Inside Golf - May 2014 by Inside Golf

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Issue 106 May 2014

TECHNOLOGY YouTube teaching guru visits Australia

BUSINESS

Why clubs are ‘disliking’ Facebook

INSTRUCTION

David Merriman’s tips for senior golfers

Shark-itecture Greg Norman on building a golf course from the ground up MENTAL GAME

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Kodak or Fuji? Richard Fellner Group Editor richard@insidegolf.com.au @insidegolf

he typewriter. Foldable maps. The Yellow Pages. Film. Inkwells. Cassettes. Rotary telephones. Phonebooths. Fax machines. Cathode Ray Tubes. Pagers. Dot Matrix printers. Vinyl records... Many of our readers will instantly recognise the items listed above. You may have even used them. At one point, each of these household items represented the cutting edge of technology or innovation. Many people assumed they would last forever. Businesses bet huge sums of money on these “gravy train” technologies. And the bigwigs in charge stubbornly refuted any claims of ‘upcoming obsolescence’ as utter hogwash. Then, one by one, these items began to disappear, slowly displaced by computers, the Internet, digital imaging, iPhones and the like.

And the companies that failed to capitalise on changing landscapes quietly faded into oblivion.

and shrinking disposable household income represent the “Apple iPod” to our “Sony Walkman”.

One of the more famous “adapt or die” business stories is about Eastman Kodak and Fuji Photo Film. Both of these companies saw the threat of the digital age on the horizon. Kodak chose to focus primarily on their existing business model. Fuji, on the other hand, found new outlets for their products, reinvented a new business model, and invested significantly in digital photography.

The vast majority of young/beginner golfers (i.e. the future of our industry) are living in a world that is, by all rights, a completely different prospect than, say 20 years ago (and many of them, by the way, will have never even seen a typewriter, roll of film or cassette tape.)

In 2012, Kodak filed for bankruptcy. Fujifilm, on the other hand is thriving. Fast-forward to today, and a few other modern things are teetering on the brink of obsolescence. Home phone lines, answering machines, broadcast television, Video rental stores, alarm clocks, wristwatches and the like are all facing a bleak future.

The golf clubs, boards, committees and organisations that embrace the Fuji mentality (offer innovative membership options, welcome social golfers, embrace juniors, etc) will continue to thrive, while ‘Kodak clubs’ (who bury their heads in the bunker, eschew juniors, etc) will continue to struggle or shut down. It’s time for us all to change our mentality. If you don’t believe me, look it up in an encyclopae...uh, wait... on the internet.

And let’s not forget golf.

See you on the fairways.

Golf as a sport is currently in the same place as the Film Industry once was. Competition from other sports (like cycling), less leisure time for 5-hour rounds (i.e. slow play, tough courses),

Richard Fellner–Group Editor

IN THIS ISSUE:

U S T R A L I A

’

O L F

E W S

E A D E R

www.insidegolf.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing Pty Ltd ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Editor: Richard Fellner P: 0407 000 440 richard@insidegolf.com.au Senior Writer: David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au Design & Layout: Stacey Fortescue, Rhys Martin, Rob Kirk Contributors: Larry Canning, Mike Orloff, Denis Dale, Peter Croker, Michael Green, Karen Lunn, Stephen Pitt, Tiffany Mika, Mat Howe, Brian Thorburn, Henry Peters, David Merriman, Richard Nizielski, Lee Harrington National Sales: 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: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au NSW/ACT Sales: Robbie O’Donnell M: 0439 144 256 | E: robbie@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 | E: jon@insidegolf.com.au Advertising Sales: Lisa Coleman E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au | M:0406 031 344 National Agency Sales (non golf) Marc Wilson | M: 0419 107 143 New Zealand Sales: Daniel Sim M: 0439 856 752 | E: daniel@insidegolf.com.au Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Cover Photo: Greg Norman at the recently completed 17th hole of the new Eastern Golf Club, currently under construction in theYarra Valley. (Photo by Richard Fellner) It’s official: 43,575 Inside Golf Magazines distributed each month for the period: October 2013 - March 2014

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News The latest golf buzz INDUSTRY The inner-workings of golf GENERAL MANAGERS News from the GMA BUSINESS Growing the game

COVER STORY Greg Norman on designing golf courses from the ground up.

26 32 34 36 43 48 52 60 62 64 66 70 71 72

WOMEN News and Interviews ON TOUR PGA of Australia News AMATEURS ACGC news NEW GEAR The latest and greatest gear PEOPLE Inspirational individuals JUNIOR NEWS Tomorrow’s stars today INSTRUCTION Top tips to play better SENIOR AMATEURS Results and events STATE GOLF Golf NSW and Golf Qld CALENDAR Results, news and tournaments LIT

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Pink Bag Club supports cancer

HROUGH its Pink Bag Club, Carbrook Golf Club in Brisbane’s east recently raised $5100 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and took its total over the past four years to $21,000. “The club within a club, which is managed by the golf club’s president Peter Anemaat, has grown so much over the past few years that the leaderboard that has each member’s name listed has had to be redone three times in three years to cater for the increases,” said general manager Scott Wagstaff. “The total number of members is now approaching 100.” Wagstaff, Golf Management Australia (Qld) manager of the year, said the Pink Bag Club raised funds from weekly events and culminated with an annual golf day. “The weekly events see the member with the lowest score for the day crowned the Pink Bag winner, which forces them to pay a fine and use a pink golf bag for their next round,” he said. “They must also carry a pink purse while at the club otherwise they face further penalties. “It has become so popular that the winner is now listed with the club’s competition results in the local newspaper so that the members can keep track of the winner.” The club’s slogan, “give your prostate the finger”, not only raises important funds for the foundation but also brings awareness to its members about the reality of the disease. Carbrook Golf Club will continue fundraising and has hopes to raise a record amount this year.

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

CHEQUE IT OUT: Carbrook Golf Club Peter Anemaat (left) and general manager Scott Wagstaff (right) with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s Graeme Higgs (second left) and major sponsor Geoff Rees (ALCO Batteries).

Rachel to dance RACHEL Hetherington will put her best foot, or feet, forward when she takes part in a Tweed Shire Celebrity Dance for Cancer in support of the Cancer Council. Eleven other “celebrities” will join the former LPGA Tour star at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre on Saturday, June 21. A line-up of dance instructors will support each celebrity dancer and each contestant has pledged to raise a minimum of $3000. The instructor and celebrity dancer will decide the style of dance they will perform on the night. “I’m a very average dancer,” Rachel said. “The only dance lessons I’ve had was before I was married to Greg (Ritchie) and I haven’t danced since.” According to organisers, there will be a variety of award categories on the night. The “People’s Choice” award will be judged by the audience and the judging categories to be decided by a panel of expert judges. The judging categories will look at most technical, best slip-up recovery and most cheesy smile. Prizes will be awarded to the celebrity dancer and dance teacher in both categories. Organisers will hold an auction and raffle on the night with prizes including a trip to Hamilton Island, two nights and a meal at Peppers, Roadshow passes, a massage and a mid-week stay at Apartments Inn at Byron Bay. The Tweed Shire Celebrity Dance for Cancer is set to be a night of laughs and entertainment. Rachel said she was in the process of organising a golf-a-thon to help raise funds. If you would like to contribute to Rachel’s efforts to raise $3000-plus for a very good cause, contact the Rachel Hetherington Golf Range on (07) 5590-7686 or go to the website www.rhgolfrange.com.au Alternatively, go to www.nsw. cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/PersonalPage. aspx?registrationID=759063&langPref=en-CA

news

Wine Down to win a car O

h what a feeling! Imagine having a hole in one and driving off with a brand-new Toyota Corolla.

OWN THE

John Madill Toyota and Noosa Springs are giving golfers the opportunity to win a brand-new car if they get a holein-one on the eighth hole during the relaunched Wednesday Wine Down Series. Executive general manager Mark Brady said he was thrilled Madills has come on board as a series sponsor to give golfers the chance to win a new Toyota Corolla. “It really is an exciting opportunity. We’re confident the Wednesday Wine Down will spark great interest from local golfers wishing to test their luck. We believe Noosa Springs is the only golf club on the Coast offering a car as a major prize,” Mark says. Golf services manager Warren Ellis said the eighth hole had a stroke index of 13 and was by no means the most difficult hole on the championship golf course, so really anyone could drive away with the car. “Miss the green to the left and you could be in water, miss it to the right

and there are bunkers waiting for you – it really comes down to chance on the day,” Warren says. And if you don’t bag the big prize be consoled, there are still plenty of bottles of wine to be won on each hole thanks to sponsor Red and White Wines and Southern Cross 10. Noosa Springs has changed the popular Wine Down Series from a Friday to a Wednesday this year to give golfers who usually work weekends the opportunity to play mid-week. The team stableford skins competition teed off April 30 and

continues June 18, September 10 and December 10. John Madill Toyota is sponsoring the first three rounds of the 2014 series – that’s three times the opportunity to win a car. It’s a fun way for social golfers and local businesses to network on and off the golf course or simply to reward clients. Shotgun start 12pm. Cost $79 per player including lunch and post game nibbles. Register your team of four today by phoning the golf shop (07) 5440 3333.

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Mills wins Vic Blind Golf Open Rod Mills from New South Wales won the 2014 Victorian Blind Golf Open Championship which was played at Rosebud Country Club in March. Rod who is a B3 player on a handicap of 28, with his caddie from RCCGC Geoff Mowthorpe, put together two very solid rounds of 38 and 40 points in the two-day stableford event. Rod’s putting was one of his main strengths throughout the entire event. Although the number of entries was down on previous years, the eighteen participants enjoyed the magnificent course and facilities of the Rosebud Country Club. Runner-up was David Blyth (B1 – handicap 52) who was sitting 7th after

the first round came home with 40 points on the second day to finish outright second. Since the event David has had his left knee replaced; after having his right knee replaced in 2010. He is hoping to be up and about and able to compete in the 2014 Australian Blind Golf Open Championships and the International Blind Golf World Championships to be held at Nelson Bay GC, Port Stephens in New South Wales from 12-16 May. Blind golf has 3 sight categories; B1, B2 and B3 depending on how much sight a player has. B1 players are totally blind. Anyone wishing to learn more about either playing blind golf or caddying

2014 Vic Open Champion Rod Mills (left) with caddie Geoff Mowthorpe for a blind golfer may contact Gary McInnes on 0417 055 731. They may also go to the Blind Golf Australia website www.blindgolf.com.au or see www.internationalblindgolf.com

Goss impresses at Augusta While Bubba Watson took top honours at Augusta National last month, claiming his second Green Jacket, Western Australian and Golf Australia National Squad member Oliver Goss completed a recordsetting week of his own, claiming the Silver Cup as the low amateur.

tournament and do well, and then you get on the national stage or International. This is the pinnacle of golf, so I can’t see how this couldn’t change your game. I’m looking to learn a lot after this week,” Goss said.

Goss is the first Australian to win the amateur honours at The Masters.

“Oliver had a terrific week at The Masters and we couldn’t be prouder, on behalf of all Australians golf fans, of what he has achieved,” Pitt said.

The Royal Fremantle Golf Club member celebrated his 20th birthday during Saturday’s third round at Augusta National Golf Club and finished in 49th place. “You know, there’s certain points in your career, certain tournaments that do change your game, and I think this is one of them. And you dream you might get into a state

Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said Goss had put in a superb week.

“He has taken huge steps forward in his career and has handled the pressure of competing on the world stage really well. He is a tremendous ambassador for Australian golf and represented his country with pride throughout the tournament,” Pitt said.

“We congratulate Oliver and his wider team, including coach Ritchie Smith, on all their work to achieve this fantastic result.” Goss, a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, will also play in the U.S Open at Pinehurst from 12-15 June. “I was at Pinehurst a month ago, and it was brutal. It’s going to be so hard. I just want to prepare no different than I have here. Prepare the same way. Practice just as hard and work on things. And we’ll see how it goes. It would be nice to make the cut, but I don’t want to put too much pressure on my shoulders. I’m really proud of the way I played this week, but I’m looking to play the same way at the U.S. Open,” Goss said.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

news

YouTube teaching guru visits Australia

The world’s top golfers contesting the Perth International in October will again be treated to one of the Australia’s best golf courses following confirmation that Lake Karrinyup Country Club will again host the event this year.

Michael Green

ed@insidegolf.com.au @AussieGolfer

orld-renowned golf instructor Shawn Clement recently visited Australia for the first time and presented his unique perspective of the golf swing to his students from across Australia at Bonnie Doon Golf Club. Clement is no ordinary golf instructor. The 46-year-old Canadian has been involved with golf for over 36 years; 26 of those have been instructing golfers on the golf swing and he has most recently been reaching out to golfers across the world online with a more natural approach to teaching the golf swing. Rather than pinpoint positions where the hands and arms should be relative to the body, Clement’s anatomy background allow him to describe and instruct with a focus on the target in much the same way you would if you were throwing a ball. “These [hands] interchange with hammers, axes, grass whips, golf clubs, cricket bats, etc. So understanding how the tool works and then understanding how your body is designed in relation to what you want to do,” Clement told Inside Golf. The success of his golf instruction style is evident in the popularity of his website and YouTube videos, which currently have over 38,000 subscribers across the world. “Instead of giving my students a take-home page, I’d put a video together and say ‘when you go home and you want to remember

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Lake Karrinyup retains Perth Intl.

The tournament, which will be played from 23 to 26 October, has received wide praise from both Australian and international golfers for the quality of the course over the two years it has been held.

Shawn Clement with golfers at Bonnie Doon Golf Club what the lesson was, go to these video titles and this will help you out,” Clement said. “And then I get some feedback from Australia, New Zealand, UK, and the United States and I think whoa, this is a game changer!” Clement is equally adept at golf as both a right and left-handed golfer, playing off scratch and shooting scores in the 60’s off both sides of his body, but his golf instruction videos aren’t specific to any level of golfer and apply across the full range of skill levels. “Whether you’re nine years old, or you’re ninety-nine years old, because we understand anatomy we would never teach anything that went against how your human body works.” Clement said. The combination of experience and online interaction gives Clement an interesting position to comment on the progression of the golf swing with respect to more recent

advances in technology. “It’s made the game more fun. The ball is going so much farther. It’s made it accessible to women, to juniors and to everybody else.” “But a lot of the technology that has come out has over-complicated the game as well. Golf can be over taught in many ways,” he adds. Clement’s lessons at Bonnie Doon were a huge success with the golf swing guru aiming to come back to Australia in the near future. In the meantime, you can learn for yourself from Clement via his YouTube page where he posts regular instructional videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/clemshaw.

Watch our full interview with Shawn Clement at: http://youtu.be/2iyCK_ncegY

Lake Karrinyup Country Club President Chris Carey said the team at the Club was proud and extremely excited to be the host venue. “Lake Karrinyup general committee, members and staff will embrace the Perth International in 2014 and look forward to working closely with IMG, the Tours, the Western Australian Government and event corporate partners to ensure this is the best Perth International yet.” David Rollo, Vice President, Director of Golf, IMG Australia said they were delighted to have the opportunity to return to Lake Karrinyup Country Club. “The venue has met with universal praise from the players over the past two years and no doubt Course Superintendent Trevor Strachan and his team will again present a wonderful course and a great test of golf.” The Perth International is Australia’s richest tour event with a prize purse of US$2,000,000 and will again be the only Australian tournament to be cosanctioned by the European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia.

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news

All smiles at Junior Amateur Championships

Vic Junior boys win interstate series The Victorian Junior Boys State team capped off a dominant performance at the Interstate Series with a victory over New South Wales at Heritage Golf and Country Club. It marks the first time the Victorian Boys have won since 2008 and 10th victory overall since the championship began in 1958.

The 15 year-old’s exemption into the Emirates Australian Open in November will be his second consecutive appearance.

ictorian Ryan Ruffels capped a stellar performance with a 72nd hole birdie to win the Australian Boys’ Amateur Championship by three strokes on the St.John Course at The Heritage Golf and Country Club.

“I had so much fun playing at the Aussie Open last year, got to play with some really cool guys and obviously having a good tournament as well. It’s good to have secured that spot,” Ruffels said.

Ruffels fired rounds of 70-69-68-70 to finish at 11-under par on a rain-soaked course, three clear of New South Welshman Blake Windred who closed with a 4-under par 68. Victorian Brett Coletta finished third, three strokes further back.

For the girls, Victorian junior Konomi Matsumoto held on to win the Australian Girls’ Amateur Championship in steady rain by one stroke at Yering Meadows Golf Club in Victoria’s Yarra Valley.

“Blake and Brett are both really good players and better than that, they’re really good guys. We had a lot of fun out there,” Ruffels said.

Ryan Ruffels

In an incredible team performance, the Victorians won 32 of a possible 35 individual matches over the four days with Zach Murray and Blake Collyer remaining undefeated for the champions.

Matsumoto, a member of Victoria Golf Club, finished with rounds of 71-76-76-77 (+8) to defeat Queenslander and Australian Amateur runner up Karis Davidson by one.

“For the first two rounds, I just kept the ball in front of me. The fairways are nice and wide so you’ve just got to be able to hit the fairways and with the greens this soft, you’re able to get aggressive with the second shot. I was able to hit it close enough to take a bit of stress off the putting and ended up playing pretty stress-free golf for most the four rounds which was great.”

The 14 year-old, who was born in Japan, was thrilled with the win.

High Performance Manager at Golf Victoria and Head Manager of the Victorians, John Anderson spoke about the team’s performance.

“It’s great - I was really nervous in the morning (third) round and again this afternoon,” Matsumoto said. “I’ve been practising so hard for this - I was hoping for at least a top 3 finish and after my first round, it gave me a lot of confidence.”

Ruffels continued on his recent good form which included victory at the recent Riversdale Cup in Melbourne.

Matsumoto competed at this year’s ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open at Victoria Golf Club via an invitation and, through this win, gains an exemption into the 2015 championship.

“I think there were four or five guys that came in this week as pretty strong favourites and there are a lot guys in state squads that are really good. To be able to beat those guys this week - I knew I had the ability to win it - but it’s just about doing it and I’m very relieved,” Ruffels added.

“It means so much. I only found out yesterday that there was exemption. I learnt so much in February - mainly you have to keep playing

It is also the first time since 1991 that Victoria has won the team title and individual title with Ryan Ruffels taking home the individual Australian Junior Amateur title, a feat that had not been accomplished by any Victorian Junior since Stuart Appleby in ‘91.

Konomi Matsumoto your game. You can have one bad hole but you can’t give up,” Matsumoto added. Queensland’s Rebecca Kay finished in third place at 11-over par.

“The boys did really well. They were led from the front with Zach Murray. They kept the momentum going from start to finish with only dropping two matches against WA and one this morning against NSW. To win the double is a tremendous effort and add to that we only lost three matches, it really was a superb performance all around from the boys, coach David Capaldo and support staff,” said Anderson.

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Burleigh GC is life for Joan F

OR the past 60 years, Joan Rackley has been pounding the fairways at Burleigh Golf Club on the Gold Coast.

Joan, who is 88 years young, joined the club on March 12, 1954.

Castle Hill Country Club was awarded a prestigious accolade at the recent NSW/ ACT PGA annual awards.

She is the longest serving member of the club, which honoured her with life membership.

Recognised as one of Sydney’s leading private golf clubs and among the top 100 golf courses in Australia, Castle Hill Country Club was awarded the 2013 NSW/ACT PGA City Pro-Am of the Year for its annual IC Frith and Associates Insurance Brokers Castle Hill Pro-Am two day golf tournament.

Joan and her late husband Graham, along with a small group of dedicated golfers, were instrumental in building the golf club. She was a member of the first ladies committee formed in June 1955 and three months later the club played its first competition. Since that day in September 1955, Joan has been an active player and member. She served as the club’s ladies captain from 1967’69 and as president from 1970-’72. As a player, Joan captured the club’s C grade championship numerous times. She continues to play golf twice a week off a 34 handicap. “This is a remarkable achievement for Joan who just turned 88,” a club spokesperson said. “She plans to continue playing her beloved game as long as she is able. “Joan celebrated the milestone (life membership) with fellow life members Val Geyer, Judy Tanner and Pat Bartlett and the rest of the lady members at a special presentation in March. “The ladies committee and fellow competitors wish Joan good golf for many years to come.”

Castle Hill wins prestigious PGA award

Burleigh Golf Club’s life member Joan Rackley celebrates her 88th birthday at the club where she has been a member for 60 years.

Important charity days BROOKWATER Golf and Country Club is holding two important charity golf days in May and June. The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Charity Golf Day is on Friday, May 30 and the Mater Cancer Research Golf Day in aid of breast/prostate research is on Friday, June 27. Both are four-person ambrose events teeing off a 8am (shotgun start).

The cost to play is $130 per person and $75 for Brookwater members. Each important golf day includes range balls, golf in a shared electric cart, BBQ buffet lunch and great prizes. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call (07) 3814 5500 or email ssuleman@brookwatergolf.com

Castle Hill Country Club general manager, Melissa Ellis said, “Our club is extremely proud to win such an esteemed award and to be recognised for the most successful City Pro-Am. I congratulate all of our team for their dedication and hard work in making the tournament a swinging success.” In all 20 Trainee Professionals graduated on the night and were welcomed into the PGA as full members of the association. Castle Hill Country Club’s very own Alex Edge, was among those recognised. David Northey, Castle Hill Country Club Head Professional said, “It was a very proud moment to see my trainee professional Alex Edge graduate to a full professional. He’s now off to play in Canada!” For enquiries please contact Castle Hill Country Club on (02) 9634 2499 or go to www.chcc.com.au .

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www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

news

Don’t believe the rumours, Toowoomba Golf Club is AOK C ontrary to rumours of ‘temporary greens’ being put in play at the facility, Toowoomba Golf ClubMiddle Ridge is enjoying high-quality playing surfaces that are set to exceed those of the club’s past.

“The new Course Superintendent Tony Jonas, who only joined the Club on November 1, 2013, was challenged immediately upon accepting the role. He has done a great job in both identifying the issues that have caused the problems and secondly created a program of how to rectify these issues from

It is mostly frequented by Crown highrollers, tucked away near Moorabbin behind massive wrought-iron gates. It was a par 72 course when it opened in 1997.

reoccurring. The course has reacted well to his programs and is now producing better surfaces than that of the past. “So, contrary to the rumours, Middle Ridge Golf Club does not have ‘temporary greens’ in play and the course is returning to its best condition. The Club, however, made a decision to cancel this year’s Middle Ridge Open Amateur Easter Tournament as a precautionary move so not to disappoint travellers who journey to Toowoomba annually.” “The Middle Ridge Golf Club has enjoyed a great summer of golf due to the prolonged lack of rain in Toowoomba. We are enjoying excellent patronage both on and off the course. We have received approx 200 ml

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May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Crown Resorts has purchased the prestigious Capital Golf Club from Melbourne property developer Lloyd Williams for $67.6 million, reports Golf Industry Central. The course, considered one of the best in Australia, is in Melbourne’s south-east at Heatherton.

While a crippling drought and extreme heat had affected the playability of the course over the past six months—leaving it in less than its usual pristine condition—the club is quick to point out that things have turned around, and that members and guests are happily enjoying the course once again. “Heavy thatch build-up, creating hydrophobic soils combined with poor water supply and low pressure under drought conditions--topped off with a heat wave throughout the summer months--effectively created the “perfect storm” for the Middle Ridge playing surfaces,” says Steve Owen, General Manager of Toowoomba Golf Club - Middle Ridge. “This resulted in large defunct patches appearing on our greens at the time of our club championships and effectively prevented the greens receiving suitable moisture to maintain the health of the much loved Penncross bent grass.

Capital Golf Club sold to Crown Resorts

of rain over the past week, and the kikuyu fairways are emerald green. “ In February, a new 4th green was opened for play as part of an overall Course Improvement Plan, facilitated by Richard Chamberlain Golf Design. This new green was welcomed by members after playing on temporary greens since mid-August 2013. Although drought conditions hampered growth during the grow-in period, the final cover is excellent. “This green offers a challenge to players of all standards,” says Owen. “However at first glance, the hole presents itself as reasonably easy. After playing it just once, members have a newfound respect for this new hole.” For bookings please contact the Pro Shop (07) 4635 4182. •

The 120-hectare golfing playground was reportedly modelled on the private desert golf course of the owner of the Las Vegas Mirage Casino, Steve Wynn. Lloyd Williams’s private company, Hudson Conway, built Capital in the 1990s at an estimated $50 million cost. It has been the desire of Crown to own it outright for almost two decades. The outright purchase was revealed in Crown’s latest results. It had been leased from the late 1990s at around $5 million a year under a leasing deal with Crown which gained an exclusive corporate membership share in Capital for around $36 million. With a $12 million clubhouse, the course was designed by champion golfer Peter Thomson.

from the ceo coming.” I might be biased, but I couldn’t agree more.

Brian Thorburn CEO – PGA of Australia

Over the last few months, Australian golf has been on show at the highest level. At the time of writing, three Australians in Jason Day, John Senden and Steven Bowditch have won on the PGA TOUR this season while Karrie Webb also continues to dominate. Australia is the only country outside the US to have claimed PGA TOUR victories so far in 2014, putting our country’s elite success in the spotlight. Following Steven Bowditch’s win, Tiger Woods’ former coach Hank Haney, widely recognised as one of the world’s foremost golf authorities, took to Twitter with his reasoning of why Australian golf is excelling. Hank tweeted: “I’ve said it before, no PGA does teaching better than the Australian PGA, they just have a lot of great teachers and the results keep

Certainly our Professionals have been inspired by Adam’s Masters victory, however ultimately ability underpins this success. Australia is spoilt when it comes to quality PGA Professionals, so much so that our Members are in increasingly high-demand in existing and developing international industries. Having completed the PGA’s Trainee Program Australian PGA Professionals graduate with Vocational (Level 3) Golf Coach accreditation, recognised by the Australian Sports Commission as the highest level of golf coaching accreditation available in the sport. In addition, Trainees graduate with the nationally recognised qualification of Diploma of Sport Coaching, achieved by completing industry-based training and assessment across the program’s four subject areas of Coaching, Game Development, Small Business and Management. A PGA Member’s skills and industry-based knowledge and be mentioned for the tireless hours they have spent working on our tournaments.

Karen Lunn

Executive Director – ALPG

The finish of the ALPG Tour season gives us the opportunity not only to reflect on the past 8 weeks, it also gives us the opportunity to thank all of the people that have made it possible. Professional sports events of any kind do not just happen and it takes an awful lot of time, energy, and yes of course money, from a group of focused and dedicated individuals to put a pro-am or tournament together. With my background as a player and also having had some experience within the business side of the industry I felt that I had a pretty good idea about the process of getting these events to happen. However when you are dealing with clubs and promoters on a daily basis for months in the lead-up to the event you really do realise how much time and effort it takes. I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of our sponsors and stakeholders for all their efforts in making their events such a success and in particular I would like to thank a few people individually who deserve to

Stephen Pitt CEO – Golf Australia

We’ve been awash with smiling faces, trophies and successful Australian golfers in the last month. It has been great to see players at all levels – from our amateur ranks through to Tour players playing so well and putting Australian names in the headlines. It’s hard to believe that as of April, we’ve already celebrated Karrie Webb winning twice on the LPGA Tour and Jason Day, John Senden, Matt Jones and Steven Bowditch tasting victory on the PGA Tour. Six titles in just four months! Equally as impressive have been the performances of two of Australia’s elite amateur players – Minjee Lee and Oliver Goss on the biggest stage.

BWAC ALPG Pro-am Yamba- David Miles, Luke Stephenson and Noel Galvin Ingham’s Antill Park ALPG Pro-am –Larry Lipscombe Moss Vale GC Ladies Classic Jason Harwood and Robyn John Mt Broughton Classic presented by McGills transport- John McGill, Frank Williams and Davyd Reeves Renault Ladies Pro-am - Melissa Ellis, David Andrews and David Donnan Bing Lee Fujitsu General NSW Open - Lionel Lee, Barnaby Sumner and Oatlands GC committee ISPS Handa NZ Women’s Open - Dr Haruhisa Handa, Midori Miyazaki, TA Golf, Golf New Zealand Volvik RACV Ladies Masters Chairman Moon, Greg Goodman, Sue Blake, TA Golf ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open - Dr Haruhisa Handa, Midori Miyazaki, Trevor Herden (GA), Chris Schwenn (GA) Oates Victorian Open - Simon Brookhouse, David Greenhill (Golf Vic), David Birch. At the time of printing, Oliver had just set a record as the first Australian to claim the Silver Cup as the Low Amateur at The Masters. A member of our National Squad who studies and plays at the University of Tennessee, Oliver finished in 49th place and was the only amateur to make the cut. He is a terrific ambassador for Australian amateur golf and enjoyed a wonderful week including opportunities to meet Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player and a number of high-profile PGA Tour players – on top of the experience of a lifetime playing in The Masters. A fortnight earlier, the first Major of the LPGA Tour season – the Kraft Nabisco Championship - was held in California where Australia’s World Number 1 and 5 amateurs Minjee Lee and Su-Hyun Oh both took on the best players in the world.

training is second to no other PGA in the world. In fact, the PGA’s education and training staff have been engaged by international associations to assist with the development of their own coaches and industry personnel. If you haven’t recently made contact with your local PGA Professional, I urge you to do so because PGA Professionals aren’t just for the elite. No matter what your skill or experience level, at the very core a PGA Professional can help you enjoy your golf more. While not everyone can win on the PGA TOUR, regardless of who you are or where you play, your local PGA Professional should be your foremost authority on everything golf. Understandably PGA Professionals and coaches don’t always get the recognition they deserve. To see their student succeed is satisfaction enough. However all our PGA Professionals would agree that it’s certainly nice to be recognised particularly by the man who will go down in history as one of the greatest ever coaches, of one of the greatest ever players the world will ever see. In particular I would like to single out Dr Haruhisa Handa and ISPS Golf for his enormous contribution to our sport and specifically to Women’s golf in Australasia. Dr Handa’s support for golf stems from a firm belief to “inspire through the power of sport” and Dr Handa certainly achieves that with his passion in providing opportunities for blind and disabled golfers worldwide, and his mission to one day see blind and disabled golf as a sport in the Paralympics. Having been involved in some of the ISPS Handa clinics personally it really is so inspiring to watch the joy these people with all kind of disabilities get to experience from just being able to play golf. Dr Handa’s charities give so much to so many people around the world we are truly grateful that he supports Women’s golf and that in turn we are able to play a part in supporting his charities. Next time you are on the course and get annoyed about a three-putt or a drive that goes in the water, spare a thought for these brave people for whom just swinging a club or hitting a putt is a huge achievement and a victory for them. Minjee finished in a tie for 24th place earning her the leading amateur honours in her first start at a Major championship. Su also made the cut, finishing in a tie for 51st place. The result moved Minjee up the Women’s Professional Rankings to inside the top 100 players in the world. It now means she’s the second highest ranked Australian player after Karrie Webb. Finally, the Australian Junior Championships were held in early April in Victoria’s Yarra Valley where another rising star, National Squad member Ryan Ruffels won his second title in as many months at the Australian Boys’ Amateur and booked himself a place at the Emirates Australian Open in November. Melbourne resident, Japan’s Konomi Matsumoto won the Australian Girls’ Amateur title and has earned a place in the 2015 ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open. It’s been a stellar start to the year – let’s hope there’s even more to come. www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

industry

The Vines tees up with Kalgoorlie F

or years, Inside Golf has encouraged clubs across Australia to expand their reciprocal arrangements in order to create a more attractive prospect to today’s potential members. It is a well-known fact that golfers like to play a variety of courses when travelling, and challenge their game on a new course with a new set of hazards and obstacles. It seems that some of you are cottoning on, as last month Western Australia’s The Vines Resort and Country Club announced a history-making reciprocal agreement with Goldfields Golf Club at Kalgoorlie, in a deal that took over nine months to bed down. Graeme Wilmot, the Finance Director from the Goldfields Golf Club and John Messenger, the Golf Club Manager at The Vines, successfully negotiated the perpetual deal which is hoped to benefit members of both clubs well into the future.

The agreement appears to be an ideal fit, as both Kalgoorlie and The Vines feature worldclass Graham Marsh-designed layouts, and offer top-quality experiences. Goldfields members visiting The Novotel Vines Resort will benefit from discounts off the magnificent accommodation, food and beverages, while The Vines members travelling to Kalgoorlie will have the opportunity to not only visit the historic mining town east of Perth, but also bring their clubs along to spend an extra few days playing the much acclaimed course in Kalgoorlie. “I am delighted that these two courses have come to an agreement that is of such great benefit for their Membership of both these prestigious Clubs,” Marsh said. To enquire about reciprocal rights or to join the Vines Golf Club, call the Golf Club Memberships team on (08) 9297 3000 or email membership@vines.com.au.

History in a handshake between John Messenger of The Vines (left) and Warren Moffat of Kalgoorlie

New membership categories at McLeod Country Golf Club Having weathered two full course floods since its inception in 1968, McLeod Country Golf Club has never looked better. The Board and its development of a course master plan, which the new course superintendent Phil Boag has used as a blueprint for change along with the help of a very strong volunteer group, have transformed the course. Men’s president David Boyd commented recently “we are the best kept secret in Brisbane.” McLeod Country Golf Club is again making history by adding two new membership categories at its recent AGM. “Young working professionals today demand value for money,” says Club President Deborah Prior. “The new Young

Professional Membership for those 26 to 45 years of age allows those who want to play competitive golf to do so with a generous 20 competition game limit per year and unlimited social play on any day, it’s a great deal. “Of course not everyone wants to play competition golf but they still want a handicap for the occasional corporate day or the annual family challenge so we have developed the McLeod Social Club membership, to allow you to keep a handicap while playing socially. New members will receive reduced green fees for all social games at McLeod. Plus we will extend special invitations to select events such as Pro Am’s, Ladies Black Marker Challenge, and Men’s Blue marker challenge.” For more information: www.mcleodgolf.com.au

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May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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industry

Plenty to celebrate for renovated range fairway is magnificent. Half of it’s synthetic grass, we’ve got lots of large target greens.

Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

Plans are also in place for Plenty View to upgrade its putting green and short game area later this year.

fter being closed for four years as a result of an expensive court battle, Plenty View Golf Park in Melbourne’s north east is looking forward to welcoming patrons back to a new and improved facility, following its re-opening late last year.

While weekday revenue continues to lag behind weekend and night trade since the reopening, Di Carlo is optimistic that the shorter days of the winter months will bring an influx of nighttime patrons.

In late 2009, the driving range – located in the suburb of Plenty – was ordered to pay $15,000 in damages to the owner of the property next door after the person complained about golf balls being hit onto her land.

“The nights and weekends are great, school holidays in particular are fantastic but I did expect to have more business during the day. Now that we’ve lost Daylight Saving I suppose that’s going to be really good for us because we’re well floodlit. You get a lot of tradies that finish work and head off to a local golf course and play nine holes before it gets dark. They’ll probably lose that option now and winter and the fact that it’s cold and if we have a wet winter, that’s going to be even better for us. We’re well set up in regards to being undercover. The bays downstairs, not only are they well-covered, but its set into the ground so it does become a lot warmer there.”

Unable to prevent every golf ball from landing on the neighbour’s property, Plenty View decided to close shortly after the court case. Last year, however, it bought back the neighbouring property, which paved the way for the driving range to start trading again. “Buying the property was the best option for us,” says Plenty View’s manager Stacy Di Carlo. “The most important thing is that we’re open after four years of being closed. We finished a fairly major renovation as well.” Di Carlo admits that the period of closure was extremely frustrating for him and his brother, Carmine, with whom he joint-manages the facility. “We’ve always loved the place and to have something like that happen was pretty devastating,” Stacy says. “We tried to do absolutely everything to compensate for the

In a further bid to increase daytime business, Plenty View is planning to encourage local schools to get involved in clinics during school hours. balls and spent an absolute fortune trying to resolve the situation, even to a point where it might have been one or two (golf balls) that landed on some vacant land nowhere near the house.” Now newly-renovated, Plenty View offers golfers a multi-level driving range, short

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game area, putting green, coffee shop and restaurant.

“We need to push that and promote it in a way that we do special things during the day,” Di Carlo says.

“We installed ten automatic tee machines upstairs so we’re the only ones in Victoria with those. We’re probably considered one of the best (driving ranges) in Australia at the moment. It’s got beautiful views, the golf

Plenty Views Golf Park is located at 206 Yan Yean Road , Plenty 3090. Phone: (03) 9436 1411. Or visit: facebook.com/pages/Plenty-ViewsGolf-Park/1420522928181942 •

industry

Schweppes helps juniors to ‘Tee it up’ Daniel Christie

he past 12 months have been something that couldn’t be scripted with the resurrection of Golf here in Australia. The obvious catalyst for this was the 2013 breakthrough win at Augusta National, with Adam Scott creating history as the first ever Australian winner of the US Masters event. Adam’s commitment to play all Australian events in 2013, coupled with the World Cup win by Jason Day, has brought life back into the game of golf in Australia at every level. As you may be aware, Schweppes Australia has been a long-time supporter of the wider golf community and has specifically focused on the development of the grass roots training through junior golf programs. Two exciting opportunities have been developed for new and existing customers in 2014. With a host of fantastic new initiatives being introduced this year, we look forward to announcing multiple partnerships across both corporate and charitable areas.

equipment to commence or enhance their existing junior golf programs.

The “Tee It Up” program will be run across a number of state-based events and culminate at the Australian Masters in Victoria this December. A whole new media plan will be introduced and launched across all media so make sure you stay tuned at www.tee-it-up.com.au for all the latest news on this fantastic initiative.

This internationally adopted equipment called SNAG®, Starting New At Golf, provides cutting-edge learning techniques that build on the strong fundamentals of the different strokes and swings and develops playing ability quickly and effectively in a fun and easy way. The equipment comes in exciting and engaging colours and can be used by individuals or groups within schools or golf programs.

Complementing the “Tee It Up” program Schweppes will also be implementing an equipment-based program, designed specifically for engaging and teaching junior golfers.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Schweppes in developing and driving junior golf as each Schweppes Golf account will have the opportunity to receive this

Contact your Schweppes State Golf Manager for more information on how you could become part of these great initiatives.

Schweppes Golf Managers Victoria John Halliwell 0419 576 047 Queensland Darren Cosgrove 0417 915 637 South Australia Tim Colling 0429 573 326 New South Wales Josh Dias 0459 165 699 Western Australia Leon Buirski 0407 700 844 National Daniel Christie 0437 991 891

Dooley joins the Golf NSW Board Golf NSW is pleased to announce Gemma Dooley as its new Director appointed by the Board. Gemma is an experienced and knowledgeable investment professional with over twenty years in the financial services industry, spanning both Australia and Singapore. She is currently the General Manager – Institutional Business with a leading financial institution. Gemma has had a broad range of roles and responsibilities in the financial sector throughout her career across research, client service, team management, sales, marketing and communications. Chairman Chris Allen said, “We look forward to working with Gemma. With her extensive skill set and experience, she will add value not only to our Board but to our golfing community.”

Allen went on to say that, “Many would know Gemma in the golfing circles through her achievements as an amateur golfer from Moore Park Golf Club and NSW Golf Club. She is a multiple winner of the NSW Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship (2007, 2009, 2013), NSW Mixed Foursomes Championship (2007, 2008) and Moore Park Golf Club Women’s Championship (2005-2011, 2013) as well as being a current Pennant Player for NSW Golf Club.” Gemma discovered golf just over a decade ago. She was a talented cricketer, representing NSW and Australia in both indoor and outdoor cricket, and is a Life Member of the Australian Cricketers Association. Gemma has also been a first grade tennis and hockey player and an

avid touch footballer. Gemma grew up on a beef cattle property in the Hunter Valley and is from a sporting family, with her twin brother having been a professional rugby league player for ten years. Gemma said, “I am thrilled to be appointed to the Golf NSW Board and look forward to working with and learning from the current Board members. This should be a great experience and a way to give back to a sport that I am passionate about.” The nine Directors who form the Golf NSW Board are: Chris Allen (Chairman), Sue Fabian (Deputy Chairman), Andrew Tharle, Gemma Dooley, Frank Gal, Alan Harrison, Lynne Ritchie, John Robinson, Darrell Watts. www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

general managers

GMA launches “The Green Book” David Allen

GMA Executive Officer eo@gma.org.au

ne of the most common items of feedback received from golf clubs relates to clubs being able to positively plan their futures. With this in mind, GMA has undertaken a great deal of work with corporate specialist Tony Sernack to create and publish “The Green Book – The Essential Guide to Strategic Planning for Golf Clubs”.

The Green Book

“Strategic planning has always come up as a high priority when we survey our members asking where their clubs most need assistance,” said GMA President Damon Lonnie. “The Green Book takes golf clubs through the whole strategic planning process from thought to facilitation to developing a blueprint and then reaching the final outcome. “It is a perfect way for club boards and managers to achieve the finished product.

Tony Sernack presenting at the GMA National Roadshow at Lake Karrinyup.

“We are confident that this publication will be an essential guide for both managers and their club boards”.

and managers) attending the Roadshows, many hundreds of books were delivered to the industry and were supported by keynote speakers at each event.

The Green Book was launched at GMA organised national roadshows held throughout March and April around the country with Surfers Paradise, North Ryde, Metropolitan, Lake Karrinyup and Glenelg Golf Clubs hosting these events.

The Green Book author Tony Sernack delivered strong presentations on “Strategic Planning, for your Golf Club” and “Board Governance”, while JBAS director Jeff Blunden provided a great deal of information and update on GMA’s exciting Benchmarking project.

Each session finished with State Golf Association CEO’s, Lindsay Ellis (Queensland), Stuart Fraser (NSW), Simon Brookhouse (Victoria), Gary Thomas (Western Australia) and Chris Luz-Raymond (South Australia) providing strategic planning initiatives at their own state sessions.

With more than 500 golf club officials (Presidents, Captains, club board members

Also in attendance was Golf Australia’s Cameron Wade who updated officials on Golf

“We didn’t really know what the takeup for our Roadshows would be” said Damon.

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Australia’s Club Support and Participation Initiatives.

“To our delight, golf club management and boards responded very positively and to have more than 500 attend exceeded our expectations. “Based on this response, it is highly likely we will consider future Roadshows with topics geared essentially to the feedback we receive from managers about the major items of concern on their agendas.” Copies of “The Green Book” can be obtained for a cost of $29.95 each (or $250.00 for a pack of 10) and can be ordered by email to eo@gma.org.au •

business

Clubs not ‘liking’ Facebook as much anymore That’s why your organic reach is declining. Consequently, brands need to ‘pay to play’ if they want to stay relevant on the platform.

Mike Orloff Golf Industry Central mike@golfindustrycentral.com.au

here is a common misconception about Facebook among people I talk to in golf clubs. Many think when they publish a post on their business Facebook page that everyone who has liked their page will see it. This is, in fact, far from the truth! A few years ago the percentage of your Facebook fans that actually saw your posts was, on average, 27 percent. In 2012 this number dropped to around 16 percent, according to Facebook. Now it has dropped to about 6.5 percent. So if 1,500 people like your page, you can expect an average of about 100 people to be shown each post you publish. The bad news is Facebook is also saying we ‘should assume a day will come when the organic reach is zero’!

Pay to play Facebook Last year, the total number of pages ‘liked’ by Facebook users grew by more than 50 percent on average. However, the same users aren’t spending more time reading their Facebook News Feeds. To accommodate this, Facebook has changed its EdgeRank algorithm that determines which posts their users see and which ones they don’t.

Golf clubs and golf-related businesses already optimising their Facebook post reach with paid promotions are ahead of the game. If you have not set a Facebook advertising budget or your business cannot afford a regular spend on Facebook then it will be tougher to get noticed on this important social media network. However, there are some low-cost and no-cost opportunities you can still consider.

Top 5 low-cost Facebook marketing strategies Improve your content - use remarkable photos and eye-catching images in your posts. Aim to engage – ask questions to encourage more comments and create posts your fans will want to share. Run competitions – recently Facebook relaxed its rules about how you can run contests on your page but it’s still important to adhere to their promotional guidelines. Ask your database of customers, friends and employees to like your page and your posts to continue seeing you in their News Feeds. Make sure your website is social media friendly and visitors to your website can share or like the content on Facebook directly from your website.

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Measuring your success You can monitor how well you are engaging your audience on Facebook by calculating your page’s engagement rate. First, find the number of people ‘talking about this’ which is located next to your number of page ‘likes’ under your cover photo, then multiply by 100 to get a percentage. Checking your engagement rate is a good way to gauge and review the level of activity on your page because it summarises the past 7 day count of your total likes, posts, comments, tags and shares. If you’re looking for an industry benchmark, an engagement rate of around one percent is about average.

Other online marketing tools To get the best coverage and results, (And without having to pay – yet!) spread your social media marketing across a few platforms. Other popular social networks to consider include LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, TripAdvisor, Pinterest and

Google+. Find out which ones are popular among your target market. Don’t overlook the value of the old-fashioned e-newsletter as a core part of your marketing strategies. You can add an email optin on your Facebook page tabs and use a Facebook app like ShortStack to ask for people to join your email list on Facebook. You could also build your email list on Facebook by running a competition, offering a free coupon or a giveaway as an incentive. Sending a regular newsletter to your email list is one of the simplest, low-cost forms of marketing available to every business, regardless of budget. And it’s also the easiest to control! • Golf Industry Central assists golf facilities and companies in Australia, New Zealand, and SE Asia to improve their operational performance/profitability through the use of better marketing. www.golfindustrycentral.com.au

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industry people

For Sandy, club golfers are just the ticket

Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

he former coach of Robert Allenby and major winner Y.E Yang has eschewed the cutand-thrust, ego-driven world of professional golf, and is now reaping the rewards of teaching amateurs and club golfers. Sandy Jamieson is the Head Teaching Professional at Commonwealth Golf Club on Melbourne’s sandbelt and has been working there for the past three years. He says his time spent following the PGA Tour and European Tour caused him to miss out on family life back home. “When you’re coaching Robert Allenby for a long time—he’s a bloke I get along with well—you spend your life in business class and private airplanes. It’s a buzz, but at the end of the day, I like to coach and then go home and see my family,” Jamieson says. During his teaching days on tour, Jamieson spent more than three years based in London but now works almost entirely with amateurs. Currently, his only professional client is Victorian Pro Jarrod Lyle. “Coaching tour players is a massive time commitment that drags on your family life,” Jamieson admits. “You’ll end up spending 10 to 15 weeks, in my case, on the road with a tour player. While it’s rewarding for yourself, you get back to your family and your kids are a bit bigger and you miss out on all that stuff and

your job security is not as good. If you’re basing your life on four clients and you lose one of them, there’s a quarter of your income gone. When you’re coaching club golfers, you’ve got a bigger client base. The 41-year-old not only gets more satisfaction from teaching club golfers but says there is less scrutiny as well. “When you coach a tour player, there’s an ego part to it,” Jamieson says. “When the tour player goes well, you contribute and you feel good about yourself but when they play bad, it can all be put on your shoulders as the coach. If a club golfer plays bad, they say ‘I still can’t quite do what you’re asking me to do’ and when they play great, they give you all the credit. You go home a lot happier when you coach club golfers.” Jamieson is not aiming to seek out more pro clients but is optimistic that he can help Lyle get back to his best golf when he rejoins the PGA Tour on a medical exemption as early as this year. “I’ve got unfinished business with Jarrod. Jarrod’s someone I coached for a long time when he was younger. When he does get back out on the tour, I would like to feel like he has all the tools he needs to be better than ever, and if I could be there to support that would be great. It’s not my goal to pick up someone who’s already a tour player and going out on tour with them. Jamieson has been a Teaching Pro for two decades and is concerned that many coaches today are becoming too technical with club golfers. “If you analyse every single golf swing to the nth degree, the golfer

forgets about playing the game and they’re not allowed to learn by their mistakes. It’s possible to try something new and hit a great shot and then, over the next shot, try exactly the same thing and hit a horrible shot. So every time someone hits a bad shot, they try and change it and do something different. The fact is, it was just a bad shot.” Y

CMY

Jamieson is a strong believer in using a golfer’s ball flight to learn about the swing and suspects some teaching pros today are too dependent on video technology. He says he’s simplified his teaching philosophy over the past five years. “I still have technology to use but I want to actually have the opportunity to see my clients hit some real golf shots rather than stand there and video every single swing and go back and draw lines on a computer screen. If they see the ball flight gets better and they think that they can implement it straight away without feeling awkward, then it is a great result as it is all about the pupil after all, that’s what makes me happy!” • Sandy is a AAA member of the PGA and has been coaching for 20 years. He was the assistant coach of the VIS golf program for 5 years and has run his own academy catering for all levels of golfer. Golf lessons with Sandy are available at Commonwealth Golf Club to club members and the general public. Bookings can be made on (03) 9575 0444. www.jamogolf.com, jamogolf@aol.com.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

Shark

itecture

Greg Norman on building a golf course from the ground up

With his Greg Norman Golf Course Design firing on all cylinders—with seven courses on the go in Australia, and some three-dozen courses globally either in planning or under construction—it appears that The Shark could very well become more famous for his spectacular golf courses than his remarkable playing history.

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

ith two Open Championship titles, 91 professional victories, 20 US PGA Tour Titles and 30 Top-10 finishes in major championships, Greg Norman is certainly no stranger to success.

Visiting Melbourne last month to oversee the construction and design of The Eastern Golf Club’s new 27-hole facility in Yering, just east of the city in the Yarra Valley, Norman spoke to members, guests and selected media about the course, his design philosophies for the site and the pure enjoyment of the opportunity to design a golf course without the confines of a housing estate around the course.

But for a man who spent 331 weeks as the number-one-ranked player in the world, was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and who was also the first person in PGA Tour history to surpass $10 million in career earnings, it would appear that he is just getting warmed up.

“The great thing about Eastern is that we’re building it for the members,” he said, referring to Eastern’s design brief that the new course be designed primarily as a member-friendly layout.

Aside from Norman’s numerous victories inside the ropes, Norman has also notched up many wins outside of the ropes, as his Great White Shark Enterprises has been scoring birdies in everything from golf course design, to golf apparel and eyewear, to turf, wines, food...the list goes on. He even has a line of “Australian prime” Wagyu beef.

“[Usually] We get stuck with so many stipulations... a tournament, a made-for-tv event, or things like that, and you get into this dilemma of how to blend it all in. But

OF MEMBE

R IPS

For Norman, it all begins in the dirt. “It starts six metres under the ground, and evolves up,” Norman explains. “A lot of people take it for granted, you look out [at the construction site] and you see grass, and a bit of dirt moving around, but what makes a Top: Norman and the team survey the progress of the 16th fairway and green.

• Listed in the Rolex top 1000 courses in the world 2011 • Consistently ranked in the top 20 courses in Australia (Australian Golf Digest) • No 4 Public Access course in Australia (Golf Australia Magazine 2013) • Range of membership packages available • Driving range open to public • Fully Licensed Club House DON’T DELAY - WHY NOT JOIN TODAY? For more information call (08) 9524 5991 or visit our website

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So how does a designer like Greg Norman approach a bare piece of land, and begin crafting a world-class golf course that is challenging to members of all abilities, while also making the best use of the sweeping views and unique landscape?

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“You’ll get a golf course that is extremely playable. It’s not about how far you can hit a golf ball. It’s about members like [99-year old Life Member] Les Smith here, who comes out every week and keeps playing the game of golf.”

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cover story really good golf course—I learned this from Pete Dye—is what happens underneath. What happens with the drainage, what happens with getting water off the golf course. All that— to me—is the most important thing about building a golf course. Building tees and greens and fairways with beautiful green grass—ok, we all end up enjoying that—but [what’s more important] are the complexities of what’s going on underneath.” “If someone asks a question about drainage, and whether you can move something or position something. You ask ‘well, what’s going to happen underneath? And you find that it may not work, so you may need to shift it four or five metres because of the drainage. And all of a sudden things change, and it becomes a domino effect.” So it may come as no surprise that the first thing Norman addressed in his initial design of The Eastern project was the Yarra River, which abuts the northern corner of the course. “You look at the Yarra River, and understand what your setbacks are, what constraints, how much the Yarra backs up in a heavy flood...those are the first things we look at because it’s key. Once you understand how it flows, then you can work your way back. There are a lot of interesting issues here because of floodplain. But when we build a golf course we want it to be playable no matter what comes out of the heavens.” Additionally, Norman explains, a designer needs—very early in the design phase—to keep a close eye on the long-term financials. “Most of the time, you need to get your logistics in shape, your civil engineering, and stuff like that. The simpler you can keep all that, the cheaper it is at the end of the day. It’s all about fiscal responsibility, fiscal sustainability, and being environmentally sustainable. We have to build this golf course to go on for generations and generations. When we build it, we take into consideration ongoing maintenance. When you spend $100 on something for a year it doesn’t sound like much, but $100 for 100 years is a lot of money.” Above the ground, Norman is a believer in making the best use of what Mother Nature provides. “If you look out there at the horizon, look at how the mountains and hills flow...Mother Nature has a really great, unique feel about her. And I love to look at the ‘long views’, and pull those into the golf course. Those ‘long views’ give you the undulations and the flow and all that. I don’t like seeing a straight line—to the green or straight line on the edge of the fairway or a bunker— so [it’s important] to make sure that we bring all the long views in to the course. “If we can take a golf course and blend it in with what mother nature gave us, then Touché to all of us.” Mother Nature, however, can also provide interesting challenges of her own. “You’re going to have about a thousand kangaroos out here by the time this golf course is built,” laughed Norman. “You’ve got water, green grass, and that’s what they love. I’ve seen that at golf courses built

QUEEN OF LOOOOONG

Norman with 99-year-old Eastern Golf Club Life Member, Les Smith, before they each hit the first ball off the new 17th tee. around the world. In Dubai, we were plagued by camels. Another golf course, in Colorado, at about 9000 feet of elevation we had to do 300-foot corridors for the wild Elk to transition out of the wilderness country when the snow fell to the low country. “But [as designers] we have to embrace the native flora and fauna. They’ve been here a lot longer than we have! “ In addition, there are many other aspects that a designer like Norman must address. When asked about the tendency for some designers to introduce “forced carries” (which can be difficult for distance-challenged juniors, seniors or beginners to contend with) Norman explained that these areas are often a necessity. “Sometimes [a forced carry] is dictated by the environmentalist. Sometimes we have restrictions on how much grass we can use. Or where we can take water off a golf course. The environmentalist will say to us, ‘ok, you have X amount of land to build a golf course [with grass]. For us to do that, we have to manage everything the right way, so you might find that, right in front of a tee, you’ll have a native area. The maintenance gets reduced big time.” However, as Norman adds, sometimes these can be minimised. “[At Eastern] we made a correction because we did have a forced carry—due to the transition from one of the ponds on one side of the course. We discussed it with everyone and they allowed us to put a conduit underneath, and now we can fill it over and have fairway all the way up to the green.” Discussion and collaboration with key people are a big part of Norman’s design process. “It’s interesting when you walk around a golf course and talk about all that [adjustments and changes]. I give the team my ideas and we blend it all in. It’s a fascinating process. I wish more people could listen to it. It’s a huge collaborative effort. It’s not all about the designer. Yes, we have our ideas, and ways of designing a golf course, but we only play a small part of that. You really have to fulfil the dreams and wishes of the 900+ members of Eastern Golf Club.” And to fulfil those members’ dreams, Norman admits he and his team must carefully balance the design to

not only be member-friendly, but also provide enough challenge. “The easiest thing in the world is to build the hardest golf course in the world. The hardest thing is to balance a championship-style course for membership play—from someone like Les, to someone who can carry it 300 yards. You do it by tee position, by the shape of the greens and by different angles you can set up. You’ve got to give golfers a visually striking look, playability to challenge them and accessibility.” One thing Norman doesn’t do, however, is create “Signature holes” or designer-gimmicks. “I don’t do ‘favourite holes’. I think all eighteen should be your favourite. If you start doing a signature hole, then that’s all you get remembered for. I try to make every golf course stand on its own. You have to give a course character, without making it goofy. It’s easy to give a golf course character and make it look funky. And I despise that.” After spending an hour with Norman, one can’t help but be impressed with his passion for design, and his ability to focus on his future, not the past. “I enjoyed being [on tour] when I played, no doubt about it. But I don’t miss it. I’ve had my time. Playing the game of golf gave me an opportunity to springboard off and do other things. I saw some mistakes made when I played the game of golf, and also saw some magnificent golf courses that I wanted to study and emulate. “We [Greg Norman Golf Course Design] do what we love to do. My guys, whether it’s the team here in Australia or the guys in other parts of the world, to build a golf course, it’s something that we are extremely passionate about,” he says. The planned facility, which Norman recently listed as his “Number 1/ Best Course Under Construction” will feature 27-holes plus 9-hole par-3 course, extensive clubhouse, practice facility and driving range. The Club is scheduled to open at its new home in June 2015. The Eastern Golf Club has created a customised landing page for golfers to register their interest in the project and keep updated on news throughout the development. www.sharkiscoming.com.au www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

THE LPGA’S LONGEST HITTER IS NOW ITS NEWEST MAJOR CHAMPION. KRAFT NABISCO CHAMPION

LEXI THOMPSON

women

Oh so good opportunity, you’ve just got to take that. When you do that, you play well and when you don’t, then you don’t play as well because the good breaks don’t come very often.”

Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

eventeen-year-old Victorian amateur Su-Hyun Oh says West Australian sensation Minjee Lee’s win at February’s Victorian Open as an amateur has convinced her that she too is capable of winning professional events. Oh admits Lee’s dominant six-shot win at Thirteenth Beach has given her added motivation to lift her own game. “I think it’s mutual. When I play well, I think Minjee would think ‘I can do that too’ and then when she plays well, I just think ‘I can do that too’ because we’re so similar,” Oh says. The Metropolitan Golf Club member played in the final group at the Vic Open alongside Lee and Sarah Jane Smith but faded to finish in a tie for fourth, nine shots adrift of Lee. “I guess I’ve just got to keep putting myself in contention, then one day I guess I’ll win one,” Oh says. Oh also finished in a tie for 39th at the Women’s Australian Open in Melbourne and tied for 65th at the Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast. She says it was only occasional errors that prevented her from seriously threatening to win at both the Vic Open and Australian Open. “Golf is so funny because you get some good breaks and then you get some confidence and then you shoot good scores. If you get an

The teenager has revealed that technical issues have hampered her ball-striking in recent months. “I had some old habit swing faults during the summer. I had to sort of grind it out with the bad habit that I have. I can play with it but when I do that, it’s not very consistent,” Oh says. Oh and Lee are close friends and have played a lot of golf together in practice rounds and as national squad teammates. “We travel a lot together and we’re the same age, we know each other pretty well.” But like most teenagers, the pair like to keep things relaxed during practice rounds and rarely talk about golf. As a seasoned performer, Oh is highly focused during competition play but adopts a relaxed approach between shots. “In a round, it’s four and a half hours out there, you take 20 minutes max hitting shots and all the rest is walking and the routine and everything so it’s just nice to have a chat. You never know if the other person you’re playing with likes talking so I guess you always tend to talk to the caddie.” Oh’s results so far this year haven’t matched her amazing run of performances on home soil in early 2013. As a 16-year-old, Oh led last year’s Ladies

Masters with seven holes to play before finishing equal-second behind Karrie Webb who came through to win her eighth title at Royal Pines. That performance was followed by a tie for 28th at the Women’s Australian Open in Canberra and an impressive tie for ninth at the New Zealand Women’s Open. Oh says she didn’t feel any pressure to back up her outstanding 2013 form this year. “No one came up and said ‘you came runnerup last year, you can do better this year… I

just didn’t play as well as last year. I kind of feel like my golf is better than last year, I just didn’t score as well.” Oh plans to head to the LPGA Qualifying Tournament beginning in August in a bid to earn full playing rights on the world’s most lucrative women’s circuit. “It’s quite locked in. That’s my goal at the moment.” It also shapes as a busy year of amateur play for Oh, who is eyeing victory at the US Amateur in early August. •

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events

Hundred Hole Hike a huge hit Henry Peters

well. His wife Katie suffered an unexpected epileptic seizure in 2010 before doctors discovered she had a brain tumour. She underwent surgery to have it removed but still lives with the effects of the damage sustained to her brain.

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

eelong’s Karingal Foundation has released figures revealing its 100 Hole Hike at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links in January reached it fundraising goal.

Jones – along with the other 21 competitors – covered an estimated 65 kilometres across the 14 hours it took to complete the 100-hole challenge.

For the second-year running, Karingal staged the 100-hole golf event with 22 players competing to raise money to help those affected by an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

Moore says she is genuinely in awe of their achievements.

“The Hundred Hole Hike, together with the supporting concert Music to a Tee, raised $40,000 for Karingal. Out of this total amount, $29,000 was raised from the HHH alone,” says Karingal’s executive officer Caroline Moore.

“We were absolutely blown away by the determination and character of the 22 golfers who took part in the event. Watching them persevering in the heat and playing through their injuries with their families all gathered around in support was quite moving.”

“We are really thrilled with the fundraising result. In particular I thank Australian HHH event founder and player Brett Morrissy who has been an absolute driving force. I also thank all the Karingal volunteers, the player’s family members and our incredible caddies who all played an important role in making the event possible.”

This year was the first time the event incorporated a live concert, which Moore says spurred the weary players on during their closing holes. “It turned out to be a beautiful way to complement the HHH by transforming the venue into a cheering gallery as the players finished the event. So I also thank all the artists who volunteered their time to perform,” Moore says.

This year’s event also enjoyed unprecedented media exposure with Geelong professional Steve Jones among the notable golfers in the field. Jones – who finished sixth at last year’s Victorian Open at Thirteenth Beach – even spoke on-air with Melbourne-based sports radio station SEN after January’s event. The advantage of his profile is not lost on Karingal. “It was fantastic to have a golfer of Steve’s

Karingal employee Rod Baer and Dave Kirk made it through the hundred holes with great support from their incredible caddies. Image courtesy of Pam Hutchinson.

Karingal has confirmed that next year’s Hundred Hole Hike will be held on Friday 23 January at Thirteenth Beach.

calibre on board,” Moore says. “He played incredibly well on the day and in a short space of time he made a huge effort to help promote the event and get the golfing community on board to pledge their support.

“We hope to continue growing this event so it is even bigger and better in 2015. Plans are still being developed but one day we hope to run multiple HHH events across Victoria or even Australia.” •

In addition to raising money, we also raised awareness of Acquired Brain Injury and the impact it has in the community.” Jones knows the impact of an ABI all too

Let’s set the record straight McLeod is for Men and Women!

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clubs

Hit the Redland Bay sweet spot David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

EDLAND Bay Golf Club might only be a short 40-minute drive southeast of Brisbane, but with its alluring appeal and peaceful location the award-winning club couldn’t feel farther away. Instead of fairway-living neighbours watching your every move, you’ll discover a golf course backing directly onto the foreshores of Moreton Bay. What might distract you are pods of migrating whales that breach as they pass the golf course. Voted Queensland metropolitan golf club of the year in 2008 and 2010, Redland Bay certainly enjoys fresh sea breezes and spectacular ocean views. The gently undulating fairways and manicured greens combine with beautiful native bushland, which is also home to a colony of koalas and an abundance of birdlife. Home of the Queensland PGA Senior Championship (pro-am), the par-72 championship golf course stretches to 5970m from the tips and offers a genuine challenge to players of all skill levels. Recently the club received another accolade when it picked up the Queensland Golf Industry junior program of the year award, which was accepted by club pro Shannon Beck, the driving force behind the program. Aside from the picturesque golf course, the club offers excellent hospitality, a comfortable clubhouse, fine dining, a purpose-built function room and a huge deck with sweeping views over the golf course.

Speaking of the golf course, memorable holes are many but the feature hole is the 508m, par-5 14th. Be forewarned though: the scenery is a definite distraction. With Moreton Bay waters lapping the fairway when the tide is in golfers can’t help but lift their heads for a sneak peek at the wonderful vistas. You’ll need a good drive to avoid the fairway bunkers and a good second to reach the corner where you can set up your third shot to the green. A hazard runs down the right hand side, which is … you guessed it … Moreton Bay. One of the advantages Redland Bay has over other 18-hole courses is the club boasts 20 holes. That means when work is required on a particular hole, one of the two spare holes comes into play. There’s no need for temporary greens at Redland Bay. Social golfers pay $33 midweek and $38 on weekends, however, golfers pay just $13 after 3pm any day of the week. A visitor’s competition fees is $21 (GolfLink number required). Monthly Black and White Marker Challenge is $26 for visitors and includes a shared platter and a drink after the game. Still, there are many benefits to becoming a member of the golf club, according to the club’s general manager David Haggett. “There is an opportunity to obtain an official Golf Australia handicap, discount on electric cart hire, unlimited use of practice facilities, free social games (bookings required) and a reduced fee for a member’s guest playing in a social round,” he said.

Redland Bay golf course challenges golfers of all skill levels. “Full-time and part-time members receive a $75 credit applied to their membership card to use in the clubhouse bistro or bar.” Sevenday-a-week members pay just $1196.30 per annum and even less for six-day members. For juniors, it’s $150 and cadets pay just $50. If you need a lesson, fully-qualified PGA professional Shannon Beck will happily oblige. Businesses haven’t been forgotten as the club is expert at hosting corporate days and functions. “The club understands the importance of businesses entertaining and networking with their VIPs,” Haggett said. “We take the pressure off clients as we organise virtually everything from start to finish and we cater for all needs and budgets.” The club is also a popular wedding venue. For more information, contact the club on (07) 3206-7011.

Redland Bay Golf Club was founded in 1922 when play started on a nine-hole layout two kilometres south of the present site. In 1933, the club moved to North Street, Redland Bay. The US Army took over the course and clubhouse during World War II and set up a radio tracking station to assist in navigating aircraft across the Pacific to Australia. OTHER THINGS TO DO IN REDLANDS The area offers a range of activities from bay cruising and island hopping to guided heritage tours and cultural walks. World-class beaches, pristine national parks, walking trails and historic buildings can all be found in Redlands. Every Sunday the Bayside markets bring the town centre alive as local artists and craftspeople display and sell their wares.

2014 Subaru State Junior Golf Championships

Jack Newton Junior Golf Junior - AM

Three hundred junior golfers will converge on the Illawarra District in July for the annual Subaru State Championships.

Jack Newton Junior Golf is pleased to announce the Inaugural JNJG Junior - AM.

The event is a four day stroke play event where golfers under 18 years of age compete to be crowned NSW State Junior Boy or Girl Champion. Other titles up for grabs include: Country Junior Championships, Inter-District Teams Championships and JNJG State Age Championships. Players also come from Interstate and Overseas to take part in the event. Dates: Tuesday 1st - Friday 4th July Venues: Wollongong Golf Club and The Links Shell Cove

Run in conjunction with the Subaru State Championships, the Junior - AM has been developed to raise funds for junior golf for the host region of the Championship. It is an opportunity for you to have a game of golf with some of the best junior golfers in NSW. The Junior - AM also gives juniors a taste of the responsibilities of an elite or professional player.

Come and check out the future stars of golf in action!

Get behind junior golf in the Illawarra and secure your spot in the field now!

For Tournament Information Contact: Dale Hughes (JNJG Tournament Manager) 02 9567 7736 or dale@jnjg.com.au or visit: www.jnjg.com.au.

For Entry and Sponsorship Information Contact: Tanya Kirby (JNJG Territory Manager) 0411 645 699 or tanya@jnjg.com.au

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Date: Monday 30th June Venue: The Grange Golf Club

pga

2014 Tour schedule finalised Following on from an exciting start to the 2014 PGA Tour of Australasia season, the PGA has announced the key dates for Australia’s biggest tournaments towards the end of the year.

Thorburn to lead PGA until 2017

Sports fans will be treated to plenty of golfing action this summer when the PGA Tour of Australasia travels to four Australian states and two additional countries. Still to be played in 2014 are the Tour’s most lucrative tournaments including the inaugural Fiji International (14-17 Aug), Perth International (23-26 Oct), Australian Masters (20-23 Nov), Emirates Australian Open (27-30 Nov) and Australian PGA Championship (11-14 Dec) which are again set to feature some of the biggest names in world golf. The PGA Tour of Australasia will also stage the Isuzu Queensland Open (28-31 Aug), South Pacific Open Championship (10-13 Sept), John Hughes Nexus Risk Services WA Open (16-19 Oct), WA Goldfields PGA Championship (30 Oct -2 Nov) and the NSW Open (13-16 Nov). “This year is shaping up to be another incredibly successful season for the PGA Tour of Australasia,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia. “2014 will see the Tour travel to Natadola Bay in Fiji for the first time. With hometown hero Vijay Singh already signed on for the tournament we are excited by the opportunity to grow the game in this region.” “It will also see the return of our oldest and most prestigious titles and I like all golf fans will be intrigued to see how the season plays out after Adam Scott came so close to capturing the elusive Triple Crown in 2013.” All tournaments on the PGA Tour of Australasia offer Official World Golf Rankings points and in addition Professionals in 2014 will be competing for more than AU$8.4million in prizemoney. This is an increase of approximately AU$1.2million on the previous season. “One of our goals is to continue to grow the PGA Tour of Australasia to ensure that our Members can make a viable living playing golf at home but we’re also striving to expand the Tour to ensure the elite level of the game is accessible to as many fans as possible,” added Thorburn. “It is well documented that the number of people playing golf increases during the summer which has a direct correlation with the PGA Tour of Australasia bringing the world’s best golfers to our shores.”

To date in 2014 four tournaments have already been played with New Zealander Gareth Paddison winning his second Victorian PGA Championship title, Anthony Summers and Dimi Papadatos claiming their maiden Tour victories at the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship and New Zealand Open respectively while Matthew Griffin claimed his first title on home soil at the Oates Victorian Open. The PGA Tour of Australasia is proud to be a breeding ground for future talent. Last year’s Perth International winner Jin Jeong has already made his mark on the European Tour by earning a place in this year’s Open Championship and will be joined by Rhein Gibson and Bryden Macpherson who are in the field courtesy of their finish at the 2013 Emirates Australian Open. “Many of Australia’s best golfers, such as Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, John Senden and Marc Leishman had their first taste of life as a Professional on the PGA Tour of Australasia. Every year they come home to support the Tour but we also get to witness the emergence of future talent like Jack Wilson and Nathan Holman,” added Thorburn. “This year is shaping to be no different. In the coming months we will be announcing the star players that will draw the crowds but I am equally looking forward to watching the next wave of young Australian talent rise to the top,” he added.

In a fitting conclusion to the summer of golf, the Australian PGA Championship will return to its traditional season-ending position on the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule, and will be contested at the magnificent RACV Royal Pines Resort. “Famous for fun, the Gold Coast will be the perfect location to close out the PGA Tour of Australasia season, providing players and their families an array of opportunities to celebrate a successful year,” said Thorburn. “Both the players and the crowds really embraced the Championship at its new home in 2013 and we’re already looking at ways to build on this success in 2014,” added Thorburn. “With the course exceeding expectations, the quality of golf on display from champion Adam Scott, American young gun Rickie Fowler and our own rising stars the likes of Jack Wilson was exceptional.” The Championship’s return to its traditional end of season position will also provide additional time for Graham Marsh to complete the first stage of the $10million upgrade to the RACV Royal Pines Resort layout. “RACV has invested a significant amount of money to upgrade their championship course so this date will allow suitable time for the work on the front nine to be completed,” added Thorburn. For further information on the PGA Tour of Australasia, visit: www.pga.org.au/ australasia •

UPCOMING PGA TOUR OF AUSTRALASIA EVENTS Date

Tournament

Venue

Prizemoney

Defending Champion

14-17 Aug

Fiji International

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course

US$1,000,000

New event

28-31 Aug

Isuzu Queensland Open

Brookwater Golf and Country Club

AU$110,000

Nick Cullen (SA)

10-13 Sept

South Pacific Open Championship

Tina Golf Course New Caledonia

AU$140,000

Andre Stolz (NSW)

16-19 Oct

John Hughes Nexus Risk Services WA Open Championship

Cottesloe Golf Club

AU$110,000

Josh Geary (NZ)

23-26 Oct

Perth International

Lake Karrinyup Country Club

US$2,000,000

Jin Jeong (KOR)

30 Oct – 2 Nov

WA Goldfields PGA Championship

Kalgoorlie Golf Course

AU$110,000

Jack Wilson (VIC)

13-16 Nov

NSW Open

Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club

AU$110,000

Aron Price (NSW)

20-23 Nov

Australian Masters

The Metropolitan Golf Club

AU$1,000,000min

Adam Scott (QLD)

27-30 Nov

Emirates Australian Open

The Australian Golf Club

AU$1,250,000

Rory McIlroy (NIR)

11-14 Dec

Australian PGA Championship

RACV Royal Pines Resort

AU$1,250,000

Adam Scott (QLD)

› Seven to broadcast Aussie ‘Triple-Crown’ The PGA of Australasia announced last month that the Seven Network has successfully secured a multi-year deal to broadcast the Australian PGA Championship. The agreement effectively gives Seven the “Triple crown” of Australian golf – with the Australian PGA Championship, the Emirates Australian Open and the Australian Masters all 32

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

to be broadcast by the network. In addition, Seven will broadcast Australian golf’s richest tournament, the Perth International. “From the PGA Tour of Australasia through to grass roots golf and the world’s biggest stages Australian golf is booming and we’re pleased to partner with a network who is a passionate and innovative live sports

broadcaster.” “This is a terrific outcome for Seven and also for golf in Australia,” said Saul Shtein, Seven’s Head of Sport. “The triple crown of Australian golf on the one network will significantly enhance awareness in Australia of these great tournaments and the sport.”

Brian Thorburn Brian Thorburn will continue to lead the PGA of Australia for the next three years, the PGA’s Board has announced. Thorburn, who joined the PGA in March 2011, will remain in the role of Chief Executive Officer for the growing Professional body until March 2017. “The PGA is in the midst of an exciting chapter for the growth of the game and Brian’s leadership has been key to our Association’s recent success,” said Mark Gibson, Chairman and thirty-year Member of the PGA of Australia. During his time at the PGA, Thorburn has made substantial contributions to the diverse organisation, none more important that the turnaround of the Association’s financial fortunes. After reporting three consecutive years of deficit, the PGA has most recently reported positive financial results for 2012 and 2013, at the same time implementing significant Membership fee reductions and investing in numerous new services and programs. “The last three years have been memorable and enjoyable and I’m grateful for the continued endorsement and support of the Board and Membership,” said Thorburn who believes the next three-years holds great promise for the sport. “Much has been made of golf’s apparent re-emergence into the spotlight in the last 18 months, however this is just the beginning,” said Thorburn. “We’ve now got two of the most marketable players Australian golf has ever seen within the top five of the World Golf Rankings, we’re two years away from golf returning to the Olympic program and more than ever we’re working collaboratively as an industry.” Looking back on the last three years, Thorburn says some of the PGA’s most significant achievements have included reviewing and restructuring the Membership’s world-class ongoing education program, the diversification of revenue opportunities for the Association and Members, the extremely public yet successful relocation of the Australian PGA Championship to its new home on the Gold Coast and the execution of one of the most successful PGA Tour of Australasia seasons ever in 2014.

Is your PRO a PGA PRO? Give your game a helping hand FINDAPGAPRO.COM.AU

ACGC

Clean sweep by RACQ at Australia’s most prestigious pairs event

n March 26th the state Auto Clubs of Australia (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC, RAA, RACT & AANT) welcomed a full field of amateur golfers to compete in the 2013/14 Auto Club Golf Championship Final at Queensland’s home of Championship Golf, RACV Royal Pines Resort. Despite some trying conditions competition was fierce during round 1 of the tournament. Sadly round 2 was cancelled when the course had to be closed on day 2 due to heavy rains. Finalists and guests didn’t let the weather get the best of them, with many taking the opportunity to enjoy the Gold Coast sights and facilities at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

The main title went to John Horsfall and Jason Michelmore representing RACQ and Towoomba City Golf Club, who after the 1st and only round were leading the competition and thus were crowned the 2013/14 ACGC Champion Pair. Not only did RACQ have the honour of hosting the Champion Pair they also took out the State Champion Team prize with an average of 29.91, narrowly beating out NRMA in second place with an average of 29.41. Congrats also to Cameron Ball representing RACV and Lakes Entrance and Rosemary Orr from NRMA and Narrandera Golf Club for winning the Thrifty Long Drive awards.

Thankfully the clouds parted just in time for the afternoon Suzuki Shoot-out, an exciting chipping competition held in front of the Club House, which saw the top RACV Resorts & Suzuki Nearest The Pin winners go head to head. Richard Jalland who was representing the NRMA and Federal Golf Club won the special Suzuki competition. Senior World Long Drive Champion Steven Kennedy also treated onlookers to a demonstration along with trick shot golf magician Henry Epstein. Event Director, Taren Hocking said, “What’s truly special about this competition is the prize of getting to the national Championship Final itself. We didn’t have two winners, we had 136!” When it came time to hand out the awards at the sensational four-course gala dinner featuring exclusively paired wines thanks to Marambro Creek winery, finalists and guests could not have been happier and many continued the celebrations well into the early hours.

Above: Suzuki Shoot Out winner Richard Jalland with Tony Devers, General Manager from Suzuki Australia. Top: The field of the ACGC Championship at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

You TWO could be number 1 Twice the fun and double the glory in the search for Australia’s best Amateur Golf Pair of 2014/15. The Auto Club Golf Championship (ACGC), now it its third series, is Australia’s largest amateur golf pairs competition. The event presented exclusively by the Australian Auto Clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC, RAA, RACT & AANT) is going from strength to strength in 2014 receiving official event status from the PGA of Australia. This year’s regional series in will be expanding to 80+ events, kicking off in early May. The ACGC is open to all amateur golfers with an official Golf Link Handicap. To encourage more family participation, the minimum age has been reduced to 14+ (minors must play with a supervising guardian). All you need to register is for one of your team of two players to have a valid Australian Auto Club Membership. With the bonus registration gift of a dozen golf balls per pair and complimentary arrival refreshments, this tournament is the best value amateur event of its kind at only $33.00 per player. Like in the first two series, the winning pair from every one of the regional events will receive travel and accommodation, plus

three days of Championship Golf, social functions and frivolity during the 2014/15 Championship Final being held at Australia’s home of Championship Golf, RACV Royal Pines Resort in Queensland. There are also plenty of prizes on offer at each of the regional qualifying events with the event partners Suzuki, Thrifty, Bollé, Bushnell and RACV Resorts pledging to continue to increase the prize pool in 2014/15. On top of this, every entrant will also have the chance to win a brand-new Suzuki in the Suzuki Hole In One and if you’re thinking that’s a long shot, think again: the team at Suzuki have already given away two sensational Suzuki Kizashi’s in the previous series. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned club golfer, grab yourself a playing partner and jump online to register for an event near you today. Not only could you find yourselves enjoying a sensational trip to Queensland’s home of Championship Golf in 2015. It could be you who has the honour of being crowned the 2014/15 ACGC Australian Amateur Golf Pair. To find an event date in your region and register your pair visit: www.acgc.com.au

Second chance secures 17th Club Champ title Henry Peters

ed@insidegolf.com.au @hsspeters

ohn Mansfield won his 17th Green Acres Golf Club Championship recently, but it was the manner in which he did it that was most bizarre. The 51-year-old needed to play one extra round of matchplay to get the job done. Mansfield actually lost his semi-final match 2 & 1, but not before his opponent, Mark Tucker, had submitted an incorrect scorecard during the previous day’s 36-hole qualifying stage.

“It was just so much golf and I was struggling with sore feet.” He defeated Thaw in the second semi-final to set up a 36-hole decider against fellow member Adam McLean, which Mansfield won convincingly, 5 & 3. “Once I knew I was in the final, it was a lot easier because you get motivated,” Mansfield said. “You actually realise, ‘oh I’ve got a chance to win this again’. You like to think your pride kicks in at some point.” It was a strong standard of play in the final. Mansfield fired the equivalent of a four-under 67 in the morning round, but that was only good enough for a two-hole lead at lunch.

“On the Sunday night after our semi-final, he realised that he put an incorrect scorecard in so he was disqualified,” Mansfield said.

“He hit it a long way past me but he threw in a couple of three-putts towards the end and I didn’t make too many mistakes,” Mansfield said.

The club’s committee decided to reinstate Mansfield and Tucker’s quarter-final opponent, Paul Thaw.

“I think I ended playing about 123 holes in total. It ended up being a hell of a lot of golf, that’s for sure.”

Mansfield admitted his biggest mental challenge during the event was preparing for his second semi-final. “After I got beaten in the semi-final, I just felt like I was a little bit over it all and in a way was a little bit relieved that I was out of it,” Mansfield revealed.

Mansfield is now 10 club championships clear of the next most prolific winner of the club’s premier event. He said his 17th title felt more special than his very first victory back in 1983.

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Mansfield has spent the past two decades

working for golf maintenance equipment company David Golf and hasn’t devoted as much time to his golf in recent years. His preparation leading into the championship included only 18 holes each Saturday plus no more than two weekly sessions of up to an hour on the practice range. “A bloke like me really shouldn’t be winning them if they had some really good juniors around,” Mansfield said. “Places like Green Acres and Kew, good juniors come through but they disappear because they go to the sandbelt. They get to the age of 15 or 16 and they might win one but two years later they’re elsewhere. That’s the main reason

why I’ve won so many I reckon. It would be nice to see a couple of juniors come through.” Mansfield has achieved his dominance at club level despite never having a hole-in-one. “It’s a bit of a running joke that I’ve never had a hole-in-one. Whenever anybody has one, I’m the first to be notified,” Mansfield laughed. But Mansfield wouldn’t trade a single club championship for an ace. “I always threatened that I’d swap a couple but I probably wouldn’t because I’ve enjoyed every single one of them.” •

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new gear

NEW GEAR > We highlight the latest products to hit the market

GolfKnickers.com

GolfBuddy PT4

GolfKnickers.com has made it easier than ever to dress up your golf game as they will soon be releasing their NEW Spring (US) Line of argyle sweaters and socks. There will be 12 brand-new colour patterns, along with a whole new line of argyle sweater and sock packages that are a bit different from the rest.

The next generation of the successful GolfBuddy Platinum device, the PT4 features the slimmest design, highest resolution and largest screen compared to other major competitors in the handheld device category. The PT4 boasts a 4” LCD touchscreen, precisely measures the distance to any target, as well as shot distance measurement and a replaceable battery that lasts up to 10 hours. A key feature of the unit is the enhancement of the touchscreen which has been upgraded from a pressure-based touch screen to a capacitive touch screen, providing users with direct contact with the content displayed and enabling taps and gestures to be even more responsive. In addition to relaying accurate distances, the PT4 features automatic course recognition and moveable pin placement. The unit features both a player scorecard and statistics module, allowing the user to analyse their current game and keep track of all their rounds played and to keep score for up to four players at once. Complete with over 37,000 pre-loaded global courses the PT4 is 100% fee-free with no annual subscriptions or course download charges.

GolfKnickers.com is also planning on launching a whole new line of ‘Par 5’ Limited Plaid Knicker Sets with over 20 new plaid patterns to be released during Fall of 2014. Keep an eye out for these new releases and help preserve the class in the game of golf. www.GolfKnickers.com

Callaway Solaire Gems

RRP $499.95

www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au

Callaway X2 Hot Deep Fairway Woods The 2014 range of Callaway X2 Hot Deep Fairway Woods are built to go deep. An extension of last year’s X Hot 3Deep Fairway Wood, the new X2 Hot Deep fairway woods lineups features several key technology updates and a more complete offering— available in 2-Deep (12.5°), 3-Deep (14.5°) and 5-Deep (18.5°). They are designed with a deep face for players who want to predominantly hit fairway woods off the tee, but they still deliver consistency and versatility off the fairway. The Deep line features Callaway’s High Strength Carpenter 455 Forged Face Cup for increased ball speeds, a high MOI for great forgiveness, a Flatter Roll Radius for higher launch angles off fairway woods and tight lies, and Larger Volume Progression through the range to give players a wider range of performance options from the lineup. VIDEO: Alan Hocknell, Callaway Sr VP of R&D, explains the X2 Hot Deep Fairway Woods: http://youtu.be/zzPdry0hpfk www.callawaygolf.com/au

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The new Solaire 13-piece GEMS from Callaway is an all-in-one complete set of clubs with outstanding performance and forgiveness engineered specifically for women golfers. Callaway examined every aspect of a club’s design to find where forgiveness and performance come from. That’s why Solaire Gems feature longer and more forgiving irons; high-launching, easy to hit fairway woods; and a driver that delivers longer, straighter drives more often. The Solaire GEMS set also includes an Odyssey Putter. Every club in the set was specifically engineered for the demands of women golfers, including the stylish and contemporary bag. The clubs, bag and head covers come in pink or black. www.callawaygolf.com/au

RRP $1,199.99

(13-piece set)

Odyssey Tank Cruiser Putter

RRP $299.99

Driven by feedback from Tour pros, the Odyssey Tank Cruiser putters deliver a new level of fitting options in the most technological counterbalanced putter in golf. Now golfers get adjustable weighting at the head level (365g, 375g, 385g) and three different weights to choose from at the counterbalance level (the top of the shaft - 5g, 15g, 30g). These adjustability options allow the golfer to dial in his/her balance better than ever for their most consistent stroke. Tank Cruiser models also feature Odyssey’s new White Hot insert for great feel and a consistent roll, and they come standard with the Super Stroke Grip, the fastest growing grip on Tour. Head shapes available: #7, 330, #1 Wide, and V-Line. www.odysseygolf.com

RRP $299.99

new gear

Gustbuster Metro For many years, the Gustbuster has been the number one choice for all golfers wanting a windproof umbrella. The Gustbuster withstands up to 80KPH without blowing inside out. The Gustbuster Metro is a relatively new addition to the family, which shares all the benefits of its big brother, with the convenience of folding up inside your briefcase or travel pack. These are available in many good golf shops Stockist enquiries - Peter Wright Golf Agencies. Ph 02 96341876. www.peterwrightgolf.com

RRP $69.95

Stealth cleat Stealth cleat is the newest edition to the SoftSpikes family and is offered exclusively in the PINS insert system. Stealth was developed by SoftSpikes to reduce height and bring golfers closer to the ground and harness their highest level of balance and stability. This revolutionary new cleat, with six flexible legs, provides golfers with the immediate feedback required to develop a more consistent swing. Offering better traction, more comfort and improved playing surfaces, there is no question as to why SoftSpikes are the number 1 choice of golfers worldwide. Stockist enquiries - Peter Wright Golf Agencies. Ph 02 96341876. www.peterwrightgolf.com

WE TRIED IT! > Point N Putt SX-1 Putter

We all know that putting is arguably the most important part of golf, so getting a putter that can inspire confidence on the green is paramount to success. If you’ve been struggling with your putting, or are simply looking for a new wand to help shave strokes off your score, then a recently-released Australian-made product could be just the ticket. PNP Golf’s unique Point N Putt SX-1 Putter takes alignment to the next level, and features a balanced, comfortable and confidence-boosting design that could help even the most ruffled of putting strokes find the bottom of the cup more often. We took the Point N Putt SX-1 out on the links for a few rounds, and we seriously loved it. The extended “Directional Pointer” makes alignment a cinch, as it inspires “pointing” rather than “squaring” the clubface. Studies have shown that pointing is easier and more accurate than squaring for most golfers, and recent SAM PuttLab studies revealed over half of the participants improved their alignment on average by 16.5%. In our demo, we found that the “pointing” aspect actually improved our thought-process when putting—giving us one less thing to think about—resulting in a more natural putting stroke. Brilliant. The 380g head is a matte black, which reduces glare and helps you focus on the Pointer. In addition, the head features customisable head weight options; by adjusting the 42g or 62g weights with a small tool, you can create head weights of 360g, 400g and 420g. This little tweak can help you create a well-balanced head to inspire the confidence in knowing that the putter will stay on line during the stroke. Overall, we really loved the Point N Putt SX-1, and recommend you try one out if your putting needs help. www.pnpgolf.com

VICE Golf Balls Featuring all the innovation, quality and performance of a premium golf ball, but at a fraction of the price, the VICE Golf Ball has recently burst onto the golf scene. The technically advanced startup, based in Germany, offers three R&A/USGA certified golf balls that have been developed at par with the market leaders. The 3-piece cast urethane VICE PRO is the top-of-the-line ball. The 3-piece DuPont Surlyn VICE TOUR features a maximum spin reduction. Finally, the 2-piece DuPont Surlyn VICE Drive is the company’s entry-level ball . By avoiding the intermediate trade and distributing exclusively through their website, VICE balls are, on average, half the cost of similar products. At the order quantity of 60 balls, VICE Golf only charges between $1.25 and $2.95 per ball. www.vicegolf.com.au

RRP $189.00

WIN Inside Golf and PNP are giving away a spectacular prize pack to one lucky Inside Golf reader. The package includes one PNP Rake Sand Wedge, one PNP Rake Lob Wedge and a Point N Putt SX-1 putter. The Rake Wedges have a patented Dual Bounce Rail Design which effortlessly combs through thick grass and sand making the clubs “shot savers” from anywhere inside 90 metres. When combined with the Point N Putt SX-1 Putter, these three shortgame improvers are unlike any clubs in golf .All 3 clubs conform to USGA rules.

N I W

To enter, visit www.insidegolf.com.au/ competitions www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

technology

TaylorMade to fit your game David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

LUB golfers take the game seriously, right? Week in, week out they are out there trying to shave shots off their handicap and play a better game. But many club golfers are using ill-fitting equipment and then wonder why they aren’t making progress. Now, thanks to the recently opened TaylorMade Performance Lab at Golf Central Brisbane Airport, amateurs can enjoy a world-class fitting experience normally reserved for the game’s elite players. Yes, the TaylorMade Performance Lab is available to golfers of all ages, genders and skill levels. Brisbane’s TaylorMade manager and master club-fitter Luke Arnott said there had never been a better opportunity to be customfit like TaylorMade tour professionals Jason Day, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Rose, Dustin Johnson, Paula Creamer and others. Sure, club-fitting has been around for decades but TaylorMade has taken clubfitting one step further by developing a computerised tool called Motion Analysis Technology by TaylorMade (MAT-T). “MAT-T uses a computer, a launch monitor and several high-speed cameras to create a three-dimensional motion capture image of the swing that is extremely accurate and viewable from every angle,” Arnott explained.

The multiple high-speed cameras capture your every move because reflective markers are positioned on strategic points of the body as well as the grip, shaft and head of the specifically-designed MAT-T club. It analyses the information to create a 3D computer-animated image that is viewable from every angle. “Every piece of data relevant to the quality of your ball striking is measured and recorded,” Arnott said. “That includes swing speed, face angle at impact, launch angle, spin rate and ball speed. “The shape of trajectory and the distance of your shot, including carry and roll, is calculated with remarkable accuracy. “It’s a very comprehensive fit and is the most accurate anyone can produce … to within .06 of a degree. “The 3D image and swing data gives you a clear understand of the dynamics of your motion allowing you to fully visualise the cause and effect your swing has on ball flight.” Arnott said players were taken through a number of important fitting steps in a friendly, relaxed environment. Stage one is conducted in the performance lab where the computer makes recommendations about club model, driver, club specifications, shaft and even putter style. “Then we move to the second part of the fit,” Arnott said. “That’s when we make up the clubs and look at ball-flight, how far is the ball going, what is its launch conditions and what is its spin rates. “Then we take the player to the on-site range so they can see in reality how the clubs

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FITTING ADVICE: Luke Arnott in the TaylorMade Performance Lab. are performing. You will see right away the additional distance and accuracy they deliver. “If your lie angle is perfectly square at impact and not twisting then we are not manipulating a different movement to compensate for that club so you are making a natural swing. “It’s easier to get a set of clubs that fits you rather than always compensating because the clubs are ill-fitting. “People who come through the fitting process get very excited,” Arnott said. “They learn something about themselves and about how to play a better game.” Arnott said the biggest reward is when they take their new custom-fitted equipment to the golf course.

“One player who was fitted here gained 30 metres with his recommended driver and never went back to using his old driver,” he said. TaylorMade also offers after-service support. “If you go away, take lessons and make some swing changes and have any doubts about your equipment you can book in again freeof-charge,” Arnott said. “If the clubs need a correction, we will adjust the clubs for you. That’s the benefit of coming through the TaylorMade Performance Lab. To make a booking, call Luke Arnott on 0412-784-662 or email luke.arnott@tmag.com The TaylorMade Lab is located at Golf Central Brisbane Airport, 40 The Circuit, Skygate, Brisbane Airport – adjacent to the Novotel and DFO. •

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May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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people

Opportunity knocks for quartet David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

HEY are not the first and won’t be the last to view the United States of America as an opportunity to further their education and develop their golf skills. Promising Keperra Country Golf Club members Jonathan “Jono” Ledger and Carlo Surace have packed their bags for US colleges in pursuit of their dreams. Two others, Joshua Taylor and Elliot Braulins, the 2012 club champion, too, have departed the club choosing to study and play golf in Melbourne. Losing four young players is a big loss to Keperra’s pennant ranks, but the quartet leave with the blessing of club professional and AAA-rated teaching professional Chris Chaplin. “It’s certainly ripped a big hole in our pennant team, but I think it’s a great opportunity for them,” Chaplin said. “I had mixed feelings about Jono going because you are losing one of best players, but for him it’s a fantastic opportunity and I told him to ‘go for it’. Ledger, 19, is doing a degree in Exercise Sports Science at St Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas and Surace, 18, is working towards a bachelor of finance at the University of St Thomas, Houston, Texas.

Taylor, 17, and Braulins have decided to study and develop their golf at the Australian College of Elite Golf in Melbourne. “I have always loved to travel and university in Australia cannot offer what is offered here (US),” said Ledger, who plays off scratch. “I get to play the sport I love while gaining a degree at the same time. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime. “I would like to finish my degree and hopefully by that time my golf is at a level where I can turn professional,” said Ledger, who is in the St Mary Rattlers seven-man team. “We practice every day except Sundays and workout every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.” Surace, who plays off two, said the University of St Thomas golf program was “relatively new”. “We practice on weekdays, sometimes up to five hours a day,” he said. “We also do yoga and fitness training every week.” He said he decided to go to America because of the opportunities available. “It’s very difficult to get a degree and try to pursue a golf career in Australia, whereas they facilitate that in the US. The standard of competition in the US is so high that it motivates you and forces you to improve. “But my favourite aspect is the amazing cultural experience and opportunity to gain independence and grow as a human being. “My aim is to continue to improve my game while balancing school work and social life.

“I’d love to play in, or maybe even win, a national championship, however, it is still early days and I have a long way to go. I would also like to qualify for a professional event before I graduate.”

Jonathan “Jono” Ledger

Taylor, off scratch, chose to attend the Australian College of Elite Golf. “I decided to go to Melbourne to further enhance my golf skill set and meet new people to help me on my journey,” he said. “It’s a very busy and fulfilling program, which allows me to focus on my career to become a professional golfer as well as completing a Diploma of Sport. “My goal is to finish college with the diploma and then try my hand at Asian Tour qualifying school and try and work my way on to the European Tour.” Taylor said he would represent Yarra Yarra Golf Club’s division 1 pennant team for the next two years. •

DID YOU KNOW?

Keperra Country Golf Club is a well-known breeding ground for aspiring champions. John Senden, the Senior brothers (Peter and Jeff ), the Taylor brothers (Robert, Gerry, Stephen and Chris), Jeff Woodland, Tom and Ken Berndt, Chris McCourt, Gareth Small and a few others cut their teeth at the club.

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people

Top volunteer Joan a club legend T hank goodness for wonderful golf club volunteers like Joan Harvey of Beerwah District Memorial Golf Club.

Joan last month was named Queensland’s Club Super Volunteer of the Year after dedicating more than 40 years’ service, including 30 years as junior coordinator, to her beloved club.

More than 450 people from all sections of the golf industry gave the popular 84-year-old a rousing reception when she made her way to the podium at the Queensland Golf Industry Awards at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast. “A lot of people say I’m great and deserve recognition for the work I do at the club, but I’m not a great one – I just do what I do,” said Joan, who is a life member and a Beerwah legend. “I do it because that’s my life really.” To say Joan is passionate about juniors is an understatement. For 30 years, she has been instrumental in guiding young golfers through the mechanics and etiquette of golf. She also takes the time to meet up with the kids after school. Nothing will stop Joan volunteering – not even a cancer scare. Even while undergoing treatment last year, Joan never missed a junior clinic, seniors golf day or management meeting. “Everybody knows I love my kids,” she said.

Singh confirms Fiji homecoming

“There have been some great golfers come out of Beerwah Golf Club in the past 30 years. “Steve Milgate and Joel Boorer came through the club’s junior program and are now greenkeepers and rep player Holly Sinclair was one of my juniors.” Joan told Inside Golf she had “no plans to retire” and would continue to work with, and encourage, club juniors. She is, of course, delighted her great granddaughter Sophie has joined the program. Born at Southport on the Gold Coast, Joan grew up on a dairy farm at Woodford in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. “When I married, we moved to Beerwah and I joined the golf club in 1970,” she said. A year later she volunteered for the ladies committee and has been involved in some capacity every since.

“I was vice-captain for two years, then captain for seven years in the 1980s and I also served time on the management committee,” she said.

TOP AWARD: Joan Harvey shows off her Queensland Club Super Volunteer of the Year award.

In her young years, Joan played off a competitive 13 handicap, but has since drifted out to 34.

“I also won the Beerwah Cup in 1993 and I had a hole-in-one on the second,” she said. “I still play golf twice a week – Mondays and Thursdays.”

She won two B grade club championships (1997-’98), four C grade club titles (1976, 2004-’05-’08), the mixed foursomes with “golfing buddy” Val Shaw (1987) and three mixed foursomes.

Still, for Joan, the game of golf isn’t just about chasing the golf ball – it’s about helping to make the golf club a better place for members and visitors and to help grow junior golf. •

Former World Number 1 Vijay Singh will return to his home nation of Fiji to compete in the Fiji International golf tournament. To be played at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from August 14-17, Fiji’s greatest ever golfer is the first marquee announcement for the new tournament to be jointlysanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia. “The Fiji International is a big opportunity for Fiji and I wanted to be a part of it,” said Singh. To be played the week following the US PGA Championship, Singh said he had always hoped to be a part of the Fiji International and was glad that the schedule provided an opportunity for his involvement. “Since it was launched I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Singh who grew up living nearby a golf course and was introduced to the game by his father. “There are plenty of kids in Fiji who have never seen a golf club, never hit a golf ball. I know the PGA has plans for growing the game in Fiji and I want to play my part,” added Singh. Launched in September last year, planning is well underway for the inaugural tournament which will boast a minimum prizepurse of US$1 million. The Fiji International is expected to produce a multi-million dollar boost for the Fijian economy, in addition to flow on benefits including the growth of the game in the region.

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people

‘Gibbo’ chalks up half century put it, “fairly sheltered”.

David Newbery

“I was an ordinary teacher and didn’t enjoy much success at first,” he explained. “So I went on a mission to acquire knowledge wherever I could and that mission is still in place.

david@insidegolf.com.au

GA of Australia chairman and awardwinning teaching professional Mark “Gibbo” Gibson reckons he wakes up every day thanking his lucky stars.

“One of my mottos is; ‘it’s a bad day if you don’t learn something new’.”

The 56-year-old, who runs Exceptional Golf at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, told Inside Golf he’d had a “blessed life” after recently racking up 50 years of golfing.

A permanent reminder of this is Gary Wiren quote on Gibson’s desk that says; ‘Those who dare to teach must never cease to learn’.” Well, learn he did. Twice Gibbo has been awarded PGA Australian Teacher of the Year and on three occasions PGA Queensland Teacher of the Year.

“I’ve loved every minute of it,” said Gibson, whose stars aligned when, on his sixth birthday, he received a gift voucher for a golf lesson. “My mum and dad were golfers,” he said. “Mum was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and she was keen for me to play. “So for my sixth birthday she gave me a voucher for a golf lesson with Reg Want at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club. “So I had my first lesson on my sixth birthday and I have been playing golf ever since. “Every day I would come home from school and my dad would be waiting for me and we’d go and play six, nine or 12 holes. I loved it.” Gibson’s first meeting with Want, and later associations with the legendary Norman von Nida and top teaching professionals Charlie Earp and Ian Triggs, lit the fuse for what has been a long career in the industry. Want must have seen potential in his young protégé as he took him under his wing. He even lined up a caddies job for him with von Nida. “I was an 11-year-old when The Von came to Tweed to play with three businessmen so Reg asked my dad if I could have a day off school to caddie and I did,” Gibbo explained. The experience certainly left an indelibly mark, which Gibson has never forgotten.

50 NOT OUT: Mark Gibson has 50 years of happy golfing memories. “When I caddied for the Von and we got to the eighth (now 17th) on the West Course, a par-3 of about 145 yards, the Von said, ‘son, get a dozen balls out of the bag’. “So I took the dozen brand-new balls out and he hit them on the green with every club from driver through to nine-iron. I was gobsmacked. “I guess that was the moment I said, ‘this is something I want to do’. “So Reg inspired me towards a career in golf and later I also did my traineeship under him. “Reg was a thorough gentleman and a distinguished player who won the Queensland Open and was runner-up at an Australian Open.” When Gibson completed his traineeship, he stayed until Want’s retirement before leaving to work for another Want disciple – Charlie Earp. “Charlie was Reg’s first trainee pro and I was his last,” Gibson said. “I went to work for Charlie at RQ for 18 months and that was an incredible learning curve,” Gibson said.

Gibson played competitively throughout his traineeship and played the tour with limited success.

“There is so much history to golf. The game is the last bastion when it comes to etiquette, manners and integrity.

“If I had my time over and knew what I know now I would have played longer,” he said. “At the time, I didn’t have enough self belief and there were certain skills I never developed.

“In nearly every other sport, people are coached how to cheat.

“Today, we develop those skills in kids much earlier.”

Gibson said the golf industry was under pressure from other sports and it was in everyone’s interest to repel the threat.

“I was their first pro and stayed for five years before going to Keperra to work with Ian Triggs.”

“The best thing we can do, and it doesn’t matter who it is, is keep getting better and we’ll win,” he said.

Gibson left Keperra to take on the head pro’s role at Pine Rivers and then Caloundra golf courses for five and five-and-a-half years respectively.

“My view is that golf has been so good to me and I have had a better life than I could have asked for.

“In 1994, I took the job as head pro at Royal Pines and in 1999 I went to Lakelands for six years,” Gibson said. “My passion to teach full-time started when I was with Charlie and Triggsy.” Still, his first foray into teaching was, as he

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“They are taught how to take it to the limit whereas golf doesn’t have a place for anyone who doesn’t play by the rules.”

Gibson’s first head pro’s job was at Gladstone Golf Club in Central Queensland.

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“I feel tremendous pride in those achievements,” he said.

“There are a lot of pros that have gone before me that have made me what I am. I have had some incredible influences in my life and been mentored by some amazing people – not just golf pros. “And I have been able to put together an eclectic set of skills that help to do what I do.” •

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juniors

New holes await top junior golfers

s some of the most talented junior golfers from NSW and the ACT prepare for the 2014 Subaru NSW Junior Golf Championships, staff at Wollongong Golf Club and The Links Shell Cove are busy putting the finishing touches on some inspiring course re-developments. “Supporting our game at a grass roots level is something that we are particularly proud to be involved in,” said General Manager of Wollongong Golf Club, Leigh Hingston. “We have been working extremely hard over the summer months on the redevelopment of several new holes and are very excited to be bringing Australia’s largest junior golfing tournament to Wollongong,” Hingston added. In conjunction with Golf NSW and as part of the Jack Newton Junior Golf Tour, the second of the year’s four majors sees some of the best juniors from across the country battle it out for the title of NSW Junior Boy and Girl Champion. The Subaru NSW Junior Golf Championships are held as a stroke play tournament over four rounds, 1-4 July 2014, with competitors playing 18 holes at both Wollongong Golf Club and The Links Shell Cove over the opening two days. Players making the cut will then compete for the Championship Cup at Wollongong Golf Club, whilst the remainder of the field will contest the Championship Plate at Links Shell Cove. Top competitors including Brad McIntosh, Nick Flanagan, Brendan Jones, Jake Higginbottom, Nikki Garrett, Nicki Campbell and James Nitties all cut their teeth at the State Championships and there is no doubt that this year’s field will also play host to some promising future stars.

“The future of our game relies heavily on the development of our juniors and this is a fantastic opportunity to foster some of the state’s very best talent.” said Robby Stephenson, General Manager of The Links Shell Cove. “Recent changes to our course will ensure that this year’s field is exposed to a much more inviting and enjoyable playing experience,” Stephenson said. An added initiative for this year is the inclusion of a Junior-AM. This 18-hole event pairs three amateur golfers with one elite junior player. The Junior-AM will take place on Monday 30th June and players can look forward to an enjoyable day of golf with a talented youngster. The Grange Golf Club has kindly donated their beautiful course for the event. It is composed of two contrasting sets of nine holes. The front nine is straightforward; being mainly of tree-lined fairways and relatively flat, while the back nine has many undulating fairways and water comes into play on at least six of the final nine holes. The Junior-AM was developed as a way to give back to the host region with all funds raised from the day going towards junior golf in the Illawarra District. “The Junior-Am is being introduced for the first time this year. Not only is it a great way to raise funds for junior golf in the host region but it also gives our juniors a taste of the responsibilities of an elite or professional player. We hope to get as many clubs and corporate sponsors supporting the event and junior golf in the region,” said Jack Newton Junior Golf CEO, Peter Van Wegen. For more information contact: Jack Newton Junior Golf 02 9576 7736 or www.jnjg.com.au •

(L to R) Mark Baroni GGC Junior Coordinator, Newly accredited Teachers Michelle Fewkes & Kate Lavery East Kalgoorlie PS, Chris Chidlow St Josephs PS and Matthew Espie GolfWA Game Development Coordinator.

Back to School for the Goldfields GC

he Goldfields Golf Club is currently trialling a school-based golf program, The Goldfields Golf Club – Primary School (Pilot) Program. Promoting golf within schools is an area the Club has not previously been involved, mainly due to coach availability. The Club has 15 accredited level 1 community coaches, however all work fulltime which limits their ability to attend schools. With the assistance of the WA Golf Foundation and GolfWA, the Club has been able to purchase SNAG Golf Equipment and provide Level 1 Community Coaching Accreditation for several Primary School Teachers. The main goals of the program are to expose lower primary school students (6 to 8 years old) to golf, hoping golf becomes their sport of choice; provide level 1 coaching accreditation to school PE teachers to deliver SNAG Golf; encourage primary schools to add golf to their school sport curriculum; provide a pathway for lower primary school students to school based & club based MyGolf Programs and to grow the GGC junior golf program. Mark Baroni, GGC Junior Coordinator said “The Club decided on the SNAG Equipment due to the ease of setting up lessons using the variety of targets and aids that are available. The equipment is also a bit quirky and colourful which grabs the children’s attention. The children of St Joseph’s and East Kalgoorlie Primary Schools are enjoying their introduction to Golf”. “The program would not be possible without the assistance from both the WA Golf Foundation and GolfWA and we are very grateful for their support. At the end of the year we will evaluate the program and decide the feasibility of expanding into further schools in the Goldfields”. •

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Discoveries need golfers Medical research needs golfers as much as it needs scientists. Over the past 40 years, Australian golfers have contributed almost $1.5 million to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. In that time, we have improved the lives of more than 10 million people worldwide with drugs that boost infection-fighting cells during cancer treatment. With your support, we can improve the lives of tens of millions more. Help us to continue making discoveries for humanity by nominating the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute as the beneficiary of your charity tournaments. Call Alice Robinson on 03 9345 2929 to discuss supporting the institute at your next charity golf day. Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research 1G Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 Email: alicer@wehi.edu.au or to make a donation online please visit www.wehi.edu.au

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juniors

What do the kids want? Lee Harrington

ALPG & PGA Member, Development Officer for Golf Queensland lee@golfqueensland.org.au

Junior sport participation is a very competitive market for all sports at the moment. Sports which have seen increased participation numbers over the years have been successful in attracting juniors to their game because they have evolved and adapted new coaching practices which engage students in a games-based format.

Involve Friends

provide support in tough times.

The list of why to involve friends and the associated benefits is long. Friendships provide children with more than just fun mates to play with or people to hang out with. Through interacting with friends, children learn very important social and life skills – how to communicate, cooperate, solve problems, and make decisions.

How does golf adapt its approach to Juniors?

This year my 8-year-old daughter is playing netball, Why? Because her best friend asked her to. My 9-year-old son transferred to a different AFL club, Why? Because his friends were at that club. The importance of friendship influence at this age is strong.

Golf coaches need to adopt games-based team challenges into their lesson plans. This enables the kids to engage with each other rather than treating their learning individually. The learning environment is therefore increasingly interactive and also very active. Listen to what the children say, be positive, compliment effort and the parts of the skill that were performed correctly, maintain interest with a variety of activities, maximum participation and limited talk. Coaches should: • promote cooperation, teamwork and fair play during activities • reinforce the contribution all children make to the group • provide a supportive environment and show sensitivity to individual differences

As a golf coach and working closely within junior golf, I am realising that golf also needs to make some necessary changes in the way we deliver golf coaching to juniors, especially if we are going to keep them engaged in the game for life.

How do friendships develop? At different ages children have different capacities for friendships, and friends play different roles in children’s lives. At this age (8-12 years) friends are very important in their social world and influence their wants and needs.

This month I continue to cover my series on junior golf instruction and a direction I believe we need to consider in order to start creating change within our sport. This includes looking at more inclusive and learning opportunities which present fun, excitement and challenges for our juniors.

At this age they also learn that different situations and different people call for different behaviours. Friends assist in teaching them skills such as how to lead, how to follow, how to set up rules, how to win, and how to lose. They learn to deal with satisfaction, anger, aggression and rejection. By comparing themselves to others, children come to understand who they are through their social relationships.

When taking juniors on the golf course I therefore encourage programs to utilise group challenges and ambrose style events to give the juniors a sense of team. This interaction and flow provides a transition from the skills team challenges on the range. It will provide the engagement needed to make the experience fun. •

Research shows that children with healthy friendships have a greater sense of wellbeing, better self-esteem, and fewer social problems as adults. Having friends even affects children’s school performance. Friends provide a network of reinforcement; they help each other with life’s challenges and

Lee and husband Peter are both PGA members and run The Golf School coaching and fitting centre located on the Gold Coast, at Palm Meadows Driving Range www.thegolfschool.com.au lee@golfqueensland.org.au, 0413 163 312

To begin, golf professionals, community coaches, junior coordinators or parents need to include the following when creating and implementing a junior program: • Fun • Involve friends • Have excitement and enjoyment • Involve physical activity and challenges • Involve improvement

Golf Vic launches junior website Golf Victoria recently announced the launch of its Junior-specific website, juniors.golfvic.org.au. The junior website becomes the home of Victorian Junior Golf for junior golfers and their parents as well as junior coordinators, and school teachers to find junior golf specific information. Within the site users will be able to access news, events, schools programs, elite programs, player rankings, MyGolf and SNAG (starting new at golf ) information. The Stuart Appleby Junior Golf (SAJG) website will eventually be integrated into the junior site. In the interim, stuartappleby.com.au will remain the location for all information on the SAJG program.

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Fairfield Golf Club 09-May-14 Forbes Services Golf Club 11 May-14 Cooma Golf Club 24-May-14 Wollongong Golf Club 30-May-14 Canowindra Golf Club 01-Jun-14 Coolah Golf Club 01-Jun-14 Penrith Golf Club 09-Jun-14 Parkes Golf Club 15-Jun-14 Macquarie Links 20-Jun-14 Frederickton Golf Cub 21-Jun-14 Narrabri Golf Club 22-Jun-14 Pambula Merimbula GC 22-Jun-14 Condobolin Sports Club 22-Jun-14 Dubbo Golf Club 29-Jun-14 Kurri Kurri Golf Club 29-Jun-14

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Esperance Golf Club Inc. 11-May-14 Wagin Golf Club 18-May-14 Port Hedland Golf Club 24-May-14 Harvey Golf Club 25-May-14 Pink Lake Country Club 01-Jun-14 Broome Golf Club 07-Jun-14 Mount Barker Golf Club 08-Jun-14 Capel Golf Club 15-Jun-14 Donnybrook Country Club 21-Jun-14

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Narrabri Golf Club 21-May-14 Kareela Golf Club 22-May-14 Shortland Waters Golf Club 27-May-14 Northbridge Golf Club 28-May-14 Goulburn Golf Club 30-May-14 Coolah Golf Club 01-Jun-14 Queanbeyan Golf Club 19-Jun-14

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juniors

A star in the making David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

ere’s a young golfers name worth pencilling in – Christian Butterworth.

The 12-year-old has a golfing resume as long as your arm that includes practising with Marc Leishman and Steve Bowditch.

Christian Butterworth plants a kiss on the Peregian Springs B grade club championship trophy.

In recent years, Christian has been tearing up the fairways at numerous Sunshine Coast golf courses and collecting trophies like there’s no tomorrow. Late last year Christian, who plays off a 4.7 handicap, won the Greg Norman Junior Masters (13 years and under division) by a staggering nine shots. He carded rounds of 77-77 at the Palmer Colonial golf course on the Gold Coast and followed that up with a 78 at Palmer Gold Coast (Robina Woods) and a 75 at Palmer Coolum on the Sunshine Coast. “Going into the last round he had a one-shot lead, which remained through nine holes,” said proud dad Andrew. “He then shot a one-over on the back nine to win by nine shots, which placed him in 28th position in all boys’ age groups.” Andrew said his son’s best 18-hole score is 73 at both Peregian Springs (home club) and Tewantin Noosa golf courses.

CHAMPIONS: Former Open Championship winner Darren Clarke took time out to have his photograph taken with young Christian.

“Recently he won the Noosa Par-4 Junior Open with a one-under par score and lost a playoff at the Noosa Springs Junior Open after he and winner Doug Klein fired 74s. “He was also the youngest ever winner of a Sunshine Coast Junior Open when he won the Cooroy Junior Open last year. He also became the youngest ever qualifier of the Invincibles Junior Masters.” Christian, a short-game wizard, excels in all formats of the game including matchplay. Of the 17 matchplay rounds he has contested, Christian has won 14, lost two and halved one match. His two losses were against an adult, who plays off a four handicap, and a 17-year-old one marker. “I believe Christian is currently rated 118th in the Australian Boys’ golf rankings (18 years and under),” Andrew said. In 2012, Christian won the Peregian Springs B grade club championship with consistent rounds of 86-85-83-84. And he did it just a week after his 11th birthday. Christian, who first picked up a club when he was two-and-a-half, acquired a new set of irons thanks to the generosity of a Peregian Springs club member.

“He won the Bargara Junior Open nine-hole section off shortened tees when he was nine years old,” Andrew said.

“Christian was playing with third-hand clubs so I bought him a new driver and a threewood and one of the trainees gave him a putter,” Andrew said.

“He shot a two-under, seven-under and a oneunder (gross).

“Then one of the members asked me how he was going.

“I told him he was using outdated irons so he paid for a new set of irons, which was much appreciated. “We are weighing up the possibility of sending Christian over to the Callaway Junior World Golf Championship in California in July. “Some of the club’s members are keen to help support him get over there and Declan McCollam, the club’s CEO, is also keen to help.” Christian is a golfing fanatic and loves being up close and personal with the game’s superstars where he can learn and develop his game. For four years, he worked as a volunteer at the Australian PGA Championship when the tournament was at Coolum. There he met former Open Championship winner Darren Clarke, Greg Norman, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler and practised with the likes of Mark Leishman and Steve Bowditch. It seems golf runs in the Butterworth family with Christian’s older brother Tim a second year trainee professional at Tewantin Noosa Golf Club. “Tim finished 10th in the Queensland Order of Merit in his first year,” Andrew told Inside Golf. “Both boys are good kids. They are not sitting on computers and hanging around the streets. “Golf is teaching them respect, honest and etiquette.” • Do you know a talented junior golfer, or the next “Star in the Making?” Let us know! Drop an email to ed@insidegolf. com.au and tell us all about it.

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

putting

Stay in your putt

Tempo - tempo - tempo One of the areas I often find myself working on with clients at The Sydney Putting Studio is the tempo of their stroke, it may seem like something I would only do with beginners but that is definitely not true, in fact most professionals I coach end up doing some tempo drills as well.

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

One of the simpler exercises I ask my clients to do is say the words “One – Two” out loud when they are practicing their putting. This encourages them to be aware when they dramatically change the rhythm or tempo of the stroke.

very now and then when I am playing, I remember one of the keys that I used to use regularly when competing in golf tournaments. This happened recently when I found myself doing exactly what I encourage my clients not to do, which is follow the ball with your eyes and head as soon as you hit the putt.

Irrespective of the length of the stroke or distance of the putt, the relative tempo should remain the same, in other words the “One – Two” you say out loud will be a bit slower but you should notice that there is no real change of pace.

Here is a simple exercise next time you are at the course prior to playing. Place approximately five balls about ten feet away from the hole, just so when you assume your set up position you cannot see the hole in your peripheral vision. Now hit a few putts and keep your eyes looking at where the ball was prior to hitting the putt and keep your head still. I call this “staying in the putt”. I want to encourage you to listen for the ball if you hole the putt, I would prefer that you don’t actually see the ball go in (or miss). Then hit another few putts actually moving your head and eyes to follow the ball as soon as you hit the ball and notice the difference in the results, invariably the eyes down and head still will win 9/10 times. Consequently I refer to lifting your head and following the ball too early as “coming out of your putt.” Next, try another drill. After you hit each putt, count to three (one and two and three) under your breath after you hit the ball—which is a reminder to stay watching the ground until you count to three then you can move your

Another training exercise I recommend is downloading and using a free metronome app on your phone. Set it to count between approximately 55 and 65 beats per minute. A number of years ago, there was a trend going around where players were encouraged to make a shorter backswing and accelerate as they hit the ball. I never subscribed to that theory as I just couldn’t see it being as consistent long-term under pressure.

eyes and head slightly to watch the ball. If you have any questions relating to your putting, please email it to me glenn@whittlegolf.com and I will endeavour to answer them in future articles.

The 2008 NSW PGA Teacher of the Year, Glenn Whittle is an AAA PGA Member and is also an official iseekgolf.com teaching Panelist. Visit (www.sydneyputtingstudio.com) or www.whittlegolf.com

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There is a very extensive putting system which allows professional coaches to record your stroke. The developer of the system, Marius Filmater, recently published a document that demonstrated just how important it is for golfers to balance the length of the back stroke and through stroke and to keep the rhythm constant. I was pleased to read this as it gives credibility to what I teach every day.

senior instruction

Ball flight awareness – back to the beginning David Merriman ed@insidegolf.com.au

id you know that if you are aware of your ball flight you can work your way back from ball flight to clubhead to swing to mechanics and finally address? So you start from where your shot ends and work your way back to where it started. One of the best things a golfer can do to develop their game is to gain a better understanding of their ball flight by watching where your ball starts and which way it curves during its flight. In this article I will cover how understanding your ball flight can help you fix a slice. If you hit a slice (as a right-handed golfer) the ball will start left of your target, cut across your target line and finish to the right. This means your club head is coming across the ball from the outside in and your club face is open. The result is your downswing being over the top and your body rotating too early into the follow-through position. Causes may vary, but the three most common causes are: • Your shoulders being too open at the address position or at impact • Your right elbow sticking out too far at the address position • Not using your hands correctly to square the clubface at impact

A great way to improve your ball flight and ultimately your swing is to practice hitting golf balls with the ball above your feet. For this you will need to find a practice area with a slope so you are standing below the golf ball and the ball is 5 to 10 cm above your stance. When you practice shots in this position your swing will be less upright and more around your body, particularly in the downswing. The club head slowly comes from the inside on your downswing which creates a swing path along the target line through impact. The result: a straighter ball flight. This drill will help to repair the mechanics of your swing without putting too much emphasis on the reasons that it occurred in the first place. In other words, by changing your ball flight you are repairing your golf swing.

Coming over the top on the downswing can lead to a slice.

✓

Practice this drill for at least 4 hours a day for the next 5 years and slice be gone (just joking - 10 to 20 minutes of practice 2 or 3 times a week should correct that slice.) As with all golf drills once you perfect the shot, no need to overdo it as this will create the opposite problem. For a better understanding of these exercises contact your local PGA member or book a lesson with me at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast. •

David Merriman is an Australian PGA Tour Player and Teaching Professional at Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast. Contact David on 0412 44 22 04. Focus on creating a swing path along the target line through impact.

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www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

instruction

So you want to be a Tour player? Darren Weatherall dweatherall@pgamember.org.au

eep inside you have decided “this is me, this is the lifestyle I want. I can feel it in my gut. I want to travel the globe playing the best courses, earning millions and more importantly competing with the greatest golfers on the world stage we call The Tour”. You are a young golfer who has had some success in both club level and district tournaments. Your handicap is tumbling down, you get up early to watch the Majors and follow every online post by our boys Adam Scott and Jason Day. You believe you have what it takes and are prepared to do what it takes to get there. That’s fantastic you have a dream…But what next? As a former tour player and now coach to elite players, I’m very lucky to have been influenced via some of the greatest experts at a young age. The best advice I ever got was ‘get a team’, this team is going to give you your best chance of success. The first step you need to achieve your dreams is a team that is going to help you get to where you want to be. This team includes:

Golf Coach: Pick someone with passion, someone that wants you to succeed as much as you want to. This coach should be modernthinking and understands the role the mind and body play in being a great golfer. Most importantly they should be able to tell you how to train effectively to speed your development. Physiotherapist: Hitting the thousands of balls to take you to elite level is going to have an impact on your body. So it had better be prepared! Pick a physio that has an understanding of golf and biomechanical movement. This is often overlooked by many young people, there is nothing sadder than a great athlete riddled with injuries. Mentor: This can be the role of your golf coach or possibly someone else. This might be your parents or an older golfer that has had some success as a professional. You will rely on this person in the lowest times and celebrate your victories with this person. They will be there to help you with the harder decisions life and golf will throw at you…at time they can feel like the same thing. Idol: Tiger spoke very often that he always admired and wanted to follow in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus. So much so that he had a list of all the major tournaments Jack won as an

amateur and professional and the age he was at each victory. Tiger would go to this list and write his own achievement next to them as a constant reminder of getting to the top. How do I know if my team is right? This team should be your #1 fans. They will advise you when you are doing awesome, tell you when you are being lazy and might even tell you when you need to take a break. But they should all believe in you and your ability 100%. Throughout your development there will be people telling ‘you can’t do it’, ‘you’re not good enough’ or ‘don’t you know how many people there are trying to do the same’. That’s fine; let them have their opinion but none of these comments should be coming from your team, if they are it’s time to find a new team member. From my personal experience I say ‘Go chase your dreams!’ My tour life was short and now

my passion is seeing others achieve their goals, I will never regret the journey I took and the lessons I learnt. The decision I made meant I was fortunate enough to play alongside guys like Adam Scott, John Senden and Jason Day, not to mention the many amazing contacts I made outside of golf, these are experiences that no one can ever take away. If you have any questions about this feel free to drop me an email and I would be happy to help. Happy golfing and go for it! • Darren Weatherall is a former touring professional, an AAA Rated PGA Member and Director of Instruction at Queensland’s Parkwood International Golf Learning Centre. Darren teaches golfers of all abilities and specialises in elite player development. www.parkwoodgc.com.au. Ph: 0418 746 173

10 things a Tour Pro can’t live without Leigh Deagan

@deags_84

n my experience of travelling the world playing golf tournaments, I have come up with 10 essentials needed to be a successful tour professional. 1. Support network - This is paramount and number 1 on my list to be successful on the golf course. Your partner, parents, coach, trainer and whoever else in your immediate life all need to be on the same page moving in the same direction for you. Any negativity from someone close can have a huge impact on performance. 2. Financial Sponsor - A financial sponsor can really help take the pressure off financially. Most golf professionals at some stage in their career have all felt a financial pinch so if you’re not worried about how you can get to the next tournament and when your there have somewhere clean and comfortable to stay then you’re well on your way to performing well. 3. Trackman/Flightscope - These machines are now portable so players can take them on the road and not leave any of their practice to chance. Trackman/Flightscope gives the player 54

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

enough information about how they are swinging, and the player can then step onto the course with a much greater knowledge of how to play the course with what’s working in their game and what’s not that particular week. 4. A full 14-club “Clubfit” - A player competing on tour these days has access to some of the world’s leading club fitters. Each of the equipment companies have tech centres where a tour player can go and get their equipment finely tuned from driver to putter. This is where a player can talk with and bounce ideas off experts about how to get their optimal flight they like to see, they also can get the ball rolling perfectly with a putter that matches their eye and stroke. They’ll need to get the loft and bounce right on their wedges, which makes a huge difference to a tour player’s short game when chipping and pitching. Every club in a tour pros bag needs to be fitted correctly. 5. Caddie - Every Tour pro needs a good caddy. Every player on tour is different so this means they need to have a caddy that will work with them—and for them—that can cater to the player’s needs. For example, some players will be very low maintenance, not needing their caddy to do much other than carry the bag and be really positive. Other players need their caddy to do everything from learn the course, pace every yardage

in practice and tournament play, clean equipment, provide emotional support and sometimes even line their player up. Being a good caddy is not an easy job, you’ll find caddies like Steve Williams and Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay have a wealth of knowledge on the game of golf. 6. Lucky Charm - Most tour pros have a lucky charm, something they carry in their bag like a photo of their children or a favourite coin they use to mark their ball. Mine is two small wooden dice that my grandfather gave to me many years ago. He carried them in his pack through World War 2. They are a simple cricket game that he played with his buddies around the campfire to pass the time. They stay in a safe pocket in my bag 365 days a year. If I lost them I’m sure my game wouldn’t be the same. 7. High Speed Camera - Filming your swing at any stage during a tournament week can help enormously with performance. It can work well with your Trackman/Flightscope to confirm and document swing and game analysis. Sometimes a player needs to see their swing to get a feel of what they are trying to achieve. This is why having a good quality high speed camera is very important. 8. Laptop/Tablet - A tour pro’s laptop and tablet contains all their Trackman/flight scope data and video footage along with a good stats program that can be sent to their coach at night using Wi-Fi at the hotel. It’s

also importand for keeping in contact with loved ones at home via Skype and other media outlets. 9. Protective luggage - Tour pros spend so much time travelling. Having high quality protective travel luggage gives the player peace of mind their equipment will arrive safely. 10. USB stick - Last, but not least, is a USB stick full of your favourite movies for those lonely nights on tour. Coming home after a long day on the links in the heat of battle, a tour pro needs to relax. A good way to take his mind off things is to put a good movie on and chill out. Put the feet up with a nice cup of tea and a healthy dinner (well, that’s my favourite way to relax anyway.) Leigh Deagan is a PGA/OneAsia Tour member from Melbourne.

instruction

How to improve rhythm and tempo Peter Croker

0415 292 549 www.crokergolfsystem.com

hile there are many different ways to swing the club effectively, all great golfers maintain consistent Balance, Rhythm and Tempo. In this lesson we are going to link Tempo and Rhythm together as they are closely tied. People have a preferred speed at which they like to operate at, some like to move faster and some slower when they do things. It all has to do with what speed you feel comfortable when coordinating your swing motion. The operative word here is “coordinating” and for this it will be helpful to understand what causes coordination to be improved and what tends to destroy coordination. Coordination in the golf swing is the result of harmonious blending of hands, arms, and body to move the clubhead at the required speed and accuracy to strike the golf ball squarely on a consistent basis. At the heart of “coordination” is the ability of the golfer to use his/her muscles and conscious thinking to a minimum while engaging the forces of gravity, momentum, and centrifugal force to the maximum to hit the golf ball the required distance to its target.

direction. This is best done by a kick start using a “forward press” followed by a backward push from the lead hand (left hand for right handed golfers). This “takeaway” motion – handle first – promotes an early turn of the hips and the centrifugal force on the clubhead follows. The mechanics of wrist hinging and body pivoting blend together in effortless ease to swing the clubhead back, up, and around at a pace determined by the golfer. When first assembling this “swinging machine” it is recommended to make the swings small as in a chip shot, then progress to the pitch, and finally the full swing. This graduated approach to building both the swing and the tempo and rhythm that best suit the individual golfer is by far the best approach when looking for control and consistency. It is also the ideal way to test which swing pace (tempo) suits the golfer. Ben Hogan built his swing mechanics to such a precision that he could have a fast tempo and still control his swing. Sam Snead found a slower and more rhythmic tempo suited his swing and game. Of the old-time players Gene Littler was also one who swung slower and had consistent great rhythm. There is a saying on the road that “speed kills” and when it comes to coordinating your swing motion, this is certainly true for most players

To achieve this it is ideal to build a “swinging motion” of the clubhead from the very start of the backswing. This way the centrifugal force plus momentum “sling” the clubhead into orbit in a backward, upward, and inward

TEMPO AND RHYTHM It’s key to control the pace of the swing starts at the start. When we apply a “pushing” action of one hand against the other – firstly in the forward direction to break the static and ignite the hip turn forward, secondly in a backward direction where the left hand pushes directly backward against the slightly resisting right hand, the hips turn backward. When we do this in a slow and measured way we soon gain the feeling of a heavy swinging clubhead that with a little more “push power” hinges the wrists and the backswing is underway in a coordinated action. The activation of the hip rotation through the “pushing” action of the hands means that the bigger, slower-moving muscles of the body are wound up early in the swing and this then gives the body a head start in the forward motion while the hands, arms, and clubs are still on their backward swinging motion. By maintaining a consistent sequence of events, the rhythm of the swinging clubhead can be sensed. This is the essence and at the source of tempo and rhythm in the golf swing from putt to chip to pitch to full swing. The “Sequence is the Secret” when it comes to developing a consistent rhythm in the golf swing is: “handle slightly first”, “forward press”, “takeaway”, “transition”, through “impact” and well into “follow through.” •

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 on the Mornington Peninsula, he delivers school instruction, individual lessons, and has an Online Lesson Program. www.keytofgolf.com. Phone: 0415 292 549

To gain a deeper appreciation of what is described above, watch the following video: www.vimeo.com/91700199

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fitness

Starting your fitness training Richard Nizielski richard@golffitsolutions.com 0438 027 768

ast month I discussed training methods for developing power using med ball throws.

These are one of my favourite ways to develop both movement and power with the athletes I work with. As I mentioned in the last article, increasing strength is the basis for increasing power. Generally, the most common way to increase strength is by lifting weights and that means either joining a gym or setting up a gym at home. If you are looking to increase your strength then it is a good idea to go about it in a systematical way, especially if you haven’t been in the gym for a while or weight training is new to you. Generally, before doing a period of heavy strength training, it’s a good idea to do a phase of general conditioning to help prepare the body. I do recommend seeking out a good fitness trainer in your area—one who understands sport fitness requirements— and discussing with them what you would like to achieve. Completing a fitness assessment will help determine where you are starting from and what areas need working on.

repetitions comfortably.

really know what you are capable of lifting safely.

2. Start with a program that works the whole body: A general program that trains the whole body will be more time effective, and simpler to complete.

5. Get into the habit of warming up and warming down at the beginning and the end of the session. Include some light exercise either on one of the exercise machines or something like jogging and then stretches to finish with. Your body will thank you.

As your goals become more specific, so too can the training program.

If you’re not working with a trainer here are a few guidelines for starting your fitness training.

3. Begin with 1-2 exercises per body area and only 2 sets per exercise: Again, this is about easing in and adjusting to the new program.

1. Ease into it: Like anything, there is a period of adaptation that is needed, particularly if you haven’t trained before or you are getting back into it after not training for a while.

A lifting speed of around 1 1/2 to 2 seconds up and the same for the return will help prevent injuries and develop technique.

Start by lifting lighter weights, doing sets of 10-12 repetitions at a weight where you feel like you can complete another 2-3

4. Progress slowly to begin with: As a general rule, if you are increasing the resistance, then aim for around 5%, until you

6. A general all-body program done 3 times per week will make sure you’re not overdoing it and getting the work done.

Richard Nizielski is a Brisbane-based golf fitness expert and the Director of Golf Fit Solutions. A three-time Olympian and medallist in the sport of short track speed skating, Richard is a qualified sports and personal trainer designing individual fitness and nutrition programs for both professional and amateur golfers here in Australia and overseas. www.golffitsolutions.com

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May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

instruction - focus

Get focused for your best golf Have you ever played golf when you could do no wrong?

Tiffany Mika

tiffany@theladygolfteacher.com.au

received an email from a gentleman recently updating me with his golf progress on how much better he is performing in his game due to some technical correction. He went from 41 putts a round down to 27 putts a round. Great story already! He was, however, concerned that when he was under pressure—say, his pennant games—he felt like he lost control of his game and he wasn’t performing as well. He became nervous and his strokes didn’t work as well. To me this sounds a lot like performance anxiety. You get a bit nervous, you start to think too much about what could happen, you lose your focus on the game and before you know it…you have lost it. The frustrating part is that you don’t know where you went wrong. Does this sound familiar? When I have this discussion with my clients, they tell me that they don’t start so well, then get it going about hole four and then lose it a bit somewhere for a few holes on the back nine… then by the 16th regain their game to finish strong. So whether you’re suffering from performance anxiety or your mind comes and goes when you are playing competition, your mind is telling you that you are not focusing at the right time. Here is a simple strategy that will help you understand your mind better and how you can apply it to golf. This strategy is from the book “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. It is simple and will show you how your mind needs to be when you are performing your shot. Try this: Close your eyes and say to yourself – “I wonder what my next thought is going to be?” Then become very alert and wait for your next thought to arrive. If you’ve done it correctly and you were highly alert, you would’ve had to wait a while for your next thought to come. If the thought took a while to come to you, it’s showing you that you were highly alert and FREE OF THOUGHT. If your conscious attention sinks below a certain level, thoughts rush back in, all the mental chatter (thoughts) come back in and the stillness has been lost.

You would’ve found your mind is clear of thought, you just stand up over the ball and just do it. It’s called playing ‘in the zone’. It is an amazing feeling, everything just works. This doesn’t have to happen by chance, you can train your mind to get into the zone, but like any physical skill it does take time and effort. Tolle revolves his book all around the now. That means being present at this moment in time. So: are you really present at that moment in time when you play your golf shot? If you are standing over your golf ball getting ready to play your tee shot, your mind starts thinking about where you need it to go, you say to yourself “don’t go left” or “don’t hit it in the water”, what you are actually doing is thinking in the future of what might happen. You are actually not focused on playing your shot. Your mind is busy, it is neither clear nor free of thought, therefore you are not present at this moment in time and hence you will make a mistake and get cranky with yourself. You must have the mindset of being present at that moment in time. The past is the past…so you must let go of previous shots. The future is the future…but you have to be in the present each and every time you stand over the ball. So how do you become present in that moment in time when you stand over the ball? Here are a few things to work on: • Develop and use a pre shot routine (keeps you focused & structured) • When you stand over the ball have a cue phrase, no more than 3 words long that will trigger you to focus on your shot. E.g. “back & through” • Perform your shot. (You will find your mind will be clearer) Don’t do it for only one shot during the round. Do this on every single shot, every single time you play. Over time you will find that your golf performance will improve. The big bonus will be if you continue to work on it, your mind will become clear and you will perform better in pressure situations because you will know how to cope with everything that the golf course will throw at you. •

Tiffany Mika is the Golf Teaching Professional at Bayview Golf Club in Mona Vale. Tiffany has a Free Online Putting Program where you can learn how to Putt in your home. Contact her at tiffany@ theladygolfteacher.com.au. Start shaving strokes off your handicap today with the free instructional online lesson. Find out how at www.theladygolfteacher.com.au

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www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

mental game

How to manage your mind after a lesson Mathew Howe

mindyourgolf@yahoo.com.au

ometimes I ask my clients what topics they would be interested in reading or learning more about. This month’s article is dedicated to the topic of what to do with your thinking after you go for a golf lesson. I think it’s worth the effort exploring this as there are a number of people I have run into over the years in the golfing circles who have been to a pro for a lesson and struggled to mentally work through the process of finding a way to play with the swing changes. If you are going for a lesson it means that you are sick and tired of your same old results or you are one those other types of people that are always looking to get a little better. Either way we all know that when you start tinkering with your swing your mental wires can get a little mixed up also. I hope to provide some information here that helps people understand how to deal with the situation better.

wanted and didn’t really get the full picture. So if you go for a lesson with the wrong mindset chances are you will play worse. If you go with the right mindset chances are your golf game will improve. Let’s turn our focus now to where you need to keep your mind pre-lesson, in the lesson and post-lesson. Pre-lesson: Like most things. Being clear on what you want to do is vital. This will help the teacher dictate what type of lesson they are going to give you. If you book in for a series of lessons instead of one, they instantly know they don’t have to give you a miracle quick fix and they have some time to get the good stuff into your game. Thinking-wise it’s good to have an open mind going into the lesson, remember you’re at the lesson because your way isn’t really working that well or that the Pro could have some information that could easily take your game to another level. I am sure this would be the case for a lot of bunker shots and short game shots! The lesson:

Now the common problem that I hear most golfers tell me is that they were not happy with their swing or scores, they had a lesson, and now they are really struggling and are stuck in limbo. They are not sure how to get their new swing to work properly in competition and they seem to be a bit lost going back to their old swing. The more persistent ones go for a few more lessons until they put the mission in the ‘too hard’ basket and just allow their swing to revert back to old patterns and scores.

It’s going to sound overstated but you need to ‘stay in the moment’! Listen. Listen. Listen. Ask questions that come to your mind in the simplest most direct way you can. Absorb yourself in the lesson. For the note-takers out there, do that after the lesson! There is no need to panic about remembering everything she/he is telling you. If you grasp one main idea from the lesson and how you need to apply it you have made your investment of time and money ten times over. The phrase ‘less is more’ rings true here.

Sometimes people blame the golf pro for messing up their game even though it was already messed up! My opinion is that it was more likely a misunderstanding of how to communicate the information and how to apply the information that the golf pro/ student have. Most of the time, I think golf pros have a really good understanding of how to fix a swing for someone. They have played and studied golf with a variety of people all their life so they have seen and know different swings inside and out.

Post-lesson:

The strange and wonderful thing about us humans is that we are all a little bit different. My experience has shown me that the way people process information can be worlds apart. The same thing can be viewed two different ways be two different people. In terms of how this relates to your golf swing and your lessons it can mean that the pro can be thinking that he/she is telling you all the correct things to create a much finer swing model. In the student’s minds they may have only understood a section of what the pro 58

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

This is the bit that I see golfers stuffing up in a tragic way. What you do want to do with your mind after the lesson is to write down what you learnt and how you are going to apply this knowledge over the next month in a steady progressive way. E.g. Purchase a 99-cent exercise book from your local news agency and dedicate a page or two towards it. This will take 10 minutes, just get it done and then if you have any questions with what you need to do you can clear them up later that day or tomorrow. Most people after a lesson have an optimistic drug-like state mentality which last for about a day or two and they feel very confident with what they need to do. Within a week or two after a couple of pressurized comp games their mind is back to that confused state before they had the lesson. So the key here is to take it steady mentally after the lesson, realize that good things can take time and you are probably looking at 1-3 months

of decent practice before things feel natural with the new way you were just shown. So to summarize, the main focus mentally after a lesson is to be clear, committed and do something each day to drill in what you need to do with your new swing. Here is the interesting part: When you go out to play next, do you think about the swing or just do your best to look and react? The average golfer switches between the two more often than not. My suggestion is that if you are playing in something important (i.e. a comp, etc) then you will play better with a look/react style approach and just let the mechanics happen. Work with what you have built-in through practice, don’t try and manufacture something on the day. If you’re clever you won’t be playing in anything too important straight after a lesson anyway. If you want to play in competition and you honestly don’t care what you score, the main thing is to get your shot production and new swing habits grooved in as fast as possible, so play with ONE swing thought. The extra pressure will be a good indicator to how far along the practice ingraining process you are.

Either way you decide to go, your mind is going to be predominately mechanicallyorientated if you have even been practicing half as much as what you need to. The ideal process is that you have a clear simple lesson where you find out one or two things that you didn’t know were happening in your swing. From there you have a plan to work on the ideas each day until they become nice and natural. I never thought the electric toothbrush I use would feel normal, but sure as the sun comes up, three weeks later and it feels strange not to use it! So with your new swing mechanics you will get much more satisfaction sooner if you can do something towards it daily. • Mat Howe is a Golf Mind Coach with a degree in Sport Psychology and has mentally coached and caddied for golfers from the international professional playing standard through to beginners. If you have never had a mental coaching lesson before you may find it more practical and helpful than what you had first imagined. Coaching can be done over the phone and clients range from 14 – 80 years old. Introduction sessions are $55 and last for around 30 minutes. mindyourgolf@yahoo.com.au, 0410 695 605

seniors

Senior Report

By Denis Dale

Each year the Alpine Seniors Masters is played at the picturesque Bright Golf Club and it is one of the most popular events on the Victorian Senior circuit. The 2014 champion was Goonawarra’s Pat Giles, shooting an outstanding final round of two-under-par 70 to take the title. Bright is becoming a personal favourite for Giles, who won the title in 2012 through an epic 7-hole sudden death play-off.

Australia’s senior golfers enjoy the “WA double” A strong field of seniors appreciated another opportunity to play the beautiful Lake Karrinyup course in the 2014 Lake Karrinyup Senior Classic. Lake Karrinyup is currently rated number 9 in Australia and is the venue for the rich Perth International again this year.

In winning this year, 71 year-old Giles broke his age in a final round that consisted of 5 birdies and 3 bogeys. He finished with a two round total of 145 (75-70) to defeat Ray Walker (Chirnside Park) who again showed his steady form, finishing 3 shots back from Giles after rounds of 76-72=148.

The title went to WA senior Nigel Goodall. Although Goodall has previously represented Australia in Sanctuary Cove and Asia-Pacific senior amateur teams this was his first win in an Australian Senior Ranking event. Goodall led after a first round score of 74 that gave him a two-stroke lead over Robin Dybeck and Chris Carey. A solid second round of 75 gave him a comfortable threestroke margin over fellow West Australian Trevor Hughes (77-75=152) with Brendan Curtin (80-74) and Dybeck (7678) finishing together in third place. The following week saw the second leg of the “WA Double”- the 2014 West Australian Senior Amateur Championship played at Mt Lawley Golf Club in Perth. A lot of interest centred on the attempt by leading senior golfer Stefan Albinski to win this title again and make it six in a row. Albinski started slowly with rounds of 77 and 76 and with the final round to play he trailed the leader by 5 strokes and was back in equal fifth place. The leader was WA senior Barry Squires with rounds of 75 and 73 to hold a two stroke margin over Nigel Goodall (75-75) with Ian McPherson next (74-77). Albinski once again rose to the occasion and began his final round with birdies on the first two holes. In windy conditions he played solid golf while putting beautifully throughout for the day’s best round of 73. Playing alongside Albinski was fellow Australian senior representative Ian McPherson and when he finished with the day’s second best round of 75 these two were tied at the top of the leaderboard. As expected the playoff was a tense battle. McPherson had a real chance on the first

Giles stars in Doug Bachli Trophy

2014 WA Senior Amateur Champions Glenys Ferguson and Stefan Albinski extra hole but missed a one-metre putt that would have given him the title. On the second hole McPherson missed the green and failed to recover and Albinski safely two-putted for his sixth consecutive title. A marvellous achievement and who is to say he will not make it a total of seven titles to equal that record currently held by legendary WA senior Alex Cleave. In a successful innovation the 2014 WA Senior Women’s Championship was played in conjunction with the men’s. The winner was Wanneroo’s Glenys Ferguson (84-82) from Melville Glades’ Shirley Van Der Brugghen (83-85). NSW senior Paul Maslen remains on top of the national Senior Ranking Table ahead of Stefan Albinski and Denis Dale. The leaderboard is very close this year and changes at the top are very likely with every event played. More information: www.ausoom.com •

2014 Australian Senior Rankings Player

State

Events

Ave.

Paul Maslen

NSW

103.71

Stefan Albinski

NSW

102.01

3 4 5

Denis Dale Roy Vandersluis David Limbach

NSW NSW NSW

7 7 7

98.50 95.88 91.85

Again showing that age is no barrier to consistent top level golf the seemingly ageless Giles then made it back-to-back titles with his joint victory in the next Bachli event – the Mornington Peninsula Senior Amateur Championship played over 36 holes at Flinders and Portsea Golf Clubs. Giles opened with a round of 72 on the spectacular Flinders course to trail Rossdale senior Ken O’Brien by a stroke. Giles’ closing round of 74 at Portsea was good enough to finish on the same score as O’Brien (7175) and then be awarded the title on a countback. The 2014 Mornington Peninsula Senior Amateur Championship was a wonderful tournament with both courses presented in immaculate condition. The inaugural Bendigo Senior Amateur was played over 36 holes in March and the dominant winner was Gordon Claney from Kingston Heath. Claney closed with a brilliant three-under 69 to follow his opening score of two-under-par 70. Claney’s brilliant bogeyfree final round consisted of 9 straight pars going out before finishing in style with three birdies on the back. His nearest rival was the joint round one leader Ian Frost from the host club Bendigo (70-75) who finished in second place six shots back on 145. The 2014 competition for the Doug Bachli Trophy as Victoria’s leading senior amateur golfer continues with 12 of the 31 events now completed. Played in conjunction is the Paul Lulofs Trophy for the best senior handicap golfer.

2014 Alpine Senior Champion Pat Giles (right) with runner-up Ray Walker. Leading the Doug Bachli is Rossdale golfer Tony Hyde with 1225 points. Hyde is certainly showing his determination this season being the only senior who has played in all 12 events. The Rossdale club is in the unique position of currently holding the top two positions with Ken O’Brien on 1115 points not too far behind his club mate. Kingston Heath senior Gordon Claney is in third place from just 5 events and is well placed to improve as the season continues. Leading the Paul Lulofs Trophy for the senior handicap competition is Metropolitan’s Paul Bray. He holds a narrow lead over the three time winner of this event, Ignatius Duivenvoorden from Yarram with Pat Giles (Goonawarra) moving into overall third place. Further information: www.golfvic.org.au .

2014 Victorian Senior Order of Merit Paul Lulofs Trophy - Handicap Player

Club

Events

Best 15

Paul Bray

Metropolitan

802

I. Duivenvoorden

Yarram

752

Pat Giles

Goonawarra

738

Wayne Aigner

Brighton

704

Tony Hyde

Rossdale

621

2014 Victorian Senior Order of Merit Doug Bachli Trophy - Scratch Player

Club

Events

Best 15

Tony Hyde

Rossdale

1225

Ken O’Brien

Rossdale

1115

Gordon Claney

Kingston Heath

1029

Pat Giles

Goonawarra

816

Ian Frost

Bendigo

812

Australian Defence Force too good for Australian seniors Each year, a Golf Australia Senior Team contests a match against the Australian Defence Forces team. The event is played over two days, with foursomes and four-ball matches on day one, and singles matches on day two. The event was first played in 2007 and again this year the host club was The National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula. Monday March 31 was day one and the tournament began on the iconic Old Course with the morning fourball matches. The blustery conditions suited the younger and stronger ADF players and they skipped away to an early 5 to 1 lead. As the conditions calmed in the afternoon, the experience 60

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

of the GA players showed through and the foursomes was won by the senior players 3.5 to 2.5. The final standing after day one was ADF 7.5 to GA 4.5. The beauty of the Old Course as a venue for match play was shown by one of the GA pairs winning a hole in the foursomes with an 8 on a par 4! It is the type of golf course where nothing can be taken for granted and no hole is over until the last putt is made. Day Two meant 12 individual matches and the GA side got off to a good start and at the half way mark were leading the ADF team by 8 matches to 4. This put the GA side in a winning position and they were hopeful of making up the day one difference.

Unfortunately, the GA side could not hold onto their winning lead eventually losing the day, 9 points to 3 points. For the GA Seniors team Victorian senior Ian Frost was the top performer with two points from his three matches. Russell Rogers (NSW) and Tony Bailey (TAS) also performed well earning one and a half points each. Team captain David Edwards reported that the 2014 Golf Australia team was a wonderful blend of “youth” and experience with the age gap between the “defence boys” this year reduced from its normal 400+ to a mere 360 years. He also reported that his team had played well against the younger men and with just a little luck on the closing holes the

2014 Golf Australia Team (l. to r.) Keith Thornley, Russell Rogers, Gordon Chaney, David Edwards, Ian Frost, Lindsay Brown, Chris Gordon, Ian Read, Graham Bowen, Tony Bailey, John Wheeler, Barry Tippett final margin of16.5 to 7.5 would have been much closer. More information: www.ausoom.com

seniors

Good scores, strong fields in Queensland Senior OOM

Christie wins in NSW

Save with the Over 50’s Insurance specialist.

The Brisbane GC Seniors was won by Gailes member Leigh Madsen who recorded a very good round of 71 on this challenging layout. In second place after a round of 73 was Keperra’s Lindsay Brown ahead of the 2013 Senior Order of Merit winner Trevor Box (Windaroo Lakes) on 76. The Redcliffe Seniors was won by local member Peter Dagan. Showing why he has a club handicap of +2 Dagan was never in trouble in recording a round of one under par 70 and a five stroke winning margin. In a tie for second were Neil Mausolf (Twin Waters) and Mario La Chiusa (Nudgee) with scores of 75. A very strong field of 90 seniors teed it up in the 2014 Carbrook Seniors. Perhaps many were keen to have an early practice round on the same course that will be the venue for the 2014 Queensland Senior Amateur Championship in July. The best scratch round belonged to Nudgee senior Stephen Rowley who returned a fine score of one over par 72. There was a four way tie for second place on 76 – Peter Moyle (Ocean Shores), Steve Missen (Riverlakes), Leigh Madsen (Gailes) and Peter Dagan (Redcliffe). The Gold Coast Association has announced that Royal Pines and Robina Woods will be the courses to host the 2014 Gold Coast Senior Championship played on July 2123. The first and final rounds will be played at Royal Pines with Robina Woods the venue for the middle round. The 2014 Queensland Senior Order of Merit competition is now well underway and a new name sits on top of the Order of Merit table. Keperra senior Lindsay Brown has shown the benefit of consistent golf and high finishes in al l his five tournaments and with 570 points he currently holds a narrow lead over Nudgee’s Mario La Chiusa. Neil King (Gailes) makes up the top three.

2014 Queensland Senior Order of Merit Men’s Scratch Player

Club

Events

Best 15

Lindsay Brown

Keperra

570

Mario La Chiusa

Nudgee

564

Neil King

Gailes

515

Stephen Rowley

Nudgee

485

John Bailey

Pacific Harbour

417

More information: www.golfqueensland.org.au

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Indooroopilly’s Sam Christie nailed a 20-foot putt during a playoff with Bill Banks (Royal Canberra Golf Club) and Greg McKay (Cabramatta Golf Club), to win the 2014 Men’s NSW Senior Championship played at Tuncurry Golf Club on 4-6 March 2014. The trio all finished the 54-hole event on 230, and with time allowing a playoff ensued. One hole was all that was required though, Christie clinching the victory in a nail-biting finish. Christie started the three day event solidly with a two-over-par 74, however in the second round an 84 saw him drop behind the leaders. Regathering his earlier form, a solid 74 on the final day bought him right back into contention. “I’m thrilled to win this State Championship event” said Christie, “especially considering the quality of players that were out there today. Any one of us could have won it today, and I just feel very privileged to have done so.” This year saw 235 entrants into this national and world-ranking event. With a maximum of 168, a handicap ballot was required, with all those 6.7 or under making the cut. It therefore ensured an incredibly strong field, including four past champions, would take on the challenge of one of Australia’s hidden gems, Tuncurry Golf Club. Benign conditions in the first round resulted in some fine scoring on the tight seaside layout. Local ForsterTuncurry Golf Club member Geoffrey Proctor shot the round of the day with a one over par 73. Hot on his heels were five golfers who had two over par rounds of 74: David Limbach (Penrith Golf Club), Richard Greville (Avondale Golf Club), Mark Pearson (Warringah Golf Club), Neil Shute (Horizons Golf Club) and Bill Banks. Horizons Golf Club’s Neil Shute took the lead after the second round. Shute had 77 to go with his 74 in the first round for a total 151. He led the field by two shots, the next best Dale Tapper (Bayview Golf Club) who shot a one-over par 73, and Richard

Greville (Avondale Golf Club) who both finished on 153. Just a shot further behind on 154 were four golfers: David Limbach (Penrith Golf Club), Terry Davis (Port Macquarie Golf Club), Roy Vandersluis (The Lakes Golf Club), and Greg McKay (Cabramatta Golf Club). The final round of play saw the leading players grouped together in a seeded draw. The leading group of Shute, Tapper and Greville unfortunately could not continue their form, the trio shooting 81, 83 and 81. It was the long-shots in Greg McKay who was in the second group, Sam Christie who was in the fourth group, and Banks who was in the fifth group who shot to the top of the leader board with rounds of 76, 74 and 74 respectively. With nothing separating the trio at the end of the competition, a playoff was required. All three players teed up on the first hole, searching for the Championship victory. In the end it was Christie who held his composure and sank a 20foot putt to win his first NSW Senior Championship.

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Prizes were also awarded in age categories, the winners of this were: Div 1 (55-59 years) - Scratch - Terry Davis (Port Macquarie Golf Club) -231 Div 1 (55-59 years) - Nett - Stephen Hall (Windsor Golf Club) Hcp: 5, - 225 Div 2 (60-64 years) - Scratch - Peter Chatillon (Toukley Golf Club) - 231 Div 2 (60-64 years) - Nett - Brian Kesby (Headland Golf Club) Hcp: 4 - 225 Div 3 (65-69 years) - Scratch - Tony Kennings (Forster-Tuncurry Golf Club) - 231 Div 3 (65-69 years) - Nett - Neil Shute (Horizons Golf Club) Hcp: 5 - 217 Div 4 (70 years & over) - Scratch - John Benn (Chatswood Golf Club) -241 Div 4 (70 years & over) - Nett - Bruce Johnson (The Lakes Golf Club) Hcp: 8 - 219 NSW Senior Country Champion Brian Sams (Port Macquarie Golf Club) - 231 More: www.golfnsw.org • www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

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golf nsw

Hurley & Mitchell hold off rivals to take out the Sand Greens Fourball Championship

The next best score of 35 scratch points on the day was posted by the pairings of Newton and Newton, Dillon and Wilkin and Robotham and Gilbert.

ondobolin’s Brad Hurley and Zac Mitchell have won the 2014 NSW Sand Greens Fourball Championship after shooting consecutive rounds of oneunder-par. Four strokes behind in second place were Neil and Rodney Newton (Walgett). Hurley and Mitchell got out to a great start in round one with a round of one under par to give themselves a two stroke lead ahead of the Newton pairing. A further shot back were Craig Dillon and Gary Wilkin on two-over-par. Hurley and Mitchell were consistent backing up in round two with another one-under-par score of 37 points.

In the nett event, local Manildra members David Murray and Hudson Smith held their nerve after leading after round one, and shot an amazing second round score of 51 points. In second place were Fuller and Gareth Bullock (Walgett), followed by Steven Glover and Kevin Fuller (Coonamble) in third.

for the hospitality and hosting the tournament so successfully.

The participants heaped praise on Manildra Golf Club and its hard working membership

Full results, reports and images are available at www.golfnsw.org.

Brad Hurley and Zac Mitchell

Historical year for Srixon Major Metropolitan Pennant advanced straight to their respective Final. The Men’s sectional winners for the 2014 season were: Division 1: St. Michael’s, Bonnie Doon, Castle Hill and Mona Vale. Division 2: Bankstown, Fox Hills, Avondale and Pennant Hills. Division 3: Campbelltown, Cronulla, Lynwood and Cromer. Division 4: Lakeside, Macquarie Links, Leonay and Eastlake. Division 5: Palm Beach, Kareela, Barnwell Park and Parramatta.

2014 has been a historical year for the Srixon Major Metropolitan Pennant Competition with two major developments. Firstly, it is the inaugural year for the Women’s Major Metropolitan Pennant Competition, successfully introduced to provide a weekend elite competition for women. Fourteen teams have participated in this first year across three divisions with more expecting to come on board in 2015. Secondly, the Srixon Men’s and Women’s Major Metropolitan Pennant Finals were all held together on Sunday 30 March at Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club. Previously in the Men’s Pennant the Finals for each division have been held at different venues, therefore holding them all together on the one day at the one venue is a first. The Finals Series for 2014 began with the 20 Men’s divisional winners fighting it out in semi-finals for a place in their respective Final. In the Women’s competition, the top NSW St Hallett Wines HIO Club.pdf two teamsAdvertisement on pointsGolf from the main rounds

With the finalists decided there looked to be some great individual match ups in the Final and the matches certainly did not disappoint the hundreds of spectators that were oncourse throughout the Final day. A host of the state’s leading amateur golfers, including several NSW State Team members going head-to-head contested what is the pinnacle in club representation. 100 competitors (70 men and 30 women) went head-to-head in the team matchplay format with the 2/04/2014 3:17:33 PM following teams coming out on top:

MEN: Division 1: Mona Vale d Bonnie Doon 4 – 3 Division 2: Avondale d Bankstown 4 – 3 Division 3: Lynwood d Cronulla 5 – 2 Division 4: Lakeside d Macquarie Links 4 – 3 Division 5: Kareela d Parramatta 5 – 2 WOMEN: Division 1: Concord d Pennant Hills 3 – 2 Division 2: St. Michael’s d Oatlands 4.5 – 0.5 Division 3: Cabramatta d Ryde-Parramatta 3 – 2 Full results, reports and images are available at www.golfnsw.org.

2014 NSW State Women’s Team Announced Golf NSW announced its 2014 Women’s State Team of six players to represent the state at the National Championships in the 2014 Australian Women’s Interstate Teams Matches and the Australian Foursomes Championship at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, ACT. Congratulations to the following on their selection: Doey Choi (Concord GC), Lizzie Elmassian (The Australian GC), Eliza Huff (Pennant Hills GC), Shelly Shin (Concord GC), Olivia Wilson (NSW GC), Celina Yuan (The Australian GC), Dean Kinney – State Coach, and Kim Burke – Manager. State Coach Dean Kinney said, “I look forward to working with the new team. The selectors have chosen a strong team with a mix of youth and experience.” The last time New South Wales won the Gladys Hay Memorial Cup was in their back-to-back title in 2009.

A hole-in-one is one of the most memorable achievements a golfer can have on a golf course. Golf NSW recognises this achievement by including the golfer’s name on the St Hallett Wines Hole-in-One Register on our website www.golfnsw.org [conditions apply]. In recognition of this accomplishment, St Hallett Wines are proud sponsors of this initiative to ensure that recipients receive a lasting reminder of their feat, provide the club with an avenue to reward their members, while also offering highly attractive pricing on supply of an extensive array of wines through the parent company, Fine Wine Partners. For further information contact Golf NSW on 9505 9105 or email info@golfnsw.org

CONGRATULATIONS 2014 HOLE-IN-ONE ACHIEVERS

CMY

Erle Amm, David Bailey, Johnny Barbara, Andrew Bartlett, John Blainey, David Campton, Ian Collins, Ian Collins, Paul Crawford, Paul Cruickshank, Wayne Dark, Steve Delprado, Ben Doig, Nicola Donadei, Adam Downton, Chris Fairbairn, John Fuller, John Garrett, Stephen Gottleib, Nat Gould, Neville Greenaway, Peter Gregory, Charlie Harb, Michael Hatch, Jeanette Henley, John Huggins, Justa Kim, Audrey King, David Knudsen, Susan Lee, Phillip Maundreu, Colin McGowan, Mary-Lyn O'Brien, Les Oliver, Robert Phillips, Anthony Russell, Reg Savage, Marilyn Schott, Drew Simonsen, Geoffrey Staunton, Ron Taylor, Luke Thoroughgood, Michael Todd, Kenneth Tucker, Ken Turner, John Twohill, Pamela Vorobieff, Helen Wesslink.

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

golf qld

Louis claims Qld Indigenous Championship odi Louis (Yeppoon) outclassed his rivals with a final-round 66 to claim the 2014 Queensland Indigenous Championship at Murgon Golf Club.

Joining Louis in the Pro-Am is the Championship runner-up and overall Nett winner Dodd. Playing off a handicap of 5, Dodd was an impressive 18-under for the weekend.

Louis and Craig Dodd (Blackwater) went into the final round locked on 3-under, however after nine holes, Louis had jumped out to a 2-shot lead.

Whilst initially disappointed at letting the Championship slip, Dodd’s mood significantly lifted when told he too would be playing the Pro-Am.

A costly bogey on the 14th put pay to any final charge by Dodd and despite a nervous threeputt bogey on the penultimate hole, Louis closed out in style with a birdie 3 on the 72nd. Making his first visit to Murgon for the Championships, Louis commented on the warm welcome he had received and is already planning his 2015 trip. When told of the additional prize of a place in the Isuzu Queensland Open Pro-Am to be held at Brookwater Golf and Country Club, Louis couldn’t hide his excitement. “To have the opportunity to tee it up with the big boys and see how they play is going to be amazing,” he said.

A field of three contested the Women’s Division of the Championship with Kimberley Crawley (Horton Park) claiming the win after impressive rounds of 81, 77 and 72. Runner-up was Ashleigh Hay (Burleigh), with Regina Hussey (Rowes Bay) returning the best nett score. Prize List: Champion - Kodi Louis (Yeppoon) Runner Up - Shane Bird (Wondai) Third - Rickie Dodd (Windaroo) Nett Winner - Craig Dodd (Blackwater) Senior Gross - Brett Angeles (Nudgee) Senior Nett - Max Conlon (Murgon) Women’s Champion - Kimberley Crawley (Horton Park)

Srixon confirms support for Isuzu Qld Open Golf Queensland recently announced Srixon will return as a sponsor of the 2014 Isuzu Queensland Open.

Talent recognised at Qld Golf Industry Awards The Queensland golf industry capped off a stellar year in March at the 2013 QGI Awards on the Gold Coast. With 28 awards presented and over 450 attendees, it was a strong representation of the positive direction of the Queensland golf industry.

The State-based championship will be played from 28 to 31 August 2014 and hosted at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club. Golf Queensland chair Peter Castrisos said it was pleasing to welcome Srixon back as a sponsor of the Isuzu Queensland Open.

2013 ensuring for the long-term stability of the Isuzu Queensland Open.”

“Golf Queensland has a long-standing partnership with Srixon and we are thrilled to have them on board for this Championship,” Mr Castrisos said.

Manager Director for Srixon, Martin Wright said the company was pleased to partner with Golf Queensland and support the State-based Championship.

In 2013, Golf Queensland successfully reinstated the Championship to the PGA Tour of Australasia calendar with PGA Professional Nick Cullen adding his name to the list of high-profile winners.

“The Isuzu Queensland Open is an important Championship for not only Professional golfers but also Amateurs,” Mr Wright said.

“With the support of our sponsors such as Srixon we hope to build on the success of

Kodi Louis

“Srixon is proud to align its brand with an event that helped leverage the careers of golfers like Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch and Peter Senior to international prominence.”

Golf Queensland presented five awards, including Beerwah Golf Club’s Joan Harvey for Club Super Volunteer of the Year, Jack Sullivan for Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the Year, Amy Walsh for Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year, Taylor Macdonald for Male Amateur Golfer of the Year and Ashley Ona for Female Amateur Golfer of the Year. Other notable winners include Golf Queensland’s Women’s State Team Coach, Richard Woodhouse, winning the coveted PGA Teaching Professional of the Year and

Nudgee Golf Club, winning GMAQ Club of the Year. Carbrook Golf Club’s Scott Wagstaff took home the GMAQ Manager of the Year, while Redland Bay Golf Club picked up the Junior Program of the Year Award. Greg Norman Golf Foundation CEO Rae Clarke was a very deserving winner of the Service to Sport Award.

L to R: Jack Sullivan, Amy Walsh, Joan Harvey, Ashley Ona, Taylor Macdonald

Queensland Mixed Foursomes Championship

Sunday 15 June McLeod Country Golf Club Best dressed and novelty prizes to be won!

Entries close Wednesday 4 June www.facebook.com/GolfQueensland

@GolfQueensland

www.golfqueensland.org.au T: (07) 3252 8155 www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

calendar 2014 Mallacoota Team Challenge

2014

MAY

When: Sat 24th & Sun 25th May Where: The Mallacoota Golf Club (East Gippsland VIC) Golfers with an official GA handicap are invited to form a two-man team and enter their Mallacoota Men’s Open Team Challenge.

Played over 2 days, the Mallacoota Challenge is a 2 Ball Aggregate team event featuring a modified points scoring system where in normal stroke play, 5 points are awarded for an Eagle, 4 points for a Birdie, 3 points for a Par, 2 points for a Bogie, 1 point for a Dbl Bogie, and 0 points for a triple Bogie or worse. The player’s total points for the round are then added to his official GA handicap. This total is then added to his partner’s points total to give the pairing their team aggregate points score. The Mallacoota Challenge however incorporates a unique handicap adjustment rule which will apply on Day 2 depending on individual scores from the previous day. Prizes (with a value of $2500) will be awarded to the 2Ball tournament Winners; Runners-Up; 3rd Place; Daily individual winners; 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Overall individual winners 1st, 2nd, 3rd. (One major prize limit). Plus NTP’s etc. There will be some complimentary refreshments and a closing BBQ. A WOMEN’s event played under the same format, in conjunction with but separate to the Men’s Open Challenge will again be held on the Sunday only. For enquiries and further details, contact: Alf Bowerman, PH: 0416-006706 03 51580250, Email: alyah2000@gmail.com or atbow@bigpond.com

Upcoming Senior Amateur Events May 5-8 May 5 May 7 May 8-9 May 8-9 May 12 May 13 May 19 May 23 May 24-25 May 14 May 27 May 13 May 29-June 1 May 30 June 2 June 13 June 15 June 16-17 June 14 June 16 June 19-20 June 23

Cobram-Barooga Seniors (VIC) Penrith Seniors (NSW) Manildra Sand Greens Championship (NSW) Orange Seniors (NSW) Horton Park Ladies Seniors (QLD) Indooroopilly Seniors (QLD) Strathfield Seniors (NSW) Wollongong Seniors (NSW) Mt Coolum Seniors (QLD) Gippsland Seniors VIC Mona Vale Seniors (NSW) Mandurah Seniors (WA) Burleigh Heads Seniors (QLD) * Northern Territory Seniors at Darwin GC Pelican Waters Seniors (QLD) Caloundra Seniors (QLD) Oatlands Seniors (NSW) Heathcote Seniors (VIC) Shepparton Seniors (VIC) Pymble Seniors (NSW) Burleigh Seniors (QLD) Tocumwal Seniors (VIC) Coolangatta-Tweed Seniors (QLD) * Part of the Australian Senior Ranking System

2014

JULY

NSW Mixed Foursomes Championship

When: Sunday 13 July 2014 Where: Kooindah Waters Golf Club The NSW Mixed Foursomes Championship is open to men and women, with a Golf Australia handicap limit of 18 for men, and 36 for women. It is played as foursomes stroke play over 18-holes.

Entries close on Friday 29 June 2014. For further information or to enter this event visit www.golfnsw.org

Golf NSW Womens’ Pewter Plate When: Monday 21 July 2014 Where: Woollahra Golf Club

The Golf NSW Women’s Pewter Plate is an 18-hole aggregate stableford competition for club teams of two competitors on handicaps from 33 to 42. As Woollahra won the 2013 event they host the Pewter Plate this year. Each Club entering the competition nominates two players as representatives and The Pewter Plate is awarded to the team with the best aggregate stableford of the two scores. Entries close on Friday 4 July 2014. For further information or to enter this event visit www.golfnsw.org

2014 BER M E V O N

Special Olympics 54 hole Tag Team Golf tournament When: 17th November 2014 Where: Riverside Oaks Golf Resort

Tee off for charity, and help athletes with an intellectual disability. Each team of 2 plays Ambrose for 18 holes, then one player plays the next 9 holes as stroke, then players change for the following 9 holes. Lunch will be served during the two 9-hole stroke play. The final 18 holes will see both players again play Ambrose and partnered with another team of 2 to play 4 ball Ambrose. Registration is a non-refundable $300.00pp deposit and fundraise a minimum of $1200.00pp. Includes breakfast, snacks and drinks on course, sit down dinner and plenty of prizes. Every player will receive a players gift pack from Srixon valued at approx $150.00, including one dozen Srixon Golf Balls. For more information about sponsorship or to register, contact David Streichler on 0428 038 311 or email davids@specialolympics.com.au

GOLF NSW – APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS Golf NSW Events Start Date

End Date

05-May-14 18-May-14 18-May-14

08-May-14 19-May-14 20-May-14

Event Women's Autumn Meeting Women's NSW Mid Amateur Championship Men's NSW Mid Amateur Championship

Venue ACT - Various Mudgee GC Mudgee GC

Men’s Vardon Events Start Date

End Date

03-May-14 04-May-14 10-May-14 17-May-14 18-May-14 24-May-14 25-May-14

Event Richmond Cup Autumn Record Woolooware Cup St. Michael’s Cup Manly Cup Camden Cup Castle Hill Cup

Venue Richmond GC Newcastle GC Woolooware GC St. Michael's GC Manly GC Camden GC Castle Hill CC

Women’s Jean Derrin / Senior Order of Merit Events Start Date

End Date

Event

04-May-14 05-May-14 08-May-14 20-May-14 27-May-14

04-May-14 07-May-14 09-May-14 20-May-14 27-May-14

Treloar Cup Women's Bathurst Open DuntryLeague Cup - Women's Seniors Bonnie Doon Bowl and Salver Mona Vale Seniors (Women)

Venue Tamworth GC Bathurst GC Duntryleague GC Bonnie Doon GC Mona Vale GC

Men’s Senior Order of Merit Events Start Date

End Date

05-May-14 07-May-14 08-May-14 13-May-14 19-May-14 27-May-14

05-May-14 07-May-14 09-May-14 13-May-14 19-May-14 27-May-14

Event Penrith Seniors NSW Senior Sand Greens DuntryLeague Cup - Men's Seniors Strathfield Seniors Wollongong Seniors Mona Vale Seniors (Men)

Venue Penrith GC Manildra GC Duntryleague GC Strathfield GC Wollongong GC Mona Vale GC

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

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

Queensland PGA Sunshine Tour Proud Sponsors 64

February 2013 | www.insidegolf.com.au

calendar

10th ASGCC set for record numbers

Handiskins

When: Various Where: Various Info: www.handiskins.com.au Handiskins the ultimate game of skins for club golfers. Handiskins is a fivequalifying-round stableford competition. A player’s best three rounds count towards their final score. Players don’t have to play all five qualifying rounds if their scores are good enough.

Australian Social Golf Club Championships golfers celebrate at the 2013 event.

he Australian Social Golf Club Championships (ASGCC) is moving to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast in 2014 and the event organisers are expecting a record field in the tournament’s 10th year. Originally founded and based at the Palm Meadows golf course, in 2014 the ASGCC has a new accommodation partnership with the luxurious and iconic ARIA Apartments in Broadbeach. The event is an official national championship for amateurs representing their social clubs and golf clubs that places great emphasis on enjoying playing tournament golf in the right spirit with great respect for the rules and etiquette of the game. According to Social Golf Australia (SGA) founder Matthew Pitt, the move to Broadbeach has significantly increased interest in the event. “We are delighted with the response to the 2014 package. Our pre-bookings are at record numbers and we are on track to sell out the event this year. Our golfers like to combine a fun holiday on the Gold Coast with playing in a tournament on quality golf courses. They enjoy meeting new people from golf clubs around Australia and competing with mates to win an Australian title in a format that gives everybody an equal opportunity. Our job is to supply our golfers with a fun event that also has the credibility of an official national championship.” “The golfers at our event are people who appreciate the challenge and tests of skill and character that golf provides as well as having a laugh and enjoying the company of friends and fellow competitors. Our event management philosophy is really as simple as that: great golf and great fun. To us, the word “social” means enjoying the company of your fellow players and the experience of playing in a tournament,” said Pitt. “We recognise that the quality of the people who play are the key to the success of the event as a memorable golfing experience. The ASGCC has grown every year and the shift to Broadbeach this year will certainly improve the overall experience and value for our golfers from around Australia.” The ARIA Apartments are in the heart of Broadbeach and offer the convenience of close proximity to restaurants, bars, clubs, the beach, Jupiters Casino (where the ASGCC Presentation Dinner will be held) and other Broadbeach attractions. The ARIA offers 4.5 star 2 & 3 bedroom apartments (as well as Sky-Houses and a Penthouse) and is considered to be among the premium accommodation options on the Gold Coast. In 2014, the ASGCC will be staged from August 24–28 over four stableford rounds with a rest day after the first two rounds to make it easier

for amateur golfers to manage the rigours of a 72-hole tournament. The first and last rounds will be played at the foundation course, Palm Meadows, and the middle two rounds at Lakelands Golf Club and The Glades. The ASGCC offers amateur golfers the opportunity to experience the challenge of playing in a professional tournament atmosphere. All golfers are welcome to play in the event, however only players with current official handicaps can compete for the great prizes and titles on offer. Event sponsors Heathcote Winery, the Golf Clearance Outlet, Gifte gift cards, Srixon and Cleveland Golf have partnered with and supported the ASGCC over a long period and will all contribute to the prize pool of over $15,000 in 2014. Once again, thanks to Thailand Golf Tours, one lucky golfer will again be drawn to win a free golf trip to Thailand (including airfares) to compete in the 2015 SGA International in Hua Hin, Thailand. The event is also linked with The SGA Tour event series (sgatour.com.au) hosted in each mainland capital by Social Golf Australia. The top three place-getters in the Order of Merit in each state win discount ASGCC entry the following year. Entry forms are available at SGA Tour events, in Golf Clearance Outlet stores and online at www.socialgolfaustralia.com.au . Golfers can also contact SGA directly on (03) 5433 3213. Inside Golf is proud to support the ASGCC and we will provide event coverage and results in 2014.

The top four players with the best scores at the end of the qualifying rounds go into the ‘skins’ format final and have the opportunity to play for $1,200 in club or pro shop vouchers.

UPCOMING HANDISKINS EVENTS: Wodonga Golf Club 10 Clubhouse Place, Wodonga VIC 3690 5th Qualifying Round 24th May 2014 Final 1st June 2014 Balgowlah Golf Club 506 Sydney Road, Balgowlah NSW 2093 Final 4th May 2014 Orange Ex-Services Country Club 231-243 Anson Street, Orange NSW 2800 4th Qualifying Round 10th May 2014 5th Qualifying Round 14th June 2014 Final 22nd June 2014 Wakehurst Golf Club Upper Clontarf Street, Seaforth NSW 2092 5th Qualifying Round 10th May 2014 Final 24th May 2014 Devilbend Golf Club Loders Road, Moorooduc VIC 3933 3rd Qualifying Round 3rd May 2014 4th Qualifying Round 17th May 2014 5th Qualifying Round 24th May 2014 Final 31st May 2014 Branxton Golf Club 25 Cessnock Road, Branxton NSW 2335 3rd Qualifying Round 10th May 2014 4th Qualifying Round 17th May 2014 5th Qualifying Round 24th May 2014 Final 31st May 2014

Penrith Golf Club 1939 The Northern Road, Penrith NSW 2750 2nd Qualifying Round 3rd May 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 10th May 2014 4th Qualifying Round 17th May 2014 5th Qualifying Round 24th May 2014 Final 31st May 2014 Parkes Golf Club London Road, Parkes NSW 2870 1st Qualifying Round 10th May 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 24th May 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 28th June 2014 4th Qualifying Round 12th July 2014 5th Qualifying Round 9th August 2014 Final 31st August 2014 Beverley Park Golf Club 87 Jubilee Avenue, Beverley Park NSW 2217 1st Qualifying Round 24th May 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 21st June 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 28th June 2014 4th Qualifying Round 12th July 2014 5th Qualifying Round 19th July 2014 Final 26th July 2014 Hurstville Golf Club Lorraine Street, Peakhurst NSW 2210 1st Qualifying Round 24th May 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 31st May 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 14th June 2014 4th Qualifying Round 21st June 2014 5th Qualifying Round 12th July 2014 Final 9th August 2014 Wollongong Golf Club Cnr Corrimal & Banks Streets, Wollongong NSW 2500 1st Qualifying Round 24th May 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 31st May 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 7th June 2014 4th Qualifying Round 14th June 2014 5th Qualifying Round 21st June 2014 Final 28th June 2014 Thurgoona Golf Club 1 Evesham Place, Thurgoona NSW 2640 1st Qualifying Round 31st May 2014 2nd Qualifying Round 14th June 2014 3rd Qualifying Round 12th July 2014 4th Qualifying Round 26th July 2014 5th Qualifying Round 9th August 2014 Final 16th August 2014

Tee it up at the Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic Now in its fifth year, the Mornington Peninsula Golf classic is one of the most popular annual golf events in the Melbourne area, representing world-class golf with all the excitement and fun that only the Mornington Peninsula can offer. The event has become one of the “Must Play” tournaments on the Victorian golf calendar, and this year will be no exception, with a line-up of courses that will be sure to attract players from far and wide. This year will see players experience tournament play on four exceptional Mornington Peninsula courses: Portsea, The National, The Dunes and Flinders. There are also two optional golf days at Sorrento and Mornington golf clubs. Three of the tournament courses are among the top 40 in Australia and all six are among Inside Golf’s favourites in the area.

The event dates have been moved to 5-10 October this year, allowing for the potential of warmer weather as well as longer days courtesy of Daylight Saving. The online entry price of $495 includes Welcome Party at Sorrento Golf club, four days of golf (morning and afternoon fields), carts at The National and the Dunes, lunches, Presentation Dinner at The National Golf club, daily and overall prizes as well as a show bag. Partner’s tickets

are also available as well as optional golf and social extras (at additional costs). This is surely going to be a sell-out tournament, so register early. More information: www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au, email info@golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au or phone Val Mackintosh, tournament coordinator on 0409 112 070. www.insidegolf.com.au | September 2013

the 19th hole

More major moments Larry Canning ed@insidegolf.com.au

Learning the game in the deep end

k, the Masters is over for 2014 and we have a winner. My problem is that my editor, Richard, is an American ex-pat. This means he has an accent, and he uses it fluently every month when he tells me to send in my column. It’s never in an abusive manner—nor even slightly angry—but more a smooth, rational, Morgan Freeman-type explanation of how monthly publications are laid out, printed then sent to the masses. I find Richard’s monthly elucidation quite interesting until I translate it all into Australian and come up with the real message: “Mate! File your bloody piece or I’ll fly to Sydney and give you a career-ending wedgie!” (By the way, “file my piece” isn’t what I do to a shotgun before I rob the local bottle-shop.) I want to write my stuff when I feel like it! It’s just not bloody fair! Phew... sorry about that little outburst. I’m starting to sound like a 6-year-old Bubba Watson after being told he has to go outside and play with Steve Elkington. Anyway, this all means, I have to send my article before The Masters finishes, so I can’t talk about this year’s event. Instead, I’d like to share our most enjoyable—and let’s say, unfortunate—Aussie moments in major championships. Obviously Adam Scott’s 2013 Masters heads up my list, and I suspect yours. The tall, handsome Queenslander with the perfect swing finally went where no Aussie had gone before. Down to the Butler cabin where they must have a David Jones store tucked out back. Adam’s victory meant we Aussies could finally go to work on the second Monday in April and not want to run over the first Yank or Pom we see at a pedestrian crossing. Of all the Masters Greg Norman was either robbed of or lost, the one that resonates with me the most was Larry Mize’s chip-in. If you see a replay of that shot, take a look at Shark’s face when the ball goes in. It’s like a scene out of Jaws! I’m sure Lazza is a really nice guy but I think he definitely did the right thing not coming down to Australia to play…or go fishing. The US Open is an easy one for me mainly because I had a huge victory myself that same year. Just before David Graham played the perfect round of golf at Merion where he hit every fairway and green to become the first Australian to claim this title, I ‘defeated’ Peter and Doreen Churcher’s reservations and married their daughter, Sandra. Aaah yes, still my greatest victory. I wonder if David Graham still sleeps with his trophy. Once again, poor old Sharky is my Aussie unfortunate story. I know he lost a playoff in 1984 to Fuzzy Zoeller, but the 1995 Open at Shinnecock really gave me the Title-ists. That was the year Shark was leading and suddenly wanted to belt a spectator for yelling something offensive. Two hours later I wanted to belt Corey Pavin for hitting a 4-wood to two feet on the last, leaving Shark one short again. British Opens have been kinder to Australia over the years with a bunch of victories. My favourite is Ian Baker Finch’s win in 1981. Finchy’s final round was a combination of brilliant striking and flawless putting when the pressure was really on. Sadly IBF is also my Aussie disappointment. After knocking on the door a few times, he finally proved to the world he could play as good as anyone on the planet in a major... except for one person… himself. The US PGA was Australia’s first major win back in 1947. Thus, one of our most unsung heroes, Jim Ferrier receives my vote. The tall New South Welshman was an Aussie pioneer when he left our shores and made his name on the American Tour. It’s not hard to pick the bad Aussie moment, is it? Remember the name Bob Tway? Enough said, I think! I would love to hear from you Inside Golf Readers about your favourite and un-favourite Aussie Major moments. You’d better get them in quick, though, or Richard will give you a lecture! 66

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Michael Green ed@insidegolf.com.au

hink for a moment that you have been given the task of introducing someone to the game of golf, with the aim of getting them hooked for life.

Perhaps you might buy them a new set of clubs – nothing too fancy but a decent set of cavity backed clubs that will give them the largest sweet spot to minimise the bad shots. You may think about taking them down to the driving range to eke out a swing that will send the ball in the preferred direction before maybe tackling the local par-3 or public golf course. You might even then play a few 9-holes rounds knowing full well that a full round can turn even the most strident golfers away from the game for a few months. What you wouldn’t do is suggest to someone who has never played more than nine holes of golf, that they should come and play five rounds in three days at Barnbougle Dunes on a golf trip with 11 other hardcore golfers. But that’s pretty much what I did – and the night before the trip, I couldn’t sleep for fear of turning this eager young bloke into a spiteful, angry, golf-hating curmudgeon. Because as we all know – golf can do that to you. It all started with friendly mention of the impending golf trip that garnered more enthusiasm than I expected. Knowing the character of my friend – and the character of the hardcore golfers – I didn’t hesitate to think this would be a perfect match. But as the departure day grew closer I realised that the personality match-up was irrelevant if my friend and the game of golf didn’t see eye to eye. When he told me had just played his first full round a month before the trip I began to fret. I knew some action was needed, but what do you teach a beginner a month before playing one of the most interesting and difficult golf courses in the country?

The first thing we did was buy a new driver. That fixes everything right? He improved a little - largely due to the bigger head, but with no time to practice, the driver never made contact with any range balls. Not ideal to say the least. I offered a few basic tips regarding alignment and stance but the last thing any golfer needs is too many swing thoughts in his head before a game of golf, let alone a golf trip to the Apple Isle. “He must be keen,” a colleague mentioned on the days preceding the journey. “It’s going to be quite the introduction for him!” I genuinely lost a few hours sleep in the weeks before the trip while my protégé spent two weeks travelling through New Zealand without clubs and without stepping foot on a golf course. In his mind this golf trip was a novelty – perhaps a chance to show how a keen sportsman could take up golf with ease. In my mind, this was going to be a weekend looking for golf balls, repairing clubs and offering consoling words to a man on the brink of losing his mind. And so when the weekend arrived, my young Padawan began the first of five rounds grinning from ear to ear – and naively looking like he was armed with a double-ended lightsaber. In truth he was unprepared and equipped with nothing but an Ewok’s slingshot and I was scared for what lay ahead for him. He sliced, topped, hooked and chunked shot after shot. The winds showed no mercy and blew in from Bass Strait with the force of the dark side. Many balls were lost. Back on the mainland, a week after the battle, I asked if the experience had left him tired of the game and disinterested in taking it any further. “If anything, I want to play more.” Despite the lost balls, despite the hooks and slices, and despite all the high numbers on the scorecard, golf had somehow taken a firm grip on the newbie. Throwing my friend into the proverbial deep end in Tasmania had somehow been a success and left him wanting to play more golf. The slap-dash mission had been a success after all. I, on the other hand, needed a month to recover. •

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chips and shanks

Crows win Battle of the Codes

The quick nine quiz David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

1. From which Australia state does 2014 Shell Houston Open winner Matt Jones hail? 2. The Senior Open Championship will be played at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in July. In what country is Royal Porthcawl? 3. If a player in a matchplay event is disqualified, should he be entitled to any prize he had previously won in the event? 4. Who said? “They say I get in too many bunkers, but it is no problem. I am the best bunker player.” – Norman von Nida, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros or Greg Norman 5. Name the author of the book – A Swing for Life. Was it Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus, David Leadbetter or Peter Thomson? 6. How many times did Greg Norman play in the US Masters tournament – 21, 23 or 25? 7. Can you explain the term – a sclaff shot? Is it hitting the ground before the ball; knocking the ball off the tee while addressing it or topping the ball? 8. Can you solve the following anagram – Alf in dock? Clue: He’s an Englishman. 9. How many times has Karrie Webb won the US Women’s Open?

(Answers below)

Hills Golf Academy success

ussie superstar Jason Day is a graduate of the Hills International Golf Academy in Queensland and now another three former students are making a mark.

SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT: Elite amateur Blake Proverbs (second from left) helped the Adelaide Crows team of John Hinge, Rhett Biglands and Rod Jameson get over the line in the Battle of the Codes.

HE Adelaide Crows have a lot to crow about after winning the inaugural Golf SA “Battle of the Codes” golf showdown at Glenelg Golf Club. The Crows team of past players Rod Jameson, Rhett Biglands and John Hinge blitzed the field with a score of 88 points in the team stableford event where the best two stableford scores count. Each team was grouped with one of Australia’s elite amateurs. Queensland’s Blake Proverbs, Australia’s topranked junior in 2013, assisted the Crows team. Biglands and Jameson can thank Proverbs and Hinge for the win with Proverbs dominant and Hinge having a day out carding three birdies on the front nine and amassing 26 stableford points through nine.

The Port Adelaide team of Matthew White and Jack Hombsch, assisted by elite amateurs Michael Montgomery (WA) and Elizabeth Elmassian (NSW), finished 14 points behind the Crows on 74 points and in seventh place overall. The Redbacks cricket team of Callum Ferguson, Sam Raphael and Elliot Opie, anchored by elite amateur Jack Williams (SA), who won his second SA Amateur Championship title a fortnight earlier, were pipped by the Power on a countback to finish eighth. The Adelaide Bite (basketball) team of former players Chris Lawson and Chris Sims and general manager Nathan Davison, assisted by Australia’s 37th ranked amateur Sam Rawlings from Tasmania, finished at the foot of the field on 69 points.

Tri-State Masters IT’S on again.

Cory Crawford, who graduated in 2010, Jake McLeod (2011) and Anthony Quayle (2012) have been chosen to represent Queensland in the interstate teams championships from April 29-May 2. The trio were students at Hills College and Hills Golf Academy. Hills International Golf Academy director of golf Tom Berndt said the academy continued to produce high quality players. “With Jason Day having such a wonderful start to the year it has been another wonderful achievement to have 40 per cent of the Queensland team come from our academy,” he said. Crawford, McLeod and Quayle joined fellow state representatives Taylor Macdonald, Kade

CLIFTON Golf Club, near Toowoomba in Queensland, will celebrate its 60th anniversary over the June long weekend (June 7-9). Established in 1954, the club has organised an anniversary dinner for Saturday, June 7.

The 54-hole stableford event for A, B and C grade club golfers will be played from May 18-23.

“Tickets are $25 each,” he said. “The night will feature a fine meal by Cary’s Catering and entertainment by Dave Kemp.

A spokesperson for the event said the first round would be played in Mildura, Victoria.

“Special guest for the night will be renowned course architect Ross Watson, whose vision transformed the course from sand greens to the present layout opened in 1984.”

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

The Shane Doherty Tri-State Masters will be restricted to 256 players. For more information go to www.sunraysiagolftours.com.au

The team’s coach is Tony Meyer and Matthew Toomey the manager. Berndt said the Hills Academy’s aim was to develop and maximise the potential of junior male and female golfers in a world-class academic and sporting environment. “We prepare them with the necessary mental and physical skills to shine on the world golfing stage.”

Rob Imhoff, who joined the club in 1964, will emcee the evening. “More than 1100 people have been members at Clifton over the 60-year period,” Hoey said. “Many are still in the area and it will be a great opportunity to catch up with past friends during the long weekend.” Club patron Noel Saal, who joined the club in August 1954, too, will be there to celebrate the milestone and tell a few yards. On Sunday, June 8, golfers are welcome to compete in the golf day. For further information, call the club on (07) 4695-8522, Secretary Julia Ritson on 0439-958-532 or president Gary Riddle on 0428-959-133.

ANSWERS: (1). NSW; (2). Wales; (3). Yes; (4). Seve Ballesteros; (5). Nick Faldo; (6). 23; (7). Hitting the ground before the ball; (8). Nick Faldo; (9). Two.

“Another round will be played just over the Murray River border in New South Wales and a third in the Riverland region of South Australia.”

McBride, Jack Sullivan, Simon Viitakangas and Aaron Wilkin.

Clifton celebrates 60 years

Club spokesperson Colin Hoey said he expected many former club members would be there reminiscing about the many good times at the club.

The Shane Doherty Tri-State Masters is in its 22nd year and continues to attract golfers from all corners of Australia and New Zealand.

Jake McLeod … from Hills International Golf Academy to state team.

chips and shanks

600 putters and counting

Geese no match for canine WILDLIFE on a golf course can be a major attraction, but some animals, like crocodiles and rogue kangaroos, can be hazardous. In South Africa, the Erinvale Golf Club was having issue with Egyptian Geese. The brazen geese weren’t attacking golfers but they had a habit of marching over the greens, making a mess and ignoring golfers’ attempts to move them on. The solution was the club trained a Border Collie named Ash to chase the geese away

from the fairways and greens and not disturb other birdlife. It worked a treat as the geese came to know her and flew away when she approached at great speed. They either take refuge in the large dams on the course or go to neighbouring farms. Guinea fowl, ibis and even cats are safe from the Border Collie’s gaze. Once Ash went missing but returned 13 days later, healthy and eager to get on with her job.

Crossword > 1

10 Bob Abbott shows off his vast collection of putters. HE calls himself a “putter nut” and no one is arguing. Avid readers of Inside Golf will know Bob Abbott as the man who set out to collect 500 putters. Well, since that recent declaration in Inside Golf, Bob has added to his vast collection of flat sticks. In fact, he has raced past 600 and is fast running out of room in the garage at his Nambour home on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. “The putter collection has got out of hand,” joked the former philatelist. Well, not really.

“At a veterans’ golf day one of the vets handed me number 611 and I’m running out of room in the garage. “Since the write up, I have picked up a hickory wooden head putter, a J.B. Halley, made at St Andrews, and a few others. I wonder if anybody else collects these putters.” If Bob continues collecting putters, he is going to be in trouble with his, until now, understanding wife. She told Bob there was no way his putter collection would make it into the house. “The garage at home is almost full now and my wife says that is as far as I can go,” he said. Perhaps a garage extension is on the cards!

Beat the pro UP at Cairns Golf Club in Tropical North Queensland the pro shop has started a “Beat the Pro” competition on monthly medal day. It works like this. Club members can enter the new game by forking out $2. Anyone who beats the pro Darren Golder on the day (best nett score) automatically wins a $4 pro shop credit.

If Darren isn’t in the field, then you take on his assistant Jason Roach. If you have the best nett score out of the Beat the Pro field you will win a major prize relative to the field size even if you do not beat the pro. The event is open to men and women who play in the monthly medal field. FOOTNOTE: If one of the club’s professionals isn’t in the field the event is off.

Win a car promotion on again BRISBANE’S Ron Gould, who joined a golf club and won a car, wasn’t the only big winner in the golf membership drive promoted by 10 southeast Queensland golf clubs.

the end of 2014,” said Nudgee Golf Club general manager Aaron Muirhead.

The 12-week golf membership promotion – supported by Carbrook, Keperra, McLeod, Nudgee, Oxley, Pacific, Redcliffe, Redland Bay, Virginia and Wynnum golf clubs and Golf Queensland and South East Queensland District Golf Association – was a huge success.

Muirhead said the promotion was established with the aim of addressing declining membership numbers across the golf industry.

The trial resulted in a spike of more than 75 per cent of new members compared to the same period last year.

“They all thought it was no-brainer,” he said.

“Due to the massive success achieved, we are now seeking expressions of interest from clubs in the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast areas that would like to participate in a similar promotion toward

“If there is sufficient support in these areas, we will run promotions of this nature with the participating clubs in the three separate areas.”

It took Muirhead just 15 minutes to round up nine other clubs to join in the promotion. With that in mind, it’s almost certain the golf membership promotion will be supported by Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast clubs later this year. For the record, Ron Gould drove away in a Ford Fiesta Ambiente valued at more than $19,000 after he joined Redland Bay Golf Club.

17 18

22 23

ACROSS

DOWN

1 Fluff a shot (6) 5 Hit hard; footwear (4) 10 Affect (3,2) 11 City that’s one hour from PGA Catalunya Resort, the host of Open de Espana in 2014 (9) 12 To give an opponent a short putt in matchplay (7) 13 Winner of the 2014 Puerto Rico Open, _______ Hadley (7) 14 Multiple winner on the 2010 Champions Tour, ____ Couples (4) 15 Aussie winner of the 2014 Valspar Championship (4,6) 18 Institution of higher education (10) 20 Casings that line holes on greens (4) 23 Clothing for a cool day on the course, perhaps (7) 24 1982 Australian Open winner, now a golf course architect, Bob _______ (7) 26 Winner of 2014 Arnold Palmer Invitational (4,5) 27 Score of two strokes under par for a hole (5) 28 Implement used to keep a bunker in good order (4) 29 Golf tournaments (6)

2 Possible description of pressure experienced by one leading a major golf tournament (7) 3 Winner of the 2014 Honda Classic, Russell ______ (6) 4 Set of facts or figures systematically displayed (5) 5 American winner of the 2013 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, Brandt ________ (8) 6 Traversed (7) 7 Aussie winner of the 2012 Travelers Championship, ____ Leishman (4) 8 An enclosed or clearly defined area (of a town) (8) 9 Income (8) 14 Golf match between two pairs with partners playing the same ball (8) 16 Spectator (8) 17 Achieve a goal; make it (3,5) 19 Disinclination to move or act (7) 21 Erect, vertical, like a flagstick (7) 22 American winner of 1988 Victorian Open, Jim ______ (6) 24 Distinctive manner peculiar to a golfer, for instance (5) 25 Winner of the 2014 WGC-Cadillac Championship, Patrick ____ (4)

Answers: page 73

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

your voice

Resort courses no holiday

Letter of the Month

I do not understand why ‘resort’ courses are designed to be so difficult. So difficult as to be unenjoyable. I recently played two golf/buck’s days. We wanted to play on a Saturday and understandably most courses were not available to us because Saturdays are members’ days.

markers. If most players of the course are going to be holiday-makers and occasional golfers why not make the course a bit more user friendly? Was the business plan for the course to be profitable or traditional, enjoyable enough to encourage return visits or uninviting for a return visit?

We successfully booked a pair of courses. I am retired, my handicap has drifted out from 11 to 17. I lost 8 balls at the first course. Only 5 of the 23 players were regular golfers so you can imagine how many balls were lost. I doubt that any of the 23 players will ever choose to return to the course. The second course was a similar situation. I will never play there again.

I recently played the Greg Normandesigned Stonecutter’s Ridge, a links style course, and really enjoyed it. I would happily return there because it is a more forgiving course. I have played Newcastle Golf Club a few times, a ‘Top 100’ course. It is challenging but not an annoyingly difficult course.

I few years ago I played at a popular public course. There were no 150m or 100m markers on the fairways. I mentioned to the pro that distance markers would be helpful. His answer was that the course designer was a ‘traditionalist’, hence no

Every opportunity to attract and keep golfers in the game and playing regularly should be grasped with both hands. Many ‘resort’ courses are not taking the opportunity. Rob McDonelll

YOUR VOICE

Have you got something to say? Then tell us! Write to us via email at ed@insidegolf.com.au or mail a letter to: The Editor, Inside Golf, PO Box 360 Nunawading, Vic 3131. Tell an interesting story or something funny about golf and you could WIN a prize like this month’s GolfBuddy Voice GPS unit!

Seeing Red

impact of excessive course length is addressed and tee choice provided, as is routine for men.

Thanks to David Newbery for raising the topic of women’s tees in the February issue of Inside Golf.

Unfortunately women’s tees remain an afterthought for many decision makers connected with our game. Indeed, the benefits of a two-tee system for women are generally overlooked or cast aside during course planning and design discussions in Australia. Certainly this relevant topic is under-discussed. However, it remains a key piece of the puzzle if we are to ensure women’s golf evolves and moves forward toward a sustainable future.

There is insufficient understanding of the barriers impacting the participation of women in the game of golf, particularly in Australia. Available time, a steep learning curve, cost and the individual’s desire to feel comfortable among better and more experienced golfers are all key. What is less well understood is the effect course design, particularly course setup, has on golfers with slower swing speeds and lower ball flight – most club women, many seniors and newcomers to the game. For many women the playability of a course is closely linked to a commitment to learn, or continue to participate in, what is arguably a difficult and time-consuming game. With just one tee choice, frequently of championship or excessive length, our courses provide a significant challenge for the mass of shorterhitting golfers - a challenge that many choose not to pursue when an abundance of manageable, affordable and flexible recreational opportunities are on offer elsewhere in our communities. A flexible tee system for women golfers, designed around sound professional guidelines is needed. International studies illustrate that golfers with slower swing speeds enjoy the game more, and return to play more often, when provided the opportunity to play a course as intended by the designer. For example, the majority of women golfers are denied the true thrill of playing a par-3 in regulation as the green is often sited out of reach of the Red tee, even with a driver in hand. It is increasingly evident that the best placed initiatives to attract growth in female golfer participation will fall short unless the 70

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

Lyne Morrison Member, Society of Australian Golf Course Architects

A Frank Ace I find Inside Golf a very interesting read and look forward to getting my copy when it shows up in the club.

Reciprocal rights a treat

It’s a man’s game? Talk about Golf being a man’s game, or as some of our male counterparts would have us believe it should be. I witnessed one such Pro Shop Manager indicate clearly that women take second place when it comes to playing the game on his course. On this particular trip away, we had booked previously (as you do) and fronted for the game as planned. Very eager to play this beautiful course. Paid our fees at the Pro Shop and headed off for the first nine. ‘Take your time and after the first 9 just come in and enjoy some lunch,’’ we were told. Not a problem, as our aim was to enjoy all that the club had to offer. We did think it strange we didn’t have to continue play, knowing this is the norm, especially on a competition day as we had entered in the ladies comp. So after a pretty quick snack after 9 we headed back down to continue play only to be told by the group teeing off on the 10th that we had lost our place and had to wait. Fair enough. We checked at the Pro Shop and asked the lovely Manager what sort of a delay we could expect . His comment was “Oh well, by the looks of your card so far you won’t be in contention so perhaps 9 holes was enough’’. He just didn’t get it, did he? Suffice to say, we waited our turn, continued on and finished our golf in style, with a Nearest the Pin in hand. It was my pleasure to hand the cards in and thank him for the day. As Tiger Woods once said “achievements on the golf course are not what matters, decency and honesty are what matters’’. Sandy Cook

Good-o for Bowdo

Frank plays twice a week and has a magnificent full swing and is quite a legend at St. Micks.

Steven Bowditch’s win in the Texas Open was a victory in every sense of the word. For several years, Steven had battled depression, so this is a true personal triumph. He was brave enough to disclose his depression and that bravery has been rewarded. After the Texas win, Bowditch spoke of how Adam Scott’s Master’s victory proved to be an inspiration. Now of course, Bowditch himself will be an inspiration to others, by showing that adversities can be overcome. I truly admire the camaraderie between the golfers. On Twitter, within minutes of Steven’s win, fellow players were congratulating his performance. In today’s world of intense competition in professionalism sport, it’s great to see such good spirit and grace.

Charles Langford

Linda Nathaniel

I am a member of St. Michaels Golf Club at Little Bay in Sydney and would like to draw your attention to an amazing feat by one of our members (and my Father-in-law) Frank Healey, who had a hole-in-one at the 3rd hole at St. Micks at the ripe old age of 96 years 10 months. He previously holed out on the same hole in January 2010 at 92. The shot was witnessed by a group of 5 members including me when the Course Marshal asked us to call up the following group. The ball landed just off the green and rolled along to the crest of a rise, then broke to the right and rolled down to hole out.

I always throw in the clubs when travelling. I have crashed carts in Queensland, frozen in Scotland and run up triple bogies on the Murray, but until recently, the towering gums and red bunkers of South Australia had eluded me. My club’s reciprocal arrangement with Kooyonga offered the chance to walk the storied fairways many rate as the state’s best. There are contenders for longer, more difficult, more tournamentready, but who cares? I’m after the Club experience which, to me, comes down to the welcome, the wine, the feel of the place. Late morning on Autumn’s first Saturday is blue, still and warm. Kooyonga’s pro shop staff has me sorted for card, comp and buggy. One of my playing partners emerges from the clothing racks and introduces himself. A member since 1967, he promises to guide me around, adding that “down the middle is never a bad option”. The others in our four are on the tee and I’m away. The Santa Ana fairways unfold like emerald ribbons, broken only by the outback red of bunker sand. It’s a stroke round and I’m eight-over after three. But the sun is out, there’s eucalyptus on the wind, and gentle ribbing of playing partners is already underway. At the turn, the smells of nature give way to sausages as smoke climbs from the barbeque behind the ninth green. I am met by Golf Operations Officer Suzie Matthews, who assures me “the weather is always like this in Adelaide”. The Kooyonga version of a Halfway House is convivial, and sits well in the bush setting. The food sustains me through an improved back nine. There are tight driving holes, closely-guarded greens and wicked pins, but the walk is a delight. I know the course borders Adelaide’s airport, yet the round has been serenely peaceful. Members say the trees act as a buffer. A couple of times the unmistakable din of reverse thrust rings out in the distance, but for the most part it’s birds and breezes. My closing holes yield little and soon we are playing towards Kooyonga’s sprawling, modern clubhouse. I have been promised chilled South Australian wine. There is no disappointment: Kooyonga’s wine list is peppered with the best of McLaren Vale and the Barossa. The rooms are large, light and breezy, the outside deck must be a delight at dusk. It is also surprisingly quiet for a Saturday. Kooyonga handles its traffic well. Conversation comes easily as our bottle is drained. Another is ordered, but I have a plane to catch. Before I can call for a taxi, one of my partners offers a lift to the airport – a gesture in keeping with the day. Little of Adelaide charms me, but there’s a pocket of green beyond the flight path I’d happily return to. Christopher Vogt

demo dates Callaway

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

www.callawaygolf.com

Location Demo Days New South Wales Drummond Casula Moore Park Driving Range Terrey Hills Country Club Pymble Golf Club (Members Only) Everglades Golf Club Terry Hills Golf & Country Club Queensland Big Easy Driving Range Caboolture Golf Club Royal Queensland Golf Club - Member Only Wantima Country Club Caloundra Golf Club Drummond Golf Underwood Victoria/Tasmania MGA Driving Range Sandringham Driving Range Fitting Days New South Wales Cumberland Golf Club Pymble Golf Club (Members Only) Everglades Golf Club Killara Golf Club (Members Only) Pittwater Golf Centre Terry Hills Golf & Country Club Wollongong Golf Club Bonnie Doon Golf Club Cammeray Golf Club The Lakes Golf Club Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club The Australian Golf Club (members only) Beverley Park Golf Club Auburn Golf Club South Australia Victor Harbor Golf Club Drummond Golf West Beach Driving Range Queensland Sanctuary Cover Golf & CC

Day

Date

Time

Thursday Thursday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Friday

May 08 May 15 May 31 May 06 May 07 May 09

4 - 7pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm 10am - 3pm

Thursday Friday Friday Wednesday Thursday Thursday

May 01 May 02 May 16 May 21 May 22 May 29

4.30 - 7.30pm 2 - 5pm 12 - 4pm 2 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 3 - 5pm

Wednesday Wednesday

May 07 May 21

4 - 7pm 4.30 - 7.30pm

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

May 01 May 06 May 07 May 08 May 08 May 09 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 23

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

Thursday Wednesday

May 01 May 07

2.30 - 5.30pm 4.30 - 7.30pm

Thursday

May 01

1 - 4.30pm

Date

Time

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

Day

New South Wales Oatlands Golf Club ◊ * Concord Golf Club ◊ * Royal Sydney Golf Club ◊ * Drummond Golf Taren Point ◊ * Liverpool Golf Club ◊ * Illawarra Golf Complex ◊ * Maitland Golf Club ◊ * Belmont Golf Club ◊ * Toronto Golf Club ◊ * Waratah Golf Club ◊ * Shelley Beach Golf Club ◊ * The Coast Golf Club ◊ * Pymble Golf Club ◊ * Monash Country Club ◊ * St Michaels Golf Club ◊ * Power Golf Alexandria ◊ * New South Wales Golf Club ◊ * Queensland Golf World Virginia ◊ * Golf Gurus @ Big Easy ° Caboolture Golf Club ◊ * Brisbane Golf Club ◊ * Mt Warren Park ◊ * Victoria Park Golf Complex ◊ * Redland Bay Golf Club ° Mt Warren Park Golf Club ° Pine Rivers Golf Club ◊ * House of Golf Coffs Harbour ◊ * Coffs Harbour GC ◊ * Parkwood International ◊ * Horton Park ° Royal Queensland ◊ * Middle Ridge GC ◊ * Drummond Underwood ◊ * Noosa Springs ◊ * Palm Meadows Driving Range °

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

May 12 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 19 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 23 May 23 May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29 May 29 May 30

1 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 8am - 4pm 3 - 6pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 12 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 1pm 2.30 - 5.30pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm 9am - 1pm 3am - 6pm 9am - 2pm

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

May 01 May 01 May 02 May 02 May 03 May 06 May 07 May 09 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 15 May 16 May 23 May 24 May 29 May 29 May 30

3 - 6pm 5 - 7pm 12 - 4.30pm 2 - 5pm 9.30am - 12.30pm 5.30 - 7.30pm 3 - 5.30pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 3 - 6pm 1 - 5pm 4 - 6.30pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm 9am - 12pm 2 - 5pm 2 - 5pm 1 - 5pm

Victoria Sands Torquay ◊ * National Golf Club ◊ * Kooringal Golf Club ◊ * Yarra Yarra Golf Club ◊ * Melbourne Golf Academy ◊ *

Friday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday

May 02 May 03 May 06 May 07 May 07

11am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 1 - 5pm 10am - 2pm 4 - 5pm

Victoria Golf Club ** Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range ° ◊ Patterson River Golf Club ◊ *

Thursday Thursday Friday

May 08 May 08 May 09

10am - 2pm 4 - 7pm 9am - 3pm

Location

Day

Victoria Settler Run Golf & Country Club ◊ * Warragul Country Club ◊ * Heidelberg Golf Club ◊ * Riversdale Golf Club ° ◊ Ranfurlie Golf Club ◊ * Kingston Heath Golf Club ◊ * Sandringham Driving Range ° House of Golf - Long Island Golf Club ◊ * Eastwood Golf Club ◊ * Kew Golf Club ** Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Club ◊ * South Australia Renmark Golf Resort ◊ * Drummond Golf - West Beach ° Royal Adelaide Golf Club ◊ * Barossa Valley Golf Club ◊ * Western Australia Busselton Golf Club ◊ * Sanctuary Golf Club ◊ * Mount Lawley ◊ * Carramar Golf Club ◊ * Melville Glades Golf Club ◊ * Geraldton Golf Club ◊ * Spalding Park Golf Club ◊ *

Mizuno Location

Date

Time

Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Wednesday Wednesday Saturday Wednesday Friday Saturday

May 10 May 13 May 14 May 16 May 17 May 21 May 21 May 24 May 28 May 30 May 31

10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 9am - 3pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 5 - 7.30pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm 10am - 2pm

Saturday Wednesday Saturday Saturday

May 03 May 07 May 10 May 17

8am - 12pm 4 - 7pm 10am - 1pm 10am - 1pm

Thursday Friday Wednesday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Friday

May 01 May 02 May 07 May 10 May 14 May 22 May 23

9.30 - 1.30pm 9.30 - 1.30pm 9.30 - 1.30pm 10am - 2pm 9.30 - 1pm 9.30 - 2.30pm 8am - 12pm

mizuno.com.au

Day

Date

Time

New South Wales Northbridge Golf Club * Thursday May 01 10am - 2pm Kurri Golf Club * Friday May 02 1 - 4pm New Brighton Golf Club * ** Saturday May 03 10am - 2pm Oatlands GC * ** Monday May 05 1 - 5pm Thornleigh Golf Centre * Tuesday May 06 4 - 7pm Royal Sydney Golf Club * ** Wednesday May 07 11am - 3pm Liverpool Golf Club * Thursday May 08 9am - 1pm Ryde Parramatta Golf Club * ** Tuesday May 13 12 - 4pm Everglades Golf Club * Wednesday May 14 9am - 1pm Drummond Golf - North Mead * Thursday May 15 4 - 7pm Long Reef Golf Club * Friday May 16 10am - 2pm Golf Paradise Tuesday May 20 5 - 7pm The Ridge Golf Course * Wednesday May 21 4 - 7pm Drummond Golf - Casula * Thursday May 22 4 - 7pm Moore Park Golf Club * Tuesday May 27 4 - 7pm Drummond Golf - Gosford * Thursday May 29 3 - 6pm The Custom Golf Shop Burwood * Thursday May 29 3 - 8pm Pittwater Golf Centre Thursday May 29 4 - 7pm The Lakes Golf Club * ** Friday May 30 12 - 4pm Belmont Golf Club * Saturday May 31 9am - 1pm Queensland Brisbane G.C. * Friday May 02 2 - 5pm Golf Central * Tuesday May 06 4 - 7pm Bargara G.C. * Thursday May 08 11am - 4pm Gympie G.C. Friday May 09 1 - 4pm Southport G.C. * ** Friday May 09 12 - 4pm Tewantin Noosa G.C. Tuesday May 13 9.30am - 12.30pm Mt Coolum G.C. * Tuesday May 13 1 - 4pm Victoria Park G.C. * Tuesday May 13 5 - 7.30pm Bribie Island G.C. Wednesday May 14 9.30am - 12pm Golf Central * Thursday May 15 4 - 6pm Wynumm G.C. * Thursday May 15 2.30 - 5pm Horton Park G.C. Friday May 16 2 - 5pm Oxley G.C. * Friday May 16 10am - 2pm Headland G.C. * Tuesday May 20 10am - 2pm Wantima Country Club * Wednesday May 21 2 - 5pm Bribie Island G.C. * Friday May 23 10am - 1pm Parkwood G.C. * Thursday May 22 4 - 6.30pm Tweed Heads G.C. * Friday May 23 3 - 5pm Ballina G.C. * Wednesday May 28 10am - 1pm Palm Meadows G.C. Friday May 30 1 - 5pm Victoria Eastwood G.C. * ** Saturday May 03 10am - 2pm Mga Driving Range Wednesday May 07 4 - 7pm Metropolitan G.C. * ** Friday May 09 10am - 2pm Kingston Heath G.C. * ** Wednesday May 14 10am - 2pm Beaconhills G.C. * Thursday May 15 4 - 7pm Ranfurlie G.C. ** Saturday May 17 10am - 2pm Penninsula G.C. Wednesday May 21 10am - 2pm Sandringham Driving Range Wednesday May 21 5 - 7.30pm South Australia Drummond Golf - West Beach Wednesday May 07 4 - 7pm Western Australia ROYAL FREMANTLE G.C. ** Thursday May 01 10am - 2pm MARANGAROO G.C. Friday May 02 12 - 4pm FREMANTLE PUBLIC G.C. Friday May 09 12 - 4pm ALBANY G.C. Friday May 09 10am - 2pm MANDURAH COUNTRY CLUB Wednesday May 14 10am - 2pm CARRAMAR G.C. Saturday May 17 8am - 12pm ALBANY G.C. Friday May 23 10am - 2pm MAYLANDS G.C. Saturday May 24 7 - 11am

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

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

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May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

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Order online www.kakadugolfglove.com | Phone (07) 5450 7578

Crossword Answers M A R C

M I N C T E O N S R E

F O U N I R N S W E O R M A T E I R A

S H E O N L C E Y D G V E T A T H T E R K E

I T A P B A R C L E D E C H I J O H N S B C R S I T Y E E R S H V T V E R Y R L E V

S N E D E K E R B E N E P E

O C R L O S S S E N D C U P A R I A G H N T

K N O E P

Rule 5 Golfballs E A R N I N G S

E R E L E D S

The Golfer’s Best Online Source for Premium Recycled Golf Balls

SavinG GOlfeRS MOney! BUY ONLINE: www.rule5golfballs.com.au 5 Great reasons to order your Golf balls now!

FREE postage for orders over $30 (code: insidegolf)

Why Pay Full Price for your Golf Balls!

For advertising call 1300 465 300

1. We help Golfers SAVE money (usually more than ½ retail prices). 2. Safe, secure ordering from our online golf store. 3. We have a huge range of quality used golf ball with all your favorite brands and models ready to ship. 4. We ship Australia wide within 48 hours right to your door. 5. We offer a 100% Quality Guarantee.

1/73 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads rule5golfballs@bigpond.com (07) 5520 3633 www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

golf directory

Play • Horizons • Kooindah Waters (Wyong) • Pacific Dunes • Cypress Lakes • Nelson Bay • Tanilba Bay • Hawks Nest • The Vintage

*WINTER SPECIAL*

Play anytime - No waiting

• 3 Games Golf - Horizons, Nelson Bay and Tanilba Bay • 3 x $20 Dinner Vouchers • 3 Cooked Breakfasts • 3 Nights Accomodation (twin share) • Total Cost per person $300 (Arriving Sunday, Monday or Tuesday)

Howeston Golf Course Enquiries welcome

16 Weekdays

20 Weekends & Public Holidays *

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

www.lemontreemotel.com.au *prices include GST

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

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

IS YOUR GOLF CART SLOWING DOWN? OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERIES?

Need new batteries? Don’t replace them, restore them with the Battery Reviver > Cleans the damaging sulphure build up on the lead plates. > Restores the voltage of the batteries. > Restores the sulphuric acid strength. > Restores the performance of the batteries.

Want to triple the life of your good batteries? Increase the life of your batteries by up to three times by eliminating the main reasons the batteries fail, SULPHATION. If you eliminate the main reason your batteries fail, it must 30 DAY increase the life of SATISFACTION your batteries.

Patented Softgrip Technology From the inventors oF the CaddyraCk

GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK

For more information, pricing and to order Phone 1300 852 433 or visit our website

GET ORGANISED WITH

1300 738 557 • www.kahmagolf.com

Aquarius E

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

• 4 days golf playing at the beautiful Sapphire Coast courses of Pambula/ Merimbula, Tathra Beach, Eden, Bega, and Tura Beach. All courses are only 5 to 20 mins drive from the Resort.

• 6 FREE fully cooked poolside breakfasts, buffet style.

per person

Packages starting from:

• Large Groups Welcome

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

May 2014 | www.insidegolf.com.au

fro m

$220 va

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

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

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

bersh em

ips

• 6 nights accommodation in a 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment (linen supplied).

Play & Stay for $120

www.batteryreviver.com.au

Patent # 7374839

ila ble *Conditions apply

*Conditions apply

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

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

www.casinogolfclub.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

golf directory Nudgee Golf Club

BEERWAH GOLF CLUB

BLACK TEE CHALLENGE

At the base of the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains…

3rd Friday of each month “Bay Golf Day”

Members & Bay Golf Memberships $15 Visitors $25

• • • •

Visitors pay only $25 to play in our competitions

Timeless Tuesday - Unlimited* Golf for ONLY $25 Golf Equipment for Hire & Sale Fully Licensed Clubhouse Social Clubs & Corporate Days

(Wed, Sat & Sun)

More social playing times now on a Monday & Thursday

Includes competition fee and after golf platter for 4 Phone: (07) 3267 7744

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

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

Golf Packages

Not available during competition or Saturday play or Sunday before 12pm and Peak Periods

• 18 hole championship course with enormous greens • Twin Share electric cart hire • Lunch

Play & Stay Packages

Great Course Great Deal

pe • Twin Share Accommodation • Continental Breakfast • 18 holes golf • Two Course Dinner rs on • Twin Share electric cart hire Packages designed to suit individual needs Under New Management Bookings and enquiries call Ocean Shores Motel (02) 6680 2222

Blue Marker Challenge • • • •

Play to your handicap or better and receive a dozen Pro-V’s Challenge Winner (best nett score) wins a shirt, a Blue Marker Challenge ball marker and a dozen Pro-V’s Best nett score by a visitor or wins a dozen Pro-V’s 6 NTP’s - win 3 Pro-V’s each • Break 80 nett and win a Pro-V

Carts available for hire all bookings through the Pro Shop (02) 6680 1008

PLAYED LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH Are you up to the challenge?

$30 VISITORS

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

www.oceanshoresmotel.com.au info@oceanshoresmotel.com.au Ph (02) 6680 2222 Fax (02) 6680 2018 Only 30 minutes South of Coolangatta and 15 minutes North of Byron Bay

A family run business for 18 years Best Service & Best Value Guaranteed

Ph (03) 5873 4477 Fax (03) 5873 4511

Golf Course Rd, Barooga NSW Contact michael@murrayrivergolf.com.au or visit our website

www.murrayrivergolf.com.au All packages are available for stays at either www.thebreakers.com.au or www.paradiseisles.com.au

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

golf directory

Vietnam Amateur Golf Week 11 - 17 August 2014 in Danang, Vietnam

Information and Reservations Email: mark@thailandgolftours.com.au Phone: 0419 264 800

For advertising call 1300 465 300

www.insidegolf.com.au | May 2014

PLENTY VIEWS GOLF PARK 206 Yan Yean Rd, Plenty 03 9436 1411

GOLF FACTORY PENRITH 269 High St, Penrith (near Officeworks) (02) 4722 8640 - Mail Order - 6 Days penrith_golf@iprimus.com.au

MAIL ORDER SALE! Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted $7 NSW, $9 VIC & QLD, $10 SA, TAS, NT & WA Postage and handling any quantity.

TaylorMade Jetspeed Rescue Hybrid $129 Fairway Metalwood $149 Adjustable Driver $199

Srixon Soft Feel Ball Sale

TaylorMade Tour Golf Bag ½ PRICE

TaylorMade Lethal Balls

Vinyl (not nylon) 9.5” Standard size Tour Quality One Colour Only

$18

per dozen

$29

Save $130

$109

Includes Cover

Doz

LEFT HAND ONLY Rubber grips Cleveland CG-16 Wedges

$490

Cleveland Hybrid Iron 588 Altitude

$89

Regular or Seniors Graphite Shafts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, pitching & sand wedges

each

Rubber grips

Callaway Hex Balls Urethane cover tour quality ball

Mens Black Srixon or Cleveland Ladies Tour Special Minimum qty 10

Chrome (3 piece) $26/doz Chrome + (4 piece) $29/doz Black Tour (5 piece) $32/doz

dozen

Includes Cover

$239

$129

$216 for 144 14 Full length dividers Individually boxed Magnetic pockets Cooler pocket Lots of colours

Includes Cover and Wrench

Great for ball competitions Bulk Qty

$156

$129

Right or Left

$79

$20 Dozen Balls Rubber grips Individually boxed

Mens Black Srixon or Cleveland Ladies Tour Special Minimum qty 10 Callaway HX Diablo

each

Plus postage Optima TS+

Eagles & Birdies Cypress Point bag each

14 Full length dividers Magnetic pockets Cooler pocket Lots of colours

Plus postage

TaylorMade RBZ left hand driver Eagles Srixon&QBirdies Star Balls Pure white or Tour 10.5º Loft Cypress Point bag Yellow Regular flex Graphite shaft LEFT HAND ONLY

$199

Responsive Head Long Grip for grip down shots 60º Loft Lob 56º Loft Sand 52º Loft Gap

Individually boxed $180 for 144 balls

$11 $15

Save $100

TaylorMade ATV WEDGE

Jumbo Putter Callaway Warbird Plus Balls Grip

Relax your putter grip pressure

8º to 11º Loft Adjustable 50grm Firm 60grm Stiff TP Shafts

144 balls ($13/dozen) Individually boxed

$199 $99

Double Normal Thickness Golf Pride Crown

Includes Cover

Distance ball with great feel

TaylorMade RBZ Graphite Irons Eagles & Birdies Cleveland 14 Way 4-SW Cypress DividedPoint Bagbag 8 irons 14 lengthdividers dividers Long Distance FullFulllength $169 SAVE$60 Magnetic pockets $799 irons Regular flex Graphite Shafts Right Hand

$129

Srixon Distance Balls

$45 Mensi20Black Ping Stiff 20º Loft Hybrid $100 Srixon or 588 Cleveland Cleveland Forged Wedges $69 Ladies Special Ping i20Tour Regular + Stiff Drivers $179 MinimumCG-Black qty 10 Fairway Woods $59 Cleveland TaylorMade Regular RBZ FairwaysPlus postage $129

Putter Holder Cooler pocket Cooler Pocket Lots of colours Red, Black, Green Blue and White.

$179

19º Loft Number 3 Seniors Flex Graphite Shaft

TaylorMade RBZ Adjustable Stage 2 Driver $45

TaylorMade Ladies RBZ Driver HL 12O Loft Ladies Right Hand Only Also ideal for Junior boys.

TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Rescue Hybrid

5 piece urethane balls

$150

Narellan Supa Centre, Narellan Rd

(02) 4647 8542 - Mail Order - 6 Days

Individually boxed balls

Mens or Ladies Soft Feel 144 Balls for $216

GOLF FACTORY NARELLAN

$199

adidas BOA leather shoes 2 year waterproof BOA tightening system No traditional laces

SAVE$60

$199$18

SAVE$60

White or Black US Sizes Doz

$189

$99