf studio a real game changer Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

Clubfitting and golf instruction technology has come a long way over the years. With the aid of launch monitors, video cameras, advanced computer programs and motion capture technology, you can now see—in minute detail—exactly what is happening during every microsecond of your swing. From things like swing path to clubhead speed to impact angle and swing “efficiency”, new golf clubfitting technology can uncover the nuances of a swing that could not be caught by the naked eye. And while all this information may be a bit much to wrap your head around, when placed in the hands of an experienced PGA teaching professional or clubfitter, it can have an amazing impact on your game. Even just getting a single club properly fitted to your game – like a driver, fairway wood or putter— can make a massive difference in your score. Especially if the gear that you are currently using isn’t properly suited to your own game and/or swing. “Far too many people that play the game are using the wrong equipment with poor concepts of the swing itself,” says Scott Barradell, a AAA PGA Professional and TaylorMade golf Ambassador at Northern Golf Club, near Melbourne. “As golf professionals, we are simply educators to help golfers find their way, and their swing,” he says. It’s this goal that drove Barradell to launch one of the newest and most advanced technology studios around: The Golfshop at Northern Learning Centre. I had the opportunity to visit The Learning Centre when it opened last month, and to say that I was impressed is a massive understatement. Designed, managed and run by Barradell, The

From club and ballfitting to tuition at all levels, golf studios like The Golfshop at Northern Learning Centre are changing the game of golf. Learning Centre is packed with a complete array of high-tech wizardry to suit golfers of every level— from beginner to Tour professional. Built and installed by MIA Sports Technology, a UK-based company that specialises in the growing market of golf studio design, The Learning Centre has one of the most impressive technology setups of any golf club I’ve seen. From the live video capture, to the launch monitors to the 3D swing analysis and banks of video screens, the studio feels like something you’d see during a visit to NASA. In addition to the full-swing analysis section, there is also a dedicated SAM Puttlab to help you get your flatstick on track. The SAM Puttlab is an intricate and highly-advanced system that uses a motion sensor device clipped on to your putter. After a series of five putts with the device, the computer crunches the numbers and then displays a plethora of information about your putting path, speed, putterface impact location, consistency and more.

Using this data, your pro can then determine the exact type of putter that matches your game, and can also offer any advice or instruction to improve your overall stroke. One of the more important and unique features that sets The Learning Centre facility apart is the fact that it is “brand neutral”; by not being tied into a single brand or manufacturer, golfers and students can be confident in the knowledge that a qualified PGA Professional is recommending the correct brand of equipment which is really best suited to their game. Of course, this all is more than just a clubfitting tool. The technology at The Learning Centre is also extremely useful for golf tuition/teaching. By capturing exact data about your swing and the effects it has on the golf ball—like sidespin, launch trajectory and the like—a qualified instructor like Barradell can provide specific tips and instruction to help you shave serious strokes off your score.

Melbournes best golf technology & club fitting studio The Golfshop At Northern Learning Centre Perfect for: • Tuition • Clubfitting • Game and equipment evaluation • Putting analysis and improvement

Services offered: • V1 with dual camera live video • FLIGHTSCOPE launch monitor • SAM Puttlab • Swing Guru 3D analysis

The Golfshop at Northern Learning Centre 97 Glenroy Rd, Glenroy VIC 3046 For appointments call Scott Barradell (AAA PGA Professional): (03) 9300 2488 www.northerngolfshop.com.au

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

“The Learning Centre is absolutely first class and a great place to learn the game,” explains Barradell. “Our goal is to make people more educated about their games and what influences their equipment can have on their ability to improve. You can only get that sort of commitment and service from a golf professional and this facility just takes it to another level.” The Golfshop at Northern Learning Centre is certainly on the cutting edge of golf technology, and I have no doubt that over the coming years more proactive clubs will follow Northern’s lead and employ golf studios like this one into their own facilities and proshops. After all, it’s what today’s (and tomorrow’s) golfers will come to expect from their clubs and golf instructors. Fo r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n a b o u t T h e Golfshop at Northern Learning Centre, visit www.northerngolfshop.com.au or phone 03 9300 2488. •

Fu o th penlly ep t ub o lic !

technology

Designing golf balls from the inside out What goes into the design of today’s high-tech golf balls? In this Q&A with Dave Bartels, Senior Director, Callaway Golf Ball R&D, we discover the “ins” and “outs” of creating high-performance balls for a variety of players. How did you find your way into golf ball engineering? I was working as an engineer at Hewlett Packard after graduating from college when Callaway started their golf ball business, and I jumped at the opportunity to combine my two passions: engineering and sports. I started here in Golf Ball R&D as an engineer developing new test equipment and, within a couple of years, we successfully launched the first ever Callaway golf balls - the Rule 35 Red and Blue. Since then, I’ve been working on the design and development of new golf balls, the latest being our new HEX Chrome+ ball. Callaway has a wide range of golf balls in its product line. How do you segment the line and how should consumers determine which ball is best for them? Golf ball selection can be intimidating for consumers, especially at retail, but we’ve worked hard to design the best performing golf balls at each price segment so golfers get maximum value. When it comes to finding the right ball, we start around the green and ask the golfer how much spin/control their game needs. Better golfers prefer more control, so we would direct them to a ball with a urethane cover for better spin properties. Because average golfers focus more on distance and not as much on controlling the ball around the greens, they can likely get all the performance they need in a Surlyn covered ball. Beyond the cover materials, a good rule of thumb is that the more layers in your golf ball, the less compromise you have to make because we can design certain attributes into a golf ball using the extra layers. For example, a two-piece ball generally has one dominant feature, such as distance or feel, but can’t provide as much all-around performance as a 3-, 4- or

Dave Bartels, Senior Director, Callaway Golf Ball R&D 5-piece construction. The HEX Black Tour and HEX Chrome are at the top of the pyramid in Callaway’s lineup. Where does the new HEX Chrome+ fit in? HEX Black Tour, HEX Chrome and the new HEX Chrome+ all have similar cover materials - our proprietary DuraSpin urethane blend - but different core constructions. The HEX Chrome family contains a single-piece polybutadiene core. Within the Chrome family, HEX Chrome is a very soft golf ball that performs better for golfers with moderate to low head speeds because it reduces driver spin for longer distance without sacrificing greenside control. The new HEX Chrome+ is a firmer golf ball that is designed for the

moderate to higher swing speed golfers. It’s a long golf ball that achieves its distance with faster ball speed, without sacrificing control around the green. How closely do you work with tour professionals like Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and some of the other young guys on the Callaway tour staff as you make changes to your golf balls or develop new models? We’re continually receiving direction from our tour players on new designs. They’re extremely perceptive to small changes and have given us important feedback that we’ve integrated into our products. For example, most of our staffers like a low, boring trajectory with their irons to help keep the ball from ballooning in

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windy conditions. We’ve designed an extremely soft inner core in our HEX Black Tour golf ball because it’s a critical component to keeping low mid-iron trajectory. Another example occurred recently with the design of our new HEX Chrome+. One of our staff players wanted more distance and was recently fitted into our new RAZR Fit Xtreme Driver, which lowered his launch spin. He found that even though HEX Chrome+ had slightly more driver spin than the HEX Black (due to their different core constructions), he could mitigate the increase in driver spin with his new driver settings and gain more distance with the faster ball speed of Chrome+. The result was significantly more distance with Chrome+ without sacrificing any control around the green. What can working with professionals do to help you design golf balls for the masses, the people with generally slower swing speed? We continually work with tour players to understand their needs and preferences. That really pushes us to fundamentally understand the construction of a golf ball and what makes certain components of the ball cause it to perform the way it does. As a result, we understand why one design works better than another and can apply that knowledge to a design specific for slower swing speed golfers. Even though the masses swing at lower speeds than tour pros, they still have the same broad range of preferences and opinions when it comes to how a ball should feel and how much control they need. In addition to optimizing performance for different types of players, one key area that we focus quite a bit of our effort on is durability. Professional golfers don’t give it much priority since they don’t buy their golf balls, but we work hard to make sure that our consumers get the most value for their money in a durable golf ball. •

people

Adam Scott – creature of habit David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

OLD habits are hard to break – especially when you’re Adam Scott. The 32-year-old with movie star good looks is rightly Australia’s pin-up boy after winning the US Masters, but when he attended Kooralbyn International School in the late 1990s he wasn’t shown any special favours, according to former classmate Henry Epstein. Scott, like most teenagers, didn’t mind playing the odd prank or attempt something unusual. Epstein, a professional golfer and trick shot artist, remembers Scott as an extremely talented golfer who didn’t mind having a go. Charlie Earp once told Scott he needed to “get some mongrel in him” and he showed that with his “Come on, Aussie” roar at Augusta. Attending Kooralbyn’s renowned golf program, Scott showed he had plenty of courage. “I was a year above him so I was his dorm senior,” said Epstein, who plies his trade on the Australasian Tour. “Adam was the most talented golfer, but when he got in trouble he was on dorm duties just the same as all the other boys. “Back then, Adam definitely had a lot of guts,” Epstein said. “There was an incident when he tried to hit a sevendegree driver off a tee on a thong in the middle of the junior boys’ (accommodation) house. “He was trying to get the ball up over the concrete and through the glass sliding doors.” Was he successful? “Let’s just say the golf ball bounced around the room a few times and no windows were broken or damage done,” Epstein recalled.

US Masters Champion Adam Scott was known to play a prank or two in his youth.

“To have the guts to even attempt that was quite amazing.” Recently former Queensland Bulls cricketer Aaron Nye, who became friends with Scott while at Kooralbyn, told of a prank played on him while caddying for Scott in the 2005 Masters par-3 event. Scott filled the golf bag with practice golf balls making it extraordinarily heavy. “He stitched me up,” Nye told Gold Coast reporter Jeremy Pierce. “When I said ‘I don’t know how caddies carry such heavy bags’, he looked at me with that cheeky laugh and said, ‘you’ll be right’.” The nice thing about Scott is he hasn’t allowed fame and fortune to go to his head. He is the same extraordinarily talented,

well-mannered, easy-going and respectful person he was at school, which is a credit to his parents Phil and Pam. “The guy I went to school with is the same guy I see now which is great and quite amazing,” Epstein said. “He still has the same fantastic swing – the only difference is he has bulked up. He swung the club beautifully back then and he still does now. “When Adam first arrived at Kooralbyn I had a game with him and head coach Peter Claughton. “The difference between us was he hit 18 greens and had 72 and I hit about seven greens in regulation and shot 71. “I couldn’t believe he hit 18 out of 18 greens at Kooralbyn.

“It is one of those amazing things that even from that age (16 or 17) he was that good and that solid,” said Epstein, who was rapt when Scott won the Masters. “I thought his win was unbelievable and to be the first Aussie to do it was fantastic. I was so proud of him.” Epstein wasn’t the only person impressed with Scott at a young age. When Scott turned pro in 2000, he immediately caught the attention of Greg Norman and twotime US Masters winner Jose Maria Olazabal. “I played with Adam (Scott) and he just blew my mind away,” Norman said at the time. “He launches it as far as Tiger, hits it as straight as Tiger and putts as good as Tiger.” In 2001, Olazabal tipped Scott as a player who would one day don the green jacket. “He has the game, the length off the tee and is a very good chipper and that should help him at Augusta,” the Spaniard said. Scott grew up idolising the Shark and now he is a hero to thousands of junior golfers. He is the perfect role model and someone any parent would want their child to idolise. Meanwhile, Epstein is getting on with his career contesting tournaments, performing magic and demonstrating his trick shots. “Today I did some close-up magic and after the tournament we are doing a flaming trick shot show juggling flaming golf balls and hitting some flaming clubs,” Epstein said from Blackwater in Central Queensland.

MASTERFUL SCOTT

Adam Scott is currently preparing for the US Open (June 13-16). After that he will play the AT&T National (June 27-30) followed by the Open Championship (July 18-21). •

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

champions tour

China defeats Scramble champions China continued their dominance over Australia in the Champions Tour, claiming their home leg of the 2013 event at the spectacular Jack Nicklaus designed Lanhai Golf Club, when the Holden Scramble travelled to Shanghai in early May. The Australian team, made up of 2012 Holden Scramble qualifiers, Glenden Golf Club, Kooindah Waters Golf Club along with Professionals Nick White (Tasmania Golf Club) and Gary Burmester (Mt Warren Park Golf Club) fought hard but could not match the great scoring from the Chinese players. The competition saw a modified scoring 4BBB stableford competition on day one with the format changing to single stableford over the final round with the top 10 of 12 scores counting towards the overall total. In challenging conditions, China combined well to take the early advantage following the 4BBB round. Australia threw everything at the Chinese team over the final round, however could not manage to reel them in, eventually losing 364 points to 275. “Although the Australian team did not win, this event is a fantastic way for the PGA to continue to strengthen the existing relationship with the China Golf Association and provide greater playing opportunities to Holden Scramble participants and PGA Professionals across Australia,” said Natalie Ritter, PGA National Events Manager.

“The event is a new concept and is still evolving; we will continue to assess it in the future to develop a format which provides the right balance of competition across the two countries. It provides a great bonus for those amateurs and PGA Professionals involved and as a result we are committed to working with the CGA to ensure its continued success”. The best of the Aussies was Kooindah Waters Head Professional, David Lulham who posted scores of 74, 73 and finished second out of the 24 players in the individual gross event. Whilst the competition was not won by the Australians, the overall adventure of travelling to China and experiencing a world-class golf course

including caddies was something the majority of players could only dream of and will be something they remember for a lifetime. Adding to the overall experience the Australians sampled local cuisines, a tour of Shanghai and an introduction to the bartering system at the markets. Not to mention a word sure to be remembered by all will be ‘Gaan bay’; which is “cheers” in Chinese and could be heard throughout the room at functions as a shot of rice wine was consumed. The event is set to continue for a further three years with the Chinese Golf Association and PGA signing an MOU, which will provide greater exposure to both nation’s amateur teams events and sponsors. •

Australia’s largest pro-am heats up The Pat O’Driscoll Real Estate / Tropical Auto Group Golf Classic at the beautiful Mercure Capricorn Resort on the Central Coast of Queensland has proven itself at the country’s largest pro am. With more than 250 amateurs and 80 of the Australasia’s leading PGA touring Professionals, 2013 will continue to the see the event raise the bar in Pro Am golf.

With $100,000 in prizemoney, there is no doubt as to why the honour board of champions boast some of golf ’s household names, Peter Senior, Terry Price, Shane Tait, Adam Crawford, Andrew Stolz, Andrew Bonhomme, Scott Strange, Euan Walters and Ryan Haller are just some of the names who have lifted the crystal trophy, the cream has certainly risen

to the top. Played this year from 25th July – 28th July, amateur positions are extremely sought after given that for a low as $938 your 4 rounds of pro am golf, accommodation, functions and entertainment are all covered. To enquire about current availability contact Capricorn Resort on 07 4925 2525 or visit www.capricornresortgolf.com.au •

Australian Senior Amateur Championship Australia’s premier championship for senior golfers, the Australian Senior Amateur Championship, will be played at Royal Queensland Golf Club from 3-5 September. The event attracts Australia’s and some of the world’s leading golfers aged 55 years and over, however there is plenty of room in the field for the good senior golfer at club level who would like to contest a National Championship. With a handicap limit of 9, all players contest 54-holes stroke play. A cut is made after 36-holes to the leading 108 players, however those who miss the cut continue to play the third and final round. The champion is awarded the Kerry Packer Trophy, with the runner-up and the third place getters overall also receiving Medals. Age mementos are awarded to players in the 55-59 years, 60-64 years, 65-69 years, and 70 years and over age categories. The event concludes with a Presentation Cocktail Reception on the final evening. The event has been played since 1981 at some of Australia’s leading courses, seven of which have hosted Men’s or Women’s Australian Opens. The competition is fierce, however the social aspect of the event allows players to make long lasting friendships and renew acquaintances each year. Entries open on 4 June, and close on 6 August. The entry fee of $160 (on-line) includes a practice round, three rounds of tournament golf, a championship gift, and attendance at the Presentation Cocktail Reception. For more, visit www.golfaustralia.org.au, e-mail championships@golfaustralia.org.au, or phone 03 9626 5050. •

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Queensland, Victoria win Australian Interstate Series Queensland made it three wins in the last four years with a narrow victory over New South Wales at the Australian Men’s Interstate Teams Matches at Tasmania Golf Club. The Queensland team defeated New South Wales 4.5-3.5 to seal the win in breezy conditions. Cameron Smith finished undefeated for the champions while Callan O’Reilly and Ricky Kato finished undefeated for New South Wales. Tay l or Ma c D on a l d , S i m on Viitakangas, James Gibellini and Jake McLeod were winners for Queensland on the final day. Home state Tasmania finished in third place after a 4-4 squared contest with Victoria in the first consolation final. Tasmania’s Nathan Gatehouse defeated Nathan Holman in the top match while Sam Rawlings accounted for Victoria’s Lucas Herbert 5&4. South Australia defeated Western Australia 6-2 in the second consolation final. Anthony Murdaca, Jack Williams and Heath Riches all recorded solid wins for the South Australians.

Qld Men’s Team:

Viraat Badhwar (Indooroopilly GC) James Gibellini (Emerald Lakes GC) Taylor MacDonald (Redcliffe GC) Jake McLeod (Royal Queensland GC) Kevin Marques (Indooroopilly GC)

Cameron Smith (Royal Queensland GC) Simon Viitakangas (Robina Woods GC) Aaron Wilkin (Indooroopilly GC) Team Coach: Tony Meyer. Team Manager: Matt Toomey The Victorian women’s team ended a superb week with victory at the Australian Women’s Interstate Teams Matches at Royal Hobart Golf Club. In clear conditions, the Victorians, who were joint winners in 2010, completed a comprehensive 5-1 win over Western Australia in the final to lift the Gladys Hay Memorial Cup. It was the first outright win for Victoria since 1996. Su Hyun Oh and Julienne Soo both finished the week undefeated for the Victorians. Oh defeated Australian Amateur champion Minjee Lee 4&3 while Soo beat Hayley Bettencourt

3&2 in the final. Queensland finished in third place after beating New South Wales 4-2 at the first consolation final. Ellen Davies-Graham, Ashley Ona, Nadine White and Ali Orchard were all winners for Queensland on the final day. In the second consolation final, the Tasmanian women’s team recorded their first victory of the week with a 4-2 win over South Australia.

Vic Women’s Team:

Jo Charlton (Metropolitan GC) Grace Lennon (Kingston Heath GC) Bianca Ling (Kingswood GC) Su Hyun Oh (Metropolitan GC) Tilly Poulsen (Kingston Heath GC) Julienne Soo (Woodlands GC) Team Coach: Darren Cole. Team Manager: Kate Dunne. •

NSW Open returns to Sydney The historic NSW Open Golf Championship will return to metropolitan Sydney for the first time since 2006 when the tournament is played at Castle Hill Country Club from 21-24 November 2013. The announcement of the dates for the NSW Open on the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule is further good news for the golf industry which has been buoyed by Adam Scott’s Masters victory, a further four international victories in five weeks and the World Cup of golf being staged at Royal Melbourne. “We are please to once again have the NSW Open featured on the PGA

Tour of Australasia schedule,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia. “We look forward to continue working with Golf NSW to ensure not only the success of the 2013 NSW Open but also look to secure its longterm future.” Golf NSW CEO, Stuart Fraser, echoed Mr Thorburn’s comments adding, “we have worked hard to return the NSW Open to Sydney and the golf course will present a real challenge for the players.” Still one of the leading golf tournaments contested in Australia, the NSW Open will be held at one of Sydney’s premier and picturesque

tournament venues – Castle Hill Country Club for the first time in the tournament’s 82-year history. With an honour roll that reads like a who’s who of golf, past champions include Kel Nagle, Peter Thomson, Greg Norman and Jack Newton while more recently Peter O’Malley, Peter Lonard, Aaron Townsend and Adam Crawford have claimed the title. The NSW Open will be held from 21-24 November 2013, as the lead in tournament to the Emirates Australian Open at Royal Sydney Golf Club it is expected to lure some of the leading golf professionals to compete for the famous trophy. •

Cottesloe Open winner Thomas Bond with Mack Hall

Bond joins an elite field at Cottesloe South Australian Thomas Bond won this year’s Mack Hall Real Estate Cottesloe Open with a superb final round 66 and tournament total 11 under par. “It’s a great feeling to know I’m joining an elite field of Cottesloe Open winners,” said Bond of his name joining the long list of champions at Cottesloe. Bond, who started the final day one shot back of West Australian Amateur prodigy Curtis Luck, attributed the win to his back-nine brilliance over the weekend. “Nine under par on the back nine alone was awesome this weekend, every birdie I had was just a tap in which obviously helps the cause,” he said. “I’ve really hit the ball solid the last two days and it’s pleasing to see it’s reflected in my scores,” The win is Bond’s largest to date, having only qualified through the PGA of Australia Tour School in January. Finishing a mere one shot back on a total of 10 under par was in-form Victorian Steve Jones who has already captured a victory on the WA leg of the Choice Hotels Pro-Am Series. Jones, who commanded a three shot lead after nine holes, failed to match Bond’s four-under 32, shooting a one over 37 coming home. Current WA Order of Merit leader Scott Strange finished with an uncharacteristic three putt on the last

hole resulting in outright third place 9 under par. An exciting new initiative for 2013 was the introduction of the Mack Hall Real Estate Pro-Am which for the first time gave Amateurs the opportunity to compete alongside a PGA Professional in a Best Ball format over the weekend. There was a select number of Senior PGA Professionals that were invited to play in this inaugural event including Terry Gale, Wayne Smith, Michael Clayton and Lindsay Stephen with Wayne Smith taking away first place. One of the oldest events on the WA PGA schedule, the Cottesloe Open is now in its 65th year and has established itself as a respected event on the WA Golfing Calendar. The event has proved through time to be a launching pad for many professional and amateur golfers alike. Played across more than 170 golf courses around Australia the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series plays an important part in the development of Australia’s Professional Golfers whilst also growing the game at a grass roots level by engaging an estimated 48,000 amateur golfers each year. Each amateur that competes in the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series has the opportunity to win a coveted pro-am place in the Australian PGA Championship presented by CocaCola to be played in November on the Gold Coast, Queensland. •

• 18th century house in the quiet hamlet of La Madrinie in the beautiful Charente region of south-west France • Moonlit BBQ’s on balmy summer nights, when it is light until 10pm • Championship golf course nearby • Close to the wine region of Bordeaux, the coastal attractions of La Rochelle and Ile de Re, and the liquid delights of the famous Cognac region • Fresh croissants, baguettes and french pastries delivered to the hamlet daily Golf International de La Prèze offers a main 18 hole champion’s course, a unique 18 hole pitch-and-putting competition course, as well as a driving range and two pitch and putting practice greens.

Golf de la Preze: $125 18 holes of golf, buggy hire & for a set of clubs

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Explore more that our house has to offer on www.lamadrinie.com or contact Carole on +61 411 867 990 or carole@lamadrinie.com 48

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Howeston – music to your ears Brian Eagle

ed@insidegolf.com.au

NOT everyone writes a story about golf and music at the same time. Most noises on a golf course are sundry, many unfortunately are in loud voices with practically no double meanings but they were not what you would call musical. However, if you go to Howeston Golf Course built by Bill and Lynn Weston, down Moreton Bay way near Brisbane, music - like drivers and putters - plays a part. This modest couple, along with more than a few family members and friends, started to build the course on an old Birkdale strawberry farm in 1971. It opened its first nine holes in 1972 and you had to have 70 cents or one dollar (weekends) to gain access. The Westons have been married some 50 years and Bill now rides the head keeper’s chair over 27 holes. Bill bought an old ex-Army bulldozer from a mate to get it all started. Oh, did I mention Bill also drove a frontend loader, a truck, delivered beer around the area (thank heaven) was a timber cutter and sang in a band? Faith and begorrah, didn’t I mention the band and his superb singing? If it wasn’t for his wife mentioning it I strongly believe he wouldn’t have either. The Capalleros (later the Classic Five) in which Bill sang, was a 4IP cabaret band heard at Lang Park rugby league games, at the Cricketers Club and 11-and-a-half years of Saturday nights at the Capalaba Tavern. They even ventured as far north as Airlie Beach in North Queensland, but it was at the Capalaba Tavern where they rubbed shoulders with the Bee Gees. In fact, Bill gave the young Bee Gees some sound advice. He didn’t actually choreograph the Gibb brothers, but he did encourage them to be a little more animated on stage. After that, they never looked back.

Lynn, who did a lot of driving, let us hear a couple of Bill’s recorded songs – and they were bloody good. They recorded their work under the house, not as you would expect in a studio for music of that class. A fond memory is of their many holidays up north with some not so shy professional golfers, Charlie Earp and Paul King. Asked why he gave the musical life away, Bill simply said, “good times don’t last forever”. Lynn said she was at the Queensland golf industry awards ceremony when she heard someone say something about 33 years. “I thought, that’s us,” she said. As they made their way to the stage to collect the PGA’s Chairman’s Award, a well-known voice declared, “the bugger will probably start singing”. “Part of the award will be shared by everyone,” Lynn said. “It will be shared by all our friends we have made through 33 years of pro-ams. “The award was unbelievable,” she said. Charlie Earp and Paul King are long-time friends of the Weston family. The Westons often called on Paul, the former Wynnum Golf Club professional, for advice and he was always willing to help wherever possible. “It’s a great family atmosphere out there,” he said. “Howeston is the most homely, beautiful place to go and look at – particularly to walk around it.” Charlie, too, was great support in the early years. “I used to give Bill, who is a keen fisherman, buggies, golf clubs, flags and we helped with machinery,” he said. “One day Bill came around and got more fish hooks and sinkers off me than golf gear. “Of course, Paul (King) did a lot of work there. “We went to their pro-am and I remember one night there was a band as a send off for the night. “Bill is a very good singer and had a good band. “One night I left there quite late, but not before Bill told me I could stay. “He said I could sleep under the billiards table along with some of the other pros.

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ON-SONG: Howeston Golf Course owners Bill and Lynn Weston have been part of the golf scene in Brisbane for more than 40 years. “Bill said, ‘you’ll be right’, but I had to work the next morning and took off.” According to Bill, there were pros asleep all over the house. The Westons often joined Charlie and Paul on their annual golfing and fishing trips to South Molle Island. “Bill would bring the band,” Charlie said. “He would sing, I would play the imaginary trumpet and we’d play on a couple of old tins. It was good fun.” When it came to golf course additions and improvements, Bill was never afraid to ask for Charlie and Paul’s sage advice. “Queensland is lucky to have people like them,” Charlie said. Howeston, almost every day, has three long lines of parked cars in the car park as testimony to the course’s ongoing popularity.

It is truly a family affair. Their daughter, Donna West, does the wages, while daughter-in-law Sue does the accounts. Further, their son Kel has qualified as a greenkeeper and works on the golf course. Kel, grandsons Kerron (now a qualified greenkeeper) and Jake Weston toil alongside Bill along with son-in-law Keith West and Danny Cloherty. And then there’s family friend Lew Noyes, who played bass in the band. On holiday in 1980, Lew visited the Westons and has been there ever since. “He’s been a loyal friend and has lived with us for over 30 years,” Lynn said. Next time you witness such an awards ceremony ask yourself if the recipient can sing. Not as well as Bill Weston, I’ll wager. • - Additional reporting by David Newbery

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Australasia’s premier amateur golf pairs championship to expand in 2013 The most exciting amateur event for Australasian golfers is going from strength to strength in 2013. This year’s regional event series of the highly popular Auto Club Golf Championship will be expanding to 70 events kicking off on the 4th July at RACV Cape Schanck Resort. The Inaugural Auto Club Golf Championship, which saw over 2500 players compete in 48 events held throughout Australia and New Zealand was a huge success, with all winning pairs competing at the Championship Final at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast. Thanks to the united support from Auto Clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT AANT and AANZ) the 2013 Championship is guaranteed to be bigger and better. To ensure the integrity of the event, tournament organisers Champion Events have made a range of improvements. The 2013 format will be 4 Ball Aggregate, (two people play in pairs and add their two stableford scores together, whilst still keeping their Individual stableford card scores). In addition a separate Individual Stableford Event will be held on the day. All regional events scorecards will also be handicapped via GolfLink. Other exciting developments include the age of entry lowering to 16 years+, encouraging more family participation and introducing young drivers to the benefits of Auto Club Membership. Like in 2012 the winning pair from each of the 70 regional events will receive a trip in March 2014 to the Championship Final at RAVC Royal Pines Golf Resort in Queensland. On top of this the Auto Clubs and Sponsors have come together to increase the prize pool to provide more regional event prizes including Mens &

Ladies Best Stableford Score Winners. All regional players will also have the chance to win a brand new Suzuki in the “Suzuki Hole in One”, along with plenty of bonus prizes from Event Partners Thrifty, Bollé, Bushnell and RACV Resorts. The Auto Club Golf Championship is open to all amateur golfers age 16+. All you need to register is for one of your team of two to have a valid Auto Club Membership. With the bonus registration gift of a Dozen Taylor Made Golf Balls this tournament is even better value in 2013! To find an event date in your region and register your pair visit: www.acgc.com.au, or like their Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest regional event results and photos. www.facebook. com/autoclubgolfchampionship

Upcoming ACGC Events SA Berri Golf Club WA Capel QLD Rowes Bay GC NSW Corowa Shelly Beach VIC RACV Cape Schanck NT Darwin Golf Club

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Could you be the 2013 ACGC Suzuki ACE? Suzuki Australia is thrilled to announce that they will again be throwing their support behind The Auto Club Golf Championship (ACGC) in 2013. Suzuki Australia General Manager, Tony Devers has confirmed that as part of their 2013 partnership Suzuki will once again be putting up for grabs a $40,000 Kizashi in a Hole in One competition at each of the 70 ACGC qualifying rounds around the country. You may not be aware but the Hole in One amateur status rule was changed in January 2012 and a Hole in One is now considered a lucky shot differentiated from a shot of skill. With that in place The R&A have paved the way for Hole in One competition prizes to be of substantial value without affecting the amateur status of the player. The rules are pretty simple, an ACE on the Suzuki hole during any of the ACGC rounds will automatically qualify you for a trip to the Championship Final at RACV Royal Pines Resort. If only one ACE is recorded, like lucky Nelson Depledge from Victor Harbor Golf Club in 2012, you will automatically become the proud new owner of a sensational Suzuki Kizashi. If there is more than one Hole in One recorded, the ACE’s will join each other on stage at the Championship Final Gala dinner where there will be a lucky draw and one person will open the door to a new way of life. Driving a luxurious sports sedan with elegant design and extraordinary technology you’re sure to become an ACE legend back at your club. Register your pair today at www.acgc.com.au and you could be the 2013 ACE! •

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golf travel feature

Warm up on the

Sunshine \Coast Horton Park Golf Club

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

THE golfer stepped to the first tee and took an almighty swing at the ball, missing it completely. He tried again – another air-swing. After his third miss, he turned to his playing partner and said, “Man, this is one tough golf course.”

Golfers travelling to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast won’t suffer the same indignity, but they will be faced with difficult decisions such as where to play. There are so many interesting, picturesque and challenging golf courses on the Sunshine Coast to select from, but Inside Golf can point readers in the right direction. Before we touch on golf, let’s whet your appetite by exploring the vast array of other attractions.

Chase the Sun

Golfers who holiday on the Sunshine Coast will find the weather gods generously service them – especially during the winter months. No visit would be complete without a breathtaking look at the bone-white beaches, which really are the jewels in the Sunshine Coast’s crown. Tourist who enjoying exploring will be in their element as they go off the beaten track and discover anything from farmers’ markets to chic boutiques.

At the iconic Eumundi Markets, craftspeople sell their works on Wednesdays and Saturdays at more than 300 stalls. A popular pastime is browsing the boutiques along Noosa’s Hastings Street or Mooloolaba’s Esplanade, shopping for crafts in Montville’s charming Main Street or wandering through the creek-side shopping centre of Maroochydore’s Sunshine Plaza. The vibrant restaurant strips of Noosa’s Hastings

Relax, recharge, unwind . . . Noosa Style Did you know one of Australia’s best Golf & Spa Resorts is right in the heart of Australia’s favourite playground, Noosa? Discover the perfect golfing getaway for individuals, couples, families and golfing groups with one of our flexible packages. Visit ‘Specials & Packages’ on our website www.noosasprings.com.au or talk to our friendly resort reception staff about planning your next Noosa holiday phone 07 5440 3333.

Links Drive, Noosa Heads, Q ~ resort@noosasprings.com.au www.noosasprings.com.au

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

golf travel feature

Twin Waters Golf Club Street, Maroochydore’s Duporth Avenue and Mooloolaba’s Esplanade are a hive of activity. And if you are into water sport, including fishing, then you will be in heaven on the Sunshine Coast. With moderate ocean temperatures ranging between 18°C and 27°C and plenty of sunshine throughout the year, the conditions are ideal. If you enjoy surfing, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself sharing the waves with humpback whales and dolphins. Foodies will love the Noosa Food Trail to the farm gates and the Sunshine Coast Wine Trail in the hinterland ranges. Now if you have any energy left why not join other thrill seekers by climbing and abseiling the Glass House Mountains or swim with the sharks at Mooloolaba’s Underwater World. That’ll get your adrenalin pumping. For a change of pace, visit Australia Zoo, take a stroll through the Sunshine Coast

Hinterland or grab a bicycle and enjoy the paths past the beautiful shoreline along the Caloundra Coastal Path from Golden Beach to Port Cartwright. But back to the golf courses. The resort courses are the equal of any on the eastern seaboard of Australia and go out of their way to welcome visitors while the member golf clubs are always keen to showcase their facilities. DESIGNED by five-time Open Championship winner Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge, Twin Waters Golf Club is definitely a favourite with golfing visitors and locals alike. The internationally-recognised club has been voted one of the top courses in Australia and that’s why it has hosted a number of major events including the Holden Scramble final 15 times in the event’s 20-year history.

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

The typical links-style layout replicates some of the traditional and natural British courses so appreciated by Peter Thomson. Situated at Mudjimba at the mouth of the Maroochy River just south of the Sunshine Coast Airport, Twin Waters has a stunning setting and the challenging layout combine to produce an enjoyable game of golf for all levels of players. Golfers who spray the ball off the tee need not worry because Twin Waters offers amply wide fairways, punctuated by rolling bumps and dips. Even when you hit your ball over bush-covered hills to the side of the fairway there’s a good chance you’ll find your ball and have a shot to the green. Concentration is critical on the putting surfaces because the greens are large with testing slopes. The 18th is a suitably testing par-5 and it’s a hole where many contests have been won and lost. The eighth hole is just one of the standouts

because it has the green design in line with the “road hole” at the famous St Andrews. The water on the right is intimidating and should be avoided at all cost. A unique practice facility is the aquatic driving range, one of only a handful in Queensland. Twin Waters Golf Academy has you covered for improvement. With Australian PGA professionals on hand and great facilities on offer golfers will find the academy really is “the new era of golf coaching”. LOCATED just 15 minutes from Noosa’s Hastings Street and the same distance from the Sunshine Coast Airport Peregian Springs Golf Club is the perfect golfing destination for any golf enthusiast visiting the Sunshine Coast. The golf course opened in 2003 and was designed by Phil Scott, father of Adam Scott. The design of the course is challenging but fair

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Horton Park Golf Club Golf Street Maroochydore Ph (07) 5443 1223 Fax (07) 5443 5555 admin@hortonparkgolfclub.com www.hortonparkgolfclub.com www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

golf travel feature

Peregian Springs Golf Club with water coming into play on several holes. The signature hole is the par-4, 13th hole that measures 394m from the back tee with a large water feature on the right that is guarded by a waste bunker area. The second shot requires accuracy and precision to a large elevated green that requires you to carry the ball onto the green. Peregian Springs Golf Club welcomes visitors and guests seven days a week and has a fullystocked golf shop as well as full locker room facilities and bar and restaurant services available to guests. The driving range is also open seven days a week and the club has a fleet of modern electric golf carts for hire. The clubhouse facilities are also available for conferences, weddings and other functions.

Mt. Coolum Golf Club

RATED one of the most demanding layouts on the Sunshine Coast, Mt Coolum Golf Club is nestled at the foot of the spectacular Mt Coolum. While Mt Coolum provides a spectacular backdrop, the challenge begins on the first tee. Narrow fairways and smallish, undulating greens combine to give golfers of all levels a test they will relish. Accuracy off the tee is the key to a good round. Often a driver is not the right club and, in many cases, a three-wood or even three-iron is a better option to avoid the thick sections of trees and occasional rough. The picturesque golf course has an abundance of natural flora surroundings, but don’t take your eye off the ball because you could end up in water, which comes into play on 12 holes. The layout is relatively flat, which makes it a

comfortable walk for all ages and that’s why it comes as no surprise that more than 60,000 rounds are played at Mt Coolum each year. The golf club’s philosophy is to ensure the members, visitors and guests receive the highest level of service and facilities. The club’s secretary-manager Sharon Purnell said the condition of the golf course and the experience it provided was the best advertisement for the club. “We have members and visitors constantly commenting on how well the course is playing,” she said. The club’s facilities also include pro shop, with retail and hire equipment – including motorised carts, and an air-conditioned clubhouse with a comfortable bar and veranda. The clubhouse bistro is open for lunch Tuesday

to Sunday and bar facilities are open seven days a week. Golfers can relax on the balcony after a game and enjoy lunch with views of the course and the magnificent Mount Coolum. “It’s all part of one of golf ’s great golfing experiences,” Purnell said. Mount Coolum Golf Club has social play on Monday, Friday and Sunday and offer discounts to social bookings of 15 or more players. The club welcomes visitors and guests to play and enjoy golf in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. THE scenery at Headland Golf Club is spectacular. No visitor could fail to be impressed by the breathtaking views from the Buderim clubhouse.

Noosa’s Golf Playground

Play, dine, relax & enjoy! 95 Peregian Springs Drive, Peregian Springs Pro Shop: (07) 5471 5400 proshop@psgc.com.au www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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golf travel feature Headland Golf Club

Caloundra Golf Club Long-serving club professional John Victorsen rates the view from the clubhouse the equal of any golf club in the world. He reckons the list of places that can be seen from the clubhouse would fill a travel brochure. Victorsen said the undulating 6086-metre layout was a good test of golf but more importantly would never become boring. “I’ve been playing here for more than 30 years and I still enjoy the challenge,” said the man who was voted one of the top-100 PGA pros of the last 100 years. In 2009, Headland received the Queensland Golf Club of the Year Award. And what about Headland’s course Superintendent Ben Tilley? In 2011, he captured the Queensland Golf Course Superintendents Achievement Award for Excellence and last year picked up the Australian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association

Excellence in Golf Course Management Award. Little wonder the club has more than 900 happy members. And if John Victorsen isn’t the friendliest golf pro in Australia I’d like to know who is. He and his On-Course pro shop team are extremely helpful and have every piece of equipment, clothing and accessories a golfer needs. Established in 1955, Headland services golfers from near and far and it is one of the best value golf courses on the Sunshine Coast. The course is always in good condition and the members are justifiably proud of their club. There are some great fun holes at Headland. After walking off the 146m par-3 18th green, golfers often feel like walking back to the tee and having another crack at it. It’s that good. Still, the 19th is equally inviting with its uninterrupted views across the golf course to the coastline.

There’s no better place to relax after a round to do the add-ups and take-aways on the scorecards. IN common with good golf courses everywhere, Caloundra Golf Club is very much a product of its natural surroundings. There is an aesthetic quality to Caloundra and a self-conscious reverence for nature. Established in 1951 in the popular seaside town of Caloundra, the golf course is set in a tranquil and peaceful environment. Of course, the challenge of the traditional Australian bushland course is another reason why the club is popular with members and visitors alike. The golf course is 5986 metres off the championship tees (5205m for women) and features a number of tight, tree-lined holes that make accuracy and the ability to shape the golf

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ball off the tee very important. There are five par-3s and they are a real test with none measuring less than 145 metres. If that is not enough, there is water on four holes and bunkers protect most of the greens. Caloundra’s final three holes are extremely demanding, which is what you want from a championship course. The 16th (353m) has an index of eight while the 17th (369m) and the 18th (393m) are indexed four and two respectively. If you require a birdie from one of the final three holes to win a title, you are going to have to work very hard. Caloundra Golf Club, which can lay claim to producing former Open Championship winner Ian Baker-Finch, has produced numerous state and national champions. Visitors are always welcome at Caloundra and social times are available most days. Motorised

- 2009 Queensland Golf Club of the Year - Head Professional John Victorsen voted in the “Top 100 PGA Professionals of the last 100 years of the PGA in Australia” - Course Superintendent Ben Tilley awarded the 2011 Queensland Golf Course Superintendents Achievement Award for Excellence & 2012 AGCSA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award

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Headland Golf Club Inc. Golf Links Road, BUDERIM QLD 4556 Ph. (07) 5444 5800 Fax. (07) 5444 7123 golf@headlandgolfclub.com.au www.headlandgolfclub.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

golf travel feature

Tewantin Noosa Golf Club Woodford Golf Club carts and golf equipment are available for hire. The clubhouse, which overlooks the 18th green and fairway, incorporates a fully-equipped bar and dining room while the pro shop has an excellent range of clubs and accessories. One of the attractions is each day at 4pm the Rainbow Lorikeets arrive and visitors are welcome to participate in the feeding activity. If you have never played golf at Horton Park Golf Club then we suggest you make a beeline for the golf course described as a “beautiful course in a beautiful place”. Located in the centre of Maroochydore and close to Sunshine Plaza, the curtain will come down on the course towards the end of 2014. The local council has resumed the land and the club’s loyal members will move to a new club and 18hole golf course designed by Graham Marsh. Horton Park has been a favourite with locals and visitors since 1950 and was voted Queensland regional golf course of the year in 2005. One of the reasons Horton Park has been so popular is because it offers plenty of challenges – especially if the afternoon south-easterly blows in. The locals reckon holes 12 to 15 are the best four

holes on the golf course. The greens and fairways are a treat, but if you do miss a fairway, the light rough can be punishing, which is the way it should be. One of the nice things about playing golf at Horton Park is that you get to use most of the clubs in the bag. Horton Park has a wonderful practice facility and driving range, which is open to members and visitors keen on honing their skills. For five years, Horton Park hosted prequalifying for the Australian PGA Championship. Now that says something about the course and facilities. With a clubhouse that offers you everything from great food to great company, fully air conditioned comfort, full bar service, a restaurant with sweeping course views open for lunch Monday to Friday and dinner Wednesday and Friday, Horton Park Golf Club is a must-visit when you are on the Sunshine Coast. For many, it will be a sad day when the old course closes, but when the new course opens in 2014 it will be an exciting new beginning. IF you’re standing in famous Hastings Street at Noosa, you are only 10 minutes west from the beautiful Tewantin Noosa Golf Club.

Join now & receive 1 FREE lesson with our club professional

The championship course has been around for 75 years and locals say it is probably in the best condition it has even been. Over the years, Tewantin Noosa has hosted its fair share of big events including the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic. It’s no longer played there, but those who were involved in the event still talk about it. More than 60,000 rounds are played by the members and a further 15,000 rounds by visitors. Tewantin Noosa is popular with locals and visitors because it is an easy walking and forgiving course. The fairways are wide and we virtually have no rough so not too many golf balls are lost. Still, the golf course is no pushover and can challenge golfers of all levels. The true and fast greens are a reasonable size and a good target. Golfers can enjoy the tranquillity of the course’s natural bushland setting where friendly kangaroos roam. There are even koalas and an abundance of birdlife on the golf course. The clubhouse offers a fine bistro and relaxing deck to take in the superb view over the ninth and 18th. Secretary manager Allan Harris said the bistro

was open seven days a week for lunch and golfers can enjoy dinner there from Tuesdays to Fridays. The pro shop is one of the biggest and best and boasts a comprehensive range of equipment, clothing and accessories. Woodford Golf Club represents all the great features of country golf. Laid-back atmosphere, quiet country setting, strong membership base and a challenging 18-hole course. All only about 20 minutes from Caboolture. The golf course is situated about 1km from the centre of town on Golf Course Road, an easy drive from North Brisbane up the D‘Aguilar Highway. The course is a picturesque and challenging 18hole layout complemented by a fully air-conditioned clubhouse, restaurant, gaming facility, fullyfunctioning bar and professionally-run golf shop. It truly is a great location to play golf. The club boasts healthy weekly club competitions and they also allocate plenty of spare tee times for social play. If you are looking for that casual game with a few friends and enjoy country golf, Woodford Golf Club is certainly the place to visit for a game. Bookings are essential on Weekends. Woodford Golf Club is a proud member of Golf

C OOL UM B EA C H sunsHine coast QueensLand

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Caloundra Golf Club

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**based on 4 people. conditions apply**

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Larger groups welcome, please contact either Resort for a package to suit your needs.

40% Discount On 18 Hole Green Fees FOR SENIOR CARD HOLDERS

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June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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golf travel feature

Palmer Coolum Resort Queensland and holds a Pro- Am event in August each year. This year will be the 25th Anniversary of the event and it is proudly part of the Sunshine Coast Professional Golf Tour. The Golf shop is run by golf professional Paul Cook and his very capable staff who are willing to assist you with all your golfing enquiries. The golf club dining room seats 120 people comfortably and the club specialise in weddings, parties and all other special events. Their fullyqualified chef is fully capable of producing all kinds of special dishes to make your day or event one to remember. The club is open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday from 11am daily and they have 14 gaming machines available for your entertainment. PALMER Coolum Resort has put together a fantastic deal for golf lovers with the introduction of their brand-new ‘Unlimited Golf Pass’. Lasting 12 months, the Unlimited Golf Pass does exactly what it says and much more. Not only do golfers receive unlimited access to Palmer Coolum Resort’s championship golf course all year, they also collect a range of fantastic additions and discounts that make the Unlimited Golf Pass great value for money.

Unlimited range balls, discount on food and beverage as well as in the pro shop and 40 per cent discount off the rack rate for up to three guests are just some of the benefits that come with the package. Also, there are generous discounts on motorised carts and in the pro shop as well as a bonus Palmer golf shirt and cap. There is even a free 30-minute golf lesson with the resort’s PGA professional Patrick Gibson to sharpen your skills. The resort will maintain and manage golfers’ handicaps. The price for Palmer Coolum Resort’s Unlimited Golf Pass is $2750 per person or $5000 per couple with no joining fees. The golf course, consistently ranked one of Australia’s top golf courses, is superb and definitely worth playing. Those who play it for the first time want to play it again. That’s because you learn so much the first time. Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort offers golfers much more than 18-holes of championship golf in a pristine bushland setting.

Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort The award-winning resort, bordering beautiful Lake Weyba and Noosa National Park, is a sanctuary yet it’s only three kilometres to the upmarket boutiques, bars and restaurants of Hastings Street and famous beaches. The luxury, open-plan two- and three-bedroom apartments overlook the first fairway so the only sounds you’ll hear are from nature. If golf ’s your game there is plenty to inspire and challenge golfers of all abilities. The 6180m championship course is built to international standards with nine lakes and 69 bunkers guarding manicured fairways. Noosa Springs offers excellent discounts for groups of 12 players or more and gives the flexibility to create the golfing day you want – be it golf only or golf plus spa and dining. Group golf starts at just $75 per player for 18 holes. The 54-hole Calvin Klein Queensland B&C Grade Championship (November 29 to December 1) is a stableford event. It’s open to all amateur golfers who have a registered B or C grade handicap. Registration is $299, which includes three rounds of championship golf, admission to the opening night cocktail party, presentation

afternoon and a commemorative gift from Calvin Klein. Lady golfers will enjoy the Ladies Day Series – three days of fun, fashion and golf on April 16, August 13 and December 3. Play on any of the days and you’ll go into the draw for the chance to win one of four $250 golf shop vouchers. The individual stableford competition is followed by a gourmet champagne lunch and dazzling fashion parade featuring the latest in leisurewear. Registration is $99 per player. Travel magazines and golf course guides have ranked Noosa Springs one of the top play-andstay resorts even since it opened. Six times it’s won the Best Function/Convention Centre Caterer Sunshine Coast and two times winner of Best Caterer Sunshine (Restaurant & Catering Queensland); and winner of Best Spa Manager – Australasia and finalist Best Spa – Australasia 2011 (Australasian Spa Association). The resort’s golf boutique has all the latest in golf and leisurewear. Refer to the Noosa Springs website www.noosasprings.com.au for all specials and packages.

Create Your Own Dream Holiday Online! GOLD COAST SUNSHINE COAST QUEENSTOWN, N.Z.

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www.abovepargolf.com.au Call Michael now on 1300 798 552 or 0415 046 426 Email: enquiries@abovepargolf.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

golf travel feature

Sunshine \Coast

ACCOMMODATION & TRAVEL

The Point & Coolum Caprice NESTLED among manicured gardens and natural rainforest and situated high on The Point at Coolum Beach, The Point Luxury Villas offers privacy, seclusion and majestic coastal and ocean views. It’s just a short drive to some of Australia’s best golf courses including Twin Waters, Peregian Springs, Noosa Springs and Palmer Coolum Resort. After golf, unwind on your private ocean facing balcony or stroll into town. The Point offers a variety of room types, bedding configurations and all the amenities

of a four-star resort. Do you want some more hustle and bustle? Then Coolum Caprice Luxury Holiday Apartments is the place for you. Situated in the heart of Coolum Beach and directly across the road from the patrolled beach, Coolum Caprice Luxury Apartments offer one-, two- and three-bedroom ocean view apartments. Unwind in the spa or sauna before strolling through the main street of Coolum and selecting from Coolum’s amazing array or restaurants and eateries.

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

Professionally planned and tailored golf escapes for your enjoyment Packages available Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast • Hunter Valley • Port Stephens • Mornington Peninsular • Tasmania • Cairns/Port Douglas • The Entrance BRAND NEW! WA Golf, Barnbougle & Lost Farm

Quality accommodation, confirmed tee times, your choice of resort or local courses Every detail professionally arranged, leaving you nothing to do but arrive and have the time of your life! We will tailor your package to suit any holiday plans or budget Ph: (07) 3200 6557 M: 0418 713 620 F: (07) 3200 5731 sharon@uchoosegolf.com.au www.uchoosegolf.com.au 58

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Woodford Golf Club Memberships Available Join Now! • 18 holes country course • Country Atmosphere/ picturesque setting • Gaming lounge • Restaurant • Bar • Fully equipped Professional shop inc; Cart hire • Contact the club for your next Function “Members, Guests and Visitors are always welcome - Country hospitality at its finest” Woodford Golf Club Inc. Club (07) 5496 1004 Proshop (07) 5496 1522 Email admin@woodfordgolfclub.com.au www.woodfordgolfclub.com.au

golf travel feature

U Choose Golf Holiday Above Par Golf Tours U Choose Golf Holiday specialise in Australian-wide golf destinations. Owner-operators Sharon and Gary provide golfers with a professional and well-organised golf trip – every detail carefully taken care of and nothing to do but turn up and have a great time. They take pride in offering good value and personalised service. Sharon, who looks after your holiday from start to finish, will tailor a package, provide choices of accommodation, courses and optional extras all designed to suit your requirements and budgets. “It’s definite value for money with no hidden surprises,” she said. U Choose Golf Holiday has been growing strong each year experiencing 80 per cent of loyal repeat customers. “The Sunshine Coast is proving to be one of

our most popular destinations with a fabulous mix of accommodation and courses to suit all groups,” Sharon said. “You can choose from Caloundra to Maroochydore, Mooloolaba to Coolum Beach and Noosa, of course. Golfers can choose to play resort courses like Twin Waters, Peregian Springs and Palmer Coolum Resort as well as member courses such as Horton Park, Mt Coolum and others. U Choose also offers golfers the chance to experience many NSW, Gold Coast, West Australia, Mornington Peninsula and the Murray River destinations. If you can’t decide where to play, U Choose Golf Holiday will happily put together some options. Call Sharon on 0418-713-620, email sharon@ uchoosegolf.com.au or check the website www.uchoosegolf.com.au

Golf tours and holidays with Above Par golf tours are truly an ‘Above Par experience.’ As one of Australia’s leading golf tour operators, Above Par will take the stress out of organising your next holiday. Privileged access to the finest public and private golf courses on Australia’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast ensure that they can satisfy the most discerning of golfers, and with 300+ days of sunshine each year the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast offer the best year-round golfing destinations in Australia. Hope Island, The Glades, Lakelands, Brookwater, Palmer Coolum Resort, Noosa Springs, Twin Waters, Sanctuary Cove (Pines and Palms) and Pelican Waters Golf clubs all feature in the top 60 public access courses in Australia, and are available to you along with many other highly rated golf courses. Above Par Golf Tours’ buying power at the courses and accommodation venues allow them to pass on significant discounts to all golfers, ensuring you save money as well as having an unforgettable

Unlimited 12 MONTH

GOlf Pass

golf experience. The Above Par Golf Tours team has many years’ experience in organising golf, accommodation and transport requirements for thousands of happy golfers. They offer fast, efficient and great value solutions for your next golfing holiday. A recent addition to the company’s services are fully-packaged tours to Queenstown, New Zealand. Located on the South Island, Queenstown is one of the most naturally stunning places in the world and now boasts a selection of resort and club golf courses that are the envy of the country. Add in jet boating, bungy jumping, canyoning and a host of other outdoor activities and a holiday of a lifetime awaits. Above Par Golf Tours will organise all your accommodation, golf and transport needs while in New Zealand. www.abovepargolf.com.au; enquiries@abovepargolf.com.au

THe PalMer COOluM resOrT 12 MONTH uNliMiTed GOlf Pass iNCludes: - Unlimited golf for 12 months - Unlimited range balls for 12 months - 40% discount off rack rate for up to three guests - 40% discount off motorised carts - 10% food & beverage discount - 10% Pro Shop discount - Maintenance and management of Golf Link Handicap

THE REAL DEAL FOR GOLFERS

+ BONus iNClusiONs - Palmer Golf shirt - Palmer Golf cap - 30 minute golf lesson with our PGA professional Patrick Gibson

$2750 Per PersON | $5000 Per COuPle - NO JOiNiNG fee

Warran Road, Coolum Beach • Pro Shop T. 07 5449 3366

www.palmercoolumresort.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

golf travel feature

where to play & Stay Caloundra Golf Club Charles Woodward Drive, Caloundra 4551 Tel (07) 5491 1811 www.caloundragolfclub.com.au

Peregian Springs Golf Club 95 Peregian Springs Drive, Peregian Beach 4573 Tel (07) 5471 5471 www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au

Coolum Caprice Luxury Holiday Apartments 1770 David Low Way, Coolum Beach, Qld 4573 Phone: 07 5446 2177 relax@coolumcaprice.com.au www.coolumcaprice.com.au

Tewantin Noosa Golf Club Cooroy-Noosa Road, Tewantin 4565 Tel (07) 5447 1407 www.noosagolf.com.au

Headland Golf Club Golf Links Road, Buderim 4556 Tel 5444 5800 www.headlandgolfclub.com.au Horton Park Golf Club Golf Street, Maroochydore 4558 Tel (07) 5443 1223 www.hortonparkgolfclub.com.au Mt Coolum Golf Club Lumeah Drive, Mt Coolum 4573 Tel (07) 5446 3125 www.mtcoolumgolf.com Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort Links Drive, Noosa Heads, 4567 Phone: 07 5440 3333 www.noosasprings.com.au Palmer Coolum Resort Warran Road, Coolum 4573 Tel 1800 266 586 or (07) 5449 3366 www.palmercoolumresort.com.au

Twin Waters Golf Club

Twin Waters Golf Club Ocean Drive, Twin Waters 4564 Tel (07) 5457 2444 www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au Woodford Golf Club Golf Course Road, Woodford 4514 Tel (07) 5496 1522 www.woodfordgolfclub.com.au

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

Other courses to consider – Beerwah, Bribie Island, Caboolture, Cooroy, Nambour, Noosa Valley, Pacific Harbour, Pelican Waters and Tin Can Bay.

Clearwater Noosa

Resort

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

Group Bookings

Stay & Play Golf Packages

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

from

479

PP 4 share basis Package #1

Some conditions apply

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

Phone (07) 5449 9333 • Fax (07) 5449 0603 info@clearwaternoosa.com.au • www.clearwaternoosa.com.au 60

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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

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

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.

ADDED BONUS – the FIRST 5 new corporate members who sign before 30 June 2013 will each receive two Scotty Cameron putters – one for each of their 2 nominees!

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)

legends of the game

Kel Nagle shows off the Claret Jug after winning the 1960 Open Championship.

kel nagle David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

UNASSUMING and modest, Kel Nagle easily masks his significant golfing deeds. “It’s been a nice journey,” is how this quiet, humble man sums up his stellar career, which includes winning the centenary Open Championship at St Andrews. Still, Kel has an astonishing recall for tournaments he played in more than 50 years ago. He can take you through all 18 holes, shot-forshot, of his agonising 1965 US Open playoff loss (71 to 74) to legendary South African Gary Player. Between 1960 and 1966, Nagle had a remarkable six top-five finishes in the Open Championship, including a runner-up finish to Arnold Palmer in 1962. Nagle, who won 80 tournaments worldwide, captured the 1959 Australian Open, six Australian PGA Championships, seven New Zealand Opens and seven NZ PGA Championships and won tournaments in Canada, France, Britain, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Sweden and the US. He played in nine World Cup teams, winning twice with playing partner Peter Thomson and triumphed in seven NSW PGA Championships, three WA Opens, four ACT Opens and two Queensland Opens. Born in 1920, Kel went through the Great Depression and survived four years as a gun sergeant in Darwin and New Guinea during World War II. When he was eight, his father purchased a dairy farm at Dorrigo, 550 kilometres north of Sydney.

In his book, Australian Golf, author Jack Pollard wrote: “They (family) travelled in a cart hauled by an aged gelding. “Kel rode a pony all the way, camping beside the road and sleeping under the stars.” On the farm, it was Kel’s job to round up and milk the cows before and after school. When he wasn’t milking cows, he and his brothers would set rabbit traps to earn a little extra money. “The previous tenant had left a few old golf balls, so the Nagle boys fashioned rough golf clubs from she-oaks, paring down the knobby roots to produce a flat surface and tacking pieces of tin to the clubface,” Pollard wrote. “The natural swing and timing that won him won many championships began with that crude set of clubs.” When Kel was 15 he had to give up his job at the local sawmill when his father sold the farm. The family returned to Sydney and Kel started work as an apprentice carpenter. He also foxed golf balls for Pymble Golf Club pro Tom Popplewell and did the odd job around the pro shop until a vacancy for an assistant pro arose, which allowed him to give up carpentry. He would spend around 16 hours a day at the golf club working, practising and playing. He enlisted in 1939 and spent the war years out of the game before playing his first tournament at Manly Golf Club at the age of 26. He went back to Pymble to continue honing his craft and slowly evolved his technique – reduced his natural powerful swing by shortening his backswing with the aim of keeping the ball in play. Greg Norman’s former coach, Charlie Earp, said Kel had a classic, simple swing – “back and

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 62

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

popular champion

legends of the game

the

Kel Nagle (left) with good friend and golfing great Peter Thomson. through (the ball), back and through, back and through”. Kel also spent countless hours perfecting a putting stroke, but success didn’t come until he acquired a Bullseye putter in 1954 while on a trip to the US. He used that putter for the rest of his career. Today, Nagle’s putter holds pride of place in the R&A museum at St Andrews. “He was not very long off the tee, but hit the ball

extremely straight and was a wonderful putter,” Gary Player told Inside Golf. “He used the stroke that most of us used in those days called the “pop” stroke. “I’m fascinated when I hear golf commentators today say, ‘oh, he hit a bad putt because he jammed it’. “The best putter that ever lived was South African Bobby Locke and he never followed through at all. Nagle, Arnold Palmer, Billy Casper, Doug Ford

fraction of the $1.4 million Ernie Els banked for winning last year. At the presentation ceremony, unpretentious Kel had forgotten his jacket and had to borrow one from Peter Thomson. Kel joined the senior ranks in 1971 and in the same year won the Volvo Seniors Championship, the British Seniors and the World Seniors in 1971 and 1975. He quit playing competitively in 1977 after an 82 in the third round of the NZ Open. At 57, Kel succumbed to age, back pain and tendonitis in his hands. Unaccustomed to shooting in the 80s, Kel once signed for a 105. Playing partner Christy O’Connor had written in Kel’s nine-hole total of 34 in the space reserved for his score on the ninth hole. The rules dictated that the score had to stand after Kel had signed the card. Admired by all, Kel’s fellow pros liked playing with him. “I have never met anyone in my life that didn’t like Kel Nagle,” Gary Player said. “I enjoyed the many matches that Kel and I played together and have fond memories of the times we have spent both on and off the course. “Australia can be proud of one of its greatest competitors and best ambassadors ever in Kel Nagle,” Player added. Australian Bruce Devlin, too, admired Kel and even named his son after him. Close friend Peter Thomson, in a speech marking Kelvin David George Nagle’s induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame said: “Of all the people I have met in the world of golf, this fellow is the finest.” •

Upcoming Events

Green Fee Special Monday & Fridays only All you can play all day for only

CITY OF ORANGE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

$18.00

5-7 October 2013

y a l P & Stay

Golf PackaGe

$100

and I all gave it the ‘pop’ stroke and were as good a putter as there is today. “We also played on greens that were lousy compared to today’s manicured greens.” Arnold Palmer, too, was impressed with Nagle’s putting prowess. “Kel Nagle was one of the great putters of all time,” Palmer said. “He was not long off the tee, but he made up for it by being a very accurate player. He hit it straight and was very precise with his game. “Kel played wonderful golf in the years I knew him – always very competitive and a great guy.” Norman von Nida, in his book, The Von, recalls seeing Nagle, before he sacrificed distance for accuracy, drive the opening hole (around 350 yards) at Royal Canberra. “His putting was rock solid throughout his best playing years,” von Nida said. “Sam Snead once told me Nagle had the best putting action he had seen.” In his list of top-10 Australian players, the Von ranked Nagle fourth behind Peter Thomson and Greg Norman (equal first) and David Graham. Peter Thomson can take a lot of credit for Nagle’s Open Championship victory as he happily schooled his fellow-Australian on the nuances of St Andrews. In fact, word has it Thomson was convinced his mate would win and backed him at 35/1. Thommo was on the money as Nagle edged out Arnold Palmer with a birdie at the infamous Road Hole (17th) and parred the last for a onestroke victory in the 100th staging of the prized tournament. The historic win was worth £1250 ($1883), a

1 nights accommodation at Springs Resorts 18 holes of golf at Worrigee Links Golf Course Conditions Apply (per person twin share - executive room) Note : A full buffet breakfast can be organised for group bookings of 20 or more.

•46 spacious new superior suites with deluxe spa units, executive spa units & executive units •Magnificent views over the Worrigee Links Golf Course •Adjacent to the Ex-Servicemen’s Sports Club •Central to Shoalhaven’s many attractions

131 Greenwell Point Rd, Worrigee NSW Phone: 4422 4522 • Fax: 4422 4688 shoalhavensportsmotel@springsresorts.com.au www.springsresorts.com.au

• Worrigee Links Golf Course • Social golf welcome everyday • Open medley competitions • Motorised golf carts available • Fully stocked Golf Pro Shop All at The Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens Sports Club

Enjoy a long weekend of golf in NSW’s premier food and wine district and play on each of Orange’s magnificent golf courses. Duntryleague Golf Club, Orange Ex-Services Country Club and Wentworth Golf Club. Played over three days and three courses and with $6,000 worth of prizes to be won, this is a championship event not to miss. www.golforange.com.au

ANNUAL VETERANS’ TOURNAMENT 8-10 October 2013

This longstanding and popular Tournament includes three days of golf and a Presentation dinner on the Wednesday night. Numbers are limited to 216 players. Accommodation on site in our famous 14 room mansion. Further information is available from our Tournament DirectorIBeryl PearceI0428622300Ibeejaber@gmail.com

LADIES’ OPEN TOURNAMENT 28 October to 1 November 2013

The Ladies’ Open Tournament is a much anticipated Tournament on the Duntryleague calendar. The Tournament will include golfing events each day and some great social events as well. Accommodation on site in our famous 14 room mansion. Further information is available from our Ladies CaptainIPat BradfordI0263618002Ijohnpatbradford@y7mail.com.

131 Greenwell Point Rd, Worrigee NSW Phone: 4421 7430 • Fax: 4421 7427 golfpro@exservos.com.au www.exservos.com.au

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

instruction

Short putts making you nervous?

Golf Swing ER with Glenn Whittle

Dear Glenn I noticed during the Masters coverage recently that a lot if the PGA Tour players are using the incorrect lie angle, you can see the toe of the club up in the air at address, in other words only the heel of the club is touching the ground. I was wondering why, if this is so important that these players don’t worry about it. I am about to invest in a new set of irons and just wanted to get your feedback on this point first. Michael, Woodlands (Victoria)

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

This article was specifically written with golfers in mind who are missing way too many short putts Having the benefit of designing putters for Precision Putters. I am fortunate enough to be able to ask for extreme but specific specifications on some putters every now and then, and this has been the case recently with regards to a number of golfers who were missing too many short putts A few had had just about enough and were looking to stop playing. l trialled a new concept with them and, to my surprise, it worked really well.

The concept is to use a very heavy putter head, a long shaft (between standard and a belly putter), a thicker grip and an upright lie angle. The idea was to get the golfers to hold the putter half way down the grip, stand very close to the ball to improve the path, grip very lightly and allow the weight of the putter to swing pretty much on its own once it’s in motion. This has proven to be extremely helpful and I believe could be for you if you give it a go. Initially, these golfers slipped back into the habit of standing their old distance from the

ball and gripping too tight which they realised with the putter they are using does not and will not work, especially the lie angle. I have taken a number of photos above to help you see the basic concept of what I proposed and undertook with these golfers It always gives me satisfaction when I assist a golfer with a new concept, they stick with it rather than try it for a week or so, and they see the benefits. If you are really struggling with your putting please book a session with me at The Sydney Putting Studio so I can show you this concept one-on-one. •

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.au) or www.whittlegolf.com

Hi Michael I was up early like you watching each round getting behind the Aussie contingent. This is actually a good point you raise. There is only one thing you have missed and that is that the ball is struck at impact and not at address, therefore the lie angle of any players’ irons are tested and adjusted to strike the middle of the sole of the club head at IMPACT not at address, so yes, you may see the toe in the air at address but as the clubhead swings through impact I can assure you that these pros on the PGA Tour have their hands higher at impact and the lie angle will be correct for each and every player. You may have seen PGA Professionals, when club fitting, putting some tape on the bottom of a player’s iron and have them hit some shots off a plastic board (lie board). This shows the Professional where the club strikes the board and whether they need to adjust the lie angle for the player. It is important to note that, irrespective of your swing style, we ALL need to try to achieve hitting the middle of the club face and the middle of the sole striking the ground at impact. •

Need help? The Doctor is in! Is your golf swing in need of CPR? Does your driving feel DOA? If so, the Doctor is in! Email ed@insidegolf.com.au with your swing symptoms and he will write a prescription for success in next month’s issue!

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instruction

How well do you (really) putt? Often it is easier to reduce your number of three putts than it is to increase the number of one putts. If you want to eliminate threeputting then here are some suggestions of what you can do to minimize those annoying three putts. • Work on your one-metre putts. Pros sink about 90% of their one-metre putts, so you definitely need to be competent on this area. • Work on your lag putts for the following distances: two metre, three metre, five metre, seven metre, nine metre & 11 metre distances. To lag a putt is to concentrate on rolling the ball the proper distance as close to the hole as possible. • If you have the speed correct then the putts should be rolling about 40 centimetres past the hole.

Tiffany Mika

tiffany@theladygolfteacher.com.au

I regularly receive emails from players wanting to improve their putting. Putting is such a simple stroke that anyone of any age can get good at it—yet most are not as keen to improve or actually practise that part of their game. They would rather work on driving, iron play, etc. Or, many golfers hope that spending money on equipment will help “buy improvement” in their game, rather than actually learning how to improve, learning to read the green and practise. Remember, putting makes up for 40% of your score, and improving all aspects of your putting will lead to lower scores relatively quickly. Most mistakes made on the putting green are easily correctable with practice and attention to detail, plus having an expert such as your teaching professional give you feedback on your putting. Putting looks simple. A short putt looks so easy that most golfers are embarrassed if they miss one and when they do they are extremely frustrated because they can’t hole a simple-looking putt. Frustration is based on expectation. If golfers are expecting to hole every putt from any distance then frustration and disappointment sets into their game. Did you know that the golfing professionals only sink 50% of their two-metre putts? Only 50%! We all see so many amateur golfers out

Professionals sink about 90 per cent of their one-metre putts, so to improve your own putting, you should practise these until you are competent on this area. on the course nearly in tears of frustration because they haven’t sunk a putt outside that two-metre mark. If you compare yourself to a professional golfer then that is, firstly, a big mistake, because the pros would be practising putting anywhere from two to four hours a day. Yet most club golfers’ putting practice is a five-minute warmup on the green prior to teeing off. And that is all the practice that is done, yet expectation is very high. No wonder golfers are frustrated with their putting results out on the golf course. How well do you putt? Let’s test it out with an exercise: Perform 10 putts at each of these

distances: One metre, two metres, three metres, five metres, seven metres, nine metres and 11 metres. How many putts did you actually hole? Be honest. Once you have done that, ask yourself “how good a putter do I want to be?” and “how much time am I willing to work on my putting to improve my game and score?” If you want to be a good putter and perform as expected on the course then you will have to spend some time on the putting green practising. If you aren’t willing to spend any time on your putting then you have to accept the level you are at and just go with it.

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Whatever you do don’t be discouraged about putting. I just want you to be aware of the realities of putting so that you can become more tolerant. Always be alert when you are putting so that you can gain immediate feedback from your practice and on-course putting, so that you can improve your scores from not just the good stroke mechanics but also speed control. • 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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ich Sea International (RSI) has completed a sell down of over 70 properties whilst bouncing around the bottom of a real estate cycle and Magenta Shores is now well positioned and looking towards a bright future. Recently, RSI Development Manager Paul Seisums submitted a development application to Wyong Shire Council for a limited release of 19 land allotments. This is the first time in the history of the project that buyers will be able to purchase dry lots and this allows potential residents and investor’s flexibility never before entertained at Magenta Shores. Paul mentioned ‘Our next precinct of 19 allotments starts from $399,000, after completing a complex valuation model, this offering represents real value when analysing vacant land sales and our competitors’. These parcels have sunny aspects and elevated views over the alluring links golf course. Some of these also have heavenly outlooks over a lagoon and Wyrrabalong National Park he also mentioned.

On approval, these will be offered to current residents, then golf members and finally the public. Purchasers have the choice of purchasing land, house and land packages or designing their own homes in accordance with strict architectural and landscaping guidelines to protect current built forms. ‘It certainly is an exciting time and we have a database of over 200 registrations of interest awaiting this limited release although we are being loyal to our current investors and residents with a pre-launch’, Paul said. Currently he is assembling a masterplan conducive to ‘bouncing around the bottom of a real estate cycle’ and believes he has value added through adding social amenity. He mentioned ‘we are building a social amenity model which becomes the nucleus for the residential component and this includes a multi-purpose, all weather village green. This space will be in synergy with a saltwater beach style lagoon pool, a fitness club, tennis courts and alfresco dining exclusively for residents, members and their guests’. Other projects underway

include the upgrading of the entrance to the lifestyle community. Paul said ‘I’m looking to create a real sense of arrival at Magenta and our architects are looking to bring the golf theme to the entrance’. What is refreshing is RSI are operating with a philosophy of ‘keep it on the coast’. After terminating remaining contracts with ‘out of area’ companies, RSI have recently been through a rigorous Expressions of Interest process and employed/contracted Bannister & Hunter (lead surveyors, civil engineers and subdivision superintendents), Coast Plan (town planners), The Design Partnership (architects) and David Moir Landscapes (landscape architecture). Paul Seisums said ‘the depth of talent on the Central Coast has really come of age and we have contracted the leaders in these fields. We will be utilising local trades and employ local staff ensuring all funds stay on the coast’. Registration of Interest can be made to sales@magentarealty.com.au or visit their new website at www.magenta-shores.com.au

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instruction VIDEO LESSON:

Pivot control - the centre for more consistency and control Peter Croker

0415 292 549 www.crokergolfsystem.com

In the Croker Golf System it is the exercises that drill in and change your natural reaction, providing the basis for a successful hit of a golf ball. The exercises are the heart of the program. You learn and firmly establish the basics through exercises, not just hitting more balls. Then your practice becomes really effective. This, in combination with the video downloads from http://keytogolf.com, will ensure your correct and successful application is achieved with your golf swing. If you choose, your local Croker Golf System qualified Coach can personally take you through each of these exercises and record them as an internet lesson. You will then have this reference to go back to throughout the lesson program and into the future. When you are swinging the golf club at speed it is important that the body is well educated in its ability to pivot in balance and respond easily to the action of the hands. Expecting the body to “naturally” respond precisely without having any prior training is one of the main reasons that golfers have great difficulty being CONSISTENT. Please study and apply these “Pivot Drills.”

Doorway/table edge exercise

Purpose To groove in how the body pivot works in the backswing Training Emphasis Build the feeling of a stable base with no sway and governed hip and shoulder turn by controlling the foot and knee movement. Build the coil of hips against

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Photo 1 knees and feet – flat shoulder turn coiling against hips. Develop the sequence of hip turn leading the shoulder turn from the start of the backswing pivot action. Work to build a balanced backswing pivot with chest over right knee at the top of your backswing. Exercise Option 1: Doorway Drill: Place the left foot up against the edge of a doorway with side of heel touching the base edge of the door frame (Photo 1). Left foot angled out at approximately 15 to 20 degrees. Take the 3 Point Set Stance with hips touching the door frame and will do so throughout the exercise – spine tilted away from the vertical door frame. Cross your arms in front of you with your elbows just under shoulder height and right elbow down, left elbow up. Option 2: Table Edge Drill - Use a straight edge hip-high table positioned on a 15 to 20 degree angle to the stance line of the feet (angle of table edge to match the right foot angle to the target line). Place your right foot just under the edge of the table so that when in correct stance, the right hip touches the table edge and will do so throughout the exercise.

Photo 2 Cross your arms in front of you with your elbows just under shoulder height and right elbow down, left elbow up. Start with a turning of the hips against the knees and feet. The left knee will move out towards the toes of the left foot but no further than to be positioned vertically above the toes. The right knee remains stable as in the address position. Both feet are flat and heavy in the ground. In doing this a hip turn of between 30 to 40 degrees should be the goal. Now with the hip turn stable, focus on rotating the shoulders against the hips with the chest rotating above the right knee. Feel the coil of the core muscles when you do this (Photo 2). Also note the shoulder turn is as flat as possible and your body is in a balanced and coiled position. A checkpoint is to see that a line through the elbows will be approximately parallel to the ground and at right angles to the target line. •

VIDEO LESSON

For a complete video of the PIVOT DRILL, visit: http://bit.ly/YLfSXo

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

Thompson marches to Anzac win MORE than 170 players converged on beautiful Yamba Golf Club to play in the club’s Anzac Day competition. Southport, Royal Military College, Yarram, Goulburn, Maclean, Kareela, Hurstville, Everglades, Nudgee, Cronulla, Grafton, South West Rocks and Ballina golfers joined the locals. The A grade winner was the sweetswinging Paul Thompson, who returned 41 points to edge out Kevin Shanahan (40) and Wayne Rice (39). Tony Roder, too, had 41 points to win the A Reserve from Robb Robertson (39) on a countback from the evergreen golfer Tommy Moore. Former club president Noel Collie re t u r n e d 4 0 p o i nt s to c a p t u re the B grade on a countback from Aaron Hancock (Grafton) and Rob Jillet. Tony Fischer (38) won C grade from John Howland (37) and John McNamara survived a countback to take third with 35 points. MEANWHILE, a couple of gun golfers combined to win the two-ball best-ball knockout matchplay qualifier. Paul Pridham and David Bruton shot the lights out with a score of 59 nett. The pair finished one ahead of Michael Shirlow and Kevin Lowe with Brian Kelly and Sunny Bill Williams a further shot behind. Terry Lawes and Peter Hyslop were next with a 62. Tournament favourites Chook Henwood and Bruce Lulham carded a 63 to finish fifth. •

fitness

Safe stretching to shun stiffness Richard Nizielski richard@golffitsolutions.com 0438 027 768

Several issues ago, I outlined several tests which will help to confirm your level of flexibility and its relation to your golf swing. Revisiting this subject, flexibility is important for achieving optimum mobility within the golf swing, avoiding injuries and developing power. As a general rule a dynamic type of stretch before you play golf or do any form of exercise will help with preparing for the activity and warming up the muscles. Swing the limbs and rotating the joints through their range of motion is a general explanation of what dynamic stretching is. Generally, static stretching is used as part of a post-activity recovery plan. It is more advantageous for athletes to do a Dynamic Stretching style warm-up before activity and a Static Stretching style warm-down when finished. This helps with removing waste products, which build up in the muscles, helps to maintain and increase flexibility and assists with the recovery and repair of muscle tissue. Static Stretching need not be restricted to after playing or practicing. Practically any time of the day or night is fine. Just be sure you are not stretching cold by doing a light warm-up beforehand to increase blood flow to the muscles. Suggestions for Safe Stretching Be sure to complete some form of warm up prior to stretching.

Glute stretch

Hip flexor stretch

1. Stretch to the point of discomfort not pain. If there is any unusual or sharp pain, STOP immediately. 2. Breathe normally while stretching. Exhaling as you sink further into the stretch allows the muscle to relax. 3. Never bounce or stretch in short rapid movements. 4. Technique is an important element of improving flexibility–always stretch in straight lines, avoid excessive rotation of the limb being stretched. 5. Take your time while in the stretch and ask yourself “Am I feeling the stretch in the area that I am hoping to stretch?” Some static stretches, which will help with the areas covered in the flexibility testing article are:

Latissimus Dorsi / Thoracic spine

Glute stretch: Like the glute flexibility test, sit forward on the edge of the seat, place one foot on top of the knee of the other leg. Push the knee down until a stretch is felt in the glute/ hip area. Maintaining an upright posture, lean the torso forward from the hips keeping light, but adequate, pressure on the knee. Hip Flexor Stretch: In a kneeling position, placing one foot in front of you and the other foot out behind you. Sink the hip towards the floor, stretching the front area of the hip. Latissimus Dorsi / Thoraic spine: In a kneeling position with both hands out in front of you. Hold a golf club or piece of dowel in both hands (palms facing upwards). Lower the body and reach the arms out across the floor (as shown). Keep the arms out and sink the backside down

and back towards your heels. Allow the chest to sink towards the floor. There are many more stretches which are good for golf. The three listed here tackle several of the general areas of stiffness common to many golf players. Spend the time taking care of your body and you will enjoy the benefits. • 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

30th June 2013.

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

juniors

Teens win club titles

Proud manager and team coach Martin Johnson with his winning team Teresa Nurdi, Victoria Tan, Madeleine Nurdi (captain), Carmen Truong and Nicole Rothwell.

First for Hurstville junior girls A TEAM of young girls from Hurstville Golf Club has taken out the prestigious Female Encourage Shield Championships in Sydney. The young 10 to 14-year-olds defeated a host of top-ranked golf clubs en route to the championship victory. Junior development manager and team coach Martin Johnson said it’s the first time a southern Sydney golf club had taken out the female golf championship. “This is the best our juniors have done after our junior boys team won the Encourage Shield State titles in 2009,” he said. “The Hurstville babes came up against a much older and experienced Pennant Hills Golf Club team in the finals.” Played in windy conditions at Muirfield Golf Club, it was a nail-biting finish with the lead changing hands several times. “The result was only determined with the last putt on the 18th hole by Hurstville captain Madeleine Nurdi,” Johnson said. “It was a great captain’s knock to secure victory and the Encourage Shield.” Johnson has been developing the girls’

representative team for the past few years. “The girls have matured in their game and also their thinking when it comes to shot-making around the greens,” he said. “For the girls to step up and take on some of the best golf clubs in Sydney is a true credit to their maturity to handle pressure situations and to remain calm.” Hurstville Golf Club has been a big supporter of junior women’s golf by holding clinics every Sunday over the past few years. “For a side so young to win the Encourage Shield is a dream come true for everyone involved and, of course, the girls,” Johnson said. “If any girls are interested in taking up golf there is a dedicated junior golf clinic every Sunday at 10am. “We also play a GolfLink-rated junior competition every two weeks on a Saturday to assist the development of junior golf. “Boys and girls mixed clinics also are on a Saturday and during the week. “We encourage young girls and boys to take up golf not only for fun and skills learning, but also for developing patience and general life skills as well.” •

A BOY, aged 14, and a 15 year-old girl have taken out the men’s and women’s club championship at Sandy Gallop Golf Club near Ipswich. Despite a shaky final round, Matthew Frohmuller, off a four handicap, won the men’s title by eight strokes while Tahlia Condon, off eight, won her third successive women’s club championship when she edged out 17-year-old Kiara Frohmuller. Matthew (72-76-71-74) and Tahlia (78-80-8186 have been members of the club for a number of years. A club spokesperson said the club had a strong junior program and encouraged kids as young a four. “We have a number of junior golfers who are looking to be stars of the future with many of them competing in events at club and junior events,” he said. “Tahlia and Matt’s recent success has capped off an already successful year for the two juniors. “Tahlia has already won a number of junior girls events and Matthew represented the Greg Norman Golf Foundation versus Jack Newton Junior Golf at Newcastle. “He also had success winning the Gailes junior club championship.” •

Tahlia Condon (left) and Matthew Frohmuller are making names for themselves at Sandy Gallop.

Juniors to win pro-am spots THERE is an added incentive for juniors contesting the Greg Norman Golf Foundationnominated open qualifier in Central Queensland. The winning boy and girl will receive free entry into the $100,000 Pat O’Driscoll Real Estate/Tropical Auto Group Golf Classic held at Mecure Capricorn Resort from July 24-28. The first two rounds of the 54-hole GNGF

tournament (June 8-10) will be played at Mecure Capricorn Resort with the final round at Yeppoon Golf Club. The junior event will be played in conjunction with the Yeppoon Junior Open (June 10). There will be plenty of prizes up for grabs. For information, call (07) 4925-2621 or email junior coordinators Don and Shelley Scott at shellcre@bigpond.net.au •

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juniors

Kingswood junior program a cut above Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

Anyone that has seen the famous Australian film ‘The Castle’ knows the high regard with which the character Darryl Kerrigan holds his ‘pool-room.’ But it falls well short of Kingwood Golf Club’s side bar. While Kerrigan’s room is homage to sporting and professional mediocrity, Kingswood’s is a testament to the club’s reputation as a breeding ground for exceptional junior golfers. Proudly displayed on the walls are photos of the club’s winning Golf Victoria Division One senior and Colts pennant teams. Senior flags in 2002, 2006 and 2011 – no mean feat in itself – are complemented by a remarkable domination at Colts level – five straight flags from 2003 to 2007, finals in 2008 and 2009 before a most recent victory in 2011. World number 55 Marcus Fraser captained the 2002 triumph. Fraser and Andrew Tampion are both products of Kingswood’s pennant program during that period. Head professional and Victorian Junior State Team coach David Capaldo says the club’s ability to produce elite golfers is self-perpetuating. “You get guys like Marcus Fraser who’s happy to come back and play with a kid who’s off 25,” Capaldo says. “All the stars that have come through keep nurturing the next lot. Because they grow up with success, they’re not scared of competing in big events and doing well in big events.” “The kids, they love it,” club General Manager Heath Wilson says. “They know at any time of year there’s going to be Marcus Fraser here or Andrew Tampion

Kingswood General Manager Heath Wilson with Director of Golf Jon Abbott. here. We’ve got four or five pros that play out of here.” Kingswood’s Director of Golf Jon Abbott grew up playing golf at Mornington Golf Club and pennant at Royal Melbourne and says other clubs should take notice of Kingswood’s accepting atmosphere. “When I was at (Royal Melbourne) it was a bit like treading on egg shells as a junior,” Abbott says.

“Here, I think (juniors) come down to have fun with their mates and they feel welcome. I don’t think the kids feel intimidated, whereas some of the clubs I’ve been around, you do feel intimidated. And they mix with the Saturday members. There are no members that I know that say they don’t like playing with juniors.” Kingswood has also been running a successful scholarship program, offering new junior members six complimentary lessons and a practice

regime based on the template used by Capaldo’s state junior team. “The kids that we get here, they’re not beginners, most of them average from 15 to 25 handicaps,” Capaldo says. “They know the rules, they understand everything, so they’re ready to be worked on hard.” Capaldo also says it’s the basic aspects of a golf club that can drive junior participation and success. “We give all our juniors free golf balls so they can get down there and hit as many as they like, when they like. We don’t discriminate on Saturday mornings, so (juniors) can play Saturday mornings and it’s been a really good mentoring club in that way.” One constant throughout Kingwood’s pennant dynasty has been the Club’s Colts pennant manager Phil Whiting. He’s just completed his 25th year at the helm. Wilson says Whiting has a knack for recruiting quality players from the NSW and Vic border region. “Kingswood’s always been big in getting kids from the bush,” Wilson says. “They can’t play pennant in the bush so they come here. This year’s Colts, we’ve got four young guys from the bush.” Kingswood’s layout also offers juniors a unique challenge, which Abbott says encourages them to become more complete players. “It’s definitely one of the tougher courses because it’s so tight and you do have to think your way around,” he says. “It’s not long and I think it teaches discipline in shot-selection and club selection. If you grow up playing around here, you’re sort of used to playing tight courses.” •

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amateurs

College’s perfect pitch to students David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

IF you are looking for perfection on and off the golf course, look no further than young Queenslander Viraat Badhwar. The India-born Brisbane resident is not only a promising golfer, but he is a brilliant student. Between 2008 and 2012, he attended the Queensland Golf School of Excellence at Kelvin Grove State College where he scored an OP1 – the highest academy achievement by a final year school student in Queensland. Now he is off to Stanford University – the same college Tiger Woods attended. Along the way, the 17-year-old has won the Callaway under-14 World Junior title, the Australian Master of the Amateurs, the Toyota World Junior, Tasmanian Junior Masters and last year captured the Junior International in Japan. Currently ranked the 26th best amateur in the world, Viraat is a member of the Queensland amateur team, which recently won the Australian Interstate Series. The 2012 Queensland Junior Golfer of the Year has represented Australia a number of times and has his name etched on the prestigious Gary Player Classic alongside Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch, Jason Day and others. “He is a great athlete, has impeccable manners, frighteningly intelligent and an all-round nice person,” said Hayley Wilkinson, the PE teacher and golf excellence co-ordinator at Kelvin Grove State College. Viraat might be the Queensland Golf School of Excellence’s poster boy, but a number of ex-students have gone on to achieve good things since opening in partnership with Golf Queensland in 1986.

Viraat Badhwar Brad James, a former student, is Golf Australia’s high performance director. Others include Bronson La’Cassie, who plays the secondary web.com Tour in the US, Lee Eagleton (teaching professional and current coach), touring pro Matt Guyatt and Scott Smith. Students attending the golf program are divided into three areas. The top two squads – the senior excellence and development squads – operate out of Indooroopilly Golf Club, while the junior sharks program work out of the Victoria Park Golf Complex. The senior excellence program is made up of students in years 7-12, who have obtained a single-figure handicap and clearly demonstrate their desire to play at an elite level. Development squad students are in years 7-12 and have handicaps of 10-35. These students play holes or have a group session three times a week and attend one gym session a week.

Queensland Men’s Country Week Championship Men’s Country Week Stroke Play 12-13 August 2013 Indooroopilly & Oxley Golf Clubs Men’s Country Week Foursomes 15 August 2013, Wynnum Golf Club Men’s Country Week Fourball 16 August 2013, Nudgee Golf Club Nominations close Wednesday 24 July www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland @GolfQueensland

www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 72

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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“Students in this squad are expected to be playing at their home clubs at least twice per month and compete in Golf Queensland and Greg Norman Golf Foundation events,” Wilkinson said. “In addition to the golf and gym hours, worldrenowned physiotherapist and golf science expert Michael Dalgleish oversees two musculoskeletal screenings on each student per year. “These are the same screenings used on such tour players as John Senden and Katherine Hull. “This information is then applied to the students’ gym programs helping them swing correctly and improve any muscle imbalances.” The technology does not stop there. Sam Putt Lab and Trackman are used regularly to gather data on students’ golf swings/putting strokes and help improve their games. ALPG professional Bronwyn Russell coaches the junior sharks students, who are in grades 4-7. “The emphasis is on having fun while improving their skills,” Wilkinson said.

your local experts

The key to the program’s success is the staff headed by former national and QAS coach Garry Calder. “With the addition of Lee Eagleton and Craig Parker, students in the senior excellence and development programs have access to some of the most experienced coaches in the state,” Wilkinson said. “Students in this program are involved in either group sessions or individual lessons four times a week with an additional two gym sessions with our athletic development coach Brad Pillette-Hughes. “The application of this technology is not done without education. “Students receive tutoring either in lessons or group sessions with their coach’s explaining their use and also in additional classroom sessions. Guest speakers also visit, including former players or current tour professionals who offer advice and guidance to these young players.” Still, the golf program isn’t only about students playing golf while completing their education. The college looks at the bigger picture and has an obligation to educate children. That is the main motivation. Wilkinson said the golf excellence program was the sixth subject in the curriculum. “Students’ achievements in the classroom are valued,” she said. “Guidance is given in regards to subject selection when considering USA colleges.” Parents and staff meet twice yearly to discuss the student’s progress. “This ensures all parties are on the same page when it comes to the athlete’s goals,” Wilkinson said. “That way we can all contribute to ensure they succeed.” Currently, the college is accepting expressions of interest for 2014. For more information, contact Hayley Wilkinson on (07) 3552-7397 or visit the website www.kelvingrovesc.eq.edu.au •

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travel

Golf on the Murray:Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort Nestled alongside the picturesque Murray River, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort is the perfect resort destination in which you can experience immaculate greens under idyllic blue skies over the winter months. Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has 45 holes on offer – two 18hole courses, the Lake and the Murray, as well as a short nine-hole design, the Executive course, each with their own special appeal set amongst beautiful natural landscape overlooking the Murray River and Lake Mulwala. The attraction of being the largest public access golf resort in the country makes it very appealing for the keen golfer. Golfers have state-of-the-art practice facilities to prepare for a game, with driving range, hitting nets, putting greens and chipping area with bunker as well as a pro shop open from dawn to dusk with competitively priced products and services. Choose from nine different styles of accommodation overlooking the lush golf course or native bushland with something to suit all budgets and needs, from basic cabins to wellappointed luxurious apartments and villas, each with cooking facilities, private bathrooms and a car parking space. All accommodation is selfcontained, family-friendly and is only a short stroll from the clubhouse and pro shop. Long or short stay guests can explore the spectacular surrounds, tempt their tastebuds with quality dining, workout in the gym, have a hit of tennis, take a dip in the solar-heated pool, relax with a massage, unwind with a book or go on a scenic walk to the shopping precinct of Yarrawonga whilst enjoying the beautiful surrounds of the Murray River and Lake Mulwala. Everything the resort has

to offer is at the door step of your accommodation. With something for everyone, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort is the ideal river resort destination. Golfers of all standards are encouraged to visit Yarrawonga and other participating Golf on the Murray Partner Clubs to participate in the Champions of the Murray tournament. Champions of the Murray final will be held at Commercial Golf Resort in Albury in January 2014. Golf on the Murray is hoping to expand this event next year and will be encouraging any players who have a golf handicap and Golf Link number to review the 2013/14 qualifying dates and book a golf getaway along the Murray.

Golf on the Murray has a new promotion called Signature 18 Murray Challenge. Golfers can explore the region and play any 9 holes of the Signature 18 Murray Challenge for their chance to win a total prize pool of $2000. Golfers who play 9 signature holes will automatically go in the draw to win $500 cash with draws taking place in June, September and December 2013. Players can obtain a Signature 18 entry card at Golf on the Murray Partner Pro Shops and submit their verified entry online or in the Pro Shop. The more courses players explore, the more signature holes they play, the more chances they have to win. For hot deals and more about Golf on the Murray visit www.golfonthemurray.com.au. •

Platinum Partner Program Rookie of the Year

The first year on tour as a professional golfer is no doubt one of the most challenging. Playing golf courses you haven’t seen before, adjusting to life living out of a suitcase and, more importantly, having the pressures of playing the game to pay the bills. With the support of Platinum Partner Program, the Rookie of Year Award will once again be offering an all-expenses paid trip to the 2013 Australasian PGA Tour Qualifying School including Flights, Accommodation and their Tournament Entry Fee. Such prize will be awarded to the PGA Professional who is highest placed on the QLD Sunshine Tour Order of Merit in their ‘First Year’ as a Full PGA Member, as well as in their ‘First Year’ playing full time on the QLD Sunshine Tour. The Platinum Partner Program is a business partnership between Robbie Bennetts Enterprises and technology company onPlatinum with each company bringing immense knowledge, skills and experience in their respective fields of financial services and technology Program. With more than $300,000 in prizemoney already played for in the 2012/13 QLD Sunshine Tour Order of Merit Season, NSW based professional Lincoln Tighe has taken a commanding lead given his victory in the PNG Open. Though with the 50th Anniversary of the QLD Sunshine Tour offering in excess of $1.5 Million, the road to the 31st October when the competition ends, will be a tight one. Leaderboard (After the Blackwater Pro Am) Player Lincoln Tighe (AUS) Dimitrios Papadatos (AUS) Jonathon Holder (AUS) Troy Ropiha (NZL) Matthew Buff (AUS)

For more head to www.pga.org.au •

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www.golfonthemurray.com.au 74

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

State Points NSW 62 NSW 44 QLD 16 NZL 10 VIC 7

travel

Decadent Dubai

Arundel Hills selected to host Mitsubishi World Masters Golf Championship

Tracey-Lea Tiley info@gogolfing.net.au

Arabian nights, belly dancing beauties and sandy sultans aside, a visit to the gleaming city of Dubai will indulge your senses. A fusion of old and new harmoniously entwined hits you from the moment you step off the plane. Men wearing dishdash, driving Mercedes and Porsches on their way to their ultra-modern office skyscraper. But Dubai is more than a modern contradiction of the past colliding with the future and there is so much for those travelling to this region to rejoice in. If you are craving a retail fix, you may have just found utopia with malls dedicated to gold, sparkling jewels, artisan handcrafts, textiles and a kaleidoscope of spices filling the air. Wait, did I mention the kilometres of marbled floor dedicated to luxury brands Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel? They’re just the tip of a global shopping iceberg. The Dubai Mall, Wafi, Mercato Shopping Mall and Mall of the Emirates are a great entree to your retail adventure. If your desire is to step back in time, cross the river for a flavour of the old city. Narrow lanes festooned with ornate Arabian architecture of the Bastakiya district that once lined the creek where wind towers are now a charming glimpse of how Dubai once looked. The precinct is home to important historical museums, galleries, markets and restaurants commonly known as Heritage Village and a must visit on your list. Dotted with a multitude of museums, opulent palaces overflowing with gold and ancient forts, the city is a reminder of torrid times arisen from the desert sands. For architecture nuts, Dubai’s new city is a shining beacon to

The opulent Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club the modern world of just what can be achieved in a short time. Staggering sculptural towers and man-made islands are sure to impress. None more so than the famed Burj al Arab, a masterpiece of design to resemble the graceful sails of an Arabian Dhow and the most lavish hotel in the world. But for us golfers, it is perhaps the promise of lush greens set amidst the Arabian dunes that are of greatest significance. What a feast to be had! With the spoils of Persian pearls, fossil fuels and galloping gold trade riches, along came hungry global companies and instant millionaires. Of course they needed entertaining and golf became a popular pastime for the region’s movers and shakers. And aren’t we the better for it… If you are looking for VIP

treatment you cannot go past the experiences at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club or the Colin Montgomerie-designed Montgomerie Course. The Emirates Golf Club with its unique Bedouin tent clubhouse design is often referred to as the Saint Andrews of the Middle East. More recent additions include Al Badia Golf Club sculpted into the sands by Robert Trent Jones II–an oasis theme carries through the layout whilst the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates plays host to the prestigious Dubai World Golf Championship and is also worth a round. Kings of the Desert–Dubai and Abu Dhabi Golf Tour is departing 16-26 February 2014. Contact Go Golfing Travel for more information on (07) 5536 3280 or email info@gogolfing.net.au. Visit the Go Golfing website at www.gogolfing.net.au •

The private and exclusive Arundel Hills Country Club has been confirmed as a host venue for the 18th annual Mitsubishi Motors World Masters Golf Championship on the Gold Coast from 2026 October 2013. Arundel Hills joins the Greg Norman-designed Glades, Jack Nicklaus signature Lakelands and Royal Pines to host the four-round Mitsubishi Masters. RACV Royal Pines will be in mint condition, with this tournament scheduled just a couple of weeks before the Australian PGA Championship. The Mitsubishi World Masters is organised by Go Golfing, who are responsible for a number of highprofile amateur golf tournaments around Australia. Managing Director, Peter McCarthy, says that this year’s course selection is the best offered to participants in the event’s 18-year history. “Securing Arundel Hills is tremendous and I’m sure golfers will relish this new challenge. The Glades and Lakelands are always popular and upgrades to RACV Royal Pines ahead of hosting the Australian PGA makes me confident that this is the best course selection we have ever offered. “Links Hope Island and Palmer Gold Coast, formerly Robina Woods, will also host events as part of this week-long festival of golf and social events,” McCarthy said. Open to male and female golfers over the age of 35 with an official handicap, the event will see participants competing in 20 age and handicap divisions. There is over $120,000 in prizes presented across the week, including a brand-new Mitsubishi car and overseas holidays. The Broadbeach precinct will host nightly social events, with the 19th Hole rooftop poolside setting at 5 star Sofitel Hotel a highlight. More information: www.gogolfing.net.au or call 07 5536 8681. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

travel

The Springs launches on the NSW Central Coast

Recently opened, The Springs is the new day trip destination for Sydneysiders and locals who want to wine, dine and relax at picturesque Peats Ridge on the Central Coast. Featuring a stunning interior design by Rooz & Rooz Design, the 18-hole golf course and new club now features two fabulous dining spaces developed by International Executive Chef, Mario Schwallie (ex Brasserie in London, Gleneagles in Scotland and Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa in Bermuda). The Sitting Duck is a casual industrial space featuring great food complemented by an excellent Australian and overseas wine list designed by Peter Bourne. The menu focuses on fresh seasonal produce. “We make everything in house

from our relishes, pickles, jams, pates and more - using local produce where possible,” explains Schwallie. “My goal is to provide our guests with a remarkable dining experience every time.” The venue can also cater for a range of stylish special events and functions, including sit down dinners (up to 200 guests) and cocktail parties (up to 370 guests), and a custom created menu by Schwaille to suit your occasion. At The Duck Inn enjoy tapas and fabulous burgers. You can eat in, at the bar, or relax on one of the lounges on the veranda. Take in the peaceful rural view – it will seem like you’re miles from anywhere yet still so close to the city. Enjoy 9 or 18 holes of golf any time of the year, including most public

holidays. In summer, there’s twilight golf on offer – watch the sunset before heading to the Duck Inn for a cocktail. A fleet of modern club cars are on hand to ferry you in style on the fairway, while The Pro Shop stocks funky designer golf apparel and accessories – everything you need to look the part on the course. “I wanted The Springs to be a whole new concept in a Golf Club,” says director Jill Seckold. “It’s a funky, unique space for all to enjoy – there’s a Cocktail bar, a great Bistro and a lounge for those that just want to chill.” The Springs is located at 1080 Peats Ridge Road, Peats Ridge – only a 40-minute drive from Newcastle and 30 minutes from Wahroonga. www.thespringsgolfclub.com.au •

Elite Holiday Homes (Gold Coast) Elite Holiday Homes can offer you an amazing golfing getaway experience in one of their luxurious homes. Stay where the leading Australian professional golfers stay and while you might not play golf quite like them you can stay and relax in style like they do! Their homes are located within a short drive of all the great golf courses on the Gold Coast and all are walking distance to the restaurants, casino and shops at Broadbeach. They have packages to suit everyone as their homes can comfortably accommodate from 2 to 14 guests in style and provide you with the best inclusions to enjoy your holiday. They can

arrange to have your groceries delivered and unpacked ready for your arrival and they can also cater to those that are not golfing with in-house massages and beauty treatments available along with great value deals for other activities on the Gold Coast. Their packages can be tailored to meet your needs and they can provide you with a luxurious stay at a very affordable cost. You can even choose to stay at Sanctuary on Water where at the end of the day the stunning view from the spa will make up for any poor shots of the day! www.eliteholidayhomes.com.au P: 0408 483086 •

The National Golf Club

Corporate Share for Sale A Holding Company which has no liabilities and one asset, a Corporate Share in the National Golf Club is FOR SALE. The purchaser of the company will be entitled to allow 3 nominated people to be full members, their spouse and children up to the age of 23 years old are also entitled to membership. All members of the National are subjected to annual green fees and bar levy. All members are entitled to bring guests and enter competitions. And because it is a corporate share you can send guests to play without the member being present. There are no restriction playing days, ladies and men can play any day of the week, only subject to available tee times.

Package Includes: • Accommodation Double/Twin share • Continental Breakfast Buffet • Dinner Voucher at Cessnock RL Supporters Club • 18 holes of golf • Sunday-Thursday $180* • Friday-Saturday $205*

The asking price is $28,500, If 3 golfing husband and wife were to invest in this resalable company that could also be used as a trading company, it would mean they could gain access to the 3 best golf courses in the country and a $20,000,000 club room for $3,167 each. (6 Individual memberships would cost about $54,000) And if they have golfing children, well that’s just a bonus. Any corporations out there that want to wine, dine and golf clients, here is a setup company ready to trade.

*Per person per night, double or twin share

Call Gavin 76

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

0413 208 777 or email robert_robie@hotmail.com

events

Night golf back in focus David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

ONCE upon a time, night golf was considered a novelty, but things are about to change thanks to advances in technology. Former touring professional Brad McIntosh this month (June 7) will launch his Light It Up Golf night golf experience at Bankstown Golf Club in Sydney. McIntosh has designed the “best night golf ball in the world”. “In the past, the night golf ball was thought of as a novelty ball,” he said. “The golf ball I have designed and developed is LED-based so all the lighting comes from an infused core. “There are two ultra-bright LED’s in the core and everything works off sensors so it has an impact sensor that lasts for 11 minutes when it’s struck and it reactivates every time the ball is struck after that.” The golf ball has a battery life of 20 hours. What sets apart this night golf ball is its performance in flight, feel and control similar to a regular golf ball. “The night golf ball has never been developed into a proper ball that flies and performs like a regular golf ball – until now,” said McIntosh, who once fired a 59 off the stick in the Queensland PGA Championship. “When I was testing it, I was hitting fiveirons and was only losing about five per cent of distance.” Not only that, McIntosh will light up the golf course with more than 1000 LED lights over a nine-hole course.

“I will be using over 1000 LED lights on fairways, bunkers, hazards, greens, pins and even the cups will be glowing,” he said. “The fairways will be lined with green glow sticks like a runway. The bunkers and hazards will be identified with flashing yellow and red lights and the pins are lit with psychedelic colours.” McIntosh said he planned to go national starting in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. The concept will allow golf clubs to generate additional revenue by keeping their golf course open at night. “Golf courses now have an opportunity to earn money at night,” McIntosh said. “At the Bankstown launch, we will have a field of 64 players.

“The format is similar to a pro-am with one professional and three amateurs in each group playing an ambrose event. There will be plenty of prizes up for grabs. “Everyone will start and finish at the same time and that will create a better social atmosphere. “We also expect to attract a number of spectators, who can enjoy the golf, food and beverages on offer. Night golf balls come in four colours – green, pink, blue and red. To minimise the risk of playing at night, all players, caddies and spectators are required to carry a torch and wear light-coloured clothing. No carts allowed on the course. To find out more, call Brad McIntosh on 0448 708 866 or visit www.lightitupgolf.com.au •

Toowoomba Golf Club juniors feature again Last month at Toowoomba City Golf Club, six juniors from Toowoomba Golf Club–Middle Ridge featured amongst the winners circle. The event combined three events: the Darling Downs Golf Association Junior Championships, the Toowoomba City Golf Club Junior Golf Carnival–Ken Layton Memorial and a Greg Norman Junior Golf Foundation Points Challenge. I n the Dar ling D owns G olf Association event, Lawry Flynn won the Boys “A” Grade Championship, Riley Stone won the Boys “C” Grade Championship, and Darcy Habgood won the Girls Championship. In the Toowoomba City and GNJGF events, Habgood won the Division 1 Greg Norman Junior Golf Foundation Points Challenge; Jordyn Mahony won Nearest the Pin on the 8th and Quinnton Croker won the C Grade Best Nett. The results were a testament to how well the Middle Ridge Golf Club junior program is progressing under the watchful eye of Club p r o fe s s i o n a l Pa u l H a b g o o d , Assistant Professional Johnathon Zirkler and two club committee members, M ark M ahony and Robert Stone. •

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

events

Scramblers put in the hard yards to prep for final Henry Peters ed@insidegolf.com.au

One of Alexandria Golf Club’s members in country Victoria is hoping a mix of golf and Australian Rules football will spur his four-man team on to the final of this year’s Holden Scramble. Luke Heard, Matt Richards, John Creighton and Sam Creighton came up trumps at their club’s local Holden Scramble qualifier in late March but will need to prevail at their next stage of qualifying at Sandhurst Golf Club in October. The advent of football, if nothing else, will have Heard at full fitness come October. “We’ve been playing some Saturday mornings before football every home game,” Heard said, who plays golf with Richards before strapping on the boots for Alexandria in the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League. John and Sam, who are cousins, retired from footy last season in a bid to focus more time and energy on golf, which has paid dividends so far in their Holden Scramble campaign. Heard, a one-handicapper, is adamant the extra exercise is not hurting his preparation for October’s qualifier. “It’s a good warm-up for me. Tee off at eight o’clock, I’m normally done by eleven-thirty and play football about two pm.” Heard and Richards have also been playing division one pennant for Alexandria in the Dalhousie Golf Association. Meanwhile the Creightons have taken part of their golf training to the warmer climate of Port Douglas in Far North Queensland. “Sam and John, or Scooter as he is affectionately known, played recently at the Sea Temple Golf Club. Their team will have an ace up their sleeve when they tackle Sandhurst in October.

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

They played Sandhurst as a warm-up the day before their win in the Alexandria Scramble event and Heard says they will have an advantage. “I think we will. We’ve spoken to Kevin, the pro who played with us last time we played at Sandhurst and he’s pretty keen to play with us again so hopefully if all goes well we might be able to play with Kevin again.” While their hit-out at Sandhurst in March was an extremely casual affair, all four golfers were comfortable on the Club’s Thomson & Perrettdesigned North Course. “We all played really well actually. I shot one under, Sam shot four or five under his handicap. I think he shot 79. Matt was only two or three over the card and Scooter played to his handicap.” The men from Alexandria are aiming to enter into at least one Holden Scramble event before October to become better acquainted with the abstract Ambrose format.

In the Holden Scramble, all four players tee off a given hole and the player whose shot is chosen is excluded from hitting the following shot. But once on the putting surface, all four players can putt. Heard says he and his teammates will also endeavour to play a practice round at Sandhurst the day prior to their competition round in October. “We’re going to try and take it a bit seriously. We don’t like to take it too serious but we take it serious enough. If we’re going to go to all that effort, we may as well concentrate on the day. We’ll have a beer while we do it. Because it’s an unusual format, the Holden Scramble, it’s a lot more strategic so we try and play just to get the strategic side of things. We don’t need to practice our golf, we play enough golf as it is. It’s more about practicing who tees off when or whose drive to take.” •

Coca-Cola Challenge Following the amazing finish which saw the inaugural Coca-Cola Challenge finish with four professionals in a tie for victory, the multipleround initiative is back for 2013. Throughout the QLD Sunshine Tour Season, at all Pro Ams that are staged at courses which are exclusive stockist of Coca-Cola products, one hole will be selected as the official ‘CocaCola Challenge Hole’ with each professional’s score on this hole being recorded. There will be 20 holes played throughout the year, with the professional with the lowest aggregate score relative to par being declared the winner. Each professional must play a minimum of 15 holes throughout the year to be eligible. The winner of the Coca-Cola Challenge will win a $5,000 contribution to funding the cost of attending a Tour Qualifying School of their choice anywhere around the world. A full list of the tournaments and rounds involved in the 2013 Coca-Cola Challenge can be found below: Tournament Middlemount Pro Am Blackwater Pro Am Emerald Pro Am Dysart Pro Am Townsville Pro Am Rockhampton Pro Am Rockhampton Pro Am Maryborough Pro Am Beerwah Pro Am Peregian Springs Pro Am Pine Rivers Pro Am Ashgrove Pro Am Royal Queensland Cup Lismore Pro Am Casino Pro Am Yamba Pro Am Yamba Pro Am Ballina Pro Am Middleridge Pro Am Wantima Pro Am

Associated Round (where applicable) Round 2 Round 1 Round 2 Round 1 Round 1 Round 2 Round 2 Round 1

Round 1 Round 2

For more details visit www.pga.org.au •

seniors NSW

Busy season for NSW Super Senior golfers Senior golf starts at age 55 but NSW golfers can look forward to many years after that with the continuing success of the NSW Super Seniors Pennant competition for the over 65 year olds. Beginning in 2002 with a vision from central coast senior Barry Ewert and with strong support from Jimmy Earl the first Super Senior Pennant competition began with seven clubs from the central coast region. In recent years Alan Potts joined the ranks of the unpaid administrators and his tireless contribution has been appreciated and admired by all. Every year more and more clubs have joined in and in 2013 there were 52 clubs competing in 9 divisions. Each Super Senior team consists of eight players competing in scratch match play. At the time of writing the winners of all nine divisions had been decided and the playoffs to identify the 2013 champion club about to start. The clubs in the final series are Tuncurry, Twin Creeks, The Lakes, Cabramatta, Newcastle, Belmont, Everglades, Wallacia Panthers and Roseville. In 2012 the Super Senior Pennant organisers added an 18 hole Super Senior Stroke Championship to the calendar where over 65 year-olds gather to test themselves in stroke competition. Played at Toukley Golf Club, one of the best courses on the NSW Central Coast, the 2013 winner was Wyong senior Jack Parker with a great round of 74. This was back-to-back titles for the ageless Parker. 98 players from 28 clubs enjoyed a wonderful day of golf at Toukley. There were excellent prizes for scratch and nett

Tom Yates, Jack Parker, Brian Baker 2013 NSW Super Senior Championship winners

winners in all age divisions with some of the major winners including Tom Yates (Bexley) with a score of 75 to win the Over 65 scratch, Ray Dowdell (Wyong) winning the Over 70 scratch, Geoff Barwick (Terrigal) winning the Over 75 scratch and Shelly Beach’s Bill Bell the winner of the Over 80 section. More: www.superseniorpennant.com. Golf NSW also conducts a parallel Order of Merit competition for the Super Seniors .The same rules are used as the main competition – the best 14 events during the year are used to calculate each player’s total points. With 16 of the 41 events scheduled for 2013 now played the Super Senior leader is Denis Dale from the Twin Creeks club. Dale has recorded three victories this year and holds a small lead over the very consistent Vince Clark from The Lakes Golf Club. In third place is Bill Banks from the ACT who has won the only two events he has played this year – the NSW Seniors Championship at Howlong and the Gungahlin Lakes Seniors. More info: www.golfnsw.org. •

QUEENSLAND

New Senior Order of Merit a success The 2013 Queensland Senior Order of Merit competition is in its first year and already the state’s senior golfers are calling it a definite success. The program administrator Alan Davies has worked very hard to make it successful and good sized fields at all courses have enjoyed top quality competition. After 10 events Trevor Box from Windaroo Lakes is the new leader in the overall scratch competition. He leads from early leader Neil King who is one of several seniors who have made the effort

to compete in every event held to date. Third place in the scratch event is held by Brian Kesby from the Headland club. In the Woman’s Senior Order of Merit competition North Lakes’ Wendy O’Donnell opened the year with victory in the first five events of the year. While O’Donnell has not played in any more events Roberta Henry has won three in a row and has moved into second place overall. Consistent golf has seen Jean White from Redcliffe take over third place. More: www.golfqueensland.org.au. •

NATIONAL

Mills leads National Handicap competition Most senior golfers are now well aware of the annual competition run by Golf Australia for the country’s best senior golfers. Players regularly criss-cross the nation playing in national, state and special senior events accumulating points in the year-long Australian Senior Ranking competition. The competition is keen in these events with the selection of the Australian senior teams to play New Zealand each year and to represent in the annual Asia-Pacific Senior Championship based on positions in the ranking table. Beginning in 2012 and continuing in 2013 there has also been a competition using the net (handicap) results in each of the senior ranking events. In this competition points are awarded to players finishing in the Top 40 net places in each event. The best five results during the year are totalled with the winner receiving the champion’s medal. Medals are also awarded to the second and third placegetters. The current leader in the 2013 championship is Tasmania’s “iron-man” Noel Mills from the Claremont Golf Club. Mills is an 8-marker who loves

his golf and also testing himself against the best senior golfers. He plays in just about every event and had the honour of playing the most senior ranking events in 2012 – a total of 13 events from the 15 available. Currently Mills leads the handicap competition by the narrowest of margins from Australia’s leading senior Stefan Albinski. Victorian Graeme Altmann is very close in third place, just half a point behind Mills. In the scratch competition Stefan Albinski (NSW) has retained his position on the top of the table with Peter King (QLD) and Denis Dale (NSW) close up in second and third place. Victory in the National Senior Masters has seen Roy Vandersluis (NSW) move into fourth place just ahead of Richard Greville (NSW). A l t h o u g h Va n d e r s l u i s h a s represented Australia in several senior teams in recent years his win at The National was his first victory in an Australian Senior Ranking event. Played in the same week as the “Other Masters” Vandersluis was just as proud as Adam Scott when he too donned the winners green jacket. More info: www.ausoom.com •

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Beaumont wins at Flagstaff Hill The fourth event in the 2013 South Australian Senior Order of Merit was played at a well presented Flagstaff Hill golf course. The winner was South Australia’s leading senior amateur John Beaumont (Mt Gambier) with a round of 76. He defeated a group of three players who all returned rounds of 78 – John Anderson (Flagstaff Hill), Phillip Smith (Tea Tree Gully) and Peter Bywaters (Victor Harbour). John Anderson was the official runner-up with Peter Bywaters (Victor Harbor) winning the Super Senior sections for the over 65 year olds. Tony Timmins (Kooyonga) was runner up to Bywaters.

The Flagstaff Hill win saw Beaumont jump many places on the ranking table and he now sits in fourth place in the year-long competition. The current leader is Tea Tree Gully senior Phillip Smith from the defending 2012 Order of Merit champion Clive Renner. Blackwood golfer Chris Claxton is not far away in third place. The South Australian Senior Order of Merit competition has a break until September when their three premier events will be held – the Kooyonga Masters, The Grange Senior Open and the South Australian Senior Amateur Championship at Gawler Golf Club. More: www.golfsa.com.au. •

Victorian senior star Pat Giles

VICTORIA

Giles leads Vic Senior Handicap Trophy

70 year-old Goonawarra senior Pat Giles has been a regular in senior golf tournaments across Australia for many years and is showing no sign of losing his desire to play or his ability to shoot some low scores. Giles is currently in fifth place in the scratch competition but has taken the lead in the handicap section for the Golf Victoria Senior Handicap Trophy. Run in parallel with the Doug Bachli competition for scratch score results the handicap competition allows every player to have an opportunity to win major prizes in every event played during the year. The best eight events during the year are used to calculate the winner of the handicap title and coveted trophy. With a total of 594 points Giles holds a small lead over Freddy Barton and previous handicap winner Ignatius Duivenvoorden. The 2013 Doug Bachli scratch competition sees Yarra Yarra’s Michael Jackson maintaining his comfortable lead over Ray Walker and Gary Easte. One of the major events on the Victorian Senior calendar is The National Senior Masters played over all three courses at the magnificent National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula. This year the winner was NSW senior Roy Vandersluis who edged out local member Ed Pawlik by a single stroke. In an exciting final day played in extremely tough conditions Vandersluis’ score of 78 was the low round of the day and a fitting way to claim his first major senior title and the prestigious Master’s green jacket. More info: www.golfvic.org.au • Stats & recaps by Denis Dale

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events

St. Michael’s defend their Major Pennant Title

Martin Wright, Managing Director of Srixon Australasia presents the winning pennant flag to St. Michael’s Golf Club. The 2013 season of the Srixon Men’s Major Metropolitan Pennant competition has concluded with the five divisional finals all taking place at various venues. It was St. Michael’s Golf Club who claimed the Division 1 Major Pennant defeating Long Reef Golf Club at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Course. In what turned out to be great conditions for golf after some early heavy fog, St.Michael’s proved to be far too consistent, winning five of the 7 matches. Long Reef were gallant in defeat and had already accomplished a great feat by reaching their first Division 1 Major Pennant Final in the club’s history. St.Michael’s achieved a slice of history by winning back-to-back

titles, a feat not achieved by the club since 1956-57. The Division 2 Major Pennant Final at Concord Golf Club was won by Monash Golf Club over Antill Park Golf Club 5.5 matches to 1.5 matches. Monash proved too strong on the day opening up a strong lead by obtaining 3.5 match wins in the opening four matches. Both clubs will be looking to achieve further success in 2014 when they move up to Division 1. At Long Reef Golf Club for the Division 3 Final it was Bayview Golf Club who won a tightly contested final against Windsor Golf Club, four match wins to three. Division 4 saw Wallacia Panthers Golf Club defeat Richmond Golf Club 4.5 matches to 2.5 matches.

Campbelltown Golf Club was the host of this contest and for many this result may be considered an upset after Richmond sailed through the round stages only dropping one contest whilst Wallacia Panthers had a tougher time of it progressing through after some inconsistency from week to week. In Division 5 Marrickville Golf Club upstaged Gordon Golf Club five matches to two. Marrickville proved to be worthy winners of the pennant after finishing the season without a loss. Although Gordon were unable to win the division the team will have gained great confidence out of their Major Pennant season and will be looking to have similar success when they are promoted to Division 4 with Marrickville next year. •

2013 Men’s and Women’s Foursomes Championships Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club was the host for the 2013 Men’s and Women’s Foursomes Championships. A field of 144 contested this year’s event, which was played over 18 holes. It was the third year the Men’s and Women’s Championships have been held together, and has again proved to be a success. For the second year the NSW Foursomes Club Champion of Champions event was played in conjunction with the NSW Men’s and Women’s Foursomes Championship. Both Men’s and Women’s Foursomes Club Champion pairs were invited to enter and play in this event. In the Men’s event, contested by 50 teams, an amazing six-underpar round of 66 saw Bonnie Doon’s Jordan Zunic and Roseville’s Cameron Davis win the NSW Men’s Foursomes Championship by four strokes to fellow State Team members Brett Drewitt (Long Reef) and Troy Moses (Bonnie Doon). Neither Zunic nor Davis had ever seen the tough Magenta layout and this may have proved to be a blessing in disguise, as their tactic of playing irons from the tee to the landing zones they could see proved a master stroke. “Keeping the ball out of trouble is the key at Magenta Shores”, said Club Captain Colin Kaye.

This, coupled with some brilliant putting from Davis resulted in their fine score and their win of the Bruce Nairn Trophy. Brayden Peterson and Blake Windred from Monash Country Club came in third, with a score of 72. Despite a strong field of 27 women’s teams in this year’s event, Concord’s Doey Choi and Pennant Hills’ Tess MacDonald showed up their more experienced opponents t o w i n t h e N S W Wo m e n’s Foursomes Championship. Choi and MacDonald shot a great round of 79 and won by two strokes to Courtney McNeil and Erica Bond from Wyong Golf Club. Despite being right in contention for the title, a score of ten on the last hole saw Tess’ mother Jane MacDonald (Newcastle) and her partner Maree Breen (Shortland Waters) finish in third position with a score of 83. They subsequently took out the nett prize with 78 ½. The Men’s Club Foursomes Champion of Champions event was won by Mark & Jacob Taylor from Belmont Golf Club with a score of 81, while the Women’s was won by Rhonda Magner and Margaret Bain-Smith from Concord Golf Club who finished with 88. More at www.golfnsw.org. •

Srixon Queensland Senior Order of Merit

Tuncurr y Course rate Australi d in a’s Top 100 Pu blic Acc Course ess s

Srixon Queensland Senior Order of Merit Upcoming events: Tewantin Noosa Golf Club 12 June 2013 Pacific Harbour Golf Club 17 June 2013 Headland Golf Club 24 June 2013 Gailes Golf Club 5 July 2013 www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland @GolfQueensland

www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 80

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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The home of Sarah Kemp

calendar 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 fivequalifying-round stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score. Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough. The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Hurstville Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 8th June 2013 2nd Qualifying Round 22nd June 2013 3rd Qualifying Round 13th June 2013 4th Qualifying Round 27th June 2013 5th Qualifying Round 10th August 2013 Final 24th August 2013 Howlong Country Golf Course 1st Qualifying Round 8th June 2013 2nd Qualifying Round 22nd June 2013 3rd Qualifying Round 20 July 2013 4th Qualifying Round 17 August 2013 5th Qualifying Round 24 August 2013 Final 21st September 2013 Beverley Park Golf Club 2nd Qualifying Round 8th June 2013 3rd Qualifying Round 15th June 2013 4th Qualifying Round 22nd June 2013

Noosa Springs Ladies Golf Series

5th Qualifying Round 29th June 2013 FInal TBC

When: 13th August & 3rd December Where: Noosa Springs Info: golf@noosasprings.com.au

Shelly Beach Golf Club Final 6th June 2013 Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 8th June 2013 2nd Qualifying Round 15th June 2013 3rd Qualifying Round 22nd June 2013 4th Qualifying Round 29th June 2013 5th Qualifying Round 13th July 2013 Final 20th July 2013 Griffith Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 8th June 2013 2nd Qualifying Round 28th July 2013 3rd Qualifying Round 10th August 2013 4th Qualifying Round 8th September 2013 5th Qualifying Round 29th September 2013 Final 20th October 2013 Charlestown Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 15th June 2013 2nd Qualifying Round 22nd June 2013 3rd Qualifying Round 13th July 2013 4th Qualifying Round 27th July 2013 5th Qualifying Round 10 August 2013 FInal 12 October 2013 Bayview Golf Club 1st Qualifying Round 15th June 2013 2nd Qualifying Round 29th June 2013 3rd Qualifying Round 13th July 2013 4th Qualifying Round 27th July 2013 5th Qualifying Round 10th August 2013 Final 17th August 2013

june

August

Victorian Par 3 Amateur Championships

Port Stephens Golf Classic

The Women’s Championships will take place on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th of June, and will be played over 36 holes of stroke play. Handicap limit is 36. Field limit is 140. Men’s Championships will be on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of June, to be played over 54 holes of stroke play. Handicap limit 20. Field limit 90. On-course breakfast available 8th & 9th from 7.30am. Entries close 24th May. Entries to: www.golfvic.org.au or Golf Victoria, PO Box 287, Mulgrave VIC 3170. Telephone: 03 8545 6200 Facsimile 03 9543 9307 Email tournament@golfvic.org.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.

When: June Where: Kyabram Parkland Golf Club Info: www.kyabramparkland.com.au

When: 11th August– 16th August Where: Various Info: www.golfportstephens.com.au

The Individual Stableford competition is followed by a gourmet, champagne lunch, presentations and a dazzling fashion parade showing off the latest in ladies golfing apparel. Play both days in the series and you will automatically enter the grand draw for your chance to win one of four $250 golf shop vouchers. Ladies will also get a discount on day of play at Noosa Springs’ golf shop – which is widely considered one of Australia’s best. Cost includes lunch: $99 per player, per day (non members) and $39 (members). More information, visit www.noosasprings.com.au. (07) 5440 3333.

Special Olympics Golf - Australian Championships Where: Canberra International Pitch & Putt (CIPP) When: Sunday 25 August Info: www.specialolympics.com.au or contact wazza.gray115@bigpond.com Canberra International Pitch & Putt (CIPP) is honoured and proud to host the Special Olympic Australian Golf Championships as part of the Centenary of Canberra celebrations. Come along and watch the Special Olympians and add your support.

2013 NSW Mixed Foursomes Championship The 2013 NSW Mixed Foursomes Championship will be held at Shelly Beach Golf Club on Sunday 4 August 2013. The Championship is open to men and women, with the individual handicap limits of 18 for men, and 36 for women. The Championship will be foursomes stroke play over 18 holes, with females playing from the first tee. For the second year the NSW Mixed Foursomes Club Champion of Champions event will be played in conjunction with the NSW Mixed Foursomes Championship. Club Mixed Foursomes Champion pairs are invited to enter and play in this event. Club Champions are exempt from the handicap limits. A strong field is again expected for this event, with entrants including current men’s and women’s junior and state team representatives. However all mixed foursomes pairs are encouraged to enter and participate in this event. Entries are now open - $90 per pair via hard copy, or $80 per pair online. Entry also includes savories at the completion of play. To enter, or for more information, log onto www.golfnsw.org. Entries close Friday 19 July 2013.

A U S T R A L I A’ S M O S T R E A D G O L F M A G A Z I N E

Queensland PGA Sunshine Tour Proud Sponsors 82

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

calendar

Top club throws down gauntlet GOLFERS who enjoy living on the edge can’t resist a challenge. Occasionally, such players get an opportunity to test their skills on a championship golf course and thoroughly examine its subtleties. On Monday, July 22, golfers of all levels get their chance when Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane hosts its annual Blue Marker Challenge. Word has it the course superintendent and his staff will set up the golf course in exactly the same way they set up the demanding Keperra Bowl course. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see how many players in the field can match or better their handicap. Those who do decide to take up the challenge will walk in the spike marks of some famous players. In the early 1970s, Keperra was the venue specifically chosen for an exhibition showdown between Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. The club has hosted five Queensland Opens at a time when it was a prestigious tournament. In fact, 1960 Open Championship winner Kel Nagle won the Queensland Open at Keperra in 1964. Norman von Nida won it there in 1953. Keperra is the home of the Keperra Bowl – a prestigious 72-hole

September

25th Parramatta City Heartland Group Junior Golf Pro Am When: Tuesday 24th September 2013, 7am – 2pm Where: Woodville Golf Course, Guildford Info: www.pga.org.au/event-display/11176 Now in its 25th year, the Junior Golf Pro Am is celebrating a long history of success in uniting young golfers with professionals from the field. The event is a major event on the Sydney metropolitan golf calendar and is the only Junior Golf Pro Am event organised in NSW/ACT. The event will offer 60 young local golfers the opportunity to play alongside 50 golfing professionals over 18 picturesque holes. The age range for young players is 10-17 years old, to submit an application to participate in the event please contact Jason Kaye Smith at Woodville Golf Course on (02) 9632 3582. Registration: Applications need to be submitted 1 month prior to Jason KayeSmith at Woodville Golf Course. Registration on the day: Tuesday 24th September 2013, 7am Cost: Free Divisions: Boys & Girls 10-17 years old’

October South Pacific Ladies Open Classic Where: Surfers Paradise Golf Club When: 14 to 16 October Info: www.surfersparadisegolfclub.com.au

Note date change above. Hosted by Surfers Paradise Golf Club for the past 40 years, the event includes a Sunday (14 Oct) mixed

8th Annual Australian Father & Son Open Golf Championship Where: Country Club Tasmania When: 29th November – 1st December Info: www.australianfatherandsongolf.com Is there a better way for a father and son to learn about life and each other than by playing a round of golf together? The Championship is a 2 ball aggregate stableford which will be played over 36 holes. The best father and son team score

national and world amateur rankings event for the game’s elite amateurs. Now it’s your turn to have a crack at one of Brisbane’s best courses. There’s an added bonus for the player with the best gross score – a spot in the Keperra Bowl field is guaranteed provided that player has a handicap of 4.4 or less. The club’s general manager Gavin Lawrence said the annual Blue Marker Challenge was not limited to the game’s elite players. “The event is open to A, B and C grade golfers with a Golf Australia handicap,” he said. “It’s a unique opportunity for all golfers to showcase their skills on a championship golf course. “It will also give someone the chance to win a much soughtafter spot in the Keperra Bowl, which is something that has not been offered before.” There will be plenty of prizes up for grabs on the day. The entry fee is $40 per person or $50 per person in a shared golf cart and includes a beverage and a snack. Anyone interested in playing should contact the golf club on (07) 3355 7744, but be quick because numbers are strictly limited. •

foursomes to give the entrants a chance to play the course and for the sponsors to meet the players and organisers. Monday to Wednesday will see the 54-hole competition played with three divisions. In Division 1 the young amateurs will vie for prizes and national ranking. Division 2 will welcome the ladies up to 54 years. The seniors, over 55 will vie for the Division 3 prizes and prestige. The competition will, in 2013, be played off the “Red Tees” which is a change from the previously required “Blue Tee” start. The event has National & state ranking for ladies and attracts the top level of amateur lady golfers.

November Noosa Springs B & C Grade Championships When: 29th November – 1st December Where: Noosa Springs Info: golf@noosasprings.com.au

Now in its eighth successful year, the competition was designed by Noosa Springs to give golfers with higher handicaps a championship event to play. The three-day competition will be played over 54 holes of Stableford play. It’s open to all male amateur golfers with a handicap between 11-36 and all female amateur golfers with a handicap between 18-45. The entire field will contest all three rounds –18 holes each day –and the men’s and women’s winners for each B&C category will be the persons with the highest aggregate scores. Registration is $299 which includes three rounds of championship golf, admission to the opening night cocktail party, presentation afternoon and a commemorative gift from Calvin Klein. More information: www.noosasprings.com.au or (07) 5440 3333.

over the two days will be crowned the ultimate winners of the Australian Father and Son Open Championship for 2013. Each winning player will receive a replica of the perpetual trophy. 2nd and 3rd place runners up will receive trophies. The full entrance fee is $585pp, includes 3 night’s accommodation with breakfast and all other inclusions (such as golf, gala dinner, cocktail party etc.) Entry fee without accommodation is $195pp and does not include the Gala dinner. Cost to attend the Gala dinner is an additional $75pp. For more information: contact Eric Roberts (03) 6394 4158, eric.roberts7@bigpond.com.

Qld PGA Sunshine Tour Schedule JUNE Day Sat-Sun

Date 1st-2nd

JULY Sun Mon Wed Thur-Sun Tues Thur-Sun Tues

7th 8th 10th 11th-14th 16th 18th-21st 23rd

Venue Glenden Pro Am

Tully Pro Am Townsville Pro Am Pioneer Valley Pro Am City of Mackay Pro Am Capricorn Country Club Pro Am Rockhampton Pro Am Yeppoon Pat O’driscoll Real Eastate/ Thur-Sun 25th-28th Tropical Auto Group Golf Classic Tues 30th Boyne Island Pro Am Wed 31st Calliope Pro Am AUGUST Fri-Sat Sun Wed Thurs Fri Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs-Sun

2nd-3rd 4th 7th 8th 9th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 18th 26th 27th 28th 29th-1st

Maryborough Pro Am Bribie Island Pro Am Northlakes Pro Am Caboolture Pro Am Noosa Par 3 Pro Am Caloundra Pro Am Mt Coolum Pro Am Woodford Pro Am Beerwah Pro Am Horton Park Pro Am Peregian Springs Open Southport Pro Am McLeod Pro Am Sandgate Pro Am Jeep Pro Am

Prize $25,000

$10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $70,000 $10,000 $50,000 $10,000 $100,000 $10,000 $10,000

$17,500 $10,000 $10,000 $12,000 $15,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $12,000 $15,000 $25,000 $10,000 $10,000 $200,000

Golf NSW – June calendar of events Men’s Vardon Events Cessnock Cup Stonebridge Golf Club Pymble Winter Cup Pymble Golf Club Muirfield Open Muirfield Golf Club

8-9 June 16 June 30 June

Women’s Jean Derrin / Senior Order of Merit Events R yde -Parramatta Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club 5 June Cup and Salver Pymble Cup Pymble Golf Club 24 June For information on any of the above events, or for a full list of fixtures go to: www.golfnsw.org

Senior Amateur Events Date June 3 June 6 June 12 June 14 June 16 June 17-18 June 17 June 20-21 June 24 July 1 July 5 July 8-10 July 14-16 July 17 July 25 July 26 July 28-29 August 1-2 August 3-4

Event Caloundra Seniors (QLD) Peregian Springs Seniors (QLD) Tewantin Noosa Seniors (QLD) Oatlands Seniors (NSW) Heathcote Seniors (VIC) Shepparton Seniors (VIC) Pymble Seniors (NSW) Tocumwal Seniors (VIC) Headland Seniors (QLD) Cabramatta Seniors (NSW) Gailes Seniors (QLD) Queensland Senior Amateur Championship – Oxley GC* Gold Coast Senior Amateur Championship (Royal Pines, Lakelands)* Ocean Shores Seniors (NSW) Maryborough Seniors (QLD) Hervey Bay Seniors (QLD) Bargara Seniors (QLD) Coral Cove Seniors (QLD) Seaside Classic (Port Macquarie)

* Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

clubs

Pacific Dunes a cut above Pacific Dunes has established a reputation for providing a unique golfing experience on its 18-hole 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, as well as top-notch 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. 2013 is set to be an exciting year for Pacific Dunes,

with the construction of a state-of-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. Pacific Dunes is also a great venue for corporate golf events or groups. 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. 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 is a great way for businesses to connect with their clients, colleagues and partners by providing both networking and rewarding opportunities for your company. Located in the picturesque Port Stephens region

Yering Meadows a treat for all

Established in 1925 at its former Dorset Road site, The Croydon Golf Club earned the reputation as being one of the premier golf clubs in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. With the club’s relocation in June 2008 to its site in Yering, the club is furthering that reputation on a new scale.. Nestled alongside the club’s 15-hectare walnut

grove, the 27-hole Ross Watson-designed course features spectacular views throughout your round, while the legend fairways and bent greens are a pleasure to play from. The three distinct nines each offer different challenges, and as the course has matured, so too has the playability of the course. The modern and spacious clubhouse is perched

Where we’ve been playing

Glenelg Golf Club On a recent trip to South Australia, Inside Golf was fortunate to grab a round of golf at Glenelg Golf Club, one of Australia’s highly respected and top-ranked courses. This was our first round at Glenelg, so we went in with our eyes wide open. Playing from the tips, this 6234m beauty was both long and challenging – especially since recent rains had all but eliminated any roll from our drives. The couch fairways were in immaculate condition during our visit, and a pleasure to play from. Unfortunately, we also spent a fair amount of time in the rough and among the 93 bunkers on the course. The bunkers feature a revetted edge look, which not only makes them striking, but also very difficult from which to escape. There are also a few water hazards to contend with, though proper course management can help you avoid them. When played intelligently— leave your driver in the bag on some of the more difficult holes—the course has a fantastic mixture of risk/reward options. 84

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

If you miss the green, you are often faced with very tight lies, which require a masterful short game. The bump-and-run or hybrid chip shot are likely your best bet; though getting it close to the hole will not be easy due to the very quick greens. The greens at Glenelg are extremely difficult to read—especially for a newcomer. The subtle breaks did our head in on a few holes, and we were often left dumbfounded as to how a ball could break in the completely opposite direction. But that is one of the main defences of the course, and we did not feel slighted. On the contrary, we developed a strong respect for the greens, and are anxious to tackle them (as well as the rest of the course) again in the future. The clubhouse is modern, welcoming and comfortable. With great views of the course and surrounds, it’s a great spot to enjoy a welldeserved beverage after an enjoyable round on one of Australia’s great courses. www.glenelggolf.com

atop the property, and commands uninterrupted views of the Yarra Valley. Renowned as a very friendly club, the clubhouse is open for lunch 7 days a week, and the facilities provide the ideal surroundings for the relaxation and enjoyment of members and their guests. The Croydon Golf Club is the ideal venue to host

on New South Wales’ lower north coast, Pacific Dunes Golf Club is only 20 minutes to Nelson Bay, 25 minutes to the city centre of Newcastle, and less than 2 hours’ drive to Sydney. www.pacificdunesgolf.com.au

your next corporate golf day. With a full conference and function room, shower & changing facilities and a professional and friendly staff, you are ensured a successful and enjoyable day for all involved. The course can accommodate large groups and the club also offers specialist tuition prior to the round, if you require. The professional can run a clinic on any aspect of the game with key areas including short irons, bunker play or putting. Social players and groups are welcome at Yering Meadows, and the team are able to assist with coordination and result calculation of the entire event, should you require it. Nearest the pins on all par 3s, Longest drive on the 18th and Straightest drive on the 10th can all be arranged to add an extra dimension to your day. A variety of catering options are available from Breakfast and Finger Food through to a more formal a la carte meal with prices starting from $15.00 per head. Weddings and special occasion functions are an integral part of the hospitality as well. www.yeringmeadows.com.au

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the 19th hole

Nine golf shots that will give you the shakes Cockatoo Rise War Veterans Retreat is one of a growing number of organisations who are saving money via second-hand Toro equipment

Used equipment market growing for Toro Australia

Michael Green

ed@insidegolf.com.au @AussieGolfer

I pity the world’s best golfers. The greatest fear they have on the golf course is missing the cut or if they’re lucky, tightening up as they get in contention on Sunday. To them, the life of a hacker must look like an extreme sport with enough fear-inducing shots during a round of golf to put it on a list of “must-do” things on a trip to New Zealand. So forget that six-foot putt to win The Open or a sudden-death playoff to win The Masters, we’re all amateurs, weekend hackers and once-a-year golfers ‘round here and we have a far more complete, exhilarating and perilous set of golf shots to deal with every week.

The shot in front of a crowd

No matter what the golf shot, if you’re hitting a golf ball in front of a crowd it’s a scary one. It doesn’t even have to be a crowd. Sometimes it is just the sight of the club pro or some bloke walking his dog down the OOB fence that will bring on the sweaty palms.

The ¾ pitch shot

Closely resembling the equally difficult half shot, even the pros prefer not to play this one. Smashing that drive doesn’t seem quite so smart now that you’re left with a shot you don’t have a club for. 86

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

I once played a four-ball ambrose where the ¾ shot yips went through the group like a dodgy Indian curry. In the first four holes we were left with three 60-metre pitch shots and only one of the twelve shots found the green. And even that was hit skinny.

with a short putt that seems harder to achieve than cancelling your gym membership. The worst part about the three-footer is that even when you make it, the relief doesn’t completely alleviate your nerves and a slight tremor on the next tee is not unusual.

A shank comes quickly, you can barely believe what just happened and it takes some courage to face the next shot. Like a bad case of the sneezes, two, three or four consecutive shanks in a row is not uncommon once they start. I perpetually live in fear of hearing Billy Ray Cyrus’ Achy Breaky Heart song. The shanks are the same.

This is a tough shot. You’ve had five minutes to think about your shot and your playing partners are anxious to get going. There is no point in hitting until the group in front is well clear, but you look ridiculous when you sky your drive and it finishes no further than a pitching wedge in front of the tee.

Every shot you play after a shank

Shot across water

No matter if you’re staring at 40 points or 14, the shot across a water hazard gives everyone the shakes. The approach shot to a green protected by a lake is often followed by blood curdling screams, a stream of abuse, and an airborne golf club.

Chip over a bunker

Not quite as daunting as the shot across water, but no less difficult is the chip over a bunker. The odds of thinning or chopping it into the sand get shorter the longer you dwell on it.

Hitting three from the first tee in a stroke play event

If the thought of stroke play fills you with fear, how about having to hit again from the first tee. If this second one doesn’t go straight, heading back to the clubhouse becomes a real option.

The three-footer

Another six inches and this would’ve been a gimme, but now you’re left

The shot after you’ve waited for the group in front to clear

The swooping bird shot

This shot is as close to driving with a cougar in the car as you’re going to get on the golf course. It is not a golf shot for the feint-hearted and one that most Aussie golfers have experienced at some point. A surreptitious approach to the golf ball proceeds with your eyes and club directed at the angry magpie. Your heart is racing, you slash at the ball and run off with clubs and arms flailing. It is the ultimate shot in extreme golf and if you can pull this one off, even the pros would be impressed. •

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

Small regional golf courses, rural councils and amateur sporting bodies are increasingly turning to Toro Australia for good quality used turf care equipment to stretch already tight budgets. Toro’s Business Manager, Laurence Bingham, said the market for second- hand and used Toro turf equipment had become increasingly popular in recent years. “It’s a market that’s always been solid, but because of the current tight economic times, we are finding there is more demand for good quality machines that may have been traded in,” he said. “We inspect all machinery we get as a trade-in or that is returned to us at the end of a contract or lease period and decide whether they are suitable for the secondhand market. “Some machiner y will be upgraded, some of it serviced and some offered to the market as received. “For smaller golf courses, councils and sporting organisations, buying good quality used machinery that meets their requirements can provide significant savings over new equipment.” One recent purchase was made by Greg and Annie Carter, the owners of the Cockatoo Rise War Veterans Retreat near Bairnsdale in regional Victoria. Greg is a Vietnam veteran and with his wife Annie has developed an18-hole golf course on the 50 acre property, making it available to fellow war veterans and their partners. They recently purchased a second-hand Toro Groundsmaster 3280 ride-on mower to replace a tractor-pulled mower they had been using to keep the fairways and greens under control. “It’s enabled me to cut mowing time down from just over three days to around a day, while the zero turn capabilities means it’s far easier to mow around trees,”

Mr Carter said. “It’s also improved the quality of the fairways.” Mr Carter, a self-confessed golfing tragic, said he had developed the course following a suggestion from Annie. “We were sitting outside one evening and Annie said I should build myself a golf hole near the house so I could hit some balls,” he said. “I worked out what would make a good par four hole. When I got to where the green would be, I saw what would be a good parfive nearby. I ended up designing 27 holes. “Since then Annie and I have planted more than 1400 trees along the fairways and have turf greens, although they are pretty rough. “It’s a course that is designed more for fun for veterans and diggers than as a serious test of golfing ability. “However, it had reached the stage where we required better equipment to maintain and improve the course. I spoke to local Toro representative, Dean Hill, and he kept an eye out for a suitable second hand machine which he was able to provide at a significantly reduced price.” Mr Hill said a Toro Groundsmaster that had been used on a metropolitan golf course, had been traded in by a contractor on a new machine and was perfect for what the Carters required. “I had previously spoken to Greg and seen the course and had a pretty good idea of what was needed,” Mr Hill said. “We did a bit of work on the machine that was traded in and tidied it up a bit, before selling it to them.” Mr Hill said the second-hand market was growing and provided many small country courses with the opportunity to purchase metropolitan course quality machines at significantly reduced cost. •

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your voice

Letter of the Month In response to ‘55 is too young’ (Frank Ward OAM Issue 94 May 2013), I agree with Frank there should be a rule change, to allow all golfers to equally enjoy the game of golf and to be competitive enough, to win the occasional ball or club voucher. As a ‘Baby Boomer’, I have just retired and joined my local Vets group for Tuesday competitions. With a clear mind and good physical health, I have enjoyed a high level of success in the competitions. The Vets group have been very generous in their acceptance of the new ‘whipper snapper’. Recently in a fourball with two octogenarians and a nonagenarian, I was humbly towelled up by one of the octogenarians. Later in a 4BBB with the same nonagenarian, I noticed with dismay, that he regularly picked his ball up on the long par 5’s before we’d reached the 150m to the green markers, grumbling ‘Your hole mate’. Clearly on these holes he was not enjoying himself, whereas, on the relatively shorter par 4’s and the par 3’s, he was competitive and enjoying the game.

Dropgate: Tiger was wronged

As a serial spectator of PGA events I am extremely disturbed at the situation and comments concerning Tiger Woods that, to me, grossly and unfairly have branded him and his caddy, as cheats, and brought the integrity of the PGA and its rules into question. Tiger Woods’ first shot, if not for the flagstick, would have either gone in, or been within one or two meters of the hole and a possible birdie. The flagstick however intervened as an “obstruction” that, had Tiger been close to the green, could have been removed. Because his ball hit this “obstruction”, deflecting into the water he obtained a penalty rather than a free drop without penalty. The cost to him at this point was really two strokes. Because he had no opportunity to remove the flagstick the rules of golf should have provided relief without penalty, minimising but not eliminating damage done for reasons beyond the player’s control. As for Tiger’s drop: Rule 26-1provides two options for relief (a & b): Play as near as possible to the spot from which the ball was last played, or drop a ball behind the water hazard (in line) – with no limit how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped. Tiger could have also used a designated drop zone. To me, Tiger decided under 26-1-b. He looked at the place from where he first hit the ball and moved some two meters further back (in-line). Rule 26 does not define, when hitting (in-line), a minimum-restrictive in terms of from where “the ball was last played”. What is the limit distance if two meters is not far enough? To me, Tiger’s reasoning that he played correctly was valid. At his level of skill hitting from the same spot only again brought the risk and “obstruction” again into play. He moved two meters further away from that spot (in-line) for valid and defendable reason only to incur a belated two-stroke penalty. 88

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

My two suggestions to Golf Australia are: • Allow male golfers over 80 years of age, the option of using the female tees in competitions, and/or; • Allow the maximum HCP for male golfers over 80 years of age to rise to 45. The adoption of one or both of these changes would enhance the enjoyment of golf for the octogenarians and increase their self esteem. If I am still playing golf and enjoying the game in 30 years time, I will be a very happy man. Steve Holmes

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!

The next day the Committee issued a penalty but no disqualification. In good grace Tiger Woods, stating a belief that he played correctly, accepted the penalty. Commentators called for him to disqualify himself – what sort of call to amateur theatrics is this within a professional sporting environment? Brian Fallon Editor’s note: Thanks for the feedback Brian. Your comments are consistent with what some other readers have said. However, there is still some confusion surrounding the ruling, so perhaps we can shed some light on it: 1. Flagstick: You may be surprised to know that Rule 17-1 allows you to have the flagstick attended, removed or held up prior to playing a shot from anywhere on the course. (Though your playing partners may not be keen to oblige if you ask them to walk ahead and remove it prior to an 180m approach!) So Tiger could have had the flagstick removed prior to his shot. 2. Tiger’s shot cleared the water hazard, deflected off the flagstick and then entered the water from the other side, and at an angle. Thus, under 26-1-b, dropping it as far back from the hazard while keeping the point at which the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard directly between the hole and the drop spot-would have taken him to another part of the hole, nowhere near where the original shot had been played. As that option—as well as the drop zone option—were not appealing to Tiger, he chose to play under 26-1-a. And since he basically admitted that he was not playing “as close as possible” to the original shot, he incurred the penalty. (The “as close as possible” is a bit arbitrary, yes, but that is to allow a player to use his/her best judgement if, for example, there is no divot to see where the shot was played from.) You’re not alone in your confusion, so take heart. The rule book is so full of rules and decisions that even the professionals have difficulty, as we see.

True colours

TPC Sawgrass: Tiger drops incorrectly (AGAIN) Having watched more than once the final round of the TPC event and seen the wayward waterbound drive by Tiger Woods at the 14th hole I find it inconceivable that he even contemplated taking the penalty third shot from the position shown on TV. Even the American commentator challenged the location for the penalty relief. The overhead aerial filming of the path taken by the ball into the water hazard very clearly shows the ball crossing the hazard line only once at a point just forward of the tee box which is a long way back from where the penalty shot was actually taken on a very difficult hole. How he convinced his playing partner to agreeing that the ball had crossed at the more forward location is beyond me. Following the “Dropgate” saga at The Masters, the integrity of the game has once more been tarnished by T.W. PS. You are to be commended on a very informative & interesting publication. (Name withheld by request)

As an avid golfer for 35 years I have seen written complaints and listened to many members complaining of the pace of play, whether it be in club competition or just social play. As we have a governing body, Golf Australia, I would like to see them engage with golf clubs all over the country and look at ways of adopting a uniform standard or code governing pace of play. An area I have seen myself of which could assist somewhat, would be having the fairway distance markers colour-coded and the flag/pin colour coded e.g.: distance markers Blue-200m, Red-150m, White-100m and flag/pin Red-Front, WhiteMiddle, Yellow-Back, if this was uniform across the country we would not have to be referring to cards or other forms of reference to gauge our distances to the green. I remember when there were not distance markers or devices to aid us but if we are able to have a common standard for all clubs I think we would all be better served in our continued approach to improving the game overall. Gary Rose

15 16

21 22

25 26

Crossword Across

1. British player who won the 1970 US Open, Tony _______ (7) 5. Left-handed New Zealander, Sir Bob, who has won many titles on the Champions Tour (7) 9. Leading lady golfer who retired from professional golf in 2008 (9) 10. Former petrol company (5) 11. Requirement (4) 12. Runner-up to Darron Stiles at the 2008 NZ PGA Championship (5,5) 13. Club used on a green (6) 15. One transferred in (8) 16. A child’s father (3) 17. Employed (8) 19. Golf clubs (6) 22. Those expected to win (10) 23. Aussie golfer on the Web.com tour in 2013, ____ Flanagan (4) 26. Dark (5) 27. Veteran Australian who tied for fifth at the 2010 US PGA (9) 28. A feature of many picturesque golf courses (7) 29. Possibly describing the stature of Craig Parry (7)

Down

1. Australian who finished third at the 2013 US Masters, _____ Day (5) 2. Accurate (7) 3. Route towards a hole (4) 4. Aussie winner of the 2009 Canadian Open, ______ Green (6) 5. Joined together (8) 6. Winner of the 2013 US Masters (4,5) 7. Winner of The Open Championship in 1997, Justin _______ (7) 8. These rotate during a golf swing (9) 13. Baggy trousers worn by Rodger Davis and Stewart Payne (4-5) 14. Proper behaviour on the golf course (9) 15. Down in the dumps (3) 16. Bowling style (8) 18. Imply, entail, make necessary (7) 20. Winner of the 2010 LPGA Championship, _______ Kerr (7) 21. Lose strength (6) 24. Winner of the 2009 Travelers Championship, _____ Perry (5) 25. An unforeseen obstacle (4)

Crossword answers page 93

your voice “The Good” was great! I write from the best retirement village in Australia with our own 9-hole golf course (with the worst potholes in golf history.) That aside, I have just read your article “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (May issue). Whilst I always enjoy your writing, this one is tops. Well said. The whole lot, but especially re TV viewers...what a travesty! Then again, love it or hate it, TV is super powerful. The Australian Tennis Open cannot start the final before the Channel Director gives the nod...and so it goes. Keep up your views, we readers appreciate all of it. In fact, I am taking the magazine today to give all our players the pleasure of reading the article over the cuppa or glass after our game. Lurline Stock Editor’s note: Thanks Lurline!

becoming the first female professional golfer to play at the US Masters! David Jenkins

Green shoes

The pros and cons of turning pro

Recently, I was in a shoe shop having great difficulties deciding between the slightly cheaper, brown shoes or the more expensive green shoes, both I loved. The shop assistant and another customer were helping with the pros and cons of both. In the conversation it came up that I played golf. Anyway, in the end I said “I’ll take the brown pair, please, and if I ever have a hole in one, I’ll come back and buy the green pair”. Low and behold, less than a week later, I had my first hole in one! I was playing with my daughter, and it was a special moment. Thank you, ‘Green Shoes’, I now wear them with pride and great memories. Sonia Hartley

After finishing third in the women’s Australian Open and becoming the youngest winner of a European Tour Event at the New Zealand Women’s Open in Christchurch, 15-year-old Lydia Ko says she will turn professional in a couple of years. She will be playing in all the majors this year by way of invitation, but when she does turn pro she gives up the invitations that come to her so she would have to earn her way into those fields. To date, Ko has forgone $500,000 in earnings to remain an amateur, and can’t sign any endorsement deals. One person who is probably hoping that she turns pro ASAP is her caddy Stephen Mowbray. She has a desire to attend college in the United States but should this be forgone by turning pro now? The LPGA has a minimum age requirement of 18 that would have to be waived. Or should she enjoy her teenage years and avoid the pressure of the LPGA tour? So what would you do if you were 15 and in her shoes? If she was your daughter, as a parent what would you advise your daughter to do? Maybe one day Ko will beat Michelle Wie in

The club pro is vanishing from the golfing scene like water rushing up the beach. Golf club pros used to be men who had played golf for a living and now want to settle down and earn their livelihood passing on their expertise to club golfers. Today’s club pro has likely never played professionally and probably cannot shoot under par on his own course. His handicap although rated as scratch is a 1, 2, or 3. Younger A grade club golfers delight in taking the friendly golf wager on the few times the “pro “ gets to leave his shop. The average age of most members club golfers will be 62+ and as these current participants through natural mortality disappear so will the position of the club pro. We are living in the digital age of computers and purchasing online. Younger golfers do not buy their equipment from pro shops with limited stock choices, they search worldwide web sites for the enormous savings to be had. The shipping companies FedEx, UPS etc are phenomenal delivering your new toys in a matter of a days from anywhere in the world.

The disappearing pro

Not many golfers get clubs repaired from a golf proshop they simply get a new club replacement from the manufacturer of their set. Who remembers bottle openers, hat check girls, fedora hats for men, yes even fountain pens? All gone. Made redundant by a changing world. The golf pro is the first to arrive at the club and the last to leave. You can always tell if the pro is on duty because his 10-year-old car is parked in the reserved parking bay. Look at the new models the members are driving and you see the big divide in remuneration. Golfers not yet born will never see a golf pro as we now do, they will hear stories about the good old days from their grandfathers. Golf pros like old soldiers will simply fade away. Chuck Gard

Get with the times Well, the time has finally arrived. Golf clubs have come to the reality that something dire needs to be done. I have been harping on forever that the authorities need to do something to arrest the decline in numbers playing this great game. It all start from the top; Golf Australia, down. We need to get rid of the snob mentality that permeates this great game. It may have been OK in the early nineties when golf clubs had members queuing to join waiting lists, but no longer. Greg Norman was the undisputed charismatic world # 1. The AGU, the governing body at the time had a cast of thousands on the staff and hierarchy travelled the world like the chosen being pulled along on Greg’s coat tails, they thought this free ride would last forever. Well, we have to start marketing to get young people playing this great game. Just go back a few short years, golf club members had to wear socks pulled up (sometimes in 35-degree heat) and God forbid if the length of your shorts crept over your knee, the resident “clothes Nazi” would pounce on you and report you to the committee for this heinous indiscretion. How do you expect the young affluent independent youngster of today

to comply with these dictums? But management has persisted with this antiquated ethos and has driven golf membership into the doldrums. Another issue that needs be addressed is the role of the club GM and CEO; many have done very little for the good on the game. I have seen GM’s and CEO’s of golf clubs get newlyappointed positions at clubs because they were employed at a so-called more prestigious club. What sense does this make? We need dynamic young vibrant marketing people who are up-to-date with what kids want, not just recycled managers who have done very little for the game, whose method of attracting more members is to try to poach current golf members from the neighboring clubs or sell a bit of land to escape the current financial bind. And just on that issue, Golf Australia have recently appointed Kerrie Ann Kennerley, a 59-year-old ex-TV personality to the board. With due respect to Miss Kennerley what pull or attraction would Miss Kennerley have to entice young people to the game? Again, we need young vibrant people to entice the younger generation to the game. Golf club management and Golf Australia have proven the that they are inept in growing the game and so it is time for a vibrant new approach to the game, get all the old fogies to move over and get with the 21st Century. John Lyons Editor’s note: Thanks John. While your points are valid for some clubs, keep in mind that there are heaps of excellent GM’s and CEO’s out there who are doing a fantastic job. We feature these great individuals and their clubs every month in Inside Golf. And as for Golf Australia (etc), sure, not every decision or approach has been on the mark (or popular among golfers), but many decisions are spot on. Mrs Kennerley, for example, should be great to help promote, say, women’s golf (which is a rapidly growing segment). All that aside, we agree that tomorrow’s golfers won’t abide by yesterday’s customs (see many of my Page 5 articles online, or in back issues). And the clubs that embrace the 21st century are the ones that will thrive.

Around the Traps

Feeling ‘flushed’: Taking a drop…in the loo?

We’ve heard of “nearest point of relief”, but this is a bit wacky. In the quarterfinals of the Volvo World Match Play event in Bulgaria, Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts hit a wayward tee shot that flew over a toilet block, into a red-staked hazard. In determining the drop location from the hazard, the rules official determined that the nearest point of relief was actually INSIDE the toilet block. After taking the drop (which rolled under the basin), Colsaerts was then given further ”relief” from the toilet, and proceeded to drop in a grassy spot short of the block, before chipping onto the green.

Raise a glass to Kevie We get a lot of emails about great comp scores, but this one was a bit special. Mt Coolum Golf Club’s Kevin “KR” Smith scored a very solid +8 in a Vs Par comp recently. While the score is certainly impressive in its own right, it was made even more so by the fact that it was on ANZAC Day,

John and Geoff Banting (centre) with the Windsor Masters Pennant Team

All in the family Of course, this has already begun to spark all sorts of toilet humour, including “he’s feeling flushed”, “his game has gone in the toilet”, “hitting a $#!^ shot” and the like. View the video on our website: www.insidegolf.com.au/?p=9627 • and Kevin had gotten up for the Dawn Service and, being ex-army, raised a glass (or a few) of his favoured VB to fellow diggers. We’re told that KR is a venerable volunteer at the club who does the finishing for most of the comps, and has taken over the role of chef for the Mt Coolum Working Bee, where he volunteers his time every week. Good on ya Kev! •

When Windsor’s Masters Pennant Team began its season recently, a rare and unique event took place: a father and son played together in the same team which requires its members to be 50 years of age and above. John Banting, at 74, was proud to welcome to the team his recently-turned 50-year-old son Geoff. John has played in the Windsor Masters Pennant team for many years now and currently plays off a 7 handicap while Geoff, who manages to play once a week regularly, is on a handicap of 8. Both John and Geoff were selected to represent Windsor in its first match against Springwood. Unfortunately for Windsor,

Springwood proved too strong, winning narrowly on its home course by 4 1/4 matches to 3 1/4. For the record, John won his match, while Geoff was defeated in his. A great effort nevertheless and worthy of congratulations to both men. Note: While it may be extremely rare for Fathers and Sons to play together on a Masters Pennant team, it’s a common occurrence every November in the annual “Australian Father & Son Open Golf Championship”. See this month’s calendar section for more, or visit www.australianfatherandsongolf.com •

www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

last word

Just another manic Monday

The quick nine quiz With David Newbery 1. Who is the defending US Open champion?

Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

2. Which course will host the 2013 US Open? 3. In what year did Australian Geoff Ogilvy win the US Open? 4. Four players hold the record for the most US Open victories with four each. Can you name two of the four players? I’m going to break another household inanimate object. Against my better judgement, and the fact that my raisin toast has just popped, I decide to firm up, hang my emotions on the line for another beating and sit through the whole experience yet again. With 9 holes to go, Angel Cabrera is doing everything right and is 9-under, three clear of Adam Scott and Jason Day. Adam seems to have swapped his Scotty Cameron Broomstick for one he bought at Bunnings and Jason Day has stumbled with bogeys at 6 and 9, after bursting out of the blocks like Usain Bolt being chased by Oscar Pistorius. Marc Leishman is one back of his compatriots at 5-under and I’m thinking it’s safe to visit the toilet. Not only did something substantial occur in my en-suite but the second I return to the coverage Angel Cabrera decides not to play the back nine, but try and devour it. After bogeying the 10th, parring the 11th and 12th, I swear the big Argentinean has one foot completely out of his shoe as he attempts to physically assault a drive off the 13th tee. It results in a spectacular bogey and me running to the kitchen for a calming crumpet. While all this is going on, Jason Day has finally found

a way to get from his pre-shot routine to the actual ball, resulting in birdies on 13, 14 and 15! It’s difficult to see from between my fingers but I manage to pick up Day miss-clubbing on 16 and 17 leaving him now one behind a resurgent Angel Cabrera and golf’s version of Leonardo Decaprio, Adam Scott. Scotty has exactly the same putt on 18 that Norman had in 1987 but unlike Shark’s ball, Adam’s goes in! He throws his arms in the air and shouts “C’mon Aussie!”. I throw my arms in the air, knock over a lamp and spill Fortissio Lungo over my pajamas! Could this be the year? Cabrera is the only person left who could ruin another Masters for me and for all intents and purposes does just that with a birdie on 18. I’m on the lounge peering over a cushion as Cabrera’s chip shot slips agonizingly past the edge on the first play-off hole. Now I’m behind the lounge, peering over the top as Adam Scott stands over a 15-footer for victory..... He makes it!! Australian Sporting History is made!....Adam if you’re reading this, Thank you. Next time you’re in Aus, I would love to have you over to my place for a nice Dalsao do Brasil. •

5. Who was the first Australian to win the US Open? 6. What is the prizemoney for this year’s US Open – $US6.5m, $US7m, $7.5m, $8m or $US8.5m? 7. Which country did the inaugural (1895) US Open winner represent – England, Scotland, Ireland or America? 8. Who was the first amateur to win the US Open – Bobby Jones, Chick Evans, Francis Ouimet or Larry Canning? 9. How much money did the winner of the inaugural US Open collect in 1895 – $50, $100, $150 or $300. ANSWERS: (1). Webb Simpson; (2). Merion Golf Club; (3). 2006; (4). Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus; (5). David Graham in 1981; (6). $US8m; (7). England (Horace Rawlins); (8). Francis Ouimet – 1913 champion; (9). $150.

The 15th April 2013 started just like any other Masters Monday. The alarm went off at 4 am and I hit the “give me 10 more minutes” button, in anticipation of a beautiful romantic moment with my wife followed by an exciting morning of the US Masters golf coverage. 4.10am: The alarm wakes me up again (oops), and I begin wondering what the weather is like at Augusta. 4.30ish am: I turn to my beloved Nespresso machine hoping it still loves me after I tried to sneak a cheap Woolworths coffee pod into its mechanism a couple of days earlier. If you own a coffee- making appliance, you’ll understand the strange, intimate bond that can develop between the two of you. The beautiful aroma filling the kitchen, first thing in the morning. The sound of rich, creamy espresso coffee falling into your favourite mug. That seductive little red light that comes on and says “I’m ready...come and take me”. One morning I realised it had gone a little too far when my wife pointed out that was the third time I had polished my Nespresso in an hour....and that I was naked. 4.45am: I’ve taken up my Masters posture on the lounge with a beautiful cup of Fortissio Lungo in my left hand and the remote in my right. As expected, we have a couple of Aussies in the mix. No less than three convict descendents are floating about the leaderboard this year. This can only mean one thing... it’s going to hurt me even more when some dude, who we probably won’t ever be seen again, chips in from behind Butler Cabin or bounces one off Hootie Johnson, to rip the green jacket off one of our lads and

The Winter Invitation Package

$75.00pp

Offer Includes: • 18 Holes of Golf • Shared Use of Electric Cart • Sleeve of Callaway Golf Balls • Canadian Club Draft with Lunch* Valid from 1st June 2013 - 31st August 2013

www.twincreeksgolf.com.au | Twin Creeks Drive, Luddenham NSW | Clubhouse: (02) 9670 8888 90

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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

Day

Callaway Date

Time

New South Wales Toukley Golf Club*

Saturday

June 01

9am - 2pm

Illawarra Golf Complex*

Monday

June 03

10am - 2pm

Bathurst Driving Range* Tuesday June 04

10am - 3pm

Mudgee Golf Club* Wednesday June 05 11am - 4pm Dubbo Golf Club* Thursday June 06 11am - 4pm Duntry League Golf Club* Friday June 07

9am - 1pm

Concord Golf Club* Tuesday June 11

1 - 5pm

Castle Hill Country Club* Wednesday June 12

10am - 4pm

Elanora Country Club* Thursday June 13

9am - 2pm

Narrabeen Driving Range† Thursday June 13

4 - 7pm

Mona Vale Golf Club* Friday June 14

8am - 1pm

Chatswood Golf Club* Monday June 17

11am - 4pm

Tura Beach Country Club* Tuesday June 18

1 - 5pm

Catalina Country Club* Tuesday June 18

9am - 1pm

Queanbeyan Golf Club* Wednesday June 19

9am - 2pm

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club* Wednesday June 19

9am - 12pm

Eden Gardens Golf Club* Wednesday June 19

1pm - 5pm

Canberra Int Driving Range† Wednesday June 19

4 - 7pm

Narooma Golf Club* Thursday June 20

8am - 12pm

Mollymook Golf Club* Friday June 21

9am - 2pm

Oatlands Golf Club* Monday June 24

1pm - 5pm

Ryde Parramatta Golf Club* Tueday June 25

12 - 5pm

New South Wales Golf Club* Wednesday June 26

10am - 3pm

Avondale Golf Club* Thursday June 27

8am - 1pm

Thornliegh Golf Centre* Thursday June 27

4 - 7pm

Camden Lakeside Golf Club* Friday June 28

9am - 2pm

Queensland The Grand* ** °

Saturday

June 01

9am - 12pm

Victoria Park Golf Complex* °

Tuesday

June 04

5.30 - 7.30pm

Brisbane Golf Club* ** °

Wednesday

June 05

10am - 2pm

Sanctuary Cove* ** °

Thursday

June 06

12 - 2pm

McLeod GC* °

Saturday

June 08

10am - 1pm

Horton Park GC* °

Wednesday

June 12

10.30am - 1pm

Parkwood International †

Thursday

June 13

4 - 7pm

House of Golf Bundall* °

Friday

June 14

1 - 5pm

Wantima GC †

Wednesday

June 16

9 - 12pm

Headland GC * °

Wednesday

June 19

9.30am - 12.30pm

Mr Tees Driving Range †

Friday

June 21

2 - 5pm

Drummond Golf Maroochydore * °

Monday

June 24

10am - 2pm

Palm Meadows †

Friday

June 28

1 - 5pm

Settlers Run Golf & Country Club*

Saturday

June 01

10am -3pm

Metropolitan Golf Club*

Wednesday

June 05

Victoria

10am - 2pm

Melbourne Golf Academy † Wednesday June 05

4 - 7pm

Victoria Golf Club*

Thursday

June 06

10am -2pm

Green Acres Golf Club*

Friday

June 07

1 - 5pm

Heidelberg Golf Club*

Wednesday

June 12

10am - 2pm

Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range † Thursday June 13

4 - 7pm

Commonwealth Golf Club*

Saturday

June 15

10am -2pm

Yarra Yarra Golf Club*

Wednesday

June 19

10am -2pm

Sandringham Golf Range*

Wednesday

June 19

5 - 7pm

Drummond Golf Driving Range † Wednesday June 05

3 - 6pm

South Australia

Flagstaff Hill Golf Club*

Sunday

June 16

11am - 3pm

McCraken Golf Club †

Saturday

June 22

8.15am - 12pm

Western Australia June 06 Hartfield Golf Club † Thursday

10.30am - 1pm

June 12 10am - 1pm Pinjarra Golf Club † Wednesday

* Appointment Only. ** Members Only. °Ping fitting day. † Demo day. ‡ Callaway fitting day. Demo dates subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you contact venue before attending.

www.callawaygolf.com

Location

Day

New South Wales Nelson Bay Golf Club * ‡ Castle Hill Country Club † Newcastle Golf Club * ‡ Moore Park Driving Range † Pymble Golf Club * ** ‡ Links @ Shell Cove Golf Club * ‡ Canterbury Golf Course * ‡ Queensland Victoria Park Golf Complex † Proserpine Golf Club † Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club † Cairns Golf Club † Paradise Palms Country Club † Mossmon Golf Club † Mackay Driving Range † Gladstone Golf Club † Parkwood International Golf Club † Victoria / Tasmania Lonsdale Golf Club * ‡ Melbourne Golf Academy † Gisborne Golf Club * ‡ Drummond Golf Hoppers Crossing * ‡ Kooringal Golf Club * ‡ Yering Meadows * ‡ Morack Public Golf Course * ‡ Long Island Country Club * ‡ Patterson River Country Club * ‡ Drouin Golf Club * ‡ Riverside Golf and Tennis Ascot Vale * ‡ Western Australia Spalding Park Golf Club † South Australia Drummond Golf Driving Range †

Mizuno Location

Date

Time

Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

June 04 June 05 June 05 June 20 June 25 June 26 June 27

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

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Wednesday Thursday Thursday

June 04 June 05 June 06 June 07 June 08 June 09 June 12 June 13 June 13

5:30pm -7:30pm 2pm - 5pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 10am - 4pm 8am - 10am 4am - 7pm 1pm - 5pm 4am -7pm

Saturday Wednesday Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday Thursday Thursday

June 01 June 05 June 07 June 08 June 12 June 13 June 13 June 20 June 21 June 27 June 27

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

Friday

June 21

11am - 4pm

Wednesday

June 05

3pm - 6pm

mizuno.com.au

Day

Date

Time

New South Wales Thornleigh G.C.* Tuesday June 04 4 - 7pm Concord G.C.* ** Tuesday June 11 1 - 5pm The Ridge G.C* Wednesday June 12 4 - 7pm Drummond Golf - North Mead* Thursday June 13 4 - 7pm Northern Beaches G.C. Thursday June 13 4 - 7pm Helensburgh Driving Range* Monday June 17 11am - 3pm Golf Paradise Terrey Hills Tuesday June 18 5 - 7pm Bonnie Doon G.C.* Wednesday June 19 10am - 2pm Drummond Golf Camperdown* Thursday June 20 4 - 7pm Long Reef G.C* Friday June 21 10am - 2pm Moore Park G.C* Tuesday June 25 4 - 7pm Drummond Golf - Dee Why* Thursday June 27 4 - 7pm Queensland Tewantin Noosa G.C Tuesday June 04 9am - 12.30pm Rockhampton G.C. Thursday June 06 9am - 12pm Biloela G.C. Sunday June 09 8am - 1pm Victoria Park G.C.* Tuesday June 11 5 - 7pm Parkwood G.C.* Thursday June 13 4 - 7pm Virginia G.C. Friday June 14 1 - 4pm\ Palm Meadows G.C.* Friday June 28 2 - 5pm Western Australia Sun City G. C.* ** Saturday June 08 10am - 2pm Mount Lawley G.C.* ** Wednesday June 12 10am - 2pm Royal Perth G.C.* ** Wednesday June 19 10am - 2pm Wembley G.C Wednesday June 26 4 - 8pm South Australia Drummond Driving Range* Wednesday June 05 3 - 6pm www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2013

golf directory

Yamba Golf & Country Club features an 18 hole championship golf course, located right in the heart of Yamba. • 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 • Stay and Play Packages available

“you give up things when you buy a Kahma Golf Bag” • clanging clubs • damaged irons • worn graphite shafts • frustration finding the right iron Patented Softgrip Technology

From the inventors of the Caddyrack

GET ORGANISED WITH

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

www.kahmagolf.com

THREE COURSE SPECIAL

Only $290

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

TWO COURSE SPECIAL

Only $195

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

MOSSMAN

Only $49

Includes Fees & Transfers

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

A ROU

Clubs and other packages available on request.

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

RAD

w w w. p o r t d o u g l a s g o l f t o u r s . c o m . a u 92

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

golf directory

Port Stephens Golfing Holidays Golf & Accommodation from only $70 per day 9 16 Golf courses including Horizons, Nelson Bay, Newcastle, Muree, Tanilba, Cypress Lakes, Pacific Dunes, The Vintage, by boat to Hawks Nest & others 9 Play any day & with any number of people 9 Golf & accommodation from a choice of motels, hotels, units & resorts

www.facebook.com/golfpsgh

T: 02 4984 9618 | M: 0428 820 477 | info@psgh.com.au | www.psgh.com.au

pp $208 From share twin eek w mid

Benalla Golf Club

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

GOLFING IN VANUATU Let us design a golfing holiday to suit all your individual needs, Including: Accommodation at The Hub Boutique Apartments, centrally located, only 15 minutes from the Golf Course and conveniently close to shops and Port Vila’s great restaurants Golf Club competition days or just leisure golfing Organised transfers Activities & Day Trips to explore the South Pacific way of life

Ph: +678 5425373 E: info@thehubvanuatu.com

www.thehubvanuatu.com

Golf Cart Slowing Down?

LADIES MEMBERSHIP OPEN

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

No Nomination Fee (Save $440)

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.

Ladies Competitions every Saturday from 9am till 11am and Tuesday from 8am till 9am. Friday and Sunday Open Medley Competitions. Subscription year is 1st October till 30th September. 36 Hole Club including 3 practise putting greens, 100m pitching green with bunkers, 250m driving range and fully licensed 1 level air conditioned clubhouse

30 DaY

Nudgee Golf Club Incorporated 1207 Nudgee Road NUDGEE QLD 4014 Phone: 07 3267 7744 E-mail: golf@nudgeegolf.com.au www.nudgeegolf.com.au

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

SatISfaCtIoN GUaraNtEE or YoUr MoNEY BaCK.

Crossword Answers J A C K L I A O I S O R E N S O R E N E E D D C P U T T E R L T U T I L I S S N Q F A V O U R O O E U N L I T R V T S C E N E R

N C H A A O D T A M A H B M A V I D S N N C S E C O D A D T E D S T L W I T E S V A S E L K I N R E A Y N U G

R L E M O N M A R N D I N G G

E S H C O U I L D E E R C K S R I C K S E T O N I N E T Y

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 | June 2013

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.

MERIMBULA ★★★★

Luxury AccommodAtion opposite pAmbuLA-merimbuLA GoLf cLub

"Only 60 metres from the 1st tee"

1-7 Oceanview Ave, Merimbula NSW P: M: E: W:

02 6495 2366 0437 801 270 info@pacificheights.com.au www.pacificheights.com.au

180 Arthur Kaine Drive Merimbula

Twin share

per person 3 nights

• Green fees at Pambula/Merimbula, Tura, Eden & Bega Courses • Self contained accommodation • Breakfast to room • Free usage of Resort facilities • Dinner charge back facilities available at Pambula/Merimbula Golf Club's Restaurant or Wheeler's Seafood Restaurant next door

ph: debbie/peter on (02) 6495 6000 or fax 02) 6495 1411

•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

Mike McGuire & Yumi Yoshida

www.fairwaymotorinn.com.au

FROM

Sapphire Coast Merimbula

$380

$135

Now fully refurbished “stay and play in style and comfort.”

South CoaSt touriSm award for the best moteL

Spectacular

from

per person per night

Phone (02) 9773 0628 Enquiries: info@bankstowngolf.com.au

›› Hole Out

Play & Stay Packages

$525 P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

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

Clearwater Noosa

Courses: The Hunter Valley Golf & Country Club; The Vintage; Cypress Lakes; Stonebridge; Newcastle; Pacific Dunes; Horizons and Kooindah Waters.

Hunter Valley Wine Country Golf PaCkaGes Take advantage of our Winter Stay & Play midweek specials starting from $250pp for 2 rounds of golf with carts; 2 nights twin share accommodation with breakfast at the Hunter Valleys iconic Potters Hotel Brewery Resort Golf Packages Include • 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

All Around the Vines 22 Branxton St Nulkaba, NSW Phone: 0459 145 065 or Email: enquiries@allaroundthevines.com.au

Play & Stay for $120

fro m

ips

bersh em

$220 va

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

ila ble *Conditions apply

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

www.casinogolfclub.com.au

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

golf directory

Cobram-Barooga Golf View Motel

Golf Packages “On Course at Duntryleague”

2 Day MiD Week Package

“Rowan Cottage” is your ideal golfing destination located next door to the famous Duntryleague Guest House.

On cOurse accOMMODatiOn & incluDes:

• 2 Nights in Spacious Spa Room • 2 Rounds of Golf @ Cobram Barooga with Cart included (valid to 29th Aug 2013) • Continental Breakfast each morning (cooked upgrade $8pp per day) • Meal Vouchers for the Sports Club

Let us tailor your “Stay & Play Package” on Orange’s 3 Golf Courses: • Duntryleague • Wentworth Golf Club • Orange Ex-Services Country Club

$215pp TWIN Share

Our Signature PaCkage

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

INCLUDeS CarT

179 Golf Course Road Barooga only valid to 2 9/8/13 Barooga, NSW Australia, 3644 Phone (03) 5873 4555 or Fax +61 5873 4556 www.baroogagolfview.com.au | info@baroogagolfview.com.au

Contact John on 0417 651 084 or Maureen 0417 651 005 Phone: (02) 6362 9146 • Email: rowancottage@live.com.au

TOURS TO SUIT EVERY NE

t Play to or better your handicap and win a dozen golf balls t Challenge Winner best nett score receives shirt, Plaque & Division winner t 6 NTP win 3 balls on each t Break 80 nett to win a ball

Are you up to the challenge?

$59pp per day (min 6 share 3 bedroom cottage)

Let us organise your Gold Coast golf tours Hassle Free

Blue Marker Challenge

Played the last Friday of each month

• 3 days of golf (1 on each course) • 2 nights accommodation

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

Only $30 for visitors

Carts available for hire all bookings through the

Pro Shop

(02) 6680 1008 Or visit

www.oceanshorescc.com.au Orana Rd, Ocean Shores NSW Ph (02) 6680 1008 Fx (02) 6680 1721

1300 26 20 55 | www.golfaccom.com.au info@golfaccom.com.au

Only 30 minutes South of Coolangatta and 15 minutes North of Byron Bay

Aquarius R

MAGIC MERIMBULA This is the most popular package on the Sapphire Coast, it gets booked out early - don't miss out

• 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/ Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega, and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort. • 6 nights accommodation in a 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment (linen supplied). • 6 FREE fully cooked poolside breakfasts, buffet style.

Packages starting from:

• Free use of resort facilities, indoor gas heated pool, sauna & spa, full size tennis court, BBQ area and outdoor pool. • Large Groups Welcome

Phone Toll Free 1800 688 881 Ring toll free for free brochure

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

$489*pp / 2 Share $399*pp / 3 Share $379*pp / 4 Share *Conditions apply

aquariusresort@netspeed.com.au Crn Dunns Lane & Arthur Kaine Drv, MERIMBULA NSW www.aquarius-resort.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | June 2013

golf directory

Play anytime - No waiting

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB

Howeston Golf Course Enquiries welcome

16 Weekdays

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

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

At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

*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

Thailand Golf Holiday 20-26th October 2013 We have chosen the best courses to play & the best hotels to relax in at this great golfing holiday destination

• 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)

AffordAble MeMbership fees AvAilAble

Biondi Crescent, Beerwah admin@beerwahgolfclub.com.au www.beerwahgolfclub.com.au

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

Inside Golf Digital Now available on iPads and iPhones! AUSTRALIA’S

MOST

READ

GOLF

MAGAZINE

InsideGolf BRETT RUMFORD

Cracking the

SUNNY DAYS

Great golf on the Sunshine Coast

code

LEGENDS

Kel Nagle: the popular champion

WITH A NEW CADDIE, A NEW SELF-BELIEF AND NEWLY-REDISCOVERED FORM, AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST CHAMPION SETS HIS SIGHTS SKY HIGH.

TOP TIPS

Are you missing too many short putts?

TECHNOLOGY

PLUS

ON TOUR

Check out the hottest gear for the colder months

We chat with Scott Gardiner

US OPEN PREVIEW

WIN

We tackle Merion Golf Club

ONE OF 10 DOZEN TAYLORMADE LETHAL GOLF BALLS

Stay & Play Joondalup Resort All inclusive packages

$380

Available in iTunes, the App Store or via the Apple Newsstand.

Designing today’s high-tech golf balls

WINTER WARMERS

per couple

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.

Only $0.99 per issue. Or get a full 12-month subscription for only $5.49 Never miss another issue. Check out Inside Golf Digital today! http://bit.ly/HSdId8

InsideGolf

*WINTER SPECIAL* • 3 Games Golf • 3 x $20 Dinner Vouchers • 3 Cooked Breakfasts • 3 Nights Accomodation (twin share) • Total Cost per person $300 (Arriving Sunday, Monday or Tuesday)

Contact michael@murrayrivergolf.com.au or visit our website

www.murrayrivergolf.com.au 96

June 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

T W C E N DU O R P

Over 30,000 Courses preloaded with Hazard and Green information Faster GPS with 67 Channel GPS receiver and 0.5m accuracy Easy to use Shot Distance calculator Tee Time Alarm, Odometer, Stopwatch, Location, and GPS Auto-Off New Adjustable Silicone Sports strap designed for comfort Amazing 12 Hour Battery with GPS, 12 Months battery without GPS

E TL

Stainless Steel buttons and Bezel Legal for tournament play Sealed Waterproof housing, and scratch resistant true mineral crystal lens No Subscription Required

Also available in Black

OU T T EC E A L SE NLIN m T o E A OP O pin.c L B H nLA R S w.o I A O ww AV

Wide range of golf Cars, resort Vehicles, refreshers Shuttles, & Utility Vehicles major brands

Club Car badboy

E-Z-Go Yamaha Cushman

L A N O NAKTUIP SERVICE

BAC

Quality

used Golf Cars

all OF OUr CarS haVe a limited Warranty

hUge priCe range tO SUit any bUdget

We prOVide UpgradeS COnVerSiOnS reFUrbiShmentS

View our Used Cars & Monthly Specials @

www.ezgo.com.au/used-cars For more information or to locate a dealer visit WWW.EZGO.COM.AU QLD (07) 3807 8895 NSW/ACT (02) 9972 7705 WA (08) 9244 1727 SA (08) 8352 6622

VIC (03) 9558 1211 TAS (03) 6248 1481 NT (08) 8946 4480 Fiji (+679) 670 0955

ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE TO GOLF CLUBS

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

TS+ Green box or TS Tour Gold box Individually boxed

Men’s Right hand 64º Flop

$35

$20

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

Srixon AD333 Balls

5 FOR

$45

INC. POSTAGE ANYWHERE IN AUST

dozen

TaylorMade Penta TP5 Balls 5 piece urethane cover

Great for ball comps Distance and control

$49

$14

$168 for 144 balls Individually boxed

$31

dozen

$22

Cleveland CG-16 Wedges Great value Lob, Sand, Gap & Pitching wedges Right & Left hand Half Price

$99

$50 Individually boxed balls

$18

Mens or Ladies Soft Feel 144 Balls for $216

Doz

Pure white or Tour Yellow $216 for 144 Individually boxed

Doz

39g, 43g and 61g Miyazaki shafts Regular & Stiff 10.5º, 9º, 12º and 7.5º lofts Not all variations available Includes cover

SAVE$140

$159

Distance ball with great feel

$168

3 piece ball Long and soft 3 piece quality $168 for 144 Individually boxed

Distance ball with great feel

5 = 24º Loft 4 = 21º Loft 3 = 19º Loft Men’s right hand Regular flex Graphite only Includes cover

$156

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

Cleveland 588 Forged Wedges

SAVE $50

$79

Includes cover

$419

Easy to use irons

½ PRICE!

½ PRICE

$14

Doz

$25

doz

Bulk deal: 144 for $300 incl postage anywhere in Australia

Callaway HX Diablo Balls Soft Feel with distance Individually boxed 144 balls - $240

SAVE $30

$20

$49

TaylorMade RBZ Fairway Heaps to choose from Very successful model

$672

Urethane cover 3 Piece Tour Quality ball

Cleveland Hybrid

Srixon Distance Balls

8 irons 4-SW Matching Regular Flex Steel shafts Right and left hand

Srixon Z-Star Balls

TopFlite Gamer V2

TaylorMade XD balls

per dozen

TaylorMade RBZ Irons

Cleveland Classic Driver

Srixon Q Star Balls

$18

$20 $50

Srixon Soft Feel Ball Sale

All balls individually boxed Tempo - $10/doz Black Max - $12/doz Lady Noodle - $12/doz Mens Noodle - 15 balls - $15

Not many individually boxed (mostly sleeves) Superseded model

Ladies Right hand 56º Sand Graphite Shaft

doz

MaxFli Ball Sale

Bridgestone e6 & e7

Forged & Soft feel Right and left Lob, Sand, Gap and Pitching wedges

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 6 Days

SRIXON ALL WEATHER GLOVES Cleveland CG16 Wedges

OPTIMA Ball Sale

Great for ball competitions Bulk Qty

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

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

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

SAVE$100

$165

doz

Cleveland Fairway Sale FL Men’s & ladies 3, 5, 7 DST Launcher Men’s regular & stiff 3 + 5 Includes cover

½ PRICE

$89