Issue 76 November Inside Golf by Inside Golf

InsideGolf Inside www.insidegolf.com.au

Issue 76 November 2011

KING ISLAND

PREVIEW

AUSTRALIA’S LATEST COURSE ISTAKING SHAPE

THE AUSTRALIAN SUMMER OF GOLF

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STEVE BANN ON GETTING THE BEST VALUE FROM YOUR LESSON

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The Cup runneth RichardFellner NOVEMbER...FiNALLY! For those of us who have been giddy like a schoolgirl for the last year (or more) in anticipation about what is arguably the biggest Australian Summer of Golf in the history of our nation, well, we can finally let out a collective Yippee!/ Wahoo!/Giddy-up! or any number of celebratory cheers that take your fancy. if you’re like us at inside Golf, you will be soaking up every shot from every player on every day of every tournament (yes, we LOVE our golf – especially when it’s here at home.) There is no doubt that The Presidents Cup is the biggest golf event that Australia has seen since...well...the last time the Presidents Cup was here. to say that it’s ‘massive’ is a gross understatement. And while it may not have the rich history or the deep rivalry of The Ryder Cup, it will certainly have all the drama, excitement and those unforgettable moments that can only happen during a teams Matchplay competition. And let’s not forget the excitement of The Emirates Australian Open, The PGA Championship presented by CocaCola and the JbWere Masters (who says corporate sponsorships are dead?!) The world’s top courses hosting some of the

world’s top players...pure gold! At last count (with a flood of announcements coming in at press time), there were around 15 of the world’s top 20 players scheduled to appear at the various tournaments in Australia. With so many of these worldclass golfers on our shores, it hearkens back to the “glory days” of Australian golf, when the Australian Open was considered the “Unofficial Fifth Major”. if you long to re-live those days of glory—or simply experience its sheer brilliance for the first time— then run (don’t walk) to your phone, computer or local ticket outlet and secure your ticket(s) to any of the upcoming events this summer. Watching them on tV is fine, but to truly understand just how freakishly good these players are (not to

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mention feeling “the vibe of the thing”), there is absolutely no substitute for actually being on the course. Standing at the teebox and watching them boom it a country mile; walking with them as they carefully ‘course manage’ their way around a tricky par-5; or even just seeing how they handle a super-slick, double-breaking downhill/sidehill putt – it is truly something special to behold. this may be your best (and last) chance to see this many top players in Australia all at once. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Giddy-up!

Richard Fellner, Editor

The Australian Summer of Golf: The full preview The Presidents Cup: The players, the course, the predictions Tips: Steve bann on getting the best value from your lesson Architecture: A new course for King island

reGUlars: 7 11 18 28 30

News industry News Events Scorecard Junior Golf

44 45 48 51 56

“Where in the World?” GPS Competition

on tHe Cover: 16 32 51 58

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Gear Clubs People tips and instruction Fitness

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inside Your Mind travel 19th hole Demo Day Directory

INSIDE Golf is giving away 5 bushnell neo PLUS GPS units to inside Golf readers. Pre-loaded with 20,000 golf courses worldwide (including 900 Australian courses), The bushnell neo PLUS works straight out of the box, automatically recognising the course you’re on. Simply turn it on in the carpark and it instantly knows where you are. Giving precise distances to front, centre and back of green, as well as up to four hazards per hole, the neo PLUS features an easy-to-use interface, shot distance calculator and up to 16 hours of battery life.

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Simply look at the photo of this spectacular clubhouse. if you were standing at that famous location, and switched on your bushnell neo PLUS GPS unit, what would it say is the name of the golf course you were playing? (hint: it is the host venue for an important event this month!) if you know the answer, visit our Competitions Page on our website (www.insidegolf.com. au/competitions) and enter your response. Five lucky winners will be chosen from the correct entries submitted.

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www.insidegolf.com.au Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Senior Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Contributing Editors: Larry Canning, Mike Orloff, Rob Willis, Peter Croker, Lee Harrington, Stephen Pitt, Brian Thorburn, Warren Sevil, Anne Rollo, Brent German, Glen Whittle, Steve Bann, Richard Nizielski, Ross Perrett, Peter McConnell, Stephen Garrett, Michael Green Design & Layout: Nick Thorn National Sales & Marketing Director: Sam Arthur P: 1300 4653 00 | F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 | E: sam@insidegolf.com.au QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 | E: dg.ross@live.com.au NSW/ACT Sales: Scott Barsby M: 0424 779 199 | E: scott@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M:0402 852 637 E: jon.perrett@bestingolfgroup.com Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 | accounts@insidegolf.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919

PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Cover photos courtesy of USGA, PGA and The Presidents Cup Tournament Office.

It’s ofﬁcial: 41,630 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: April 11–September 11

Distributed to golf clubs, social golf clubs, driving ranges and retailers Australia wide every month

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The winner of our taylorMade Ghost Spider Putter competition is: Graham Voss, VIC

Keep up with us online! Read the entire issue of inside Golf online: www.insidegolf.com.au. Join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/insidegolf, keep up to the minute with our twitter feed (@insideGolf) or if you prefer–drop us a line at ed@insidegolf.com.au

RECENtLY i made some enquiries for a potential booking for a weekend of golf for my Social Golf Club at a well-known Golf Resort. After some negotiations the final costs were agreed and would be in the vicinity of $15,000 for 28 players. One of the “sticky” points was the fact that my Social Golf Club requested an 8 or 9am tee-off on Saturday and Sunday morning. Most of our players would be “socializing” in the clubhouse Saturday afternoon, therefore spending some more money, before settling down for dinner in the evening. Unfortunately, the pro shop could not get the approval of the members to set aside approximately 42 minutes in the morning for our social club to teeoff. No alternative, other than a tee-off time after 1.30 pm was offered. This refusal by the members caused us to cancel our booking. We looked somewhere else and were able to get a booking at a somewhat lesser-known golf club, but this club is now the beneficiary of our funds for that weekend. So, the first mentioned course can afford to forgo $15,000 for a meagre 42 minutes on a Saturday morning. Who said that golf clubs are not going too well? Frans Vogel, via email

Talk about dull

tO play golf you really do need a sense of humour. if the “Federal Golf Rules” JOKE (Sept issue) didn’t leave a smirk on your face, maybe your handicap is slightly high or you took it as personal attack. Can you imagine your playing group consisting of Mr 6.30am & friends? Now that would be ponderous & dull. G. Cahill

The short story on long putters

RE: Long Putters (October issue) i would just like to say if anyone thinks the long putters are the answer to good putting, they are dead wrong. i’ve been using the long putter for over 20 years and i have certainly had my ups and downs with it. You still have to read the breaks and hit it at the right speed to hole a lot of putts. Just because someone has won a major with a long putter, why all of a sudden does this question come up? More tournaments will be won by guys using long putters now that so many players use them. Peter Senior, PGA Professional

Editor’s note:

letter of the month An incident to forget i WAS recently playing the 3rd at Caloundra Golf Club and my approach shot landed on the bank on the side of the green. The grass was fairly long there, and i was pleased to see the golf ball nestled there. i couldn’t verify that it was mine but there being no other ball in sight, i proceeded to lob it onto the green. After playing the shot, i looked up and the ball appeared to be playing tricks in the air. The others in the group burst into laughter as they witnessed “half a ball” spin in the air and move in different directions on the green. i took a 2 shot penalty and then found my ball next to a tree at the bottom of the bank. Unfortunately for me that day, the club barman was in the group, so the whole club soon heard the story! in the next Caloundra Golf Club Newsletter,

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the following verse appeared: Now a half buried ball would make most golfers flinch, But not so that day our hero John Lynch. A ball in the rough is not easily found, Especially our John’s buried half in the ground. “I had better not move it to see if it’s mine, I don’t want to incur a 2 shot penalty fine!” Our hero swung slow and our hero swung high, Expecting to see his ball fly high in the sky. So he swung at this ball without any fear, And waited to see his brand-new Nike appear. Imagine the confusion when those around cheered, As half a moth-eaten Srixon appeared. Now wise Captain John Fengler when told of the call, “It’s a two stroke penalty for playing the wrong ball”. But John Lynch hit back at our wise Captain’s call, “Surely one shot, for just half a ball!” John Lynch, via email

Note to readers: This exact situation is covered by Decision 15/3 of the Rules of Golf. The player incurs a two stoke penalty for playing a wrong ball even though it is only part of a ball. It is the player’s responsibility to identify his ball, and the rules allow him to (without penalty), after advising his marker of his intent, mark the position of the ball and lift it to identify it. — Letters Graeme Scott, tournament of the month Manager of the PGA of Australia Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via email at

have you got something to say? Then or tellmail us! aWrite viaEditor, email Inside at ed@insidegolf.com.au letterto to:usThe Golf, ed@insidegolf.com.au or mail a letter to: Th e Editor, Inside Golf, PO Box PO Box 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131. Tell an interesting story or 360 Nunawading,something Vic 3131.funny tell anabout interesting or something golf andstory you could WIN a funny about golf and you could WiN a Smoothy Compact buggy valued at Smoothy Compact buggy valued at RRP$230! RRP$230! i hAVE been a golfer for 55 years, and consider myself a traditionalist. i think it is totally wrong that the R&A and the USGA have allowed an equipment aid that takes the wrist and elbow joints out of action, so as to help those golfers who have lost their putting talent, and/or maybe those who never had it in the first place. Why allow the integrity of the game to be abused/corrupted simply to let untalented putters compete? Please let us restore integrity to our beloved game of golf. Arthur Matthes, via email i DON’t use a belly putter, but everyone can buy one. So there is no unfairness in using one. There are too many rules in golf as it is. Irwin Cozens, Wagga

i PURChASED a long putter and love it because it has refreshed my outlook on golf and provided me with a new challenge. Some golfers say this is “not in the spirit of the game/an unfair advantage” because i am anchoring the end of shaft to my body. Are the golfers that state this for real? Do they still play with hickory shafted smoothface irons? Do they refuse to purchase large volume adjustable drivers? What about GPS, distance finding devices, softer balls and the like? A lesson from a golf pro — and finding one or two more fairways rather than an Ob or hazard— will lower your handicap more than a belly putter. Pat Purcell, via email

This month, the Letters section is ‘Handicap-free’. At press time, our inbox is overflowing with letters regarding Golf Australia’s new Handicap System changes. So we have decided to postpone the subject until next month, while we work with Golf Australia on a comprehensive article detailing the changes, the Anchor, Slope and other points. Watch this space.

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American funeral home opens golf-themed memorial

A FUNERAL home in Seattle, Washington, has opened a special section dedicated to golfers. Designed by a professional golf course designer, the park includes a tee-box, 820-squarefoot green, fairway and sand trap. The green features a custom-made bronze cup, which will be used as a passageway to the ossuary. the concept of a golf-themed memorial park was the brainchild of Arne Swanson, market director for Dignity Memorial’s Seattle Region. Swanson – an avid golfer –was playing golf a few years ago, and saw a group of golfers spreading ashes on one hole (probably without the permission of the golf course management). “My thought was that there were likely other golfers who would like to be memorialized amid the surroundings of a verdant, peaceful golf course,” Swanson said. Read the full story at: www.insidegolf.com.au

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WhiLE carrying more that 14 clubs in your bag can earn you a penalty in most golf tournaments, it can apparently cost you much more when checking your bag on an airline in the US. Airlines like U.S. Airways are beginning to enforce strict penalties if you include things like clothes, hats at the like in your checked golf bag. According the policy on most US airlines’ websites, the limits on what you can pack inside a golf bag are usually along the lines of “one bag with a maximum of 14 clubs, 12 balls, and one pair of golf shoes.” if you pack anything beyond that – shirts, golf umbrella, etc –then you may be asked to remove it from your bag, or face hefty penalties. One American golfer, 66-year old Michael Farrell, found this out the hard way during a recent golfing trip in Philadelphia. Upon checkin, a U.S. Airways agent searched his golf bag and forced him to remove all the extraneous gear. “This is the first time i was forced to take my clothes out of my golf bag,” Farrell told the Philadelphia inquirer. “She (agent) said they would charge me $150 if i left them in. She said it has always been the policy but (U.S. Airways) just started enforcing it.”

PowerPlay Golf heads down under

“i don’t understand why they care as long as it is under the prescribed weight,” he said. Farrell, who fortunately had room in his carryon bag for the extra gear, said that when he got to his destination, he asked a few people with golf bags if they had experienced the same search that he did. “One from Philly did but those who came from other cities didn’t,” he said. On a related note closer to home, QANtAS imposed changes in June that reduces the domestic checked baggage allowance to only one piece per person (except for some frequent flyer categories) with a maximum of 32KG. So if you’re planning a domestic golfing trip, you may need to pre-purchase additional allowance to avoid excess fees at the airport.

POWERPLAY Golf®, the exciting new 9-hole, two-flag golf tournament format, recently announced its intention to roll out the event Down Under, appointing Golf industry Central as its exclusive Australian and South Pacific island’s representative PowerPlay Golf addresses many of golf ’s time and Cost issues, packs a strong environmental message, and is a valuable long-term partner to their official host venues and members. “The format is not looking to replace the traditional game of golf, but to attract new and repeat players to your facility during typically “off-peak” times. Many golfers want to experience something a bit different nowadays”, says Mike Orloff, Managing Director of Golf industry Central. “We are starting to now roll out PowerPlay Golf® to a worldwide audience and we look forward to a strong presence in the region”, says Stuart Armstrong international Development Manager of the program. PowerPlay Golf is easy to learn – one game and you’re hooked. it is a 9-hole Stableford, with a twist. You score double points for net birdie or better when playing to the black Flag

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(which is called going for a ‘PowerPlay’), but with only 3 PowerPlays available in your first 8 holes you must choose your PowerPlays wisely. And on the last hole, it’s decision time. A last-hole PowerPlay birdie or eagle wins double points, and possibly the tournament … but failure to make par spells disaster – you lose 3 points for bogey or worse on a lasthole PowerPlay. On the PowerPlay Golf® website golfers can register to earn PowerPlay Dollars, enabling them to climb the PPG World Rankings and compete in user-generated PowerPlay Golf® Leagues both locally and around the world. PowerPlay Golf ’s format is ideal for tV, creating a complete golf tournament in under three hours. broadcasters can televise golf in a more compressed time-frame, and increase golfing tV audiences. Golf clubs become PowerPlay Golf® Official Venues by registering online, whereupon they are sent a Club Pack containing everything they need to run PowerPlay Golf events for their customers. individual golfers can register for free online to gain access to exclusive benefits from PowerPlay Golf® and its global partners. More info at: www.powerplay-golf.com

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Sargent wins Blind Golf Open

‘Parr’ for the course at Kooindah Waters Golf Club KOOiNDAh Waters Golf Club announced that Central Coast local and rising jockey Joshua Parr has joined the club as their newest ambassador. At just 24, Josh has 8 years of riding experience with 401 career wins under his belt and 639 minor placings to date. Notably, Josh won the Champagne Stakes at Randwick in 2010 on the Peter Snowden trained horse Skilled. Josh is also achieving success on the golf course, with a handicap of 11. “i love it here at Kooindah Waters, the greens and fairways are always perfect and i find it very peaceful.” Josh said. Located on the stunning NSW Central

Gary and Eileen Sargent with tournament patron Craig Parry, and Stephen Mitchell GARY Sargent (NSW) proved he is a consistent performer with back-to-back victories in the New South Wales blind Golf Open Championship over 36 holes at barnwell Park recently. Gary (who is in the b2 category), had a net 97 with his wife Eileen as caddie to win by four strokes. Gary was runner-up in this event in 2009 and the winner in 2010. Nineteen players entered the tournament with participants coming from NSW, QLD, SA, ViC and WA. blind golf has categories b1, b2 and b3 depending on the player’s vision

capabilities. b1 players are totally blind. John Capes (Vic) won the b1 net with 114; John White (WA) won the b2 net with 105; and David Wheatley (Vic) won the b3 net with 112. Gross winner was New South Welshman, Stephen Mitchell (b3) with 155 for the 36 holes. The Ladies Champion was Kay hancock (Vic) with a net 107. to learn more about blind golf go to the blind Golf Australia website www.blindgolf.com.au or see www.internationalblindgolf.com

Lake Macquarie Amateur boost ONE of Australia’s top amateur events has received a timely boost. the Lake Macquarie Amateur Championships major sponsor, the Greater building Society, has renewed its sponsorship for another two years. The 2012 Greater building Society Women’s Lake Macquarie Amateur Championship will be played from January 10-13 at belmont Golf Club and the men’s championship is scheduled for January 26-29.

belmont Golf Club general manager Greg Pearce said the funding would allow the club to continue one of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in the hunter and Australia. he said the Greater building Society Lake Macquarie Amateur Open was now ranked in the top-30 amateur tournaments in the world. “This year looks like being one of the biggest tournaments ever as we are receiving very strong international interest,” Pearce said.

Cheaters welcome WhiLE the old “foot wedge” from the trees will doubtless get you banished from most tournaments or social circles, a different kind of golf tournament took part in the USA recently that actually encourages cheating…of sorts. The New hampshire high tech Council techno Golf tournament lets players use “whatever golf tools you can find” – even those which are illegal in the normal game — to improve your scores in the tournament, reports the Nashua telegraph. Common rule-breaking items at the tournament include illegal golf balls (smaller or heavier balls can

add significant distance), anti-slice tees, weighted drivers, “spin doctor” irons with special waxes on the club face, laser putters or any invention that a golfer has developed themselves. “The rule is you have to ‘swing something or move something’ to hit the ball, but it doesn’t have to be a golf club,” said Matt Cookson, executive director at the New hampshire high tech Council. “it could be a hockey stick, a pool cue or any other device,” he said. “We try to have some fun with the whole concept and see what crazy things people can come up with.” “to win, you have to be a pretty good golfer and a pretty good cheater,” he added.

Dylan CQ golfer of the year MOURA’S Dylan West has won the Men’s Central Queensland Golfer of the Year. West accumulated 109 points to win the overall A grade gross division. Gracemere’s barry Stapleton won the b Grade with 105 points and Gracemere’s Roy Weston (59 Points) took out the C grade. in the nett division, Yeppoon’s terry bulger came from behind to win the A grade. Rockhampton’s Chris Mick won the b grade and Osman Cheha was C grade champion.

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trevor tougher captured the CQ Men’s Open Championship played at Rockhampton. he carded rounds of 75-72 for a 147 total – five clear of Michael Neaton (73-79). Meanwhile, the team to represent Central Queensland in the 2011 inter-Association teams match in brisbane is: Dylan West, Dar yl Myles (both Moura), Nathan trezise (Rockhampton) and terry bulger (Yeppoon).

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Kelly ‘storms’ to victory

Lauren wins Hull Classic

Hi Lite Pro-Am winner Andrew Kelly A FOUR-hOUR storm delay couldn’t stop Victorian Andrew Kelly winning the $50,000 hi Lite Pro-Am played at Robina Woods and Royal Pines golf courses. Kelly returned a 67 at Robina Woods and followed up with a six-under par 66 at Royal Pines for a 133 total. he finished four strokes clear of trainee professional Scott Smith (68-69) and Luke Paroz (67-70). Rowan beste shot rounds of 68-72 for a 138 total to finish in outright fourth place. For trainee Smith it was a confidence boost as he looks to embark on a full-time playing career. “it would have been nice to win, but if you had told me that i was going to finish second at the start of the tournament i certainly would have taken it,” he said. “but, realistically, it is just great to be able to compete in such a large event.”

Lauren Mason hORtON Park Golf Club’s Lauren Mason used local knowledge to win the Katherine hull Classic at horton Park Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast. Mason carded rounds of 77-74-77 for a 228 total to win by one stroke from Pacific Golf Club’s Nadine White (80-75-74 – 229). it’s been a super year for Mason, who is a previous winner of the Queensland Girls’ Junior Amateur Championship and the Sunshine Coast Ladies Open Amateur Championship.

in the 15 years and under division, Coolangatta tweed member Dee Dee Russell scored 8576-78 (239) to win by one from Amy Walsh (Emerald Lakes). in the 21 years and under division, Jessica Park (brisbane) proved too strong for Lakelands member Saki Suzuki. Park shots rounds of 79-75-73 for a 227 total – four strokes clear of Suzuki (79-75-77). Suzuki edged out Surfers Paradise’s Ali Orchard on a countback.

SA launches Little Heroes

tO celebrate the biggest ever month on the Australian golfing calendar, Golf South Australia is encouraging all players to hit the fairways in November. in association with Little heroes Foundation, Golf SA will launch the state’s first state-wide and all inclusive golf competition. For golf club members, every competition round played throughout Novemb er (regardless of format) automatically gives players the chance to qualify for the exclusive 2012 Little hero es Foundation Gala Golf Day. The $20 tournament registration fee assists Little heroes Foundation for Children Surviving Cancer and Serious illness. Golf SA CEO Chris Luz-Raymond said the organisation was delighted to be working with the foundation to create the unique virtual competition format. “Throughout November, we are expecting a surge in golf participation as a result of the momentum generated by the Australian Open and The Presidents Cup,” he said. “We felt that this was an ideal opportunity to introduce a new virtual competition to the South Australian golfing market, while of course supporting an established charitable cause. “We hope to see as many players as possible get on board with the competition, not only in support of Little heroes Foundation, but also in support of all affiliated club facilities around the state.” For all details visit the Golf SA website at www.golfsa.com.au

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November 2011

10 neWs .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Eastern Golf Club plays a provisional

Tim wins Howeston pro-am

A RIV

YARRA RIVER

YARR

FUNCTION CENTRE TO BE CONVERTED TO NEW COTTAGE

RURAL STYLE FENCING TO BOUNDARY

TOP OF BANK PUMP HOUSE

RETAINED VEGETATION

RURAL FENCING TO BE RETAINED

YERING GORGE COTTAGES

15m 60m

EPHEMERAL WETLANDS

30m

VICTORIA ROAD

40m

TURF FARM (10 HA)

RELOCATED ACCOMMODATION TO BE USED AS CARETAKER'S COTTAGE REFER TO APEX BUILDING DESIGN STUDIO PLANS

IRRIGATION STORAGE LAGOON Note: Pump Station to be located near irrigation storage

14 27

40ML BUFFER ZONE

7 1.8m HIGH BLACK CHAIN MESH FENCE

EXISTING RURAL FENCING TO BE RETAINED

DETAILED PLANTING SUBJECT TO RESIDENTS' AGREEMENT TO MAINTAIN VIEWS

PPG

225

+72.00

15m

GAS CYLINDERS

+70.50

EXISTING RURAL FENCING TO BE RETAINED

SERVICE AREA

REFER TO CLUB HOUSE PRECINCT DRAWING FOR DETAIL

PPG

+70.50

GOLF COACHING FACILITY

24 ON SITE TREATMENT PLANT

ON COURSE SHELTER

80m

+71.00

VIEWLINES FROM PRIVATE ROAD TO GOLF COURSE & NEARBY HILLS

MAINTENANCE FACILITY REFER TO DETAIL PLANS / SECTIONS

+70.50

+67.00

IRRIGATION STORAGE LAGOON Note: Pump Station to be located near irrigation storage

+69.00

30m

IRRIGATED STORAGE LAGOON (RECYCLED WATER)

45m

LEGEND

PRIVATE ROAD

24m

219

+70.50

CULVERT

IRRIGATION PUMP STATION

VIEWLINES TO GOLF COURSE

EXISTING RURAL FENCING TO BE RETAINED DETAILED PLANTING SUBJECT TO RESIDENTS' AGREEMENT TO MAINTAIN VIEWS

+67.00

PRACTICE FAIRWAY

ON COURSE SHELTER

+70.50

223

40ML

VICTORIA ROAD

TREE PLANTING TO NORTH & SOUTH SIDE OF PRIVATE ROAD TO PROVIDE SOFT TRANSITION TO GOLF COURSE BOUNDARY

DETAILED PLANTING SUBJECT TO RESIDENTS' AGREEMENT TO MAINTAIN VIEWS

TURF FARM 1.7 HA

IRRIGATION STORAGE LAGOON Note: Pump Station to be located near irrigation storage

8 EXISTING AG FENCE TO REMAIN

CLUB HOUSE REFER ARCHITECTURAL DRWGS

+70.50

110m

50 ML

30ML

MAIN ENTRY

REFER TO DETAILED PLAN EXISTING RURAL FENCING TO BE RETAINED DETAILED PLANTING SUBJECT TO RESIDENTS' AGREEMENT TO MAINTAIN VIEWS

(HENLEY ROAD) 15m

NATIVE TREES

IRRIGATION LAGOONS RECYCLED WATER

FEATURE TREES

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

EPHEMERAL WETLANDS TREE PLANTING TO NORTH & SOUTH SIDE OF PRIVATE ROAD TO PROVIDE SOFT TRANSITION TO GOLF COURSE BOUNDARY

WETLAND PLANTING

REVISED 100 YEAR FLOOD - RL 70.40 POST EARTHWORKS

EXISTING TREES TO BE REMOVED

LOW LEVEL BOLLARD SAFETY LIGHTING AT KEY INTERNAL INTERSECTIONS

VIEWLINES TO GOLF COURSE

EXISTING 100 YEAR FLOOD - RL 70.40

EXISTING TREES / VEGETATION

EXISTING TREES TO BE RETAINED AND PROTECTED DURING CONSTRUCTION

CULVERT +70.50

EXISTING RURAL FENCING TO BE RETAINED

+70.00

SPOT LEVELS EMERGENCY ACCESS ROUTE NO LOWER THAN RL 70.50 SITE BOUNDARY TOP OF YARRA RIVER BANK

9 A0 SCALE 1:2000 0

PAR THREE COURSE

OVERALL LANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN

The revised masterplan for the proposed Greg Norman-designed Eastern GC 100

THE EASTERN GOLF CLUB

thE board of Melbourne’s Eastern Golf Club announced last month that a new planning application for their proposed relocation site at Yering has been lodged with the Shire of Yarra Ranges. The lodgment is a culmination of an intensive 9 months’ work since Eastern’s previous attempt hit a stumbling block by VCAt due to concerns regarding floodplains and pesticides. “We have sought to complete extensive work to ensure all outcomes in the tribunal Decision are comprehensively addressed in our new application. The Club continues to work with key stakeholders and authorities to ensure we are well placed as the application moves forward,” the board said in a letter to members. General Manager, benjamin telley told inside Golf “On the back of a very strong membership renewal period, we are delighted to be moving into this next phase of the relocation project. The Masterplan is superb, is reflective of the extraordinary work and detail in the new planning application and includes many facets which we feel will lead the industry on environmental management.”

PROJ/DRG NO

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Among the many changes in the revised masterplan were modifications to the carpark and maintenance facility to comply with 1-in100-year flood levels, creation of emergency access routes, redesign of a storage dam, and slight adjustments to six of the course’s 27 holes. Inside Golf has viewed the plans to the redesigned holes, and it is our opinion that the new layout will be even more spectacular than before, as holes 19-21 look to be significantly more challenging and aesthetically pleasing. hole 19 has changed from a par-4 to a solid par-5, while 20 and 21 will be skirted by a storage dam that will require accurate tee shots and approaches. Eastern’s project team also completed an extensive tier 2 Assessment of the pesticides and biocides proposed to be used on the golf course and turf farm, as well as a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment to address the potential impact of pathogens from the subject site. the board is hopeful of a decision by Council by the end of this year or perhaps in late January or early February 2012.

QUEENSLAND professional tim Porter won his first Sunshine tour pro-am outright when he captured the howeston pro-am recently. Porter fired a four-under-par 67 to finish two shots clear of a group of six players – taylor Cooper, Matthew Field, Adam Porker, Daniel Morrison, brett Rankin and Scott Smith “i tied for a win at burrum District earlier in the year and i really wanted an outright win before the end of the season,” Porter said. “With only three events remaining i was starting to think that it wasn’t going to come, but it’s nice to finish off the year with a win

at howeston.” Four players carded 70s and a further five players finished with 71s including popular veteran and howeston favourite terry Price. howeston is a popular pro-am with the pros because as one professional explained to his amateur partner: “We like playing at howeston because we get a bit of a following from the fans.” Another highlight is the long drive event at the end of the day’s play. This year brett Rankin out-muscled his rivals with a 299.5m drive to win from Craig Collins (292m) and Luke Paroz (286m).

Proof: golf boosts brain power

thE next time you try negotiating a leave pass for a round of golf, remember this little nugget: playing golf can be good for your brain. A recent study reported in The Wall Street Journal shows that 40 hours of golf training for middle-age novices led to increases in gray matter in parts of the brain involved in visual processing and motor coordination. The study involved twenty-two people with limited golf experience, ages 40 to 60. half of the test subjects spent 40 unsupervised hours learning golf (via lessons, or own their own),

while the other half remained a non-golfing “control group”. brain scans of all participants from before and after the test showed that, in several brain regions associated with “sensorimotor” learning, there was a gray-matter boost of 3.5% to 5% for the new golfers compared to their non-golfing counterparts. in one region, the parieto-occipital junction, the increase correlated with how quickly training was completed. The results reaffirmed the plasticity of the mature brain, the researchers said.

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industry 11

Will Australia’s cup runneth over? DavidNewbery FOR many golf club managers, waiting for the next wave of members has become a game of high stakes. More than any year in recent memory, golf clubs have now been forced to offer potential new members tantalising deals. Golf Management Australia (GMA) and NSW Golf Club general manager David burton said the golf industry was in the middle of a low growth period. “i don’t know the exact statistics but i think the industry is reasonably flat,” he said. GMA is working on it and recently hosted its biennial national conference in Melbourne where some of the biggest challenges facing clubs were discussed. Inside Golf understands delegates left enthused, inspired, motivated and armed with ideas and tools to tackle key issues facing clubs. One key note speaker, Mark McCrindle, a social researcher and trends expert, highlighted population and generation trends and the impacts they have on golf clubs at all levels. he says golf has an aging population and a lot of those people are migrating to Queensland. “The hard part is to try and stimulate the 15 to 40-year-olds to get into the game,” burton said. “in the 1980s and early 1990s, Greg Norman was converting people to the game

David Burton and golf clubs had people lining up for memberships. “They (clubs) did very little marketing because golf was the cool thing to do and it was just happening in front of people eyes. “Now there are other things happening and golf clubs have a long way to go when it came to

marketing themselves and selling the game. “Golf Australia is trying to influence people to play and the PGA is doing the same with some of their programs. “it’s suddenly not just what was happening before where the market was pulling people along because it was the glamorous thing to do when

Greg Norman was playing as a younger man. “i think it’s a bitter reality for clubs at the moment and we are all working a little harder than we have done before. “but that’s all we can do. “You can be smart about running your own business and have a point of difference for your golf club but we can’t, as individual clubs, grow the game overall. “that’s where the bigger bodies like Golf Australia could have more influence.” With The Presidents Cup about to tee off at Royal Melbourne, burton believes it’s the perfect opportunity for the country to inspire more people to play golf. “The Cup is the sort of thing that does excite the average guy who was thinking about cycling or playing soccer,” he said. “When he gets that excitement and sees the young guns – the Adam Scotts, the Jason Days and greats such as Tiger Woods, he starts to think it’s cool. “Getting into golf is often a mindset. Events like The Presidents Cup are a huge opportunity for the game globally and, in particular, Australia. “i hope we get something out of it because you don’t get a Presidents Cup very often.” FOOTNOTE: Given current demands on time, golf ’s 4½-5 hours to play 18 holes is still a problem that needs overcoming, according to many in the industry. In addition, the high cost of club membership is often quoted as a barrier for many considering joining a club.

November 2011

12 industryneWs...............................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Bonville Golf Resort leading the Australian Golf Industry Adam Scott new bONViLLE Golf Resort achieved what every golf resort in Australia strives to be, the leader in their field. For the 2nd time the resort has been voted “Australia’s Leading Golf Resort” at the 2011 Asia & Australasia World travel Awards Presentation Ceremony in late September. Often likened to Augusta National in the U.S.A, the Resort took the honours over some tough competition including former winners hyatt Coolum Resort on QLD’s Sunshine Coast, hyatt Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast and Joondalup Resort in Western Australia along with stiff NSW competition from Magenta Shores on the Central Coast. bonville’s General Manager, brad Daymond commented that “This title as Australia’s Leader reflects the ongoing improvements to the overall ‘bonville Experience’ members and guests receive. The past year has seen our Course Superintendent Chris Neal and his energetic team working tirelessly on increasing the level of daily presentation, overall consistency and general conditioning of the golf course, along with Food & beverage, housekeeping & Proshop areas improving this ‘Experience’ guests receive on their bonville & Coffs Coast visit.

Mercedes-Benz Brand Ambassador

the World travel Awards are the biggest night the travel & tourism industry has to offer and are referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of the industry, which they certainly lived up to be by the glamour & hype at this year’s Awards Presentation in Thailand’s Capital, bangkok. Voting for the Awards are cast by travel agents in over 200 countries around the world from

which Regional and Geographical categories are broken down from the overall world category. bonville is gearing up for a wonderful summer season which will see the resort celebrate its 20th birthday in January. the Celebrations will include special Play & Stay deals and great bonuses for players & visitors to “Australasia’s Leading Golf Resort”.

Green light for new Mudgee Golf Clubhouse

Special stamps celebrate The Presidents Cup AUStRALiA Post will issue a special series of stamps to celebrate the Presidents Cup tournament being played at Royal Melbourne this month. Five stamps featuring images of golf items, including The Presidents Cup, are now available. it is the second time the Royal Melbourne Golf Club has hosted the event, the only course outside the United States to do so.

CONStRUCtiON of Mudgee Golf Club’s new clubhouse will begin in 2012 after a development application was approved by Mid-Western Regional Council last month. The new clubhouse is set to be a draw card to the region as NSW Golf has already held discussions with Mudgee Golf Club about hosting more tournaments. Mudgee Golf Club general manager Philip Small said it was nice to see progress on the new clubhouse after the previous building was destroyed by fire in December 2010. “it will be up to the architects to say when construction will start but we are probably looking at next year so we don’t start through Christmas and the holiday period,” he said. Plans for the new clubhouse had been on exhibition at council and no submissions were received leaving a recommendation for approval with minor amendments. Mr

Small said the temporary clubhouse had been working well, surviving major tournaments including veterans’ week. he said in the next 12 months the club would work on addressing the restoration of historical records. the new clubhouse will include three separate lounges, opening onto terraces and a barbecue courtyard, a games room, and bridal room, as well as kitchen, storage and amenities areas. The single-storey building will have room for 418 people and has been planned to improve the facilities and amenity of the clubhouse and allow for future expansion. A multi-purpose lounge is designed for flexibility to cater for events of various sizes. The building has also been planned to be more accessible than the former clubhouse, with ramps, support bars and walkways. The Pro Shop, which was not affected by the fire, will be retained.

MERCEDES-b enz announced the appointment of Adam Scott as its new international golf brand ambassador. The 31 year-old has had a hugely successful year, including his best finish at a Major championship when he finished tied for second place at The Masters in Augusta. he also triumphed at the 2011 WGC-bridgestone invitational, earning him his first career World Golf Championship. Scott is currently ranked 9th in the Official World Golf Rankings. The association with Mercedes-benz will begin in January 2012, and will entail global tV advertising, global print advertising, international PR and social media. “it’s a real honour to be involved with Mercedes-benz – a brand with a reputation which is second to none, and whose values mirror those of golf,” said Scott. The company is a huge supporter of the sport around the globe, partnering three major tournaments; The Masters, The Open Championship and The PGA Championship as international automobile partner. its involvement also impacts the amateur game with The Mercedes trophy, a tournament in its 22nd year, which attracts 60,000 amateur golfers from over 60 countries annually. “it’s great to be part of a brand that is extensively engaged not only in the world of golf but also other platforms that fit so well with my personal interests. its motorsport activities are a given, but its sponsorship of Fashion Weeks across the world are fantastic,” Scott adds. Mercedes-benz Global Marketing Director, Lüder Fromm, commented: “i’m delighted to welcome Adam Scott to the Mercedes-benz family – our values of fascination, perfection and responsibility fit perfectly with Adam’s own principles. he has had such a great year, and we believe that he will be a valuable asset to the Mercedes-benz golf. he’s a new breed of golfer who embodies Mercedes-benz values both on and off the course – the best or nothing.”

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Tiger Woods returns to golf with Rolex deal TIGER Woods has his first major endorsement in two years, announcing a deal last month with Rolex to be one of its ambassadors. Woods had lost five major endorsements in the two years since his highly-publicised off-course controversy. he previously had a watch deal with tag heuer, which dropped him two months ago. terms of the deal were not disclosed, although it is believed to be longer than five years. Earlier this year, Woods announced a deal in Japan to endorse a heat rub product for Kowa Company Ltd., although that was geared exclusively for Japanese markets. his agent at Excel Sports Management, Mark Steinberg, promised more deals to come. “This makes a big statement,” Steinberg said. he

added that Rolex would be the first of a “couple of announcements” related to endorsements, including a deal for Woods’ golf bag. he has had his foundation logo on the bag since At&t dropped him a month after his sex scandal unfolded in November 2009. This is a return to Rolex of sorts for Woods. he had an endorsement deal with tudor, a Rolex brand, when he first turned pro. Swiss-based Rolex said it was paying tribute “to the exceptional stature of tiger Woods and the leading role he plays in forging sport’s global appeal.” “Rolex is convinced that tiger Woods still has a long career ahead of him, and that he has all the qualities required to continue to mark the history of golf,” the company said in a statement.

Howlong a finalist in 2011 savewater! awards thE howlong Country Golf Club has been named as a finalist in the national 2011 savewater! awards® in the Community Groups Category. The 2011 program has attracted over 1,000 entries from across Australia and internationally. The national 2011 savewater! awards® are now in their ninth year, and have emerged as Australia’s leading awards for water sustainability and innovation. These prestigious awards recognise and reward excellence in innovative water efficiency by business, government, schools, local communities and individuals. Club General Manager, Chris Rebbechi said “The howlong Country Golf Club is delighted to be shortlisted as a savewater! awards finalist. As a community not profit organisation we are very pleased to be able to contribute to initiatives to promote water efficiency within our community.” Club President Ken Walton said “The Club is very

proud to be named as a finalist in these awards for the first stage of our important $1.2 million irrigation project which is nearing completion.” Mr. Walton said “Once completed the work will result in annual savings of between $65,000 and $75,000 per annum as a result of reductions in water usage, power, labour and parts. This work will ensure that quality of the howlong Country Golf Club course will be maintained for many years to come. The golf course is an important asset to the howlong community and this further investment will enhance our member’s enjoyment of the course.” The winners for this year’s program will be announced at a gala dinner to be held at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins on Friday 11th November. Other finalists in the Community Groups category are; blackburn Lawn bowls Club incorporated and Minders of tuggeranong homestead.

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industryneWs 13

Golf Managers learn to lead and inspire

AUStRALASiAN golf club managers converged on Melbourne last month for the biennial Golf Management Australia (GMA) conference at the Crown Promenade hotel. More than 200 delegates attended daily, with each power-packed session crammed to capacity. The theme of the conference was ‘Learn, Lead, inspire’ and even the most sceptical attendees admitted they had a spring in their step by week’s end. While education was uppermost in GMA’s planning for the week, the conference was ‘bookended’ by two optional golf sessions at the superb Kingston heath and Commonwealth courses. There also were back-of-house tours at Yarra Yarra and Royal Melbourne, where Club CEO Paul Rak gave delegates an insight into the planning for The Presidents Cup from November 14-20. Rak attended his 11th GMA conference despite the demands on his time because of The Presidents Cup. The conference included an industry Forum, facilitated by Martin hirons of Sports business Partners, and consisted of industry heads including

(pictured above from left to right), Brian Thorburn (CEO, PGA of Australia), Stephen Pitt (CEO, Golf Australia), David Burton (President of GMA, GM NSW GC), Allan Devlin (President of AGCSA) and also Mark Hayes (Sports Writer, herald Sun). From the first sessions, delegates were ‘inspired’ by a special personal video welcome recorded by Greg Norman. Officially opening the conference, GMA President, David Burton said: “More than ever before, golf clubs and their committees are relying on their managers to lead their clubs through a number of issues including membership retention and recruitment, strategic planning and financial consolidation.” Master of Ceremonies for the conference was popular television personality, Andrew Daddo.

Mike Orloff morloff@golfindustrycentral.com.au

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insidetheindustry

PGA of Australia BrianThorburn With golf season now well and truly upon us I’m sure you are all as impressed as I am with the calibre of players who are about to be on show in Australia over the summer. I am delighted with the quality of PGA Tour of Australasia events we have been able to host this year and hope each of you gets the opportunity to be a part of the summer, either by attending our events in your state or by watching our pinnacle events on TV. You can find out how to become involved with each of our events at www.itsgolfseason.com.au. I would also like to make a particular mention of the PGA’s flagship event the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola which, in our Centenary year, will boast the biggest and best line up in recent years. With

the continued support of Coca-Cola and the Queensland Government, this year will mark the 10th anniversary of the Australian PGA Championship at the Hyatt Regency Coolum which even today continues to be our players’ favourite tour stop. This season combined with The Presidents Cup presents the Australian golf community with a unique opportunity to show off our strength to the world. Here, now in Australia, are representatives from the world’s most influential golf associations-- associations with whom we continue to work very closely. Only the second country outside America to host The Presidents Cup twice, Australia is well recognised for our depth of talent and quality courses and this will again be evident to the world in these coming weeks when our home grown industry is on show. I wish

all players and administrators involved with The Presidents Cup the best of luck for what will no doubt be an incredible tournament. As I have mentioned in my previous updates, this year marks a special occasion for the PGA in our Centenary. On September 19 we officially commenced our Centenary program with our first event, a PGA Member Day. The event was exactly 100 years to the day that the PGA was formed, and what’s more, it was held at our birthplace Royal Sydney Golf Club. The event was one I will not forget, nor will those others who attended for the reason that it clearly demonstrated how proud an organisation we truly are and how deep our history runs. I am indeed honoured to lead the PGA during such an historic occasion and look forward to leading our industry into the next 100 years of professional golf.

which continues to get stronger year by year. Yani Tseng, the world number one, has committed and she will play Royal Melbourne Golf Club as the two-time defending champion. In other news, we’ve had generally positive feedback to the September changes to the Australian Handicap System. It certainly hasn’t been universal praise, with some people believing their handicap came in too far and others looking for a greater overall decrease. Overall, the majority of club golfers tell us that we’re moving in the right direction. Certainly the feedback we’ve had from clubs and club officials on the September changes to the Australian Handicap System continues to be strong and favourable. Our prime objective in making these changes was to strike a balance between

the notable low marker bias under the old incremental adjustment system, and the bias towards high markers (particularly in large fields) that was evident in our initial version of the averaging system. Another issue was to ensure that winning scores were generally kept at an appropriate level and to reduce the incidence of exceptional scores winning competitions. Unfortunately if this occurs too frequently many players start to feel uncompetitive and the competitions start to lose relevance. Whilst there will always be examples of exceptions to the general rule, across the board we now have a handicap system in operation that is more in keeping with club expectations of the Australian golf culture, although we will continue to monitor results and feedback from golfers to ensure we have the best possible system.

Golf Australia StephenPitt It’s the month we’ve all been waiting for. There has been so much anticipation in the build up to November and it’s exciting that we’re finally here. The Emirates Australian Open, hosting one of the very best fields in the history of the championship, will soon be underway at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney. It promises to be a thrilling event and we’re delighted that so many world-class players are keen to be a part of Australian Open history. One of the really pleasing things we have uncovered over the past few months is how many top international players have a knowledge of the Emirates Australian Open and have a desire to play in the event. We’ve had a similar experience with the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open,

ALPG WarrenSevil November 2011 will go down as one of the biggest months in the history of Australian tournament golf, with so much focus on the big events and the presence of many of the world’s best players on our soil. This will be great for the profile of golf, and I am sure golf will capture much of the media attention it deserves in those weeks. Fans will have to wait for February when the world’s best women will arrive to play the major ALPG Tour events in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. For the ALPG Tour, November sees the commencement of the 2011-12 ALPG Tour season which includes a new look Club Car Series incorporating ten of the thirteen events on the calendar. Recent confirmation by Kevin Gates, Vice

President Asia/Pacific, Club Car Inc. that the world’s leading manufacturer of golf and turf utility vehicles will increase their support of the Series, to be played for the sixth consecutive year, means that players will be competing for their share of an increased and attractive bonus pool come 29 January. The schedule reveals a few changes from last year. The Club Car Series tees off with a new event at Port Kembla Golf Club on 24 November with six events to be played within the space of twelve days including Forster Tuncurry Golf Club for the first time and Castle Hill Country Club returning after a one year hiatus. The Women’s Victorian Open returns to the ALPG Tour schedule for the first time since 1992. The 2012 Championship, which will be played concurrently with the men’s Victorian Open, kick starts the 2012

leg of events. January will host four Club Car Series events with additional points up for grabs at the 54 hole tournaments -Vic Open, ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic and NSW Open where the Series winner will be crowned at Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney on 29 January. All in all, there is $540,000 in prizemoney on offer through the ten Club Car Series events. In addition to this, the leading eight players on the Series points table will earn their share of the bonus pool. For some though, the focus will be playing well enough to secure a start in the three major events which follow the Club Car Series, those being the Gold Coast RACV Ladies Masters, Handa Women’s Australian Open and New Zealand Womens Open Championship. It is going to be fun, so follow all the action either in the galleries or via www.alpg.com.au

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November 2011

16 summerofgolf..........................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

It’s Golf Season!

The Australian Summer of Golf gets into full swing this month it’S finally here. The biggest-ever Australian Summer of Golf is now upon us; and with it comes some of the most exciting names in world golf. Centre stage, of course, is The Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne from Nov 15-20. With 12 of the top American players set to battle it out against 12 international superstars – including a fair set of Aussies – all eyes will be on Melbourne for some world-class golf. bookending this amazing event are the Emirates Australian Open and the PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola, along with the JbWere Masters a short time later. The PGA of Australia and Golf Australia worked some scheduling magic to build an exciting calendar of tournaments, and golf fans are set to benefit. “Never before have we seen so many of the world’s best players in Australia, and what’s more fans will get to see the likes of Tiger Woods, Darren Clarke, Y.E. Yang, Luke Donald and Bubba Watson as well as our own top players contend for our Australian titles,” said PGA CEO Brian Thorburn. “it’s definitely golf season, and we are pleased to present such a full tour schedule and hope golf fans across Australia embrace the opportunity to see such world class golf in their backyard,” said Thorburn.

Let’s take a peek at these upcoming events: This month, the Summer gets into full swing on the New South Wales South Coast for the NSW PGA Championship at Wollongong Golf Club from November 3-6. Dating back to 1923, the NSW PGA Championship is an event which provides an important career pathway for Australian professional golfers. The Wollongong Golf Club is one of the oldest links style courses in NSW, constructed in 1897. The lush greens and couch fairways make this historic course one of the most respected links in NSW. Last year’s champion, Stephen bowditch, is scheduled to play, along with a solid field. The Emirates Australian Open kicks off the following week (Nov 10-13) and will see the likes of tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Fred Couples and Adam Scott contend for the Stonehaven Cup at the Lakes Golf Club. “to claim the Stonehaven Cup in one of the biggest years of Australian golf would be an unbelievable achievement. There is a real buzz about the Australian Open and the entire Australian summer and i hope all fans get out and support us at The Lakes,” said Scott. The star-studded field — the best in recent times— also includes Matt Kuchar, Nick Watney, Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Robert Allenby, Bill Haas, David Toms, Aaron

Players from all over the world will contend for the Kirkwood Cup, The Stonehaven Cup, The Masters jacket and a host of other trophies Baddeley, US Amateur Champion Kelly Kraft, John Senden, defending Champion Geoff Ogilvy as well as Australian young gun Jason Day. huge crowds are expected to flock to The Lakes Golf Club over the four days, so fans are encouraged to get their tickets early to avoid missing out on any of the action. Maintaining a family friendly philosophy, children 15 years and under are admitted free to the Australian Open when accompanied by a paying adult. More info: www.australianopengolf.com.au The following week — while most of the golf world is focussed firmly on The Presidents Cup — the NSW Open Championship will be staged from November 17-20 at Newcastle Golf Club. Newcastle GC is fast returning to its best condition, and tournament professionals can expect one of the best layouts on the PGA tour

of Australia. it has been 39 years since Newcastle played host to the Open, when local amateur Owen beldham took out the title against a high class, international field. boasting a design by the legendary Eric Apperly, Newcastle is ranked among the top 15 courses in Australia and has several holes ranked as some of the best in the world – recognition not easily obtained considering the worldwide appeal of the game. 2010 champion, the popular and well recognised Peter O’Malley, has declared he will be returning, while tournament organisers are expecting a solid field. This year, the tournament will revert to staging a traditional pre-tournament Pro-Am, where amateur golfers will have the opportunity to play in a group with one of the tournament professionals. More info: www.nswopen.com.

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Next up is the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola, to be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Coolum for the 10th consecutive season from Nov 24-27. With the field set to feature the likes of Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Geoff Ogilvy, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Darren Clarke, Robert Allenby, John Senden and Aaron Baddeley, Queensland fans will have an amazing opportunity to see top-quality golfers vie for the famed Kirkwood Cup. Best of all, in a year that marks the PGA’s 100th birthday, the PGA has opted to give a gift to golf fans everywhere with free admission to the event on Saturday 26th November. More info: championship.pga.org.au The final “Major” of the 2011 PGA Tour of Australasia schedule will take place at Melbourne’s famed sandbelt, as the JBWere Masters tees off at Victoria Golf Club from December 15-18. Headlined by World Number one Luke Donald, the field will include Geoff Ogilvy, John Senden, Robert Allenby and defending champion Stuart Appleby, along with the colourful and charismatic Ian Poulter and teenage Italian sensation Matteo Manassero – the youngest ever winner on the European Tour. A number of past champions will also contest the event, including Richard Green (2004), Peter Senior (1991 and 1995), Bradley Hughes (1993 and 1998), Craig Parry (1992, 1994 and 1996) and Michael Campbell (2000). Brendan Jones–a 10 time winner on the Japan Golf Tour has also confirmed his participation. 2011 British Amateur Champion Bryden Macpherson (Victoria), 2011 Australian Amateur Champion Matt Stieger (NSW) and New Zealand’s #1 amateur Ben Campbell will

Stuart Appleby also all have the opportunity to play alongside some of the best players in the world. More info: www.australianmasters.com.au In a first for Australian professional golf, the Men’s and Women’s Victorian Opens will be jointly played in 2012 with both titles culminating at the Spring Valley Golf Club on Sunday January 8th. The 2012 Men’s Victorian Open will be played over 72-holes from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th January at Spring Valley while the Women’s Victorian Open will be concurrently played over 54-holes. Prizemoney will also be identical with a minimum of $125,000 on offer for each title. The first round of the Women’s Victorian Open will be held at the Woodlands Golf Club on Friday January 6th, before moving to Spring Valley where the final two rounds will be played in conjunction with the Men’s Championship on weekend of January 7th – 8th. The starting field for the Men’s Victorian Open will be approximately 144 players with a 36hole ‘cut’ to see the leading 50 players plus ties progress to the final two rounds. The Women’s

summerofgolf 17

Victorian Open will feature a starting field of 84 players with the leading 50 players plus ties after 36-holes progressing to the final round. A seeded draw will apply for the final day whereby men’s groups and women’s groups will alternately commence their rounds. This arrangement culminates with the leading group of men and the leading group of women to be the last to play from the 1st tee, which should ensure a unique finale to the event. More info: www.springvalleygolf.com.au Rounding out the Summer, The Victorian PGA Championship will be contested at Forest Resort Creswick for the first time from February 13 – 19, bringing with it a field of 144 professionals from all corners of Australia. The event moves to regional Victoria for the first time in over 20 years, having last been staged regionally in 1986 at Warrnambool, when it was won by Wayne Smith, father of rising Tour star Kristie Smith. With a prize purse in 2012 of $120,000 the winner will also take home a start in the PGA Tour of Australasia’s biggest 2012 events including the Australian Open, PGA Championship, NZ Open and JBWere Masters. The Champion will also be granted exemptions for OneAsia, the world’s newest and fastest growing professional golf tour. The Victorian PGA Championship was first played in 1924 and has been played at some of Victoria’s most prestigious golf clubs including Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club. Former Champions include Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle and Stuart Appleby and more recently James Nitties (2011,) Alistair Presnell (2010,) Andre Stolz (2009) and Marc Leishman (2008.) More info: www.pga.org.au

Calendar of Events Nov 3-6

NSW PGA Championship, Wollongong Golf Club, NSW (FREE ENTRY) Nov 10-13 Emirates Australian Open, The Lakes GC, Sydney, NSW Nov 15-20 The Presidents Cup, The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, VIC Nov 17-20 NSW Open Championship, Newcastle Golf Club NSW (FREE ENTRY) Nov 24-27 A u s t r a l i a n P G A Championship presented by Coca-Cola, Hyatt Regency Coolum, QLD Dec 1-4 BMW NZ Open Clearwater Resort, Christchurch NZ Dec 15-18 JBWere Masters, Victoria Golf Club, VIC Jan 5-8 Vic Open, Spring Valley Golf Course, VIC (FREE ENTRY) Feb 13-19 Vic PGA Championship, Forest Resort Golf Course, VIC (FREE ENTRY) Tickets for The Australian Open, PGA Championship and JBWere Masters are available through Ticketek on 132 849, www.ticketek.com.au or by visiting any Ticketek outlet. Tickets for The Presidents Cup are available at www.presidentscup.com. For more information, head to the PGA Australia website: pga.org.au, or www.itsgolfseason.com.au

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November 2011

18 seniorevents...................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au Albinski takes lead in 2010-11 Australian Senior Order of Merit With a commanding victory in the 2011 South Australian Senior Amateur Championship, Stefan Albinski has taken the lead in the 2010-11 Australian Senior Amateur Rankings competition. With two events remaining (the Victorian Senior Amateur and the Australian Senior Match Play) the top three positions and the end of season medal winners appear clear cut. NSW senior golfers currently occupy the top five positions on the table. In September, Albinski won the South Australian Senior Amateur at Victor Harbor Golf Club by 8 strokes from Queenslander Chris Coats. Three golfers finished in a tie for third place – Chris Everett (SA), Peter King (Qld) and Wayne Aigner (Vic). In a marvellous senior golf career, Albinski has now won every national, state or territory senior title except the New South Wales and ACT Senior Amateur. The over 65 competition for 2011 appears over with Queenslander Ian Read (average of 60.08) a big leader from Alex Cleave (36.39) and Tony Mazzone (33.00). R e su lt s of a l l 2 0 1 1 s e n i or amateur events and information on upcoming and previous events are available on the AUSOOM website www.ausoom.com.

Australians ready for 2011 Asia Pacific Senior Amateur Championship

Australia Team A: Stefan Albinski, Denis Dale, Roy Vandersluis

Australia Team B – Chris Coats, Peter King, Paul Maslen A highlight of the senior golfing calendar is the annual Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur Championship. Played in a different country each year, 2011 sees the event return to Australia with the venue the Royal Perth Golf Club from November 30-December 2. Using the Australian Senior Ranking table, players’ prior performances, results, the event format and the venue as combined selection criteria, Golf Australia has announced two threeman teams to represent Australia in the 2011 championship. The selected players are: Team A: Stefan Albinski (NSW), Denis Dale (NSW), Roy Vandersluis (NSW) Team B: Chris Coats (QLD), Peter King (QLD), Paul Maslen (NSW)

Australia will be the defending champions in the team’s event having won the 2010 title in a close finish from New Zealand at the Royal Bangkok Golf Club in 2010. Australia’s Stefan Albinski won the Individual Asia-Pacific Senior Championship in 2008 and 2009 and will be keen to make it three titles at one of his favourite courses. He won the 2008 Australian Senior Amateur Championship and the 2009 West Australian Senior Amateur at the Royal Perth course. T h e As i a Pa c i f i c S e n i or s Championship is open to all seniors. Entry forms and conditions are available on the AUSOOM website – www.ausoom.com

Percy a clear leader in Doug Bachli Trophy

Close battle for NSW Senior Order of Merit

Cobram-Barooga golfer Ross Percy maintains his clear lead in the 2011 Doug Bachli Senior Order of Merit Trophy for Victoria’s leading senior golfers. With three victories early in the year Percy established a large lead and even though missing events while travelling in the USA, his rivals have failed to significantly narrow the gap. In second and third place are two golfers from The National Golf Club – John Wheeler and Paul Lulofs. With six events yet to be played there is still time for a late charge but at this stage it does look like Percy will defend the title he also won in 2010. The handicap trophy run in conjunction with the Doug Bachli sees a much closer competition. Leading the way is Yarram senior Ignatius Duivenvoorden with 1106 points. Second place is held by Narooma‘s Wayne Aigner on 1051 with Kingswood senior Peter Bence close behind on 893. All Doug Bachli events include scratch and handicap sections with players up to handicaps of 24 eligible. Results, tables and entry forms are on the Golf Victoria website www.golfvic.org.au.

With 10 events remaining, the 2011 Order of Merit competition is developing into a real battle with several golfers still in a position to take the title. Currently Twin Creeks senior Denis Dale is leading from Mona Vale’s Stefan Albinski and St Michael’s Steve Gibson. The deciding event may well be the 2011 ACT Seniors Championship to be played at Gold Creek, Capital and Murrumbidgee Golf Clubs in midNovember. While most events award 150 points to the winner the ACT event has 400 points for first place. It is expected that all the leading players will line up for this important 2011 championship. The Order of Merit competition for the over 65 seniors is also developing into a close finish. Currently Wyong’s Jack Parker (758 points) leads from Pennant Hills’ senior Darcy Cluff (682) and Penrith’s Clark Gibbons (628). This competition may also be decided by performances in the 2011 ACT Championship. All golfers over 55 years are welcome to play in any of the remaining NSW Senior Order of Merit events. As well as scratch competitions every event has excellent prizes for handicap and age sections. Full Order of Merit tables and entry forms are on the Golf NSW website www.golfnsw.org.

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November 2011

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Holden Scramble Regional Finals underway OCtObER saw the holden Scramble Regional Finals commence across Australia with 29 spots up for grabs at the Championship Final in November. Four teams have already got their tickets booked, with a team from Rossdale Golf Club taking out the first Regional Final at Settlers Run in Victoria. Joining them will be Robina Woods who qualified at the Palm Meadows Regional Final in Queensland and Mandurah Country Club who qualified at the first Regional Final in the West at Secret harbour Golf Links. Of the 35,000 participants in the holden Scramble each year only a small percentage are lucky enough to qualify to a holden Scramble Regional Final. Across the 29 Regional Finals in Australia, over 600 teams made of nearly 2,500 amateurs and 600 PGA Professionals will be competing for 29 spots at the holden Scramble Championship Final in November at twin Waters on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. There, players and professionals will be treated to a golf experience of a lifetime including plenty of fun on the course and even more fun off it over the four days in November. Players this year will also get to experience the hype on the Sunshine Coast as the world’s best golfers descend on

Coolum for the PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola. All players that have made the holden Scramble Regional Finals will have their work cut out with huge numbers of qualifiers across the country this year. The 20th Anniversary of the holden Scramble has seen a huge increase in

event numbers and field sizes across Australia, but none more than in South Australia, where a secondary Regional Final was required due to the holden Scramble’s popularity this year. Last year saw an average-sized Regional Final with 22 teams from 19 Golf Clubs in the state compete in the one Regional Final held at Flagstaff hill

Golf Club. This year has seen nearly a 50% increase in uptake from clubs in the state and will see a staggering 28 different clubs sending at least one team each to the Regional Finals. Natalie Ritter, National Events Manager for the PGA, said it’s reflective of the Scramble across the country. “The holden Scramble has

been huge this year right across the country and the substantial increase in numbers in South Australia is a case in point for the ever increasing popularity of this great event.” to complement the ever growing popularity of the holden Scramble, the PGA of Australia announced that as part of the 20th Anniversary of the holden Scramble, Delta Air Lines have come onboard as Support Sponsors of the 2011 holden Scramble Regional Finals series. As part of this, they are providing all participants and PGA Professionals from the 2011 holden Scramble season with the fantastic opportunity to win an amazing prize to visit the 2012 US Open at The Olympic Golf Club in San Francisco. “We are incredibly excited about Delta Air Lines coming on board with us this year,” said Natalie. “They are already involved with the US PGA tour and General Motors in America, so a National Golf tournament, sponsored by GM holden in Australia is a perfect fit for both of us.” For results on the holden Scramble Regional Finals and information on the holden Scramble Championship Final visit holdenscramble.com or contact the PGA Events Division on holdenscramble@pga.org.au.

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events 21

Ryde Parramatta captures Coronation Medal

Pymble wins Bronze Medallion

Adelle Pearson, Judy Haddrick and Shelly Shin at the 2011 Coronation Medal

Competitors from the Bronze Medallion: Jann Pearson, Gretel Sutton, Deborah Naylor, Elsa Hocking

Ryde Parramatta took top honours at the women’s Coronation Medal event held at Concord and Castle Hill Golf Clubs. The team finished a remarkable 10 shots in front of the rest of the field, including runners up Concord Golf Club who had held aloft the Coronation Medal the past two years. Ryde Parramatta’s nett total of 306 proved to be a comprehensive winning score with Concord producing 316 and Beverly Park rounding out the top three with a combined aggregate total of 321. The winning Ryde Parramatta team members were Cecilia Song, Katherine Peck, Cheryl Fairclough and Jayoun Hong. It was the scores posted at Castle Hill by Fairclough and Hong that proved to be the big contributor in setting a low combined score after they fired an impressive nett 70 and 73 respectively around the difficult Castle Hill layout, with many players’ scores being

affected by the vast areas of water hazards that are a prominent feature of the course. Whilst numerous players found low scores hard to come by, a number of them stood out from the rest of the field with Shelly Shin from Concord shooting a 76 off the stick at her home club; whilst a score of 78 was enough to see Kim Burke from Shelly Beach Golf Club claim the scratch prize at Castle Hill. Although the Concord team fell just short of winning the event for the third consecutive year, the team was happy to see another club win the medal and as a result are relishing the chance to play in the Coronation Medal next year with Ryde Parramatta now a host after winning this year’s event. For a full listing of results and other major prize winners from the 2011 Women’s Coronation Medal please visit www.golfnsw.org.

A total of 60 clubs from metropolitan and country districts converged at Cronulla and Wakehurst Golf Clubs in September to contest the 2011 Bronze Medallion. When the scores were tallied, the team from Pymble Golf Club (Lisa Green, Sandy Kimberley, Gretel Sutton and Deborah Naylor) found themselves at the top of the leaderboard, with a combined nett score of 299 finishing four strokes ahead of Magenta Shores Golf Club. The Magenta players were Glenda Baker, Carina Howarth, Helen Hill and Leah Knight. This was the first time that a team from Magenta Shores —near The Entrance on the Central Coast — had done so well in the Golf NSW Bronze Medallion. The teams from Carnarvon and Cromer who finished the day on 304 were right on the pace, only one behind the runners up with Carnarvon

being fortunate enough to take out third place from Cromer Golf Club on a count back. In what turned out to be great day of golf, the best scratch score from each course was awarded to Anna Yoon from Strathfield Golf Club who fired an even 90 at Cronulla whilst Lisa Green from the winning Pymble team produced a 92 to claim the honours at Wakehurst. The Women’s Bronze Medallion is an 18-holes stroke handicap competition for teams of four players on handicaps from 23 to 32 with players selected by their respective home clubs. Castle Hill’s Jo Power shot an amazing nett 67 at Cronulla and at Wakehurst the honours went to Long Reef ’s Pat Robinson who finished with a net 72 from a 27 handicap. For a full list of all results from the Women’s Golf NSW Bronze Medallion please visit www.golfnsw.org.

November 2011

22 events...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Wentworth Falls duo win Keno NSW Mixed Fourball Championship Husband and wife pairing Kerry and Albert Davis from Wentworth Falls Golf Club have won the State Final of the 2011 Keno NSW Mixed Fourball Championship, held at Bonville Golf Resort in Coffs Harbour. There was great spirit and camaraderie amongst all of the 80 state finalists, many of whom had travelled from far and wide. The first day of play saw some great scores. At the end of 18-holes two pairs led the field — Wentworth Falls’ Albert and Kerry Davis, and Oatlands Golf Club’s Simon and Anna Park — both pairs scoring 46 points. Hot on their heels were Colin and Sharyn Wood from Stonebridge with 44 points, David Kirby and Joanne Hutchens (Killara) with 43, and Nick and Helen Sollazzo from Hurstville on 42. Bathurst pair Colin and Dianne Hope finished with 40, while a number of pairs finished the day on 38. It was the consistency of Albert & Kerry Davis, with a fantastic second round score of 43 which saw them hold onto their lead and take the title by two points. Runners up were David Kirby and Joanne Hitchens from Killara Golf Club, finished with 43 and 44 for 87 total. Just one point further

country pairs to contest the State Final. “The pairs playing in the final of this tournament have had an amazing journey, from qualifiers at the start of the year, to making it right through to the state final – it’s a real achievement”, remarked Graeme Phillipson, General Manager of Golf at Golf NSW. A milestone celebrated at the event this year was the 10th year of sponsorship with KENO. Full results, prize winners and images can now be found online at www.golfnsw.org.

Kerry & Albert Davis, 2011 KENO NSW Mixed Fourball Champions behind and finishing third overall was Colin The Championship kicked off in January, with club qualifying rounds commencing around the and Sharyn Wood from Stonebridge Golf Club, shooting 44 and 42 for 86. state. This year 200 clubs participated in this It was a fantastic two days of play for all event, with 3,500 pairs competing at club level. competitors, with the course in outstanding In July, metropolitan and district play-offs condition, and the weather superb. narrowed it down to 20 metropolitan and 20

The 2012 KENO NSW Mixed Fourball Championship dates are as follows: 1 Jan 2012 Club qualifying rounds commence 30 May 2012 Club qualifying rounds to be completed 3-5 July 2012 Met ro f ina ls to b e completed 15 July 2012 District finals to be completed 11-14 Sept 2012 State Final (Bonville Golf Resort) For more info, contact Christy Collier at Golf NSW on christy.collier@golfnsw.org.

Stojanovski takes out Tasco NSW Junior Boys Championship Charlestown Golf Club played host to the Tasco NSW Junior Boys Championship in September, with 80 entrants from all corners of NSW— plus a handful of inter-state and international competitors—competing in the Under-18 tournament. The juniors were put through their paces, with the 72-hole stroke play Championship being played over 3 days. The first day of play saw considerable rain and a number of delays, and only a handful of groups managed to finish their first 18 holes. Play was halted, and many groups were forced to wait to complete their first rounds the following day. Day 2 saw some better weather, and along with it some great scores. Peter Stojanovski (Cabramatta GC) led the field shooting three birdies on the front nine and two on the back to finish the day with a fantastic score of 68, four

under par. Bonnie Doon players Ricky Kato and Fidel Concepion and Royal Adelaide member Ben Stowe all shot one under 71. With Kato’s first round score of 72, he found himself leading the field after 36-holes by two shots on 143. Ben Stowe (Royal Adelaide GC) was hot on his heels in second place, finishing with 74 and 71 for 145. Stojanovski and Ruben Sondjaja (Bonnie Doon GC) were one shot further behind on 144 and tied for third. There were a number of players just a few more shots behind, and many still in contention for the title. A seeded draw was completed for the final day, with 36-holes to be played. The cut was the top 60 players plus ties — with a minimum of 5 players from Section C (13 years and under) and 10 players from Section B (14-15 years).

Peter Stojanovski In the morning round, Zac Stolz (Pymble Golf Club) nailed a hole-in-one on the par three 16th – his first ever Ace. Stolz finished the round with a great score of two under par 70.

The leading score for the round was from Grant Booth (Ashlar Golf Club) who shot three-under 69. Local Charlestown boy Brayden Peterson and Harrison Endycott (Avondale GC) both shot 71. In the leading group Stojanovski and Kato both had par rounds of 72, while Ben Stowe had three over 75. It was set for a thrilling final round to determine the Champion. In an incredible turn of events, Kato seemed to struggle under the pressure of the final 18-holes shooting four over par 76, while Stojanovski rose to the challenge, nailing some long putts and finishing the round two under on 70. Stojanovski ended the 72-holes with a total score of 288, three ahead of Kato who finished on 291. Fifteen year-old Grant Booth came in third place overall with 292. For full report, photos and prize winners go to www.golfnsw.org.

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November 2011

24 upcomingevents....................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Bowditch charity golf day Queensland professional Steven Bowditch will host a charity golf day at Twin Waters Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast later this month. The Steven Bowditch Charity Golf Day, presented by Cellarbrations, is a new proam event and is scheduled to be played on Monday, November 21. A three-time winner on the PGA Tour of Australasia, Bowditch currently competes on the US PGA Tour. Bowditch’s motivation to run the pro-am was to repay the generous support he has received over his career and raise money for a charity close to his heart. “My personal struggles have been well documented over the last few years and it’s time to say thank you to my fantastic supporters and sponsors,” Bowditch said. “Twenty-four of my professional friends from Australia and the US have agreed to play alongside 100 amateurs in the field which will make it an experience to remember.” The pro-am will boast $30,000 in prizemoney with Autism Queensland set to be the beneficiary for the inaugural tournament. “Autism is a condition that has affected a number of children of professional golfers and in particular an immediate member of my family. “It is a charity that desperately needs support and I hope that we can contribute a significant

amount of money to the cause.” Bowditch will be joined at Twin Waters by John Daly, Rod Pampling, Greg Chalmers and others. “The inaugural Steven Bowditch Charity Golf Day, presented by Cellarbrations, is set to be one of highlights on the 2011 Queensland Sunshine Tour,” said Broc Greenhalgh, the Queensland executive officer of the PGA of Australia. “It’s fantastic to see Steven giving back to the game. So many people have followed his career closely particularly in Queensland. “The opportunity this pro-am offers for people to play with and watch some of the best international and local PGA professionals our game has to offer is a true testament to Steven.”

NOVEMBER The Parkinson’s NSW Golf Classic 5th Anniversary November 10 Monash Country Club, Ingleburn NSW Here is your chance to take up sponsorship or put a team together for the 2011 Parkinson’s NSW Golf Classic, which has become a huge success since its inaugural year in 2007. All Proceeds go to the Parkinson’s Counselling Service; a vital program that helps take away much of the initial anxiety and uncertainty that confronts people with the disease. This year also features a Hole-in-One prize: Be the first to score an Ace on the par-three 14th hole at Monash and you could drive away with a magnificent Lexus IS200h with leather trim from Lexus of Chatswood. To r e g i s t e r a s p o n s o r s h i p , y o u r team or to play, phone (02) 9488 7260 or 0409 900846 or email mrhone@ fundraisingdynamics.com.au

10th Annual Fiji Charity Golf Day

Friday 11th November Kogarah Golf Club, Arncliffe, Sydney. Shotgun Start at 11:11am Tee it up in a two-ball Ambrose, Strokeplay competition for your chance to win a Fiji Holiday. First Place Golf Prize will win a return airfare to Fiji and 3 nights’ accommodation at the beautiful Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa for each player. If you don’t win at golf, you can still win a fantastic trip to Fiji via the raffle after the tournament. There are heaps of other prizes on offer as well. This year’s event will have an “eleven” theme, with a separate mystery 11-hole golf competition

A great offer for RACQ Members.

alongside the usual Golf Day competition and prizes for the 11th registration, anyone who brings 11 players and lucky legs 11 door prizes up for grabs. Entry only $111 per player. Corporate entries also available. Contact Alex Wendt on 0415 931 964 or email acwendt@optusnet.com.au or visit www.fijihealthcare.org

The 14th Angel Billy Golf Classic

November 13th Nelson Bay Golf Club Tee it up on Sunday, November 13th for the Angel Billy Golf Classic, a 4-person Ambrose event that benefits the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, a vital and free service that covers Port Stephens, Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, New England and North West Regions of NSW. Entry Fee is $75 per person and includes one playing position in the field, sausage sizzle, dinner and a great prize pool. Registration 10am for 11:30am shotgun start. Generous sponsorship opportunities are also available to companies wishing to support this event and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. For further information, please contact Dianne Every at dianne@la.net.au or mobile 0418 170 242

The Dunes Medal

November 29th- December 2nd The Dunes Golf Links The Dunes Medal is a 72-hole stroke event played annually in early December each year. The event attracts some of the best amateurs in Australia (and overseas) with past players including Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Sarah Kemp and Stacey Keating. The tournament is a World Amateur Golf Ranking event for men and women. Entry forms available at www.thedunes.com.au

Enjoy 18 holes of championship golf with range balls and shared electric cart from $74* per person. Plus for a limited time receive a sleeve of Top Flite golf balls. RACQ Cardholders can bring along up to 3 guests at this special rate. So get a group of four together and book now! With the Gold Coast’s only 27-hole composite golf course and state-of-the-art driving range, RACV Royal Pines Resort truely is a golfers paradise. RACV Royal Pines Resort offers fantastic golf and accommodation discounts to Auto Club members of RACV, RACQ, NRMA and other Australian and International Auto Club members. For more great offers visit www.racv.com.au/royalpines

For golf bookings call 07 5597 8700 RACV Royal Pines Resort Ross Street, Benowa, Gold Coast, Queensland 4217 www.racv.com.au/royalpines

*Conditions apply. Rate of $74 per person is available to Auto Club Members only. Membership Card must be presented upon arrival. Can not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer valid until 28 February 2012.

November 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au...........................................................................

upcomingevents

gold coin donation, which goes directly to Challenge. For more information, visit: melbournegolfinvitational.com.au

Calvin Klein Queensland B&C Grade Championships

John Daly

Betstar Melbourne Golf Invitational & Betstar Million Dollar Hole-In-One Shootout Monday November 14, 2011 Woodlands Golf Course With a field headlined by two-time Major winner John Daly, Former AFL Champion Corey McKernan and numerous Australian professionals and celebrities, the betstar Melbourne Golf invitational kicks off what will truly be one of the biggest ever weeks of international golf in Australia. The betstar Melbourne Golf invitational features a $50,000 prize pool, and is an officially sanctioned PGA of Australia event. The event will conclude in fine style, with the betstar Million Dollar hole-inOne Shootout scheduled at 5:45pm. The event will feature eight entrants; a selection of Professionals, amateurs and celebrities who will have the opportunity to qualify for the shootout throughout the day. The shootout is a one-shot only competition. Challenge, supporting kids with cancer and their families, are the official charity partner of the event. Spectator entry is a

November 25 -27 Noosa Springs NOW in its sixth successful year, the Queensland b&C Grade Championships was designed by Noosa Springs for golfers with higher handicaps. 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 1136 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. On the first day of the championship at the driving range there will be a golf club demonstration. Anyone can come and try the latest golfing equipment from top brands such as Callaway, taylor Made, titliest and Ping. the thursday evening cocktail party will open the championships, while the golfing fun is rounded off with a presentation on the Sunday afternoon. The b&C Grade Championships is on at the same time as the Australian PGA so contestants can venture down the road to the hyatt Coolum to catch some spectacular professional golfing action. 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. to register for the competition or to find out about golf specials visit www.noosasprings.com.au.

Daddo Charity Golf Day presented by Independence Australia Friday 25th November 11am – 5.30pm Moonah Links Resort Open and Legends Course Mornington Peninsula NOW in its seventh year, the successful Daddo Charity Golf Day will again be the finale event of Spinal Cord injury Awareness Week. The famous Daddo family will return to Moonah Links Resort on the Mornington Peninsula to host the event. the day will raise vital funds for independence Australia, a not for profit organisation that supports people with a spinal cord injury and other disabilities. Money raised will be directed towards enabling and empowering people living with a disability to achieve their desired quality of life. The day includes a bbQ and charity raffle with over $10,000 worth of prizes. both the Championship and Legends courses at Moonah Links will be available to test keen golfers. those interested will need to get in quick and register as places are limited. Register on www. independenceaustralia.com.au.

deCeMBer 6th Annual Australian Father and Son Open Golf Championship December 2nd-4th Launceston, Tasmania GEt your entries in early to secure your place in the 2011 Father and Son Open Golf Championship. it is also your invitation to compete in the South African Father and Son golf tournament in April, 2012 if you are the winners of this event. Entries are limited to 80 teams. For further details and to download your entry form visit www. Fatherandsongolfchampionship.com. au or call (03) 6394 4158

2012

Mornington Peninsula Golf Tournament 1-3 May, 2012 thE third annual Mornington Peninsula 54-hole golf tournament showcases all that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer and reinforces the region as “Australia’s Number One Golf Destination”. The first two days will be held at the Portsea Golf Club, a links course adjoining Pt. Nepean National Park and the RACV Cape Schanck Resort. Cape Schanck is a traditional course, designed by American Robert trent Jones Jnr. providing spectacular views over bass Strait and adjoining The National Golf Club, where 2 of their 3 courses will be used for the final day. The National’s 3 courses are currently ranked 8, 14 and 46 in Australia and will provide a spectacular conclusion to this wonderful event.

Entr y price of $315 includes Welcome Party, Lunch each day including the Presentation Lunch at The National Golf Club, 3 Days golf, daily & overall prizes, show bag with

tournament souvenir along with various offerings of the Mornington Peninsula. For more details & entry: www. golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au

November 2011

26 events...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Hayden captures rare double DavidNewbery PAUL Hayden proved to be a front runner rather than a come-frombehind player in winning the Pampling Plate at Nudgee Golf Club in Brisbane. The Indooroopilly trainee pro started the 36-hole matchplay final in top gear and jumped out to a 4-up lead after eight holes before slipping into cruise control. His opponent, Matt Stone from the Caboolture club where Rob Pampling started his career, probably didn’t deserve to fall so far behind early but Hayden was red hot. Even when Stone applied pressure by hitting his approach to 15 feet at the 155m 18th hole, Hayden responded by landing his ball to within two feet of the cup. Hayden, the Queensland PGA trainee champion, tapped in to take a 5-up lead into the afternoon round. “Almost every hole was won with a birdie and although I was 5-up I didn’t think I was going to get it all my own way in the afternoon,” he said. Stone fired the first shots in the afternoon making two birdies at the 19th and 20th holes, but the everreliable Hayden continued his birdie barrage in the middle part of the round to eventually win the match 4 and 3. Stone summed it up when he said

Wide Bay Burnett captures Meg Nunn Salver

Paul Hayden receives the Pampling Plate from Ken Pampling, who presented the trophy on behalf of his son Rod Hayden “managed to keep bogeys off his card”. “I only made a couple of bogeys in the afternoon and was 3-under for the entire day though the bogeys came at crucial times and it is something I will have to improve if I am to make a career from the game,” Stone lamented. It was a gruelling week for the finalists who were required to play 36 holes each day for four consecutive days. Hayden, who prides himself on being a good putter, said he was pleased with his week’s work. “I played really nice in the final and, in fact, I couldn’t really ask any more of myself all week,” said Hayden, after

collecting the $3000 winner’s cheque. “Although I am pleased to have my name on both the 2011 Queensland Trainee Championship and the Pampling Plate, I don’t think it will really sink in for a few more days.” Hayden said he was looking forward to finishing his traineeship later this year. “I will get through my last couple of my assignments and then I really want to dedicate as much time as I can to ensuring my first year as a full professional is a successful one.” In the playoff for third and fourth place, Nudgee trainee Ben Fletcher overcame a neck injury suffered in his semi-final to defeat leading qualifier Renton Ritchie 3 and 2.

Wide Bay Burnett (from left) Hollie Sinclair, Judith Keill (team manager), Jacinta Fricot, Annabel Harris, Rene Baker (team supporter), Debbie Macaulay, Lorraine Lane (team supporter), Nikita Thomas, Dot Retschlag (non-playing captain), Susan Lowrie and Jan Thomas (team supporter) Wide Bay Burnett withstood some fierce competition to capture the 29th Queensland Ladies InterDistrict Match Play Tournament – playing for the Meg Nunn Salver. The event, hosted by Golf Central Queensland District and held at the Calliope Golf Club, was a handicap matchplay tournament between the seven ladies districts in Queensland. Each district has six players with

five to play each match. One point ahead of Brisbane & District on Thursday morning, Wide Bay Burnett finished the day with 31 points, edging out both Brisbane & District and Downs & South West on 25 points each. North Queensland finished third with 22½ points, followed by Far North Queensland (20½ points), Central Queensland (16 points) and Gold Coast (7 points).

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amateurevents 27

Viitakangas in Classic victory DavidNewbery At 188cm (6’2”) and 110 kilograms (17 stone), Simon Viitakangas wouldn’t look out of place lining up with the brisbane broncos or Queensland Reds. instead, the 18-year-old is dishing out big hits on the golf course. Recently Viitakangas, who plays off a +1 handicap, muscled up to win in the prestigious Gary Player Classic at Pacific Golf Club in brisbane. The Gold Coaster, who carded rounds of 6869-75-70 for a six-under par total of 282, used his prodigious length and accuracy off the tee to overpower the golf course and his 18 to 20-yearold rivals. A graduate of the Robina high School golf program, Viitakangas said the victory was one of his career highlights along with winning the 2009 Australian Schoolboys’ Championship. in the past year, Viitakangas has worked doubly hard with coach Kevin healy to overcome golf ’s demons. his game was in the doldrums and he considered taking an extended break. “i was going through a patch when i couldn’t do anything right,” he said. “but since i have been working with Kevin (healy) it’s been excellent.” buoyed by his latest victory, Viitakangas again has a spring in his step as he prepares for the national-ranking Dunes Medal in Melbourne where he can test his game against Australia’s top amateur guns.

CLASSIC: Simon Viitakangas shows off the Gary Player Classic trophy Still, the Surfers Paradise Golf Club member isn’t getting too carried away with his triumph and knows more hard work is needed to achieve his goals. “Eventually i want to become a playing professional, but at the moment it’s small steps at a time,” said Viitakangas, whose father is Finnish.

“it would be nice if i could achieve that within the next five or six years. “So, over the next few years i will work on my game and depending on where i think my game is at will determine whether i want to go to university or persevere with golf.” he says his work as a “buggy boy” (cart

attendant) at Robina Woods Golf Club is the driving force that keeps him motivated. “Just working down at the golf club and seeing everyone out there every day just makes you realise you’d rather be out on the golf course,” he said. “The thing i enjoy about golf is getting out on the golf course and meeting new people – it pretty much gets you away from the real world.” Still, Viitakangas understands the realities of the game, which even causes despair for the world’s best players. “Probably the worst thing about golf is when you can’t control the outcome,” he said. “You have just got to hit every shot and accept the outcome.” An admirer of the late Seve Ballesteros and Adam Scott, Viitakangas is currently working hard on improving his short game and putting. “i struggled with my putting at the Gary Player Classic, but i did hole a couple when it mattered,” Viitakangas said. “Every day i could have had really low scores if the putts had dropped.” As a Gold Coast resident, Viitakangas likes nothing better than going to the beach and hitting the waves with his mates. “i enjoy going to the beach a bit because i am a body-boarder,” he said. FOOTNOTE: Pacific’s Jordan McCarthy and Jack Lane-Weston (Emerald Lakes) won the Gary Player Classic 16-17 years and under-15 divisions respectively.

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November 2011

28 scorecard .............................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au oneasIa toUr Korea oPen RICKIE Fowler went wire-to-wire at the OneAsia tour’s Korea Open to win his first professional title, closing with a 3-under par 68 en route to a six-stroke victory over Rory McIlroy. Fowler finished at 16-under 268, which included an 8-under 63 on Saturday, while Mcilroy fired a final round 64. “it was a lot of fun,” said Fowler. “i played well early on in the final round and then i was comfortable over the last few holes. it feels great to have the first win. i played well all week ... i had good control of my ball, i drove well and i made some putts.”

In BrIef:

the toUr Championship BILL Haas claimed both the tOUR Championship and the coveted FedEx Cup in a thrilling sudden death playoff with Hunter Mahan on the third extra hole at East Lake GC in Atlanta, Georgia . haas shot a final round 2-under 68, and the pair finished regulation at 8-under 272, to advance to the richest sudden death playoff in golf history. haas’ most important shot proved to be his third at the par-4 17th (second playoff hole) after his

PGa tour BRYCE Molder earned his first career PGA tOUR title at the Frys.com Open, prevailing with a birdie on the sixth hole of a sudden death playoff over Briny Baird. Molder fired a 7-under 64 in the final round to match baird at 17-under 267 in regulation.

Champions tour

Rickie Fowler

approach dribbled into the water to the right of the green. With most of his Pro V1x golf ball above the water line, he hit an explosion shot to within 3 feet. he saved par and forced the third and winning playoff hole. The win was the third of haas’ PGA tOUR career and his first of the season. he edged Webb Simpson by a mere 15 points for the $10 million bonus in the seasonlong race. Luke Donald, K.J. Choi and Aaron Baddeley tied for 3rd place, one shot out of the playoff.

World Rankings Following The McGladrey Classic Top 20 Australians Top 20 Rolex World Rankings in Australia 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Jason Day (7 in world rankings) Adam Scott (8) Geoff Ogilvy (37) Aaron baddeley (52) John Senden (60) Robert Allenby (63) Richard Green (78) brendan Jones (89) Stuart Appleby (145) Kurt barnes (149) Marc Leishman (157) Nick O’hern (180) Marcus Fraser (182) Mathew Goggin (199) brett Rumford (205) Greg Chalmers (218) Matthew Jones (223) Daniel Gaunt (228) Andre Stolz (233) brad Kennedy (239)

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

Luke Donald (averaged points 10.49) Lee Westwood (7.63) Rory Mcilroy (7.42) Steve Stricker (6.35) Dustin Johnson (6.33)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Karrie Webb (13 in world) Katherine hull (38) Nikki Campbell (62) tamie Durdin (119) Kristie Smith (126) Lindsey Wright (155) Sarah Kemp (171) Sarah Jane Smith (173) Nikki Garrett (178) Karen Lunn (195) Frances bondad (230) Stacey Keating (249) Ashley Ona (298) Stephanie Na (321) Rebecca Flood (340) Rachel bailey (400) Alison Whitaker (443) Rachel hetherington (471) Vicky Thomas (482) Anna Rawson (495)

asia DAVID Gleeson of Australia captured the hero indian Open for his third career Asian tour title. Gleeson stretched his one shot overnight lead to a winning margin of three strokes following a final round 4-under 68, and a 20-under 268 victory total.

european tour TOM Lewis closed with a 7-under 65 en route to 21-under par 263 victory total, two shots clear of runner-up Rafael Cabrera-Bello. Lewis is now exempt for two years on the European tour. Kenneth Ferrie won the Austrian Golf Open in a playoff for his third career PGA European tour title, and his first in six years. Ferrie fired a final round 5-under 67 to finish at 12-under 276, won with a birdie on the first extra hole. Lee Slattery captured his first career European tour title by one shot at the bankia Madrid Masters. The 25-year old rebounded from a slow start in the final round to close with a one-under 71 en route to a 15-under 273 victory total.

lPGa tour

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

FREDDIE Couples clobbered the field at the At&t Championship, shooting a bogey-free 6-under 66 for a 23-under total and a seven-stroke victory. Mark Calcavecchia shot a 66 to finish second at 16-under. Australia’s Peter Senior finished a respectable 5th at 13-under. Kenny Perry captured his first Champions tour title, closing with a 2-under par 70 to edge two players, including Jeff Sluman by one shot at the SAS Championship. The 51-year-old Perry had an 11-under 205 victory total. Brad Faxon captured his first Champions tour victory with a one-shot win at the rain-shortened insperity Classic. An eight-time winner on the PGA tOUR who turned 50 in August, Faxon shot a 7-under 65 in windy conditions on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead with a 36-hole 10-under 134 total.

Yani tseng (17.68) Suzann Pettersen (11.33) Cristie Kerr (10.94) Na Yeon Choi (10.47) Sun Ju-Ahn (8.77)

Stats and recaps courtesy of the PGA of Australia, the ALPG and titleist. titLEiSt tOUR bLOG: http://www.titleist.com.au/teamtitleist/au/b/weblog/ archive/2011/10/03/titleist-tour-report-for-week-ending-october-2-2011.aspx FOLLOW titLEiSt ON tWittER: http://www.twitter.com/titleist JOiN titLEiSt ON FACEbOOK: http://www.facebook.com/titleistanz

EUROPE regained control of The Solheim Cup for the first time since 2003 with a 15-13 victory over the USA at Killeen Castle in ireland. top-ranked Yani Tseng closed with a 5-under 67 to edge Na Yeon Choi by a stroke at the hana bank Championship. tseng, who also won the Women’s british Open and LPGA Championship this season, finished at 14-under 202. Na Yeon Choi held off Yani tseng to win the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia. The win was the first of the year for Choi, who fired a final round 3-under 68

to finish at 15-under 269. tseng, who started the final round four shots behind Choi, closed with a 6-under 65.

nationwide tour TED Potter, Jr. birdied the second extra hole to outlast Andres Gonzales and Miguel Carballo for the win at the Soboba Golf Classic. The victory marks the second win of the season for Potter. Miguel Carballo recorded three eagles en route to a final round 8-under 64 and a come-from-behind, two shot victory at the Children’s hospital Classic. Carballo finished at 24-under 264, securing his second career Nationwide tour title.

Japan KENICHI Kuboya won his fifth Japan Golf tour title with a two shot victory over three players, including Australian Brad Kennedy. Kuboya, who was one of four players tied for the lead entering the final round, finished at 14-under 274.

leaderBoards Portugal Masters Pos Player 1 tom Lewis 2 Rafael Cabrera-bello t3 Gregory havret t3 David Lynn t3 George Coetzee t3 Felipe Aguilar t3 Christian L. Nilsson Australia/New Zealand Results t29 Daniel Gaunt t52 Marcus Fraser t70 Richard Green

total -21 -19 -18 -18 -18 -18 -18

Strokes 267 269 270 270 270 270 270

-12 -8 -4

276 280 284

MC: Mark Brown, Andrew Dodt, Scott Strange, Brett Rumford, Matthew Zions

the McGladrey Classic Pos Player 1 ben Crane* 2 Webb Simpson 3 Michael Thompson Australia/New Zealand Results t6 Nick O’hern t32 Robert Allenby

total -15 -15 -14

Strokes 265 265 266

-10 -5

270 275

MC: Matt Jones, Rod Pampling, Nathan Green, Steven Bowditch, Jarrod Lyle * Won in playoff

Justin timberlake shriners Hospitals for Children open Pos Player 1 Kevin Na 2 Nick Watney 3 tommy Gainey Australian/New Zealand Results t23 Steven bowditch t23 Nick O’hern t34 Nathan Green t34 Rod Pampling t52 Greg Chalmers t52 Cameron Percy t57 Steve Elkington 63 Aron Price

total -23 -21 -18

Strokes 261 263 266

-14 -14 -12 -12 -9 -9 -8 -7

270 270 272 272 275 275 276 277

MC: Jarrod Lyle, Matt Jones

2011 Worldwide Wins

146 23 ©2011 Acushnet Company. Based upon results through 21/10/11 on the U.S. PGA, U.S. LPGA, Champions, Nationwide, South African, Asian, Korean, OneAsia, Australasian, Japan, Canadian PGA and PGA European Tours. Titleist Customer Service: 1800 660 535

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November 2011

30 Juniorgolf............................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Pump Golf Junior Festival winners announced thE 2011 season has concluded for the Pump Shootout and the winners have been drawn for the 2011 Pump Golf Junior Festival. Approximately 80 juniors from all over Australia will be invading Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for the Pump Golf Junior Festival, to be hosted the fabulous twin Waters Golf Club and Novotel twin Waters Resort. They will be joined by a group of international guests from New Zealand, Samoa and New Caledonia to make up the field of close to one hundred juniors. there, juniors will be treated to a ‘golf experience of a lifetime’ involving clinics on all aspects of their game, a 36-hole competition and the opportunity to meet and learn from Australia’s best golfers. After arriving on the Sunshine Coast on tuesday morning the juniors will be treated to a barbeque with the stars that afternoon, with three of Australia’s best tour Professionals entertaining the crowd with their tales from the tour while also offering some sound words of advice to the ambitious juniors amongst the group. this year, USPGA tour player and Australian PGA Championship winner, Nick O’Hern will be there to inspire the kids with stories of his life on the PGA tour and a shot demonstration. This is the second

Nick O’Hern year Nick has attended the Pump Golf Junior Festival and says he always enjoys meeting the next generation of Australian golfers. “it’s always great to come and help junior golf in Australia and hopefully i can share some advice and experiences that help improve their game. We had a great time last year and i’m really looking forward to doing it again this year.”

in past Junior Festivals, juniors have been privileged to learn from Professionals such as Stuart Appleby, Adam Scott, Peter O’Malley and Alistair Presnell just to name a few. After the barbeque with the stars, the juniors will be treated to clinics delivered by highly qualified and respected PGA teaching professionals from all around Australia who have flown in just for the Pump Golf Junior

Festival. Their instruction will cover all aspects of the game including chipping, putting and bunker play, full swing technique, along with information relating to golf fitness and sports psychology. The eager golfers full of knowledge and excitement will then compete on the Wednesday and Thursday over 36-holes of stroke-play competition, with winners crowned in various age divisions in both net and scratch categories. After the second round of competition on Thursday, the group will then be treated to a trip up the road to hyatt Coolum to take in all the action on day one of the 2011 Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola (Nov 2427). there, they will witness the world’s best golfers ‘turn up the heat’ in one of the best fields the Australian PGA Championship has ever seen with names such as Norman, Day, Scott, Watson, Yang and this year’s Open winner, Darren Clarke, heading the bill of superstars attending this year. For more information including a full list of winners, please visit the Pump Golf website, www.pumpgolf.com or c ont a c t t h e P G A Ev e nt s Division on events@pga.org.au or (03) 8320 1999.

Dann’s the man at Kingaroy PEREGiAN Springs’ Charlie Dann captured the Sunshine Coast & South burnett District Golf Association Open and Closed Championship at Kingaroy Golf Club. The 19-year-old carded a fine oneunder par round of 71 to win by one from Chris Wilson (Caloundra), who edged out Ricky Coleman (North Lakes) on a countback. David Grenfell (horton Park) and Douglas Klein, a 14-year-old from Pine Rivers, carded 73s. Dann and Coleman, 19, are products of the SC&SbDGA junior talent squad while Klein, 14, is currently in the district talent squad. the SC&SbD GA must be doing something right because there are some talented youngsters being developed in the district. The district representative team for the upcoming inter-Association Championships to be played at Nudgee Golf Club from the November 20-22 is: David Grenfell (captain – horton Park), Chris Wilson (Caloundra), Charlie Dann (Peregian Springs) and Rick Coleman (North Lakes).

2011 Pump Golf Junior Festival Winners Announced!

80 juniors across Australia have won a trip of a lifetime to the 2011 Pump Golf Junior Festival. Checkout the website for all the winners.

JUST VISIT WWW.PUMPGOLF.COM

EXPERTS IN THE GAME

celebrities 31

Steve Johnson – motor racing raced. One of them was injured and they asked Peter and dad if they would consider giving me a drive. They got me a license that week and i jumped in a cart on practice day and straight into the race meeting. because i was a P-plate driver and my first race i had to start at the back of the grid and won ever y race and the whole meeting.

StEVE Johnson is one of Australia’s top V8 supercars racing drivers, but when he’s not racing around the track at phenomenal speeds he can be found honing his skills as a single figure golfer at Links hope island on the Gold Coast. Johnson talks about being the son of the legendary Dick Johnson, why he’d like to have a crack at professional golf and why he thinks it’s important to be a good person. Inside Golf: What’s your handicap? Steve Johnson: Five.

IG: What’s your worst habit? SJ: Probably starting projects and not finishing them before starting the next one.

IG: How often do you play golf? SJ: When i’m home i try to play as much as i can, which can be a couple of times a week. if i had a choice i’d play everyday. i might play three times a week during the Christmas holidays, but then i won’t pick up a club for two or three months. IG: Have you had golf lessons? SJ: No, i have never really had a lesson. i have just watched how the other guys do it. i have always wanted to be a low single figure marker and ideally would like to get down to scratch or one or two. My handicap has hovered around five and seven for the last three years. IG: Do you find there is a big contrast between racing and golf? SJ: there’s a massive contrast. Golf is a lot more relaxing and i treat it as a lot of fun. i am interested in how things work, whether it’s motor cars or golf and that’s why i am interested in the swing and how you can fix things. i guess the margin for error in racing and golf is fairly similar. if you are a fraction out, you are a long way out. IG: Would you like to be a professional golfer? SJ: Yes, i’d love to be a professional. but i wouldn’t say if i had my time over again i’d do it. Maybe trying to get on the Legends tour (seniors) would be something that would interest me after i have finished driving and old enough to do it. IG: What’s your lowest score? SJ: i have a couple of 70s, but on average i’m around 76 to 79. My worst round is in the low 80s.

Steve Johnson on the tee and (inset) during his racing career IG: What’s your favourite pastime other than motor racing or playing golf? SJ: i love spending time with my family (wife bree, son Jett, 6, and daughter Lacy, 3). My son and i get out and go go-carting and i love doing that with him. And i have a few remotecontrol toys like cars and planes and that keeps me occupied.

IG: What’s been your worst sporting moment? SJ: i couldn’t pinpoint one. There are some days when you felt you deserved a result and didn’t get one due to an on-track incident or mechanical failure. There are a lot more downs than ups, but the ups keep you going. IG: Who is your favourite sportsperson and why? SJ: Ayrton Senna. he was a massive role model and inspiration for me as a kid. he had a great work ethic and i liked the way he went about his career and how dedicated and devoted he was. Kelly Slater (surfing) is often forgotten, but he won something like 10 titles and to be at the pinnacle of the sport for that amount of time is impressive.

IG: What’s been your greatest sporting moment? SJ: the first wins are always special. i enjoyed my first win coming out of go-carts and into a sports sedan. We went down to Amaroo Park in Sydney and won against all the giant killers. i say giant killers because we were racing just a little Datsun 1600 sports sedan with a rotary engine while all IG: Name your dream fourball playing partners? the other cars were massive horse-powered SJ: Greg Norman, Jason Day and Adam Scott. Chevy Monzas and things. The other special moment was racing with dad at bathurst in 1998 and in his last bathurst in 1999 IG: When did you discover you were good at where we finished fourth. We had problems racing? SJ: i was six and we were on holidays in Carins all day and he even had brake problems at LOCATION DAY DATE with Peter brock and his family. i had pedal cars the end of the race and we still managed to sanctuary cove (member wednesday at home andonly) one of Peter’s friends had22nd kidsJuly that finish fourth.

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horton park

saturday

LOCATION

8th auGust DAY

IG: What was it like growing up in your father’s shadow? SJ: it’s been difficult. There are positives and negatives being Dick Johnson’s son. i try to use the positives to my advantage, but i think there are more negatives than positives. i have always tried to go about my business and make my own identity rather than live off his fame. Mum and dad brought me up with their good morals and i have always tried to be as good as i can and as good a person as i can be. i think being a good person is the key to success whether that be in sport or in general life and that’s what i have tried to do. IG: What’s on your horizon? SJ: i have put a few things in place where i am more hands-on behind the scenes in the business (Dick Johnson Racing) because i really want to grow the business. i want to turn the team into a super team and compete for championship year in and year out. IG: Do you have a hidden talent? SJ: i go okay at squash. IG: Are you superstitious? SJ: No, but i won’t walk under a ladder. IG: What sort of a person do you see yourself as? SJ: i see myself as a very family-orientated person TIME who still has a burning competitive desire to win 9.30am 1.30pm races -and be the best person i can be. 9:00am - 1:00pm DATE

TIME

sanctuary cove (member only)

wednesday

22nd July

9.30am - 1.30pm

horton park

saturday

8th auGust

9:00am - 1:00pm

GET FIT TODAY Turn to page 68 for a complete list of fitting days this month

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November 2011

The Presidents Cup – A to Z The Presidents Cup has had it all – a controversial revolt against a captain, an unlikely tie and even a few unlikely heroes, writes DAVID NEWBERY

is for Aussies. The Australians have had more players represent the internationals than any other nation – 13 in all. They are: Steve Elkington, Brad Hughes, Craig Parry, Robert Allenby, Peter Senior, Greg Norman, Stuart Appleby, Stephen Leaney, Peter Lonard, Adam Scott, Nick O’Hern, Mark Hensby and Geoff Ogilvy. This year the number will jump to 15 after Jason Day and Aaron Baddeley debut.

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is for biggest winning margin. in 2000, the US team captained by Ken Venturi defeated the Peter Thomson-led internationals 21½10½ at the Robert trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia. is for charity. There is no prizemoney awarded at the Presidents Cup. the nett proceeds are distributed to charities nominated by the players, captains, and captains’ assistants. The Presidents Cup has raised more than $23m for charities around the world.

is for debutant. in 2009, Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa became the youngest golfer to play in The Presidents Cup at 18. he earned three points out of five when he paired with Y.E. Yang to defeat Sean O’Hair and Kenny Perry 4/3 in fourball and again with Yang to defeat Zach

Johnson and Perry 3/2 in foursomes and beat Perry 2/1 in singles.

is for Ernie Els, one of the finest international players since making his debut in 1996. in the Cup’s history, Els, who revels in matchplay golf, has mostly been the internationals’ go-to man and has accumulated 17 points (2.83 average). The big Easy will be making his seventh Cup appearance.

is for format. The format consists of 12 players per side and a non-playing captain. All 12 players must play foursomes and fourball matches on Thursday and Friday (six matches per session) and each player must play a one-on-one singles match on Sunday.

is for gamesmanship. They say there’s no room for gamesmanship in golf, but you can forget that when it comes to matchplay. Each player will be looking to unsettle their opponent early. in tightly-fought matches a gimme is no guarantee.

is for help. internationals captain Greg Norman named South African Tim Clark and NZ’s Frank Nobilo as

captain’s assistant while US captain Fred Couples will rely on Jay Haas and Michael Jordan of basketball fame.

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is for irritant. Those annoying so-called fans who continually yell out “get in the hole” when a player tees off on a long hole. Give it a break, people. And please – no more “you da man”.

is for Jack (Nicklaus) – the only US team captain to suffer a loss in Presidents Cup history. The world’s greatest golfer has captained the US four times for one loss (at Royal Melbourne), a tie and two wins.

is for Kenny (Perry). The American holds the unenviable record for the biggest loss in Presidents Cup history when he was thumped 7 and 6 by South African David Frost in 1996.

is for long putter. Sales of long and mid-length putters could soar after the Presidents Cup. At least eight players have at one time or another had success using a broomstick or belly putter including Adam Scott, Phil Mickelson, Retief Goosen, Webb Simpson, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar and Bill Haas.

Jason Day will make his debut at The 2011 Presidents Cup

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is for mutiny. in 1996, Australian David Graham was controversially dumped as international team captain. to this day no-one knows who led the revolt or why there was a revolt in the first place.

is for nerves. Players on both sides will be nervous because playing as an individual is completely different to playing for a team. They may be the world’s best players, but they will still be affected by Presidents Cup butterflies.

is for Ogilvy (Geoff ). Greg Norman breathed a sigh of relief when Ogilvy automatically qualified for the team after finishing third in the bMW Championship. Ogilvy grew up next door to Royal Melbourne and knows the course like the back of his hand. had Ogilvy not tipped out Louis Oosthuizen at the final hurdle, the Shark would have had to decide which two he’d pick out of Ogilvy, baddeley and Allenby.

is for prediction. The US team may look stronger on paper, but the internationals will prevail in a closely-fought contest. The internationals will edge ahead after the foursomes and fourball matches and hold off the fast-finishing US in singles.

is for quip. in 2009, internationals captain Greg Norman called Tim Clark his “little bulldog”. The South African’s tenacity took him and Vijay Singh to a one-up win over a pair of major winners in Lucas Glover and Stewart Cink. Clark was instrumental in keeping himself and Singh in the match with his dogged determination and refusal to let go.

is for record appearances. American Phil Mickelson and internationals Vijay Singh have played in all eight Presidents Cups to date. Mickelson will go one-up after this year’s event because Singh, 46, failed to qualify and missed out on a captain’s pick.

is for Shark (Greg Norman). The Shark has been the focus and driving force of the international team since 1994 as a player and team captain. he will have sleepless nights trying to find the right pairings for the critical foursomes and fourball matches, which will be the difference between winning and losing the Cup.

is for tied. in 2003, The Presidents Cup finished in a tie (17-17) and captains Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player agreed, after some debate, to share the spoils when darkness fell and interrupted the playoff between tiger Woods and Ernie Els.

is for unlikely heroes. Who can forget the internationals’ smiling-assassin Shigeki Maruyama of Japan who, in 1998, won all five matches at Royal Melbourne? his effort helped secure a 20½-11½ victory over the Americans.

is for Vijay (Singh). For the first time in the history of The Presidents Cup, Vijay won’t be a member of the internationals team. Since 1994, the Fijian has won or halved 25 of his 40 matches played. in 2009, he was undefeated winning two and halving three matches.

is for Woods (Tiger). What role will tiger Woods play? Will he be easy prey for the internationals or lead dog for the US team? US captain Fred Couples will be hoping

for the latter after bringing him into to side as one of his captain’s picks.

is for x-factor, not the television talent show, but Royal Melbourne golf course. This is where the Americans suffered their one and only loss in Cup history. Will this year’s US team be able to read the subtleties of the grand old course?

is for yips. in 2005, current US captain Fred Couples fought a mini-battle with the yips but still got the job done when he sunk a clutch putt on the 18th to edge out Vijay Singh. “i don’t know, i closed my eyes and just hit it,” he said when asked how he managed to hole the putt.

is for Zimbabwe. two former players, Nick Price and Mark McNulty, hail from the troubled southern African country of Zimbabwe. Price, the former world number one, played for the internationals in five Presidents Cups while McNulty took part in two.

tHe PresIdents CUP MerCHandIse thE most exciting week of golf in Australia’s history comes to Royal Melbourne Golf Club this month! Get into the spirit with Official Presidents Cup Merchandise. Australia’s leading golf apparel brands, Sporte Leisure and Greg Norman Collection offer high performance polo shirts available with the Presidents Cup logo from only $59 retail. There is also a full range of caps, towels, golf balls, bag tags and tees. Look out for their exclusive range of divot tools, hat clips and gift packs! Contact your local golf retailer for information. (02) 9693 5777.

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November 2011

InternatIonal teaM

Greg Norman

in addition to his 2009 captaincy, Greg Norman has significant experience in the biennial match-play competition. Norman has appeared in The Presidents Cup three times (1996, 1998, 2000). Norman’s record was 7-6-1. “Freddie and i are great friends, so to have him on the other side as captain on the other side makes it all the better. i think it will be a joy to go to my home country and a golf club that i’m a member and try to finally win the Cup back after 13 years. it will be an honour.”

Tim Clark

Captain’s Assistant

Frank Nobilo Captain’s Assistant

Jason Day

Kyung-tae Kim

Y.E. Yang

Adam Scott

Retief Goosen

Ryo Ishikawa

Charl Schwartzel

Geoff Ogilvy

Aaron Baddeley

K.J. Choi

Ernie Els

Robert Allenby

Age: 23 Birthplace: beaudesert, Queensland, Australia. PGA Tour wins: 1 First Presidents Cup appearance

Age: 31 Birthplace: Adelaide, Australia. PGA Tour wins: 8 Played: 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009. Record: 8-10-2

Age: 27 Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa. PGA Tour wins: 1 First Presidents Cup appearance

Age: 41 Birthplace: Wando, South Korea. PGA Tour wins: 8 Played: 2003, 2007 Record: 3-6-0

Age: 25 Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea. PGA Tour wins: 0 First Presidents Cup appearance

Age: 42 Birthplace: Polokwane, South Africa. PGA Tour wins: 7 Played: 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 Record: 11-10-3

Age: 34 Birthplace: Adelaide, Australia. PGA Tour wins: 7 Played: 2007, 2009 Record: 4-5-0

Age: 41 Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa. PGA Tour wins: 18 Played: 1996, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2009 Record: 16-12-2

Age: 39 Birthplace: Jeju-do, South Korea. PGA Tour wins: 2 Played: 2009 Record: 2-2-1

Age: 20 Birthplace: Saitama, Japan. PGA Tour wins: 0 Played: 2009 Record: 3-2-0

Captain’s Pick Age: 30 Birthplace: Lebanon, New hampshire (USA). PGA Tour wins: 3 First Presidents Cup appearance

Captain’s Pick Age: 40 Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia. PGA Tour wins: 4 Played: 1994, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2009 Record: 8-13-3

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Matt Kuchar

Nick Watney

Hunter Mahan

Steve Stricker*

Phil Mickelson

Jim Furyk

Age: 33 Birthplace: Winter Park, Florida. PGA Tour wins: 3 First Presidents Cup appearance

Age: 44 Birthplace: Edgerton Wisconsin. PGA Tour wins: 11 Played: 1996, 2007, 2009 Record: 9-6-0

Age: 30 Birthplace: Sacramento, California. PGA Tour wins: 4 First Presidents Cup appearance

Age: 41 Birthplace: San Diego, California. PGA Tour wins: 39 Played: ALL: 1994-2009 Record: 15-13-10

Age: 29 Birthplace: Orange, California. PGA Tour wins: 3 Played: 2007, 2009 Record: 4-4-1

Age: 41 Birthplace: West Chester, Pennsylvania. PGA Tour wins: 18 Played: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 Record: 15-10-3

Dustin Johnson

Bubba Watson

Bill Haas

Webb Simpson

David Toms

Tiger Woods

Age: 27 Birthplace: Columbia, South Carolina. PGA Tour wins: 5 First Presidents Cup appearance

Age: 26 Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina. PGA Tour wins: 2 First Presidents Cup appearance

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Age: 32 Birthplace: bagdad, Florida. PGA Tour wins: 5 First Presidents Cup appearance

Age: 44 Birthplace: Monroe, Louisiana. PGA Tour wins: 13 Played: 2003, 2005, 2007 Record: 6-7-1

Captain’s Pick Age: 29 Birthplace: Charlotte, North Carolina. PGA Tour wins: 3 First Presidents Cup appearance

Captain’s Pick Age: 35 Birthplace: Cypress, California. PGA Tour wins: 71 Played: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 Record: 18-11-1, incl 5-0-0 in 2009

Us teaM

Fred Couples

in addition to his 2009 captaincy, Fred Couples has appeared in The Presidents Cup four times (1994, 1996, 1998, 2005). Couples compiled a 9-5-2 record in The Presidents Cup. “i’m looking forward to returning to Royal Melbourne, this time as a captain, and to have Greg Norman again asx the international team captain, in his home country, is going to be great for all of us involved, for the fans and for The Presidents Cup itself.”

Jay Haas

Captain’s Assistant

Michael Jordan Captain’s Assistant

* At press time, Steve Stricker was uncertain about participation due to injury. Statistics and records courtesy of www.presidentscup.com

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E2 Legend

Opening & Closing Ceremonies

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ATM Video Scoreboard Crossing Area Captains’ Club Presidential Suites Premier Suites Royal Suites Trophy Club Rolex Suite BMW Suite Citi Suite Victoria Suite

Course Par & Distance Hole Metres Par

Hole Metres Par

324

396

476

304

161

402

401

350

135

170

285

520

416

410

435

392

401

419

Out

3,034

3,363

6,397

Total Through 18

The Presidents Cup 2011 November 15-20, 2011 Royal Melbourne Golf Club Black Rock, Victoria – Australia

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forMat

Similar to The Ryder Cup, The Presidents Cup is a match play competition consisting of 34 matches — 11 foursomes (alternate shot), 11 four-ball (better ball) matches and 12 singles matches involving all players on the final Sunday. All matches are worth one point each, for a total of 34 points. Unlike the Ryder Cup, however, all twelve players must play foursome and four ball matches; only two players will sit out each session of Saturday matches, and each player must play a one-on-one ts Cup singles 2011match on Sunday. 2011 Foursome and Four-ball matches all square at the end of 18 holes are halved, with each side Golf Club receiving ½ point. Singles matches all square after 18 holes will to go extra holes until a match a – Australia Balcombe Rd winner is determined. The winning team will have to accumulate no less than 17½ points to win The Presidents Cup.

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Parking will be limited and it is recommended to use public transport to get to The Presidents Cup at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club (RMGC). The RMGC is located on Cheltenham Road in black Rock, and is in Zone 2.

BY TRAIN

Mentone train Station is on the Frankston Line, and the journey from the city will take approximately 30 minutes. Sandringham train Station is on the Sandringham Line, and the journey from the city will take approximately 30 minutes. A free return shuttle bus service will be available from both train stations to transport to the course. The shuttle bus stop at the course will be on Reserve Road.

BY BUS

bus routes 600, 922 and 923 (St Kilda to Southland Shopping Centre) and 825 (Moorabbin train Station to Southland Shopping Centre) run along bluff Road, and it is a short 10-minute walk along Cheltenham Road to the RMGC. The RMGC is on Cheltenham Road, black Rock, between bluff Road and Reserve Road. Car parking : $15

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Public Car Parking is located at the Sandringham Golf Course in black Rock. Once in the vicinity of the RMGC, please follow the signs for the Public Car Park.

TAXIS

A designated taxi rank will be set up in Reserve Road for all drop off / pick ups. taxis with disabled passengers or passengers with special needs will be permitted to drop off at the designated disabled drop off zone in the public car park. From here a disabled shuttle service will run to the main entry gate at the course.

DISABLED CAR PARKING

Disabled Parking will be available* in the Sandringham Golf Links for those displaying a valid Disabled Person’s Parking Permit on their vehicle. Once in the vicinity of the RMGC, please follow the signs for the b Car Park, entry will be on RESERVE ROAD. Free accessible transport will be available for passengers with special needs via a shuttle service operating on a continuous loop to and from the Disabled Parking area. The bus is available to patrons with limited mobility only and can transport up to four people, including one wheelchair passenger. *Please remember that parking is limited and is not guaranteed upon entry.

Past resUlts Year Venue Winning team Score Losing team Captains 2009 harding Park Golf Club (San United States 19½ 14½ international Fred Couples Francisco, California) Greg Norman highlights: • The U.S. team retained the Cup, winning for the sixth time. • First time in The Presidents Cup history that both captains were former participants in The Presidents Cup. Couples has appeared four times (1994, 1996, 1998, 2005) for the United States and Norman three (1996, 1998, 2000) for the internationals. • tiger Woods goes undefeated in matches. 2007 Royal Montreal Golf Club (L’Île- United States 19½ 14½ international Jack Nicklaus bizard, Quebec, Canada) Gary Player highlights: • David toms earned the most points for the U.S. team. • Woody Austin fell into the lake on hole 14 while attempting a shot. • Mike Weir thrilled the crowds with a 1-up victory over World No. 1 tiger Woods in Sunday’s singles competition. 2005 Robert trent Jones Golf Club United States 18½ 15½ international Jack Nicklaus (Gainesville, Virginia) Gary Player highlight: • Chris DiMarco’s 13-foot birdie putt on Sunday won the title for the U.S. 2003 Fancourt hotel and Country tied 17 17 tied Jack Nicklaus Club Estate (George, Western Gary Player Cape, South Africa) highlight: • tie declared after 34 matches and 3 sudden-death playoff holes between Ernie Els and tiger Woods. 2000 Robert trent Jones Golf Club (Gainesville, Virginia) highlight: • Largest margin of victory in history.

United States

21½

10½ international Ken Venturi Peter Thomson

1998 Royal Melbourne Golf Club international (Melbourne, Australia) highlight: • First time event played outside the U.S. • First victory for the international team

20½

11½ United States Jack Nicklaus Peter Thomson

1996 Robert trent Jones Golf Club United States 16½ 15½ international Arnold Palmer (Gainesville, Virginia) Peter Thomson highlight: • Fred Couples’ birdie putt on 17 beat Vijay Singh to retain the Cup for the U.S. 1994 Robert trent Jones Golf Club United States 20 12 international hale irwin (Gainesville, Virginia) David Graham highlight: • Fred Couples clinched victory for the U.S. with a tap-in birdie on the final hole.

2011 sCHedUle of events tuesday, 15th November Wednesday, 16th November Thursday, 17th November Friday, 18th November Saturday, 19th November

Sunday, 20th November

Practice Rounds all day Gates open 8.00am Gates Close 5.00pm The Presidents Cup Gala taste of Nations Player Practice Rounds Gates open 8.00am Opening Ceremony 4.00pm Gates Close 6.00pm Foursomes (6 Matches) Gates open 8.00am First round of competition 1.00pm* Gates Close 1 hour after play concludes Four-ball (6 Matches) Gates open 8.00am Play starting time 11.40am* Gates Close 1 hour after play concludes Gates open 5.30am Foursomes (5 matches) 7.00am* Fourball (5 Matches) 11.50am* Gates close 1 hour after play concludes Gates open 8.00am Singles Match Play (12 Matches) 10.30am* Closing Ceremony (30 minutes following play) and winning team (following Closing Ceremony) Gates Close 30 minutes after closing ceremony concludes

* Course not open to public on Monday. Times subject to change

November 2011

All for one, one for all RobWillis FOR elite golfers, the vast majority of their existence is all about self. There are no teammates to consider and while most good players have coaches, practicing and training is organised and conducted on your own, to suit your own needs. The motivation to succeed has to come from within. An individual game, one chosen by those who prefer to control their own destiny, golfers have no teammates and no ‘we’. Sure, friendships are formed and bonds made with those against whom we compete, but in the end, nobody else really matters once that first tee shot is struck. When starting out my professional career a wise (some might say cynical) old golfer once said to me something along the lines of “every shot you hit makes someone happy”. i had to think about it, but not for very long, to come up with an interpretation. Obviously every good shot you hit makes you happy, and in a kind of perverse sort of way, the theory behind the saying translates into the bad ones pleasing your opponents. So when a golfer finds themselves in a team environment, such as will be the case in the upcoming Presidents Cup, it is something about which they are unfamiliar. it takes them way out of their comfort zone. Some shine and lift their performance to a whole new level, while others crumble under

Whether you’re playing in the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup or even a state comp supporting your home club, the “team” mentality creates special bonds among competitors (Photos: Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America, Ryder Cup Media/Getty) the weight of having someone else depending on them. it becomes about ‘us’ and often, for a golfer who spends all his time worrying only about number one, it can be daunting. i never reached the heights in the professional game to ever be considered for a team competition, with that honour bestowed only on a select few, but in thinking back to my amateur days, some of the most vivid memories revolved around playing team golf in one way,

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shape or form. As a junior pennant player i’ll never forget my very first match for New brighton Golf Club. Thrown in a little bit over my head as a kid of about 15, i lost in my first outing and at the time i was inconsolable. When my opponent beat me by one hole at the Ashlar course in Sydney’s western suburbs, i was devastated and thought i had let down my team, my club, even my family, such was my level of disappointment.

i can also recall the most pressure i ever felt was playing golf and again it was as a part of a team, contesting the Pennant Final a few years later at Royal Sydney. i wouldn’t say i choked but i remember feeling the most tension i had ever felt on a golf course. We lost out that day and the frustration remains with me even now almost 30 years later. but my experience with team golf wasn’t always negative—far from it—with some of the successes producing highs which matched anything i ever experienced on my own. in the past i have documented on the pages of Inside Golf recollections of my greatest moments, which included winning a NSW Major Pennant for New brighton and holing the final putt, on the 18th green with the scores locked at three-matches apiece. My proudest golfing moment was accepting the trophy for NSW as team captain at an interstate State Series contested at the Keysborough course in Victoria. Knowing those who had gone before, the camaraderie we had built up amongst the members of the team that year and having a sense of representing a whole state full of golfers, was a high difficult to emulate. And my biggest celebrations after winning a golfing event came when i was a part of the University of Nevada golf team when we beat our bitter rivals boise State University to win the big Sky Conference Championship. being with a team of guys who lived together on the university campus, practiced together

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Email info@kennedybay.com.au • www.kennedybay.com.au • Tel 08 9524 5991

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every day and socialised together, as you do quite regularly when attending college in the US, it was special to share what for us was a significant victory. i doubt the sleepy town of Pocatello idaho would have seen celebrations similar, either before or at any time since. Which brings me to the subject of the upcoming Presidents Cup, the highlight event during what is promising to be the most exciting Australian summer of golf in history. Despite the fact there is no monetary gain for them the very best professionals from the US, Australia and around the world have strived to be a part of these matches for the last 12 months and the time has almost arrived where they will do battle. And in contrast to their usual existence they will compete not for just themselves, but for their 11 other teammates and all those who support them. history has shown us some will thrive under the pressure of it all. Who can forget Craig Parry and his partner Shigeki Maruyama playing dominant roles the last time The Presidents Cup was contested at Royal Melbourne. both upstaged more illustrious team members in beating the very best the Americans could throw at them, steering the internationals to their only victory since The Presidents Cup began. Then there are those who come in with a huge question mark following previous failures. Tiger Woods is an excellent exponent of match play, but some say he doesn’t adapt to the team mentality. Perfect in five matches in San Francisco two years ago, his previous Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup performances, taking into consideration his standing in the game, have been underwhelming. Which emphasizes my ramblings about the pressures of team golf. if the dominant,

“Tiger Woods is an excellent exponent of match play, but some say he doesn’t adapt to the team mentality.” most mentally strong, player of his time is uncomfortable, imagine the pressure the others will be feeling. While everybody talks up the ‘spirit’ in which the matches are sure to be played, the players are trying to win at all costs, and at the end of the day the crowds will be parochial, with

their support more akin to what goes on inside a football arena. Who can forget the famous Ryder Cup moment when team USA rushed onto the 17th green, and all over the putting line of Jose Maria Olazabal, to embrace Justin Leonard when he sank a bomb to help his team secure victory?

Conventions and etiquette went well and truly out the window, replaced by unrestrained emotion not normally associated with golf. One only needs to revisit some of the postevent parties from winning Ryder Cup teams to appreciate what it all meant to them. Some who were often bitter foes year around in the world’s biggest championships, would come together for the sake of the team. Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros and Colin Montgomerie it has been rumored would hardly share the time of day away from European team environment, but more than once they puffed from the same cigar and drank from the same champagne bottle in toasting Ryder Cup success. With a team competition every year, and with a skipper in Fred Couples, on numerous occasions a Ryder Cup participant, somebody well versed in what it takes to bring a squad together, the Americans come in with an advantage. They also have The Presidents Cup win-loss sheet to back up their favouritism. his job is harder, considering his team hail from different countries and cultures, but it falls to international captain Greg Norman to engender similar team spirit. Norman and Couples both know they need their players to leave ‘self ’ at the front gates of Royal Melbourne and to embrace the team concept. And while they want their troops all fired up to play for each other, they don’t want them wound too tightly to a point where they crave it too much and the weight of expectation doesn’t allow for optimum performance. it will be great viewing watching it all play out. i love team golf, where those who yearn for success grasp the fact that it is one for all, but at the same time it is all for one.

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Legends of the Game

You’ve got to hand it to Freddie DavidNewbery thE world’s best golfers can be recognised for all sorts of reasons – their head gear, clothing, belts or even their shoes. For example, John Daly is known for his outrageous trousers, Johnny Miller for his shocking red pants and white belt, Rodger Davis for his plus-twos, Jesper Parnevik for his upturned peak on his baseball cap and Rickie Fowler for his brightly coloured clothing. but American Fred Couples, who arrives in Australia this month as captain of the US team for The Presidents Cup, is well-known for what he doesn’t wear when he’s playing golf – a glove. And when he’s not swinging a club he’s the guy who looks slightly uncomfortable as he shrugs and fidgets, throwing his arms skyward as if his shirt is too tight. The 52-year-old is also known for winning the 1992 US Masters. Australians will remember it well because Craig Parry was leading after three rounds, but in the final round, the gallery got to him and he fell by the wayside. People were coughing and someone even pushed over a chair during his swing. “it makes it very hard when you are trying your best and your mistakes are being applauded,” Parry said. “i three-putted three holes in a row and the crowd clapped every time. i’ve never seen anything so one-sided.” Of course, Couples, the man they call “boom

boom” because of his booming drives, basked in the glory. Often criticised for being too laid-back, Couples plays the game with a care-free attitude. Critics often said he was a man with “so much talent, but no ambition whatsoever”. Once when he publicly expressed joy at finishing third, Jack Nicklaus was overheard saying: “i don’t understand that.” in 1992, Couples became the first American to reach No.1 on the Official World Golf Rankings. he spent 16 weeks at the top. Couples started playing golf when he was nine and in his teens he developed his signature loose, rhythmic swing in order to gain enough distance to keep up with the older children. Later he attended houston University and was an All-American in 1978 and 1979 and low amateur in the 1978 US Open. Couples turned professional in 1980 and during his first season he twice tied for second place on the tour and finished 53rd on the money list. his reputation as a big hitter became apparent, and during one tournament he drove a 290-metre par-4 in all four rounds. Perhaps that contributed to back problems, which forced him to practise less than he wanted to. if he hits golf balls after the round he ends up with a stiff back the next day. These days Couples, who has 53 professional wins worldwide, continues to play on the US tour and the Champions tour. he made his debut on the Champions tour

in 2010 winning four times and so far this year he was won twice. in August he won the Senior Players Championship, his first major as a member of the Champions tour, and last month he captured the At&t Championship with rounds of 65-62-66 to finished 23-under par and seven shots clear of Mark Calcavecchia. Couples has also been called “Mr Skins” courtesy of his dominance in Skins Games. he has won the event five times – in ‘95-’96-’99-’03’04. in 11 appearances he has won 77 skins and $US3,515,000. in 2 0 0 9 , C oupl e s w as appointed US team captain for the Presidents Cup, however, he learned all about team competition when he was selected to play in the 1989 Ryder Cup. it’s been said Couples lost his innocence that year at the belfry in England when he arrived not knowing what to expect or what was at stake. When he mis-hit a nine-iron approach the Cup went to Europe Freddie was devastated. Couples has played in four Presidents Cups and despite his laid-back demeanor will be a little nervous watching his players attempt to retain the Cup at Royal Melbourne. “Everybody thinks Fred’s relaxed on the golf course, but he’s more tense on the golf course than anywhere,” said his good pal Davis Love iii.

November 2011

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

The Mornington Peninsula is a golf destination the equal of anywhere in the world. A bold statement perhaps, but many golf enthusiasts are discovering that the combination of courses, their accessibility, variety and the sheer number of them (19), provides a package that is hard to resist. For more information visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/golf

DEVILBEND GOLF CLUB A challenging, 18 hole, 5998m course set amidst a ora and fauna reserve. The club house is renowned for its friendly atmosphere. Bar and Bistro available. The golf shop is well equipped. Lessons from PGA Professional Practice facilities are available. Bookings Essential. Trade and Social Days Welcome. 18 Holes $25 Midweek or $35 Weekends (Subject to change). 03 5978 8470 devilbendgolf.com.au

EAGLE RIDGE GOLF COURSE

PORTSEA GOLF CLUB

An exceptional championship golf course. The stunning Clubhouse showcases views of the magnicent course, landscaped grounds and ornamental lakes. Ideal for golfers of all levels, including corporates wishing to entertain their clients, green fee players and social clubs. Named by Golf Australia Magazine as one of Australia’s Top Public Access golf courses.

Enjoy a round at Portsea, rated within the Top 40 Australian courses. Superbly maintained links style layout set amongst rolling sand dunes and coastal vegetation adjoining Point Nepean National Park. Relax and enjoy our excellent hospitality with great views from the clubhouse. Corporate golf days, social groups, private functions and weddings welcome.

03 5988 6341 eagleridge.com.au

03 5984 3521 portseagolf.com.au

RACV CAPE SCHANCK RESORT Stay & Play Package Enjoy the beautiful Mornington Peninsula with this great value mid-week golf package. Stay two consecutive nights (Mon- Thur) in an Ocean View room, including full buffet breakfast each morning and a round of golf for two people on one day, including use of a motorised cart. From $380 for Auto Club Members or $455 for non members. 03 5950 8000 racv.com.au/capeschanck

ANNUAL 54 HOLE TOURNAMENT - MAY 2012 • 3 Magnicent Mornington Peninsula Courses - Portsea, RACV Cape Schanck, The National. • Welcome Party, show bag with shirt, three lunches, golf, graded competitions, daily and overall presentations. • All for just $315 (Early Birds $295 if paid by 1st Dec 2011) • Full elds expected, so book early to avoid disappointment. Download the entry form at golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au

More information at visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/golf

November 2011

42 insideclubfitting................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Clubfitting: ‘Tour Pro’ style! RichardFellner The benefits of custom clubfitting are numerous – as we’ve detailed extensively in previous issues. No matter how “right” your off-the-rack clubs may feel, it’s almost certain that you could be playing even better with a set that is correctly matched to your individual swing specifications by a qualified clubfitter or PGA Professional. Just ask Steven Richardson, the winner of our “Live the Life of a Callaway Tour Pro” competition. Steven, a 12-handicapper from Menai in NSW, had the benefit of a professional head-to-toe custom fitting of Callaway equipment, held at The Ridge in Sydney. And the results of Steven’s session give a unique perspective into the intricacies of clubfitting. “Steven has a sound golf swing,” begins Daniel Marsh, PGA Professional and Callaway’s Technical Representative & Tour Support in NSW. “Steven mentioned to me that if he hits a bad shot, it’s a pull to the left or an excessive draw. This was a great help as the clubs he was currently using (which were around five years old) may have been the problem.” “Steven was using a soft shaft that didn’t fit his swing speed. After determining his ideal length and lie angles we played around with a couple of different shafts and heads. Steven swung a 6-iron around 90mph. This showed me that he is an ideal fit for a stiff shaft, taking into account an ideal launch angle of 14 degrees and backspin of 5600rpm.” “We first used a Dynamic Gold S300, which was good, but didn’t quite help his excessive draw. Next we went to a Project X 6.0 Rifle shaft. This shaft straightened out his ball flight, but dramatically increased his ballistics. Steven was spinning the ball at about 7500rpm and launching at roughly 18deg.” “Our last shaft was a newish shaft to the market, the KBS Tour, as used by Ernie Els. This shaft kept Steven’s swing numbers close to ideal while keeping the ball flight straight. The KBS Tour shaft has a very strong tip that allows the clubhead to stabilise and keep the clubhead square at impact. I noticed with Steven that if

Inside Golf/Callaway winner Steven Richardson (right) samples a few Callaway clubs during his professional clubfitting in Sydney he did hit a bad shot with the KBS that it was straighter and didn’t have a big draw, just a slight push or pull. I was sold, and so was Steven.” “We then moved to clubheads. We decided that the RAZR Tour head was a great fit, as it is a little bit more forgiving than the RAZR Forged model. The RAZR Tour’s lofts are a little stronger than the Forged, which helped to keep his launch angle and backspin down and close to optimal,” explains Daniel. “Next were the hybrids, fairway woods and driver. In the hybrids we chose the RAZR Tour 3-hybrid with an extra stiff shaft. The extra stiff shaft helped to keep the ball flight straight and produced a penetrating ball flight that would stop on greens but not be affected into the wind as much. The same went with the 3-wood. For the Driver, we got him into the 9.5 RAZR Tour head with an Aldila RIP extra stiff shaft. He launched the ball perfectly at 11 degrees and spun the ball at 2500rpm. We played around with different lofts and gauged the results using our Trackman system, but nothing was as good as the 9.5 head.” “Last, but not least, we moved to the putting green. Steven liked and tried a few different

models but in the end we settled on the Odyssey Tour Black Series #9. This putter has been very popular on both the PGA Tour and with everyday golfers. The Black Tour Series model is a hand-milled putter that gives an exceptionally soft feel off the face.” After the fitting, Steven was understandably happy with the results. “The experience taught me a lot about my golf and the technology that goes into each club itself; whether it’s the shaft, club head angles etc..... right down to the grips,” Steven said. “Using the Callaway technology during the fitting was a fantastic way to analyse your swing, accuracy and distance. The end result was a great set of clubs. I look forward to playing my next game of golf dressed in all of the Callaway gear and, of course, using my new clubs!” “Thanks to Callaway, Daniel and Gary & Kurt from The Ridge Golf Course for the use of the world- class driving range facilities. And thanks to Inside Golf for a great experience and for publishing a fantastic magazine!” ( We c o u l d n’t h a v e s a i d i t b e t t e r ourselves.)

Swing a new Callaway club, win $50,000! This month, Callaway Golf is giving fans the chance to tee-up and win $50,000 cash through their ‘Ultimate RAZR X Golf Shot’ promotion, held during a series of launch events around the country. Golfers will get to try out Callaway’s new RAZR X range of clubs, featuring the ultra premium forged RAZR XF Iron, while also rub shoulders with VIPs, test their skills with a range of competitions and enjoy a generous spread of food and drink. To top it all off, five lucky attendees at each event will be offered the chance to take a swing at $50,000. Golf fans will have the chance to enter the Ultimate RAZR X Golf Shot competition in two ways: via Callaway’s Facebook Page (facebook.com/ CallawayGolfAustralia) or through a live draw at the event itself. “With The President’s Cup around the corner, we are celebrating the Summer of Golf by creating the ultimate mecca for fans of the sport,” said Leighton Richards, Managing Director of Callaway Golf, South East Asia and South Pacific. “We’ll be bringing the sport’s most innovative technologies to locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane with the hope of inspiring and exciting golf fans nationwide. If we can make one lucky guest at each location $50,000 richer that would be fantastic, so hopefully there are some accurate golfers out there!” said Richards. Callaway’s RAZR X launch events will be held at the following locations: Melbourne, Albert Park Driving Range; Thursday 10 November between 4-7pm Sydney, Moore Park Golf Course; Thursday 17 November between 3-8pm Brisbane, Victoria Park Golf Complex; Thursday 24 November between 3-8pm For more on the Callaway RAZR X line, see this month’s Gear Section.

Australia’s ULTIMATE stay & play package

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November 2011

44 neWproducts................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au tItleIst 712 aP1 and aP2 Irons

CallaWaY raZr X ranGe

titleist introduces the next generation of its groundbreaking Advanced Performance irons. The new titleist AP1 and AP2 irons (712 Series) are multi-material, dual cavity irons that provide modern ball flight and forgiveness with the traditional looks, feel and sound that serious golfers have come to expect from titleist irons.

Callaway’s brand new RAZR X range includes irons and Woods and is spearheaded by the ultra premium RAXR XF irons. Crafted using the most premium materials on earth, the RAZR XF irons offer golfers the unique combination of maximum forgiveness and feel, but in a forged iron.

titleist AP1 dual cavity irons provide more forgiveness with solid feel and improved looks for the aspiring to skilled golfer. The long irons are more forgiving, with a 4% increase in moment-of-inertial (MOi), while the more traditional short irons offer a progressively reduced blade length, and improved solid feel from the high MOi design and tuned feel cavity insert.

The 2012 RAZR X lineup also includes the RAZR black Driver and Fairway Woods plus three new additions to their existing RAZR X iron collection: RAZR X hL, RAZR X black and the RAZR XF. The addition of three new irons to their existing line up offers golfers the most comprehensive range of Callaway irons ever, ensuring you can find the perfect iron to suit your game.

titleist AP2 dual cavity forged irons provide more playability, solid feel and an improved classic profile for the serious and skilled golfer. AP2 irons feature consistent ball speed and improved distance control on miss-hits from a 7% increase in MOi with no loss of workability or shot control.

rrP: • • • • •

rrP:

AP1: $119 per club (steel); $149 per club (graphite) AP2: $169 per club (steel); $199 per club (graphite) Contact titleist Customer Service on 1800 660 535 or visit www.titleist.com.au for further product details.

RAZR X black Driver $349 RAZR X black Fairway $229 RAZR XF & hybrid $1400 (8-piece set) RAZR X black $109 per iron RAZR X hL $89 per iron

www.callawaygolf.com/au

eaGles & BIrdIes MedalIst

The Medalist is built to maximise carrying capacity, while incorporating all the premium Eagles & birdies performance bag features and characteristics. The mid-sized top divider has 14 full-length club dividers to manage and protect shafts and grips. The fibreglass stay construction ensures the bigger bag remains lightweight. it boasts seven generously sized pockets including a cooler pocket with drainage holes and a velour-lined water-resistant pocket for valuables. The putter/ball retriever holder and umbrella sheath are located at the front while the rubber handles ensure easy lift positioning. The customary laser laminated fabric in two-tone ballistic nylon is available in five colour options. www.underpar.com.au or (02) 9417 4055

footJoY XPs-1

FootJoy announces the introduction of the most stable golf shoe in the world, XPS-1™ (Xtreme Platform Stability). XPS-1 has been engineered to deliver unparalleled levels of platform stability and improved balance for players of all abilities. The Xtreme Outsole encourages golfers of all abilities to “GEt XPLOS1VE” in optimising their overall performance by establishing a stable platform under foot. The design features tPU lateral outriggers that extend beyond the upper to create an ultra-wide platform under foot for maximum ground contact. in addition, a Lightweight Fiberglass Support Structure provides a medial and lateral wrap for total mid-foot support. Utilising striking patterns with accents of colour, XPS-1 fuses proven performance attributes with premium materials such as the finest full-grain leather uppers. Available in three style options, including one featuring the bOA® Closure System™.

srP: $275 & $295 (BOA STYLE)

Contact FootJoy Customer Service on 1800 660 535 or visit www.footjoy.com.au for further product details.

nIBlICK Glades tHat’s MY Ball

That’s My ball, the quick and easy golf ball iD stamp, has teed off with a brand new look. They’ve launched a new website, new designs and new golfing accessories, giving you the ability to match your chosen iD stamp to your selected accessory. Their new products include magnetic ball markers, divot tools and towels, and they’ve also introduced a range of quirky gifts for that elusive golfer. Creating your own custom iD stamp is now even easier, just follow the online instructions. That’s My ball makes the perfect gift all year round. Can’t decide on what to buy? Why not consider a gift voucher. Available exclusively and online now. www.thatsmyball.com.au or call 1300 445 054.

aUto Ball tee UP & Mat

Save bending over to put a ball on the practice tee, this device automatically loads a new ball ready to hit with just a light touch of your club on the loading arm. it holds 36 balls and comes with the heavy rubber grass mat and three different height rubber tees to suit your Driver, Fairway, hybrid or iron. Combine with one of Redback Sports’ Golf Practice Nets for the perfect home practice driving range.

rrP $99

Available through most Golf retailers or go to www.redbacksport for more details and stockists.

With over 100 years perfecting its COMFORt Fit tEChNOLOGY, the 2012 range of Niblick golf shoes are the preferred golf shoes for fit, stability and weather protection. The Glades model is made from the new ShEiLD System Microfibre. Ultra light with superior breathability, ShEiLD System Microfibre is designed to shield your feet from the weather while giving ultimate comfort. This revolutionary material is easy to clean and super soft with a EEE last for superior fit and comfort. but the technology doesn’t stop there. Add a new softer foot-bed and innersole, a wide ridge tPU design arch/ heel for maximum support and our 2012 outer sole combining traction ridges with light soft ‘Pulsar cleats’ from Softspikes to give superior traction and stability. Finish with a 12 month waterproof warranty and this shoe has every feature of its overseas counterparts. Available in two colour ways, White/tan and White/Silver (Nib014)

rrP $89.95

For more information: www.niblick.com.au

clubs 45

Back to Tassie and loving Launceston RobWills Scarred by a visit some 25 years ago, I promised never to return to play golf in Tasmania. The 1987 Australian Amateur Championship was contested at Royal Hobart and Tasmania Golf Clubs and for some obscure reason the event was contested in the middle of winter. It was cold and wet, while the wind was strong enough to blow the proverbial dog off the chain, whipping in directly from the South Pole. You might guess I played poorly, had a miserable time and vowed to leave Tasmania to the Tasmanians for ever more. The years, however, softened me and with a couple of exciting new golf developments attracting headlines and praise from those who have played them, I was enticed to return. After three outstanding days of golf, coupled with unbelievable hospitality shown by the locals, now I’m sorry it took me so long to come back. From the magnificent Country Club Tasmania in Launceston, a facility that also features a well-groomed championship golf course and a boutique casino amongst other special features, to the highly rated Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm, my three-day tour has me wanting to book my next visit – and it’s certain it won’t take another 25 years for that to happen. Barnbougle Dunes was everything I expected, and more. The scenery was breathtaking, while the golf course is justifiably rated amongst the best in all of Australia.While the fairways are generous in width, it is unforgiving and uncompromising for those who venture away from the short grass, with the coastal breezes adding to the challenge and making Barnbougle more than a handful. My playing partner, who will remain anonymous, went through more than a dozen balls, so the tip is to leave the ego at home, bring plenty of game, as well as a bag full of golf balls just in case. Just down the road from big brother Barnbougle, Lost Farm is perched on some of the most picturesque real estate in the world. Similar in its landscape, the Lost Farm layout

Country Club Tasmania is a great option for golf and accommodation when visiting Tassie is spectacular and also not to be missed by the golfer visiting the north of the Apple Isle. Both courses should definitely be on the bucket list of any self-respecting golfing tragic. To get there, fly to Launceston and take the hour ride north, or alternatively fly direct in to Bridport airport just five minutes away. My personal suggestion would be to include a stopover at the Country Club Tasmania, Launceston’s Premier Hotel, on any trip to northern Tassie. A quick commute from the airport, Country Club Tasmania offers luxurious accommodation and the reasonably priced, yet extremely comfortable, villa accommodation which is suitable for the family or the golfing group looking for an affordable yet comfortable stay.

The Country Club offers a number of restaurant options ranging from a quick café snack at The Watergarden, to the sumptuous buffet of The Links, the fine dining of the award winning Terrace Restaurant. Across the road at the Country Club Villas is the family-friendly pizzeria and Italian restaurant. Guests can relax in one of three bars and opt for some excitement and tackle the temptations of the on-site boutique casino. All guests, whether in the villas or the Country Club rooms have access to the full selection of the many recreational facilities and activities, including the championship 18-hole, par 71 golf course, health club with pool, spa and sauna, squash and tennis courts, horse riding and trout fishing.

For those with a game at Barnbougle as their primary golfing objective, the Country Club course is challenging in a different way and presents the perfect warm up to the demands of Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm. Country Club Tasmania can tailor a stay and play package, also working in a visit to Barnbougle and Lost Farm if required, to suit any individual or group. To find out more or to book, call 1800 030 211, email reservations@ countryclubtasmania.com.au or go to their site www.countryclubtasmania.com.au. Footnote: Check out our full review of Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm – including our hole-by hole photo gallery – at insidegolf.com.au

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November 2011

46 clubs......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Links Hope Island going private, but still room to play iF someone tells you Links hope island on Queensland’s Gold Coast is not open for play to the general public tell ’em they’re dreaming. “There’s a misconception that Links hope island is already private,” said Mark holland, the club’s general manager. “A lot of people say ‘oh, i thought i couldn’t get on anymore’, but we are enthusiastic about welcoming visitors to our club. “Whi le L in ks hop e island is transitioning to private equity membership, the opportunity still exists for limited public rounds and special events,” he said. “You can still plan and enjoy your own corporate golf event at the Links.” Designed by five-time british Open winner Peter Thomson and his partner Michael Wolveridge, Links hope island is a traditional links-style golf course. Central to brisbane and the Gold Coast, the resort can be anyone’s for a day upon payment of a greens fee of $150 (Friday to Sunday) and $140 (Monday to Thursday). holland said golfers who took up the challenge could expect a premier level of service. “the Links has maintained an enviable reputation as one of SouthEast Queensland’s premier corporate golf venues,” he said.

“With 18 years experience, Links hope island continues as the corporate golf bench mark in quality of course layout, event administration and food and beverage standards. We are proud of our reputation for corporate golf day delivery.” One company who believes Links hope island is special when it comes to corporate golf days is Lexus. They have already locked in three days in 2012. holland said any company or organisation interested in putting

on a corporate golf day should take advantage of Links hope island’s Corporate Day Sampler. Corporate executives and golf day organisers are invited to enter a company team and test drive a corporate golf day at one of Australia’s best courses. The Corporate Day Sampler event is scheduled for Thursday, November 24. Those taking part will receive: • Concierge bag drop and stunning foyer registration;

• the club’s famed ham baguette, coleslaw and fries on arrival; • Complimentary golf clinic by teaching professionals; • Practice range golf balls to warm up; • 18 holes of championship golf; • GPS and ice-box-equipped golf carts; • Post golf cocktail reception; and • Great prizes. The cost is $240 per team of two players for the 4 ball best ball event.

Entry forms are available on the website www.linkshopeisland.com.au. Links hope island is also a popular venue for weddings and conferences. hol l and, a for me r s e n i or executive with troon Golf and general manager at brookwater Golf Club, only recently took the reins from Alan Meacock, who stepped down after a decade in the role. in fact, there have been a number of staff changes at the club with Leigh Milne assuming the role of Director of Sales and Paul Williams has taken up the challenge as Food & beverage Manager, maintaining the excellent standards already set in the food and beverage area. “The public is still most welcome to enjoy our clubhouse, restaurant and bar facilities and to access the golf course outside of the allocated member tee times,” holland reiterated. “As membership grows over time, this public access will naturally reduce, however for the immediate future, public rounds and corporate golf days in particular are still an integral part of our business strategy.” For more information, telephone (07) 5530 9000 or visit www.linkshopeisland.com.au

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pgaigi

Griffith Uni ‘brain’ opposition

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: The triumphant Griffith University team (left to right) are Stewart Turner, Seung Yong Ji, Zaharin Zulkifli, Mark Lim, Jerram Chudleigh, Penxiang Ang and Jack Fox

DavidNewbery DID you hear the one about three Australians, two Malaysians, a Korean and a Singaporean? This eclectic group of golfers represented the Gold Coast’s Griffith University and scored a runaway 90shot victory in the Australian University Games held at the Colonial Golf Club on the Gold Coast. And that’s no joke. Universities from all over Australia took part in the tournament, but they were no match for the lads from Griffith University. But what’s remarkable about the winning team is that five of the players – Australian Jerram Chudleigh, Penxiang ‘Leon’ Ang (Singapore), Seung Yong Ji ‘Chad’ (Korea), Zaharin Zulkifli and Mark Lim (both Malaysia) –also attend the PGA International Golf Institute (PGA IGI). The quintet was joined on the podium by Griffith University golfers Jack Fox and Stewart Turner. Jerram Chudleigh, who plays off +1, took out the individual title with rounds of 73-74-68-76 for a 291 total – 12 shots clear of second place-getter Penxiang ‘Leon’ Ang. Jack Fox finished third to ensure Griffith University took out the trifecta. It now appears Chudleigh and Fox will represent Australia at the World University Games in the Czech Republic next year. “There’s a good chance Jack Fox and I will represent Australia because I won and he came third,” Chudleigh said. “The player who came in second, our team mate, Penxiang ‘Leon’ Ang, is from Singapore and is unfortunately ineligible

to represent Australia.” PGA IGI Marketing and Student Recruitment Manager Joshua Madden said it was a fantastic result for Griffith University and the PGA’s International Golf Institute. “It solidifies the elite standards of our golfers and the training the PGA professionals deliver to our students,” he said. “When it comes to combining golf and education we (PGA IGI) are clearly the best in Australia and it is only unfortunate that Griffith as the host university wasn’t able to put in two teams. “It would have been great to see the depth and breadth of our talented golfers competing against each other at that level.” Sydney-born Chudleigh, who plays at Pennant Hills in Sydney, has already completed his Diploma of Golf Management and is working towards a Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Sports Management from Griffith University. “It was a good week and we pushed each other to perform,” he said. “It was a great event to experience because this is my first year at university so it was interesting to meet some other people who play golf at universities around Australia. “The best thing about the PGA IGI program is the camaraderie. The program has a bunch of like-minded golfing guys and girls together at this level of competition. It just really helps the golf. “And the academic side of the program gives you a lot more opportunities later on. “Instead of doing your regular PGA traineeship, you get your IGI diploma, then your degree first. You can then apply (if you’re eligible) to the PGA

traineeship and become a fully-qualified PGA member. It is a different way to get into the industry, but I believe will lead to broader career options after I graduate. “That’s what I am planning to do,” the 28-year-old said. “I just think it’s great to be around like-minded people in that environment. “I have already earned the diploma so I have got one more year at Griffith University and then I can do the Professional Year (PY), which means I can play PGA professional tournaments and go down the teaching path.” Chudleigh said his aim was to complete his qualification and travel to South-East Asia in search of work. “The golf industry in South-East Asia is booming and we stay abreast of the developments, opportunities and networks through our lecturers who work in the golf industry,” he said “I would ideally like to get in some sort of role that combines club management and teaching – that would be fantastic. “I think that’s where the PGA IGI program is so good because it helps you get a foot in the door. “The course connects you with the golf industry and with people who have many years of experience. “These people know the business of golf inside out and, to me, that’s the best thing about the course.” PGA IGI students graduate with Australia’s only Diploma of Golf Management from PGA IGI and a Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Sports Management from Griffith University. For more information about the PGA IGI programs and how they are delivered, telephone (07) 5657 6109 or go to the website www.pgaigi.com

November 2011

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Whatever happened to…

Greg Turner The answer is quite a lot, but as DAVID NEWBERY discovered, the champion New Zealander and former International team member has swapped his golf clubs for a drawing board WHEN Greg Turner was playing well his gait would quicken ever so slightly. Tall and with a lengthy stride, Turner wasn’t too flashy but he did win his fair share of tournaments. Australians will remember him for being a member of the winning International team at the 1998 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne and his triumphs in the prestigious Palm Meadows Cup and the Australian PGA Championship. It’s not uncommon for people to wonder what became of Greg Turner, a solid professional who played an uncomplicated brand of golf. Mostly, he plied his trade on the European and Australasian tours where he made his mark and for a period of time he was a regular contender. But when he finally hung up his golf clubs a few years ago he closed the door on his playing career forever. “That part of my life is now history,” Turner said. “For me, golf was a means to an end – it was an end in itself.” So that was the end of Turner I and the start of Turner II. After spending 20 years travelling the world, Turner has settled down in his native New Zealand where he and design partner Scott Macpherson operate a successful company – Turner Macpherson Golf Design (TMGD). Towards the end of his playing career Turner would spend countless hours looking at golf course designs and reading literature on the subject. “That was when I thought is was something I’d like to do when my playing career ended,” he said.

“I realised that it was a transition and it wouldn’t happen automatically. “Being a decent player didn’t automatically qualify you as being able to design golf courses. “So I put in quite a bit of work through that period in an effort to understand the business. Since starting the business, TMGD has been kept busy locally and overseas. “Currently we are at Royal Wellington Golf Club,” he said. “It’s a big renovation, 27 holes that is effectively a brand-new golf course within the existing estate. “And we have just opened our first golf course in the UK, which has received a lot of plaudits. It’s called Close House Golf Club, just outside Newcastle. “I think it’s the only new course in the UK in the last two years. “We have got a couple of renovation projects – one in Central Otago and Christchurch. “There are a number of new projects that are potentially still happening but not immediately – one in the Gibson Valley near Queenstown and another renovation in the north of Italy. “What we are trying to do is restrict ourselves to the projects we are really interested in and that we think we can really do something that’s meaningful.” Turner was born into a sporting family. His brother Glenn captained the New Zealand cricket team and his brother Brian, an awardwinning poet and writer, represented the country at hockey. Dunedin-born Turner, who went to Oklahoma University in the US, could have played the US

Tour but chose instead to play in Europe. “I found Europe an interesting place to live and work,” he said. “Having the opportunity to travel extensively in all of those different countries and cultures in Europe held a lot more of an attraction than being in one country all the time.” Despite numerous victories around the world he rates playing in the Presidents Cup a highlight. “The most enjoyment I ever got was being a part of the Presidents Cup in Melbourne. “You are used to playing for yourself all the time, but being in a team that really got on well and being part of something was a bit special. “It was a great event and a great week and I remember it vividly and probably with more affection than anything.” There are those, of course, who find it difficult to fathom why such a talented golfer wouldn’t want to follow in the footsteps of golfers who go on and play the senior tour. “I was able to spend 20 years travelling the world playing golf and do reasonably well out of it,” he said. “I have never been a person to look back and

wonder ‘what if ’ or ask ‘could I have done more or done better’. “I would rather look forward and I am happy and content.”

GREG TURNER PROFILE Born: Dunedin, NZ 21-2-1963 Height: 188cm (6’2”) Residence: Queenstown, NZ College: Oklahoma University Turned pro: 1984 Pro wins: 13 Career highlight: Being a member of the winning International Team at the 1998 Presidents Cup. Major victories: Scandinavian Open; Italian Open; British Masters; Turespana Open de Baleares; NZ PGA Championship; NZ Open; Australia PGA; Palm Meadows Cup; Fiji Open; Singapore Open. Best result in a major: Tied seven in the 1996 Open Championship

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Rebecca set to tie the knot DavidNewbery IN life and sport, timing is everything – especially when it comes to juggling golf tournament schedules and wedding dates. Just ask young Australian professional Rebecca Flood. The former top amateur has called off her planned January wedding so that she can contest a golf tournament scheduled for the same day. But the 22-year-old will still walk down the aisle and exchange vows with fiancé Geoff Artis. It’ll just be later than first planned. “It’s been a bit of a tricky one,” Rebecca admitted. “We were supposed to get married on the 7th of January, but the Women’s Victorian Open, a new tournament on the ALPG schedule, has been scheduled for that weekend so we are trying to move the wedding to another date. “At this stage it looks like it’s going to be the 18th of February. “It’s been a tough one to work through, but I am trying to do the best thing for everyone.” The 22-year-old is in her second year on the Ladies Europe Tour. “Geoff caddied for me last year, but this year he is caddying for a French girl and I have a South African caddie,” Flood said.

WEDDING BELLS: Rebecca Flood and future husband Geoff Artis “Having Geoff with me makes travelling around Europe much easier. “It would be quite lonely if you were out here doing it on your own,” Rebecca said from her home base in London. “Geoff and I do a little sightseeing and take advantage of the different places we are in each week.” For Rebecca, playing in Europe has been a dream come true as she flits between England, France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and other exotic destinations. It also gives her the chance to fulfil another passion – shopping.

“Yes, I admit I am a shopaholic – just ask Geoff,” she said. Sightseeing and shopping aside, Rebecca has found her second year on tour a lot tougher than her rookie year. “It’s been a bit of a struggle this year after having a pretty good year last year,” she admitted. “Last year I had seven top-20 finishes. “This year my wrists have been playing up, but my golf hasn’t been too bad – it’s just that things haven’t gone my way. “But I am still working hard as I try to turn things around,” said Rebecca, who grew up in the small

north-western New South Wales town of Coonabarabran and started playing golf as a 10-year-old. She was a top swimmer and at age 15 had to make the choice between swimming and golf. “I had to make a decision whether I wanted to go away to boarding school and swim or play golf so I chose golf,” she said. “I loved growing up in a small country town with my four brothers and my parents owning a business (bakery). “But it was tough because we had to do a lot of travelling to get everywhere to sporting events we were involved in.” Flood had to make the 10-hour drive to Sydney at least six times a year and an 18-hour round trip to see coach Gary Edwin on the Gold Coast. “I played a lot of amateur golf and came through the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation and had some pretty good results as a junior,” she said. “I won the NSW amateur stroke play and represented Australia a couple of times.” Flood says she has spent the past two years on a steep learning curve. “The game goes to a different level from elite amateurs to the professional ranks. “The professionals consistently shoot low scores each week – day-in, day-out.

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“I have taken a little while to adapt to the lifestyle because we are playing tournaments week-in and week-out and you don’t get that as an amateur. “At the start of this year I played seven weeks in a row, but that’s part of the learning curve.” Flood arrives home this month in preparation for the Australian events, which tee off on November 25 and conclude with the Women’s NZ Open in February. “I want to play really well in the Australian events like the Australian Open and the Ladies Masters,” Flood said. “Two top-10s or even top-20s would be a good start for next year. “My plan is to stay in Europe for another two years at least. “I really enjoy it over here. I have made a lot of new friends and the tour is going ahead so I think I will stay here for a few years before I head over to the US LPGA Tour. “My immediate goal is to be competitive on LET week-in, week-out and my long-term goal is to win majors.” I ask Flood how she would celebrate a win on the LET or in the majors. “I would jump on a plane back to Australia and celebrate with my family and close friends,” she said. Still, Rebecca definitely will be celebrating in February after she walks down the aisle.

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November 2011

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Daphne, 87, defies the odds DavidNewbery IF anyone ever doubted that golf is a “game for life” they need only have noted the women’s B grade club championship results at Redcliffe Golf Club in Brisbane. Club stalwart Daphne Faithfull, 87, is an inspiration to all veterans after taking the title despite suffering from a “very sore shoulder”. She put aside the pain to sweep to a 7 & 6 victory over Karen Nash in the 36-hole final. “My shoulder was giving me trouble, but fortunately I won it on the 30th hole so I didn’t have to play the full 36,” she said. “Playing all that golf in the lead up to final didn’t help, but I got through it all right.” That wasn’t Daphne’s only “handicap”. She played the quarterfinal with stitches in her hand after an “argument” with a tin of tuna. “I was opening a tin of tuna when the lid came away and cut between my thumb and forefinger and I had to have it stitched,” said Daphne, who has been a member at Redcliffe since 1984. “I didn’t want to forfeit the match because I don’t think anyone playing in a championship likes to win on forfeit. “So I wrapped my hand with plaster

Daphne Faithfull shows off the spoils of victory after winning a club championship and went out and played and was lucky enough to get through.” Throughout her 49-year golf career, Daphne has mostly played in A grade but she slipped into B grade just before the championship courtesy of the new handicapping system. “With the old handicapping system I was on 17 or 18 all the time, but under the new system I went out to 19 and had to play in B grade, which was a bit embarrassing,” she said. “I went through all the qualifying and matchplay and after I won it my handicap went to 18 so I’m back in A grade.” For almost 50 years, Daphne has played with men’s clubs, but earlier

this year she bought a new set of ladies clubs. “I’ve always played with men’s clubs, but when I got a bad shoulder I thought I’d go to a lighter set of ladies clubs,” she said. Daphne, who only took up golf when she was 38, once played off a six handicap. She started off in Townsville, then moved to El Arish and on to Maryborough where she claimed three successive club championships. Her career highlights include winning the Brisbane Veterans championship in the early 1980s and the Queensland Veterans title in 1985.

She has represented Redcliffe in pennant for 23 years and only recently gave up her spot on the team to care for her husband George, who recently passed away aged 95. But she still gets the odd pennant call up. “I have played a couple of matches for them this year,” said Daphne, who plays competitions every Tuesday and Sunday. “I have played a lot around Brisbane, but when you are nearly 88 years old it’s time to ease up and play your home course. “I am a golf addict,” she said. “I just love golf – it’s made my life. “My ambition now is to stay healthy and enjoy the time I have got left and to keep playing golf. That’s what it’s all about – living from day-to-day and enjoying life,” she said. She’s doing that by also attending Pilates classes fives times a week. Daphne, who lives beside the 10th hole at Redcliffe, also tends a garden on the 13th hole, which she has turned into a rainforest. “Just because you get old doesn’t mean you have to give everything up,” said Daphne, who is a former ladies president, vice-president and committeeperson. “Get out and enjoy life, which is what I do.”

Dubbo Golf Club’s oldest player Jeffries (Jeff) Perry is the elder statesman of the Dubbo Golf Course. At 96 and still walking his regular Tuesday and Friday 9 holes with his mates, he gives veteran and regular golf a real lift. His affability and easy going nature makes playing with him a pleasure. As he says, “I’m 96 years young.” He was born on the banks of the Bogan River near Nyngan in central NSW to a farming family, continuing there till 1940 when he joined the Air Force to become a fighter pilot. His night vision was recognised as being so good that he was transferred to night bombers. For 18 months he was flying sorties to all sorts of targets along the Baltic coast. Returning from the war, he resumed his life on the land, raising merinos and enjoying social visits to the racetrack. He still owns his own racehorse and regularly attends district race meetings. His view of change is that the motor car, medicine and technology have so changed the way in which we move and communicate. He cheerfully says, “I gave up smoking when I was 80 years old, but I enjoy a beer every day and a scotch at night.”

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instruction 51

Getting the best value from your lesson SteveBann To get the best value from a golf lesson, there are a few prerequisites. Firstly you must be prepared to learn and possibly change some things. Most importantly you will need to practise your new skills and give them the opportunity to take effect. It is my experience, that one round a week and one practice session is about enough to maintain your standard. More is required if you expect improvement. You will get maximum benefit from your lessons and golf improvement if you have a good understanding of why and how your technique changes. Technique will only change for one of three reasons.

1. Concept.

A concept change is a conscious change. This is what most golfers see as the primary reason that a golf swing changes. Predominantly, golf lessons delivered by the instructor will deal exclusively with concept changes. A concept change occurs when a golfer’s technique is assessed and an error in technique identified. This can be a fault in any area of technique from the set-up to the timing of a swing and include every shot type from putting to driving. Generally what comes next is a drill or exercise to correct and override the fault and then lots of practice is required to ingrain the new correct technique.

2. Physical.

A physical change occurs when the golfer’s body changes through injury, age, fatigue, other activities and even diet. All of these physical changes have an effect on the body. As a result, the golfer’s technique will change and most times negatively. Sometimes these changes affect us from one day to the next. This happens without any conscious or deliberate change in technique and can be very frustrating to identify. Unfortunately most instruction to correct these physical changes in the swing are attempted at the concept level. Think of this, if your technique changed without you knowing about it and it was a result of your body changing, wouldn’t it be better to correct the change in your body rather than react to the technique change in the swing? The answer, in case you’re not sure, is yes. For example: If you are suddenly not pivoting your hips well because you have a stiff back from gardening, then get a massage and stretch your back and your pivot will fix itself.

3. Reaction.

A reaction change in technique is at a subconscious level and always a result of ball flight, contact or conditions. If a golfer has been slicing, their instinct is not to lose the ball right — and as a result they will nearly always start swinging across the line and spinning out of the shot. If the golfer was constantly making contact in the heel of the club, they might start pulling away from the ball on the downswing. If the wind on the practice fairway was straight in their face every day or there was any consistent abnormal

conditions, they again would make an unconscious change in their technique as a reaction. Once again, attempting to correct a technique fault that is a result of a reaction change at a concept level will most times be frustrating and ineffective. To put it simply: if the fault in your swing is a reaction to slicing, then by learning to hook the ball, the technique fault will disappear. There are eleven basic categories of shots in golf. Driver, fairway woods, long irons, mid irons, short irons, pitching, bunkers, chipping,

long, mid and short putting. Very few rounds go by without you having to play at least one of each of these shots. I suggest that when you take your lessons, that your goal should be to become competent at all these shot categories. So take note, and keep some statistics, so you can tell your teacher what you need and want to improve upon. There are two types of practice; to practise technique or to practise golf. When you are practicing technique you should only evaluate your success or failure by whether you are achieving the correct moves in your swing. When you are practicing golf, your success is measured by where the ball finishes — not whether or not you made a good swing. After a lesson, you will most likely have been given a drill or an exercise to work on which is designed to enhance the feel of the modification your technique requires. To get the best value and to integrate the change quickly, I suggest that you rehearse the drill once, then have a practice swing sensing the feel of the drill in the swing and finally hit a shot after programming the feel of the improvement. So for a bucket of 50 balls, there should be at least 150 total swings.

Steven is a co-director of Bann Lynch Golf which operates at Yarra Bend with his co- director Dale Lynch. BannLynch currently serve as coaches to PGA TOUR stars K.J. Choi, Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Arjun Atwal and Marc Leishman. BannLynch Golf has coached professionals to over 55 victories worldwide including a Major Championship, and a most recent PLAYERS victory. Along with continuing to coach their professional players, BannLynch Golf has academies at Yarra Bend in Melbourne and at Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida. www.bannlynchgolf.com

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instruction 53

Golf as a ‘pushing’ game PeterCroker The Croker Golf System looks at the golf swing from the viewpoint of all motion in the golf swing originating via a “PUSHING ACTION” with the hands. This is a major shift away from the idea that starting the downswing is a “PULLING” action on the club. Following this initial change in focus, the value is in knowing “How to Push correctly” from start to finish in the golf swing. Golf is best played as a pushing game – not pulling. The pushing motion in golf has the clubhead being moved away from its center of rotation. You do this by throwing the clubhead down, out and through the golf ball. This uncocking action (thumbs down) of the hands coordinates the arms and body to assist in accelerating the clubhead in the downswing and through impact. The illusion at the start of the downswing leads us to believe that the body initiates the downswing and helps pull the arms, hands, and club through impact. Once this illusion has been identified and understood, you will no longer be tricked into putting your attention on the incorrect way to hit the golf ball. Think of a horse and cart. Your first impression is that the horse is pulling the cart. Certainly the cart is being pulled by the horse. However, the horse is NOT PULLING! The horse is PUSHING against the harness as well as against the ground. You just have to look

a little deeper to see this action. The same is true of the golf swing. The intention to strike the golf ball has the golfer actively attempting to get rid of the clubhead as fast as possible in the direction of the ball. The effective mass of the clubhead increases as you increase the thrust and acceleration on the clubhead. This causes the angle between the club shaft and left arm to increase as you change directions from backswing to downswing. When you “PUSH” in the right direction with the hands, the accelerated pushing action of the hands against the club causes this angle to increase. The body turn action is then triggered to assist the hands and arms in moving the clubhead with acceleration down through the ball. The motion of the body in a forward direction while the arms, hands, and clubhead are still completing the backswing gives the appearance of a “PULLING” action. On top of this, you will feel a pulling sensation (a stretching of the left upper arm and shoulder area) as the weight of the clubhead resists and in turn stretches (pulls) on the muscles. The hands pushing against the grip in an attempt to move the clubhead downward through the ball, causes the body to turn, the right arm to straighten, and although this certainly looks like a pulling action, it is the hands pushing that cause this total motion to occur. Pushing the club is much easier to control and makes the golf swing more under control.

Peter Croker has been a PGA member since 1971 and has given lessons with his Croker Golf System to professionals including Vijay Singh, Arnold Palmer, Rocco Mediate, Fred Funk, Olin Browne, and Bob Charles. Based at The Dunes Golf Links, he delivers schools, individual lessons, and has an “Online Lesson Program”- www.crokergolfsystem.com Take an Internet Lesson directly from Peter: www.crokergolfsystem.com/Academy/view-your-swing.html You can also contact Peter on 0415 292 549

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November 2011 www.insidegolf.com.au

54 instruction ........................................

The 4 T’s – Talent, Technique, Technology & Tempo LeeHarrington thERE are the four areas that make or break a golfer’s performance and improvement possibilities. The first is God-given tALENt which cannot be learnt or bought. The second is tEChNiQUE which can be learnt and honed throughout your golfing life. The third is tEChNOLOGY which can certainly make up for the insufficiencies and inconsistencies within the ball striking arena. The fourth is tEMPO, which when harnessed can mask technique problems within the swing. Let’s treat talent as a given and move to technique and technology. My husband and i have been golf coaches for over 15 years and are amazed at the new technology available to us. We recently went to the US to seek out these new inventions and were amazed with several new products that make it easier than ever before to improve your swing. We were so impressed with one particular product that we brought it home with us to the Gold Coast to use in our Golf Schools. The system is called Swing Model. Through this product, technology is making technique flaws more and more visible to everyday players and elite players alike. This program models your ideal swing for your body type based on the top players on tour. You cannot swing it like Jason Day if you’re 50 years old and overweight, but this program makes allowances for your physical capacity and build and makes the best possible model. Once the computer has this ideal model for you, it then overlays your actual swing over the top of the model. it breaks the swing into 10 positions

from set up to finish and lets you work on each section at your own pace and with extreme detail. Each lesson is retrievable from the website server with comments and drills to help train the positions. The program then fits the ideal club make, model and measurements for you, from every major brand on the market, and also gives you your ideal ball choice for irons and woods. The other part of technology is the ease of use of the modern equipment and its ability to adjust for your deficiencies. Yes, those adjustable and drawbiased attributes in equipment do work, but i would much rather fix your swing than create a problem with weight distribution in a driver head. the reason being, if you can adjust one club, it will play very different to the rest of the set. This is the one thing i don’t like about modern equipment. Most

amateurs don’t have a matching set of clubs and therefore need a different swing with each club. Shaft weights, flex points, flexes, torques, swing weights and lengths are not consistent from brand to brand or model to model. You just cannot put the same swing on different brands and models and get the same flight result. the final t, tempo, or the time duration consistency of each swing is the undeniable ‘x’ factor that holds golfers’ games together when technique makes them fail. A simple answer to improve this is to use a small metronome attached to your hat when practicing and keep within the same beats with each shot, or simply count ‘one and two’ with an emphasis on ‘and’ as the transition from end of backswing to start of the downswing. Golf has never been easier to improve.

Lee harrington is a PGA Member and is also the Development Officer at Golf Queensland. her passion for teaching and an eye for detail is recognised in her reputation as a leading female teacher in Australia. Lee’s experience in teaching provide a basis for programs delivered The Golf School, a Queensland-based teaching facility. Lee teaches at the Gold Coast Carrara weekly. www.thegolfschool.com.au. Email: admin@thegolfschool.com.au, or phone (07) 5596 3373.

Handling distractions AnneRollo DOES this sound familiar? You’re playing well and it starts to rain. You hate the rain. Everything gets wet. You get flustered. Then you hit a bad shot and start to get frustrated, your game goes south and you end up turning a potentially nice round into a disaster. OR....You’re playing well when play starts to get slow. You hate slow play. it drives you insane. You get frustrated and your score starts to reflect your frustrations. OR....You’re playing well but the person you are playing with loves a chat. You hate people that talk while you play. You don’t want to be rude so you say nothing but you start getting frustrated and your game goes to pieces. There are loads of distractions when you play golf. being a good golfer involves an ‘extra skill’: not letting these things bother you. tune it out and keep concentrating. Fewer excuses means more good scores. Make a mental note to not be put off by anything. Stay upbeat, stay positive and look at the bright side of everything. it might take some practise but you could even go a step further and use it in your favour, each time something comes up to annoy you, turn it around and use it to make you focus better and stay in the concentration zone. Do what the pros do and hone that ‘extra skill’ needed for consistently good scores. Anne Rollo is an ALPG golf professional, and author of ‘Passport to great golf ’, an ‘On Course Guide’ to help your game. Visit www.fixmygolfswing.com.au.

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instruction 55

Do your hands twitch when you putt? The dreaded yips

PUP: Perform Under Pressure

GlennWhittle

BrentGerman

WE are starting a new topic this month. i hope you enjoyed the last series on the importance of keeping the putter face square to the swing path, thanks for all the feedback via my website. Over the next few issues we will discuss the Yips, and more importantly how to work towards fixing them. A number of people have visited me at the Sydney Putting Studio recently in a desperate state with their putting; in particular from short range. This got me wondering how many regular golfers out there are in the same position and need help quickly. Earlier in the year i spent a number of weeks with a Senior Lecturer from the University of Sydney who specializes in human Movement, we looked closely at the Yips, why they occur and how people cure them. We actually spent time with a few players on the course who well and truly have them. i found this experience very interesting and enjoyed seeing people that were once close to leaving the game for good now starting to reduce their anxiety and holing more putts. Obviously, this can take time. but let’s face it, continuing to do what they do is not really an option is it? A good first step on the road to recovery from the yips is to create a pre-putting routine sequence where your neck bends over first, followed by your chest, then your

i At t E N D E D a seminar recently with Donald trump as a key speaker. What resonated with me were his words PUP (Performance Under Pressure). here we have one of the world’s most successful businessmen uttering these words as his formula of success. i thought how much this relates to golf. Practising Under Pressure can be translated into competition when you are under pressure to perform, whereas practising under no pressure at all makes your practice not worthwhile. Something which can be tested can be measured and then bettered, so make sure you do this when you are practising, with all aspects of the game. A great way to practise putting is to have 4 tees placed 3 feet from

Exclusively part of the Inside Golf Instruction team hips— rather than just bending everything together to take your address position (i know this sounds very odd, it certainly did to me when i first heard or saw it). The second thing i would like you to do is be aware of the tension level in these areas as you take your address, and don’t move the following part until the previous part is relaxed and tension-free Just prior to writing this article i received a text from a client which read “first game back, one 3-putt. My regular partners said i was much better which was great feedback. i holed a pressure putt on 17th to go one up in match. Loving Golf again” That’s why i coach! The 2008 NSWPGA teacher of the Year, Glenn Whittle is an AAA PGA Member and is also an official iseekgolf.com teaching Panelist. to book a putting or swing lesson with Glenn visit www.sydneyputtingstudio.com or www.whittlegolf.com. if you think you have the yips, or you know someone that does, please do not hesitate to contact Glenn at the Sydney Putting Studio on (02) 9541 4960 or email me on glenn@whittlegolf.com. Glenn offers putter fits, one hour putting lessons or putting improvement programs.

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the hole at 3/6/9 & 12 o’clock. Sink as many as you can in a row and always strive to beat your best score. When you get to your best score you will feel the pressure on the next putt. Once you have beaten your best score it would now be time to practise some lag putting from long range. if you regularly have putts from 15 feet and play on smaller greens, practise from here. if you play on a course with large greens, perhaps try from 20-25 feet. Use 10 balls for this skills testing and see how many balls you can putt into the 3 foot circle. The more times you do it the better you should get as your feel will be improved. When someone wins on any tour in the world, their success rate of doing what they set out to achieve is 7/10— or 70% —so aim for this as a guide. 10/10 being the best score.

brent German is an AAA Accredited PGA Golf Professional at Albert Park Driving Range in Melbourne. having learnt from elite coaches who have taught tiger Woods, Greg Norman and Ernie Els, he can empower you to improve all parts of your game to ensure you excel your golf potential. if you would like to get rid of that slice, become more consistent or lower your handicap, call brent on 0412 533 555 or visit www.BrentGermanGolf. com for free golf tips.

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November 2011

56 fitness................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

A balancing act RichardNizielski Creating a reliable, consistent swing is a balance of many physical components all working in unison. In previous articles I have spoken about aspects of flexibility, strength and power. However one area often taken for granted and rarely trained with any specificity is balance itself. You may have felt as you swing the golf club, that your weight shifts from one leg to the other and across the soles of your shoes. The dynamic changes and shifts in weight you are experiencing rely on complex sensory input and infinite adjustments to maintain and control the balance needed for the golf swing. Deteriorating balance is often associated with the aging process although this is not necessarily true. Several studies have shown significant changes in balance at 40-50 years of age in both men and women, which, if left unchecked, can become an underlying factor for increased falls at an older age. Developing and maintaining better balance can be achieved through practising a few relatively simple exercises. Standing on a soft or spongy surface will demand a higher level of balance

than a flat, even surface. Try placing a pillow on the floor and standing on it with one foot. You may quickly feel the small adjustments you are making to stabilise your stance. If you are finding that easy, then complete a set of single leg squats or stand still and close your eyes, timing how long you can maintain your balance. Single leg exercises are a great way to activate the balance senses and the muscles they control. Adding in weights such as dumb-bells and barbells or performing catch and throw exercises using a med-ball will give a new aspect to old exercises and work towards developing your balance skills at the same time. One example is the single leg reverse dumb-bell fly. I suggest, when working on balance to do the exercise in bare feet, as this will require the muscles of the feet to work harder to perform their job better. Just be careful not to drop the weight on your foot, even one kilogram can do some damage when dropped on toes. Assume a single leg golf posture and place the free hand behind your back. Holding the dumb-bell, perform a reverse fly action making sure you engage the lower trapezius muscles so as to draw the shoulder blade down and back. Perform a set of repetitions for each arm and leg combination.

Clockwise from top left: Balance with eyes closed, single leg squat with arm extension, single leg squat, single leg squat with hand touch, single leg squat with hand touch (front), single leg torso rotation A single leg squat with a dumb-bell press is another exercise that will work balance and strength together. Be sure to use your leg muscles by bending at the hip and knee to do the squat rather than just using the muscles in your back by bending forward. Hopping and jumping exercises performed on one foot will also challenge balance, agility and aspects of power transfer. Use a variety of directions, such as forward and

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training is landing with control and stability, so try and not use your arms for extra balance. Happy golfing.

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. Richard Nizielski can be reached on 0438 027 768 or richardniz@gmail.com and richard@golffitsolutions.com

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insideyourmind 57

Present game…past infections PeterMcConnell LASt month, i talked about the negative aspects of thinking about what you DON’t want to do. Along these same lines is the very common pattern of remembering poor shots and putts, especially on certain holes. in my opinion, these faulty thinking patterns have a far more intense effect in golf than most other sports. The reason is that we have so much time to talk ourselves in and out of playing well. Unfortunately, our learnings in our lives guide us far more toward the negative than the positive. Whether by choice or by accident, our guides in our early lives – parents, teachers, friends, coaches, etc–will have unknowingly planted seeds for these thinking patterns to control how we deal with stressful situations for the rest of our lives. Unless we choose to alter those patterns. in golf, we have loads of spare time. This will play havoc with your mind if you are not aware of it and how to change it. in other sports, say tennis, there is far less time during a point to get lost in your mind. in tennis you can completely recover from most mistakes (a loss of points or games, etc), to proceed to win the match, which is the sole object. in golf, mind games can set you so far back in a short space of time that full recovery is rather difficult. You may turn your game around and birdie a few holes, but the opportunity of winning has already passed by. We all know this feeling. Then the ‘what-if ’s’ start, the ‘i played really well for 15 holes’, and ‘if i

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• MarCH 20 When playing a shot, forget about the poor results of the past. Focus instead on the great shots you’ve made, and get your mind into a positive mode just made 2 more birdie or par putts, i would have won’. Again, the list of clichéd phrases is endless. i have used many over the years, and it never feels good to justify my result by ignoring the glaringly obvious fact that i allowed my brain to dominate my presence and peace of mind on the course. A common theme i observe with playing partners is the insistence of going back through the memory banks before hitting a challenging tee shot and picking the worst result they can remember — sometimes informing the rest of the group of how much they hate this particular tee shot and that they always seem to hook it here. Sound familiar? Then the shot comes, and off it goes – a nice solid pull-hook followed by some swearing, perhaps drilling the tee into the ground

and a couple of minutes of mutterings. When i get the opportunity i tell them they should be happy with their shot because they did exactly what they were expecting and had geared themselves for it mentally. how would we expect anything different in this case and all the cases so similar in nature? if the hook doesn’t come, it’s usually an uncommitted shot that is a nicely sprayed slice. The real truth of the matter — rather than what we believe to be true (these are distinctively different positions to operate from) — is that in front of us is a golf shot. No matter what has happened previously, we have the opportunity each time we step up to play a shot to the best of our ability. Occasionally, when really free of mind

nonsense, we may surprise ourselves and play an exemplary shot. by remembering poor shots, we are inviting the same. by remembering our very best shots, we are greatly increasing our chances of playing great shots. if you must go through your mind and pick something, pick the best shot you can think of and not only remember it, but feel what it felt like to play that shot. Generally speaking, our display of negative emotions is far more intense and powerful than our display of positive emotions. time to change the paradigm. by focusing on your target, remembering only your good shots, and clearing the mental slate to free up space for a smooth relaxed swing, your game, and enjoyment of it, will greatly improve. The potential for any shot does not need to be influenced by history. being present means history is history. being present is also being in the zone. Call it what you like, it feels much better than dragging the past around in your golf bag – that can become very tiring! Golf is an amazing game. Work on your presence so you can really enjoy the game. Work on changing your stories at the end of the round by changing your thinking patterns on the course. Peter McConnell runs his business Fair Game on the Gold Coast. Peter teaches golfers and athletes how to increase their performance and reduce stress. Visit his website: www.vitalperformance.com.au, or email him at peter@fairgamesports.com.au

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November 2011

58 insidearchitecture .....................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

A new course for King Island RossPerrett

FOLLOWiNG the Global Financial Crisis, golf development has slowed considerably, with very few new projects being considered in the mature markets of Europe, the USA and Australia. Asia and the Middle East have also experienced a slowdown, particularly in China where the Central Government has reaffirmed their disapproval of golf. hopefully the China situation is only temporary while the government puts proper controls in place. it is likely that golf development will never again reach the dizzy heights of the last decade. Golf Course Architects have always been globetrotters, but in recent times they have had to throw their nets wider and wider to find work. As a consequence there is international competition for every project, irrespective of location. Given the technological support that is provided by Google Earth, the internet and so forth, secrets are hard to keep and globalization is here to stay. Let’s hope that the golf industry resists the temptation to be homogenized and that we can continue to celebrate our differences and act in the interests of the local communities. it is against this rather bleak background that i share a special project that is very close to home, and one that will deservedly generate international attention. A new golf course is proposed on King island, an island in bass Strait south of Melbourne. The site chosen is spectacular and has all the attributes needed for a great course, including abundant water supply, sandy soil, stunning landform, coastal views and abundant wildlife. it also can be quite windy which only adds to the golfing challenge and has been a key determinant in the evolution of the golf course layout. The King island project has generated a lot of enthusiasm from the local people who are small in number but very proud of their islander heritage and the character ethics that island living relies upon. King island is internationally famous for its abundant high-quality produce which includes beef, cheese, crayfish and abalone. it also boasts wonderful surf beaches, diving and fishing. The King island Council has been working closely with the local producers to develop a King island tourism Strategy and a recognizable King island brand to increase the awareness and marketability of the local produce and other activities on offer. The Golf Course will add greatly to the island’s tourism potential and branding. Designing courses on natural sites is much more exciting than the usual rubbish dump or derelict

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The lush, natural setting of King Island’s soon-to-be built golf course, one of the more exciting developments in the Australian golf pipeline fish farm usually on offer in Asia, but it does carry a lot of responsibility and numerous challenges. On large natural sites often there are an abundance of golf holes running in all directions. The challenge is to piece together the optimum routing that extracts the maximum return from the land. Like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle, there are usually magic moments in the process that unlock the secrets of the site and allow the balance of the puzzle to fall into place. As the design evolves it is constantly being assessed against a series of unwritten objectives including, the sequence of holes, the diversity of holes, short, long, dogleg left, dogleg right, uphill, downhill, cross slopes, wide fairways, narrow fairway and so forth. One focus is to find natural green sites, which are generally preferable to man-made ones. At King island every effort is made to locate greens in areas where they will not be over exposed to the ‘roaring forties’ winds that buffer the site. Once the greens are identified it becomes easier to join the dots and settle on the preferred routing. Walking the site in all directions is fundamental to achieving a successful resolution to the layout and one’s mind is taken back to the days of Old tom Morris and his timeless work at Royal County Down

some 120 years ago. The site has some similarities with its coastal location and highly textured landscape. Thoughts like ‘what would Old tom think of this site and how would he route the course’ are ever present when faced with such beautiful land. Projects like this are rare gems and demand great attention to detail. From the outset the objective is to do the absolute minimum earthworks to achieve the best natural fit for the course and economy in construction. The new course at King island with its abundance of natural features will put King island on the global golfing map. The ripple effects of such a development should be profound and long term for King island and its people. Ross Perrett is Managing Director of Thomson Perrett Golf Course Architects, one of the world’s premier golf course design companies. together with Australian legend Peter Thomson, Thomson Perrett has worked on over 250 projects around the globe. They can be contacted on +61 3 8698 8000, or via thomsonperrett.com.au

iF sunshine, 18-holes of golf and five-star relaxation sounds like your ideal getaway then swing into Jupiters hotel & Casino until March 31, 2012 and enjoy the ultimate golf lover’s getaway. The Gold Coast’s home of entertainment has teed up the perfect package from only $207* per person. in true Jupiters style, they’ll take care of everything including 18 holes of golf, with buggy and club hire, at your choice of world-class course (Glades, The Colonial, Robina Woods) and return transfers so you can enjoy some time out at the 19th hole. For those who would prefer to pass up a day on the green for the five-star treatment Jupiters is famous for, a one-hour massage can be enjoyed instead. the package is completed with the chance to relax and recharge with overnight accommodation in a luxurious Superior hotel room for two adults and full buffet breakfast for two at Food Fantasy. So choose a getaway that will be well above par at the Gold Coast’s home of entertainment, Jupiters hotel & Casino. to book the Golf package, call Jupiters hotel & Casino Reservations toll free on 1800 074 344. *Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Rates based on twin share in a Superior Room, valid for stays until March 31, 2012.

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People 59

Josh plays 10 rounds in a day DavidNewbery “THIS is for you, mum.” With tears streaming down his face, these were the first words professional golfer Josh Marris uttered after tapping in his final putt to complete 10 rounds of golf in 24 hours at Victoria Park Golf Complex in Brisbane. He had just completed a personal challenge to play 180 holes in 24 hours and did it with five minutes to spare. It is estimated Josh walked and jogged more than 60 kilometres in his quest to raise muchneeded funds for cancer research. “When my mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, just days after my aunty had her final chemo treatment for the same thing, I decided I wanted to set myself a challenge and raise money for the Queensland Institute of Medical Research’s (QIMR) cancer program,” he said. “I felt I wanted to do something that would challenge me mentally and physically, especially given the challenge that is ahead for my mum with chemotherapy and radium treatment and the rollercoaster ride my aunt has had during the past six months with her treatment. “I wanted to push my body to its limits and experiencing fatigue in a way I’ve never felt before. “In the end it was a bit overwhelming,” he said. “It was easily the hardest thing I have ever done and with it I experienced the most excruciating pain ever in my life. “But this was the whole point of the exercise – to put my mind and body through a gruelling 24-hour torture test and hopefully come out the other side in one piece.” The 26-year-old, who began his challenge at 6:00am and played throughout the night via the use of fluorescent golf balls and glowsticks on the flags, said he could not have completed the charity dash around the hilly 18-hole golf course without the support of family, friends and QIMR volunteers. Nearing the end of round nine, Josh was struggling and felt as if he’d gone nine rounds with Mike Tyson, but his uncle was there to

JOSH’S 10 ROUNDS STATiStics

Josh Marris with his Mum provide much-needed moral support. “My Uncle Darryl is a real character and has a dry sense of humour, which came in handy near the end of round nine and through round 10,” Josh said. “He made comments like ‘come on Josh, what’s your problem” and ‘what do you mean you can’t walk, people would think you have been playing golf all day’. “He kept my spirits alive and when he told me a guy at his work said I was crazy and wouldn’t get the 10 rounds in it served as great motivation to get through the last two rounds.” Going into the final round, Josh could no longer walk properly. His strides were half their normal length and he could no longer jog. “My feet were aching and I could feel the blisters on my feet, but I was afraid to take off my shoes because of swelling,” Josh said. “I was tired, exhausted, absolutely spent. “I don’t remember much of this round. I was just focusing on each shot because my swing was tired and I was mis-hitting a number of shots. “I was extremely happy to finish the 13th hole because it meant I had climbed Heartbreak Hill for the last time.

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“When I reached the 18th, my 180th hole, it started to sink in. I struck a pure nine-iron straight at the pin, but it came up quite short though it was on the green. “I walked up to the green carrying only my putter, my eyes starting to water. I hit the putt from all of about 40 feet from the hole, and it came to rest six inches from the cup. “As I walked the length of the green to my ball, I reflected on the last 24 hours and the fact that I was about to complete my challenge. “Then I thought of why I was doing this. I thought of mum, and my emotions ran wild and free. With a tear rolling down my face, I tapped the ball in for a par on the 180th hole at 5:55am. I’d just completed the toughest challenge of my life.” FOOTNOTE: Josh Marris’s effort managed to raise close to $5000, however, his goal was to raise $20,000. Donations can still be made at www.everydayhero.com.au/joshmarris Josh, a former Queensland trainee of the year, has moved to the nation’s capital to teach golf at Canberra International Golf Centre and Pete’s Golf Connection.

IN golf, a quick game’s a good game and that’s exactly what Josh Marris experience during round five of his 10-round challenge. He completed the round in 1 hour and 35 minutes. His round consisted of an eagle, nine birdies, five pars and three bogeys. “With only 90 minutes of daylight left, the race was on to complete another round before the sun went down,” Josh said. “From hole four I carded birdie, birdie, birdie, eagle, birdie, which was awesome. And I birdied four of the last five holes, which included what looked like a lipout for a hole-in-one on the 17th.” He took 651 shots (21-over par) to complete the 180 holes. His round times and scores were 2:22 (1-under); 2:01 (4over); 2:30 (5-under); 2:26 (2-under); 1:35 (8-under); 2:52 (2-over); 2:08 (8over); 1:48 (11-over); 1:55 (7-over) and 1.57 (5-over). Overall Josh, who only lost one golf ball during his golf marathon, carded two eagles, 33 birdies, 96 pars, 43 bogeys and six double bogeys. His food and beverage intake included: • 20 x 600ml waters; • 8 x 600ml Gatorades; • 4 x chicken wraps; • 5 x apples; • 5 x bananas; • 2 x protein bars; • 1 x Red Bull; • 1 x Up and Go; and • 1 x packet of snakes. Anyone interested in reading Josh’s round-by-round battle should visit www.joshmarris.com/CharityChallenge.aspx

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November 2011

60 insidetravel.......................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

The Vintage Golf Club tWO hours by car from that congested city called Sydney is the scenic and serene wine trail of the hunter Valley. On one hand, it’s an unspoiled mountain valley with panoramic views of the brokenback Ranges while on the other hand you discover some of the nation’s best golf courses and resorts. One of those is the Greg Normandesigned Vintage Golf Club, which has been ranked in the top-25 in Australia. The 18-hole course stretches to 6310 metres, has a par of 71 and is the only Greg Norman-designed public access golf course in the hunter Valley. When it comes to golf, The Vintage caters for all levels of golfers. its fullyserviced driving range is open seven days a week. The generous practice putting green is located near the well-stocked golf shop while the practice chipping holes are located near the driving range. Other benefits available: • club hire (leading brands available); • golf lessons available for all golfers, including beginners; • specially-tailored one-day packages; • golf getaways; and • corporate golf packages. The Sunset or Sunrise golf deals are extremely popular as is the nine-hole dash, which tees off after 4pm and costs

just $42, including cart. The Vintage also has an “Unlimited Golf for a Day” rate between Monday and Friday that allows golfers to play as many holes as possible. Of course, thirsty golfers will be lining up to play in the bluetongue Open on Thursday, December 1. it’s an opportunity for the winning team to take home a pallet of beer (52 cases). The cost to play in the 2 ball best ball event is $85 (public) and $35 (members). The cost includes golf in a cart and a bluetongue beer voucher. Get in early because bookings close soon. For more information on golf specials, contact the pro shop, which is open seven days a week from 7am to 6pm.

All Around the Vines

thE hunter Valley wine and golf region has often been described as God’s country – plenty of prestigious vineyards and worldclass, picturesque golf courses. Locals, interstate visitors and overseas tourists have enjoyed this fabulous region for years. So, if you are a lover of wine and great food, an enthusiast of natural beauty and wildlife or a keen golfer, the hunter Valley in NSW could be just the escape you have been looking for. And it’s only two hours by car from Sydney. but before you leave home make sure you contact All Around the Vines because they specialise in wine and golf tours. With them, you’ll experience the best the hunter Valley has to offer. All Around the Vines will pick you up from your accommodation in an air-conditioned bus so you can enjoy the wine tour in comfort. “We take visitors through the scenic panorama of the hunter Valley visiting three well-chosen vineyards for delectable tastings,” a spokesperson said. “We then take a break for lunch at the iconic Potters brewery or

the Vintage has a number of membership packages available including Junior, Country and Overseas, Midweek and Full Golf Membership. if you are looking for accommodation, The Vintage has a complete range of apartments and on-course houses to suit any lifestyle. Of course, after exploring the many classic hunter Valley vineyards that surround The Vintage, “tourists” can return for a dip in the resort pool or dine at the Legends Grill restaurant before retiring to luxury two-bedroom apartments, luxurious spa suites or golf frontage homes. For play-and-stay packages, romantic getaways, membership benefits or golf bookings call (02) 4998 6789.

www.allaroundthevines.com.au

another well-chosen eatery. “After lunch, it’s off to two more vineyards followed by a stop in at either the renowned Cheese Factory or The Chocolate Company.” All Around the Vines will even arrange your accommodation, golf and, if it takes your fancy, a hot-air balloon adventure. The company’s three- and sixday tours include transfers to and from the golf course. When it comes to golf, there are plenty of championship courses to choose from including The Vintage, hunter Valley, Cypress, Pacific Dunes, horizons and Newcastle Golf Club. Golf packages start from around $500 for a two-night stay/three-day play depending on accommodation. For more information, phone 0459 145 065 or visit the website www.allaroundthevines.com.au

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insidetravel 61

Serenity and tranquillity, but never a dull moment StephenGarrett I’ll tell you a secret that not many Australians know about — even though it’s right on our back door. It’s known well by Europeans — who travel for up to 24 hours to arrive there — but it takes only a fraction of that time to get there from Australia. Set on the beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia, and far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist hotspots of Kuta and Ubud, the village of Tembok is a location where local village life is quiet and traditional. Numerous fishing villages dot the palm tree-fringed coastline and the beaches are black with volcanic sand. Rising dramatically from the coastline are the local volcanoes, Mount Batur (1717m) and Mount Agung (3142m), which tower above the Bali Sea. On a recent trip, we stayed at the luxurious and peaceful Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali. The Resort’s architecture and gardens merge simple western elegance with traditional Balinese dwellings. The Resort only has 31 rooms including 27 Kamar Rooms; the onebedroom Surya and Purnama Suites which have a generous living area and balcony views through the gardens to the sea; and the luxurious Baruna and Samudra Villas which are private sanctuaries with their own private entrance, plunge pool and unobstructed views to the sea. The resort provides its guests with tailored programs that are designed to reinvigorate your mind, body and spirit. The spa treatments are based on authentic Balinese remedies and methods, and guests are able to customise their

The beautiful pool area overlooks the Bali Sea and is a wonderful place to relax. experience based on their individual needs. The Balance Path is ideal if you are seeking luxurious relaxation and it combines spa treatments such as massage, body wraps and scrubs, relaxation techniques and gentle meditation. The Creativity Path offers guidance in wood carving, weaving and performing arts such as drama, music and dance as well as spa treatments and guided meditation. The Vigour Path includes personal training, spa treatments a nutritional plan and other activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling and cycling.

Other resort activities include yoga swing, Penkat Silat (a form of martial arts), a sunset cruise in a traditional jukong boat, and deep relaxation starlight gazing as you lie on a floating mattress in the pool and listen to meditation music. My favourite spa experience was the massage under the stars where, lying face-up on massage tables on the beach, I was treated to a wonderful out-of-body experience. The Balinese massage alone was very relaxing but when combined with the hypnotic beauty of the Milky Way and

listening to the waves crashing on the beach made this a special experience. Away from the Resort there are numerous excursions on offer including a traditional Balinese village tour, the Tegalalang handicraft tour, the Ubud and Pura Gunung Kawi Tour, a trip to the Tirtagangga Water Palace, and a bicycle ride and hike to Les Waterfall. For the more adventurous there is excellent snorkelling and diving in Tulamben, about 30 minutes away, at the Liberty Shipwreck, a WWI transport ship that was equipped with guns for WWII, and torpedoed by the Japanese in1942. The Liberty lies at a depth of between 9m and 30m and is encrusted in anemone and coral, as well as being home to a stunning array of marine life. Tembok is a 3 hour transfer from Ngurah Rai International Airport and approximately 2 hours from Ubud. Private transfers to and from Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali can be arranged by contacting the Resort. For more information visit their website: www.spavillage.com/tembokbali

Deck your balls with fun and folly CONDOR GOLF LASER RANGE FINDER

NOW WITH PINFINDER MODE. Just set the mode to PINFINDER MODE (shows a flagstick logo in the viewer), then push the power button and pan across the flagstick and the exact distance to the flag will very easily be shown every time (even with a not so steady hand) as this mode always shows the distance to the nearest object. This feature is what sets the Condor Laser Rangefinder apart from others and is what now makes using Laser Rangefinders EASY!! Also has standard SCAN MODE. Push the power button and for 10 seconds the distance to each object will be shown as you pan across the viewing area. Also has the basic POINT AND PRESS MODE which simply gives the distance to one object once. • • • • • • • •

HAS RANGE FROM 5 METRES TO AN INCREDIBLE 1.5 KILOMETRES (for purposes other than golf) VERY COMPACT (11.8 x 8.2 x 4.4cm) AND LIGHT (JUST 180g) STURDY HARD CASE INCLUDED ADJUSTABLE FOCUS only MAGNIFICATION - 7x ACCURATE TO WITHIN 1m (DEADLY ACCURATE) WATER RESISTANT 12 MONTH WARRANTY

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this Christmas. You don’t have to go fa-la-la-la-la to find the perfect gift for your golfing friend this Christmas. Just visit our website at www.thatsmyball.com.au and find a golf ball stamp that suits you (and your mate) to a tee.There’s heaps of designs to choose from, or you can design your own. Prices start at just $14.95 plus postage. Why not check out our range of golf ball stamps and accessories online today? Or phone us on 1300 445 054. And have a ball this Christmas season.

Ph: (03) 97691477 | email: sales@condorgolf.com.au | Web: www.condorgolf.com.au *Plus $9.95 p&h if applicable (nationwide) Offer is only available from our head office. Pick ups most welcome.

Rev_1/3 PAGESInsideGolf.indd 2

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62 technology........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

DSG down under - the GPS you need Our country lived up to its iconic reputation this year, particularly the flooding rains part, for some golf operations the sun is only just beginning to shine, but help is at hand thE creation of the Canadian company DSG FLEEt SOLUtiONS, the tAG Fleet Management and Geofencing system was launched last year and has been devised specifically for the golf, turf, and leisure vehicle fleets and promises to revolutionise the way courses and resorts manage their fleet in the future. At the heart of every modern golfing operation is a new cart fleet adding a valuable stream of revenue when managed properly. During the type of adverse weather conditions seen in Australia this year though, allowing carts on the course can cause more damage to the turf than a P plate driver with a bumper sticker saying “caution vehicle frequently sideways”. Keeping members happy and carts on the course is a challenge when this is the case, after all, those carts need to pay their way. So how do you enforce your cart path rules. Golf managers know that issues arise within any operation almost daily: accidents, lost carts, joy riding, free rounds, even carts damaged whilst driving on the course. imagine then having the power to control these things and monitor from the pro shop.

Yarra Valley, VIC, Australia thE heritage Golf & Country Club is a highly regarded 36 hole private members club located in the Yarra Valley, a 45 min drive from the centre of Melbourne. The Jack Nicklaus Signature St.John course is complemented by the tony Cashmore designed henley course providing two distinct golfing challenges. A recent change in ownership has placed a renewed focus on The heritage as an ideal corporate golf venue. in addition to a limited number of on-site residential opportunities, The heritage also boasts quality on site accommodation, a day spa and an abundance of other recreational activities on 1000 acres of paradise.

Using GPS and Cellular technology, the tag delivers real time information that is accessible from any computer allowing the course operator to track buggies, turf equipment and potentially diffuse problems that could become big headaches. The flexibility of the tag allows the club to protect sensitive areas, greens, tee boxes and enforce cart path rules with state of the art Geofencing which tells the club when a zone is breached. Monitoring pace of play is one of the many capabilities of the tag, giving the pro shop a clear picture of the state of play on the course, allowing them to send the food and beverage vehicle to bottle necks or the course marshal to speed play up.

“Heritage Golf & Country Club is currently trialling the DSG Tag System. Already we can see a benefit to controlling our golf cart fleet, both in terms of safety and usage. Along with the ability to measure pace of rounds and determining bottlenecks we can offer a more satisfying experience for our Guests. With our 2 courses spread over 450 hectares to have an “eye” on the carts at all times is a major asset.” Garry Burness Golf Operations Manager heritage Golf & Country Club

For more information: www.dsgtag.com Email: peter@dsgtagsystems.com.au Phone: 0417 070 345

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

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

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

For bookings contact Erica ph: (02) 4236 0270 e: erica@jamberoopub.com.au web: www.jamberoopub.com

PENRITH GOLF CLUB • $10 twilight golf weekdays from 3pm (does not include Public Holidays) • Open Medley Stableford & 2BBB every Wednesday & Sunday • $50 Corporate Golf Package – breakfast, 18 holes with cart & BBQ lunch • Full Golf membership open & includes 10 free comp games & 1 free lesson The Northern Road Penrith NSW 2750 P: 02 4736 1633 | E: proshop@penrithgolfclub.com.au | W: www.penrithgolfclub.com.au

WeGolf – Golf GPS Combining the useful features of golf Range Finder, Distance Measurements, Scorecard and Statistics with the fun part of sharing your score and plotting strokes on Satellite images, WeGolf is like having your own personal Caddie, both on and off the course. With its intuitive user interface, WeGolf is currently one of the most used Golf GPS Software programs in Australia. Supporting all major mobile platforms from iPhone/iPad, Android, Nokia, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile, WeGolf can be used on nearly all smartphones in the market. And you don’t have to own a fancy touch-screen model, as WeGolf works just as well on “regular” phones. Download professionally mapped courses for free, enter new courses or edit an existing course – this gives you the ability to tailor-fit the courses

Main Features: • • • • • • • • •

to your game in a few minutes using a Google Map feature on your computer. WeGolf does not cost anything to use while on the golf course. You only use the GPS receiving incoming signals from satellites. On most golf courses there is nothing obstructing the view to sky, which means that the accuracy in most cases can be close to 1-2 metres. Accuracy good enough for most golfers!

Price: $29.95

Special offers may be available in the App Stores. Visit www.wegolf.com or install the app directly to your phone from any of the App Stores: • Apple – App Store / iTunes • Nokia OVI • BlackBerry App World • Android Market

Range Finder + Distance measurement Aerial View of holes Electronic scorecard + Statistics Download or map courses Plot strokes on Satellite images Personal web page Publish score and pictures live, integrated with Facebook Multi Language Free trial is available

technology 63

November 2011

64 the19thhole............................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

The science of superstitions MichaelGreen Is there a more superstitious beast than a golfer? Sure, footballers wear certain socks, hockey players grow beards, cricketers use red handkerchiefs and the list goes on. But it’s on the golf course where I’ve seen the strangest acts of superstition. All in the quest for better golf. I’m not immune to the craziness, of course. As a kid I had this bizarre thought process that assumed it was better to hit odd numbered irons out of the trees than even numbered ones. Don’t ask me why, but truth be told, I can still almost justify it to myself using a mix of insanity and delusion. All this apparent nonsensical behaviour does have some benefits though as a group at the sweet-smelling University of Cologne showed last year. They published a scientific study that not only showed the positive effect of superstition and lucky charms, but gave some insight into how it improves performance. Firstly, they asked participants to make 10 attempts at a one-metre putt. When handing over the golf ball to complete the task they were told either “Here is your ball. So far it has turned out to be a

lucky ball”, or “This is the ball everyone has used so far”. On the face of it, they seem like two innocuous statements, but as it turned out there was a huge difference between the performances of the two groups of people attempting the putts. The group assigned the ‘lucky’ ball made the putt on average, 6.42 times out of ten. The other group averaged only 4.75 successful putts out of 10. A large and very significant difference. Now admittedly, this was only one trial, on one group of people, in one research paper but the study also experimented in other ways. They also showed that when people think they are lucky or have some sort of lucky charm nearby, people tend to set themselves loftier goals and persist

longer in completing tasks. So it stands to reason that golfers who think they are lucky or cling on to some superstitious behaviour, perform better than those that don’t because they concentrate more and attempt to pull off tougher shots. We’ve all heard the phrase “member’s bounce” used as we see a golf ball miraculously bounce back towards the fairway when the rough seemed certain. Well, now we know what sort of affect this comment can have. Let’s say your playing partner is having a rough day and he/she really needs help going into the final nine holes. A simple “Hey, you got lucky there!” or “Wow, it looks like things are starting to turn around for you”, may be just be the

difference between losing and winning a few side bets. But conversely, in the wrong hands, this sort of knowledge could be used for evil. Be aware of opponents trying to shake you off your game with a few subtle comments. “Wow, that ball looked like it didn’t want to go in!” or “Maybe your luck has run out” should have no effect on your golf game now. Just bring your ‘A’ game to the course each week, along with your lucky ball, your favourite driver cover and your favourite underpants. Just be sure to tell the truth when people ask you how you came back from being five holes down to win your club championship. Don’t talk about the hours you spent on the range, or the lessons you’ve been having from the assistant pro. Just tell ‘em you got lucky. 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

The quick nine quiz David Newbery

1. How many times has the International team won The Presidents Cup? 2. Can you name one of the two US team’s assistant captains for this month’s Presidents Cup? 3. Can you name the International team captain who was controversially dumped in the lead-up to the 1996 Presidents Cup? 4. Name the two players (one is American, the other is an International) who have played in every Presidents Cup to date? 5. Can you name the US player and the International player who topped their respective team standings when The Presidents Cup teams were named? 6. Can you name one of the two International team’s assistant captains for this month’s Presidents Cup? 7. In the history of The Presidents Cup, which players (from both sides) have won the most matches? 8. Which player on the International team has lost the most singles matches – Stuart Appleby, Nick Price, Robert Allenby or Vijay Singh? 9. The 2003 Presidents Cup finished in a tie – 17-17. Which country hosted the tournament – Canada, the US, Australia, South Africa or Japan?

ANSWERS: (1). Once in 1998; (2). Jay Haas and Michael Jordan; (3). David Graham; (4). Phil Mickelson (US) and Vijay Singh (Int); (5). Matt Kuchar (US) and Jason Day (Int); (6). Tim Clarke and Frank Nobilo; (7). Tiger Woods (US) 18 wins and Ernie Els and Vijay Singh (Int) 16 wins each; (8) Stuart Appleby with five; (9). South Africa.

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the19thhole 65

It’s all broom and gloom LarryCanning My putting has been just on the wrong side of deplorable since about the middle of 1974. Sure, there have been times when I have walked off the course saying to myself “Not bad, Larry. You might just have fixed your putting, once and for all,” or “Larry, the last three putts you hit were pretty good strokes…even though they all took place on the same green,” or even “Larry, I’m going to rip the head off that putter and jam it up your…..” Best I don’t continue that one. My point is that I have occasionally felt like I could actually roll the nut in the general direction of the hole without facing another putt requiring a pair of longnose pliers to prise open my buttocks. The bloody game can do this to you! That one decent putting round a couple of years ago has had me clinging onto the ridiculous notion that I would again hole something that wasn’t 6 inches long and straight uphill with no break. I once kept my statistics for putting when I was playing the Tour full time. And it has to be said that it was one of the most revealing exercises I have ever done. After I had stopped crying and taken a more measured look, I found my ability with the flat stick was not only costing me thousands, but it was also affecting my health, my marriage, my hairline and the ability to have children. I did what any proud young golf pro would have done… I threw the stats in the bin and bought a new PING B60. It didn’t improve my putting but a month later my wife did become pregnant. (Do you “become” pregnant?) Anyway, when I left the final green after the Victorian Seniors Open last month, and retrieved my putter from a nearby tree, I decided that I couldn’t go on like this any longer. It was time to take that bold and frightening step…. The Broomstick Putter. I know this story is familiar to a lot of golfers, so I thought I would keep you updated with my

progress as I attempt to enter the world of Peter Senior and turn my senior career into millions of superannuation dollars (which my kids can spend in the near future.) Step one is to find a broom putter… After researching the options from the leading manufacturers, I must say I was a little disappointed. I think I can now relate to lefthanders: there are so few options, and they have some very odd names (the putters, that is, NOT the left-handed people.) PING “Pickmeup”. I mean, all I want to do is make some putts. Not take it home and sleep with it, (although if the putts started to drop, I could be tempted). Odyssey “Two Ball Long”. Now, I know what you’re thinking: Larry will take this and turn it into something smutty. Well, you’re right! One of the many issues facing a Senior Tour Player is the fact that everything seems to be dropping... except the putts. Just watch one of us bending over to tee our ball up. We look like we are wearing training wheels. I’ve seen cows with smaller udders. You have to be very careful where you are treading in the showers. TaylorMade “Corza Ghost Long”. This one just scares the crap out of me. And what about this dude: “Ghost Spider”... MUM!!! Scotty Cameron “Studio Select Kombi”. This is the baby Adam Scott has used to put his career back on track. Actually, this one didn’t seem too bad after I took a squiz. Even if you weren’t making any putts, you could save some cash, park it near the pro-shop and sleep in the back of it. Yes! Putters “Sandy Mallet”. Didn’t he play cricket for Australia? Whichever brand and model I choose, I will make sure to tell you all about it and the journey it takes me on. For the putter’s sake, it had better take me on a journey or I will send it on one of its own. Stay tuned my fellow three-jigglers. Larry can be heard on the Back Nine Show every Sunday 11am on 2GB 873 and MTR 1377

Three’s a crowd

This amazing photo shows the result of three tee shots on the par-3 17th at Melbourne’s Eastern Golf Club last month. The threesome of Chris Elliot, John Gwyther and Mark Herman all hit superb shots which came to rest in a nice, tidy group. Unfortunately, no one holed the putt for birdie.

Aces and Albatrosses We all dream about scoring a Hole in 1, but when it comes on a par-4, it’s something extra special. Wade Horsnell, a 3-marker from the Gymea Hotel Social Golf Club, achieved the feat on the 258m 2nd hole at a recent round at Calderwood. Despite the poor weather and a slightly wet course, Wade’s tee shot sailed far and true, rolling onto the green and falling into the cup for an Albatross —much to the surprise of the group ahead who were on the green putting out. Back at the clubhouse, a few beers were had (as expected.) Wade was presented a trophy for his efforts at the next game presentation. Well done Wade! Also last month, 90-years-young Jesse ‘Ace’ Miller achieved an ace of her own, winning her place in the record books, as one of the oldest golfers in Australia to hit a hole in one.

Jesse Miller Jesse achieved the feat on the Coffs Harbour Golf Club’s 153m par-3 15th during the women’s competition. This is Jesse’s first ace, despite playing golf for 72 years. Jessie has won a string of Coffs Harbour women’s club championships in her lifetime, and once played off a handicap of 8. According to our research, the world’s oldest player to score a hole in one is Elsie McLean (California, USA), who at 102 years of age scored an ace back in 2007.

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E-mail: info@nowragolf.com.au

November 2011

66 golfdirectory.............................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Play anytime - No waiting Howeston Golf Course Enquiries welcome 15 Weekdays

1850 Weekends & Public Holidays *

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

Three Day / Two Night Golf Package • • • •

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

Benalla Golf Club

pp $185 From share n i tw week mid

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

www.benallagolfclub.com.au (03) 5762 1920 | benagolf @bigpond.net.au

The Friendly Club

Warragul Country Club ‘West Gippsland’s Finest Golf Course’

$265

36 Hole Complex • Social Play Available 7 Days

Country Memberships available now full 7 day playing rights, no additional green fees

For Great Social Group Deals visit www.warragulcountryclub.com

41 Sutton St Warragul. Ph: 5623 2135

Super Saving Golf

golf | bars | bistro | functions | beer garden

Play 18 holes on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday for $59 Price includes 2 players in a motorised cart on the North or South Course Bookings essential - call the Pro Shop on 3267 5885

Golf Packages Include

Courses: The Hunter Valley Golf & www.allaroundthevines.com.au Country Club; The Vintage; Cypress Lakes; Pacific Dunes; Horizons and Kooindah Waters.

• Airport transfers • Accommodation arranged • Tee off times organized • Transfers to and from golf • Wine tours • Restaurant Transfers during your stay • Day trips and activities organized for partners

Subject to availability

Phone: 0459 145 065 or Email: enquiries@allaroundthevines.com.au

Phone: 3267 7744 | Email: golf@nudgeegolf.com.au | www.nudgeegolf.com.au

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Stay Around – Play Around 1,2,3 & 4 Bedroom Villas and Apartments Overlooking Sea Temple Golf Course

GOLF ONLY PACKAGE Sheraton Mirage Sea Temple Links Mossman Golf Club $260 pp $290pp Inc fees Inctransfers, transfer fees and and motorized carts.

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Email: info@paradiselinks.com.au | Ph: 07 40991511 | web: www.paradiselinks.com.au

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golfdirectory 67

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“That’s a saving of ($2,000) limited time only!!!

a golfer’s retreat in NSW’s Hunter Valley

New Sunday/Public holiday memberships only $1220, great value. Only $23.50 per week, competition fees only $6, pay by the month plans available.

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

Let us organise your Gold Coast golf tours

STAY 3 NIGHTS - 4TH NIGHT FREE • STAY on 27 acres in the heart of wine/golf country – great views. • RELAX in our 4 x 2br and 4 x 1 br self contained villas, large terraces, wi fi access. Licenced mini bars. • PLAY at Cypress Lakes, The Vintage and Hunter Valley Golf Club – just a drive away and have the best rates for you.

Hassle Free

• ENJOY our pool, spa, Pamper House, Golf pitching hole, Café and BBQ area. • SAVE on our special deal – stay 3 nights and 4 th night free – tariff is $140 per double per night mid week and $190 per double per night weekends. • FREE Winery Tour included. TROPHY for groups of 8 plus. • BOOK NOW – Phone Helen on 02 4990 4166

TOURS TO SUIT EVERY Y NE

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

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

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

US OPEN AND PEBBLE BEACH JUNE 10th — 18th 2012

THE BRITISH OPEN JULY 9th — 23rd 2012

Experience Pebble Beach Golf Course before moving on to San Francisco where you will watch the world best golfers battle it out at the US Open at the Olympic Golf Club. Fully escorted by PGA Professional Michael Mosher.

We have produced a real “bucket list” golf tour. Play 9 games of golf including 7 of the British Open host courses. Start with St.Andrews Old and Castle courses followed by Carnoustie, Kingsbairn, Muirfield, Turnberry, Troon, Birkdale and Royal Liverpool. Finish the tour watching the British Open at Royal Lytham St. Annes.

WWW.TEED-UP.COM

1300 26 20 55 For more information go to

www.golfaccom.com.au

All Enquiries/Quotes Welcome

info@golfaccom.com.au

mens & ladies

To register ph 07 5440 3333 or visit www.noosasprings.com.au

Only 3mins from Hastings St ~ Links Drive, Noosa Heads, Qld ~ golf@noosasprings.com.au ~ 07 5440 3333

For advertising call 1300 GOLF 00

November 2011

68 demodates ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au vieW demo days on our Website: www.insidegolf.com.au/demo-days-australia/ PING Ph: (02) 9524 8233 or visit www.ping.com Location New South Wales Illawarra Driving Range The Ridge Driving Range St Michaels Golf Club Cumberland Golf Club Drummond Casula Narrabeen Driving Range Kogarah Golf Club Georges River Golf Club Dubbo Golf Club Drummond Penrith Royal Sydney Golf Club Elanora Country Club Tamworth Golf Club Kurri Kurri Maitland Golf Club Shortland Waters Golf Club Muswellbrook Golf Club Morisset Golf Club Oatlands Golf Club Concord Golf Club Royal Canberra Golf Club Canberra Int Driving Range Queensland Brisbane Golf Club** Coffs City Golf Club Coolangatta Tweed GC Indooroopilly Golf Club** Victoria Park Golf Complex Pelican Waters Drummond Golf Underwood * Royal Queensland Golf Club** Drummond Golf Lawnton HOG Bundall* The Golf Gurus Palm Meadows Driving Range Noosa Tewantin GC Victoria Spring Valley Golf Club* Kingston Heath Golf Club* Sandhurst Club* Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range Long Island Country Club* Commonwealth Golf Club* Riversdale Golf Club* HOG Ringwood* Kingswood Golf Club* Sandringham Golf Range Peninsula Country Golf Club* Kew Golf Club* Ranfurlie Golf Club* Medway Golf Club* Green Acres Golf Club* Eastwood Golf Club* Yarra Yarra Golf Club* Lonsdale Golf Club* Barwon Heads Golf Club* Warragul Country Club* Metropolitan Golf Club* Western Australia Royal Perth Wembley Golf Course Royal Fremantle Melville Glades Marangaroo Golf Course

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

Day

Date

Time

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

November 01 November 02 November 03 November 04 November 07 November 10 November 11 November 14 November 15 November 16 November 17 November 18 November 21 November 22 November 22 November 23 November 24 November 25 November 28 November 29 November 30 November 30

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

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

November 02 November 03 November 04 November 05 November 08 November 09 November 10 November 11 November 12 November 18 November 24 November 25 November 26

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

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

November 08 November 09 November 10 November 10 November 11 November 12 November 15 November 15 November 16 November 16 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 21 November 22 November 23 November 24 November 25 November 26 November 29 November 30

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

Saturday Wednesday Saturday Wednesday Saturday

November 05 November 09 November 12 November 16 November 19

10am - 2pm 11am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

Location

Day

Date

Time

Maylands Golf Club Hartﬁeld Country Club Tasmania Quamby Golf & Country Club* Tasmania Golf Club* Royal Hobart Golf Club* Country Club Driving Range* Seabrook Golf Club*

Friday Saturday

November 25 November 26

3 - 6pm 10am - 2pm

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

November 02 November 03 November 04 November 05 November 06

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

CALLAWAY RAZR X POWER HOURS Location New South Wales Terrey Hills Driving Range Bexley Golf Club Long Reef Golf Club Narabeen Driving Range Canterbury Golf Club The Ridge Golf Driving Range Moore Park Driving Range The Ridge Golf Driving Range Queensland Virginia Golf Club Indooroopilly Golf Club Victoria Park Driving Range Tewantin Noosa Golf Club Horton Park Caloundra Golf Club Gold Coast Country Club Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club The Grand Golf Club North Lakes Golf Club Lakelands Golf Club Victoria Park Driving Range Big Easy Driving Range Carseldine Palm Meadows Golf Course Matt’s Golf Centre and Driving Range Victoria Melbourne Golf Acadamy Ballarat Driving Range* ‡ Warnambool Golf Course* ‡ Horsham Golf Course* ‡ Flinders Golf Club* ‡ Kingston Heath* ‡ Albert Park DR Freeway Public Golf Course* ‡ Werribee Golf Club* ‡ Wodonga Golf Club* ‡ Tocumwal Golf Course* ‡ Barwon Valley Driving Range* ‡ Peninsula Country Club* ‡ Metropolitan Golf Club* ‡ Growling Frog Golf Course Huntingdale Golf Club* ‡ Yarra Bend Driving Range Quamby Golf Club* ‡ Royal Hobart golf Club* ‡ Tasmania Golf Club* ‡ South Australia Mt Osmond GC Twilight may be until 7:30 Glenelg GC Power Hour Sth Lakes GC HOG Mildura Range Western Australia Sun City Golf Course Joondalup Resort Golf Course Wanneroo Golf Course Hartﬁeld Country Club

www.callawaygolf.com

Day

Date

Time

Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday

November 03 November 08 November 09 November 10 November 15 November 16 November 17 November 30

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

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

November 04 November 05 November 08 November 08 November 09 November 09 November 10 November 11 November 12 November 12 November 14 November 24 November 24 November 25 November 30

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

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

November 02 November 03 November 04 November 05 November 08 November 09 November 10 November 11 November 12 November 15 November 16 November 17 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 23 November 24 November 27 November 29 November 30

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

Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday

November 03 November 09 November 16 November 24

3 - 7:30pm 10am - 1pm 10:30am - 1:30pm 3 - 7pm

Thursday Saturday Wednesday Thursday

November 03 November 05 November 09 November 10

7 - 9pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 4pm 1 - 4pm

Callaway $50,000 Ultimate RAZR X Golf Shot - see advertisement on pg25 for details

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

FREE

YAMAHA BAG!

When you purchase a new golf car in November or December*

NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW ACT

Coastal Golf Cars Port Macquarie Motor Cycles DTM Colemans Readfords Motor Cycles Thomas Lee Motor Cycles Eurells Merimbula Mowers And Marine Droop & Elliott Excite Motorsports Golf Cars Canberra

Coff Harbour Port Macquarie Tammworth Newcastle Dubbo Moree Narrandera Merimbula Mulwala Penrith Canberra

(02) 6651 6338 (02) 6583 6060 (02) 6762 2606 (02) 4957 5211 (02) 6882 2888 (02) 6752 3566 (02) 6959 2949 (02) 6495 4495 (03) 5744 3983 (02) 4722 6222 (02) 6255 7810

QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD QLD

Moto Sport Yamaha Ron Glass Marine Bunderburg Marine Land Maryborough Motor Cycles Drummond Golf North Coast Moto Sport Golf Car Parts & Repairs Gold Coast West

Townsville Bundaberg Bunderburg Maryborough Rockhampton Caloundra Brisbane Gold Coast

(07) 4779 0165 (07) 4151 3764 (07) 4151 3764 (07) 4121 6630 (07) 4927 5200 (07) 5443 7800 (07) 3376 5491 (07) 5529 1855

www.yamaha-motor.com.au

VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC TAS SA SA WA NT

McGolf Pty Ltd Yamaha Golf Cars Melbourne Craigs Onsite Stihl Shop Mildura Drive The Course Droop & Elliott David Cramp Metropolitan Machinery Pty Ltd SA Golf Cars Yamaha Golf Cars WA City Tyre Service

Horsham GC Braeside Drioun Mildura Geelong Mulwala Casino CC Cavan Evanston Park Osborne Park Darwin

(03) 5382 3312 (03) 9587 5480 (03) 5625 4980 (03) 5022 2840 0407 218 650 (03) 5744 3983 (08) 6335 5740 (08) 8349 5499 0418 821 487 (08) 9443 1117 (08) 8941 5388

*Private Sales only, Fleet buyers excluded. Offer ends 31st December 2011

PUT SIMPLY, HAVE YOU HIT

THE BEST FAIRWAY WOOD IN GOLF?

With our 30 day performance guarantee, you can try it and judge for yourself - obligation free - at your local Specialty Golf Retailer or Pro Shop.

If you thought it was impossible for an Exotics fairway to hit even longer, we’re about to shatter your reality. The new CB4 is the most sophisticated fairway wood of all time. Combining high tech 15-3-3-3 titanium cupped face with a heavier hyper steel body that is combo brazed (where the metals are fused together rather than welded), every single gram of excess weight is eliminated from the face area and is shifted where it is needed. With all new boomerang face technology that allows for even more ball speed, the CB4 is the longest hitting, best feeling Exotics fairway wood yet. NOTHING - AND WE MEAN NOTHING - COMES EVEN CLOSE. That’s why we can guarantee it’s 20 yards longer. With our 30-day performance guarantee, try it and judge for yourself obligation free - at your local Specialty Golf Retailer.

21 WINS AND TOP-10 FINISHES ON THE PGA TOUR IN 2010