Issue 78 Inside Golf January by Inside Golf

InsideGolf Inside www.insidegolf.com.au

Issue 78 January 2012

TIGER ROAR

Is Woods finally

S AGAIN!

his way back to the top? HOME ONTHE RANGE

GOLFTRAVEL

BELLY UP!

MAKINGTHE GRADE

HOWTO PRACTISE LIKE A PRO

WETACKLE NEW ZEALAND’S CAPE KIDNAPPERS

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF USING A BELLY PUTTER

WHICH AUSSIES EARNED TOP MARKS IN 2011?

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January 2012 www.insidegolf.com.au.................................................................................................................................................................................................

Survey: Inside Golf named top Aussie golf magazine A rECENt independent survey by sports Marketing surveys (sMs) has revealed that Inside Golf is the most regularly read golf magazine in Australia, beating the popular newsstand and subscription magazines by a significant margin. sMs’ August/september 2011 Golf Consumer survey, which is administered at golf courses twice yearly, asked 2000 random golfers at courses across Australia to name the magazine they most regularly read or subscribed to. Inside Golf was the top answer, beating all of the other major golf publications in the country. The results of the survey also highlighted the fact that inside Golf continues a steady rise in popularity among golfers, with other Australian magazines showing gradual declines in readership, based on results from previous sMs surveys. “We’re thrilled with the outcome of this survey,” said sam Arthur, publisher of inside Golf. “The results confirm our belief that Australian golfers love our home-grown Australian content, extensive coverage of world golf, and our groundbreaking iPad/digital delivery and social Media initiatives,” he said. The survey reinforces a 2010 survey by Golf research Australia, the consumer-facing research arm of Jeff Blunden Advisory services, which undertook an independent study on behalf of inside Golf concerning the readership habits surrounding Australia’s golf magazines. The key finding from that survey was that inside Golf is the most regularly read monthly golf magazine in Australia, beating the likes of Golf Australia Magazine, Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Pacific Golfer.

Welcome to the Year of YOU! RichardFellner WHilE people all over the world are celebrating the arrival of 2012 (and potentially paying the price the following morning!), the team here at Inside Golf are preparing to make 2012 a year-long celebration. And this year, the focus is on YOu. inside Golf is opening our pages to you, our loyal and passionate readers. We’re rewriting the book (so to speak) on what goes inside a golf magazine. And you are calling the shots! From reader-submitted course writeups, to equipment reviews, to golf course photography and even fictional stories, poems, jokes and more, we’re setting aside space in every issue for your interesting and fun content. in essence, we’re making inside Golf YOur magazine! Best of all, we’ll be offering great prizes along the way. so warm up your keyboards, and get writing. Visit our website for information on submitting your stories or photos, or simply email your submissions to ed@insidegolf.com.au. it’s that simple. This year, we’re also launching the 2012 Inside Golf Readers’ Choice Awards, celebrating Australia’s favourite golf courses, the most exciting equipment, the best instructors/teachers and more. stay tuned

for news on how you can nominate your favourites in the industry. Our 2012 Reader Survey is also coming soon. This will give you the chance to tell us what you want to see in inside Golf. Our goal has always been to offer a balanced mix of golf content – and we aim to publish a little something for everyone. But we want you to tell us what you want more of (or even less of). The sky is the limit. Again, stay tuned! Finally, i’d just like to say a simple “Thanks” to all of you for your wonderful support, and for helping to make inside Golf Australia’s top golf magazine (see sidebar story). We know that you love your golf as much as we do, and the fact that you’ve named our magazine as the best in the country helps validate all the hard work we put into every issue. Thanks for that. Happy New Year, and we’ll see you on the fairways!

Richard Fellner Editor

starter’sboX

34 ON THE COVER: 34 Tiger Roars Again: He’s back, and aren’t we better for it 38 Making the Grade: Which Aussies earned top marks in 2011? 44 Golf Travel: We tackle New Zealand’s Cape Kidnappers 53 Belly Up: The fundamentals of using a belly putter 54 Home on the Range: How to practise like a pro REGULARS:

7 15 18 31 40 46 47 48 50 59 60 62 66 68

News industry News Events scorecard People Conversations with The Coach: Chris Anstey PGA iGi Architecture tips and instruction Fitness Clubs 19th Hole Directory Demo Dates

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January 2012

insidethemaiLboX ...............................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au Letter of the month

U S T R A L I A

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O L F

E W S

E A D E R

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, Ross Perrett, Harvey Silverman, Steve Bann, Darren Weatherall, Richard Nizielski, Darren Champman, 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

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A Leprechaun’s got it

recently the Gaels social Golf had a day out at twin Creeks. 24 players from the irish Club in Kingswood, near Penrith, played in the day. some of the players wanted a quick practice putt before hitting off. One was Paddy rogers, who took 3 balls onto the green. A former heavyweight boxer from ireland, Paddy hit his first putt a bit too firm on the slick putting green and it rolled off the green into a small garden bed. He made the adjustment on the next 2 putts which ended up closer to the hole. His group was then called onto the 1st tee. His 3 partners on the tee, ready to hit off, looked around for Paddy. They finally spotted him in the garden bed. “i’ve lost me ball” Paddy cries out. One partner suggests “Did ya check in all da holes- Paddy?”

No complaints, just something to share MY husband and i recently decided to drive ourselves to WA via The Nullarbor. As most Australians would know, the Eyre Highway in this part of Australia is composed of a straight road, a straighter road and an even straighter road, with the occasional curve thrown in just to keep the driver awake. Along this highway is the World’s longest Golf Course, the Nullarbor links. An 18hole par-72 “course” which spans 1,365 kilometres. We decided this would be a good way to break up the monotony of all that driving. We commenced our 18 holes at Ceduna and finished at Kalgoorlie. We had all the information prior to setting out; the synthetic greens, tees and somewhat “rugged outback style natural terrain fairway”, unique names for each hole (e.g. Oyster Beds, Wombat Hole, Nullarbor Nymph, Ngadju, skylab, to Another calls out “i tink i saw a leprechaun take it and run awae.” A great start to a game of golf, with laughs all around. But what we really want to know is: Has anyone in the history of golf ever lost a ball on the practice putting green? David Hildebrand, Handicapper for Gaels Social Golf Club

Super summer of golf

What a series of golf in Australia! the Australian Open, Presidents Cup and the PGA. such talent on display from all points of the globe. riveting stuff. Just couldn’t put the tV remote down. tiger and Adam’s caddy shock. Jason Day’s wonderful talent (and almost, but not quite, big breakthrough not far away.) tiger showing glimpses of his best and then “snake” Chalmers producing two wonderful finishes. As an interesting side issue did anyone else notice the sartorial transformation of another Aussie great, Geoff Ogilvy? From his usual daggy look of wrinkled collar, short sleeves and skinny legged trousers into the permanent press of his Presidents Cup shirt and trousers. i even thought the Movember “tashe” was quite flattering. i think we can look forward to one day seeing all of the above players’ names grouped at the top of a Major leaderboard somewhere. Hopefully Augusta! B.M. via email

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name a few), our scorecards and, of course, our certificate at completion to say we have played the longest golf course. While the greens and tees were synthetic (although there were also a couple of black sand greens that required raking upon completion of putting) we were not quite prepared for the “rugged outback style terrain”. The natural terrain of bush, long grass, rocks, red earth, natural undulating land (no need for bunkers) made losing many balls a challenge at almost every hole. Thank goodness it is suggested you tee up on the “fairways” to help the environment. i must admit it helped us as well, especially when the “fairway” was covered in rocks. We met lots of people whilst playing this unique course and the laughter and tales we shared Letters of theofmonth with them added to the enjoyment the whole

experience. it was definitely an interesting and different way to play golf and whoever thought of the concept deserves top marks as it has not only given the Nullarbor an attraction different from anywhere else but apparently has reduced the accidents along this stretch of road. if you are travelling to WA via the Nullarbor then this is a “must do” for your list. A few tips: it is challenging, and not to be taken seriously. Playing on natural bush “fairways” is to be enjoyed. Have fun, laugh a lot, take lots of old balls to lose, don’t wear your good golf shoes, don’t use your good clubs and if you count strokes honestly, don’t be surprised at the final score! Loraine Smith, Newcastle

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!

Long should be gone

Further to the ongoing saga of long putters, i do not believe that long putters are in the same category as metal woods and other developments in clubs that still require a person to grip and swing in the conventional manner. The handling of long putters is unconventional. My theory is that the “yips” occur when a player’s small muscles and their wrist and elbow joints cannot control the putting stroke, and therefore anchoring of the putter to the body eliminates this problem. i agree with Peter senior that you still must read the breaks and hit the right speed, but these are meaningless if you cannot control the putter. There can be no doubt that a multitude of great golfers were once very good putters but sadly have lost the talent and/or the nerve. Many others may never have had it in the first place. i strongly feel that artificial aids such as long putters should not be allowed to assist players who do not have the talent and/or nerves to compete against those that do have such talents. Arthur Matthes, via email

Saturday social

i am disappointed that Mr Vogels (inside Golf, November) feels that club members should give up their tee times that they book every week of the year. Club members are the backbone of golf clubs. They support the club 12 months of the year, including unpaid roles with in the club, Dad’s army retirees

who step up when tournaments and other special events are coming up and do work to help ground staff present the course in good condition. Money, while important to our club survival, does not mean you can wave dollars and expect members to bow to you. Most clubs have scheduled competitions running on both days. taking an hour out of the members’ times could create unfair playing conditions to some players who could be duly affected by weather changes, etc. i know my club would never even consider changing members’ times on saturdays. We do, however, fit in green fees on sunday with the comp players. Also please remember that club members also spend money over the bar and food outlets -- not just social Players. Trevor M., Pakenham

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

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Todd, Park tops at The Dunes

One strange golf rule CENtrAl Golf Queensland secretary Gurney Clamp has been around the traps a long time, but he did have his knowledge of the rules tested recently. “i was in the clubhouse of the Yeppoon Golf Club when a member of the club approached me after a social round of golf,” Gurney explained. “He had been playing golf with a couple of his mates on a windy sunday morning when he asked to give a ruling on a very strange incident that happened during the round. “Apparently, after putting his golf ball towards the hole on the 17th, a large leaf blew over and completely covered the hole. “His golf ball came to rest on top of the

leaf directly above the hole – the ball would have dropped into the cup had the leaf not been there.” Now, Gurney is no mug and asked the player to produce the leaf. “the player involved showed me the offending leaf that created the problem,” Gurney said. “i had a couple of thoughts as to what the rule was, but i thought i had better check with Golf Queensland. “i was advised that the player had to place his ball marker beside the leaf, lift the golf ball, then the leaf, replace the ball at the marker and putt the ball into the hole.” Problem solved, we think.

Club pro breaks 100… in a way The Dunes Medal Winners Todd Sinnott & Lee Park ViCtOriAN todd sinnott has captured The Dunes Medal, outlasting Victoria’s Geoff Drakeford and NsW’s Dimitrios Papadatos in an exciting contest on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. leading by four shots going into the final round, sinnott played steady on the difficult Dunes layout, firing a final round 72 (281 total) which was enough to hold off Drakeford (283) and a surging Papadatos, who carded a final round of 69 to finish at 284. For the Women, it was lee Park who took top honours over Ashley Ona (QlD) and

Min Jee lee (WA). Park’s four-round total of 296 was two shots clear of Ona (298) and a further two ahead of lee (300) who’s final round 75 saw her drop from the top spot. The Dunes Medal has become a “must play” event on the Australian amateur calendar. Jason Day, Marcus Fraser and Brett rumford are just a few of the young superstars of Australian Golf that have competed in this prestigious event, with the course record of 9-under 63 being set by Bryden Macpherson in the 2008 Dunes Medal.

tEACHiNG professional ross Moodie has broken 100...for his students. in the past 12 months, the Coolangatta tweed Heads-based club pro has managed to reduce the handicaps of 15 of his students by a combined 113 shots. top of the pops was Peter Baldry who reduced his handicap from 36 to 17 – a reduction of 19 shots. Next best was Nathan Baxter who dropped 14 shots from a 30 handicap to 16. But Moodie is particularly proud of one of his star pupils, rebecca Kay, who won the Queensland u12 Australian school sports Golf Championship by 15 shots. Kay has reduced her handicap from 14 to four this year.

Moodie started coaching her in February 2010 when she played off a 30 handicap. “My coaching results for 2011 were extremely good, probably my career best,” said Moodie, who has been coaching kids at grassroots level for 30 years.

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Golf for the ages 40 years of history achieved at Wanneroo

tHE Wanneroo Golf Club was first mooted by a group of Western Australia social golfers in 1970. This notion was crystallised through their frustrations of playing on a small public golf course with looming future difficulties in securing blocks of tee-off times for this group of enthusiasts. through the dedication and determination, countless hours of deliberation, meetings and physical commitment, the dream became airborne and the first ball was hit off the 10th tee at Wanneroo by then foundation president Brian McDonald on Opening Day, 24 March 1973. Thus a journey at a new, privately-owned golf club and course had begun. its progress to date now stands as testimonial to the foresight and efforts of these founding fathers. Wanneroo celebrated 40 years in 2010 and is looking forward to its 50th anniversary milestone in the years to come. The success of this club is imbedded in history and has been achieved despite the “knockers” who wildly predicted the concept of a new, privately-owned club in Perth’s northern suburbs would crumble in a heap. As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations, Wanneroo has discounted its joining fee from $1,000 to $100 and this is still on offer for a limited time. importantly at an Extraordinary General Meeting in November 2011, the members overwhelmingly endorsed the adoption of a new constitution that incorporates a modern day approach to sustaining success as a private golf club as well as flexible membership categories. For information on becoming a member of this forward-thinking golf club, contact Wanneroo general manager Peter Brown or the office staff can be contacted on (08) 9405 3677.

Laidley jockeys ride their luck

Riley Donkin GOlF is definitely a game for the ages. At the 2011 Holden scramble championship final, there was a 57-year age difference between the youngest and oldest competitors. The youngest competitor in the field was 13-year-old riley Donkin, a member of Mandurah Country Club in Western Australia while the oldest was Bev Fagan, 70, of Cromer Golf Club in sydney. riley, who plays off 26, played alongside his 15-year-old brother Thomas, off eight, Ben Kemp (1), travis lord (3), club pro toby Price and touring pro Adam Bland. riley, who has only been playing golf for three years, said he was thrilled to

b e i n Q u e e n s l a n d f or t h e Ho l d e n scramble final. His father told inside Golf that the Mandurah Country Club’s junior golf program was secondto-none. “it’s been a great experience for the boys and a big learning curve as they have had to get up early every morning.” Meanwhile, Bev Fagan, who plays off a 32 handicap, was an inspiration to her teammates. Bev teamed with club pro Nic robb, Adele Brimmer, Eve Burns, Katrina Brown to win the women’s Holden scramble final. Bev is an absolute delight and somebody you’d want by your side no matter what,” Adele said.

Grady joins the Scramble

AustrAliAN veteran Wayne Grady made his He even signed some gear for the team of umpteenth appearance at the Holden scramble Allan Wallrodt, Brian Flanagan, Ed King and championship final at twin Waters Golf Club. Mark lewis. The former us PGA champion joined a team “it’s been great because it’s not often you play of colourful characters from Donnybrook Golf golf with a major winner,” a Donnybrook team Club in Western Australia on the final day. member said. LOCATION DAY DATE There was a lot of good-natured banter among Then one wag asked: “Hey Grades, would you sanctuary cove only) wednesday 22nd July the group and Grady took it all in his stride. like(member us to sign your shirt?”

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lAiDlEY Golf Club’s Matthew Bradford was the odd man out in his team at the Holden scramble. His three amateur teammates ron Goltz, Adam Best, Kenji Yoshida are toowoomba-based jockeys. Goltz, a seven-time premiership winning jockey, and his fellow riders copped plenty of stick from Bradford after the team finished runnersup in the championship. The quartet are members at City, toowoomba but qualified for the final at laidley. they admit it wasn’t easy reading the twin Waters greens. We were lucky we had a pro (club pro ian Esson) who could read the greens because we had a bit of trouble,” Goltz said. “They were talking about the speed into the grain and down grain. i didn’t know what they were talking about.” Bradford said he was just as confused. “When they were talking about the grain of the greens i thought they were talking about a breakfast cereal,” he joked. “But you know what the worst thing was? The jockeys kept waking up at 2.30 in the morning because they thought they had to go and ride track work. “so they’d wake you up at 2.30 every morning and wander around the room. if you got to 4am it was a sleep in.”

John’s a real ace

it didn’t take Keperra Country Golf Club’s John Bramich long to grab the club’s new hole-in-one prize – a stay-and-play package at Crowne Plaza Pelican Waters resort and spa on the sunshine Coast. Just days after the announcement of the prize, John aced the 189m par-3 fourth hole on the Old Course using a brand-new driver his wife Ann Marie had bought him. Before the ace, his wife had asked him what he wanted for his birthday and he answered, “a new driver and a hole-in-one”. John is the first KCGC member to score an ace since the introduction of the Ets corporate “holein-one” sponsorship package valued at $400. TIME For his effort, he also picked up a hole-in-one 9.30am trophy.- 1.30pm 9:00am - 1:00pm DATE

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The Eastern GC wins Club of the Year It’s not cricket, says IBF MElBOurNE’s The Eastern Golf Club took top honours last month, being announced as ‘Club of the Year’ at the 2011 Clubs Victoria Achievement Awards. in front of an audience of over 450 members and sponsors at the Crown Palladium, General Manager Benjamin telley accepted the award on stage with fellow staff on behalf of the Club. Club of the Year is awarded for outstanding overall club operations including community support, member services, promotion of positive club culture and environment, staff service and professionalism and future initiatives/strategies for the Club. Mr telley said “it has been a challenging last five years for the Club and it is almost overwhelming to accept this award on behalf of the Club. i would like to recognise the hard work and commitment of the Board to securing the future of the Club and also the members and volunteers that make the Club what it is today.” “Finally, i would like to record my sincere appreciation to the amazing team of staff that make the Club environment a pleasure to come to and work each and every day. There is a real sense of purpose about what we are doing together and why and this award is reflective of their commitment and contribution to the Club, they should all be very proud of this great achievement”. it was not the only award received by the Club on the evening. The Eastern Golf Club Operations Manager, Peter Vlahandreas won ‘Employee of the Year’ for his ongoing commitment to customer service, attitude, enthusiasm and efficiency in his role and being a driving force in the marketing and social media activities of the Club. This marked back-to-back awards in this category for Eastern employees, with Event Coordinator Nicole Kerley

Ben Telley (left) with Peter Vlahandreas from The Eastern Golf Club the recipient in 2010. The Club made it a triple title night, also winning the category of ‘Best Branding in Marketing’, reflective of the Club’s leading initiatives in local area marketing campaigns and social media network communications. As the Club embarks on securing its future with plans to relocate to the Yarra Valley, these awards are recognition that the Club as a whole including the Board and staff are striving to constantly improve systems and service to create a dynamic environment that is welcoming to Members, families and guests.

FOrMEr test cricketer Michael Slater gave former Open champion Ian Baker-Finch a painful reminder of the time he received a blow to the head from a stray Bernhard Langer approach shot to the green. “Now iBF, in cricket you expect to get hit in the head, but when you are on the golf course you don’t expect to get sconed. Do you remember this?” slater asked Baker-Finch on the Channel Nine Cricket show. “The funny thing was it was such a shock that i jumped straight back up and yelled out FOrE,” Baker-Finch said. “it was Bernhard langer who hit me. i was being interviewed about 30 yards behind the green and couldn’t believe he could be 30 yards off-line, but i think he was having a shot at me.” Baker-Finch told slater he was a “cricket tragic”. “As golfers, if we go and have a game of cricket we get so stiff and sore the next day so we have got to be really careful. “But cricketers can play golf, have a great time and still be able to play cricket the next day.” Baker-Finch, who spends much of his time in the commentary box these days, also touched on The Presidents Cup played at royal Melbourne. “it’s different when you get a chance to play a team sport and represent your country or your tour (internationals) alongside teammates,” said iBF, who has acted as an assistant captain at a Presidents Cup. “The guys all relish it and wish they could play it more often. “But playing fourball and foursomes matches is so much different than regular singles golf. “You are always saying sorry to your mates so

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we can understand what cricketers go through. “if you have a bad day, it’s not only you who you are upset with it’s the other 11 blokes you are playing with.”

Appleby on song Mr 59, stuart Appleby, was up to the challenge when he made a welcome appearance at the Holden scramble championship final at twin Waters. Appleby joined the Green Acres Golf Club team on the final day and impressed the group with his play, demeanour, encouraging remarks and the odd wise crack. He even had a tongue-in-cheek jibe at former Australian Open champion John senden, who was in the group ahead and working hard to give Finley Golf Club the edge. “right sendo, move your group out of here, we’re coming home with a wet sail,” an optimistic Appleby said.

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January 2012

10 news .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

PGA: Momentum key to tour growth FOllOWiNG one of the biggest seasons of Australian golf in decades, the PGA says the announcement of two new exciting tournaments is a big vote of confidence for the PGA tour of Australasia in 2012. With last month’s launch of the Perth international Golf Championship and the NZ PGA Pro-am Championship, the PGA says prizemoney on the tour will increase by at least Au$2.3 million in 2012 but it is hoped that this is just the start of things to come. “the PGA has worked with a number of stakeholders over the past few years to ensure the growth of our own domestic tour for the benefit of our PGA professionals and the wider Australian golf community,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA. “With these two new tournaments and with the continued growth of OneAsia, we are constantly working towards a vibrant domestic and regional tournament platform for our growing elite ranks.” Thorburn said that the two newest tournaments will bring a 41% increase on prizemoney from 2011, but if all goes to plan, there may be additional increases in months to come. “Over the last month Australian golf has showcased our best courses, the world’s best players and made big inroads to securing additional corporate support. We are very optimistic that we can keep this momentum going into 2012. “Our mission with the PGA tour of Australasia is to make our tournaments accessible to both regional and metropolitan markets and continually innovate to ensure tournament golf remains a great entertainment spectacle and thus an attractive proposition for corporate Australia.” “We already know that 2012 will showcase a number of new and different golf courses and a range of innovative tournament formats and this all contributes to our ability to market both the tour and the game of golf.” Key to this strategy will also be securing more ‘big names’ to play in tour events. “We have already had great interest from a number of high profile players for 2012. While we

Peter Senior

IN BRIEF Darren Clarke is one of many touring professionals who are vocal fans of Australia’s world-class events can’t compete for prizemoney with the likes of the PGA tour and the European tour, we certainly have a reputation for world class golf courses and our tournament hospitality–Darren Clarke was a great example of that this year at Coolum.” Whilst at Coolum, Clarke, the reigning Open champion, was so impressed with the hospitality shown to him that he made a surprise visit to the Queensland Government’s marquee to share a beer and thank them for hosting him for the week. Clarke later tweeted to his 100,000 plus followers; ‘Different professional golf tours around the world could learn from the Aus PGA...they know how to run tournaments!’ The 2012 PGA tour of Australasia schedule kicks off this month at spring Valley Golf Club with the innovative Victorian Open which will be run concurrently with the Women’s Victorian Open. The following week, on the 10th and 11th January, Kingston Heath Golf Club will once again play host to the 36-hole international Final Qualifying (iFQ) where three coveted positions into the Open Championship will be up for grabs. A few weeks later the Victorian PGA Championship will be held from 16-19 February

and will be played for the first time at the Novotel Forest resort, Creswick. The inaugural NZ PGA Pro-am Championship will take place from 29 March to 1 April at The Hills in Queenstown. The tournament, a partnership between the NZ PGA and The Hills, (owned by sir Michael Hill) will offer total prize money of NZD$500,000. inspired by the Alfred Dunhill links Championship, the event builds on the NZ PGA Championship. Professionals will play for the NZ PGA Championship over four rounds, but in a unique event format, 64 invited amateurs and celebrities will be each paired with one of the 64 professionals that make the cut, playing together as a team for the NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship over the final two days. later in the year, The Perth international Golf Championship will tee off from 18-21 October at lake Karrinyup Country Club in Perth. iMG will be the owner and promoter of the $2million tournament, which will be sanctioned by the European tour and the PGA tour of Australasia. the full 2012 PGA tour of Australasia schedule is expected to consist of 14 events and will be released soon.

AustrAliA’s Peter Fowler capped off a brilliant year on the European Seniors Tour by capturing the Order of Merit title. Fowler recorded his 13th top10 of the season at the MCB tour Championship in Mauritius to take the title from England’s Barry lane. Fowler, who joined the European seniors in 2009 but missed most of that year with a back injury, had two wins in 18 starts this year and amassed an impressive 302,000 euros, finishing 32,000 euros ahead of lane. He is the third Australia to claim the European senior Order of Merit after Noel ratcliffe (2000) and ian stanley (2001). 2010 AustrAliAN PGA champion Peter Senior had a fantastic year of his own, playing on the us Champions tour. The 52-year-old notched three runner-up finishes and 12 top-10 results in 22 starts. According to the stats on the us tour website, senior shared top honours with Mark Calcavecchia for most rounds in the 60s. AustrAliA’s Perry Somers cemented his reputation as the best exponent of the vintage form of the game when he defended the Australian Hickory Shaft Championship he won last year. somers blistered the Carnarvon course in western sydney last month in 75 strokes, the only player in the 47 strong field to break 80, and won the event by five shots from America’s Derrin Morgan.

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news 11

Ferguson turns back clock QuEENslAND veteran Mike Ferguson turned back the clock when he fired a magnificent 64 to share the spoils at the $62,000 Bartons/BMD pro-am at Wynnum Golf Club. it was a record-breaking day as legends tour player Ferguson, Adam Crawford and Edward Stedman signed for six-underpar rounds. Crawford, playing in the morning field, was the clubhouse leader but it wasn’t long before stedman joined him at the top of the leaderboard. But the afternoon belonged to 59-year-old Ferguson who reeled off an eagle and six birdies to join Crawford and stedman. “i had a great day with my playing partners and it was just one of those rounds when things just went my way,” Ferguson said. “it’s nice to win at Wynnum, a club that i have enjoyed playing in the past.” The Bartons/BMD Pro-Am has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years and has come a long way since its inaugural event in 1979. Former long-serving Wynnum Golf Club professional Paul King said he was surprised how the pro-am had grown over the past 32 years. “When Doug Barton and i first

Ian Baker-Finch watches the flight of his golf ball en route to a round of 67 met to talk about hosting a proam tournament in 1979, we never thought it would be the event that it is today,” he said. “it is great to have hosted so many great players over the past 30-plus years and we certainly look forward to hosting this great pro-am into the future”. the pro-am again pl aye d host to some of Australia’s great professionals including 1991 Open Championship winner Ian BakerFinch, who carded a fine 67. us PGA tour regulars Marc Leishman (65) and Rod Pampling (73) all took part in Australia’s largest one-day pro-am on a day that was conducive to low scoring. Of the 87 players, 52 shot even par or better.

Inclusive Golf Championship GOlF Queensland’s inaugural inclusive Golf Championship played at indooroopilly Golf Club was a huge success. laughter and friendly banter could be heard around the golf course from the 40 participants who relished the opportunity to learn more about the game of golf. The championship catered for all levels of golfers from organisations including the sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association, special Olympics, Gold Coast sport and recreation and the Queensland Amputee Golf Association. The pinnacle event was the 18-hole

championship, which was won by ryan Paton with a nett 66. He finished five shots clear of Graham Cox, who edged out ivan Walker, Brendan Borger and Chad Willoughby on a countback. Kate Wilson returned a nett 78 to win the women’s event. While the 18-hole event was underway, participants enjoyed a golf clinic followed by nine holes. Golf Queensland’s high performance coach Garry Calder demonstrated to the group how anyone, no matter their ability or physical restrictions, can play the game. QAs squad members Kevin Marques, Chris Wood, Aaron Wilkin and Daniel

Junior handicap system

iN Central Queensland, Gladstone Golf Club has developed a handicap system for junior golfers who play less than 18 holes. Central Queensland Golf Association secretary Gurney Clamp said the junior handicap system had been introduced to allow juniors to see how they are progressing. “if we want golf to develop in the junior ranks, i think that we need something in place Australia-wide,” he said. “We need a system where a junior on holidays from New south Wales can play golf at a club in Queensland and be on the same playing field.

“it may need some adjustments, but something has to be done by either state or national golf officials, which will allow districts that are close to each other to be playing on a level playing field. the Gladstone model has been developed for juniors up to the age of 10 in three-hole divisions. The maximum length of the threehole course is 600m with a minimum of 550m. The maximum handicap for boys is 30 and girls 36. reduction: Cut 0.4 for each stroke under par and give 0.1 back if par is not broken.

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McGraw joined Calder in helping the players learn new skills on the range and putting green. The elite squad members also took the opportunity to show off their skills to the players, who in turn were in awe of the talent Queensland has in its golfing ranks. The nine-hole event enabled everyone to try out their new skills in an ambrose format. troy Campbell, Darren Gibson, lenore Wilson and steve Hunt were crowned the winners with a nett 30. Many of the participants had never played on a golf course and were thrilled to be provided an opportunity to play indooroopilly Golf Club. Boys progress to a six-hole competition when their handicap hits 10.4 (10) and girls when their handicap reaches 17.4 (17). Juniors who move from three- to six-hole competitions start off on the maximum handicap – boys 36 and girls 45. if a player’s ball comes to rest in a bunker, at least one attempt must be made to play out the bunker. if the player is unsuccessful in hitting out of the bunker, they can then take a drop without penalty to the side of the bunker no nearer the hole, but the stroke counts. All air swings to count.

January 2012

12 news..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Best ever amateur field set to ‘Master’ Royal Melbourne Travel in style

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RichardFellner Australia’s highest-rated Amateur golf event, the Australian Master of the Amateurs, will take centre stage this month, with the world’s top elite amateur golfers battling it out for the coveted green jacket. The event is among the top-rated R&A amateur events in the world – comparable in reputation to the US Amateur and the British Amateur — and has helped launch the careers of top golfers like Jason Day, Brendan Jones, Rickie Fowler (US), Jin Jeong (S. Kor) and Tom Lewis (UK). For fans, it represents an unparalleled opportunity to see tomorrow’s superstars before they become famous. Imagine walking the fairways of Royal Melbourne– with no boundary ropes – alongside “the next Phil Mickelson or Rory McIlroy”, politely chatting with them and getting their autograph at the beginning of their career! Last year, young Queenslander Tarquin MacManus stormed home amid rough conditions to win the event, finishing the four rounds with a 12-under-par total of 276, which was a record score for the event, pipping Jason Day’s top score of 281 in 2006. This year, players like Kelly Kraft (US Amateur Champion), Corbin Mills (World #8 Amateur) and China’s 13-year-old Guan Tian-lang (Aaron Baddeley International Junior Golf Championship Boy’s Winner) will join over 50 of world’s top-rated amateurs from countries like Germany, The US, China, Fiji, Japan, The UK, Mexico, Singapore, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Australia. Many of these elite amateurs are on the cusp of turning professional, so their level of play will be something to behold.

US Amateur Champion Kelly Kraft will join the world’s best amateurs at this month’s Australian Master of the Amateurs. Inset: 2011 champion Tarquin MacManus (Photos: Anthony Powter and USGA/John Mummert) The event has grown significantly over the The players, too, recognise the quality of 16 years of its existence – due to the tireless the event, with some remarking that they are determination and efforts of founders Peter and “treated like a PGA Tour Professional” when they Angela Mann who, along with their growing team attend, with the lavish Opening Ceremony, Gala of assistants, have turned the event into Australia’s Dinners and the highly-regarded Srixon AmNumber 1-rated Amateur event, attracting bigPro Invitational, which puts the Amateurs in the spotlight alongside Australian professionals, guests name corporate sponsors including VISY, Srixon, and sponsors. Bolle, Bushnell, Toyota, RACV, Woolworths, The event will be played at The Royal Melbourne Yamaha, Schweppes, Air Pacific, Crown Lager, Golf Club from Tuesday 10th–Friday 13th. The Calvin Klein, Tourism Victoria, Canon, Graeme Miller Wines, Powerhouse Productions, bcreative, course is sure to be in spectacular condition, Solution Red, A. Royale Corporate, SSG Signage, having recently hosted The Presidents Cup, and Radisson Hotel & Suites (Sydney) and NEC. You currently being prepared for the LPGA-sanctioned ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. don’t get sponsors of that magnitude without a top-notch event and world-class players. Having Spectators are welcome, and there is no covered this event extensively over the years, I can admission fee. For more information, visit attest that it is one of the best-run events I’ve seen. www.masteroftheamateurs.com.au

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January 2012

14 news..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Driver awarded Sport Volunteer of the Year Abby Driver was awarded the Queensland Sport Volunteer of the Year at the Queensland Sports Awards in recognition for her work in the golf industry. Abby has successfully led a team of 60 volunteers to deliver the largest project ever undertaken by the amateur golfing organisations across Australia. Golf Queensland chair Tom Crothers said the award highlighted the huge contribution that volunteers make to the golf industry and praised Abby’s commitment. “Queensland’s golfers can be very grateful for the dedication and diligence of Abby Driver in delivering a fair, equitable and transparent framework for the rating of golf courses right across Queensland in a very cost effective way,” Mr Crothers said. “In the last 12 months Abby and her team of volunteers have completed course inspections and data collection for mathematical ratings for over 240 courses across Queensland. “The Queensland Course Rating Project is recognised as an industry leader across Australia and this is due to the efforts and passion of Abby and the hundreds of hours of time she has devoted to its delivery.” Abby has had a long association with the administration of golf, both at the District, State and National levels. She was President of the Wide Bay Burnett Women’s Golf District from 2003 – 2006, Coordinator of Course Rating in the Wide Bay

Join Junior Golf Queensland today

Join Junior Golf Queensland – It’s free! Abby Driver has been recognised for her work as a volunteer Burnett Women’s District from 1993 – 2009 and in 2009 was appointed as Chair of Golf Queensland’s Technical Committee to manage the roll-out of the National Course Rating Project across Queensland. Abby was successful against an esteemed group of dedicated volunteers from other sports including cycling, cricket, AFL and basketball. Greg Norman was also inducted into the Queensland Hall of Fame for his career achievements including being the number one golfer for nearly seven years. He has won 88 tournaments and at 56 years he lined up against a star-studded field at Coolum for the Australian PGA Championship, where he finished T23 at 4-under-par.

The first 50 juniors to become a member of Junior Golf Queensland’s will receive a cap, bag tag and drink bottle. Junior Golf Queensland is open to all boys and girls who are at least six-years-old and have not reached their 19th birthday. Membership benefits include Junior Golf Queensland quarterly newsletter, access to information on upcoming clinics and events in Queensland and Member Zone access which includes video tips and games. Membership to Junior Golf Queensland assists in the development and participation of junior golfers in Queensland. Visit www.juniorgolfqueensland.org.au

they often provide the first experience for beginners and are vital in developing golfers of all standards. The Community Coaching Course is designed for the beginner/intermediate coach and represents a pathway into the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme. The target group includes school teachers, golf club personnel and volunteers, parents and late secondary and tertiary students interested in developing golf within their community. The course expands on the basic skills of golf. It also covers the role of the coach, physical and mental preparation, safety, and organisation. Participants are required to undertake a practical assessment during the coaching course to achieve their accreditation. Golf Queensland conducts Community Coaching courses throughout the year. To find out when the next course will be held visit www.golfqueensland.org.au/education/education.

Queensland Golf Forum

Golf Queensland will host the Queensland Golf Forum on March 13 at the Victoria Park Golf Complex. Master of Ceremonies, Bruce Young, will ensure the delegates stay on track and get the most out of the informative day. Topics include industrial relations, volunteer management, risk management, Club ScoreCard: A Club Diagnostic Tool, Marketing: Member Loyalty and Junior Golf: Growing the Game. Register now at www.golfqueensland.org.au.

Qld schools’ titles decided LAUREN Mason continued her red-hot form to win the Queensland School Girls’ Championship. Mason carded rounds of 74-67 to edge out Jessica Park by one shot and places another trophy on the mantelpiece alongside the Queensland Girls’ Amateur and Katherine Hull Classic. Her latest victory came a week after competing in the Aaron Baddeley International Junior Championship in Qingyang, southern China. Park finished with rounds of 74-68. In the School Boys’ Championship, Jack Hulyer (Coolangatta Tweed) defeated 2010 School Boys’ champion Jake Mcleod in a playoff.

Hulyer birdied the first extra hole after hitting his approach to just over a metre from the pin. Hulyer carded rounds of 72-67 – 139 while Mcleod shots 68-71. Coolangatta Tweed members Jacob Tonkin and Dee Dee Russell won the 15 years boys’ and girls’ divisions respectively. Dee Dee was impressive, winning by 11 shots from Sophia Cragnolini (Hills). International player Hugo Denis (Tina) won the 14 years and under boys’ division and Maddison Coster (Emerald Lakes) was successful in the girls’ division.

Event Updates

March 13 Qld Golf Forum 16 – 18 Qld Indigenous Championships 26 Women’s Fourball Championship April 1 Qld Men’s & Women’s Foursomes Championships May 21 – 23 Qld Women’s Country Week

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PGA of Australia BrianThorburn As I write this, we have just concluded three of the biggest weeks of golf ever experienced in Australia. Starting with the Emirates Australian Open and then followed by the Presidents Cup and Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola, golf has certainly taken Australia by storm. The Presidents Cup gave us a unique opportunity to showcase our industry to a huge international audience. The feedback has been phenomenal and, combined with the industry’s enthusiasm, I’m sure we will see the momentum from this event bring several benefits for the entire

Australian community. Likewise, the Emirates Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola set new standards for tournament golf in Australia. With world class fields, these last few weeks have shown us all the great capacity for tournament golf in Australia and I believe all the signs for us all are incredibly positive. It would also be remiss of me not to congratulate our dual Champion, Greg Chalmers. What an incredible feat to capture both the Emirates Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship titles. With the Stonehaven Cup and the Joe Kirkwood Cups now firmly in his grasp (the JBWere Masters had not yet been

contested at time of print) Greg has all but sewn up the 2011 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit title which will signal the end of our domestic tournament season. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors, promoters, stakeholders, volunteers, players and fans who have contributed to such an outstanding Tour season. It has certainly been a memorable year and one that will not be forgotten for many years to come. The Tour season will get back underway from January 5th with the staging of the Victorian Open at Spring Valley Golf Club. Until then, I wish you all the very best for a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

be seeing the tournament contested over the composite course at Royal Melbourne Golf Club for the first time. It will be the first time that any women’s professional event has been played over the composite. Book your tickets now via Ticketek online or by phoning 132 849. While those preparations continue, our Championships team will run our first major amateur championship of the year – the Australian Amateur held at Woodlands and Huntingdale Golf Clubs from 17-22 January The Amateur Championship has moved to January to fit better into the international schedule and give the best amateurs in the world the opportunity to come and compete. National Squad members Matt Stieger

and Ashlee Dewhurst will be back to defend their titles. Our High Performance unit held a successful four-day National Squad camp at Moonah Links in December to round out a busy year. The new 2012 Squad members went through four challenging days of physical and mental testing, practice, nutrition and strength and conditioning work to begin preparations for 2012. 2012 is also a World Amateur year so all players will be keen to start the year well at the Amateur in the lead up to selections being made to represent Australia at the Eisenhower Trophy and Espirito Santo Trophy to be played in Antalya, Turkey. Indeed, January is going to be a great month for Australian golf.

Golf Australia StephenPitt We’re into the height of summer and the New Year will see the golf action continue at the same pace we finished 2011. Traditionally, January is one of our busiest months and will be in 2012 in particular as preparations are into full swing for the first visit of the LPGA Tour to Australian shores for some years for the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. This year’s title promises to be one of the most exciting editions of the championship in years with at least 40 of the top 50 players in the world expected to compete for the record US$1.1 million prize purse. Adding to the excitement of the world’s best players coming to Melbourne will

ALPG WarrenSevil Jan ua ry s e e s t h e commencement of a seven-week swing of e vents on t he ALPG Tour incorporating, for the first time in our history, six tournaments. For some, this might not be overly exciting news, but if you consider the fact that there are less than thirty full time, exempt Australian women touring professionals competing on the world Tours, it highlights the challenges we face in promoting our brand and selling women’s professional tournament golf in the market place. Those who follow our progress will know that we rely heavily on the participation of international guest players to complete our fields whether they comprise 60, 100 or 144. In coming weeks we will showcase high quality fields at the Women’s

Victorian Open, ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic and Bing Lee Samsung Women’s NSW Open. The professional numbers in these events will be around the sixty to seventy mark. In my view, whilst I wish we had 300 great Australian women players, these are good workable tournament numbers which include the leading Aussies together with a handful of international players who have grasped the opportunity to come down under early, before the major events commence in February. Why wouldn’t they? It’s snowing in the northern hemisphere, we are playing events on great golf course – Woodlands, Spring Valley, Royal Canberra and Oatlands GC and these events offer nice purses, strong competition and great preparation for the Women’s Australian Open and Australian Ladies Masters. Wi t h c o m p a r a t i v e l y s m a l l professional fields, there is a real

opportunity for us to follow the lead of the Women’s Victorian Open format and pursue other joint venture opportunities with the men’s Tour. All eyes will be on the joint men’s and women’s Vic Opens this month, measuring the success of the format, the opinions of galleries, the management of logistics and so on. If successful – which I am convinced it will be – I think we have an exciting new product, new format, which should be appealing to potential new sponsors, major events corporations and golf fans in general. Why not put the guys and girls together, albeit playing separate events, but providing the opportunity for a unique event offering two-in-one benefits. If we can somehow manage to get the ALPG and PGA Tour schedules to gel, to deliver concurrent events in the weeks leading into major ALPG Tour tournaments, it WILL work.

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January 2012

16 industrynews...............................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au Brenden Ellam wins top GMA award tHE general manager of North ryde Golf Club, Brenden Ellam has been announced as the 2011 GMA NsW Club Manager of the Year at the recent Golf Management Australia (GMA) NsW Awards Presentation dinner in sydney. Brenden has been general manager at North ryde Golf Club for the past six years, and since his commencement has progressed the club significantly, and achieved many milestones. He has more recently driven the board’s decision to introduce water harvesting and storage, and he has been instrumental in obtaining a Government Grant for water savings. He has worked tirelessly with ryde Council, iPArt and suppliers to provide a suitable outcome for the course. Brenden is also currently involved in developing a House Master Plan, and working with the board to develop a strategic plan to take the club into an exciting future. A “services to Golf ” award was also announced on the night with retiring NsW executive officer of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA), Melville Proud the worthy recipient.

Melville has been actively involved in the golf industry for more than 30 years in roles which have included golf administrator, tournament promoter, club manager and club director. in his role with the PGA, and in particular in the past seven years as NsW executive officer, he has been instrumental in developing golf throughout the south Pacific region along with building the relationships between PGA members, and golf clubs through his work with the GMA and Golf NsW.

Multimillion dollar golf resort redevelopment tHE first stage of a multimillion dollar redevelopment of Mildura Golf resort (Vic) commenced last month. The improvements to the golf course are aimed at developing the course as one of the premier courses along the Murray river, while residential nodes within the course redevelopment will provide home owners with a unique living environment and access to all the facilities of the resort. David McPhee, a representative on the Mildura Golf resort redevelopment sub-committee said “this project is unique to the region and will provide local people with an opportunity to build their new home in a high amenity environment that has many lifestyle benefits”. the first stage involves the construction of one new golf hole and modification to two existing holes on the course. the staging of the development is designed to ensure that a complete 18-hole course is always available to golfers, with new holes being constructed before any alterations to existing holes. Davey shearer Golf Design has been appointed by the club to design and coordinate the redevelopment of the golf course. renowned Australian golfer Bob shearer, who is part of the design team, said “our brief was to enhance the quality of the existing course to make it one of the premier golf courses

along the Murray river. However our objective is also to ensure that the course is designed and set up to provide a pleasurable experience for all levels of golfers, so they keep coming back to play” he said. Once the first stage of the golf course improvements are completed then the first residential stage of Fairways Mildura (comprising 30 vacant freehold allotments) will be developed and offered for sale. Marcus Guthrie, general manager of Mildura Golf resort, indicated there

has been strong interest from within the club’s membership group along with other users of the resort facilities, who have expressed a desire to live on course at Fairways Mildura. “the Mildura Golf resort is also celebrating its centenary in 2012, so next year will be an exciting time, reflecting on the past and embracing the next phase of the resort’s evolution. The golf resort has come a long way since Hurtle Peglar provided land over 100 years ago for Mildura people to enjoy the noble game of golf.” Mr Guthrie said

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Mike Orloff January 2012 www.insidegolf.com.au............................................................................................................................................................................................. morloff@golfindustrycentral.com.au

industrynews 17

Smoothy Suspension Buggy gains SMA recommendation AustrAliAN owned golf company, under Par Pty ltd, has gained a sports Medicine Australia (sMA) recommendation for its smoothy suspension Golf Buggy; making it the first and only sMA endorsed product in the golf marketplace. sMA is Australia’s peak national advisory body for sports medicine and sports science, and it awards recommendations to products on the basis that they are among the highest quality in their field; and that they promote safe and healthy physical activity. The smoothy suspension Buggy achieved the sMA recommendation because its design features strive to minimise strain and injury, and help improve golf performance. According to Brett Clarebrough, Managing Director of under Par Pty ltd, the smoothy suspension Buggy was specifically designed and engineered to be the ergonomic solution in golf

buggies for both amateur and professionals alike. “With the biomechanics of golf at the forefront of mind, we designed the smoothy suspension Buggy with an independent suspension system on all three wheels; and a push-not-pull mechanism.” “These features make the buggy effortless to use and it takes the pressure and stress off the joints and muscles in the back, shoulder and arm regions – the most injury-susceptible areas in golf. By minimising effort and muscular discomfort on the course, the smoothy suspension Buggy allows the golfer to play to their potential and enjoy the full benefits of the game. “Gaining an sMA recommendation for the smoothy suspension Buggy is a testament to under Par’s commitment to developing golf equipment of exceptional quality, performance and comfort,” Mr Clarebrough said.

No handicap for Aussie Special Olympics golfer NEW south Wales special Olympics athlete tom leray-Meyer was selected to compete in the PuMP Golf Junior Festival at Queensland’s twin Waters Golf Club which was run in conjunction with the Australian PGA Championships. tom was the only golfer with an intellectual disability to partake in the event which gave 80 junior golfers the opportunity to learn from some of Australia’s top golf professionals before participating in a unique 36-hole tournament. The junior golfers were also able to attend the Australian PGA Championships where they were able to watch the stars in action. tom’s very proud father tony said “tom won runner-up for Most improved by improving his

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score by 19 shots on day 2–scoring 109. tom was the first special Olympics Junior Golfer ever to gain selection to attend the PGA PuMP Junior Festival. tom worked hard throughout the week and enjoyed the experience thoroughly. He got a great deal out of the instruction phase and especially enjoyed the ‘touring pro’ coaching session with Nick O’Hern, Alistair Presnell and Marcus Fraser.” According to rex langthorne, who developed the special Olympics golf program in Australia and sits on the special Olympics international Board of Directors, “What makes tom’s achievement significant is not that he has an intellectual disability but that he continues to push himself to pursue his passion for

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golf and achieve his personal best despite many obstacles. As a young boy, regular seizures prevented tom from playing sport but following surgery, which eased his condition, he began to show an avid interest in sport and was particularly fascinated by the achievements of Tiger Woods. tom has won gold medals at the last two special Olympics National Games and received a Variety-funded scholarship to assist with his golf development. tom has joined the junior program and regularly plays at long reef Golf Club, just north of sydney, where he has flourished under the initial tutelage of Don and sandra Gillies and more recently from club professionals Danny Vera and stuart Edwards.

AustrAliAN and spanish PGA member Jose Calleja has been appointed to the position of general manager at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course in Fiji. Jose has built an impressive career in golf management and has recently returned from Vietnam where he was opening a golf course near Hanoi. Jose holds a Bachelor of Business (sport Management Major) and is an accomplished golf professional who is a member of both the Australian and spanish PGA’s. Natadola Bay has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best golf courses in the south Pacific and since opening in 2009 has hosted a number of high profile events such as golf events for Marsh and Westpac, two Fiji Open Championships and the Nomura Cup.

Mount Lawley announces new General Manager

MOuNt lawley Golf Club in Western Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett lewis as its new General Manager, succeeding lindsay stade who retired on 31st December after 15 years of sterling service to the club. Brett comes to Mount lawley from The Grange Golf Club in south Australia where he was Finance Manager and Assistant General Manager for ten years and was successful over a large number of quality applicants.

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January 2012

18 events...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

O’Malley inspires Robina Woods

Jokes aside, Cromer ‘girls’ too good

DavidNewbery A TEAM representing Robina Woods Golf Club on the Gold Coast plotted and planned and schemed. And when the time came, nothing prevented them from implementing their game plan. Not 28 other teams. Not three extremely social functions. Nothing could stop the Robina Woods juggernaut. “We believe putting well and getting away the players’ required tee shots early in the round is the key to success,” observed club pro Corey Taylor after the team captured the 2011 Holden Scramble championship final at Twin Waters on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Taylor and amateur partners Nathan Baker (scratch), Matthew Pease (10), Blake Johnson (20) and Adrian Robert (33) proved too strong for the 29-strong field. They were joined by veteran touring pro Peter O’Malley, a wizard with a wedge in his hands, on the final day of the 54-hole championship final. Going into the final round, the team held a commanding three-shot lead over Laidley Golf Club courtesy of 14 birdies on each of the first two rounds. On the final day they produced 13 birdies to finish with a winning score of 156.1 – 2.8 shots clear of runners-up

Peter O’Malley (right) sinks the final putt much to the delight of his teammates Laidley Golf Club, who had David Bransdon as their touring pro. “To see how good Peter (O’Malley) is with a wedge in his hand is unbelievable,” Taylor said. “Our tactics in the last round was not to take any of his tee shots. “We let him hit all the approach shots into the green and he hit a lot of great wedge shots in. “He got us out of jail a couple of times when we all missed the green and he hit a nice shot in there. He also made a number of clutch putts from 10 or 12 foot putting last. “We left him to make the final putt a couple of times and he made it for us.”

Taylor said it was important to have a low marker on the team. “You definitely want a scratch marker or a low marker to take the heat off the club pro,” he said. “And if the team’s high handicappers are good putters it’s a bonus. “Our guys are pretty good putters, which meant if they didn’t make the putt they taught us something anyway.” FOOTNOTE: Baker and Pease are members at Hope Island while Johnson plays out of Southport and Robert at Oxley in Brisbane. The good mates qualified at Robina Woods and invited Royal Pines pro Taylor to join them at Twin Waters.

FOR Cromer Golf Club’s women’s team, telling jokes and keeping calm paid dividends as they blitzed the opposition in the Women’s Holden Scramble championship final at Twin Waters. “They played brilliantly through the qualifying, the regional final and in the final,” said club professional Nicholas Robb. “They have been a delight to play with and I have heard some jokes I have never heard before. “It’s been a real eye-opener for me, but we had a great time.” Led by Robb, the team of Adele Brimmer (off 17), Yvonne Burns (22), Beverley Fagan (32) and Katrina Brown (19) teamed up with touring pro Nicole Picken on the final day to finish with a 54-hole score of 161 – 7.9 shots clear of McLeod Country Golf Club. Cromer carded 12 birdies in the final round. “We had an eagle and eight birdies in round one and just six birdies in round two,” team spokesperson Adele Brimmer said. “That’s when Nic decided he needed to teach us all how to chip and took us for a lesson just before the final round. “I have the thought process of chipping and hoping it goes somewhere near where I want it to go.” The emergency chipping lesson certainly got the team’s adrenaline going as they helped themselves to 12 birdies in the final round.

Cromer club pro Nicholas Robb with the winning Cromer Golf Club team “The adrenaline was running like you wouldn’t believe,” Adele said. “We were even hitting the ball further than we’ve ever hit it just because of the adrenaline that was pumping through us. “But we managed the players really well and remained calm about the shot choices from each player in the dropout ambrose format. “It was great winning the women’s Holden Scramble final, but finding out we were going to China excited everybody the most. “We weren’t sure if we would finish in the top-3 of the mixed and women’s competitions. “They kept sending me down to look at the leaderboard to check on the scores and when the final mixed scores came in we finally knew we were going to China. “I raced back to tell everyone and they could barely believe it. It was just an absolute thrill.”

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January 2012

20 events..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

A Royal Open tHE 2012 isPs Handa Women’s Australian Open is set to be a royal event not to be missed by any golfing or sporting enthusiast. the Australian women’s national championship is being played, for the first time, on the world-renowned royal Melbourne composite course. Add in the fact that it is now an official event on America’s lPGA schedule – as well as AlPG and lEt sanctioned – and you have the building blocks for the strongest field in the history of the Championship, as the world’s top women players will descend upon Australia’s sporting capital. The tournament is set to be played from 9 to 12 February, and the players will be vying for their share of the us$1.1 million prizemoney, the largest purse in the history of the event. rolex World No. 1, Yani Tseng, was the first to confirm and she will be return to defend the title she won at Commonwealth Golf Club in 2011. the taiwanese superstar has enjoyed a phenomenal year, winning 11 times worldwide including seven on the lPGA. two of those wins were majors, the Wegman’s lPGA Championship and riCOH Women’s British Open and following that win at Carnoustie, tseng became the youngest player, male or female to win five majors. By the end of the 2011, the 22-year old won the rolex lPGA Player of the Year, collected the Vare trophy for lowest scoring average and topped the money list with a massive us$2.9m.

“i am so excited about returning to defend my Australian Open title, especially at royal Melbourne Golf Club. i have heard the course is amazing,” tseng said. “i have had a lot of success on the sandbelt, especially the past two years. Melbourne is one of my favorite cities and i know a lot of lPGA players are talking about playing the event.” Australia’s Karrie Webb will return and be hunting her fifth Australian Open title after an excellent year on tour that included two lPGA victories. “i am so excited to be playing the Australian Open on the composite course at royal Melbourne. Although i first played the Australian Amateur on the East Course in 1991 i have never played the composite course before in tournament golf.” Webb said when she heard the news. Players such as Norway’s Suzann Pettersen, Americans Michelle Wie, Cristie Kerr, Brittany Lincicome, Japan’s pocket rocket Ai Miyazato and south Koreans Na Yeon Choi and Hee Young Park are just some of the big names likely to tee it up from the lPGA. Webb will lead the Australian contingent with Katherine Hull, Lindsey Wright, Nikki Campbell, Kristie Smith, Karen Lunn and Frances Bondad some of her fellow compatriots looking to capture the title for the first time. to be added to the mix are the top players from the ladies European tour (lEt) who will also be part of the 156 player field.

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Clockwise from left: Karrie Webb, Yani Tseng and Melissa Reid will join the world’s top women golfers at Royal Melbourne for the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open England’s Melissa Reid has a great history at the event, including her runner-up finish to tseng in 2011. swede Caroline Hedwall has had an amazing start to her professional career, winning several times, while south African Lee-Anne Pace, who won five times in 2010 is looking to take her game to the next level in 2012 and royal Melbourne would be the perfect way to start. Golf fans should plan to be in Melbourne to see these amazingly talented, stylish, athletes up close and in action on one of the hallowed courses in the country. For those who can’t attend in person, tune in to ABC tV, who will provide coverage of all four days of the Championship.

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January 2012

22 women..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Sisters of Swing return to the Gold Coast They’re back! The Sisters of Swing return to the Gold Coast in February with another star-studded lineup expected to arrive for the 2012 Gold Coast RACV Australian Ladies Masters. The 23rd staging of the tournament will once again be played at the RACV Royal Pines Resort from February 2-5 under co-sanctioning status with Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) and the Ladies European Tour (LET). Tournament Chairman, Bob Tuohy is thrilled with the tournament date which positions the event in the week prior to the LPGA/ALPG/LETsanctioned ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. Many LPGA players are expected to make the trip Down Under to take advantage of Gold Coast tournament prior to heading to Melbourne. American teenage sensation Lexi Thompson is a confirmed starter. The 16-year-old is one of the hottest players in world golf, having broken through for her first professional victory in September at the Navistar LPGA Classic, and in doing so became the youngest ever winner in the history of the LPGA Tour. Some of the highlights in her career to date include: Navistar LPGA Classic Champion, runnerup at the 2010 Evian Masters, tied 10th at the 2010 US Women’s Open, Golfweek’s No.1 ranked amateur in 2009 and holds the record as the youngest player, at 12 years of age, ever to qualify for a US Women’s Open (2007). Thompson celebrated her 16th birthday at last year’s Ladies Masters and is looking forward to returning again in 2012. The tournament has a wonderful history of attracting world-class fields but also for launching

Tamie Durdin

Lexi Thompson

individual careers. ALPG CEO Warren Sevil said the list of past players and winners is impressive. “The Ladies Masters has been the cornerstone of women’s golf in Australia since 1990, we have had tremendous fields over the years, with numerous major winners and World No.1 players attracted to the event. “The event boasts a proud history of launching the careers of the likes of World Golf Hall of Famers Karrie Webb, Annika Sorenstam and Se Ri Pak,

former World number one Lorena Ochoa, and the current Rolex World number one and defending champion Yani Tseng.” This year is likely to be no exception, with interest shown from numerous top-10 players on the current Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. The LET and local players will be looking to add their name to the prestigious honour roll. Australian Karrie Webb (seven time winner), England’s Laura Davies (three times) and World Golf Hall of Famer

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Annika Sorenstam are some of the names etched onto the trophy. England’s Melissa Reid, the Netherland’s Christel Boeljon, Swede Caroline Hedwall, Italian Diana Luna and South African Lee-Anne Pace are likely to lead the LET charge. Reid, Boeljon and Hedwall have enjoyed fantastic years having won tournaments on the LET and having been part of the European Team that took home the Solheim Cup in dramatic circumstances in Scotland in September. Pace, the 2010 LET Money List winner has had another consistent year and will be looking for a positive start to 2012 in an event where she finished fifth in 2011. Of the Australians, Nikki Campbell was runnerup in 2011, while Katherine Hull won the title back in 2009. Tamie Durdin certainly has the game to go low and has come close on several occasions. Some of the younger Australians looking to make an impression include Frances Bondad, a winner on the LET in 2011, Rebecca Flood, Stacey Keating and Alison Whitaker. Players will notice some significant changes to the course setup for 2012. Holes 1 and 7 have been lengthened by approximately 30 metres, while the 9th hole has been reduced to a testing 413m par-4 after being played as a short par-5 in previous years. The 18th hole will be presented as a par-5, reachable in two for the longer hitters, setting up potential excitement through birdie and eagle opportunities. The Gold Coast RACV Australian Ladies Masters will be broadcast live throughout Australia on ABC Sport, on Saturday 4 February from 2:00pm to 6:00pm and Sunday 5 February from 1:00pm to 6:00pm.

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January 2012

24 events...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au 2012 Senior Calendar To help senior golfers across Australia plan their golfing adventures for 2012, a draft calendar of major senior events has been prepared. A definite highlight of the 2012 calendar is the new Victorian Senior Week of Golf in August – five consecutive days with a game at Yarra Yarra, Kingston Heath, Victoria, Commonwealth and Royal Melbourne courses. Important news is a change of date for the Australian Senior Amateur. The 2012 championship NSW Senior Foursomes Medal Keysborough Senior Amateur Wollongong Seniors Yarra Courses Seniors St. Michael’s Seniors Tasmanian Senior Amateur NSW Secondary Event The Lakes GC Seniors The Australian GC Seniors New Zealand Seniors

NSW Order of Merit medal winners - Stefan Albinski, Jack Parker, Darcy Cluff, Denis Dale

Back-to-back winners in NSW and Victorian Senior Order of Merit

The 2011 NSW and Victorian Senior Order of Merit competitions are annual events run by each state for their best over-55 years senior golfers. This year the winners in both states successfully defended the titles they had also won in 2010. The Victorian Doug Bachli medal went to the defending champion, Cobram Barooga golfer Ross Percy. Percy won several events to start the year and then maintained a clear lead all the way to defeat The National’s John Wheeler with Yarra Yarra senior Michael Jackson third. The handicap trophy went to Yarram senior Ignatius Duivenvoorden who closed the year with a last round net 65 to pass and narrowly defeat Narooma’s Wayne Aigner with the 2010 winner Paul Fink in third place.

The NSW Order of Merit medal went to Twin Creek’s golfer Denis Dale who was helped by second place finishes in the two major events of the year – the NSW Seniors and the ACT Seniors Championship. Dale has now won the NSW Senior Order of Merit competition five times. Second place went to Stefan Albinski from Mona Vale GC with St Michael’s Steve Gibson third. The Over65 year’s competition was won by Wyong’s Jack Parker with Pennant Hills’ senior Darcy Cluff in second place and Royal Canberra’s Bill Banks third. A l l f i n a l re s u lt s a re av a i l a b l e on the Golf NSW website www.golfnsw. org, and on the Golf Victoria website www.golfvic.org.au.

Surfcoast Senior Amateur Australia vs New Zealand Lonsdale Senior Amateur Concord Seniors NSW Senior Amateur Championship Cumberland Seniors Cranbourne Senior Amateur Castle Hill Seniors Gungahlin Lakes Seniors Mt Osmond Masters Pennant Hills Seniors West Australian Seniors Championship Alpine Senior Masters Monash Senior Masters Australian Seniors vs ADFGA Team West Australia Secondary Tea Tree Gully Masters VGA vs ADFGA Annual Match Flinders Portsea Senior Amateur Royal Sydney Senior Invitational Bonnie Doon Seniors

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will be played in September at the Yarra Yarra course in Melbourne. The Australian Senior Match Play Championship has left the Bellarine Peninsula and in 2012 will be played at Twin Creeks Golf Club in Sydney in late October. Queensland has introduced a new Australian Senior Ranking event – the Gold Coast Senior Masters to be played at Coolangatta-Tweed and Lakelands courses in July. The draft calendar is subject to change and players should check with the club before arranging travel and accommodation. Jubilee Cup Seniors The National Senior Masters Northern Territory Senior Amateur Flagstaff Hill Masters

Apr 30 SA

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events

Callaway ‘Ultimate RAZR X Golf Shot’ gives golfers the chance to win $50,000

A golfer at the Melbourne launch Callaway Golf recently gave golf fans the chance to tee-up and win $50,000 cash through their ‘Ultimate RAZR X Golf Shot’ promotion at a series of launch events around the country. Held at three of Australia’s most popular driving range facilities—Moore Park Driving Range (NSW), Albert Park Driving Range (Vic), and Victoria Park Driving Range (QLD)—the attendees came to grips with the latest Callaway innovations including the new RAZR X range of clubs, featuring the ultra premium forged RAZR XF Iron, and tested their skills with a range of competitions. Karmichael Hunt from the Gold Coast Suns and Scott Prince from the Gold Coast Titans were on hand to test out the clubs and compete in the celebrity shootout, with Scott hitting the RAZR X sign twice. Other VIP attendees included Monty Panesar (English cricket star), Ben McGlynn and Jared Crouch (Sydney Swans), Dene Halatau (Canterbury Bulldogs), Cameron White (Captain of Australian T20 Cricket Team) and team members Matthew Wade and Jon Holland. In addition, there were a variety of celebrities from TV, radio and, of course, some exciting Callaway touring players (like Stacey Keating) and other special guests. Five lucky attendees at each event were offered the chance to take a swing

Jared Crouch and Ben McGlynn from the Sydney Swans

English cricket star Monty Panesar

The Melbourne competition winners at $50,000 by hitting a ball through a target 100m away. There were some very close shots, but unfortunately no one took home the $50,000 on offer at the three events. One attendee in Melbourne won a full bag of new Callaway clubs, while one contestant in Brisbane won herself a Callaway RAZR X Black driver. “We’re delighted by the support we’ve received from the Australian golfing community at our events. It is so pleasing to see our brand and golf in general supported so passionately throughout Australia,” said Leighton Richards, Managing Director of Callaway Golf, South East Asia and South Pacific. Callaway’s brand new RAZR X

The Brisbane contestants

range includes Irons and Woods and is spearheaded by the ultra-premium RAXR XF Irons. Recently launched in Australia, the RAZR XF Irons offer golfers the unique combination of maximum forgiveness and feel, but in a forged iron. Attendees also got to try other new/ premium Callaway clubs, including the exciting RAZR Black Driver, Fairway Woods, the RAZR X HL and the RAZR X Black. While the events are now over, golfers can still try these new clubs at Callaway Power Hours – see the Demo Day directory later in this issue, or visit http://www.insidegolf.com.au/demodays-australia

January 2012

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

Flinders Pro-Am: seeking another Aaron Baddeley

One of the wonderful holes at Flinders Golf Club (Photo by Gary Lisbon Golf Photography and GOLFSelect) At age 16, during a qualifying the professionals in the field will round of the Victorian Amateur play one shot at gaining nearest the pin for $1000 on the 18th green. Championship, a young Aaron “Without sponsorship we would Baddeley shot a remarkable 63 at The Flinders Golf Club. Since that never be able to hold this major remarkable round in 1998, some 14 event and we are very pleased to years later (nearly to the day) The announce that the Bendigo Bank Flinders Golf Club will play host to is our major sponsor,” says Graham Scoffern, President of The Flinders The 2012 Flinders Pro-Am, to be held on Monday February 6, 2012, Golf Club. “We are also most on the magnificent Flinders “links grateful to our generous support style” golf course. sponsors,” he adds. “The Bendigo Bank is delighted A fully sanctioned PGA event, to be the major sponsor of The 2012 The Flinders Pro-Am will offer prize money of $12,500 and in addition Flinders Pro-Am following last a “Shoot-out” competition will be year’s very successful event. We are held at the end of the round where very keen to continue our ongoing

relationship with The Flinders Golf Club and the local region. Bendigo Bank is a community bank and we’ve contributed over $60 million to the local region and we are delighted to continue our support of such great local community events,” aid Paul Thomas, Manager, Business Banking for Bendigo Bank. Over 250 Pro-Am events are held around Australia each year. “Today the Pro-Am circuits are seen as a breeding ground for our developing talent and the PGA is delighted that the Flinders Golf Club has continued its commitment to the Southern Tour Pro-Am circuit,” says Nick Dastey, Southern Division Tournament Co-ordinator, PGA of Australia. “We will be working with all our professionals to ensure a quality field as the Flinders golf course and location is highly regarded by the players.” The 2012 Flinders Pro-Am supports the Very Special Kids charity and funds will be raised on the day of the event, including a donation from the Flinders Golf Club. Very Special Kids, founded in 1985, improves the quality of life for families of children with lifethreatening illnesses. For further information contact: Tim Reynolds (03) 5989 0583, or visit the Flinders website: www.flindersgolfclub.com.au

Hole 7 - The National (Old Course)

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. Entry 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

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KENO NSW Mixed Fourball, SureshotGPS Mens Fourball C’ships tHE 2012 KENO NsW Mixed Fourball Championship and sureshotgps NsW Men’s Fourball Championship kick off this month. These popular events are a two-person teams event conducted in three stages: Club, District and state Final. All stages of the KENO Championship will be conducted as Mixed Fourball stableford. The competition is open to any male golfer with a current Golf Australia handicap not exceeding 36, and any female golfer with a current Golf Australia handicap not exceeding 45. Each pair will consist of one male and one female who are members of the same golf club. All stages of The sureshotgps NsW Men’s Fourball Championship will be conducted as Men’s Fourball stableford. it is open to any male golfer with a current Golf Australia handicap not exceeding 36. Each pair will consist of two

FEBRUARY NSW Family Bowl

ENtriEs are now open for the 2012 NsW Family Bowl, to be held at Cabramatta Golf Club, on sunday 19 February 2012. The Family Bowl gives any combination of family members an opportunity to play and enjoy the day together, and compete against other family pairs. Whether your team is Father/ son, Mother/Daughter, Husband/Wife; uncle/ Niece, First Cousins; Father/Daughter in law or any similar combination, you’re welcome to play. As long as there is an immediate family relationship, then they can form a team. Displaying the variety of combinations were

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males who are members of the same golf club. Those who make it to the state Finals of these events receive an all-expenses paid two days of golf at Bonville Golf resort. so if your Club isn’t taking part in this event – get them on board! For any enquiries please contact Christy Collier at Golf NsW on christy.collier@ golfnsw.org or (02) 9505 9105. the prize winners from last year. in first place were the husband and wife team of Kerry and Albert Davis from Wentworth Falls Country Club, second place were father and son pairing, Julian and Phil roux from Moore Park and Narooma Golf Courses, while third place were brothers Hayden and Neal turner from Gungahlin lakes Golf Club. The competition is played in pairs, in the categories of men’s, women’s and mixed. Prizes are awarded for nett scores in each of the above categories, as well as for the overall winning pair. Entries are now open online at www.golfnsw. org. Online entry is just $100 per pair, while all other forms of entry are $110 per pair – this also

For further information please contact Christy Collier on Christy.collier@golfnsw.org or call (02) 9505 9105.

NSW EVENT CALENDAR

tHE 2012 NsW seniors Championship will be held at lynwood Country Club from 28 February – 1 March 2012. A social dinner function will be held on tuesday 28 February at the Club, available for all participants and guests.With so much to do and such a great location, this event is shaping up to be must on the seniors calendar, especially for those who often travel with wives and partners. The Championship is open to male amateurs who are 55 years of age or over as at the first day of play, whose handicap does not exceed 15.4 strokes at the date of entry. The Championship will be stroke play over three rounds of 18-holes (54-holes): • round 1 – tuesday 28 February 2012 • round 2 – Wednesday 29 February 2012 • round 3 – Thursday 1 March 2012 • A seeded draw will be completed for round 3. The entire field will contest all three rounds. The event will see a host of recognized golfers competing, including stephan Albinski, Denis Dale and Bill Banks. However for every serious competitor, there will be a handful of participants out to enjoy the few days of golf with their mates. Entries are now open - $90 via hard copy, or $80 online. The dinner is $40 per person. to enter, log onto www.golfnsw.org. Entries close 17 February 2012.

Event

Venue

Women’s summer Foursomes

The Coast GC 9-10 Jan

Date(s)

Men’s NsW senior Foursomes The Coast GC 9 Jan Women’s NsW Open

Oatlands GC

27-29 Jan

Men’s Vardon Events Event

Venue

Date(s)

North ryde Amateur

North ryde GC

7 Jan

south Coast Amateur

Wollongong GC 7 Jan

Australian Cup (invitational) The Australian GC 23 Jan Men’s lake Macquarie Amateur C’ship Qualifying

Belmont GC

24 Jan

Men’s lake Macquarie Amateur Championship

Belmont GC

26-29 Jan

Women’s Jean Derrin / Senior OOM Events Event

Venue

Date(s)

Women’s lake Macquarie Belmont GC 10-13 Jan Amateur C’ship (Ntl ranking) Avondale Bowl

Avondale GC 31 Jan – 1 Feb

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events Event

Venue

Date(s)

Men’s NsW senior Foursomes Medal

The Coast GC

9 Jan

Wollongong seniors

Wollongong GC 31 Jan – 1 Feb

st. Michael’s seniors

st. Michael’s GC 30 Jan

Pennant and Inter-Club Competitions Event

Venue

Date(s)

Mixed Pennants - round 1

Various

8 Jan

Mixed Pennants - round 2

Various

15 Jan

Mixed Pennants - round 3

Various

22 Jan

Mixed Pennants - round 4

Various

29 Jan

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

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includes lunch and refreshments at the end of the day. Entries close Friday 3 February 2012. For further information please contact Christy Collier on Christy.collier@golfnsw.org or call (02) 9505 9105.

Men’s NSW Seniors Championship

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9am to 4pm 13 March 2012 Victoria Park Golf Complex Agenda

• Member loyalty - • Master of Ceremonies Bruce Young Connecting with your • Industrial Relations - members so they stay Current issues in the club longer. Presented by golf industry operations and marketing • Volunteer Management - specialist Mike Orloff, Recruitment and retention Golf Industry Central • Risk Management - • Junior Golf - Growing Protecting your club and the Game presented by members PGA of America member • Club Scorecard - and growing the game Monitoring your golf club’s progress annually specialist Grant Garrison

January 2012

28 events..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Amateur golfers get pro experience at the SGA Tour Championship AMAtEur golfers who played on The SGA Tour in Victoria in 2011 were treated to a deluxe golfing experience in December when they played the final event of the year, The Tour Championship, in tournament conditions at the superb Victoria Golf Club on Melbourne’s sandbelt. the sGA tour Championship took place just one week prior to The JBWere Masters held at Victoria GC with preparations in full swing for the professional tournament. Most of the event infrastructure was in place with grandstands on the course and the amateur players of The sGA tour got a taste of the golf course set up for professional tournament play. the presentation of the course was outstanding with the playing surfaces in mint condition and the greens running fast and true. it was a great challenge for the amateur players of The sGA tour to tackle Victoria Golf Club just before the pros stepped onto the course for one of Australia’s premier professional golf tournaments. The Tour Championship is the final event of the year for The SGA Tour in each state. in Perth, the event was help at Joondalup resort, in Adelaide

Roger Brown and Pete Russell (holding the pin) watch fellow SGA Tour golfer Gavan Doran putting on the 18th at Victoria Golf Club it was at McCracken Golf Club, in sydney it was Windsor Golf Club and in sE Queensland the field was so big that the event was split over two courses: The Villa and Emerald lakes. All golfers are welcome to play in any sGA tour event. Each competition is a stand-alone event – you can play in one or you can play them all – it’s up to you. Club members, social golfers, men, women and juniors are all welcome to enter and for those with a handicap, the sGA tour events are official competitions with results entered on GOlF link. Players without an official handicap are

also welcome to play and can compete for the great novelty prizes on offer. At The Tour Championship in each state, the leading golfers in The sGA tour Order of Merit were able to compete for the exclusive tour Championship title. All other golfers in the field played a single stableford competition with great prizes up for grabs thanks to sGA tour sponsors Drummond Golf, Wilson staff, Heathcote Winery, Wurth Australia and Cygnett. in Victoria, the golfers enjoyed perfect weather and a great test of golf with just 37 stableford points being the best score posted, indicating how challenging

scoring was at Victoria Golf Club. There were over $4500 of prizes including a new set of Wilson staff irons, a stay-and-play package for four people at Victoria Golf Club, a cordless power drill set from Wurth valued at over $700 and a speaker set from Cygnett valued at over $400. When the Victorian results were in, sGA tour player Matthew Thomas won The tour Championship with 35 stableford points on countback from David Warwick and Paul Enion. Matt took home a new set of Wilson staff irons and The tour Championship perpetual trophy. there were three other sGA tour annual trophy events in 2011: Neil Hocking won the Order of Merit; Chris Hull and Phil Smith shared the 4BBB Championship and Mark Henderson won the Golfer of the Year. David Puddefoot won the open event at Victoria GC on countback from Bill shanks with 37 points. The sGA tour is operated by social Golf Australia and is supported by Inside Golf and Golf Australia. For more information on The sGA tour, including 2012 event schedules and all the 2011 results and photo galleries, go to sgatour. com.au and follow the links to The sGA tour in your state.

The Presidents Cup 2011 Official Film tHE Presidents Cup 2011 Official Film, produced by PGA tOur Entertainment is now available for pre-order. The documentary follows all the action from royal Melbourne Golf Club, and will allow fans to relive the intensity, passion and excitement of the ninth playing of The Presidents Cup. The Presidents Cup Official Film will take fans inside the ropes for an exclusive look at of all the pageantry and competition that makes The Presidents Cup one of the premier team events in any sport. From the teams’ arrivals to the blacktie Gala Celebration featuring entertainment by Delta Goodrem and performances representing each country participating in the event; from the captains’ press conferences to the pairings’ process; from the Opening Ceremony to the final celebration, fans will experience firsthand why the Presidents Cup has set the standard for sportsmanship and stellar competition. the Presidents Cup Official Film can be pre-ordered now for $ 1 4 . 9 5 by v i s it i ng www.shop.pgatour.com. it will be shipped mid-February.

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January 2012

30 events...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

The Pacifica ‘Friendship’ Cup Have you ever wondered how you would handle the pressure of playing in The Ryder Cup or The President’s Cup? John Lister’s golf tour company ‘Australia New Zealand Golf ’ will help you answer that question. Their 8th Pacifica ‘Friendship’ Cup event will be held in April and, unlike the Ryder or Presidents Cups, it’s a lot easier to get into: all entrants automatically qualify! “In 1997 it was decided the time was right to hold a tournament for everyday golfers,” John explained. “The idea was to give players from the three countries of Australia, New Zealand (Southern Hemisphere) and USA (Northern Hemisphere) the opportunity to play against each other for a trophy, whilst enjoying unique hospitality, fabulous accommodations, great golf and camaraderie. “Competitive – yes, but primarily it is an opportunity to bring people from different countries together under the common bond of golf in order to forge new friendships. As a result the event has gone from success to success.” The event is a biennial tournament for men and women with the first two events in 1997 and 1999 being held at Sanctuary Cove on Queensland’s Gold Coast. “The Southerners (Anzacs) won the initial contest, with the 2nd event

some cases, usual) bad round does not necessarily count against your team.”

The Festivities

The Dunes is one of five courses to play host to the Pacifica Friendship Cup being jointly shared in a remarkable tie,” John recalls. “Amazing scenes resulted as the final putt in the last matchplay pairing lipped the cup without going in!” Successive Pacifica Cup Weeks have been held in the wonderful locations of Auckland / Wairakei in New Zealand’s North Island, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast (twice), Terrace Downs and Clearwater Resort in Christchurch and the exciting and emerging golf destination of Queenstown.

The Format

The Cup’s format is such that a golfer of any handicap can contribute to the cause of the team. Five rounds

of golf are held on championship courses during the Pacifica Week – the first being a ‘practice’ round with numerous prizes at stake before the serious competition for the Cup takes place, with two stableford and two matchplay rounds. “A majority only, of the stableford scores from each team count towards the final result and also determine competitive and even pairings for the final two days of matchplay,” John explains. “This alleviates some of the pressure for those concerned that they are not good enough to take part. Thus a good round will become part of your team’s point total, but an uncharacteristic (or perhaps, in

The tournament always includes three official functions. First a sumptuous welcome dinner, then a midweek BBQ with entertainment and finally, of course, the never-tobe-forgotten final awards and farewell dinner at the end of the week. Add in the breakfasts and golf lunches that are included, the prizes, the welcoming gifts and camaraderie you’ll experience, and it all adds up to the best value golfing holiday of the year.

2012 Venue

The 2012 version of the Pacifica ‘Friendship’ Cup is scheduled from 15th to 22nd of April and will be based in both Melbourne (Yarra Yarra & Sanctuary Lakes) and the Mornington Peninsula (Moonah Links, The Dunes & St. Andrews Beach). Accommodations are based at the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto and Peppers Moonah Links Resort. To discuss the event with John or request a brochure and prices, phone 1800 140 286 (Australia) or, if you are in New Zealand, 0800 694 653.

Join The Shark at US Masters Ever wanted to play a round of golf with The Shark? Here’s your chance. Ultimate Sports Tours has announced that they have signed Greg Norman for their Ultimate US Masters Tour in April 2012. 16 guests of Ultimate Sports Tours will get the amazing opportunity to play a round of golf with Norman on the members only Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida. The course designed by Norman himself, is an exclusive private members club frequently attended by some of the world’s best golfers including Tiger Woods. The following day the group will fly into Augusta to attend the US Masters. Glenn Archer, Director of Ultimate Sports Tours, said ‘we are ecstatic to have Greg involved in our 2012 US Masters program. To play alongside one of the best golfers of all time is a true oncein-a lifetime experience and that’s what UST is all about”. Norman joins an impressive list of international sporting stars who have partnered with Ultimate Sports Tours including Michael Johnson, Joe Montana and Mark Webber. Ultimate Sports Tours was set up by Glenn Archer and Leigh Colbert and specialises in high-end, premium tours to sporting events. For more information, visit www.ultimatesportstours.com.au

Yes... this is for you!

Pacifica ‘Friendship’ Cup MELBOURNE & MORNINGTON PENINSULA APRIL 15th – 22nd 2012

Calling all keen everyday club golfers TThis Th hi will ill bbe our 88th il th exciting th iti P iti it Pacifi ifica ‘‘Friendship’ F i d hi ’ C Cup iin which hi h men and hi d women club l b golfers lf lf from the Southern Hemisphere team up against their peers from the Northern Hemisphere. The intermingling of like minded people from different countries to have a good time in addition to enjoyable golf is what it is all about.

The Th week includes five of Victoria’s best courses, high class accommodations, breakfasts, Th golf lunches, three dinner functions and much more.

Contact John Lister for further information, brochure and prices.

Australia New Zealand Golf www.anzgolf.co.nz

Australia Phone: 1 800 140 286 • NZ Phone: 0800 694 653 • Email: info@anzgolf.co.nz

Donald doubles up

South African Open Pos Player 1 Hennie Otto 2 Bernd Wiesberger t3 Thomas Aiken t3 richard McEvoy t3 Ockie strydom Australia/New Zealand results t39 Wade Ormsby t47 Mark Brown

to Par -14 -13 -11 -11 -11

total 274 275 277 277 277

-3 -2

285 286

LUKE Donald completed an historic money list double as he captured the European tour money title at the Dubai World Championship last month. Donald had already won the PGA tour money list after winning the final event of their season at the CMN Hospitals Classic. it completes a remarkable year for Donald, who becomes the first player to win the money list on both sides of the Atlantic. “it’s funny to sum up how i feel,” said Donald. “This is something i’ve wanted for the last few months–to try and win both Money lists. Obviously with my come-from-behind win at Disney, this really became possible. i got what i came for, and that was to win The race to Dubai and do the double and create history.” in a remarkable 2011 season, luke won four times and finished in the top 10 a remarkable 19 times in 24 tournaments. This led to Donald being named the PGA tour Player of the Year. to cap off a stunning season for European golf, Dubai has announced that it will continue to host the end of season event for another three years with prizemoney for next year’s event raised to us$8 million. The event will be known as the DP World tour Championship Dubai.

Missed Cut: Daniel Gaunt

PGA Chevron World Challenge

AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Pos 1 t2 t2 t4 t4 t6 t6 t6 t9 t9 t9 t12 t12

Player Greg Chalmers Marcus Fraser robert Allenby Adam scott Aaron Baddeley Marc leishman Nick O’Hern KiM Kyung-tae John senden YANG Y-E Jason Day Bubba Watson Brad Kennedy

to Par -12 -12 -12 -10 -10 -9 -9 -9 -8 -8 -8 -7 -7

total 276 276 276 278 278 279 279 279 280 280 280 281 281

Pos t14 t14 t14 t14 t14 t19 t19 t19 t19 t23 t23 t23 t23

Player Kurt Barnes David Bransdon Matthew Giles rickie Fowler rod Pampling CHOi Joon-woo stuart Appleby Andre stolz Anthony summers Greg Norman stephen leaney Aron Price Kieran Pratt

to Par -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -5 -5 -5 -5 -4 -4 -4 -4

EUROPEAN TOUR

ASIAN TOUR

Dubai World Championship

Barclays Singapore Open

Pos 1 2 3 4 5 t6 t6 t8 t8 10

Pos Player Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano 1 2 Juvic Pagunsan t3 Anthony Kim t3 louis Oosthuizen t5 Danny lee t5 Joost luiten t5 Edoardo Molinari Australia/New Zealand results t23 scott Barr t23 rick Kulacz t33 scott Hend t46 Marcus Fraser t57 Matthew Zions t66 scott strange

Player Alvaro Quiros Paul lawrie luke Donald Peter Hanson Charl schwartzel Francesco Molinari louis Oosthuizen shane lowry robert rock Pablo larrazabal

to Par -19 -17 -16 -14 -13 -12 -12 -11 -11 -10

UBS Hong Kong Open Pos Player 1 rory Mcilroy 2 Gregory Havret 3 Peter Hanson t4 Pariya Junhasavasdikul t4 ian Poulter t4 richie ramsay Australia/New Zealand results t11 Marcus Fraser t17 scott Barr t21 Darren Beck t21 Kunal Bhasin 61 richard Green t62 scott Hend

total 269 271 272 274 275 276 276 277 277 278

to Par -12 -10 -9 -8 -8 -8

total 268 270 271 272 272 272

-5 -3 -2 -2 9 10

275 277 278 278 289 290

Missed Cut: Mark Brown, tony Carolan, Andrew Dodt, Brett rumford, Matthew Zions, scott strange, Marcus Both, David Gleeson, tim stewart, Gavin Flint, rick Kulacz, unho Park, Daniel O’Neil

total 282 282 282 282 282 283 283 283 283 284 284 284 284

to Par -14 -14 -13 -13 -12 -12 -12

total 199 199 200 200 201 201 201

-6 -6 -5 -4 -3 -1

207 207 208 209 210 212

Missed Cut: Kieran Pratt, tim stewart, David Gleeson, Marcus Both, Darren Beck, Andrew Dodt, Brett rumford, Kunal Bhasin, Gavin Flint, tony Carolan, unho Park, Mark Brown, Adam Groom

LPGA

CME Group Titleholders Pos Player 1 Hee Young Park t2 Paula Creamer t2 sandra Gal t4 Na Yeon Choi t4 suzann Pettersen Australia/New Zealand results t36 Karrie Webb

to Par -9 -7 -7 -6 -6

total 279 281 281 282 282

296

Pos 1 2 3 t4 t4 t6 t6 t6 t6 t10 t10 12 t13 t13 15 16 17 18

Player tiger Woods Zach Johnson Paul Casey Hunter Mahan Matt Kuchar Jim Furyk Martin laird rickie Fowler Bubba Watson Bo Van Pelt Gary Woodland K.J. Choi Webb simpson Bill Haas Jason Day steve stricker Keegan Bradley Nick Watney

to Par -10 -9 -5 -4 -4 -1 -1 -1 -1 E E 1 2 2 3 4 10 11

scorecard 31

total 278 279 283 284 284 287 287 287 287 288 288 289 290 290 291 292 298 299

World Rankings as of Tuesday 13 December 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.

Adam scott (5 in world rankings) Jason Day (8) Geoff Ogilvy (42) John senden (45) Aaron Baddeley (49) robert Allenby (59) Greg Chalmers (64) Brendan Jones (80) richard Green (95) Marcus Fraser (132) Nick O’Hern (136) Kurt Barnes (143) Brad Kennedy (145) stuart Appleby (161) Marc leishman (167) Brett rumford (218) Mathew Goggin (222) Matthew Jones (230) Andre stolz (235) Gavin Coles (263)

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

luke Donald (averaged points 10.29) rory Mcilroy (8.00) lee Westwood (7.81) Martin Kaymer (6.78) Adam scott (5.66)

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

Karrie Webb (18 in world) Katherine Hull (47) Nikki Campbell (73) tamie Durdin (123) Kristie smith (142) lindsey Wright (162) Frances Bondad (174) sarah Kemp (183) sarah Jane smith (189) Nikki Garrett (192) Karen lunn (198) stacey Keating (227) Ashley Ona (307) stephanie Na (335) rebecca Flood (349) rachel Bailey (416) Alison Whitaker (450) rachel Hetherington (486) Vicky Thomas (503) leanne Bowditch (508)

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

Yani tseng (17.75) suzann Pettersen (10.59) Cristie Kerr (10.21) Na Yeon Choi (10.14) Paula Creamer (8.25)

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

2011 Worldwide Wins

168 26 ©2011 Acushnet Company. Based upon results through 20/11/11 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

January 2012

32 Juniors .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

All smiles at the 2011 Pump Golf Junior Festival Junior Tigers tHE 2011 Pump Golf Festival has been run again at the fabulous twin Waters, with all the juniors taking home a lot more than just prizes. Over 80 juniors aged between 12-16 years from all over Australia and overseas descended on Novotel twin Waters resort in November for an experience of a lifetime. The festival got off to a flyer with a two hour clinic from three of Australia’s best tour Professionals, Stuart Appleby, Nick O’Hern and Marc Leishman. The tour Pros shared stories and experiences in a fireside chat before showing off their talents with shot display on the driving range at twin Waters Golf Club. The following day, the juniors were then treated to a special one-off clinic from World number 17 Bubba Watson, who wowed the kids for over an hour at Hyatt regency Coolum resort. inspired by the lessons from their new heroes, the juniors then had golf clinics conducted by local teaching professionals focusing on all aspects of their game, from putting and chipping to iron play and fitness. The juniors then got a taste of a professional tournament as they ventured out to a 36-hole stroke competition at the spectacular twin Waters Golf Club over two days battling heat, humidity and the odd shower to test all aspects of their game. There were some fantastic scores posted each day, with numerous juniors taking out trophies, in various age divisions as well as overall male and female divisions. Each prize winner this year receive some fantastic prizes courtesy of all the Pump Golf supporting partners, Bridgestone, Callaway, Dunlop/Maxfli, FootJoy, Ping, srixon,

roam Melbourne

taylormade and titleist. The junior male overall scratch winner was won by 16-year-old, Hamish Menz, with an outstanding score of 145, just one over par for two rounds. The junior female overall division was taken out by an international visitor from New Caledonia, Marion Beller, shooting 173 gross, just edging out Crystal Williamson by one shot. in the net divisions, Max Clough, a 15-yearold from just down the road at Bribie island Golf Club held on to take out the junior male overall net division with 128 net, after an incredible 62 net on day one. in the female junior division, Jazmin Brown, another international visitor from New Zealand was victorious holding off 16 –year-old Abby Owen by two shots. in the age divisions, Josh Armstrong and Jack Glasson took out the 12-year-old scratch and net trophies respectively. Josh shot a very impressive 10-over, 154 off the stick to take out the scratch while Jack played brilliantly to win the net division

with a nine-under,135 net. The 13-14 year-old division was the biggest of the three and competition was fierce, with Patrick ting winning the gross on a count-back, with an 8-over 152. The 13-14 Net winner this year was robert Pethoe, who had 132 including an outstanding final round of 61 net. The final lot of winners were from the 15-16 year-old division, where a sydney double of Kurt Eckman from Parramatta Golf Club and Hunter Hordern from New south Wales Golf Club took out the scratch and Net prizes respectively. With the juniors completing all their golfing components of the festival, all that was left was the juniors to see the some of the world’s best in action for the first round at the PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola at Hyatt regency Coolum. The 2011 Pump Golf Junior Festival then drew to a close, as 81 juniors from all over Australian and overseas left twin Waters with lots of new experiences, skills, memories and friends.

JuNiOr tiger Golf is an advanced development program suitable for children between the ages of 4 to 16, from a beginner level up until obtaining a handicap and playing competitions. it is based at 6 public golf courses around Melbourne including Brighton GC, Elsternwick GC, Altona lakes GC, ivanhoe GC, Keilor GC and riverside Golf & tennis Centre in Maribyrnong. The program develops the child’s golfing skills and their long-term athletic development. Junior tiger offers a free golf course membership to all students as well as level-based tuition and competition. The program focuses on the ABC’s of athletic development by using fun, games and activities. A=Agility, B= Balance, C=Co-ordination and s=speed, strength and stamina. in addition, they provide a program that is specially designed and structured for children. This provides an opportunity to learn every aspect of golf within a fun and enjoyable environment. Junior tiger also offers a pathway for students to attend Maribyrnong College, which is Victoria’s first sports College. students who advance to the “black level” are considered for a scholarship within the golf criteria for the college. After being accepted, the college’s golf program offers approximately six hours per week of specialised training alongside coaches together with nine physical preparation sessions at the college specific to your sport. The students also have access to physiotherapists, dieticians, sports sociologist and sports bi-mechanist. Fifteen Junior tiger Golf tournaments will be held at all of their golf courses around Melbourne for 2012. For more info: (03) 9938 4567 or visit www.juniortiger.com.au

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Inaugural Adam Scott Junior Classic a hit

tHE inaugural Adam scott Junior Classic was held at sanctuary Cove last month, and it proved to be a rousing success. A capacity field of 136 players participated in tough conditions on the revamped ross- Watson-designed par-70 Palms course. Players from all over Australia and even New Zealand flocked to The Palms Driving range in preparation for their big day, some as young as 9 years of age. The unfortunate (and unanticipated) absence of Adam scott on the day did not dampen the competitors’ spirits. Although Adam was unable to attend the day, he ensured his involvement by addressing all of the young champions with a personal letter. A real boost for what proved to be an incredibly promising day for the future of Australian golf. A highlight was the attendance of the legendary Charlie Earp, Greg Norman’s mentor and coach, to provide coaching advice for the future talent. The day kicked off with blue skies and minimal wind. But it didn’t take long for the clouds, wind and rain to settle in, with winds up to 80km/h, the conditions made the game unpredictable and extremely tough to make par on some holes. Nerves were plentiful, particularly with the onset of the challenging weather, but the youngsters settled into their swing and put on a real show, impressing spectators, residents and golf club members of sanctuary Cove. With a fighting spirit, two young 16-yearolds took out the inaugural trophies; tom Hunt (sanctuary Cove) leading the Open Boys with an impressive 70 gross and Annie Choi (robina Woods), shooting a well deserved 73 gross for

Winner of the Open Girls event, Annie Choi, from Robina Woods Golf Club the Open Girls competition. Grade winners for the tournament were: Boys A Grade: Connel McCann (15) representing Club Pelican. Girls A Grade: rebecca Kay (12) representing Coolangatta‐tweed Heads Golf Club. Boys B Grade: Ben stieler (11) from Brookwater Golf & Country Club. Girls B Grade: Asuna sugita (11) from Burleigh Golf Club. Boys C Grade: Declan Coleman (10) from sanctuary Cove Golf. Congratulations to all who competed and to the families and friends that supported these young upcoming stars on the day.

Juniors 33

Appleby and Golf Victoria join forces for junior golf

stuArt Appleby is well known for his extraordinary golfing achievements around the world but on home soil he is also known for his contribution to junior golf. in 2012, the evolution of his beloved junior golf foundation, stuart Appleby Junior Golf, will take its next steps, joining forces with Golf Victoria to form the development arm for junior golf. Appleby announced the partnership during last month’s JBWere Masters. “i hope to encourage all young people interested in golf out there to pick up a club and start their journey. Golf is such a great game and i’m pleased to keep doing all i can to support and promote its benefits to kids. i’m grateful to Golf Victoria for this opportunity and the future is looking bright,” he said. Appleby was joined on the tournament practice range by a group of happy young golfers, with whom he spent some time hitting balls. With amalgamation of men’s and women’s golf complete, Golf Victoria is in a strong position to embrace stuart Appleby Junior Golf, further adding to the streamlined approach that will see consolidation of resources and new opportunities for kids getting into the game. Established in 2003, stuart Appleby Junior Golf has conducted a vast number of development programs, events and tournaments across the state and has seen thousands of juniors come to the game. it will now be bolstered by Victoria’s official golfing body, to further develop and strengthen the game. Ashley Marshall, who has been at the helm of stuart Appleby Junior Golf for over 5 years, will now be employed by Golf Victoria to continue the

work of stuart Appleby Junior Golf. “That Golf Victoria has seen fit to endorse this union pays a great deal of respect to our standing in the golf marketplace,” Marshall said.”stuart is a genuine and committed person who has been a tireless supporter, fantastic role model and provider for junior golf for nearly a decade, and this progression forms part of his original vision when he established sAJG.” The union has also been welcomed by Golf Victoria. “Our Board is very pleased to welcome stuart Appleby Junior Golf” says CEO simon Brookhouse. “stuart’s name and brand is a valuable asset to golf in Australia and his commitment to juniors is outstanding. We are pleased to be combining our skills and resources for maximum benefit”. For the proud Aussie golfer who wears the boxing kangaroo logo on his shoes, Appleby’s victories around the world, including his history-making ‘59’ at 2010 us PGA tour’s Greenbrier Classic, continue to grow but it is the work he does off the golf course that is making Appleby even more recognizable. More info: www.stuartappleby.com.au, www.golfvic.org.au

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HE’S BACK and aren’t we better for it

RobWillis iF anyone needed evidence Tiger Woods was again on the prowl, the recent Australian Open was exhibit ‘A’. He led early, faltered somewhat on saturday, before staging a final round charge, but it was the old swagger and the sublime ball striking which stood him apart from the rest. He made a few unforced errors on saturday and didn’t manage to make enough putts throughout the week to win at the lakes, but the signs were there. The Presidents Cup was exhibit ‘B’. The first few days he struggled with the partner thing, but tiger was never great at fourballs and foursomes even back in his glory years. tee to green he was impressive at royal Melbourne and his putting was closer on what were devilishly difficult greens. Then on sunday against Aaron Baddeley he elevated his game to another level – just like he used to when it really mattered. You could see in his body language he knew he was on the cusp of being back to where he wants to be. From there it was to the Chevron in California. largely an exhibition, an event where some take it more seriously than others, the Chevron brings

together 18 of the world’s best players. When he had a chance to win, tiger was definitely one of those to take the event seriously. it was tiger ‘theatre’ of days gone by. Zach Johnson provided the support, performing strongly enough to bring something special out of tiger, who managed to rekindle the flame of years gone. it was one of those moments when, despite the fact he was one shot behind with two holes to play, everyone sensed tiger was about to find a way to win. it was just like it used to be. When he knocked in that putt on 18 from about eight feet, Johnson produced a grin and a nod which would have been reciprocated by not only those in the Chevron field, but by all who were around two years or more ago and had experienced numerous a tiger ‘moments’. some may not have nodded and smiled like Johnson, rather they could have cursed the fact that tiger was clawing back. However happy for his success or otherwise, all will agree the golfing world will be better for it. A hungry tiger devouring golf courses and dominating major tournaments is what has been missing since the Australian Masters of 2009. And i for one am glad that he has turned a corner and is back on track.

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The Australian Open in Sydney showed that despite having a collection of the world’s best players, including all the leading local hopes, if you have Tiger, you have a significant event. The galleries flocked to see Tiger, to watch his every move, to live every shot. With all due respect, it was only when he was finished for the day that the crowds moved on to watch the likes of Adam Scott, Jason Day, Geoff Ogilvy, Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Matt Kuchar and company. During any other year they are star attractions at the Australian Open. With Tiger in the field they were the supporting cast. Whatever the event organisers and the NSW Government paid Tiger was well worth it. Such was the value for money they should double down next year and do it all again. With the apparent resurrection of the Tiger, clubhouse debates are sure to again centre on whether the records of the great Jack Nicklaus are under threat. Arguments will rage as to who might be the best of all time. Some will say Jack is the greatest of all time. They say the talent was better. He had to beat Player and Palmer, Watson and Miller, Trevino, all superstars in their own right. As Devil’s Advocate on the side of Tiger, I counter that while there is no doubt they provided formidable opposition and were champions of the sport during their time, they were just a handful who were capable of challenging. My rationale says Tiger now faces fields where upwards of 50 guys can theoretically win on any given week. The depth of talent, for reasons I will get to, has never been as strong as right now. I am firm in the belief the youngsters of the day have no fear of success. Keegan Bradley had never even played in a major before he won the US PGA. Rory McIlroy is barely out of his teens. He won the US Open. Charl Schwartzel, another young gun

So in the coming months, and the next few years, it will become clearer for all. If Tiger’s return to prominence over the past few weeks is the start of something special, tournament golf could be fun again. Even those who hold Tiger’s off-course indiscretions against him, using them as a reason to wish failure upon him, if they have any desire for the game of golf to prosper, to be on the back page instead of an afterthought 10 pages in, they too will have no choice but to join the masses in hoping that a second Tiger coming is on the horizon. Is Tiger the best player of all time? We could soon find out. Some will say ‘not yet’ and then lean on the record books for back up. At this stage the majority would probably agree with them. However whatever the answer, whichever side of the fence you might sit, the reality is Tiger fans such as myself now have good reason to believe.

was someone who had never previously threatened on a Sunday in one of the big four championships. He stormed home with birdies on the four closing holes to claim the Masters. The theory back in the day was you had to lose a major or two before winning one. The youngsters of today are oblivious to that hypothesis. Then there is the physical element. Jack dominated because of his length and strength. He overpowered courses and intimidated his opposition in the process. These days everybody is long, some are just a little longer than others. Tiger admits he can’t keep up with the likes of Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson and Gary Woodland. The driving distance average on the PGA Tour in 2011 was 290 yards. A decade ago that was the almost the mark of the driving distance leader. Even if Tiger smashes it past most

of them, 10 yards on his rivals hardly gives him the massive advantage in length Jack once had over the majority of the contenders. Throw in the equipment available today—the balls, the clubs and the driver— it all equates to the fact that hitting it out of the middle of the clubface isn’t the priority it once was. Modern technology comes together to take a little bit of skill out of the equation and to bring the fields closer together. The winning scores haven’t changed much, but the average player is closer to the best nowadays than he ever was. Jack’s talent was allowed to create a wider gap than Tiger could ever hope to enjoy over his competition because of the equipment that was available to him and his colleagues. Jack was outstanding, yes, but his brilliance was allowed to prosper where today factors conspire to bring Tiger back to the pack.

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Golf All Seasons

sYDNEY professional golfer Peter Beard has published a golf related book just in time for the new year. Entitled Golf All seasons 2012, the book identifies 72 select golf courses in New south Wales, Queensland and Victoria. Beard, the head professional at Wakehurst Golf Club, said the book highlighted the benefits of playing golf at the various courses. There’s a short write-up on each golf course along with discount vouchers entitling the reader to more than $7000 in savings. some of the Queensland golf courses mentioned in the book include sanctuary Cove, lakelands, Palm Meadows, Brookwater, sea temple, twin Waters and Pelican Waters. in NsW, courses like Cypress lakes, Horizons, Kooindah Waters, Macquarie links and Penrith are mentioned and offer substantial savings. Ninteen Victorian clubs have been highlighted including Baccus Marsh, Cheltenham, Eynesbury, Growling Frog and sandhurst. “We have so many great courses, i want golfers to enjoy and experience them,” Beard said. The book can be purchased from NsW, Queensland and Victorian golf clubs as well as clubs in singapore and Malaysia.

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AustrAliAN and New Zealand golfers are about to be offered the latest in a portable navigation device which will not only give them access to up to 35000 pre-loaded courses worldwide, but will also tell them how to get there. On-Pin GPs and Expresso satellite Navigation ltd have released the AG50 device, which will feature automotive GPs plus golf and a fullyfunctional portable media player.

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Jointly developed by Expresso and On-Pin, the AG50 comes pre-loaded with Aus/NZ road Navigation powered by Navevo, and will offer turn-by-turn directions on the road, mapping by iGolf, a portable media player, wide-mobile HD touch screen, dual sD card slots, HD Video capability and five-way easily adaptable mounting capabilities and other features. Expresso satellite Navigation managing director Mike Aroney said the company was excited that the AG50 had created an entirely new category of portable navigation products. “We created a light pocket-sized device with numerous built-in mounting capabilities and a battery capacity of more than 500 miles (800km) of navigation.”

responsible for the automotive navigation portion of the device, Navevo had contributed their award-winning GPs software allowing unrivalled features, combined with a leading map database. Premium mapping is optional and can be downloaded for a small upgrade fee. On-Pin has been taking GPs to the world since 1998. They have taken a lot of the technology from their innovative in-cart GPs systems at courses like Hope island and McCracken Country Club, and incorporated them into the Expresso Mr Aroney said Expresso satellite Navigation was the world’s first maker of portable

GPs navigation devices created specifically for the “active lifestyle” consumer. The Expresso is pre-loaded with up to 35000 world golf courses, including all Australia and New Zealand courses. The AG50 sD card also has the capacity to store 40 movies. The AG50 GPs, which was jointly developed by Expresso and On-Pin GPs, has been released to the Australian market and carries a price tag of $299. For more information log on to www.on-pin.com.au

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A year of hits and misses

More than 20 Australians contested the US PGA Tour in 2011 and between them they played 446 events for a total of two victories. Of course, Adam Scott and Jason Day teased Aussie fans at the US Masters by finishing in a tie for second. Still, a number of Aussies won on the Nationwide Tour, the European, Japan, OneAsia tours and even in New Zealand. So, who will start 2012 with confidence? As we count down the days to the start of the new season, David Newbery delivers his 2011 report card on Australia’s best male professionals. AustrAliA’s leading players with their world ranking and season’s earnings in brackets (current as of mid-December) Robert Allenby (59 – $US1,452,567) BAllenby will probably be disappointed with his us PGA tour season. He played three more tournaments than 2010 and earned $1.5m less in prizemoney despite making 19 of 25 cuts, which included three top-10 finishes. His superb playoff record was broken by Greg Chalmers at the Australia PGA Championship. Stuart Appleby (161 – $US657,150) C+ in 2010, Appleby got an A for effort, but he let himself down in 2011 when he made just 10 cuts in 24 starts. He dropped $1.3m in prizemoney in a year and finished 129th on the money list. started the season with promise making eight cuts in his first nine tournaments and then only played the weekend in five of the next 18 events. His best effort was a 10th place at the Honda Classic.

Aaron Baddeley (49 – $US3,094,693) A What a terrific year for Badds.com. One year ago he was ranked 249th in the world and now sits in 47th place. He banked more than $3m courtesy of one win (Northern trust Open) and five top-10 finishes. He made 17 of 22 cuts. Baddeley is still one of the best putters on tour. Once he sees the line, he pulls the trigger. look and learn. Kur t Barnes (143 – $A453,3 95) B The Japan tour player with the “loud” clothing wows the fans with his booming drives. He won the ANA Open and topped the driving distance stat with an average of 270m. He is second in sand saves and number one in birdie averages on the par-5s and in second shots into par-5s. No surprises there. He also won the sK telecom Open on the OneAsia tour. Greg Chalmers (64 – $US832,191) A- Chalmers is one of the game’s genuine journeymen. in 2011, he jumped more than 90 places on the world ranking courtesy of winning the Australian Open and

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stage, he missed 12 cuts in a row and then made eight in a row. He ended up making nine cuts from 24 starts. Finished the year strongly and will be looking to go on with it. Ja s o n D a y ( 8 – $ U S 3 , 9 6 2 , 6 4 7 ) A The Queenslander had a great year and looked on track to break Australia’s us Masters hoodoo. That was until Charl schwartzel got in the way. Finished t2 there and second behind Mcilroy in the us Open. That’s the closest he got to a win, but was Australia’s biggest earner on the us tour. Made 18 cuts from 21 starts. He’s highly rated by his rivals and came as a surprise he didn’t win in 2011. A win or two for sure this year. Marcus Fraser (132 – $A597,541) BThe consistently steady European tour player almost broke through and won the Australian PGA, but he was denied by Chalmers in a sudden-death playoff.

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Australian PGA. in the us, he played 28 tournaments and made 17 cuts with his best being two top-10s. He made the cut in his final six events in the us to ensure he kept his card for 2012. Steven Bowditch (317 – $US621,378) C+ Bowditch teased his fans throughout 2011 with some terrific low scoring rounds. On the us tour, he made only 15 cuts from 28 starts to slip outside the top-125 and will have to rely on sponsors’ invites this year. His biggest cheque was $163,800 when he finished ninth at the At&t Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Has the talent – just needs to find a way to convert those 77s into 72s. Gavin Coles 263 – $US229,991) C+ it’s been a topsy-turvy year for Angry Ant. He’s back on the us PGA tour after securing his card via the Nationwide tour thanks to a victory in the tour’s penultimate event, the Jacksonville Open. At one

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He banked a cheque in 14 of 17 starts in Europe and had one top-10 finish. He overcame a neck injury and will be back for more of the same in 2012. Mathew Goggin (222 – $US378,492) BThe Tasmanian is back on the US PGA Tour courtesy of finishing third on the Nationwide Tour money list. Two wins, a second and six top-10s made sure of that. He picked up prizemoney in 12 of 18 events. He hits plenty of greens (76.39%) so if he can improve putting stats (29.72) and keep his cool he’ll be competitive on the US PGA Tour. Nathan Green (572 – $US312,109) C Green lost his US Tour card when he finished 168th on the money list, but got it straight back when he snuck into the top-25 at US Tour Q-School. In 2011, he made only 14 cuts from 26 starts with a best being a tie for 23rd at the Texas Open. Needs a good start to build confidence. Richard Green (95 – $A603,086) B The European Tour veteran mis-fired a little in 2011 although he did finish runner-up at the Irish Open. His putting and greens in regulation stats have slipped a little of late. He made 14 cuts in 19 starts. He’s always a chance to contend if he plays his best golf. Brendan Jones (80 – $A691,074) AJones won the Crowns Championship on the Japan Tour, which pushed him up to 15th on the money list. The big-hitter (average 265m) has been a consistent performer on the tour and in 2011 made 14 cuts in 17 starts. Averages 29.6 putts per round – can improve. Matthew Jones (230 – $US602,392) CWaved goodbye to his US Tour card by finishing 133rd on the money list. He was in contention to win it back at Q-School, but a disappointing final round of 75 cost him. He made just 10 cuts in 25 starts with his best being one top-10 result. He knows he can mix it with the best on his day and proved that by earning $1.2m in 2010 and $3.2m in ’09.

performer. He won the WGC Bridgestone Invitational and finished T2 with Jason Day at the US Masters. He had seven top-10 finishes and made 14 cuts in 18 starts on the US Tour. He was seventh at the US PGA and T25 at the Open Championship. He is starting to find his range with the long flat stick. Once he masters it, look out. John Senden (45 – $US2,294,811) ASweet-swing Senden is golf ’s quiet achiever. He goes about his business without any fuss and is one of the best ball-strikers in the world. He made 20 of 26 cuts, had three top-10s including a second place at the BMW Classic and was second behind Chalmers at the Aussie Open. Look for this talented Queenslander to be in the winners’ circle in 2012. Peter Senior (437 – $US1,434,119) A For the second successive year on the Champions Tour, Peter Senior is Mr 100 per cent. He played 22 events and never missed a cut. Three times he finished runner-up in tournaments and was inside the top-10 12 times. He finished seventh on the money list ahead of plenty of major winners including Nick Price, Bernhard Langer, Hale Irwin, Mark O’Meara, Tom Watson et al. A win or three, including a major, is on the cards in 2012. Andre Stolz (235 – $US464,812) B Two victories helped Stolz secure the OneAsia Tour OOM. He played nine events and won the Indonesia PGA and the Thailand Open. Matt Z i ons (357 – $A285,280) C Moneywise, 2011 was Zions’ best year on the Europe Tour. Relatively unknown, Zions won the Saint-Omer Open and not much else. He only made 11 cuts from 33 appearances and, on average, finished in 79th place. Putting (30.03 putts per round) let him down. Room for improvement.

Aaron Baddeley

Jason Day

Brad Kennedy (145 – $A424,222) B+ New Zealand Open champion Kennedy is a consistent performer on the Japan Tour. He had four top-10s from 14 starts including a 2nd and 3rd place finish. Not a long hitter, Kennedy has the knack of performing well in the final round of a tournament. He finished 29th on the Japan Tour money list. Marc Leishman (167 – $US916,330) B The big fella played well in patches in 2011. He needs to regain the consistency that allowed him to bank $1.5m in 2010. In 2011, he had two top10 results including a third. He finished 51st in the US Open and made 17 of 27 cuts. He has the talent, but does he have the belief? Geoff Ogilvy (42 – $US1,916,906) C+ The former US Open champion has been one of Australia’s best for a long time, but 2011 was not his best year. He only made 14 cuts in 21 starts with a best being a third place finish. He missed the cut at the US Open, Open Championship

and the US PGA, but he did tie for fourth at the US Masters. Given a C+ simply because it was a mediocre season by his normally high standards. Rod Pampling (354 – $US668, 768) C+ If the popular Queenslander can get himself in a position to challenge, he has shown he has the talent to get the job done. He worked hard on the range and putting surface with coach Gary Edwin resulting in a lukewarm putter as opposed to a cold one. He made 14 of 17 cuts, including seven in a row. His best was a T8th at the Byron Nelson resulting in a cheque for $169,000. Aron Price (434 – $US333,290) CIn 2010, Price was hot and cold on the US Tour. This year he was just cold although he did make 11 cuts from 18 starts. He didn’t finish inside the top-10 once and has lost his tour card by finishing 165th on the money list. His best result was a T12 at the John Deere Classic. Adam Scott (5 – $US3,764,797) A The Queenslander was again Australia’s best

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‘POM’ quits European Tour DavidNewbery AustrAliAN veteran and European tour stalwart Peter O’Malley has quit the European tour. Bathurst-born O’Malley began 2011 with good intentions, but his season never really caught fire so, after more than two decades, he has pulled the pin although he hasn’t exactly hung up the clubs. “i have just finished playing in Europe and next year i’ll be playing in Australia and on the OneAsia tour,” he said. The affable 46-year-old has been one of the most respected and longestserving members of the European tour. For 23 years, the tour provided O’Malley with a steady stream of income courtesy of a consistent long game and excellent short game. O’Malley is deadly accurate with a wedge in his hands and that’s one of the reason he managed to earn close to $9m on the European tour alone. still, he will always be remembered for his storming finish to the 1992 scottish Open at Gleneagles when he fired a final round 62 by playing the last five holes in seven-under par to edge out Colin Montgomerie for the title. “the scottish Open win was

Peter O’Malley … taking time out to smell the flowers definitely the highlight of my career because of the way i finished and in the company of players i beat,” he said. “it was also my first ever tournament win in Europe. Everytime you win it’s fantastic, but i still think that’s my career highlight.” There were two other victories in Europe – the Benson and Hedges international Open in 1995 and the 2001 English Open where he turned a five-shot deficit after 54 holes into a one-shot victory. He had a stellar amateur career winning the Australian junior title

and the New Zealand amateur. in 1987, he gave up his greenkeeping job at Bathurst Golf Club to turn pro and won Australian tour rookie of the year. He joined the European tour in 1989 and finished runner-up to Mark James in his first event, the Dubai Desert Classic. in 2002, he stunned the golfing world when he defeated Tiger Woods in the first round of the Accenture Match Play Championship and in the same year finished second to Ernie Els at the Heineken Classic.

“Obviously, i would have liked to have won a few more tournaments, but i am happy with my career,” he said. “i have been lucky because i only ever missed one tournament though injury in 25 years when i had something wrong with my wrist. “i never found out what it was, but i had to pull out halfway through the second round of a tournament i was leading in Canada. so i gave it (wrist) a rest and the pain went away. “One of the reasons why i didn’t have injuries is because i had a lot of treatment. i thought preventative maintenance was better than waiting to be worn out.” i ask O’Malley if the advances in equipment technology has helped his career. “No, technology hasn’t really helped me,” he said. “if i had my time over again i would have probably tried and hit the ball a bit further. “But i don’t think it was a weakness because i always had very good distance control. “i was never a long hitter and it’s only been in the last five or six years where it’s been more of a factor.” O’Malley twice finished in the top-10 in the Open Championship. “i think the Open Championship is the best tournament in the world and

it was my best chance of winning a major,” he said. “i finished seventh at troon in ’97 and eighth at Muirfield in 2002. i was just two shots off making the playoff and that’s the closest i got to winning a major.” Now O’Malley is setting himself up for a crack at playing the lucrative seniors tour in 2015. “That’s the plan … to play for the next few years in Australia and on the OneAsia tour and get ready for the seniors tour,” he said. Wine collector and food lover, O’Malley says he has never forgotten the advice given to him by his long-time coach Alex Mercer. “He (Mercer) told me when i was 16 years old to always be patient and never get ahead of myself. “if you can be patient on a golf course things will always turn around. i know it’s a cliché, but play one shot at a time. “it’s the same advice i’d give a young player starting out today. if you hit a bad shot forget about it and get on with the next one.” i ask O’Malley to name his dream fourball playing partners. “i would have like to play with Ben Hogan,” he revealed. “And i never played with Jack Nicklaus so i would have him and Tom Watson as my playing partners.”

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Roz scrambles with the best of them DavidNewbery

FOr volunteer roz Brandt, the 2012 Holden scramble championship final can’t come around quick enough. The 66-year-old retiree is a regular scorer at the annual final at twin Waters Golf Club on Queensland’s sunshine Coast. recently she racked up her 14th finals appearance in the tournament’s 20-year history. “i have been a team scorer at all 14 finals that have been played at twin Waters,” roz said. “The other six times it was played on the Gold Coast.” Over the years, roz has met some colourful characters, formed some long-standing friendships and earned the respect of the players including touring professionals that join the teams on the final day. “i just love the event,” she said. “it would be fair to say it would be the most fun you can have playing golf without hitting a golf ball. “You are mentally hitting every shot every player plays and i go home quite exhausted at the end of the day. “But i just enjoy meeting different people and over the years i’ve had some very mixed groups. One year roz kept score for a group that included a mother, daughter, a teacher of the daughter and a greenkeeper who had the “hots” for the daughter. “They were very interesting group,” roz said. “The young greenkeeper fancied the girl, but she couldn’t stand a bar of him. “the interaction between these four people, mother, daughter, teacher, would-be boyfriend made a very interesting couple of days, but they settled

WHAT’S THE SCORE? Roz Brandt has racked up 14 appearances at the Holden Scramble final

down and ended up coming in third,” roz said. “Another that comes to mind is a ladies group a few years back from Waratah Golf Club at Newcastle where i grew up. “i have stayed friendly with those ladies and i have had two trips down to Newcastle and stayed with them and played golf with them. “And they have been up here and spent time up here. “When i first went down there i met their husbands and realised we are all in the about same age group,” she said. “We had all grown up in the same area and even though i didn’t know them, one of them had been best mates with my sister’s first boyfriend.

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“Another one had gone to school with one of my boyfriends. “We had all hung out at the same dances and the same clubs growing up in Newcastle so it was like old home week.” in the 2011 final, roz acted as scorer for a team of colourful characters from Donnybrook Golf Club in Western Australia. “They were a lot of fun,” roz said “The first day they were taking the mickey out of each other all day long. Wayne Grady joined the group on the final day and they were on their best behaviour.” Over the years, roz has seen temper tantrums and heard the odd expletive, but she has taken it all in her stride.

“i feel it is their tournament and i have worked on building sites so there’s nothing i haven’t seen or heard before,” she said. “The scorer is not there to tell them the rules. They know the rules and i have always found teams to be honest.” roz, who plays off a handicap of 22 at Headland GC, had her loyalty tested a few years ago when a team from her home club made the final. “i wanted my home team (Headland) to win, but i also wanted the team i was scoring for to win,” she said. “The Headland team (two men and two women) had Wayne Grady with them on the final day and they won. The sad thing is the two ladies in the team gave up golf not long after that. “Many years ago i had a group from traralgon in Victoria and every year we exchange Christmas cards. They never made it back to the final, but we still keep in touch after 13 years.” The scorer’s role has meant roz has met some of the game best touring pros and lists Peter lonard as “one of the nicest”. “He (lonard) is a very nice person,” she said. “i remember a lady in his group bought a poster of Greg Norman for her daughter and wanted it signed by the different players. “Peter said, ‘if you trust me with it i will take it with me and get a lot more signatures’. “she told me later that he had kept his word. He also got them an invitation to tournaments he was playing in and he even introduced them to his parents at a tournament.” roz said nothing will stop her making her 15th Holden scramble finals appearance in 2012.

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Cape Kidnappers Golf Course

The par-5 15th, where accuracy is paramount

Rated by many as among the top golf layouts in the world, the Cape Kidnappers golf course oﬀers a combination of breathtaking scenery and world-class golf like no other. Inside Golf ventured to this unique kiwi destination to experience this beauty for ourselves RichardFellner “is it normally this windy here?” i asked, holding onto my cap, and leaning forward into the 3-club howler that swept over the tee box. “Nah,” chuckled the assistant greenkeeper, who had paused to watch my tee shot, “When you see sheep flying through the air, tHAt’s the normal wind ‘round here.” Thus began one of the most enjoyable (and challenging) rounds of golf in my life. Perched high atop the dramatic cliffs of Hawkes Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand’s North island, Cape Kidnappers golf course is one of the most beautiful, exciting, difficult and unique courses i have ever played. set on a 6,000 acre sheep and cattle farm, Cape Kidnappers golf course – and its five-star luxury resort The Farm at Cape Kidnappers – is one of the best “seaside” courses/facilities in our region. The tom Doak-designed, par-71, 6,510-meter championship course is a links-style layout in a non-traditional links setting. With the sand dunes, tall cliffs, deep ravines and long ridges, the setting

feels more like a National Park than a golf course... and you’d almost expect to see rock-climbers or hikers traversing the area, daypack and tents in tow. The landscape also provides for some dramatic views, with the lush, green fairways of the golf course contrasting sharply against the jagged beige rocks of the cliffs and the gorgeous emerald waters of the bay below. it makes for an almost dreamlike, hypnotic setting. Completed in 2004, the course is reminiscent of some of Doak’s other great designs, notably Barnbougle Dunes (tas) and st Andrews Beach (Vic). Known as a “minimalist” designer –using the natural landscape and terrain as much as possible – Doak is said to have moved very little earth in designing Cape Kidnappers, with one report claiming that he moved as much dirt for the driving range as he did for the rest of the course. Another story reports that Doak and his crew “played” 15 of the 18 holes before anything was built, such was the ready-for-golf, flat state of the sheep-grazed land. The layout features two distinct nines. The front nine meanders inland, with a nice collection of

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The par-3 6th hole, which features danger at all sides scenic and challenging holes that almost act as a “starter” to the main meal that is the spectacular, cliff-hugging back-nine. Playing this course requires accuracy and control – especially if the wind is up. Despite some very wide fairways, and only a smattering of fairway bunkers, many of the holes demand that you land your tee shot accurately in order to have any shot at hitting the green in regulation. While the wind can play havoc with club selection, we were happy to discover that there are very few holes where a cross-breeze comes into play. Doak’s intelligent design (with a little help from Mother Nature) placed most of the holes with either a headwind or tailwind – resulting in a very playable course. There are also five sets of tees on each hole – some with up to 130m of

difference — so every hole offers an enjoyable option for all levels of player. Approach shots are the real challenge at Cape Kidnappers – with most of the greens heavily guarded by deep bunkers, deeper ravines or monstrous cliffs. This is the case on holes like the par-5 15th (“Pirate’s Plank”), where hitting too much club will result in your ball gaining an extra ten seconds of hang time (enough time to wave it goodbye) as it plunges 140m into the ocean far below! Or the par-3 6th hole (“Gulley”) which has only one option: hit the green. if you are short, long, left or right, your ball is either dead, or you’ll wish it were. On many of the other holes, missing the greens means you’ll be faced with fringes/collars that can be a real challenge – as the grass grabs ahold

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(above) The beautiful (and treacherous) back nine (right top) The Farm at Cape Kidnappers offers five-star luxury accommodation and world-class service and (right bottom) Looking back on the 166m par-3 8th

of the club, turning those short chips into real knee-knockers. As is the case with many seaside courses, the fairways and greens are firm and quick. But not too quick to make them unfair. in truth, i found the greens to be exceptionally true and in magnificent condition, albeit very challenging to read. While you’d expect the general slope to break towards the ocean, many of Cape Kidnappers’ greens are elevated, and feature a variety of swales and mounds that cleverly trick the eye, leading to many “missed reads” and nasty three-putts. (You’d have to play the course a few times to get a real feel for reading these greens properly. At least, that’s what i’ll tell my wife.) For the mid-to-high handicapper, check your ego at the door and be prepared to play

would not be out of place among the world’s elite knock-downs, punches and safety clubs if the restaurants. While projecting a “rustic” feel that day is windy. Of course, there are a few really fits perfectly within the setting, the entire facility good grip-it-and-rip it holes, so your driver is full of jaw-dropping beauty that makes you feel won’t feel neglected. For the low marker, you’ll like you’re living the life of the rich and famous. find some enticing risk-reward opportunities and The resort itself offers a full selection of nonthe chance to put your short game to a real test. Lee Westwood Case in point is the par-5 457m (“Widow’s Wears16th Bioﬂow Sport in Black golf activities, including a full-service luxury Walk”). With a highly-elevated tee (featuring day-spa, swimming pool, jacuzzi, farm tours, more spectacular views) a good drive here makes AtV quad biking, hiking and guided walks. in it reachable in two. A bad drive, however, and addition, the surrounding area offers wine tours, you can see a snowman in your future. Horseback riding, river kayaking and even worldBut golf is only part of the story here. The Farm class fly fishing. Giddy-up! at Cape Kidnappers is a world-class resort that All told, Cape Kidnappers golf course Lee has to be seen (and experienced) to beWestwood believed. easily fits into the “Must Play Before You Die” Bioﬂow® Sport in Black the ultimate in luxury andWears pampering, the category. When experienced with The Farm lodge and restaurant offer top-quality service, at Cape Kidnappers, it’s ‘Bucket list Golf ’ spacious five-star rooms/suites, and meals that at its finest. ®

COURSE NOTES The Farm at Cape Kidnappers & Cape Kidnappers Golf Course 446 Clifton road, te Awanga, Hawkes Bay, 4102 www.capekidnappers.com Phone: +64 6 875 1900 reservations@capekidnappers.com.au Green Fees: From $270-$385(NZD) (Depending on season) Lodge: suites from $740-$1850(NZD)/ person (Depending on season) Note: Cape Kidnappers also features a sister facility, Kauri Cliffs golf course and Lodge in Matauri Bay, as well as a third lodge, Matakauri on the edge of Lake Wakitipu in Queenstown.

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Chris Anstey talks golf with The Coach TheCoach

A mid-week wander down to the driving range provided me with a glimpse of one of the most interesting swings I have seen in a long while. The guy swinging the club was tall, very tall and somewhat… “Praying Mantis”-like. A closer look revealed that it was my good buddy, Chris Anstey. So I took the opportunity to ask the former basketball champ about life after NBA/NBL and his new love…golf. Coach: Chris, you were very skilful on the basketball court, especially for a guy that’s seven foot tall, so I suppose you just transfer those skills over to the golf course? Chris: No Coach. I just try to belt it and hit it as hard as I can. Same as any sport…I used to play tennis so, when you hit one right off the middle it feels great and you know as soon as you hit it that you’ve got a hold of it. They’re the ones that keep you coming back and you know if you can do it once you should be able to replicate it more often. The ones I hit stay hit, the ones I miss… there’s been days when I’ve been through a box of balls. One of my weaknesses is as soon as I lose a ball I stop looking, so I give it about 30 seconds and if I can’t see it, I just pull out a new one. So…yeah it’s an expensive habit. Coach: I noticed on the basketball court you played hard, you played to win, and occasionally you got a bit upset on the basketball court…

Chris: …I do have a temper... Coach: In golf, have you ever lost it? Chris: We have a few rules on our weekends and they’re the usual ones. If you don’t get to the ladies tees, you owe a shout. If you putt it from on the green to off the green, you have a shout. If you do throw a club, and it doesn’t go further than what your ball went, you owe a shout. So if you’re going to throw your club, you want to make it a good one. One time I’d hit this ridiculously bad tee shot, and I was already in a pretty ordinary mood, so I just let go of the driver and it got stuck about 30 feet up a big oak tree. A seven-footer climbing up a 30-foot tree to retrieve it. It was, I’ve been told, one of the funnier things people have ever seen because…it wasn’t graceful. Coach: Look like a big orangutan? Chris: Not sure what was worse…going up or coming down? But I ended up jumping from 10 or 12 feet and it bloody hurt! This is a small portion of a full interview with Chris Anstey. To hear the entire conversation, go to ww.insidegolf.com.au “The Coach” is a well-known media personality that travels the world talking to famous celebrities (and sometimes, they even talk back!) His business, The Coach Media, is a Sport, Corporate and Entertainment conduit between sports stars and their fans. More information: richard@thecoachmedia.com

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“You can quote me”

Top quotes from 2011 “I’ve been outspoken about it. I’ve been against it. Right now, I’m glad they haven’t banned it. If they ban it, that’s fine with me. As long as it’s legal, you know, I’ll keep cheating like the rest of them.” – Ernie Els discussing his switch to a belly putter Golf is a game to be played, sensed and loved – not scrutinised, analysed and constructed. – Inside Golf writer Larry Canning “If anybody bitches and screams about how tough their life is they should spend half a day at the children’s hospital and they’ll never do it again.” – Peter Senior “Bet if we try real hard we can get the entire field disqualified by the third round of every tournament. That will speed up play.” – Peter Kostis reacting after Padraig Harrington’s disqualification for signing an incorrect scorecard at the Abu Dhabi Championship. A television viewer noticed that the Irishman’s ball moved after Harrington’s hand brushed it as he was removing his marker. “I will always have a soft spot for rugby union, but my goal is to open the newspaper and read about golf before rugby union.” – Brian Thorburn, PGA of Australia chief executive officer

The future starts at PGA IGI

All roads can lead students to a solid career in the golf industry. Professional Golfers’ Association International Golf Institute (PGA IGI) marketing and student recruitment manager JOSHUA MADDEN answers all the relevant questions posed by Inside Golf. Question: Tell me about employment opportunities in the golf industry? Answer: There are approximately 23,000 people employed within the golf industry in Australia and of those, 2500 of them are PGA professionals. The iGi primarily works to complement the PGA traineeship system and train the next generation of administrators, managers, directors etc. We’ve had some outstanding alumni success of late and some of the earliest graduates of the PGA and Griffith university program have really moved up the employment chain into some fantastic roles within the golf business sector. Question: You are a former Kooralbyn International student and collegiate graduate, how is this diﬀerent? Answer: The iGi is a perfect pathway into the golf industry if you are not quite at the collegiate level. Our program is a little different in that although we deliver golf training and competition, we are not based around elite playing outcomes. Yes, we have a pathway to the PGA, but most of our graduates are interested in golf as a career and playing — although a key component — is not the career outcome we are looking to deliver. We are also different to collegiate golf because we work closely with the PGA. For example, my college career earned me a degree and was a fantastic experience, but i still had to complete a three-year traineeship because my education wasn’t golf specific. The beauty of what the PGA iGi deliver is that it’s condensed into three years, earning a Diploma of Golf Management and Bachelor of Business in sport Management and then, (if your golf is good enough and you meet the entry requirements to the PGA traineeship) you can complete a Professional Year where you enter a final year of on the job training within the traineeship program. Three years of learning and training combined with a year of on the job practical experience is a unique product that ensures that our graduates are ready to work in various positions within the golf business sector upon graduation. Question: How is the IGI different to other academies? Answer: in our logo it says Excellence in Golf Education, and that primarily sets us apart. Golf Academies and the development of elite players is what our PGA members do. The iGi and its delivery of golf specific education requires our students to be student athletes, in that order. it isn’t all about the golf, rather the business of golf. Question: Who does it appeal to? Answer: Golfers who would like to play and work in the golf industry. We still attract some very strong players into our program and these students see the benefit in earning their education and continuing to develop their games. ultimately, what they are doing is giving themselves the

best opportunities to have a fantastic career in whichever area within golf they choose to concentrate. Question: How do the career outcomes diﬀer from the traineeship? Answer: Well, most of our graduates move into administration roles, event managers or general managers – they work in many positions within the amateur body and our own PGA. Our graduates who also are PGA members have become Directors of Golf some at overseas facilities, teaching professionals and of course general managers. i think the main difference is that because of the higher education components and the management curriculum within our Diploma, they have a broader range of career options that they have exposure and experience in. Question: Why was the IGI established? Answer: For the very reason i discussed in the last question. The industry is evolving and there are many more jobs within golf that require a different skill set. The iGi tries to provide a golf specific take on management within those different arenas. Question: Where do the students come from? Answer: All over the world, which is terrific. The Australian PGA is well recognised for producing outstanding golf industry professionals and that’s what attracts students from within Australia and overseas. We currently have students enrolling from Finland, Thailand, singapore, China, spain, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Korea and of course Australia.

Joshua Madden Question: How much does it cost for Australian students? Answer: We’ve tried to condense the cost of our Diploma so that they are all inclusive of the resources, coaching, lectures, competitions and golf memberships, etc. Comparatively, our program fees are very competitive because of what the PGA is able to deliver access to. These include the networks, contacts and events that the PGA delivers each year like the Australian PGA and the srixon Coaching summit. We are also very fortunate to have secured VEt Fee help (like HECs) this semester so that means that there are no up-front fees for Australian students. This essentially means that if you really want a career in golf, the cost is not the deterrent it once was. if you want it bad enough then there’s nothing stopping you from joining us, and the Gold Coast isn’t a bad place to begin your golf education. Question: Are there any scholarships? Answer: Yes there is, we’ve had a fantastic relationship with the Adam scott Foundation where they provide one Australian student a full scholarship each year. We’ve had four scholarship recipients join us since 2008 and all of them are well deserving individuals who will make the foundation proud one way or another in the future. There are also four 50 per cent scholarships from Griffith university for international students. We’ve only just secured these from within the Griffith Business school and Griffith international and look forward to seeing some very high calibre applications in the years to come.

pGaiGi 47

Question: Can you give us an example of some of the success stories to come out of the PGA IGI program? Answer: We consider all of our graduates to be success stories, however, here’s a few names that have very successfully entered the golf industry and earned some great positions: Marcus sullivan (General Manager Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club); Brad Newcombe (tournament Coordinator PGA of Australia – tour Division); luke Bates (Golf Operation Manager Golf Queensland: Jose Calleja (General Manager Natadola Bay resort, Fiji); Daniel Oneil (Head Golf Professional - Hong Kong Golf Club; and David rosenthal (tournament Coordinator - PGA of Australia – Qld Division). Question: Do you have to be a good golfer to be accepted into the program? Answer: We do have a minimum handicap requirement of 18 or less for men and 25 or less for women. so you don’t have to be a fantastic golfer but you do have to play and understand the rules and etiquette of the game. Quesiton: What are the academic subjects students must complete? Core Academic subjects: • introduction to the Golf industry; • Golf Course Design and Maintenance; • Golf Club Management; • Golf Operations; and • Golf Course Planning and Development. Practical Golf Components: • Perform the A grade skills of golf; and • Apply the A grade tactics and strategies of golf in a competitive situation. We are also looking to develop and add two new subjects as soon as possible. They will most likely be: • Event Management; and • Food & Beverage Management. Question: Are there opportunities to work parttime in the golf industry while studying? Answer: Absolutely. The Gold Coast has ample golf courses that provide the opportunity to work parttime whilst studying. some local golf courses such as royal Pines resort, The Colonial and Parkwood international have been outstanding supporters of our students with more than few students and graduates at each facility.

January 2012

48 insidearchitecture......................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Thomson Perrett a finalist for Olympic Golf Course in Rio Thomson Perrett Golf Course Architects has been selected as one of 8 short-listed architectural companies to design the golf course which will host the golf event in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games. The announcement follows a worldwide competition launched in October last year by the Rio 2016 Olympic Committee. The “Request For Proposal” sought the leading golf course architecture companies in the world to propose and design what will likely be the highest profile golf project in the world. Submissions were examined by a jury formed by representatives of the International Golf Federation, Rio 2016™, Rio City Hall and the Rio2016 Golf Advisory Committee. In December, the Rio Olympics Organising Committee officially announced that eight companies had progressed to Phase 2 of the competition. Thomson Perrett was selected along with Gary Player Design, Greg Norman Golf Course Design, Hanse Golf Design, Hawtree Ltd., Nicklaus Design, Renaissance Golf and Robert Trent Jones II. Following last month’s announcement, Thomson Perrett Managing Director Ross Perrett –whom you may recognize from the architecture columns here in Inside Golf— flew to Rio De Janeiro to participate in the next stage. This was Ross’ third trip to Brazil in 5 months’ time, having travelled to Brazil

with the Victorian Government in July and with Thomson Perrett’s local representative in November. Thomson Perrett’s team for the Olympic course will be led by Managing Director Ross Perrett and his partner Peter Thomson, who is a five-time British Open winner. They will be supported by their multi-disciplinary in-house team including Senior Golf Course Architects Justin Trott and Warren Duncan, Architects Bernie Hogan and Lindsay Calvert, Irrigation designer Paul Jones, CAD specialist Gary Prendegast and Agronomist Doug Robinson. Also joining Thomson Perrett’s team is 7-time ladies Major winner Karrie Webb. Company principles Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett were understandably excited to be in the running for this highly prestigious project. “It is very satisfying to be chosen amongst the top 8 golf course architects in the world for this project,” said Thomson, a Five-time British Open winner with more than 40 years experience in golf design. “ This is great recognition for the international work our company has done all around the world,” added Perrett, who himself has over 25 years experience in some of the world’s toughest golfing landscapes. “It is fantastic to be involved. The Olympics will be

great for golf in general and a huge launching pad for golf in Brazil. It is very exciting and we look forward to the next stage.” Thomson Perrett has long been considered one of the world’s premier golf course design companies, and have established a reputation for high quality private, resort and integrated

residential and golf developments. Based in Melbourne, their experience spans 250 projects in over 30 countries. They have also recently expanded with the establishment of Thomson Perrett and Lobb in London to service Europe, the Middle East and Africa. www.thomsonperrett.com.au

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business 49

Is Groupon good for golf? An American perspective A few months ago, Inside Golf pondered whether group buying sites like Scoopon/ Groupon were good or bad for golf. It was one of our highest-read articles, and caused much debate. Now, we’ve received this article from a U.S. industry marketing consultant firm which sheds further light on the subject HarveySilverman One thing the Great Recession has created is a blitz attack of Internet discount sites. Groupon is the “Mother dough,” with many clones being spawned. Industry marketing consultant firms are being asked by clients whether it’s a good deal, or too good to be true? As is frequently the case, the answer is, “It depends,” but here are some factors to ponder. (Note: For these purposes, use of the trade name “Groupon” refers to it and any clones using the same business model.) Let’s start with a quick primer on what Groupon is and what it does. Groupon is advertising. It offers a deal a day in local markets to a subscriber base. That “deal” offers a substantial discount from a local merchant, usually 50% or more on a product or service. Groupon sets a minimum for how many buyers there must be for the deal to “tip,” or become active. If enough people do not buy, the deal is dormant but some residual advertising value remains. Groupon keeps as much as 50% of the sales generated by the coupon sales. So what does this mean for golf courses? First, 77% of Groupon subscribers are women,

and 68% are people aged 18-34. Not exactly your most obvious golf market. And while Groupon is advertising, the difference is that instead of writing a check for an ad, you are risking losing money on sales. Here’s why: One of the best articles we found was on a New York Times blog written by Jay Goltz. Goltz takes you through an eightstep procedure to determine if Groupon is a good idea for your business. And part of that is “doing the math.” As a simple example, if your green fee is $50 and you offer a 50% discount on Groupon, and they keep 50%, you are left with $12.50. If that adequately covers your cost of producing that round of golf, you might be okay with the deal. (In virtually every instance where Pellucid has been asked to determine a client course’s actual, weatherneutral cost to deliver a round of golf, that figure has been significantly north of $12.50). Aside from the math, other issues are present that must be considered: First, how many of your current customers will find or be alerted to the deal and purchase the coupon, thus diminishing the value of the advertising to attract new customers and putting your current customers on the course for a fee much lower than they would have paid otherwise?

Second, of new customers who redeem the coupon, how many will return? Groupon shoppers are DISCOUNT shoppers, and the larger the discount you offer, the tougher time you will have getting these new customers to come back and pay regular prices. Why? For the same reason Pellucid has noted about golf courses discounting their rates across different channels, and third-party tee time distributors selling bartered rounds at rates lower than ones posted by the course: The customer has been taught that the discounted price is really the price of your product. Third, there may be great difficulty in making a Groupon user into your customer. They are first and foremost Groupon’s customer, and they are likely some other course’s customer as well. The coupon buyer has chosen you because of the discount and to get them to be your next best customer you may have to compete on (discounted) price alone. Someone always loses that battle. Add to that the necessity for you to capture the coupon-redeeming customer’s contact

information, since Groupon does not provide merchants with the database of customers who purchased the coupons. That’s because Groupon wants that customer to come back to their site, where they use your brand and others to attract subscribers and buyers, and count on them to tell their friends about the website where they found the deal, not about you. There are cases where Groupon might be a good idea. It might work for a new golf course, or for one outside a metro area looking to build some traffic. It might also work for a course that’s had a makeover and needs to tell “the world” they’re open for business again. It could work for golf instructors looking for new customers, or a golf facility or business that has little or no money to spend on advertising. If asked to give a summary thumbs up or down, we would be thumbs down for most golf courses. As with any deal that may sound too good to be true, caveat emptor prevails.

Reprinted with permission of The Pellucid Perspective, an independent monthly online golf industry business magazine. Complimentary subscriptions are available at www.pellucidcorp.com.

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January 2012

50 instruction..........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Coiling up for power, control, and consistency Webb’s Spirit of Courage

PeterCroker When you ask any golfer which skill they would like most out of Consistency, Control or Power, most seem to settle on Consistency, but would prefer to have all three. This lesson opens the door to have all three when standardly applied. The truth is that if we aim for control of the backswing then hitting a golf ball becomes more consistent and greater Power results. In the Croker Golf System there is a focus on building a “STABLE BASE” to wind up the backswing on. In the start of the backswing the “push back” of the left hand against a slightly resisting right hand helps the hips rotate from the start of the backswing. It is this correct rotation of the hips that allows the left knee to bend out in the direction of the left toes (see illustration) The right knee maintains its flexed position and with both feet remaining solidly in the ground, the hip rotation is restricted to between 30 and 40 degrees. This “hands and hip” action is enough to energise the swinging club head into causing the wrists to start hinging after the hands pass the right foot. Up to this point in the takeaway the handle of the club should lead the club head slightly which helps the hip rotation from the start of the backswing. This hinging action of the wrists and left forearm rotation stretches the left arm and bends both the right wrist and right elbow and coils up the wrists and arms as the

momentum of the swinging club continues its backward motion. (No chance for the “Chicken Wing here!) This coiling and swinging motion in the hands, arms and club has the effect of pulling on the shoulders and coiling the core muscles of the abdomen against the hips, legs and feet. Providing you maintain the “Stable Base” with the hips rotating and with correct knee action, the ability to consistently swing the club head back into a compact and loaded position will deliver

you with ability to consistently strike the ball solidly and on the correct path. The confidence will grow as the competence increases and with this greater club head speed develops. It is my experience that the correct coiling in the backswing where the swinging club head stretches the muscles in the arms, trunk of the body, hips and legs leads to a great ability to consistently hit longer and with more control. Please check out the video link on my website to gain greater insight on how to achieve this.

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

LPGA star Karrie Webb was presented with the 2011 Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award during a gala night last month in the US. A longtime friend and supporter of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Karrie was recognized for her dedication to improving the lives of those living with paralysis. Over the past decade, Karrie has been an ambassador for the Reeve Foundation, and earlier this year, she donated $100,000 of her LPGA RR Donnelley Founders’ Cup winnings to the Reeve Foundation. “Karrie has experienced first-hand just how inspiring someone living with a spinal cord injury can be,” said Alexandra Reeve Givens, referring to Webb’s coach, Kelvin Haller, who has been living with quadriplegia for two decades. “With Kelvin by her side, Karrie has become one of the greatest golfers in history. But as remarkable as Karrie’s accomplishments on the golf course are, we believe that her greatest contributions have happened off the course.” In her acceptance speech, Webb said, “Although I only knew Christopher Reeve for a short while, I have known Kelvin Haller my whole life and for the last 21 years I have watched him live quietly and very courageously with paralysis. Kelvin not only coached and mentored me since I started playing golf, he has been an incredible inspiration to me throughout my career and life. It is because of him that I would ever have the honor of standing here tonight. My involvement with the Reeve Foundation has always been because of him and for him.” For more information, visit www.ChristopherReeve.org/AME.

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January 2012

52 instruction..........................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

How to fix the flat stick woes LeeHarrington

the length of your putt from the side angle. The last thought you want over the ball is length, not line — as you have already decided this. A lot of putts are missed by getting over the ball and second guessing your read. Trust your first read on line and think length as you stroke.

Putting, like a full swing, has general principles that need to be adhered to if you want to consistently putt better. 1. Your palms should face each other before your fingers wrap around the grip. 2. Your front eye should be directly over the ball so your eye can get a 90 degree perspective of the line. 3. Your forearms must be in line with your shaft which will put your grip parallel to your lifeline on your palm.

Pre-Stroke

When over the ball, always make your eyes focus slowly from hole to ball and back as this will allow you to see the line a lot better and slow your tempo down. Take your stroke after taking a long breath and exhale, as this is when your blood pressure is at its lowest and therefore calmest.

Therefore, I recommend: 1. You carry a splint finger, which is your left index finger pointing down the shaft, overlapping the back of your right fingers. 2. Try and lock your knees straight to remove unwanted movement with your legs and hips and this also allows your head to get over the ball. 3. Your shoulders start parallel and also level to keep you down and through the stroke a lot longer.

Reading the green

A lot of amateurs read the green and then putt straight at the hole, or

The Stroke

The stroke itself should come from the point of the left shoulder simply travelling toward chin and then returning to its original position in the forward stroke. This makes your forward shoulder the fulcrum and lets you roll the putt, not hit it.

under-read the green. Look at a spot two metres right of the hole and two metres left of the hole and judge which is higher and which is lower. This

will give you a general idea of fall of break. Lock in your mind the line of your putt first and then concentrate on length of the putt. Then look at

Drills

Putting is very much a feel skill and a good drill to improve this is to choose a straight, relatively shorter putt and to then putt with your eyes shut after you set up. Once you putt, try and guess by feel of impact where the putt has missed without looking up. Go out on the putting green and find a breaking putt and visualise where the very outside of the break is and put two tees to hit through in this spot. This will teach you judgement and help your visualisation. The best putters describe that they can see the track that the ball travels on to get to the hole and then they visualise this happening and going straight in the middle of the cup before they take their stroke. This takes training and is why kids putt so well as their imagination is a lot more active than an adult generally. Try some or all of these tips and you will reap the benefits while rolling your rock.

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.

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instruction 53

The fundamentals of using belly putters

How to grip it right every time

GlennWhittle

AnneRollo

It seems like planet “Golf ” is being invaded by a group of aliens known as “Belly putters”. Everywhere you look it’s belly putters, belly putters and more belly putters. At the Sydney Putting Studio I have had an increase in requests for belly putters, and I have got to say after testing using Putt Lab and also watching the clients live on the green doing pressure exercises BELLY PUTTTERS WORK! I am not going to use this article as a sounding board to discuss the pros and cons of the ethical issues of attaching a part of the club to your body, there is enough discussion about this topic already. The fact is that the R&A allow it so I don’t look much further then that Before we discuss the basic fundamentals of using the belly putter we need to first look at the putter itself. When you consider that the putter is going to be attached to you it is even more important to get the length of the putter right, then the head weight and then the correct lie angle and loft for YOU. I have had a few people visit me recently with their new belly putter that is too long and too light. This is generally the case, which defeats the purpose of using a belly putter in the

Your left (or leading) hand is the most important hand to get correct in your grip. If you can get the left hand correctly onto the club the right hand should fit in and around it. Simply stand straight, with the club in your left hand (right for lefthanders) and let the club sit down into the fingers (as shown). Now, grip with the club in this position in your left hand and keeping the left hand grip as is, bring the club around in front of you and place your right hand onto the club using the left hand as the guide for the right. Let the left hand dominate the grip and the right hand should take care of itself Adam Scott includes this little drill in his pre-shot routine to make sure he grips it right every time. Bonus tip: How tightly should you grip the club: Keep your grip relaxed. You are literally only holding onto the club as tightly as you need to, so as not to let go of the club during the swing.

first place. If you are not sure what is right for you, please visit me and do a proper fit using Putt Lab and high speed cameras outside to get all these factors to match up. In regards to the starting posture, basically you assume your normal set up position (let’s assume that this is a slight knee flex and bending from the waist so your back is roughly at a 45 degree angle). Now we place the butt of the club in or slightly above your belly button (basically you try both and determine which one feels more comfortable and performs best),

then you take your normal putting grip and simply move your larger muscles to move the putter head and automatically your wrists are less involved and the weight of the belly putter will do most of the work, like a heavy wrecking ball in motion. If you would like to try a belly putter that is right for you —or you do not think your new belly putter is the correct length, weight or lie—simply call the Ridge Golf Course Pro Shop in Sydney on 02 9541 4960 and book a time with me at the Sydney Putting Studio and I will be happy to help you.

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.

Anne Rollo is an ALPG golf professional, European Tour tournament winner, Record holder and Author of ‘Passport to great golf ’ an on course companion to help you remember all these tips. Find her at www.fixmygolfswing.com.au or email anne@fixmygolfswing.com.au

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January 2012

54 instruction:practice ............................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

Relax and enjoy

IMG Leadbetter Golf Academy coming to Victoria

DarrenChapman ONE element of the golf swing that is essential to playing great golf shots is the movement of the body and arms at the same pace. One thing that i frequently notice when coaching or watching people practice is how much tension they carry in their arms at address and then through the swing. This tension makes it almost impossible to keep your arms and body moving at the same pace. there are a number of problems with having tension in your arms; your takeaway will be stiff and jerky, the club will feel hard and heavy at impact which will impact the quality of strike and your follow-through will be short and uncomfortable. in order to play a great golf shot, you want your arms to be relaxed enough to match the movements of your body when swinging the golf club – both on the backswing and the follow through. if you remove the tension from your arms, you will notice your takeaway will be much smoother, especially as your body begins to turn. This allows you to make a more natural movement. This will create more consistency and reliability in your golf swing. By maintaining this same level of pressure, without tensing, as you start your downswing and swing through the ball you will make a much sweeter ball strike. so how do you do it? start by taking your normal setup and then

Your arms should be relaxed (left), not full of tension (right) check your arm tension. You want to feel as The key to improving the tension in your though your arms are hanging relaxed from arms is having the awareness of when they your shoulders and posture. are tightening and working to relax them on From here, focus on your target and not the your next swing. golf ball. if you get wrapped up in the ball, During your next round or practice session your mind will switch to ‘hitting mode’, which take the time to think about how much tension will put the tension back in your arms. Once you have in your arms. try to keep them relaxed you are locked in on the target, start making and you will realise that you don’t have to be so some soft waggles whilst trying to maintain hard on yourself while swinging the club. the relaxed feeling in your arms. When you feel ready to make your swing, Darren Chapman is a AAA Member of the switch your focus to having a good finish Australian PGA, and teaches at The ridge position that faces your target. Golf Course and Driving range in Barden Make your swing and hold the finish ridge, NsW. position. take the time to assess how your www.theridgegolf.com.au or phone arms feel in this finish position and how they (02) 9541 4960 felt through the swing.

ViCtOriA’s rossdale Golf Club will host a series of clinics by iMG leadbetter Golf Academy coach shane reiser. Held from January 22nd-27th, reiser and club professional simon Angliss will conduct the clinics aimed at attracting avid juniors from all over Australia and south East Asia. Athletes will be taught to develop their games by addressing their technique, forming game plans, and combining all aspects of the “total Athlete” approach. This clinic will show the participants how to take their game to the next level, how to train and to put all they have learnt into their game. “We have some great coaches in this country, but it is always exciting to see how some of the most well recognised coaches and academies work their craft,” Angliss said. “The experience that coaches like shane have had working with some of the world’s best players will provide clinic participants with a valuable experience. The pupils will work on all aspects of the game including swing technique, short game and course management.” The iMG leadbetter Golf Academy is renowned for its successful three-tiered approach, and its reputation for pupils winning junior tournaments, gaining university/college scholarships and attaining tOur status. Adult clinics will also be available from 5.007.00pm. For more details on the Clinics and to secure your place, contact Colin & lyn Price on (03) 9588 0660, 0412 403 241, or email IMGacademies@live.com.au.

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January 2012 www.insidegolf.com.au..........................................................................................................................................................

instruction:practice 55

Top 10 mistakes you make when practising SteveBann In 1988 as a club professional and part time playing professional, I was leading the prestigious Australian Masters by two shots after sixty nine holes. The field for this event at the time included six of the world’s top ten players, headed by Norman, Langer and Faldo. Three pars would change my golfing future and give me the chance to fulfil my golfing dreams. So there I was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime whilst standing on the tee of the 70th hole at Huntingdale Golf Club in Melbourne. But little did I know at the time that my future career would change in the next 30 minutes, but not as I had anticipated. My game fell apart. I finished double bogey, double bogey and par. Seventh place was all I could manage. I was sitting in the locker room afterwards feeling sorry for myself when Jack Newton (2nd in 2 majors and TV commentator) came up to me and said that “There are not many people in the world with enough talent to get into a position to choke as badly as you just did. So I suggest you don’t waste the lesson and learn from it”. That comment in just about any country is called a backhanded compliment. I was determined to learn from my disastrous finish and create a new strategy that would better prepare me and my students to play their best golf under competition pressure. Pressure had changed the way I played, and sadly in my case for the worse. I realised that this was a general problem that most golfers face. Back in 1988 as a coach and a player, I was working with many promising players and wanted to solve the problem for all of my students, not just me. It was clear at the time that my current practice and teaching methods were not adequately preparing me or my students for the pressure of competition. I have since dedicated my coaching to developing better training and practice methods aimed specifically at conditioning golfers to play to their ability under competition pressure.

Practising properly — like K.J. Choi does under the watchful eye of Steve Bann — can help you perform better under pressure Competition pressure can be anything from a golfer trying to score in their first ever round of golf, to breaking 100, to having a chance like me to win the Australian Masters. Most golfers in the world would love to take their practice game on to the course, but for some reason this very rarely happens. As a result I have identified ten problems that my training methods now target to taking your practice game to the course and playing well under competition pressure. 1. No assessment: Most golfers have little idea of their true strengths and weaknesses. 2. Lack of a target: Most golfers only have a vague idea of their target, if any, when practising. 3. Favourite club and shots: Most golfers spend the bulk of their practice time with their favourite club, practising favourite shots. 4. Not exposing your weaknesses. Golfers avoid putting their ability on the line and putting their game to the test when practising. 5. Wrong shots: Most golfers practise the long game almost exclusively. They appreciate

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the value of the short game but don’t find it enjoyable to practise. Too technically orientated: Most golfers seem nearly always to be working on their technique and rarely practise playing the game. Wrong routines: The hitting routine used for practice is usually quite different to that used for playing. Lack of concentration: The mind set and attention used in practice is different to that needed for play. Emotion: Golfers put more emotion in to their bad shots than good shots when practising. Because it is easier to remember

the bad shots, the result is that a negative self-belief develops. 10. No strategy for golf improvement: Golfers are mostly in a reactive cycle, always trying not to repeat the last bad shot or swing. Instead, try identifying an area of your game that needs improvement, set a strategy to achieve that goal, and work at that process to a satisfactory result. My overall philosophy is one of a holistic approach, it includes the technical, physical, mental and strategic training factors that all contribute to our overall ability to play the game.

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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January 2012

56 instruction:practice ............................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

QUALITY vs QUANTITY

Building a team in 3D, on the course

BrentGerman tHE last thing you learn is the first thing that fails under pressure. if you had a lesson today and you changed your grip the day before competition and the new grip wasn’t working, you will most likely change back to your old grip as this feels more comfortable. As golf is a longterm project, this is not the answer. A better way to be prepared for the tournament is to have a lesson at least a month prior, and then practise with a 75% success rate of learning (i.e., do it 3 out of 4 times with the new grip ) before the competition. This will give you a chance to incorporate the new feelings into your game via cell and muscle memory; especially when under pressure to perform. A great analogy of this would be if you were looking to lose weight or to get fit, and you exercise/diet profusely on day 1. On day 2 you aren’t going to achieve any goals if you didn’t stick to changing your old habit and work on ingraining the new one via a long-term game plan. Perfect practice makes perfect. if you are hitting balls and just lashing away at them and not working on improving, what will happen is that you will ingrain a bad habit. The more you ingrain that bad habit, the harder it is to unlearn. let’s say, for example, you had

“Confidence is the most important single factor in this game, and no matter how great your natural talent, there is only one way to obtain and sustain it: work.”–Jack Nicklaus used the old grip for 1,000 shots. in order to unlearn the 1,000 we have to do it correctly 1,000 times and then what we add on top is the improvement part of the fundamental change. What i like to see is 3 practice swings with the new technique/feel, then when the ball is in the way we have to trust our feelings from the practice swings. Practice fairways are places for ingraining swing fundamentals or to fine-tune shot making. They can also be used to prepare for your competitions if you imagine that when you are practising that you are choosing each club as if you are playing your home course. What you could also do to prepare yourself mentally for the round the next day is do what the great sam snead did the day before competition. He played the course in his mind the night before he went to sleep. This is another way to prepare for tournament

play without hitting a shot. World leading golf mental game guru, Dr Bob rotella says “Never Hit a shot without a Purpose”. if you are getting to the end of your range balls and you feel like you have lost concentration, then leave the balls and go home or practise some short game, as full swings can take up a lot of energy. As a coach, my preference is that you would practise three moves/swings/feel shots, and then hit one ball. 50 balls is enough practice, as hitting fewer balls will ensure more focus during your session. Brent German is a AAA Accredited PGA Golf Professional, based at Albert Park Driving range in Melbourne. Call Brent on 0412 533 555 and let him empower you to excel your golf potential. More tips can be found at www.BrentGermanGolf.com

COrPOrAtE golf events and employee golf days have long been considered a great way to connect with employees, build teams and improve performance in a fun and interactive environment. Now, a new type of team-building program has been developed around golf, and touts bringing golf ‘from competition to cooperation’. Visibly different from a standard corporate golf day or ambrose event, the 3D Golf team leadership system offers accelerated learning and team building through a variety of team golf experiences. Whether via a 3-hour dynamic session at the range, a 6-hour on-course session, or a two-day program on the course, 3D Golf promises improved team performance by up to 73%. “the 3D team Golf Game is a great way to reinforce team building initiatives, lock in the learnings in a fun way and lower your business handicap,” says Brent German, teacher of the 3D team program, and an AAA Accredited PGA Golf Professional at Albert Park Driving range. The program starts with an overview of the 3D team leadership system, then teaches participants how to apply the system in golf. it gives an assessment of team learning stage & team needs, and helps participants identify different learning stages, behaviour styles and leadership styles. Participants can practise skills immediately when they get back at work. For more info, contact shane Mahar CEO / Founder of international training & Development: 0418 368 337, smahar@intd.com.au or via www.intd.com.au.

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January 2012 www.insidegolf.com.au..........................................................................................................................................................

instruction:Practice 57

Maximum improvement, minimal effort DarrenWeatherall

As a teaching professional it often astounds me that so many amateurs spend their hard earned money on equipment and range balls without ever significantly improving their game. Here are three stereotypes I see every day at the range... do any of them sound familiar to you? Good ol’ Rake n Belt This player turns up with the largest bucket of balls and intends to hit it in world record time, raking every ball over without a specific intended target or any clear goals as to what they are trying to achieve in the session. Noticeable traits of this practiser may be a stiff neck from never actually looking up to see where the ball goes, and shortness of breath due to the high cardio session they have managed to create. The blind leading the blind This is one of my favourites! Here we have the blind leading the blind on the range analysing each other’s swings (maybe they even got a hold of the latest analysis app.). Both players tirelessly figure out each other’s swings with a new thought every 3 seconds as to what could potentially be going wrong (neither player has hit a fairway since Greg Norman was playing Junior Pennants, yet ultimately feel qualified to give private instruction). 7000 thoughts in 1.5 Seconds This individual is the Over-Tryer. In all their greatest efforts they have read every magazine, got a lesson from every professional within cooee, and are trying to remember it all before they start their downswing. Look for this person buying a small bucket of balls and holding the space on a driving range for nearly 4 hours. The average amateur really has never been taught the importance of quality training. Unfortunately Ben Hogan’s line of ‘the secret is in the dirt’ is often interpreted as ‘if I just bash the heck out of the ground I’ll get better’. If you want a bad back and a couple of hours away from your husband or wife then this method works a treat, but if you actually want to see some rewards for your efforts then you need to start training with some quality.

• Take Your Time. Take a breath between each shot! Look around, listen to the birds, even try to spot the golfers who weren’t smart enough to read this article and collapsing into the pitfalls. Great Drills for Practise • Play The Range-Course. Pretend you are playing the course. It could be your home course. I always loved playing Augusta and seeing what I could shoot on the back 9. Visualise the holes and notice by the end of your practise session that you may nearly use every club in your bag. • Nine Flights: Great ball strikers can hit any shot on any occasion. Why? Because they practise this way. Give yourself Nine Balls with three different flights and trajectories, and take this test: FLIGHTS Medium Straight  Medium Draw  Medium Fade  High Straight  High Fade  High Draw  Low Straight  Low Fade  Low Draw  • Never hit the Same Chip Twice: When practising chipping, throw three golf balls and hit them from wherever they land. The brain should constantly be challenged when practising especially when we are chipping. Do this for 15 minutes and watch your touch and feel improve out of sight! Rules of Training like a Professional • Good Quality Practise = Fun. Nobody learns or wants to learn when it is a chore. Practise should not be a dirty word; it should be a challenge and an activity you look forward to. Mix it up, play some games, hit some fun shots and get creative! • Clarity and Direction. Seek ongoing expert advice from a PGA Member, then apply what you have learnt, enjoy the process of chipping

away, transforming your swing in to a more manageable and reliable movement. • Allocate your time. Ensure when you are practising you are working on all areas of the game. Not just the parts that make you feel best.

Golf is a Game. If you try to treat as anything else, it will punish you in the harshest possible way. No one ever improved their game by gritting their teeth and thinking ‘if I just get through these shots I’ll be a better player’.

Darren Weatherall is a former touring professional and head teaching professional at Queensland’s Parkwood International Golf Academy. PIGA specialise in private tuition, half day golf schools, junior and adult clinics and have just launched their latest monthly development programs making golf improvement very affordable. www.parkwoodgc.com.au

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Fitness 59

Have a ball

The swiss-ball also can be used as a bench for exercises such as a dumbbell chest fly, or when performing a bent-over dumbbell row. Placing the rear foot on the swiss-ball when doing a lunge squat takes away the possibility of propping on the rear foot and brings all the strength and control requirements to the front foot. As well as a seat and prop, the swiss ball can be used as a projectile. Throwing a swiss-ball requires torso rotation similar to a golf swing, a great way to dynamically activate and train the muscles needed for the golf action. These are just a few examples where a swiss-ball can be included in an exercise to add a next-level challenge and variety. if you are thinking of buying a swiss-ball for home, there are a couple of things to know. 1. Choose the right size swiss-ball. When sitting on the ball your hips should be around 5 cm higher than your knees. 2. Choose a good quality ball. i buy mine through my physiotherapist, that way i know i am getting a ball which will retain its shape and is made from quality, anti-burst materials.

RichardNizielski iF you have been in a gym or worked with a personal trainer, chances are you have seen or used a Fit-ball or swiss-ball as it is regularly referred too. i have seen some amazing almost circus-like activities performed using a swiss-ball(imagine the ball floating in a swimming pool and jumping onto it, landing stable). However, even if you’re not planning on running away to the circus, adding a swiss-ball to some exercises can bring both variety and increased functionality to your golf fitness. The addition of a swiss-ball into an exercise creates an unstable environment, one which requires more muscle activation, placing more demands on balance, proprioception and movement control. if you haven’t already, try sitting on a swissball, immediately it adds elements of balance and control not required from sitting on a seat or bench. raising one foot while sitting on the swissball increases the balance stakes further again, placing even greater demands for stabilisation and muscle activation. if it is your first time experiencing a swissball then sitting on it is a great way to become familiar with its feel and its instability. A few simple sitting exercises might include, a seated torso rotation, dumbbell shoulder press or a reverse dumbbell fly exercise. The next level is to raise one foot and perform the mentioned exercises.

One more important point i would like to mention: i don’t feel the use of a swiss-ball is the answer to everyone’s golf fitness requirements. it would be very easy to talk about the swiss-ball as the greatest addition to your training, so add it to all your exercises. However, it must be remembered that the swiss-ball is a training aid. Put simply if you are struggling to do a certain exercise with a flat, stable environment adding a round, unstable environment probably won’t enhance your training.

Bent over row

Lunge squats

Prone bridge arms and elbows

(left) Seated balance. (right pair) Shoulder press

Throw

Torso rotation

richard Nizielski is a Brisbane-based golf fitness expert and the Director of Golf Fit solutions. A threetime 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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January 2012

60 cLubs......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................www.insidegolf.com.au

The prettiest course on the coast

NEstlED between the towering escarpment and the mighty shoalhaven river, the picturesque Nowra Golf and recreation Club is well known to locals as being the ‘Prettiest course on the coast’. However, this idyllic setting for golf is only just becoming known to visitors as one of the most memorable courses in New south Wales. Just two hours south of sydney, the Par-68 layout (Par-71 for women) offers views that rival any course in the country. the shoalhaven river lines one side of the course and the escarpment bounds the other. With tees cut into the escarpment, the course provides unique experiences, with views high above the fairways looking over water and towering cliff faces.

Play and stay packages like the shoalhaven Golf Weekend deals provide a popular option. Package 1 offers one night’s accommodation including continental Breakfast (twin share), plus one round of golf for just $99.00 per person. Package 2 offers two nights’ accommodation including continental breakfast (twin share), two rounds of golf, and one three-course dinner at just $220.00 per person. There are also terrific midweek golf options available. Monday is the ‘social golf ’ day, where golfers can play as many holes as they wish for only $15. There’s also the midweek golf and cart rate of $30 per person (twin share) from Monday to Friday for 18 holes with a golf cart. For more information, phone: (02) 4421 2249.

Take the Penrith GC challenge HAVE you heard of the Death trap? What about Hooker’s Folly, Fire at risk or Duff and splash? They are just some of the names given to Penrith Golf Club’s 18-hole par-72 championship golf course. take Five attracted my attention. it’s the 423m challenge par-4 ninth and Penrith’s most famous, or should that be infamous, golf hole. With a stroke index of one, the ninth hole requires an accurate approach shot to a narrow green that slopes severely from back to front. The club professional’s tip suggests you have to leave your second shot under the hole to “ensure an easy par”. Perhaps the name says it all – take Five – and race to the 10th tee. There are some great holes at Penrith Golf Club. the club’s general manager, Brendon Kop, said the sydney golf course offered golfers “one of the best experiences in the west”. “The golf course stretches to 6333m and offers golfers a challenge like few others,” he said. “the tree-lined fairways funnel into bent grass greens, challenging your shot selection, bravado and skill.” Even if you are having an off day, you can get some relief by taking in the magnificent scenery of the Blue Mountains. When you arrive at the 15th, you’ll

The challenging first hole at Penrith Golf Club see why it’s called the Death trap. it’s a testing par-3 with a long narrow green. A deep bunker awaits short left of the green and steep slopes on the left and length of the green can cost you shots. Then it’s on to the Bermuda triangle – the 16th, 17th and 18th. On the par-5 18th, an accurate tee shot is required to avoid finding the pond on the left or pot bunker on the right. the green is protected by an extremely deep bunker (front) and another bunker left of the green. “The golf course tests your game and rewards you if you play straight and smart,” Brendon said. After the round, golfers can enjoy all

the trappings of a modern clubhouse with full bar and gaming features in air-conditioned comfort. On Wednesdays and sundays golfers can enjoy the open medley competitions and the $10 twilight golf after 3pm Monday to Friday (not including public holidays). Currently, full membership is avai lable and includes 10 complimentary competition rounds, a golf lesson and membership until May 2012. “There has never been a better time to experience all that Penrith Golf Club has to offer,” Brendon said. For further information, contact the golf club on (02) 4736 1633 or log on to www.penrithgolfclub.com.au

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Carnarvon’s open invitation CArNArVON Golf Club continues to impress members and newcomers alike. The club general manager, Owen Madden, said the golf course was in excellent condition. “The course has never looked or played better and remains one of the best par-72 courses in sydney,” he said. “Our greens supervisor, steve Jacobsen, has prepared and maintained the golf course and feedback from the many visitors to the club never fail to remark on how good it is.” The high quality of our golf course has enabled us to host some high profile and successful events.” Over the past 12 months, the club has hosted the Australian Junior Boys Amateur, the Australian Hickory Championship and a qualifying round for the Australian Open. Madden said the golf club was campaigning to increase junior membership through junior development programmes. “As part of our development funding strategy, we are attempting to enlist the help of other local clubs and business organisations. “recent meetings with a representative from the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation indicate that our programmes will seamlessly dovetail into the Jack Newton Junior Development programme currently aimed at local schools.” He said feedback and offers of assistance from club members was extremely encouraging. “some members are willing to give up their time for the development and expansion of the game and we are looking to kick it off in February 2012.”

Expanding corporate sponsorship of golf course facilities and major events is also high on the club’s agenda. Despite difficulties surrounding the global financial crisis, Carnarvon Golf Club has attracted community interest. “By persistence and continually ‘asking the question’ of both business partners and local business organisations, i have been able to enlist some very supportive sponsors to the club,” Mr Madden said. “Functions are the club’s lifeblood and we are fortunate to have a modern and well-appointed function facility, which caters for wedding groups of up to 240 guests.”

cLubs 61

42 club titles and counting

Of course, having attentive and friendly staff is a huge bonus. “i am very lucky to be supported by some very competent and supportive staff members that have the best interests of the club at heart,” he said. “in a nutshell; competent, supportive and knowledgeable staff is the essence of a successful service industry organisation. Carnarvon Golf Club is the perfect venue for business meetings. Corporation heads can invite clients to business meetings and play 18 holes with three friends for just $199. That includes two golf carts and a $15 clubhouse voucher. For more, contact the club (02) 9649 2438.

siNG it loud from the rooftops: Victorian golfer ian Balfour has just collected his 42nd club championship. On second thought, better whisper it. ian Balfour is a quiet achiever, who shuns the limelight. “i don’t think it’s a big deal,” he said. “it’s more enjoyable if you have a good score than winning titles. it’s just nice to keep your game in shape.” this year ian collected his 23rd club championship at Woorayl Golf Club at leongatha in south Gippsland, winning by a massive 21 shots. His other 19 club championship wins were at Korumburra Golf Club. “i was a member of two clubs (Woorayl and Korumburra) for a while so i was club champion at both clubs in the same year a few times,” ian said. The four handicapper first joined Woorayl Golf Club in 1966 and won his first club championship there in 1974. since then he has been winning club titles at regular intervals although he hasn’t always won by a country mile. “There have been a few playoffs – four or five,” the 56-year-old warehouse manager admitted. “i think i won three or four playoffs and lost one.” ian, who represented south Gippsland Country Week as a player and captain, won the south Gippsland Championships “a couple of times”. “i also won the Gippsland Champion of Champions title,” he said. ian’s wife Gail told Inside Golf she was proud of her husband’s achievements over a long period. “He is a quiet achiever, but i think he deserves recognition.”

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Shoot even par and count the cash

The quick nine quiz David Newbery

1. Name the two players that Australian left-hander Greg Chalmers beat in a playoff to win the Australian PGA Championship?

DavidNewbery

2. Name the first golfer in the 20th century to win three British Opens in a row? 3. Who competes for the Solheim Cup? 4. What offer did Jan Stephenson turn down after winning the LPGA in 1982? 5. Which American university did Tiger Woods attend? 6. Which annual event is associated with Sun City in South Africa? Clue: Robert Allenby won it in 2009. 7. Can you solve the anagram – Let boss see laver? and 21st in the US Open and received a cheque for €67,760. In the BMW PGA Championship he would have tied for 13th and earned €69,150. Some will argue that Old Man Par players won’t make it into the four WGC events, where the entire field earns a cheque, or the majors. Still, a player who fired level par in events excluding the World Golf Championship (WGC) tournaments, the majors and the rich end-ofseason Dubai World Championship would have made a tidy sum of money. A player shooting level par rounds in the 28 other events would have banked €379,435 ($A479,022). Okay, so you are never going to lift a trophy, but there’s plenty of money to go around.

Old Man Par would have picked up €50,250 for finishing in a tie for 11th at the French Open and €22,444 at the Wales Open. With all the other smaller cheques, that would have placed Old Man Par 83rd on the European Tour moneylist – well inside the top-115 who keep their cards for 2012. In fact, it is more than €120,000 ($A157,168) inside the figure required to keep a card. So, there’s the challenge – par every hole you ever play without recording an eagle, birdie, bogey or worse and you’ll be rolling in the cash. And if you do manage to qualify for one of the majors or one of the four WGC events it’ll be a bonus. Food for thought.

8. Which American golfer had his entry to the 2011 Australian PGA Championship withdrawn? 9. Who was the leading money winner on the 2011 US PGA Tour AND the European Tour? ANSWERS: (1). Robert Allenby and Marcus Fraser; (2). Peter Thomson (195455-56); (3). Women professionals from the US and Europe; (4). $150,000 to pose nude for Playboy; (5). Stanford University; (6). Nedbank Golf Challenge; (7). Seve Ballesteros; (8) John Daly; (9). Luke Donald.

THE scariest, most nerve-wracking experience a young golfer contemplating a career as a touring professional can face is qualifying school. Even hardened former major winners who end up having to return to Q-School find it gut wrenching. But for the average players who do make it, there are rich pickings – especially on the lucrative European Tour. In fact, you don’t even have to win a tournament or even threaten the leaders. Ever heard of Old Man Par? Well, shooting par rounds on the European Tour equates to Euros – plenty of them. Forget about shooting in the low- to mid-60s or even 20-under-par winning scores. That’s what’s required on the Nationwide Tour, but not on the European Tour. Shoot even par every day of your life and you won’t be able to wipe the smile off the face of your bank manager. Yes, par every round and you will earn a more than comfortable living. In 2011, I kept a European Tour diary and discovered that shooting level par equates to living the good life. Last year, a player who carded level par in all tournaments on the European Tour calendar would have earned more than €822,218 ($A1,077,036). He would not have won a tournament, but he would have made 36 of 48 cuts. He would have finished in a tie for fifth place in the Open Championship and banked €201,759

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The question mark MichaelGreen I arrived at the long par-3 that I’d played many times before. It was a fearsome tee shot that was all carry and was the very reason I had bought a hybrid golf club in the first place. It was too long to reach with an iron and too short to play a driver or 3-wood. I remember this moment clearly as it was the first time I’d pulled out my hybrid on the golf course. And I’ve had the same doubtful feeling every time I’ve pulled it out since. Although invisible to other golfers, my golf bag has a large question mark floating over it like some sort of Sesame Street sketch that teaches kids the importance of asking questions. It’s there all the time. Through deep rough, low hanging trees and tightly-mown fairways, the question mark remains firmly and squarely over my hybrid. Recently, I began to ask myself ‘why is it there?’ What is it about this golf club that brings so much doubt into my golf swing and should I really have a golf club in the bag that brings with it so much mystery? Like many other golfers I resisted the

urge to buy a hybrid club for some time. My resistance was based on a stubborn, self-righteous feel for the history of the game. “These clubs look ridiculous”, I’d tell myself and others. “They must only be for golfers who can’t hit irons. And if you can’t hit irons then you can’t be a very good golfer”. It’s the same stubborn, illogical school of thought that enters some golfers’ minds when it comes to putting from off the green, taking an iron off the tee or, heaven forbid, using a broomstick putter. They are often perceived as a legal but a ‘not very macho’ way of playing the game. But as we all know, nothing matters more than the score card. If you shoot your best ever score next weekend, I guarantee you nobody is going to ask; “But hang on, did you putt from off the green for that score?” (However, I cannot guarantee you won’t be asked whether or not you used a broomstick putter). We should all be doing everything possible (within the rules) to get the ball in the hole in as few shots as possible. This includes playing shots and using equipment that makes this whole

process easier. But the process is not easier when you have the nagging doubt in your mind before you play a golf shot. As a golfer you should have supreme faith in the equipment you take into battle each weekend. Do you think Napoleon had any doubts over his soldiers as he led them into battle? Do you really think Attila the Hun strode into Rome wondering if his elephant would keel over at any minute, or whether Custer has any doubts as he prepared for battle? No wait, scratch that last example. I’ve also learned that it’s not just me who carries question marks. Other golfers also have doubts over their soldiers and it’s not just the hybrids. For some golfers, it’s the sand wedge that is the weak link. I’ve seen some golfers wondering which side of the putter they should be using, and a couple of playing partners get the shakes at the mere thought of playing a chip shot.

It needn’t be like this you know. I don’t want this nasty question mark hanging over my golf any more and I have two choices: Either don’t take the doubt to the frontline, or teach it to work properly. In other words, practise. I guess I already know the answer to that question.

YOUR SAY:

Do you have any question marks over any clubs in you golf bag? Are there a couple of golf clubs you really aren’t confident in using? Tell us your story. Email us at ed@insidegolf.com.au. 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

Talk about a differential!

At the recent Club C Grade Championship finals at Strathfield Golf Club, a pair of finalists showed exactly why golf is a game for life. While there wasn’t anything particularly unique about each of the players on their own, when you put Chris Fan and Ron Caves together in the final pairing, you get quite a rare feat. You see, there is a remarkable 72-year age differential between the two finalists. At 11 years old, Chris (who was also a finalist in last year’s C Grade Championship) teed it up alongside 83-year old Ron, in what may be one of the biggest age differentials in any championship. The final was played over 36 holes, with young Chris winning at the 33rd hole, 4 and 3. It just goes to show you that the game of golf is truly unique among all sports. Congratulations to both players!

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And the award winners are … BrianEagle

WHAT happened to 2011? It came and went quicker than I could yell FORE. But let’s look back on the highs and lows of the year gone by and present the awards to the worthy winners. Best major: The US Masters is hard to top, especially when 10 players were in contention on the back nine on Sunday. The stats that matter: South African Charl Schwartzel. He birdied the final four holes to win the US Masters. Biggest tease: Adam Scott … will he ever win a major? The knock, knock award: Champions Tour player Peter Senior for knocking on the winner’s door all season. Biggest disappointment: Robert Allenby and Geoff Ogilvy for having a public “debate” at Coolum. The “no balls” award: John “Wild Thing” Daly. He unloaded all his golf balls on one hole at the Australian Open at The Lakes and took his “bats” and empty bag home. Best comeback award: Rory McIlroy for winning the US Open after self-destruction a month earlier at the US Masters. Saddest moment: Watching Rory McIlroy capitulate after taking a four-shot lead into the final round of the US Masters. Seeing him dropping his head after an errant tee shot was soul destroying. Most gracious award: Rory McIlroy, who joined Masters champion Charl Schwartzel

aboard a flight destined for Malaysia after his Masters meltdown. “I’m flying to Malaysia with Charl. I’m glad one of us has a green jacket on. You have to lose one before you win one,” he said. Try telling Greg Norman that. I see things award: Nick Faldo for his observation of Tiger Woods when he missed the eagle putt at 15 when in contention at the Masters. While most critics were watching Tiger’s shoulders, Faldo said he saw Tiger’s jaw tighten. What happened award: The Internationals … odds-on favourites to win the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne. No one told the Yanks, who “teamed” beautifully and putted like wizards on RM’s slick greens. The “certainty” award: Robert Allenby and Aaron Baddeley, who got Greg Norman’s nod

for inclusion in the International team for the Presidents Cup. Pick me, pick me: John Senden, Louis Oosthuizen and Vijay Singh were hoping Greg Norman would select them for the Presidents Cup, but the Shark’s mind was made up. Back in the saddle award: Nathan Green and Jarrod Lyle, who return to the US PGA Tour in 2012 after surviving the gruelling six rounds at Q-School. Energiser Bunny Award: Luke Donald. He just keeps going and going – to the bank. On the US Tour he collected $US6,683,214 and in Europe €5,323,400 although a few tournaments are co-sanctioned. Back to earth award: NSW’s zany dresser Kurt Barnes. He led Australia’s charge after round one

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of the Open Championship. He started the second round in sixth place before freefalling to 113th following a second round 81, which included a triple, two doubles and five bogeys. He missed the cut. Learning curve award: Aussie Bryden Macpherson, who won the British Amateur and got a start in the Open Championship. He bogeyed the 35th and 36th holes to miss the cut by a shot. That’s how it’s done award: Tom Watson, who scored his 15th career hole-in-one during the second round of the Open Championship. Playing alongside top British amateur Tom Lewis, the 61-year-old aced the sixth hole. Lewis, 20, hooked his tee shot 40 metres wide of the green and bogeyed the hole. Best interviews: Rookie professional Alison Whitaker and Peter Senior. Whitaker is a breath of fresh air and a barrel of laughs while Senior is open, honest and generous with his time. Best priority award: ALPG player Rebecca Flood. She switched her wedding date to play in a golf tournament. Dumb award I: Caddie Steve Williams for his comment “this is the greatest week of my life” after Adam Scott won a WGC tournament. Dumb award II: Steve Williams for called Tiger Woods a black arse…. I finally did it: It took 138 tournaments, but Bryce Molder finally broke through for his first win on the US PGA Tour when he won the Frys.com tournament after a six-hole playoff against Briny Baird who is 0-348.

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And the ‘Larrys’ go to ... LarryCanning YOu know, it still amazes me! What started out as a small column tucked way back on page 47 of January 2007’s edition of Inside Golf has generated so much media and public attention that it now appears...on page 65. (Editor’s note: we save the best for last, Larry. But in this case, your article will have to do.) i speak of course of the internationally acclaimed, annual awards for golfing…uh… stuff; “The larrys”. Without further ado, let’s hit off right into these most celebrated and anticipated tributes for 2011. For excellence in the field of hitting really, really bad shots, the nominees are: • Every one of robert Allenby’s partners’ shots at the Presdients Cup • Any one of those seven 3-woods John Daly hit on the 11th at The lakes. His excuse for going straight to the casino and attempting to win some cash to pay for his impending fine was that he ran out of srixons…he’s now run out of sponsors. • Kevin Na didn’t need any srixons to be my next nomination; in fact he didn’t need a golf ball at all. Na is the bloke who made one of the most celebrated air-swings in PGA history then went on the win the tournament. When interviewed later he said he does it all the time. Apparently when his downswing doesn’t feel right he re-routes the club head so it swings right over the ball. i tried this the last time i played at my home club of Kangaroo Valley recently and had to let three groups play through. The winner of the worst shot “larry” must go to: rory Mcilroy. The irish wiz McKid was in the middle of his Augusta demise when he snaphooked his drive on the 10th hole into one of

those famous log cabins only frequented by the rich and famous. After the owner—who looked very much like Donald trump—moved his BBQ out of the way, rory was able to hit his titliest, over the garden and draw it round the clothes line, back onto the course. i think it comes from having answered to the name of larry for over 50 years but i just can’t help having a shot at other people with funky names like… Fred Funk for example. so, nominations for the funkiest name are: • steve spray (didn’t notice steve mentioned in the straight driving stats) • ryan Yip (definitely won’t be seeing that name in the putting stats) • Wie Wie (i nearly wet myself when i saw this bloke’s name appear on the One Asia Order of Merit) The winner of the Fred Funkiest name is another American tour gem: Bunky Henry. Mum and Dad obviously wanted a dog instead of a son but didn’t understand it’s a different process to acquire one. You can imagine the day Bunky was born and the

doctor saying “Congratulations Mrs Henry it’s a boy” her reply would have been “That’s wonderful doctor … what breed is he?” The award for the golf pro i most want to be was extremely difficult, with just about anyone who wins more money than me a consideration. • Dustin Johnson is cool, hits it miles and goes out with Natalie Gulbis. Qualities which would normally take this award without too much trouble, but this year i’m looking a little deeper into the personality demeanour and technique. And at the top of his backswing, Dusty has a bowed left wrist. There’s nothing worse! • Adam scott is rich, handsome and goes out with Anna ivanovic. Once again, not much wrong with these assets but i’m still not convinced Anna’s second serve is grand slam standard. • Fred Couples is more my age, walks like he doesn’t have any bones in his entire body and his caddy looks like Elle McPherson. But tragically, his head of rich thick hair shows signs of grey! The winner of “The larry” in this category is tiger Woods. since tige’ has had his life rebalanced, and successfully removed Elin’s 9-iron from his forehead, the former world number one is back on track to win those next 5 majors. Also, my wife loves his arse and that is something i have been trying to get her to do for around 30 years. My final award is for the greatest editor in golf publication history. No nominations for this puppy. For his unique ability to uncover and nurture enormous talent, inside Golf ’s own richard Fellner wins hands down. richard also has the good sense to realise this type of brilliance sometimes takes a little longer to create. sometimes a week longer. Congratulations, richard, and i promise to be on time… well, one day anyway. (Editor’s note: now where did I put that shovel?)

What’s the tip for 2012? By the Inside Golf Staff HErE we go again, another year of memorable and – all too frequently – forgettable shots around the golfing world. Another year hoping for major success from our Australian army playing golf tours all around the world. And another year of unfulfi lled expectations for so many. The team at Inside Golf has put together some bold predictions for 2012. if even one of them comes off, well, it has been worth the trouble. And if none of them do – well, life, and golf, will press on regardless.

The Front nine: 1. An Aussie … someone … anyone … will win a major. And it won’t be who you think. 2. Veteran Peter senior will definitely win a major on the Champions tour. 3. senior will finally convince his caddie, son Mitchell, that female fans have come to watch the players and not him or his brilliant bunker raking skills. 4. John senden will win his second event on

5. 6.

7. 8.

the us PGA tour and declare he’s scaling back on the number of tournaments he’ll play. ian Baker-Finch will leave the commentary box, albeit briefly, and win his first tournament on the Champions tour. internationals Presidents Cup men Geoff Ogilvy and robert Allenby will team up for Australia at the World Cup of Golf … and win it. Vijay singh will throw his hat in the ring to take over as internationals team captain for the 2013 Presidents Cup. seven-time Australian Open winner Gary Player will fulfil a life-long dream and build his first golf course in Australia. Why not? He’s built one in every other golf playing nation. us Masters champion Charl schwartzel will demand Augusta National serve boerewors (south African sasauge) as the main course at the players’ dinner.

The Back nine 10. spaniard sergio Garcia will win four

tournaments, including a major, and become world number one. 11. someone will finally do something about making the golf ball travel shorter distances for the professionals. 12. Open champion Darren Clarke will miss the cut at this year’s Open Championship and buy shares in Guinness … one pint at a time. 13. ricky Fowler will win three times and then turn up at your house on Halloween night. 14. American Matt Kuchar will do what he did last year … bank $4.3m without winning a tournament. 15. England’s lee Westwood, arguably the best ball-striker in the game, will shoot a 59 in a tournament on the us PGA tour. 16. A television viewer will call a television network to report a player, probably tiger Woods, for a rules infringement. 17. Commentator Brett Ogle will put a block of flats on all two-metre putts. 18. John Daly will put on weight and get back in the winners’ circle … on the Nationwide tour.

Talk about a Drop Zone...

GOlFErs at Perth’s The links Kennedy Bay received quite a shock last month when an aerobatic fixed wing aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on the course’s driving range. the sportavia/Fournier rF-4D power-glider lost power while doing practice manoeuvres 3000ft above the course, causing the pilot (reported only as “Bob”) to begin searching for a suitable place to put the craft down. “the driving range was his best option as he said there were too many bunkers and dog-legs on the course,” explains Peter Whittle, general manager of The links Kennedy Bay. Before landing, the pilot did a flyby of the range, and shouted “fore!” at golfers from his open cockpit before managing a safe ‘forced landing’. Once on the ground, the pilot had to weave through the range’s various distance markers before stopping about 50m short of the bush at end of range. No one, including the pilot, was injured “it’s hard enough to keep a ball on our fairways, so he has done well to keep his plane on the course!” laughs Whittle. (We’ve played the course, and can certainly attest to that!)

Take the Brookwater challenge BrOOKWAtEr Golf Club in Brisbane has issued a challenge to golfers to “play one of Queensland’s most challenging layouts”. in conjunction with titleist, the Brookwater Championship Marker Challenge will be played just four times in 2012. The first event is on Wednesday, February 22; followed by Wednesday, June 27; Wednesday, October 31 and Wednesday, December 12. the men will play from the Black Championship markers while the women will tee off from the Jade Championship markers. The cost is $90 (public) and $20 (members) and includes green fee, shared electric cart, range ball, cart and sausage sizzle. There are plenty of prizes up for grabs for winners and runners-up and every player who breaks their handicap will receive a box of titleist Pro v1 golf balls. For information, telephone (07) 3814 5500, or visit their website at www.brookwater.com.au

January 2012

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January 2012

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

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

Day

Date

Time

Location

Day

Date

Time

Illawarra Golf Driving Range

Tuesday

January 10

10am - 2pm

Sandringham Golf Range

Wednesday

January 18

5 - 7pm

Long Island Country Club*

Thursday

January 19

Castle Hill Country Club

Wednesday

January 11

10am - 2pm

9am - 1pm

Sorrento Golf Club*

Friday

January 20

The Ridge Driving Range

Wednesday

1 - 5pm

January 11

4 - 7pm

National Golf Club*

Saturday

January 21

10am - 2pm

Narrabeen Driving range Gosford Driving Range

Thursday

January 12

4 - 7pm

Warragul Country Club*

Tuesday

January 24

12 - 4pm

Friday

January 13

11am - 3pm

Eastwood Golf Club*

Wednesday

January 25

Terrey Hills Country Club*

10am - 2pm

Saturday

January 14

9am - 1pm

Western Australia 12 - 4pm

New South Wales

Canberra Int Driving Range

Tuesday

January 17

3 - 7pm

Maylands Golf Course

Wedensday

January 11

Royal Canberra Driving Range*

Wednesday

January 18

9am - 3pm

Burswood Golf Course

Saturday

January 14

10am - 2pm

Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club*

Friday

January 20

9am - 1pm

Geraldton Golf Course

Tuesday

January 17

10am - 2pm

Federal Golf Club

Saturday

January 21

10am - 2pm

Mt Lawley Golf Course

Wedensday

January 25

10am - 2pm

Randwick Golf Club*

Monday

January 23

1 - 5pm

Kalgoorlie Golf Course*

Saturday

January 28

9am - 5pm

Olympic Park Driving Range

Tuesday

January 24

4 - 7pm

Elanora Country Club*

Wednesday

January 25

10am - 3pm

Cumberland Country Club*

Friday

January 27

2 - 6pm

Mollymook Golf Club*

Monday

January 30

11am - 3pm

Eden Gardens Golf club*

Tuesday

January 31

10am - 3pm

Parkwood international GC

Thursday

January 12

4 - 7pm

Victoria Park Golf Complex

Tuesday

January 17

4.30 - 7.30pm

Byron bay GC

Saturday

January 21

10am - 1pm

Palm Meadows Driving Range

Friday

January 27

1 - 5pm

Spring Valley Golf Club*

Wednesday

January 11

9am - 3pm

Melbourne Golf Academy

Wednesday

January 11

4 - 7pm

Sandhurst Club*

Thursday

January 12

10am - 2pm

Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range

Thursday

January 12

4 - 7pm

Queensland

CALLAWAY RAZR X POWER HOURS Location

Lonsdale Golf Club*

Friday

January 13

10am - 1pm

Saturday

January 14

10am - 2pm

HOG Ringwood*

Tuesday

January 17

1 - 5pm

Metropolitan Golf Club*

Wednesday

January 18

10am - 2pm

Date

Time

For Callaway Dates in January please visit: www.callawaygolf.com/Global/en-AU/ CustomFitting/DemoDays.html

Victoria

Barwon Heads Golf Club*

Day

www.callawaygolf.com

* 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.

Yes... this is for you!

Pacifica ‘Friendship’ Cup MELBOURNE & MORNINGTON PENINSULA APRIL 15th – 22nd 2012

The Th week includes five of Victoria’s best courses, high class accommodations, breakfasts, Th golf lunches, three dinner functions and much more.

Contact John Lister for further information, brochure and prices.

Australia New Zealand Golf www.anzgolf.co.nz

Australia Phone: 1 800 140 286 • NZ Phone: 0800 694 653 • Email: info@anzgolf.co.nz

AUSTRALIA’S NUMBER ONE GOLF DESTINATION

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.

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 www.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 www.eagleridge.com.au

03 5984 3521 www.portseagolf.com.au

RACV CAPE SCHANCK RESORT A magnicent 18 hole championship golf course with spectacular views and practice facilities. Offering full resort features, including accommodation with ocean views, restaurant, lounge, and fully stocked golf shop. Resident golf professional available for golf lessons. Accommodation packages also available. 03 5950 8000 www.racv.com.au/resorts

ANNUAL 54 HOLE TOURNAMENT 1 - 3 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 • Full elds expected, so book early to avoid disappointment. Download the entry form at golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au

More information at visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/golf

A u t o m o t i v e

a n d

G o l f

TO RY

G P S

Why waste money o on a Golf olf GPS that will not g guide you ou to the 19th hole? Expresso’s AG50s features automotive satellite navigation, a fully functional golf GPS range finder, and a portable media player. Navigate your way to the course of your choice and improve your golf game all in one device. The AG50s comes preloaded with over 34,000 courses in Australia, NewZealand, England, I reland, S cotland, Wales, Sweden, Canada, and the United States (including Hawaii, Alask a, and Puer to R ico). The A G 5 0 s i s a l s o p r e l o a d e d w i t h automotive navigation software for Australia and New Zealand, with other countries available.

www.on-pin.com.au • Instant front, center, and back of the green measurements • Pre-mapped distances to hazards and custom points

• Portable Multimedia player

• Text to Speech: Speaks street names clearly

• MobileHD 3.75” wide format touch screen

• Speed Camera warnings

• 3X Tech rechargable battery

• Multiple Destination Route planning

• Score keeping and statistic capabilities

• Built-in dual hi-ﬁdelity stereo speakers

• Shot distance measurements

• Dual processors

• Premium option provides access to gorgeous full color course displays with multi-zoom capabilities • Instant course recognition

• Durable rubberized coating made from recycled tires

• Automatic hole advancement

• Water resistant

• Long battery life provides up to 8 hours of golf

• Supports up to 32GB SD card for media storage • Swiss made 50-channel GPS receiver

• Direct Access POI’s (Points of Interest) • Automatic Day/Night mode • Simple, intuitive User Interface, including stunning 2D and 3D maps • Favorites feature allows you to set any address to one click away • Dash mount function provides easy view of the screen and eliminates windshield obstructions

Available in Pro Shops and Major Golfing Retailers or online at: www.on-pin.com.au

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