www.insidegolftravel.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Editor: Richard Fellner M: 0407 000 440 E: richard@insidegolf.com.au Chief Writer: David Newbery E: david@insidegolf.com.au Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Advert Technical Enquiries: Stacey Fortescue M: 0420 319 893 E: stacey@insidegolf.com.au National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 465 300 F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 E: sam@insidegolf.com.au NSW Sales: Scott Barsby M: 0424 779 199 E: scott@insidegolf.com.au Qld Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 E: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 E: jon@insidegolf.com.au Sales: Lisa Coleman M: 0406 031 344 E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au National Agency Sales (non Golf): Marc Wilson M: 0419 107 143 E: marc@gypsymedia.com.au New Zealand Sales: Daniel Sim M: 0439 856 752 E: daniel@insidegolf.com.au COVER PHOTO: Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club
Clearwater Bay to host 2015 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
T
he Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club in Hong Kong has been confirmed as the host venue for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (APAC), organisers announced during the sixth staging of the prestigious championship at Royal Melbourne. Organised by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Masters Tournament and The R&A, the AAC offers the winner an invitation to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. The champion and runner(s)-up
earn spots in The Open Qualifying Series for The Open Championship. The 2015 event, scheduled for 1-4 October will mark the first time the championship has been held in Hong Kong. Clearwater Bay is located in the New Territories and situated on a peninsula with stunning views of the South China Sea and Hong Kong. The golf course is divided into two parts: the Highland Nine and the Ocean Nine. Having undergone a major renovation by Thomson Perrett some 8 -10 years
ago, the golf club has been on a path of constant improvement ever since. The management at Clearwater Bay has made a number of changes to the course to better position the course for international events. In 2012 Thomson Perrett were engaged to oversee the changes over a two-year period which involved the construction of new tees on four holes, new bunkers on several holes, modifications to six greens and the construction of a new Driving Range and short game practice area. The 6th green was altered at the front to eliminate a
Luxury Boutique GoLf HoLidays 2015 Masters tour 2015 | BritisH open 2015 BRiTish OPEN 2015 GREEN JACKET PACKAGE: Bonus inclusions • 3 DAYS at Masters Tournament • 13 nights luxury accommodation Pebble Beach, Pinehurst including brand new 5 star suite hotel in Augusta • Playing golf at Pebble Beach | Spyglass | Pinehurst No 2 | The Reserve Club Woodside – plus other amazing courses • Motorised carts and range balls • 3 dinners at Pinehurst ala Carte Restaurants Guaranteed Small Groups
All itravel packages include: • • • •
Welcome dinners Daily cooked breakfast Luxury Accommodation Pre-golf clinic and lessons with PGA Professional • Private transfers • Tour guide • Golf competitions and prizes
• 6 games of golf playing at Kintyre | Ailsa | Old Course Royal Troon | Carnoustie and *Muirfield plus more • British Open 2 days Friday/Sunday • 10 nights luxury accommodation • Private Whisky Tasting Experience, Castle and City Tour • Putting tournament with antique putters • Traditional Scottish Dinner Evening with Piper • Travel Insurance *Muirfield available to the 1st 12 players booked and paid
iRElANd TOuR 2015 • 5 games of golf playing at Ballybunion | Waterville | Tralee | Portmarnock K Club Links – Palmer/Ryder Course • 6 nights luxury accommodation
Additional Cost for airfares for all packages with QANTAS available on inquiry
Other Packages Available • Masters Week Augusta Package (6 nights) • Las Vegas Package Extension (4 nights) Stacey Arthur | www.itravel-au.com | p: 02 42850711 | m: 0402 327 606 | e: stacey@itravel-au.com | NSW T/A Licence No. 2TA4250 All information is correct at time of print and is subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control such as adverse currency fluctuations, taxes and fuel surcharges
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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2014
false front and to create some challenging pin placements. An additional greenside bunker was added to toughen up the 7th hole, a driveable short par 4. The mowing heights around the green were reduced to allow balls to roll back into the bunkers and the lake, should the green be missed from the tee. The most significant work was the redesign and construction of a new 9th green complex and the construction of a Driving Range for use during tournaments. The previous green was difficult to see and lacked sufficient pin placements suitable for 6 days of tournament practice and play. The new green was raised and extended to the right and now has a completely new look. The new Driving Range utilizes the land normally used as a dedicated
9-hole executive course located adjacent to the Country Club sporting facilities that are separate from the Golf Club. “All of us in Hong Kong who share a love of golf should be very proud to have been selected as the host,” said Ning Li, President of the Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA). “It will be an honour and a privilege to show the region our wonderful city and showcase one of the area’s most beautiful and challenging courses.” Wyman Li, Chairman of Clearwater Bay, said: “The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship is, without question, the elite amateur competition in our region, with unmatched rewards that continue to inspire players to reach their dreams. We are delighted to serve as hosts and are
2015
committed to growing the profile of the event in every way possible.” “This announcement represents a significant moment for the further development of golf in Hong Kong and the entire region,” added David Hui, Captain of Clearwater Bay and Honorary Chairman of the HKGA. “The Asia-Pacific Amateur will bring with it tremendous prestige to our area, with the world of golf watching as we assist in the conduct of this far-reaching championship. We can, and will, provide the support necessary to ensure the event’s ultimate success.” The Asia Pacific Amateur Championship is now regarded as one of the world’s premier amateur events and it will continue to grow in status whilst quality courses like Royal Melbourne Golf Club
and Clearwater Bay Golf Club are selected as venues. It will also showcase how quality golf courses can be created in diverse environments and climates. As golf continues to grow in the emerging markets of the Asia- Pacific Region we can expect to see new venues created to cater for the inevitable growth in golf’s popularity. As the event moves throughout the region, it has now been held in China (2009, 2013), Japan (2010), Singapore (2011), Thailand (2012) and Australia (2013). For more information about the AAC, including latest news, schedule, spectator information and a roster of players competing, please visit the event’s website at www.AACgolf.com •
MAUI, HAWAII GOLF TOUR 8 – 17 JUNE 2015 Join us for our 6th annual Maui Masters Tour Package inclusions:
• 9 nights’ deluxe hotel accommodation • Daily breakfast • 4 rounds including shared motorised carts playing - Wailea Emerald, Wailea Gold, Kapalua Bay & final round at Kapalua Plantation course • Daily competitions and event prizes to be won Individual and Team Stableford event formats • Group coaching clinic at the acclaimed David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Wailea • Welcome cocktail function on arrival • Final event presentation dinner at Kapalua • Return airport and golf transfers as per tour itinerary • Fully escorted tour with our experienced event managers
Golfer Package Non Golfer package
AUD$4,495.00* per person (twin share) AUD$3,495.00* per person (twin share)
Single Supplement available *Land package only, excludes airfares. International and inter-island flights can be customised to suit your travel plans with expert advice and assistance through our appointed tour agent, Travel Partners ATASA10506 / IATA0230588.
Tour Registrations close 28 FEBRUARY 2015 For information and inquiries please contact GREAT GOLF GETAWAYS
TEL: 1300 124 220 or visit: www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au December 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
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Byron Bay Golf Club also has a driving range with undercover hitting bays and teaching professional Graeme Trew always on hand for private or group lesson.
most popular tourist destinations, The award-winning Byron Bay Golf Club is helping put Byron Bay in the media spotlight even more.
Whether you’re a once a year player or an avid golfer, Murwillumbah golf club will satisfy the thirst of anyone who knows the game.
Situated to the south of town, Byron Bay Golf Club occupies 48 hectares of land within 500m of the beach. With views to the lighthouse this Championship 18hole, par-72 layout has been transformed in recent years to now sit comfortably in the latest Top 100 Public Access Course rankings in 2013. With a scratch rating of 74 and a slope of 137 off the Men’s back tees and 75 scratch rating and 133 slope off the Women’s tees it can be a real test of your golfing ability.
The club also has catering facilities with excellent Australian and Asian style options from the Hot Wok and Grill. FOR MORE INFORMATION Murwillumbah Golf Club 233 Byangum Rd Murwillumbah NSW 2484 (02) 66 721799 www.murwillumbahgolfclub.com.au
Byron Bay Golf Club There is more to Byron than beaches, pubs and live music. As one of Australia‘s
As testament to the course improvements, their Course Superintendent Shaun Cross, has recently won both state and national awards for “Excellence in Golf Course Management” from the Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association (AGCSA).
Yamba Golf & Country Club The club has also hosted a PGA Legends Tour 54 hole Pro-Am for the past seven years and won the NSW PGA Legends Tour Pro-Am of the year in 2011. The winners of the event such as Harwood, Baker-Finch and Senior all agree it is one of the best Regional Courses they get to play with arguably the best 328 couch greens going around. FOR MORE INFORMATION Prices: $45 for 18 holes, $76 per month for direct debit membership Byron Bay Golf Club 62 Broken Head Road (02) 6685 6470 www.byronbaygolfclub.com.au manager@byronbaygolfclub.com.au
Yamba Golf & Country Club Recently voted Australia’s No 1 tourist town, Yamba is a unique beachside
holiday and lifestyle experience suitable for all members of the family. Pristine beaches, lush national parks, beautiful waterways and plenty of leisure activities make Yamba a very special location for holidaymakers and residents. If you enjoy a friendly social environment and the fun and competition of a great day’s golf, Yamba Golf & Country Club is just the ticket. They are conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the centre of town, and they have all of the latest facilities you’d expect from a modern social and sporting club. From the clubhouse and new back deck, you can enjoy picturesque views of their championship 18-hole golf course and an abundance of native Australian flora and fauna whilst enjoying a cold beverage or two. Their restaurant – SeaFire Steak and
December 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
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Teven Valley Golf Course
Ballina Golf and Sports Club Seafood, is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, offering a great menu with all of your favourites, and some superb blackboard specials on locally caught seafood. FOR MORE INFORMATION Stay & Play packages available $250 twin share Yamba Golf & Country Club River St Yamba (02) 6646 2104 www.yambagolf.com.au reception@yambagolf.com.au
and visitors alike, the layout is the “Garden Course” of the Northern Rivers. The popular Ballina destination is an easy-walking, tree-lined course with lush fairways complemented with true and consistent greens that are a pleasure to putt on. The area is fortunate to experience cooling ocean breezes in summer that definitely enhance your golfing experience. Heavily steeped in tradition, the club proudly celebrated its centenary in 2008.
Ballina Golf and Sports Club SITUATED on the Far North Coast of NSW, less than an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast is the stunning Ballina Golf Course. Known for its award-winning gardens, which are a visual delight for members
The Ballina Golf Club has hosted many outstanding champions including Greg Norman, Rodger Davis, Wayne Grady and Peter Senior just to name a few. The recently renovated modern and air-conditioned clubhouse provides all the usual conveniences for members and visitors including full bar facilities, Keno, a
well-appointed gaming lounge and quality Chinese and contemporary meals in the Asian Green Restaurant. Kiosk facilities are also available. Access to Ballina has never been easier with regular flights for interstate and Sydney travellers. And it’s only a short drive from the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Whether it’s for the day, a weekend or even longer, a visit will not disappoint. The Ballina Golf and Sports Club provides an immaculate golf course that presents an enjoyable challenge for all levels of players. The course has been a hidden gem for far too long. FOR MORE INFORMATION Ballina Golf and Sports Club (02) 6866-2766 www.ballinagolfclub.com.au admin@ballinagolfclub.com.au
Teven Valley Golf Course Teven Valley Golf course is a boutiquestyle country course in the Ballina Hinterland at the foot of the Alstonville plateau. Set in a valley surrounded by rolling hills & meandering creeks it offers a unique, relaxed atmosphere for your next game of golf. The course is superbly maintained with tift-dwarf greens, bunkering, & grass traps. The meandering creeks, remnant rainforest patches, gardens and abundant birdlife offer a relaxing backdrop for your golf game. The 9-hole (with 18 tees) course is a tight and tricky layout, offering a challenging game to all level of golfers. The first hole is their signature-hole, with an elevated tee some 200m above the green, offering a spectacular tee shot. For a more challenging par-4 option, you can choose the blue tee which is a dog-leg
Ballina Golf & Sports Club
An Unforgettable Golfing Experience Phone: (02) 6686 2766 | Email: admin@ballinagolfclub.com.au | Website: www.ballinagolfclub.com.au 6
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2014
Ocean Shores Country Club fairway and bunkering around the green. The next four fairways are on a riverbank lined with established gum trees. The last four holes are set in a valley with rainforest patches & creek –crossings. Teven Valley Golf Course is open every day for social golf. They don’t have any designated competition days, so you can always get a game without the strict teetimes of the larger courses. They have a well-stocked pro-shop with all your golfing needs for purchase or hire. With a coffee shop, liquor license, & BBQ area, they cater for a relaxing day out. FOR MORE INFORMATION Teven Valley Golf Course 1684 Eltham Road Teven NSW (02) 66878386. www.tevenvalleygolfcourse.com.au tevengolf@bigpond.com
Ocean Shores COUNTRY CLUB Located just north of Brunswick Heads, only 30 minutes south of Coolangatta and 15 minutes north of Byron Bay, the Ocean Shores Country Club is set on a hilltop boasting spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean and the Koonyum Ranges. The golf course was designed over 40 years ago by the team of Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge which comprises six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s with the longest being 556 metres. The course has many unique features with the foremost being the enormous greens with the 5th green measuring 1100 square metres. The lush fairways and pristine greens are set amongst natural flora and fauna with a background of bushland and sparkling lakes making it one of the most spectacular golf courses in Australia.
Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club Visitors with a club handicap are welcome to play in the Clubs competitions. Or if you are looking for a social game it would be best to take advantage of their Mid-week Package for $49 per player which includes 18 holes of golf, hire cart and lunch. The last Friday of each month players from all along the coast attend the Clubs Blue Marker Challenge to test their skills. Play to or better than your handicap in the ‘’Bluey’’ and you receive a dozen golf balls. The Pro Shop have all the latest in golfing technology and equipment to enhance your game along with golf lessons with the Clubs Pro Chris Graham. Members and guests also have access to the Club’s bowling greens, bistro, full bar & gaming facilities, function rooms and courtesy bus.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Ocean Shores Golf Course (02) 66 801 008 www.oceanshorescc.com.au
Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club Sitting near the beautiful sun-drenched beaches of the Queensland/NSW border is the picturesque Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club. With accommodation in abundance and no shortage of shopping nearby it’s easy to see why this is one of the more idyllic and impressive golf courses in one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. Inside a stunning dedicated nature reserve lie the River Course and the West Course, both 18 hole courses are on 101 rolling hectares and were ranked
WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA’S ONLY ISLAND GOLF COURSE
at Nambucca Heads on the Coffs Coast of NSW. The 18 hole course located on Stuart Island is rated one of the most scenic courses on the North Coast of NSW, a true test of your golfing skills. The Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club venue surrounded by the picture perfect Nambucca River, is the sensational location for wedding receptions, conference venues, and function room facilities. The Island Restaurant at Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club is the ideal venue for family, social, function and corporate gatherings. Plus a fully equipped Pro Shop with sensational prices, lessons, cart & club hire.
corporate golf days & play n stay packages
NAMBUCCA HEADS
ISLAND GOLF CLUB Stuart Island, Nambucca Heads 2448 GPS 153°0’10”E, 30°38’32”S Enquire (02) 6569 4111 Pro Shop (02) 6568 8172 secretary@namgolf.com • www.namgolf.com December 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
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Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club
in Australia’s top 100 Public Access golf courses in 2015. For any golfer the 36 holes will challenge and test as it weaves from gently undulating to flat, wide fairways guarded by groves of well-established trees, and plenty of bunkers and water hazards to keep golfers’ minds right on their game. Smack-bang in the middle of the River Course is a small rainforest, and you may come face-to-face with a goanna or the many species of bird life, generations of which have happily shared their lush riverside habitat with golfers. To play a round at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club is just a fraction of the cost of many Gold Coast courses and is available all year round. The cost-friendly course also offers other great facilities like The Clubhouse which is perfectly situated with views overlooking the Tweed River. Along with great scenery, this fully licensed venue has a cafe, full
Port Macquarie Golf Club
club facilities, and a well-appointed Pro Shop, stocked to the rafters with everything a golfer needs and more. After a challenging day on the course at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club is one of Tweed’s most popular and busiest restaurants, Danny’s famous seafood buffet, ready to aid the heartiest of appetites. So, it’s easy to see why for so many locals and tourists who visit the Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club they consider it one of the best. MORE INFORMATION Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club Soorley Street, Tweed Heads South (07) 5524 4544 www.cooltweedgolf.com.au enquiries@cooltweedgolf.com.au
Port Macquarie Golf Club
Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club
and some hazards down the right. If you do mess up on this hole, you can make amends at the 124m par-3 18th – the easiest hole on the course.
LOCATED on the sub-tropical holiday coast, mid-way between Brisbane and Sydney, is the uniquely scenic Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club.
Locals say if you can play to your handicap at Nambucca Heads Island golf course, you’ll be doing well.
Surrounded by water, golfers will experience an exhilarating round of golf with the chance of seeing passing dolphins.
The Island Restaurant is the ideal venue for family, social or other gatherings. Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club has a fully-stocked pro shop that offers some extremely attractive deals.
The birdlife is also a feature as pelicans, sea eagles and osprey soar overhead.
MORE INFORMATION Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club (02) 6568 8172 www.namgolf.com
In the early-1990s, the golf course expanded to 18 holes and since then it’s gone from strength-to-strength. It’s a flat, well-bunkered course with undulating greens but it’s the tightness of the layout that will test golfers of all abilities.
Port Macquarie Golf Club
The challenging 389m par-4 16th hole is a great hole with out-of-bounds along the entire length of the left side of the fairway
IN the heart of Hastings is the region’s oldest and most highly regarded golf course – Port Macquarie Golf Club.
Kew country club
Home of the Annual Seaside Classic
Social Play available every day HOLIDAY GOLF PACKAGE • 18 hole championship course • Twin share electric cart hire • $30 per person
Port Macquarie’s best chaMPionshiP course Free courtesy bus to and from all hotels in Port Macquarie
Bookings essential. Offer not available during competition.
Social Tee Times Available Daily - Twilight Rate $12
Only 30 mins drive south from Port Macquarie.
For great holiday accommodation deals book online at www.portmacquariehaven.com.au
Contact club professional Luke Garel to discuss great group social deals! Like us on Facebook
Ocean Drive, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 Telephone: (02) 6582 0409 • Pro Shop: (02) 6582 0784
www.portmacquariegolf.com.au 8
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2014
185 Kendall Road, Kew Phone Club: (02) 6559 4203 or Pro-Shop: (02) 6559 4596
www.kewcountryclub.com.au
RESORT OF THE MONTH >
The beauty of Bonville On the north coast of New South Wales, close to the coastal city of Coffs Harbour and close to gorgeous national parks, is Australia’s Augusta National, writes DAVID NEWBERY
B
ONVILLE Golf Resort loves giving its guests the red carpet treatment, but the multi award-winning facility should be front, left and centre on its own red carpet. That’s because the popular golfing destination, located on the mid-north coast of NSW just a short drive from Coffs Harbour, continues to win awards for its supremacy. Travelling golfers reckon Bonville Golf Resort is paradise. For 13 successive years, Golf Course Guide has voted Bonville Australia’s most beautiful mainland golf course. In 2012, Luxury Travel and Style Magazine rated it Australia’s best golf resort. But wait, there’s more. It’s received Chefs “Hat” awards, best contemporary Australian restaurant awards, voted best restaurant in a resort five years in a row as well as picking up Goblet and Glass awards by Fine Wine Partners & Gourmet Traveller Wine and Wine Spectator Magazine. The golf course is stunningly beautiful and is Australia’s Augusta National. It really does resemble Augusta National’s heaven-like setting of impeccably manicured fairways and greens set against an astonishing backdrop of colour and tall timber. The championship golf course boasts magnificent flooded gum timber stretching skyward while Augusta has its tall pines. Little wonder golf travellers make a beeline for Bonville whenever the opportunity arises. 10
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2014
Peter McWhinney, a respected and much travelled Australian professional, has played golf around the world but he loves Bonville. He has described Bonville’s breathtaking setting as “the most beautiful golf course in Australia, if not the world”. If first impressions are important, it’s no wonder Bonville has many fans including plenty of sporting heroes and celebrities. Eamon Sullivan, Pat Rafter, John Eales, Mark Waugh, Mark Taylor, Ky Hurst, Deborah Hutton, Kurt Fearnley, Ian Healy, Grant Hackett, Herb Elliott and TV host Kerri-Anne Kennerley have all visited the resort. Photographs of them and others adorn the Federation-style clubhouse walls. The beauty of Bonville is its play-andstay packages – simply because you’ll want to play the championship golf course more than once. And once you experience the fine dining you’ll be saying “more please”, but I’ll whet your appetite later. The resort’s 30-twin-room accommodation suites overlook the picturesque first fairway and are perfect for couples and groups. The executive rooms include a king-size bed, plasma TV, en-suite with spa and a mini bar, of course. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere of Bonville makes it particularly attractive for those guests who enjoy group activities and the company of friends. The accommodation is just a short, peaceful stroll to the clubhouse where you’ll find the restaurant and the pro
shop, which is huge and caters for all golfers’ needs. It comes under the direction of golf operations manager Matt Dagger and offers some wonderful logoed mementos from golf balls, ball markers, caps and hats to shirts and much more. My advice is to pick up a “cheat sheet” that gives a brief description of each hole and highlights the preferred way to play each hole. “It’s not an overly long golf course, but you need to be in the right position because you can get a lot of undulating lies,” says Matt. The 470m par-5 seventh hole (off the blue markers) is a definite birdie opportunity and so is the 460m par-5 18th. “For most male golfers playing the 18th a well-struck tee shot will put them in position to hit the green in two, but it is not plain sailing, as the green is flanked by the clubhouse and everyone will be watching,” he said. The 404m par-4 12th is arguably the toughest hole on the course. “The longer hitter may try to hit a driver between the two bunkers on the left and the water hazard on the right,” Matt said. “The average golfer would be better served playing safe short of the bunkers which may leave a longer shot in but avoids the hazard on the right. “This seems to be one of the highlights of Bonville – there are a variety of ways to play every hole. “The real challenge only begins if you try to be aggressive.” Almost every hole has that wow-factor, but the 346m par-4 second hole is a standout. It’s a slight dogleg right with the second shot uphill to a small green.
“From the tee, golfers get a great view of what Bonville is about with the immensity of the flooded gums,” Matt said. “It’s definitely the most photographed hole on the course.” The fourth and 15th are also magnificent golf holes. Matt’s final piece of advice is “try to keep your golf ball under the hole”. What I like about Bonville is the golf course has that intimate charm that gives the feeling you have the place to yourself. There are virtually no parallel holes and although there are other groups out there, you hardly ever see them. And some of the trips between greens and tee are through gorgeous rainforest corridors. Even if you do record a double bogey, your stress levels will be back to normal before you reach the next tee. The fairways are generous but if you do miss the short grass, you could be looking at bogey – or worse. But that’s the beauty of the challenge. The practice facilities, too, are excellent with a driving range and short game area that includes a chipping green, bunker and large putting green. Play one round at Bonville and you’ll hunger for a second and third round and it’s exactly the same after dining at the resort’s award-winning Flooded Gums Restaurant. It has an unmatched combination of setting, atmosphere, good service and excellent food prepared by executive chef Darren Ryan and head chef Michael Urquhart. They share a passion of modern Australian cuisine locally sourced where possible. And there’s a fine selection of wines
Asia
Golf Weeks a treat for Aussie golfers T
hailand Golf Tours have announced their group tour dates for 2015, giving golfers some spectacular options for amazing golf adventures in Asia. The “Asia Golf Week” series comprises 12 one-week golf holidays spread throughout Asia, allowing golfers to join up with others to play the best golf courses throughout the region: Hua Hin 1st-7th March 2015 Pattaya 8th-14th March 2015 Malaysia 10th-16th May 2015 Bali 17th–23rd May 2015 Phuket 7th-13th June 2015 CENTARA WORLD MASTERS JUNE 14-20 2015 Bangkok 21st-27th June 2015 Cambodia 2nd- 9th Aug 2015
Vietnam Hua Hin Pattaya Chiang Mai
10th–16th Aug 2015 11th-17th Oct 2015 18th-24th Oct 2015 25th–31st Oct 2015
Most of the tours are 6 or 7 nights with four rounds playing the best courses throughout Asia. Included are group dinners, daily golf prizes and day tours and activities for the non-golfers. Many of the events run back-to-back, allowing you to extend your holiday if desired. The tournament hotels are usually 4-star hotels, but 3- and 5-star hotels can be arranged. The next two events on the calendar are the Hua Hin and Pattaya Amateur Golf Weeks. The Hua Hin event is gearing up to be the big event following on the success of
the area being voted best golf destination 2013, and following the Centara World Masters in June 2014, with over 450 players attending. Hua Hin has a special place for golfers, as this region has the only golf course rated in the Top 100 courses outside the US (Black Mountain). The other standout course in this area is Banyan Resort, which was voted best new course in Asia 2009. The Pattaya event is playing the three Siam Country Club courses; Old Course which will be hosting the LPGA event the week before, Siam Plantation which will be hosting the Thailand Open two weeks after and the highly-acclaimed Siam Waterside which will play host to the 2016 LPGA. Thailand’s national airline, Thai Airways
has just announced that they are lifting their weight allowance by 10kg to 30kg on most flights, so golfers will be able to comfortably carry their golf clubs without fear of paying overweight charges. As part of the two opening events, the hotels and golf courses are offering early bird specials for payments received in full by 1st January 2015. In addition, Thailand Golf Tours are offering either one free night at the tournament hotel or a free round of golf including caddy and cart. Both offers are only available for the first 50 bookings in each event or by the 1st January deadline, so get your registrations in fast. More information: info@ thailandgolftours.com.au, or visit www.thailandgolftours.com.au •
Stay and Play Packages from $149 per person (quad share) • AAA rated 4½ star accommodation • Stylish 1 & 2 bedroom fully self-contained apartments • Stay and Play Packages tailored to suit your group • Situated on two of Australia’s highest rated golf courses, designed by Sir Nick Faldo & Tony Cashmore • Restaurant with bar, lounge & open fireplace • Outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, Jumpz Trampoline Park, BBQ terrace and tennis courts 36 Fourteenth Road, Barwon Heads VIC 3227 Phone: (03) 5254 1777 | Fax: (03) 5254 1666 Email: info@barwonheadsresort.com.au | Web: www.barwonheadsresort.com.au 12
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2014
These two events give amateur golfers from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands the opportunity to play with up-and-coming young professionals and some seasoned campaigners at a very relaxed, fun tropical destination. Fiji’s biggest pro-am golf tournament is now in its 5th year. The Starwood Golf Classic (June 9 -13) with over $100,000 in professional prize money and $30,000 in amateur prizes attracts amateurs and professionals from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, USA and across the Pacific Islands. You don’t have to be a great golfer or low handicapper to enter; you just need an official handicap.
Natadola Bay, Fiji
Fiji For many golfers, you can’t beat a South Pacific island golf getaway. From spectacular scenery to amazing golf and mouth-watering food, golf tours of the South Pacific are a real tropical treat. Two of the more popular destinations, Fiji and Hawaii, are also home to some truly exciting Pro-Am and Amateur events.
T
he South Pacific pro-am golf circuit started in early 1970’s with the Fiji Open as the only tournament. Now some 40 years on there are events throughout the Pacific Islands including Tahiti, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Samoa. The biggest professional event is the Fiji International, which was recently won by Inside Golf’s very own Steven Jeffress. In June each year, Fiji has five proam events. These include the Air New Zealand pro-am and Starwood Golf Classic, both played at the Natadola Bay Course and the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club’s resort course next to the Sheraton & Westin Resorts on Denarau Island.
There are great amateur prizes up for grabs with the winning teams in both the teams Stableford and Gross competition— as well as the winners of the overall individual amateur stableford and gross competitions—receiving free entry and accommodation packages to come back and defend their title at the following year’s tournament, valued at over $1500 per player. All competitors play two rounds at Natadola Bay and two rounds at the resort course at Denarau Golf and Racquet Club. Accommodation for the tournament is at the Sheraton Fiji Resort which is set on the beach and only 200 meters from the Denarau golf course. The Starwood Classic has gained the reputation as great mix of being both a competitive event and a fun social occasion with gala welcome cocktail party, drinks every evening at the tournament bar and the grand finale; a spectacular prize presentation dinner with entertainment on the beach at the Sheraton Fiji Resort.
6 NIGHTS
AFRICAN EXPERTS EST
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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2014
DEPARTURES 2015: OctOber 12 & 19 | NOvember 9 & 16 www.golfgourmet.com.au or call Fred 0414 799 722
Hawaii
H
awaii is the golf resort capital of the world. The big Island of Hawaii is just a short 30-minute flight from Honolulu, where you will find some of the best resort courses anywhere in the world, designed by the best in the game: Nicklaus, Trent Jones sr & jr, Palmer, Weiskopf and Dye. Add to this the beautiful five-star beach front hotels, perfect climate and a tournament everyone can play in, and you’ve found heaven on earth. During the International golf Week (August 22-29) you get to play The Resort Course Championship, which is a great competition open to women and men with official handicaps and will be played on five of the best course you will find anywhere, Mauna Lani North, Hapuna Beach, Waikoloa Kings Course, Mauna Lani South and Mauna Kea. All five courses are within 15 minutes’ drive of your hotel. You don’t have to be a great golfer to join in the fun as the tournament will be played in different handicap divisions and there will be a scratch competition for the guns. Golf professionals will be on hand for free coaching on the range prior to play each day. Pacific Golf Management’s International Golf Week package includes 7 nights twin share accommodation at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (ocean view rooms); Daily full breakfast; 5 Rounds of
Mauna Kea Resort, Hawaii golf including cart at Mauna Kea, Hapuna, Waikoloa Kings, Mauna Lani North & South courses; Range balls before play each day, PGA golf professional tips daily; Entry into the Hawaii Resort Course Championship; Welcome function at Hapuna Beach Hotel; Nightly drinks, one hour each night at the tournament bar during the tournament (beer, wine soft drinks); Player gift pack; Final night gala prize presentation dinner and drinks; All transport to and from golf courses during the tournament plus return Airport transfers and all taxes. This is a great all inclusive 8-day tour package is only US$2550.00 for golfers
and US $1585.00 non- players. Extra nights US$157.00 per person twin share includes breakfast. Optional tour extensions available to Maui and Waikiki. All the tournaments and tours are organised and run by Richard Ellis and his team from Pacific Golf Management, one of Australasia’s most experienced golf event and tour organisers with over 25 years in the business. Ellis, one of the most respected names in golf, spent 10 years as president of the New Zealand PGA and 15 years as a board member of the PGA Tour of Australasia. He was also instrumental in setting up the South Pacific professional golf circuit in the 80’s.
Richard Ellis, owner of Pacific Golf Management Pacific Golf has organised numerous professional amateur and corporate golf tournaments including the 1998 World Cup of Golf, one of the biggest golf events ever held in Australasia. For more information, visit www.pacificgolf.co.nz or phone Richard on +64 21 989 996 email richard@pacificgolf.co.nz .
December 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
15
Baggage Battles
Michael Green
@AussieGolfer
A
s summer approaches, more and more Australian golfers will be travelling around the country with their golf clubs in tow. It’s all very well to hire a set when you get there, but let’s face it; we’ve all got enough excuses as it is without the need to be using a foreign set of golf clubs. You hardly want to be using a different set of golf clubs while gracing the fairways of Barnbougle Dunes, taking money off your mates on Boxing Day or simply having a twilight hit with your ol’ man. But the rules and charges on flying with golf clubs differ from airline to airline, and to avoid getting slugged at the airport before you fly, you might want to check out these details. Keep in mind each airline allows for a certain allowance for hand luggage so if you can get all your clothes in a bag on the plane, then your golf clubs may be the only piece of baggage you’ll need to check-in. All details below are summaries for the basic level fares and does not take into account baggage allowances for business fares or travellers with airline memberships. Check the airline webpage for more detailed information.
Stay and play in marvellous Mildura
Stay and Play packages starting from $7450 pp Quote “Inside Golf” when booking to get the best available deal
NEW ZEALAND MOTORHOME GOLF TOURS D 4 NEW ITINERARIES NORTH OR SOUTH ISLANDS D PLUS 4 NIGHTS LAKEVIEW LUXURY APARTMENTS IN QUEENSTOWN FOR SI TOURS D 2 PERSONS SHARE A TOILET/SHOWER EQUIPPED 4 BERTH MOTORHOME
Enquire about our Stay and Play packages which can be tailored to suit your needs and budget. Mildura Golf Resort - Twelfth St, Mildura VIC 3500 T: 1800 011 471 E: reservations@milduragolfresort.com.au
www.milduragolfresort.com.au 16
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2014
Christchurch Marlborough Queenstown Departs 2 January for 11 Nights $3575 per person two share Christchurch Dunedin Te Anau Departs 14 February for 11 Nights $3839 per person two share Auckland Coromandel Rotorua Napier Taupo Departs 26 February for 10 Nights $3938 pp two share For more information: FRED SPARKSMAN GOLF & GOURMET TEL: 0414799722 OR www.golfgourmet.com.au
Qantas
Virgin Australia
TigerAir
Passengers flying on Qantas domestic flights are given a 1-piece baggage allowance with a maximum weight of 23kg. So if you’re travelling with a bag as well as golf clubs, that’s two pieces and you’re going to have to fork out for an extra piece of luggage.
Virgin Australia also have a similar “per piece” model for their baggage allowances, again up to 23kg per piece.
Sports equipment such as golf clubs are now also included in your checked-in baggage allowance at Tiger Airways.
If you want to pre-purchase an extra piece for your golf clubs, it’ll cost you $35 per flight. And it really pays to pre-purchase when you’re travelling with Virgin, as they’ll slug you $70 for an extra piece of baggage at the airport.
TigerAir have now launched a “Luggage Upsize” option where you can purchase a baggage allowance when you buy your ticket. Similarly to Jetstar prices are about $1 per kg for each flight.
If you pre-purchase an extra piece of luggage online it’ll cost you $30, but it will cost you $40 if you do it at the airport. We’ve known some golfers to shove all their extra gear into the golf bag and just travel with the clubs. But if you’re going to do a lot of travel with the clubs, purchasing a large golf travel bag that will hold your bag and all your gear may be a good idea. See more information on baggage allowances at the Qantas website: www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/ checked-baggage/global/en
See more information on baggage at the Virgin Australia website: www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/ plan/baggage/checked-baggage
Jetstar Jetstar baggage rules are based on a weight-based allowance system and you can choose your total baggage allowance depending on your travel needs. Just make sure that your golf clubs and all your gear weighs less than the weight limit you purchase. It will cost you $15.50 for 15kg, $16.50 for 20kg, $23 for 25kg and $30 for 30kg. Jetstar won’t guarantee being able to purchase excess baggage at the airport, but if you do it will cost you $50 for up to 15kg. See more information on Jetstar baggage information: www.jetstar.com/au/en/ planning-and-booking/baggage/ checked-baggage
But make sure you purchase this early. If you forget to pre-purchase you baggage allowance you will only be allowed to buy an extra 15kg at the airport for $70 for flights under 1hr 45mins, or $85 for longer flights. Ouch.
Rex (Regional Express) Rex passengers can travel free with golf clubs, provided the total weight of all your checked-in bags sneak in under 15kg. Extra weight will cost you $7.70 per kg over the check-in baggage allowance. See more information on Rex baggage information: www.regionalexpress.com.au/ FlightInfo/checked.aspx If we had to pick a favourite airline for travelling within Australia with golf clubs it would be Jetstar. At least with them you aren’t limited by the number of bags you can check-in under the purchased weight limit. But like all the options, just make sure you’ve purchased your allowance before you get to the airport otherwise you may get charged more than your green fees.
Taking your sticks to the States? While carrying more than 14 clubs in your bag can earn you a penalty in most golf tournaments, it can apparently cost you much more when checking your bag on an airline in the US. Airlines like U.S. Airways are beginning to enforce strict penalties if you include things like clothes, hats and the like in your checked golf bag. According the policy on most US airlines’ websites, the limits on what you can pack inside a golf bag are usually along the lines of “one bag with a maximum of 14 clubs, 12 balls, and one pair of golf shoes.” If you pack anything beyond that – shirts, golf umbrella, etc – then you may be asked to remove it from your bag, or face hefty penalties. Michael Green is an avid golf fanatic, and the author/blogger of the Aussie Golfer blog (www.aussiegolfer.net) one of Australia’s most popular golf blogging sites.Follow him on Twitter (@AussieGolfer) or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AussieGolfer
December 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
17
Shark’s latest a stunner in Vietnam
T
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip poised to rank among world’s best golf experiences, Greg Norman says.
he Great White Shark came ashore in Vietnam last week to cut the ribbon on one of Asia’s most eagerly anticipated golf courses. At a ceremony on the first tee at The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, Australian golf icon Greg Norman officially opened his 87th design by calling it “a true links golf course” and one that has the potential to reign among the top layouts in the world.
“As you walk down the fairways and you look at all the undulations, and the greens settings — most of those are exactly the way the original form (of the land) was,” Norman said. “So it’s almost the least disturbance approach you can possibly do.” Open for preview play since mid-March, the course has already been nominated for three Asia Pacific Golf Awards, including
Best New Golf Course in Asia Pacific, Best Golf Course in Vietnam and Best Golf Course Superintendent (Ali Macfadyen). “It’s no secret that Mr. Norman loves this style of golf course — one where the ball rolls, and where mounds and ridges can be a used to a player’s advantage,” said fellow Australian Ben Styles, the course’s general manager. “It’s just such a natural — and naturally fun — golf course.”
Riverside Oaks Golf Resort p 02 4560 3200 info@riversideoaks.com.au www.riversideoaks.com.au home oF the nSW pgA chAmpionShip 4th-7th decemBeR 2014
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Just $219 per person twin share
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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2014
The highest spot is 50 metres above sea level, on the 15th green. One of the most breathtaking vantage points is at the par-3 4th hole; the green is perched precariously on a bluff backdropped by miles of dense national forest, the East Sea and the 20-story Grand Ho Tram Strip, which opened in July 2013 as Vietnam’s first international luxury casino resort.
Norman was joined at the grand opening by former US Open champion Michael Campbell and two-time European Tour winner Robert Rock, who played a charity exhibition match with two of Vietnam’s finest female golfers — LPGA Tour pro Tang Thi Nhung and US collegiate golfing star Ngo Bao Nghi. Rock and Tang prevailed 2-and-1, but the real winner was the course, which
surrendered few birdies and left the foursome in awe. “It’s just spectacular,” said Rock. “It’s definitely challenging, but it’s also fair. I could play here every day. That’s not something you can say about most courses.” Routed over and around towering seaside sand dunes, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip provides a setting and views reminiscent of southwest Ireland.
Other standout holes include the par-4 8th, which plays downhill to a fairway split by a natural water feature; and the par-4 13th, whose green is partially guarded by a large, broccoli-shaped Acacia tree. “We actually had a couple holes designed down on the water,” Norman said, “but because of future development (possibilities) — that’s obviously the highest value; you’re going to get great return on that property — we were asked to shift those holes away from there. It would’ve been great to get a hole down there. But there are great links golf course in England are not (right) on the water as well.”
The opening of The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip marks the end of the first phase of the Ho Tram Strip development, which is being implemented by the Ho Tram Project Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canada-based Asian Coast Development Ltd. When finished, the Ho Tram Strip will include three more 5-star hotels, an oceanfront condominium tower and a discreet luxury villa community on the golf course. Yet the combination of existing assets is already enough to make The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip an ideal venue for a tourcaliber event, according to Norman. “There’s no question about it,” said the 59-year-old, World Golf Hall of Famer. “When we built the golf course, we didn’t build it in consideration of having a tournament. But there are a lot of things going for this place in that regard. The infrastructure is here, with the golf course and then with a magnificent hotel in The Grand across the street. When players go somewhere, what we like to have are the creature comforts, and you certainly have those here.”
December 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
19
From TaylorMade World Masters to
US Masters for Judi J
udi Dockrill from Manly Golf Club was the big winner at the TaylorMade World Masters hosted on the Gold Coast from 19-25 October. Judi won a $19,000 trip on Go Golfing’s escorted tour to the 2015 US Masters during the final night presentation dinner. Her trip starts with three nights in North Carolina staying and playing at Pinehurst Village before making the pilgrimage to Augusta for a week at the Masters. Judi, along with her husband Bill, were among 600 golfers from 13 countries who contested the 19th annual World Masters Golf Championship, sponsored for the first time by TaylorMade Golf. “This was our first time at the tournament and it was so exciting to be on stage as part of the major prize draw.
Peter McCarthy, managing director of Go Golfing with US Masters winner Judi Dockrill
And to win the US Masters prize, WOW!” exclaimed Judi. Billed as Australia’s biggest and richest tournament for club golfers, more than $120,000 in golf and lucky draw prizes are presented across the week. The final night major prize draw features 10 golfing holidays to all parts of the globe, with the US Masters trip awarded top billing. Akin to a reality TV show, 10 golfers are drawn to come on stage and one by one they leave with holiday prizes increasing in value. The final two on stage were Judi Dockrill and Bryan McCorkill from Leongatha in Victoria. When Bryan’s name was drawn for the golf trip to China, that left Judi as the lone survivor and winner of the US Masters trip. The TaylorMade World Masters is open to all male and
female golfers with an official golf handicap. Competition is in age and handicap divisions and playing with golfers your own age and standard is among the tournament’s proud traditions. All golfers compete in the four-round stableford competition with ‘A’ grade golfers also eligible for the best gross. The Championship is played on a rotation of the Gold Coast’s premier golfing resorts. All golfers played RACV Royal Pines Resort – home to the Australian PGA and Ladies Masters, the Greg Norman designed Glades, Palmer Gold Coast and the Jack Nicklaus signature course at Lakelands. Tulip Ganzelves, another playing the tournament for the first time was duly impressed with the event organization. “Hats off to Go Golfing. I was amazed that even with 600 plus people everything ran like clockwork. I am in my seventies and I appreciate the little things like my clubs being taken from course to course and they were on my cart before I arrived. There was complimentary water in the carts. Buses picked me up and brought me home each day. Beyond the tournament this was a relaxing holiday which was so enjoyable that I will be back again next year with more recruits.”
The TaylorMade golf clinic was a real hit for participants
FLY DIRECT TO AUSTRALIA’S BRAND NEW GOLF COURSE
CAPE WICKHAM
A veteran of the last 15 tournaments, Laurie Littman looks forward to the camaraderie which is synonymous with the Masters. “I travel up each year with a mate and we look forward to renewing friendships with golfers we have met over the years.” More than a tournament, the TaylorMade World
9 Be one of the first to play the brand new, world class Cape Wickham golf course 9 Fly direct from Melbourne in just 30 minutes 9 Small group size - max 8 people 9 All inclusive of flights, accommodation, course fees, buggy and bag hire & ground transfers 9 1, 2 and 3 day options
Free call 1800 033 160 | airadventure.com.au | info@airadventure.com.au 20
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2014
Combine Barnbougle + Cape Wickham in one trip
Divisional Winners below: 2014 TaylorMade World Masters Golf Championship Championship Results
Players enjoy the festivities during the Welcome Dinner Masters features clinics and demonstrations from major sponsor TaylorMade Golf. Every night there are social and entertainment functions with the welcome and presentation dinners featuring world-class entertainment headlined by comedy impressionist Paul Martell. There is a program of events for non-golfing partners that include high tea, fashion parades, day tours and cooking classes. The tournament has now raised more than $210,000 for charities supporting cancer. Next year marks the 20th anniversary for the World Masters Golf Championship and 25 to 31 October 2015 are the confirmed dates. Go Golfing’s managing director Peter McCarthy is keen to make it the best on record. “The TaylorMade World Masters is a week long celebration of golf and social events with great entertainment. We are working with our sponsors and partners to make sure our 20th anniversary will be very special.” To view the results and photos from the 2014 TaylorMade World Masters and to register your interest for the 2015 event please visit www.gogolfing.net.au
MAJOR PRIZE DRAW WINNERS 1. Judi Dockrill (Manly, NSW) - US Masters Tour 2. Bryan McCorkill (Leongatha, VIC) - Sheraton Shenzhou Peninsula Resort, China 3. Janny Lwoy (Derby, WA) - Avista Hideaway Resort & Spa, Thailand 4. Jerome Ballard (Twin Creeks, NSW) - Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, China 5. Glenda Flanagan (Portarlington, VIC) - New Kuta Golf Resort, Bali 6. Lynn Qiu (Orchid CC, China) - Banyan The Resort, Thailand 7. Joan Wesson (Greens Beach, TAS) - Pullman Sanya Yalong Bay, China 8. Nira Kingi (Whangarei, NZ) - Wrest Point, Tasmania 9. Gordon Wharley (Bargara, QLD) - Pullman Magenta Shores, NSW 10. Rick Byrnes (Wakehurst, NSW) - Parkview Hotel, Melbourne Golf Fore A Cause – Charity Raffle 1. Fraser Bates (Gosford, NSW) 2. Leslie Idzikowski (Horton Park, QLD) 3. Ian Buckley (Cabramatta, NSW)
DIVISION
NAME + CLUB
SCORE
Ladies 35-55 Gross
Michele Philp [Robinvale-NSW_3.4]
306
Ladies 35-55 A grade
Donna Phillips [Arundel Hills-QLD_17]
141pts
Ladies 35-55 B grade
Monica Plane [Karratha-WA_33.2]
138pts
Ladies 56-65 Gross
Vanetha Lam [Rosnay-NSW_17.2]
358
Ladies 56-65 A grade
Kerry McIlwaine [Spalding Park-WA_15.9]
139pts
Ladies 56-65 B grade
Leila Craw [Greens Beach-NSW_25.5]
149pts
Ladies 66+ Gross
Noeline Tukaokao [Caloundra-QLD_10.7]
351
Ladies 66+ A grade
Ann Norton [Coolangatta Tweed-QLD_16.8]
139pts
Ladies 66+ B grade
Gayle Foulis [Ocean Shores-QLD_31.7]
154pts
DIVISION
NAME + CLUB
SCORE
Men 35-55 Gross
Robbie Berne [Prospect Vale-TAS_2.5]
314
Men 35-55 A grade
Kevin MacDougal [Woolooware-NSW_9.1]
139pts
Men 35-55 B grade
Ian Forsyth [Cronulla-NSW_12.7]
159pts
Men 35-55 C grade
Brett Jaeger [Stonebride-NSW_22.5]
163pts
Men 56-65 Gross
David Bliss [Claremont-TAS_6.7]
319
Men 56-65 A grade
Jeff Griffin [Caloundra-QLD_11.6]
157pts
Men 56-65 B grade
Peter McLennan [Rockhampton-QLD_13.5]
142pts
Men 56-65 C grade
Dennis Ashton [Nambucca Heads-NSW_18.4]
156pts
Men 66+ Gross
Ken Thompson [Queenstown-NZ_5.3]
326
Men 66+ A grade
Bill Hoy [Rosnay-NSW_13.7]
147pts
Men 66+ B grade
Jeffrey Watkins [Melville Glades-WA_18.9]
145pts
Men 66+ C grade
Lim Wellington [Cebu-Philippines_24.7]
158pts
Go Golfing host their annual Masters tournament on the Gold Coast every October. Dates for the 2015 Masters are confirmed at 25 – 31 October 2015 - don’t miss out on early bird pricing, register your interest today! More information can be found at www.gogolfing. net.au. 1300 55 28 55 (land lines only) or 07 5536 3280. Email: info@gogolfing.net.au •
December 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
21
2015 Centara World Masters Golf Championship aiming high
F
ollowing the enormous success of the inaugural 2014 Centara World Masters Golf Championship, Thailandbased Golfasian and Australia’s GoGolfing are pleased to announce an expanded event to be held again in the city of Hua Hin, Thailand from 14-19 June 2015. The biggest event of its kind in Asia, the tournament quickly earned a reputation as Asia’s best week of amateur golf. 500 competitors from 23 countries were unanimous in their praise of the golf courses, caddies, event organization and social functions. Further enhancements have been made to the 2015 program to ensure it is even more enjoyable. “At Centara Hotels and Resorts we are very delighted about the immense success
of the inaugural event and are excited to welcome even more golfers to Hua Hin in June 2015” said Khun Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts. The tournament is open to male and female golfers aged 35 and over. There are 15 divisions based on age and handicap. Playing with golfers similar in age and standard is one of the event’s great attractions. At the heart of its success is the camaraderie cultivated among participants. The 2015 Centara World Masters Golf Championship will again see participants play a selection of Hua Hin’s world class golf resorts with all the trappings of a major professional event; details include competitor bibs worn by their caddies,
International and domestic golf travel specialists
embossed with participant names and flag of origin just like the US Masters at Augusta National. Black Mountain, home to the recently announced co-sanctioned European/Asia Tour 2015 Thailand Classic, Banyan, Majestic Creek and Imperial Lakeview combine for the ultimate golf experience. There are social events each night at the beautiful Centara Grand Beach Resort featuring fabulous Thai and International cuisine plus world class entertainment headlining the gala prize presentation dinner. Despite its amateur status the event is Thailand’s richest with US$30,000 in prizes and lucky draws. See www. thailandworldmasters.com for further details and event update
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is one of the classic hotels of Asia, this sophisticated colonial style resort was originally opened in 1923 as the Railway Hotel. With its prime beachfront setting, extensive topiary gardens, myriads of facilities, and a gracious décor from Superior to Pool Villas for your own luxury and privacy. The resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World is an iconic multi-award winning hotel in the centre of Thailand’s famed royal resort town. •
Phone +61 3 9809 1022 info@gimmegolf.com.au wwww.gimmegolf.com.au
2015
2 FrEE NIgHts BaNgKoK
Pattaya
HUa HIN
$1,000 3.5 Star Mercure Hotel $1,335 5 Star Marriott Hotel
$1,095 4 Star aMari Hotel $1,235 5 Star Hilton Hotel
• 6 nights (twin double share) & daily buffet breakfast • 5 rounds of golf with cart and caddie (Laem Chabang, Siam Plantation, Siam Waterside, Burapha and St Andrews) • All private transfers airport accommodation - golf courses - Bangkok
• 6 nights (twin double share) & daily buffet breakfast • 4 rounds of golf with cart and caddie (Black Mountain, Banyan GC, Springfield GC and Majestic Creek) • All private transfers airport - accommodation - golf courses - Bangkok
PHUKEt $1,295
• 6 nights 4 Star Dusit D2 (twin double share) & daily buffet breakfast • 4 rounds of golf with cart and caddies and carts where allowed (red Mountain Blue Canyon, Loch Palm and Laguna CC) • All private transfers airport - accommodation - golf courses - Bangkok
Golf Package prices are based on low season 1/5/2015 and 30/09/2015 and 4 golfers | Gimmegolf provides bonus hotel nights in Bangkok until allocation is complete
22
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2014
‘Grenada’, ‘Granada’
You say i say
A
n American dentist is suing British Airways following a booking bungle which saw his planned flight to Granada (Spain) end up in the Caribbean island of Grenada, 6437 kilometres away.
According to the New York Daily, Edward Gamson and his partner had booked first-class tickets to Spain from London. Unable to check details of the destination against the ticket (it did not contain the airport code, destination country or flight duration) Gamson only realised something was wrong when he checked the electronic map on the in-flight entertainment system, noting that their plane was heading due west out of London instead of south. “I made it absolutely clear to the booking agent I wanted to go to Granada in Spain. Why on earth would I want to go to Grenada in the Caribbean if I was flying back to America from Lisbon?” Gamson told The Independent. The airline has reportedly refused to refund Gamson the £2650 ($AU4787) tickets, which is the subject of a $US34,000 ($AU36,068) damages claim Gamson has brought to the US courts. “It’s just so sad. A trip we had been really looking forward to was ruined and ... BA
Ever thought about playing golf in Italy? A panoramic view of Granada city won’t do the decent thing,” Gamson said. It is alleged that the error originated from BA’s American booking agents in Florida. Mistaken airline codes are not unusual. In Australia alone there are heaps of wayward possibilities. Entering an airport code like SDY would land you in Sidney, Montana, while MLB would find you in Melbourne, Florida. ADE is not Adelaide, but is in fact in Aden, Yemen, whereas HOB will not get you anywhere near Tassie, but instead Hobbs, New Mexico. DAR will get you a nice holiday in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, while BRI would land you in Bari, Italy. Finally, for the pollies out there, it’s best that you avoid using CAN altogether, unless you want to go to Guangzhou, China.
A few years back, a woman from Buenos Aires, Argentina – expecting a holiday in our glorious Sydney – ended up instead in Sydney, Nova Scotia – a former coal and steel mill town in Canada’s secondsmallest province. The mix-up, due to an online booking Airport Code mistake, became evident when her final leg of the journey required transferring to a small propeller-type plane in Halifax. So instead of touring our famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the woman was evidently resigned to snapping photos of Nova Scotia’s famous “Big Ceilidh” - the world’s largest fiddle. It just goes to show you how important it is to check (and re-check) your booking! •
Shopping, eating, art and history all come together from a tourist’s perspective and now, Tom Linskey of Australian Golf Schools is adding golf to an Italian 14 Day Adventure with a difference. Tom was National Coach of Italy many years ago and his contacts in the Italian Golf World are formidable. Imagine starting with five days near Como playing golf in the mornings leaving the afternoons and evenings free to sample all the best aspects of Italian life. The dates for this fabulous Italian Experience are May 17 – 31, 2015. For more information, contact Tom Linskey, 0412 072 145 or email tom@ australiangolfschools.com.au. Alternately, visit the website: www. australiangolfschools.com.au
December 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
23
Not enough time in your life to commit to year round golf?
SHORT-TERM SUMMER MEMBERSHIP Only a fair weather player?
thesands torquay has introduced two new golf membership options - offering the ultimate in
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> Access to the driving range
> $5 Competition fees for golfers with an existing Golf Link handicap
FLEXI-PASS MEMBERSHIP Enjoy 15 rounds of golf at thesands torquay – perfect for the social golfer or holiday maker! What’s included:* > 15 rounds of golf on the Stuart Appleby designed 18-hole Championship Golf Course (12-month period) > Access to the golf course (Sunday - Friday)
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> Access to the driving range > Option to transfer to our Premier Membership category and receive a $500 discount *conditions apply
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Contact: Membership at thesands torquay to take up this great offer today. Ph: 03 5264 3303 or email: membership@thesandstorquay.com