Inside Golf-April 2007

Inside Golf Volume Three | April 2007 australia’s 25 best resorts 2007 . nick o’hern . johnnie walker classic . clariden leu singapore masters

SGD$5 (GST INCL) / RM$10 / HKD$24 / IDR54,000 / BND$8 / THB180 • www.insidegolf.com.sg

Volume Three | April 2007

how to flush your shots

robert allenby shows the way

high finance

clariden leu’s launch into the lofty world of private banking

a look back at: johnnie walker classic 2007 clariden leu singapore masters 2007

plus: MICA (P) 103/10/2006 PPS/1599/2/2007

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putters from ontic, gel golf, profound and odyssey new drivers from callaway, cobra, and taylormade and much more

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Australia’s 25 Best Resorts 2007 It’s that time again to start packing your golf bag and choosing your next travel destination. We give a quarter century of top-class golf resorts Down Under this month, to make your job easier…or more difficult as the case may be.

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arise master nick If there is one Aussie that is as underrated as he is consistent on the Tour it has to be Nick O’Hern. We give him the credit that is long overdue.

buying better scores Forget golf equipment and the tip from your flight mates. The way to better scores just might be in some of the industries latest inventions.

Check out these new fangled contraptions and be the judge.

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destinations

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calendar

courses twin waters, queensland, Australia; sofitel phokeethra royal angkor golf club, siem reap, Cambodia

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next up 82

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inside the ropes chinarat phadungsil

rooms night, time, dream hotel in new york

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travel banyan tree phuket; laguna phuket golf club travel update

the game 43

tech check offsetting mistakes

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swing doctor robert allenby – flush it

golf life

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snapshot adam scott – crisp wedge

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the rules be bunkered

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new stuff putters from ontic, profound, gel golf and odyssey; new drivers from callaway, cobra and taylor made; new and improved titleist proV1 balls; nickent 3DX square

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style stylish totes; golf fashion from jofit, iconic, and adidas golf

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the 19th domvs at sheraton towers, singapore

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body+mind sunscreens; gym work for golfers; samsara spa in Bangkok

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112 wealth the birth of clariden leu

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club review mizuno mp-67

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people rolls-royce’s colin Kelly

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ball review taylormade tp red & black

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tournaments

auto rolls-royce phantom drophead coupe

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communi-tee

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Watching Out For No.1 W

e love lists. Just read the newspapers. How often have we seen some article telling us how Singapore is doing in some obscure ranking, run by faceless individuals in a dark room, tucked away in an unknown place. “Best Place To Run A Nigeran Scam”, “City Most Likely To Be Hit By A Spit Ball”, “Most Likely To Be Punched While Rushing For Free School Textbooks” (well, you had to be there). It really doesn’t really matter what it is - we’re interested.

Golf is really no different, is it? How many times do our eyes wonder to the Official World Golf Rankings to see who is on top, knowing very well that Tiger Woods has an ironclad hold on that spot even if he plays his next 10 tournaments blindfolded and with his soon-to-be-born child strapped to his chest in a Baby Bjorn. Still we peruse with uncanny diligence.

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6 We understand your preoccupation with lists, and must admit that we can’t blame you. We too am enthralled by the order of the golf world and have taken the initiative to bring you this year’s Best 25 Resort Courses in Australia. Some of the names may ring a familiar bell, some may not, but all will tickle your golf pleasures in more ways than one. After all, that is the definition of a resort course, that it offers more than just great holes with great views.

Joondalup, a perennial favourite as the King of the Resort Hill, caps this year’s rankings. This underscores Western Australia’s great draw as one of the top golf destinations in the country, if not the entire hemisphere. Great courses, great weather, and an attitude so laid back that you wonder if half the inhabitants are playing while sleep walking make for an area that is just the place to plan your next golf vacation, if only to escape the shadows of the rising skyline in your home (Asian) city.

Editor Ju K. Tan jktan@heritagemedia.com.sg Writers Foo Yong Han yonghan@heritagemedia.com.sg Antoinette Tan antoinette@heritagemedia.com.sg Creative Director Johnny Tan johnnytan@heritagemedia.com.sg Senior Creative Designer Lokman BS lokman@heritagemedia.com.sg Intern Designer Callison Neo callisonneo@heritagemedia.com.sg Sales Manager Sylvia Choong sylvia@heritagemedia.com.sg Assistant Sales Manager Sim Eric simeric@heritagemedia.com.sg Sales Executives Alvin Swee alvinswee@heritagemedia.com.sg Lee Choon leechoon@heritagemedia.com.sg Marketing Manager Laura Lau laura@heritagemedia.com.sg Marketing Support Assistant Ng Zheling zheling@heritagemedia.com.sg Admin & Circulation Assistant Haryani haryani@heritagemedia.com.sg Contributing Editors Charlie Chayavirabood, Mike Clayton, Gary Edwin, Brendan James, Alex Jenkins, Thomas E. King Special Contributors Cherie Byrnes, Ben Cameron, Peter Cote, Stuart Curren, Rob Farley, Rob Ferris, Gillian Kang, Andrew Langford-Jones, Stuart Leong, David Milne, Rob Nicholls, Andrew Oliphant, Kurt Stegbauer, Glenn Whittle, Sam Wigan Management Chairman Jackie Lee CEO (Publisher) Alvin P.K. Wong Managing Director Eugene Low

One of the best things about having a list like this is to be able to say that you’ve played every course in the Inside Golf 2007 Best 25 Resort Course in Australia list. Look through it and see how many you have played, or plan to play. Tick them off one by one as you conquer these resorts Down Under. Then write to us and tell us how you’ve fared, and if you agree with our ranking. We’d love to hear from you, if only to see how many of you have played how many courses in this year’s collection.

Who knows, we just might make a list of that as well.

Ju K. Tan Editor

Published by Heritage Media Pte Ltd 20 Ayer Rajah Crecent #09-09/10 Technopreneur Centre Singapore 139964 Tel: 6775 9629 Fax: 6775 9617 www.heritagemedia.com.sg Printed by Times Printer Pte Ltd Distributed by Singapore Press Holdings News Centre. 82 Genting Lane Singapore 349567 Inside Golf is published in association with Golf Australia.

Containsmaterial from Golf Australia with permission from Horwitz Publications Pty. Ltd. David Gleeson Mational Sales & Marketing Manager Golf Australia Magazine 55 Chandos Street St. Leonards NSW 2065 02-99016131/0411 215111 www.golfaustralia.com.au Cover picture from Lela Designs.

Photography by Dextor Quinto.

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front nine | calendar april

Major Calling A

pril heralds the start of the Majors season, and there is everything to hope that this year’s Masters at the hallowed grounds of Augusta will be one full of excitement. World No. 1 Tiger Woods will look forward to starting another streak, but he will have his hands full with challenges coming from Phil Mickelson and the resurgent Vijay Singh who won at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month. In Asia, the convergence of the European Tour and the Asian Tour continues with the Volvo China Open and the BMW Asian Open. Stars from both continents will descend on the shining city of Shanghai for these two tournaments that are no less than stalwarts on the year’s golf calendar.

2 – 8 April

US PGA

European PGA

Asian Tour

Japan Golf Tour

US LPGA

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Masters Tournament #* Augusta National GC, Augusta, Georgia

9 – 15 April

16 – 22 April

Verizon Heritage

Volvo China Open #

Token Homemate Cup

Ginn Open

Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, South Carolina

Shanghai Silport GC, Shangha

Token Tado Country Club, Nagoya, Mie

Reunion Resort & Club Reunion, Florida

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

BMW Asian Open #

Tsuruya Open

Corona Championship

Tomson Shanghai Pudong GC, Shanghai

Yamanohara Golf Club, Hyogo

Tres Marias Golf Club Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico

TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana

23 – 29 April

EDS Byron Nelson Championship

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Open de Espana

The Crowns

Centro National de Golf

Nagoya Golf Club, Aichi

TPC Four Seasons Resort, Texas Cottonwood Valley GC, Irving, Texas # Co-sanctioned with European PGA * Co-sanctioned with Asian Tour

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Putting A Spin, Or Less, On The Rules

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t is a ruling that might be unpopular with golfers who enjoy generating more spin on their golf balls while driving or chipping from the rough for greater accuracy and distance.

The R&A – the authority of golf everywhere except the United States and Mexico – announced on 27 February that it is proposing changes to golf’s equipment rules that seek to restore the historic importance of driving accuracy in the game. The proposed rules changes to club face groove markings are based on extensive research into the effect of such markings on spin generation for balls hit from the rough. Club face markings have been observed to significantly increase spin from the rough compared to previous eras when there was a greater premium on driving accuracy.

The new limits proposed for groove cross-sectional area and groove edge sharpness would apply to all clubs (except driving clubs and putters) manufactured after 1 January 2010, but the rules could be introduced for competitions restricted to highly skilled players (via a condition of competition) from 1 January 2009. A five-month consultation period with equipment manufacturers now gets underway that will also help determine when the new rules would come into effect for ordinary handicap golfers.

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However, a concessionary period of at least 10 years is anticipated, recognising the costs involved in changing equipment.

fitting to all golfers without diminishing the challenge of the game. Adjustable features, in addition to weight adjustment that is permitted for all clubs, have been allowed in the Rules of Golf for putters since 1992.

The R&A also plans to consult golf equipment manufacturers on changes to the Rules that would permit new adjustable features in woods and irons.

These proposals offer the potential of extending the playing benefits of club

Consultation periods with manufacturers on both sets of proposed rules changes are time limited to allow adopted rules to feature in the 2008 revision of the Rules of Golf.

Getting Charity Golf In Gear

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he Automobile Association of Singapore (AA) will mark its centennial celebration on 29 April with a golf tournament to raise funds for its adopted charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Dubbed the ‘AA Drive for Charity Golf Tournament’, AA hopes to raise a quarter of a million dollars. Recipients of AA’s goodwill include Ang Mo Kio Community Care Network, Assisi Hospice, Ling Kwang Youth Centre, Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore and National Crime Prevention Council.

The method of raising funds is a novel one as participants are charged $3,000, $5,000 and $10,000 for their flights. Twenty-six flights will be

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■ Adjustable features like that in the TaylorMade r7 425 have been allowed by the R&A’s Rules of Golf since 1992. But elsewhere, there may be limitations to groove crosssectional area and groove edge sharpness for clubs manufactured from 2010.

open for public participation, and participants will have a chance to win a luxury car as the hole-in-one prize. In addition, participants will receive $200 worth of goodie bag items. Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, the event’s Guest of Honour, will lead the charitable cause.

The tournament will be held at the lush greens of the Tampines Course at Tanah Merah Country Club, one of the most distinctive country clubs in Asia today.

For more information regarding the event, contact Automobile Association of Singapore. +65 68312156, email charlina.cham@aas. com.sg.

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Asian Tour Debuts in Beijing and Johor

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n April 2007, professional golf in China is set for exciting growth with an inaugural new tournament, the Pine Valley Beijing Open.

Recently added to the Asia Tour schedule, the event will be held from 26 - 29 April at the exclusive Pine Valley Golf Club, this event offers US$500,000 total prize money.

Chinese stars Zhang Lian-wei and Liang Wen-chong will lead the local charge. Liang, the winner at this year’s

Johnnie Walker Classic, is currently ranked second on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit. The Pine Valley Beijing Open will be a springboard to one of Beijing’s influential events, especially since it is the premier golf club in the Chinese capital, and has hosted many international class tournaments including the Volkswagen Masters-China and Johnnie Walker Classic. The Pine Valley Beijing Open, through the collaboration of the China Golf Association, Asian Tour and title sponsors Pine Valley, will certainly raise the benchmark of golf events in the country.

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■ Pine Valley Golf Club

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loser to shore, the Johor Classic has earned a new title sponsor in the Iskandar Region Development Authority (IRDA).

With the support of the government of Johor, the IRDA Johor Classic will offer US$300,000 in prize money in the tournament to be held at the Royal Johor Country Club from 9 – 12 August.

This high profile event falls in line with Johor’s elevated status and vision, and their most recent Iskandar Development Zone, which is a first-class global hub for business, living and leisure. The Asian Tour is also confident that the latest Johor Classic tournament to join its 2007 schedule can progress into one of Asia’s leading golf tournaments.

IRDA Johor Classic presents a wonderful platform to further promote and enhance professional golf in Malaysia and in the region. It also offers great opportunity to shape a world-class golf tournament and encourage the growth of the Iskandar Development Zone.

Through the staging of IRDA Johor Classic with greater prize money, professional golf in Asia is set a notch higher. With this new partnership with the Asian Tour, Malaysian golfers are able to push their boundaries against Asia’s finest players, bringing greater benefits for this great sport.

■ The IRDA Johor Classic will likely see top Malaysian professionals like Iain Steel (right) and Danny Chia supporting its efforts at raising the profile of professional golf in the country.

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front line | inside the ropes

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inside the ropes with

Chinarat Phadungsil

Compiled by Asian Tour Pictures from Asian Tour

Chinarat Phadungsil has continued his rise in Asian golf with a solid display in his rookie season. The teenager made history last year when he won the Double A International Open on home soil to become the youngest winner at the age of 17.

This season, Chinarat has registered three top-10s but it is a second win on the Asian Tour that he is after when the second half of the season goes back into full swing. In this latest segment, Chinarat talks about his ambition, the influences in his career and why red gives him confidence.

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What’s your favourite course on Tour?

Santiburi Samui Golf Club in Thailand. It’s very beautiful but also very challenging.

Who do you think is the best player on the Asian Tour today?

Thaworn Wiratchant.

Do you have any superstitions when you play?

I always try to wear red caps. It gives me confidence.

Who is your golf idol?

I have a few players who I adore - Thaworn for his chipping and putting abilities, Thammanoon Srirot who is a good friend and Prayad Marsaeng for his driving.

What’s your favourite city and hotel on the Asian Tour schedule?

Phuket, and Samui Palm Beach in Samui.

What’s your favourite pastime?

Sleep! Especially when I arrive for a tournament on the Monday. I also like to watch movies if I have a chance to do so.

When you’re home, how do you relax?

I like to chip and putt.

Best ever rounds on the Asian Tour?

66 at the Maybank Malaysian Open.

Biggest moment in golf?

Winning the Double A International Open as an amateur. It changed my life. And I turned professional immediately after that.

Most famous playing partner?

Nick Dougherty at the HSBC Champions last year.

What’s it been like since you turned pro?

It’s been quite difficult. I had to do everything by myself. I needed to show more discipline, more concentration when travelling as I’ve had to do everything myself. When I was an amateur, everything was done for me. Now as a pro, you have to make the adjustments.

I will try my best. Someday I would like to play in US PGA Tour.

about Chinarat Phadungsil

Favourite playing partner?

Thammanoon Srirot. When we’re on Tour, he’s normally my roommate. He’s also one of my best friends. And I look up to him.

Country Date Of Birth Residence Family Turned Pro

Best advice received?

Always practice hard, my dad told me this.

If you don’t practice, you won’t win.

PRO WINS: (1) 2005 Double A International Open, Thailand (as an amateur)

Your dream fourball?

Tiger Woods, Thaworn and Thammanoon.

How and why did you start playing golf?

My father and mum are keen golfers. I was eight years old when I went to the driving range. I liked the game from the start as I

: : : : :

Thailand 1 November 1988 Chantaburi Single 2005

AMATEUR WINS : 2005 World Junior Championship, San Diego, 2004 Putra Cup, Indonesia (team), 2004 Asia Pacific Junior Masters, Thailand, 2003 Sprint International Amateur Golf Championship, US, 2002 Jack Newton Junior Golf Championship, Australia, 2001 Asia Pacific Junior Golf Championship, Malaysia

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Chinarat burst onto the Asian Tour in style by emerging as the youngest ever winner when he clinched the 2005 Double A International Open title in Bangkok at the age of 17 years and five days. Chinarat defeated India’s Shiv Kapur in a play-off and was only the third amateur to win a professional title in Asia. The young prodigy joined the paid ranks immediately after the historic feat and featured in the HSBC Champions Tournament alongside Tiger Woods in Shanghai.

He needed some time to find his feet in the professional world as he missed numerous cuts but finally came through with flying colours when he finished tied sixth in the Maybank Malaysian Open in early 2006. Chinarat has produced three top-10 finishes in the first half of the season.

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Biggest influence in your career?

My father, Anan. He planned my rounds when I was an amateur. He talks to me a lot and looked after me when I was an amateur playing abroad. Now, Singha Beer is a big help in my career.

What did you shoot in your first ever round as an amateur?

In four holes, I was already 36. After nine, I had a 71.

thought it was a tough sport to master, not like football where you just kick the ball.

What’s In Chinarat’s Bag: Driver Fairway woods Irons Wedges Putter

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: : : : :

Titleist 905R Titleist 904F 3-wood, King Cobra 5-wood Titleist 695 Fourteen wedges, Vokey 60-degree Odyssey Tri-hot #2

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Arise Master Nick The last time Nick O’Hern won a tournament anywhere in the world, we were all living in fear of what the Y2K bug would do to us. but, as Martin Blake writes, the smooth swinging lefty likes his chances at this year’s mastercard masters.

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Robert Allenby, the eventual winner that week, was moved to observe: “I think Nick O’Hern’s playing a different golf course.”

Thinking back now, O’Hern pinches himself.

“I just seemed to have it on a string. I haven’t played golf that well in quite a while,” he says.

Even after the third day, when he carded a 70, O’Hern held the lead. But he had the remorseless Allenby just in his wake and he could not sustain the quality of his golf. He shot a 73 on the final day and both Allenby and American Bubba Watson overhauled him.

“I didn’t play that badly,” says O’Hern. “But some days you need certain things going for you, and everything that could have gone wrong seemed to go wrong that day.

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It’s one of the reasons why O’Hern is coming back to Huntingdale for another crack at the tournament this season after a long year of travelling between Europe, the United States and Australia. Another reason is his love for the sandbelt golf courses, which suit his game.

“It’s not so much about length on those golf courses,” he says. “It’s about position and leaving yourself uphill putts, things like that which I’m generally pretty good at. It’s nice to go somewhere that you don’t have to smash the bejesus out of it.”

Then, of course, there is the search for that elusive tournament win. O’Hern’s story is astonishing, for at one point this year he climbed in to the top-20 players in the world and at the time of writing he was ranked a highlyrespectable 33rd, yet he has not won a single tournament since the 1999 Coolum Classic. On the one hand, it is testimony to his machine-like consistency; on the other, it seems to reveal a chink in his mentality.

The 35-year-old O’Hern professes not to be perturbed about it, but naturally everyone wants

to ask him, so he can’t avoid the question. He insists he does not need to change his method.

17 “My style of game is that I realise my capabilities and my limitations,” he says. “I’m not a 300-metre driver of the ball, I’m more a 250metre driver, so for starters, I can’t overpower the course like a lot of guys do these days. My game is built around consistency and thinking well and giving myself a chance, getting as many birdie opportunities as possible and if we get hot with the putter, we go with it.

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O’Hern, whose reputation is for grinding rather than marauding, carded 64 and 65 in difficult conditions on the opening two days, lasering his iron shots and rolling in putts one after the other with that broomstick putter.

“I knew the radar was off with the old golf swing early on, but usually that doesn’t faze me.

Some of my best rounds have been on days I haven’t hit the ball well. I just tried to get it around, and one-over was the best I could do.”

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untingdale owes Nick O’Hern. Twelve months ago the Western Australian left-hander with the smooth swing and the temperament to match led the Mastercard Masters for three rounds only to see it snatched away on that fateful, final day in the Melbourne sandbelt.

“As far as winning, there’s such a fine line between finishing first and finishing 20th, the scoring’s so bunched. I think it’s a learning process and I’m getting better at it each year.

I came from a different background to most of the guys. They came from stellar amateur careers. The lowest handicap I got to was a two or something. I was never a scratch golfer, and maybe early on I didn’t get into that winning mentality. It was more about trying to make a living.

“In the last four or five years I’ve started to learn what it takes. I won the Coolum Classic and the funny thing is, I won it playing the same way I do now. It was about playing solid golf and usually that works going down the back nine on a Sunday. Guys tend to fall away and if you’re still there you’ve got a shot at it. There’ve been a few times where I’ve still been there, but other guys

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■ O’Hern’s short game was white hot during the early rounds of last year’s Masters.

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Nick jumped between continents but managed another solid year, highlighted by his best finish in a major, a tie for sixth at the US Open at Winged Foot in June. His compatriot Geoff Ogilvy rightly won the plaudits for breaking the 11-year drought of male Australian major winners that week. Not so noticeable was that O’Hern was close as well.

at least a decade, but wants to retain his European card as well.

“When I’m playing, I’m just trying to shoot the lowest score I can. If it’s good enough, it’s good enough,” he says. “If I get caught up in that (pressure of winning), I’ll go backwards.

“I actually had a chance on the Sunday,” he says. “I got to five-under through eight holes on the last day and that ended up being the winning score. But I dropped a few on the back nine and ended up eight-over.

“It (America) is not too dissimilar to Europe competition-wise,” he says. “The depth of the fields is stronger, but if you play well you can win anywhere, basically. If you can play well, you can play well anywhere.

“I’ve never worried about it. Everyone else can say their piece and if it doesn’t suit me, they can go stick it.”

“That’s the US Open, though. The rough’s brutal and to play to par through the back nine is easier said than done.”

O’Hern spoke to Golf Australia from Greensboro, North Carolina, from another hotel room, another tournament. The week before he’d been in England to play a World Golf Championship event, and the following week he was heading home to Perth to be with his wife, Alana and their two young children.

He finished second in the Booz Allen Classic the week afterward and also played well at the Masters tournament at Augusta National, finishing equal-19th at his second appearance.

“There’s a lot more hype and hoopla in the US, but the good thing being an Australian here – and there’s so many of us – is that they don’t get caught up in it. We just sort of think it’s pretty corny and take it on the chin.”

have gone over the top of me.” O’Hern cites the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth earlier this year as an example of his point. In contention yet again, he was beaten by American Kevin Stadler, who knocked a mind-blowing second shot into the shadow of the stick at the par-5 18th hole to finish with an eagle. O’Hern’s birdie-birdie finish did not cut the ice. He says he leaves it to others to contemplate what all this means.

He believes it is his sixth round-the-world trip in 2006. But in truth, he’s too “tired and cranky” to count. It wasn’t meant to be like this, for O’Hern had earned a two-year ticket to play on the US PGA Tour by winning a spot in the International team for the Presidents Cup in 2005. The plan was to move his game from Europe to America and settle the family in the US, but Alana was pregnant with their second child, and the O’Herns opted to defer a permanent move until 2007.

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“I’m getting the handle on that place (Augusta), but it’s getting longer and longer and I’m not getting longer with it,” he says. “It’s not great when you’re hitting fairway woods into the greens.”

He played the minimum 15 tournaments and earned well over $1 million, but in some ways, it has been a year of preparation.

In 2007, the O’Hern clan will have a home in Orlando, Florida as a base, and Nick intends playing a full schedule in America, taking his family along with him. He has plans to stay

With Europe’s fingers extending throughout the globe nowadays, he can play the minimum 11 tournaments without actually going to the continent so long as he gets a start in the majors as well as the World Golf Championship events.

So what are Nick O’Hern’s career goals now he is in his mid-30s.

“What are my goals?” he says, “It’s about the big events, the majors. I’m at the point in my career where they’re my main focus, and now I’ve played each one a couple of times I’ve got an idea of what you need to do and how you need to play in them.”

As for the Mastercard Masters, he will have memories of those opening rounds last year to draw upon.

“That’s always encouraging,” he says.

“Because I’m normally a three or four-under sort of player.”

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feature

Buying better scores Is it possible to buy a better golf game?

Denis gallagher looks at the hi-tech equipment being used these days to assist golfers in their search for pure swings and lower scores.

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T

he game of golf is an endlessly frustrating pastime, punctuated with moments of sheer joy as the desperate golfer occasionally stumbles across a ‘pure’ swing. These brushes with purity often cause players to embrace technology in a quest for the perfect game.

However, technology rarely introduces anything new to the game of golf; it has merely refined and, in some cases, improved on existing tools.

For example, the weight cartridge system that

BUSHNELL PINSEEKER 1500

BUSHNELL YARDAGE PRO

The PinSeeker 1500 is available with slope compensation as an option.

Using a digital inclinometer, the PinSeeker determines the level of elevation change (up or down), and then computes an adjusted distance. WWW.TASCO.COM.AU

At less than 200 grams, the Yardage Pro is Sergio Garcia’s choice for getting accurate measurements quickly and easily.

WWW.TASCO.COM.AU

the birth of the game, golfers have had this information readily available – from the guidance of a caddie.

Since the days of ben hogan, the golf teacher interpreted the shape and depth of a divot or the markings on the sole of a driver, or the shape of a dimple pattern on a piece of masking tape, to determine the swing profile of a player.

Today, the latest flight path readers and launch monitors allow teaching professionals to record and measure virtually everything a golfer

has taken the golf club industry by storm is a

needs or wants to know about their swing, in an

more precise variation of the trusty old lead tape

effort to unlock the players’ full potential.

used by professionals for decades.

The latest sophisticated global positioning

The following high-tech golfing gadgets and technologies may not turn you into tiger woods, but they might just give you renewed confidence

satellite (gps) devices and laser rangefinders

to find that pure swing you have always been

allow golfers to gauge the distance between

looking for.

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM DEVICES Visitors to any of the big name gold coast courses in the past few years will have seen on their golf cart a gps device, which provides accurate information to the nearest bunker, water hazard and to the hole. These gps devices are calibrated to the course and can’t be used elsewhere.

But personal gps systems are a more recent introduction to the golf scene, providing yardage information to help choose the right club. Of course, you still need to hit the ball, but knowing the right distance usually leads to a more committed swing and hopefully a better score.

Two popular models are the igolf and the melbourne-developed sureshot gps. Both devices allow you to access mapped public,

the ball, hazards and the hole. However, since

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private and resort courses from the company’s

as a local rule to enable golfers to use

website. All you need is a windows xp computer

rangefinders during a tight lies event.

and a usb connection. Once the software is

While the pga tour says it does not allow the

loaded onto your computer, you can download

use of rangefinders in its events, it seems only a

the courses to your device and get perfect

matter of time before the caddie’s most prized

yardages with the press of a button.

possession, the yardage book, will become

Both the igolf and sureshot gps devices also allow you to map your local course and use it for your next game.

The sureshot gps also has the added feature

a relic.

Weighing 380 grams and designed to fit comfortably in the hand, the bushnell pinseeker 1500 rangefinder is capable of targeting objects

of keeping scores, recommended club selection

from three metres up to 1,200 metres, as well

and game data for up to 10 courses. The

as accurately measuring the correct distance to

igolf can hold information for up to 40 layouts

a flag from up to 350 metres.

throughout australia, new zealand and the

For something even more portable, the

pacific islands. Both the igolf and sureshot have

bushnell yardage pro – as used by sergio garcia

hundreds of courses on their website, with more

– is less than 200 grams but still provides all

added every day.

the features to quickly read objects up to 520 metres away. When focused on a flagstick, the

RANGE FINDERS

yardage pro will deliver accurate measurements

For golfers wanting to simply know how far it is

from 230 metres.

from one point to another, a laser rangefinder can be extremely useful.

Laser rangefinders are standard issue amongst the caddies on the world’s professional tours, as they provide a quick and easy way to determine

IGOLF GPS Download courses or map your own for your very own caddie.

WWW.GOLFADDIQTION.COM

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exact distances when creating a yardage book The tight lies tour, a us development tour, has made use of the r&a’s allowance of rangefinders SURESHOT GPS

CHANGING THE RULES FOR TECHNOLOGY

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Map your own course to use and share with others on the web.

WWW.ISEEKGOLF.COM

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for use during a tournament.

Have you ever asked one of the players in your group ‘How far to the pin’? or ‘What club did you use?’ If you answered yes, you have committed a breach of the Rules of Golf and should take a two shot penalty.

While it is still illegal to ask for advice from players in your group, recent amendments to the Rules of Golf, specifically rule 143/0.5 have allowed, through the adoption of a local rule, the use of distance measuring devices such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and digital laser rangefinders.

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feature

GOLF ACHIEVER II Gain an insight into your own swing to get more out of your game.

WWW.AUSTECHGOLF.COM.AU

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the more expensive machines provide more

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accurate detail and a wider spread of data and analysis.

Australian Golf Technologies has a couple of products to help you reach your full potential with your ball striking off the tee, as

LAUNCH MONITORS Of all the new golf technologies that have

ball through impact.

TaylorMade’s Motion Analysis Technology

well as your putting stroke.

The GolfAchiever II system comprises an

been introduced in the past few years, the

by TaylorMade (MATT) is a motion capture

L-Frame swing-capture unit and analysis

launch monitor has the greatest potential

camera based system that was developed with

software. The L-Frame contains lasers, photo-

to improve your game, or at least provide

help by the technical wizards behind many of

detectors, and an array of ultra-high speed

you with a better understanding of your

the special effects from the Lord of the Rings

electronics to create a precisely mapped ‘laser

own swing.

movies. Swing information and statistics are

grid’ for the player to hit through.

Three techniques used to capture

gathered using multiple high-speed cameras,

The proprietary software records the

the movement of the club and golf ball,

which the MATT distils to create a sophisticated

player’s shot and generates a simulated ball

either off the clubface or in flight, include

3D image of a golfers’ swing, viewable from

flight; capturing ball speed, launch angle,

cameras, radar and lasers.

every angle. MATT also executes a multitude

carry, club speed, club path and several

of calculations and measurements at impact

other parameters to help gain a complete

launch monitors such as the FlightScope

to develop a data-driven personal club

swing profile.

Cheetah and Kudu able to follow a ball for its

recommendation based on capturing the ball at

complete journey.

impact and a split second later.

Radar is ideal for outside use, with

The Golf Achiever II system uses a

Golf simulators and launch monitors can cost

Every golfer wants to be long off the tee and the Golf Achiever II will help you get every inch out of your swing off the tee.

proprietary laser grid set up to calibrate the

anything from $1,500 to more than $100,000.

However, driving like an A-grader on the

movement of the club as it approaches the

As with all things, you get what you pay for, so

course is pointless if you turn into a C-

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grader on the greens.

Sam Putt Lab is a putting specific monitor, which analyses 28 parameters of your putting stroke and displays the results to help reveal faults and also to find the perfect putter for your stroke.

Changes to your existing putter including a shorter shaft, increased/decreased loft and lie or even a complete change of shape could improve your performance.

The FlightScope launch monitor uses radar to provide precise data on ball carry, clubhead speed, clubface contact, vertical and horizontal launch angles and spin rates.

Golf teachers then analyse this data to create a profile of the golf swing and from there can determine what clubs will best suit your game. FlightScope can also show the path of the clubhead and its angle of attack into the ball.

The advantage of the FlightScope radar based system is the golfball is measured for the complete distance, from the moment

Individual swing curves can be established

the club hits the ball to the moment the ball

stored and reproduced any number of times,

comes to rest.

until one of the most complicated movements in

The Top Swing golf robot may be the

sport, the perfect golf swing, can be performed unaided. But at $100,000 can you afford the

Housed in a massive brushed aluminium

perfect swing?

Despite all the promises, the latest GPS

swing, while sensors measure direction

device, rangefinder or launch monitor may not

and speed. The golfer holds the club and

lower your score, but they will ensure that you

initiates the actual swing, where the user is

know what club you should use. However, the

led through the entire motion, or in steps

execution is all up to you and that is where a few

that are determined by the golf coach.

lessons from your local PGA pro will also do you

Throughout this process, the golf

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box, six axes lead the club through the

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most imposing training aid ever created.

TOP SWING GOLF ROBOT The Top Swing Golf Robot gives you the feel of the perfect swing until it becomes second nature.

WWW.DYNAMICGOLF.COM.AU

the world of good.

instructor can make the swing steeper or shallower, fast or slow, even set the wrist cock. All these variables are created using

FLIGHTSCOPE

Swing Assist software.

Using radar technology, a FlightScope system can follow your ball from impact to landing.

WWW.FLIGHTSCOPE.COM.AU

SAM PUTT LAB Make more putts by discovering the putter that is best suited to your game.

WWW.AUSTECHGOLF.COM.AU

iGolf_pg20-23.indd 23

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W

elcome to our ranking of Australia 25 Best Resort Courses in 1995. The criteria for including courses in the ranking was simply any course that offered on-site accommodation – from basic cabin accommodation through to your genuine four- and five-star golf resorts – were considered for inclusion and dubbed a resort course.

The definition of a resort course, as the Americans would have the world believe, is a course with generally forgiving playing conditions (wide fairways, big greens, multiple teeing grounds) that is found within the confines, or is part, of a resort. It is only in recent years, with the boom in residential and resort course development, that Australia’s number of true golf resorts has

iGolf_pg24-40.indd Sec1:24

grown. The practice of simply ranking courses with accommodation on-site, and calling them resort courses, created a grey area.

Why couldn’t Victorian courses like Barwon Heads, Victoria and Peninsula be considered as they qualified under the ‘accommodation on-site’ criteria previously employed by this magazine? But no one in their right mind could ever call these layouts ‘resort courses’, therefore, they were never ranked in the resort course category, despite fitting the one-point criteria set down.

To qualify for our resort course ranking, layouts must offer all the attributes mentioned above in terms of playing conditions for players of all standards.

To further narrow the field, there must be accommodation on-site as well

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Not sure where to go for your next golfing holiday? Here, we present our biennial ranking of the nation’s 25 best resort courses. With this stellar list, your choice of destinations has never been greater.

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■ Joondalup’s Quarry/Dunes course reign’s supreme once again as Australia’s No.1 resort course.

Spectacular holes like the par-4 2nd make any round on this layout memorable.

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as offering additional resort-style facilities. For example, these may include a swimming pool, tennis court, spa, gymnasium, massage or day spa and child minding. A minimum requirement of two of these extra facilities helped further define our list of resort courses.

For this year’s ranking, Golf Australia editor Brendan James was joined by a team of avid golfers and Golf Australia readers from each state in making regular notes about the contenders. The team volunteered information to Golf Australia on a regular basis after playing any of the 30-plus contenders for the ranking. These players visited courses anonymously so their impending presence would not influence the way a course was presented.

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This enabled us to get a better picture of the year-round presentation of courses offered to the public.

In ranking the 25 Best Resort Courses, each course was rated on four points: Design (40%), Conditioning (25%), Aesthetics (15%) and the ‘Wow Factor’ (10%). Conditioning is given more weight in this ranking than other listings because it is important to highlight the best layouts that are destined to be in great condition when you arrive on your next golf vacation.

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feature

■ The excitement doesn’t end when you reach the Dunes holes at Joondalup. This is the long par-3 4th hole.

Joondalup CC & Resort (Quarry/Dunes course)

Joondalup’s Quarry/Dunes course continues its domination of this list by donning’s the crown as Australia Best Resort course.

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This year, with less than a handful of points covering the top-five places, the Quarry/Dunes layout has managed to take the No.1 spot, again by less than a point. The challenger came in the form of the acclaimed Moonah Links Legends course.

Joondalup’s best course again rated highly in terms of its design and aesthetics while it scored full points for the ‘wow factor’. But it is the impeccable year round conditioning that keeps the Quarry/Dunes course ahead of the pack.

Combine this conditioning with the outstanding design and the exhilaration you’ll feel when you fire a shot safely over the quarry, or escape one of the deep bunkers, and you are faced with a layout that offers an unforgettable experience.

The 3rd is part of a sequence of five holes on the Quarry nine, the roller-coaster-like par-4 2nd being the first of them, which provides a memorable experience for all players who sample them.

One might expect the Dunes nine to be anti-climatic after the drama charged Quarry nine, but that is far from the case. The most memorable feature of the Dunes nine is the split-level fairway of the par-4 3rd and the long par-3 4th that are housed in a rock wall amphitheatre.

Congratulations Joondalup on being voted No.1 GREEN FEE : AUD $110 (weekdays), AUD $140 (weekends).

Resort guests AUD$80 (seven days).

THE RESORT : The Joondalup Resort is five-star with 70 rooms and suites, six well-equipped function rooms, two bars and a restaurant boasting inside and al fresco dining overlooking the lagoon style pool. The resort also has a business centre, baby-sitting service, a gymnasium, walking track, tennis courts and a volleyball green.

PHONE : +06 6 9400 8811.

It is an awesome golfing landscape designer Robert Trent Jones Jr had to work with. For most of the journey on the Quarry nine, a disused quarry comes into play for your drive or an approach shot.

Moonah Link (Legends course) In recent times, the course staff has cleared much of the scrub from the side walls of the quarry to reveal more of the cavernous pit.

Perhaps the best example of this can be found on the 3rd tee, which used to be almost hidden in trees on the edge of the quarry. Since the scrub has been cleared, there is more teeing area available to players and the vast size and depth of the quarry is also more evident.

This new outlook from the tee has created an even more intimidating par-3, despite it being just 125 metres from tee to green across the yawning hole in the ground. It is a relatively straightforward short iron tee shot but the quarry is out-of-bounds, which is enough to give the best player the jitters.

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Moonah Links’ Legends course, located in the heart of The Cups region on Victoria’s golfing rich Mornington Peninsula, came within a point of claiming the top spot in this year’s ranking of Australia’s 25 Best Resort Courses.

Perhaps it is now only a matter of time before it claims the crown as this country’s No.1?

Created by Peter Thomson’s design partner, Ross Perrett, the Legends course opens with a series of parkland-style holes that rise and fall through

3/23/07 10:22:42 AM

valleys and in between long stretches of Moonah trees. Then the course takes on a new complexion, becoming a links-style layout with only gently undulating fairways dominating.

It might be adjacent to the more publicised Open course, designed by Thomson, but it covers a vastly different landscape, which is arguably one of its outstanding features.

And that was the way it was designed – to complement rather than compete with the course created specifically to host the Australian Open.

The design brief given to Perrett was to make the layout less intimidating, enjoyable for golfers of all standards and it had to be routed through valleys and ridges in between proposed real estate developments.

The ideal nature of the landscape meant very little earth had to be moved in the creation of the Legends course. The holes follow the roll of the land, sticking to the low ground wherever possible, while the bunkering is wild and ragged, with the odd pot bunker thrown in for good measure.

■ The natural, wild bunkering of Moonah Links’ Legends course is an outstanding feature.

Arguably the most enjoyable attribute of the Legends course is its variety.

The par-5s are all different and each requires a unique strategy depending on the conditions and boldness of your play. The same can be said of the par-4s. There are brutish two-shotters like the 13th and 14th holes, but these follow one of the Peninsula’s great short par-4s in the 272-metre 11th hole.

LAGUNA WHITSUNDAYS (Turtle Point course)

Laguna Whitsundays’ Turtle Point course has been cemented in the top-three of Australia’s Best Resort courses for more than a decade.

The course, about 20 minutes’ drive south of Prosperine in Queensland, has been very highly rated by all who have played it. After finishing closely

While direct Jetstar flights from Sydney and Brisbane into Proserpine are keeping the domestic numbers up, Laguna Whitsundays will boom with the influx of visitors from overseas eager to test their skills on the David Graham/Garry Panks-designed course as well as the resort’s two new layouts – Jagabara, designed by Karrie Webb, and Pandanus, designed by Greg Norman and Bob Harrison.

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GREEN FEE : $85. Day pass, $160.

THE RESORT : Peppers Moonah Links Resort has 60 rooms and suites just a pitch shot away from the Moonah Links clubhouse.

The resort has conference facilities and is also home to the Endota Day Spa. PHONE : +611300 362 386.

It will no doubt improve on its current status once greater numbers of players start filling its fairways to the brim again, after the opening of the resort’s proposed international airport.

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Complementing Perrett’s superb design is the fantastic conditioning of the layout, which rated almost full points with our ‘reader judges’ who visited on a regular basis.

The Laguna Whitsundays layout has improved in recent times, especially in terms of year round conditioning. If its previously fluctuating presentation was still an issue, Turtle Point would certainly be much lower than No.3 in the ranking.

Like most resort courses, the Turtle Point layout opens gently, allowing you to loosen up for the challenge ahead.

The following four holes meander through native bushland and lush rainforest as they head east toward the waters of the Whitsunday passage.

The usually sublime waters of the Coral Sea first come into view as you arrive on the 6th tee. This 390-metre par-4 plays into the prevailing wind, while the fairway is flanked by the sea to the left and an enormous waste bunker to the right.

■ Laguna Whitsundays’ Turtle Point course has two exceptional holes that are flanked by the Coral Sea.

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feature too hard for the average player. However, if the course is played from the correct tees to suit a player’s ability, the Open course is an enjoyable excursion across some of the best golfing land to be found in Australia.

The course has been routed over, through and around rolling sand dunes that undoubtedly took Mother Nature hundreds, if not, thousands of years to create. For the Australian Open, the dunes provide ideal views on nearly every hole to witness the action on the fairway or green below.

■ The near perfect playing condition of Moonah Links’ Open course impressed judges.

Graham’s design then winds back inland before emerging oceanside again for the 498-metre par-5 14th. With the Whitsunday waters lapping the rock wall just beneath the tee, your drive at the 14th hole must carry the sea hazard to find the wide fairway.

Turtle Point is a well-designed layout that offers great variety for players of all abilities. Better players will relish the opportunity of taking the challenge from back markers, while casual players will find the forward tees offer an enjoyable alternative.

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GREEN FEE : AUD$95 with cart; AUD$75 (in-house guests).

THE RESORT : Laguna Whitsundays offers 60 self-contained, fully serviced villas which line the fairways of the Turtle Point course. Every villa opens out to a fairway view.

The resort has a 40 metre swimming pool, floodlit tennis courts as well as a range of water sports at the resort’s beach including windsurfing, canoeing or kayaking.

PHONE : +61 7 4947 7777.

MOOHNAH LINKS (Open course)

The Peter Thomson, Mike Wolveridge and Ross Perrett-designed Open course, on Victoria’ Mornington Peninsula, has been opened for play for nearly five years now and, despite having its fair share of critics, the course remains one of this country’s modern gems.

For the average golfer, the Open course provides a stiff, but fair, challenge. It also gives them the chance to follow in the footsteps of some great current Australian players like Robert Allenby, Peter Lonard, Adam Scott and Stuart Appleby – an opportunity that is difficult to come by given the Open has usually been played on private courses like Royal Melbourne, Royal Sydney or The Australian.

Again, like the Legends course, the high standard of presentation is unforgettable. The fairways and tees are beautifully manicured, while the putting surfaces are undoubtedly some of the best in the country.

A common point the majority of our reader judges made was there is not a great difference between the condition of the layout as it is presented for the Open and how it appears year round.

“What you see at the Open is pretty much what you get when you play there,” one reader said. “The fairways and greens are faultless, which leaves you nothing to blame missed shots and poor putts on.”

GREEN FEE : AUD$85. Day pass, AUD$160.

THE RESORT : Peppers Moonah Links Resort has 60 rooms and suites just a pitch shot away from the Moonah Links clubhouse. The resort also now has 36 new suites overlooking the 1st fairway of the Open course as well as conference facilities and is also home to the Endota Day Spa.

THE VINES RESORT & CC (Lakes course)

PHONE : +611300 362 386.

American professional Kevin Stadler probably summed up The Vines’ Lakes course best when he said: “The course is wonderful….it’s a great design and the greens are some of the best I have putted on.”

Designed specifically to test the game’s best players contesting the Australian Open, the Open course was lambasted by some as being

■ The Lakes course at The Vines Resort rates as one of the finest designs to come from Graham Marsh and Ross Watson.

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3/23/07 10:23:19 AM

■ The Ross Watson-designed Magenta Shores, on NSW’s Central Coast makes its debut in the ranking just four months after opening.

Obviously, having just won the 2006 Johnnie Walker Classic on the Perth layout, Stadler was always going to praise the course. But he really went out of his way to pay tribute to the Graham Marsh/Ross Watsondesigned layout.

“I’d like to play on courses like this all of the time,” he added. “I really like this golf course.”

And so did our judges, who played the course regularly before and after the championship, and revealed “there was no great step up in presentation from what we played to what the pros had to contend with, except the greens were much faster for the tournament.”

But the underrated front half has some very good holes worthy of mention.

The 473-metre par-5 3rd is a terrific hole with a fairway that narrows and widens in strategic places so you can’t just blaze away with the longest clubs in your bag. Four fairway bunkers stand sentry for the last 80 metres to the elevated green that features grassy hollows left and right.

The Lakes course is the Member’s layout at The Vines but tee times are made available on non-competition days for the public and resort guests.

GREEN FEE : $99. Discounts available for resort guests.

THE RESORT : The Novotel Vines Resort Hotel has 103 hotel rooms as well as 54 fully self-contained apartments. There is a 25-metre swimming pool, outdoor heated spa, fully equipped gymnasium, squash and tennis courts, two restaurants, two cafes and bars.

PHONE : +61 6 9297 0777.

The sequence of holes from the par-5 2nd, which runs along the edge of Magenta Beach, to the dogleg right par-4 6th hole will certainly get your juices flowing. The best of these holes is the long par-3 4th hole, which looks like it has been cut from a course on the west coast of Ireland, shipped out by boat and dropped in the ground at Magenta Shores. High, fescue grasscovered dunes surround the green, which is also protected by bunkers and a mound cutting in front.

While the design is first rate, it would be nothing without being wellconditioned. Even at this very early stage of its life, Magenta Shores has very good playing surfaces, with the greens as good as you will find anywhere else in NSW.

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The inward nine often receives most of the accolades when anyone speaks about the Lakes course, perhaps because it was the back nine of the championship course used during the years of the Heineken Classic.

But don’t be deceived. This land may appear to have been superbly crafted by Mother Nature over the years but much of the landscape has been created by man. In fact, the first seven holes – the most links-like of all the holes – cut through and around dunes that were made by the course developers when they raised the profile of the land here to be more than nine metres above sea level.

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The immaculate presentation is complemented by the design, which has been tweaked slightly during the past few years. There has been strategic clearing of overgrown scrub in some areas, which has exposed some hidden water hazards and now gives the impression some of the tighter driving holes are more generous.

The Ross Watson-designed seaside layout, located just north of The Entrance on NSW’s Central Coast, covers beautifully undulating dunes land in between the Pacific Ocean and Tuggerah Lake.

Course superintendent Kenton Boyd and his staff have done a wonderful job in such a short space of time to get Magenta Shores looking so good.

GREEN FEE

: Private course and tee times available only for resort guests only. $75 (weekdays), $90 (weekends).

THE RESORT : Quay West Resort Magenta Shores has fully self-contained, open-plan studios, one-, two- and threebedroom villas. The villas are a short stroll from resort facilities including a Day Spa, tennis courts, Barretts Restaurant or two bars.

PHONE : +61 1800 095 764.

BONVILLE INTERNATIONAL GC & RESORT

MAGENTA SHORES

Australia’s newest course makes its to No.6 and, many of those who have already sampled it might suggest it is destined for higher accolades.

iGolf_pg24-40.indd Sec1:29

For years Bonville International has been widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places to play in Australia.

But it seems every time the NSW North Coast course is mentioned, the phrase “course conditioning” has never been too far behind.

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feature In fact, so much has been written over the years declaring Bonville’s condition has “improved markedly” or “the course is now realising its potential”, that Bonville’s presentation is hardly going to rate a mention here.

Bonville, about 10 minutes drive south of Coffs Harbour, is arguably in the best condition it has ever been in, which is one reason why the layout, which is often unfairly tagged Australia’s version of Augusta, continues to improve in our Best 25 Resort Courses ranking. Its high position in the ranking – has little to do with its presentation and a lot to do with a subtle change to the routing and the addition of an exciting new hole to the course.

The par-73 is now played as a par-72 with the old par-4 2nd dropped from regular play to become a spare hole during renovations. It has been replaced by a par-3, which becomes the 17th hole, that may be the shortest on the course but it is the most drama charged.

Measuring just 142-metres from the championship markers, the new 17th hole calls for a tee shot to carry a small lake that covers the entire front edge of a wide but quite shallow putting surface. The trick here is to judge the club selection just right as it is slightly uphill to the green from the tee.

This new hole certainly adds some spice to the final journey to the clubhouse, while dropping the 2nd hole is a little disappointing (some would have suggested the par-3 that now plays as the 5th hole would have been a better choice) the opening sequence of holes remains very good.

GREEN FEE

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: AUD$99 – twin share cart (midweek), AUD$115 twin share cart (weekend).

THE RESORT : Bonville has 30 resort and executive suites overlooking the 1st fairway. There is a tennis court and men’s and ladies bath houses within the clubhouse. The multi-award-winning Flooded Gums Restaurant features a modern Australian menu and is worth the trip to Bonville alone.

PHONE : +61 2 6653 4002.

HYATT REGENCY COOLUM RESORT

Hyatt Regency Coolum is another of our resort courses to become a major tournament venue in recent years.

Watching the way our best players cruise around the Sunshine Coast layout with the winner piecing together a 17 or 18-under-par total for the Australian PGA championship, makes the course appear seemingly easier than it really is.

The course isn’t … it’s just the players are very good.

They also make a mockery of some of the stories that have been written into Hyatt Coolum folklore. Like the gentleman who returned to the pro-shop twice during his round after running out of balls or the Japanese couple who drowned two dozen balls between them whilst playing the long par-4 18th hole.

Hyatt Coolum, which has been one of the top resort courses in the country has developed a reputation over the years for being tough on your average player.

But, like most of the resort courses listed here, the playing areas are generous. However, unlike most of the resort courses among these pages, the penalty for veering too far off line is severe.

Robert Trent Jones Jr’s design winds 6,326 metres through more than 50 hectares of lakes and bushland. As well as water, Coolum has plenty of sand, some choking rough and greens that call for accurate approach shots.

■ Bonville International has improved on its ranking for the third consecutive time.

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■ Hyatt Coolum’s par-3 6th is one of many memorable holes on the Sunshine Coast layout.

The variety of the holes at Coolum is one of its outstanding features.

The par-3s are all vastly different in length and the demands placed on your tee shot.

Hope Island’s move from No.7 to No.9 is more a signal that other courses have lifted their game and made huge improvements in presentation and design, like Bonville International for example.

No two par-4s could possibly be mistaken for the other. Trent Jones Jnr has created some brutes at Coolum – the closing par-4 18th being the most memorable – but he has also slotted in some shorter, innocuous looking two-shotters to make the journey even more interesting.

Hope Island has undergone major changes along the way, with all its greens being converted from the original Bent grass to the hardier Bermuda 328 just over five years ago. This change alone has ensured Hope Island will remain a top-10 course in this ranking for a long time to come.

One of the best examples of Trent Jones Jnr’s ‘sleeper’ holes is the short 5th hole. Measuring 316 metres from the back markers, the 5th has a relatively narrow fairway wedged between a row of trees left and marshland to the right. The green looks much closer than it is when you are standing on the tee and long hitters are often tempted into having a crack with the driver, much to their peril.

And, of course, there are the memorable holes that keep visiting golfers heading back to Hope Island, with arguably its best offerings coming on the back nine.

GREEN FEE

GREEN FEE : AUD$130 (inc. GPS cart).

THE RESORT : Two bedroom apartments are available overlooking the golf course for a minimum two-night stay.

PHONE : +61 7 5530 9030.

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HOPE ISLAND RESORT

The 471-metre 18th hole is a wonderful closer that requires you to plot a course around and over strategically placed pot bunkers, whilst trying to avoid hitting into the lake that lines the left of the fairway. More bunkers and mounds surround the green, capping off a memorable end to your round.

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: AUD$100 restricted to resort guests only, except for occasional Open competition events.

THE RESORT : Hyatt Coolum is Australia’s biggest resort with 324 suites and villas, seven restaurants, the acclaimed Sun Spa and its own beach. There are also nine pools, a tennis and fitness centre as well as Camp Hyatt for the kids.

PHONE : +61 7 5446 1234

The 369-metre 13th is The Links’ best – a dogleg left around a lake to a green that has a ridge running through it. It also has a bunch of fairway pits – the round, crater-like bunkers that have become synonymous over the years with Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett designs. The reward for hitting a drive as close to the water as you dare is a much shorter approach to the green.

Hope Island as it is arguably in the best condition it has ever been in, while the links-style design created by Peter Thomson, Mike Wolveridge and Ross Perrett remains a real favourite with visiting golfers toQueensland’s Gold Coast.

■ The sun sets over Hope Island and the fantastic par-5 18th hole.

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3/23/07 10:24:03 AM

feature RYDGES CAPRICONRN RESORT (Championship course) Among the impressive list of layouts ranked here, Capricorn International’s Championship course is arguably the most underrated and underplayed.

This can perhaps be attributed to its isolated location – the Rydges Capricorn Resort is near Yeppoon, about 45km north east of Rockhampton on Queensland’s midnorth. But those players, especially those from interstate, who do find their way to Rydges Capricorn and sample the challenging Championship layout, can be excused for keeping the place a huge secret.

■ The bunkering at Club Pelican is some of the finest to come from designers Greg Norman and Bob Harrison.

CLUB PELICAN

The past five years has seen considerable changes to Club Pelican – on and off the course.

The Sunshine Coast course was purchased by Titanium Enterprises in 2004 and the name was promptly changed to Club Pelican. Since then, only small changes have been made to the course with several bunkers being redesigned to the sod-rivetted style common on Scottish links courses.

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Since the change of owners took effect, dozens more homes have been built around the edges of the layout, which has filled in most of the landscape surrounding the course.

Another major change off the course occurred in December 2005 with the opening of the Ramada Pelican Waters, an international hotel just a chip shot from the clubhouse entrance. This change has seen Club Pelican move from our Public Access Courses ranking into the Resort Courses ranking, where it debuts at No.10.

Designed by Karl Litten – a little-known American now aged in his 70s, who used to work alongside Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin – Capricorn is a monstrous 6,644 metres from the back markers and is beautifully routed through natural bush and towering strands of trees as well as protected wetlands.

While its length alone puts it into the ‘challenging’ class, Litten’s design calls for more than brute strength to set up a good round. His use of bunkering, hazards and the shape of some of the holes, demand good strategy but he doesn’t take the driver out of a player’s hands ... except for those incredibly long hitters.

Normally a resort course will start with a gentle opener. Not here. The 1st hole is a monster 555-metre par-5, where your drive must negotiate a massive gum tree on the inside of the dogleg right. This is followed by a tough par-4, a sharp dogleg right offering that measures 413 metres from the tips, while the 3rd hole is a 195 metre par-3 featuring a raised green surrounded by seven bunkers.

Litten’s creative design is complemented by wonderful conditioning, which has been amazingly maintained despite the harsh drought conditions affecting the area.

GREEN FEE

To look at the Club Pelican site today – with the Greg Norman and Bob Harrison-designed course, adjoining homes and the Ramada hotel – it is hard to imagine that 10 years ago it was flood prone swampland.

Club Pelican’s first six holes are superb. There is nothing daunting in terms of length but you have to strategically place your shots to earn a good score. One of the more memorable holes from this sequence is the short par-4 2nd, a 287-metre hole where the fairway sits diagonally to your approach from the tee. A drive of more than 240 metres will inevitably find the first of six bunkers placed short and left of the sloping putting surface.

: $AUD74 (18 holes), $60 for resort guests. Unlimited daily golf is $110 for visitors, $95 resort guests.

THE RESORT: Set on 20km of secluded coral reef coastline, the resort offers something for everyone. The Resort’s facilities include stylish dining concepts, 25 free activities, water sports, horse riding, wetland tours and rainforest canoe adventures.

PHONE : +61 1300 857 922.

Considering the land Norman and Harrison were faced with, they have produced a wonderful golf course that will continue to impress.

GREEN FEE : AUD$150 (inc. GPS cart).

THE RESORT : Ramada Pelican Waters overlooks the course and includes a restaurant, bars, health club and tennis courts, day spa and pools.

PHONE : +61 7 5437 5000.

■ The approach into the par-4 13th hole on the Rydges Capricorn Championship course is one of the layout’s most memorable views.

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3/23/07 10:24:35 AM

■ The par-5 10th at The Vintage is a good example of the power and accuracy required to play this Greg Norman-designed layout well.

THE HERITAGE G&CC (St. John course)

THE VINTAGE

While Jack Nicklaus will always be remembered for his great power-hitting as a player, he was also a great strategist. As a course designer he incorporates the same attributes into his designs.

When the par-71 layout opened in 2002, it would easily have rated as one of the most difficult in the land, thanks to its tight, thick rough-lined fairways, cavernous bunkering and overall length.

Visitors will be immediately struck by the view from the front of the impressive clubhouse. The different shades of green on the course – lush, strip cut couch fairways, fast running bent greens and the long, dark fescue rough – are clearly defined from one another. There is little doubt where the fairway ends and the rough starts on each hole.

But The Vintage has undergone significant changes in recent years with some tweaking of the design, including the removal of some trees and thinning out of rough areas, to ‘soften’ its ferocity.

Long native grasses are still a feature around The Vintage, but key areas have been cut down or thinned out to keep play moving. A tongue of rough eating into the 6th fairway just short of the green was once thick with golden hay-like grass. Miscued approaches into the 417-metre par-4 were once gobbled up in an instant. Today, the tussocks of grass are sparse and the area is a sandy wasteland.

The management of The Vintage have got the course set up right these days and the layout now offers an enjoyable experience not punctuated by constantly looking for miscued shots in the long rough.

In terms of the design, strategy is the order of the day. As Nicklaus once said: “My number one goal, then, in terms of creating individual shot values, is to make the player use his mind ahead of his muscles”. And so it is at The Heritage. But it is important you tackle the course from the appropriate tee to fully understand the challenge Nicklaus was creating with each hole.

Nicklaus presents five teeing grounds at each hole because, according to Nicklaus, “no one in golf forces anyone else to bite off more than he can comfortably chew”.

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For example, the 356-metre par-4 2nd is an L-shaped dogleg right hole bordered by Casuarina trees left and right. When the course first opened the trees cut well in from the right of the driving line creating an incredibly tight driving hole. Some of the trees and undergrowth have since been removed to make this a fairer hole.

The 90-odd white, fine sandy bunkers present yet another stark colour contrast to the various shades of brown of the surrounding hills of the Yarra Valley. Colour aside, the presentation is superb, despite the need for some rain, which is the case for most courses featured in this year’s ranking.

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The Vintage celebrates its fifth year of play in 2007 and here the Greg Norman and Bob Harrison design makes its debut appearance in our 25 Best Resort Courses ranking.

To play The Heritage well, players must think their way from tee to green successfully, which can prove more mentally draining than physically exhausting.

GREEN FEE

GREEN FEE : THE RESORT :

PHONE

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:

AUD$85 (weekdays), AUD$110 (weekends) inc. cart.

Surrounded by vineyards, the Grand Mercure features one- or two-bedroom luxury apartments. Facilities include an award winning restaurant, swimming pool, spa, fitness and massage facilities and tennis courts. +61 2 4998 6789.

: AUD$120 (weekdays), AUD$132 (weekends) inc. cart.

Restricted to hotel guests only. Member’s guests, $85.

THE RESORT : The Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley offers 96 superbly appointed guestrooms and six suites complete with spa and balconies. Guests have access to the St John course, Heritage Retreat and Dayspa.

PHONE : +61 3 9760 3300.

3/23/07 10:24:50 AM

feature

■ The hills surrounding Melbourne’s Yarra Valley frame the picturesque design work of Jack Nicklaus on the St Johns course at The Heritage.

SANTUARY COVE (Pine course)

Arnold Palmer’s only design in this country remains one of the toughest challenges in Australian golf.

The Sands, Torquay makes its appearance in our 25 Best Resort Courses ranking with the opening of resort-style accommodation overlooking the 1st fairway.

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Located on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, The Sands Torquay is a fabulous links layout designed by Stuart Appleby in collaboration with 200course veteran Brit Stenson from International Management Group Design.

It is eight years since more than AUD$2 million was spent on changing the greens from Bent grass to Bermuda and the putting surfaces now rate as some of the best in Queensland.

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With an Australian Course Rating of 76 against its par of 72, the 6,681metre layout can easily bring the best player to his or her knees, with a combination of heavily tree-lined holes and those flanked by water hazards.

TAN SANDS, TORQUAY

Despite its fall from No.10 in this ranking in 2005 to No.14, the Pines course remains one of the best presented layouts in the listing.

The design team really couldn’t miss with the relatively blank canvas provided to them by owners Paddy and Helen Handbury, who purchased the 195-hectare site in 1999. The land had previously been used for farming, while a small parcel of the property was once the Torquay rubbish tip.

Some of our reader judges, while being impressed with the condition of the Gold Coast layout, have suggested the Pines’ slight drop in the ranking is due to the emergence of other courses with a greater ‘wow factor’.

Set on undulating land and separated from the ocean by huge coastal dunes, The Sands has vast tracts of exposed areas one imagines are windswept at least 363 days a year.

GREEN FEE : $160 inc. cart. Restricted to hotel guests only.

THE RESORT : Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove is a five-star hotel within a few minutes’ walk of the marina and both the Pines and Palms courses.

PHONE : 61 7 5577 6151.

As is the case with most new courses built in Australia today, The Sands is part of a multi-million residential development, with the front nine snaking through the housing areas, which lie on the less exposed, flatter areas of the property. Wetlands, weirs and lakes also feature between the homes and the holes of the outward half.

■ The long par-4 11th is certainly the toughest and arguably the best hole on the Stuart Appleby-designed The Sands, Torquay.

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3/23/07 10:25:16 AM

■ Joondalup’s Quarry/Lakes course makes its debut in the Best Resort Course ranking in 2007.

The undeniable feature of The Sands is its bunkering. Each fairway is dominated by these sandy hazards of varying shapes, depths and sizes.

Every putting surface is squeezed between, or behind, at least two sandy pits. There are 138 bunkers at The Sands and it is testimony to the design team that not one of them seems out of place.

There is no doubt Appleby’s design team was influenced by Dr Alister Mackenzie’s bunker work in the Melbourne sand-belt. This is not only evident in the actual bunkering but the deception of distance created by their placement.

GREEN FEE : AUD$75.

THE RESORT : Golf Retreats Victoria offers luxury self-contained accommodation overlooking the 1st fairway. Each property features modern gourmet kitchen, open plan living areas, ensuite bathrooms and sensational views.

The Torquay retreats are within walking distance to the clubhouse bar and restaurant. There is also a children’s playground, swimming pool, BBQ Area and tennis court.

PHONE : +61 3 5264 8801.

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The Quarry nine’s combination with the Dunes nine has reigned supreme for a third time in this ranking finishing No.1 once again. The Quarry/Lakes course 18-hole combination also appears in our ranking of the nation’s Best Resort Courses.

The Lakes nine has perhaps, unfairly, been deemed the least inspiring of the three nine-hole layouts for some time simply because the Quarry and Dunes layouts are so good.

But the Lakes has some wonderful holes even if the surrounding spread of suburbia is more evident to the sides of some fairways. The opening hole, a 387-metre uphill par- 4, is certainly no pushover, while the 2nd is a terrific short two-shotter where your drive must avoid a blind steep slope off to the right of the fairway.

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At 435 metres from the back pegs, the 11th is the longest two-shotter on the course but, thankfully, it is most often played downwind. This is a beautifully designed hole laid out on the edge of the dunes. Heading gently uphill past a small outcrop of Moonah trees, the fairway splits around a natural slope and an ideal spot to carve out some bunkers. The second shot approach to this green, in terms of club selection, is a difficult one because you can’t see the bottom of the flag and the putting surface is quite deep.

Joondalup’s Quarry nine seems to hog all the accolades when anything is written or said about the 27-hole complex in Perth’s northern suburbs.

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The front nine certainly stimulates the senses but it is left to the back nine to really fire up the excitement. There is not a weak hole on the homeward trek, with the stretch of holes from the par-4 11th to the par-4 15th being the premier choices among some quality holes.

JOONDALUP CC & RESORT (Quarry/Lakes course)

Perhaps the best of the par-4s is the short uphill 6th, which tempts the big hitter into taking on the ten bunkers that lie short of the large putting surface.

The Quarry/Lakes course combination doesn’t have the intense challenge on every hole that is offered by the Quarry/Dunes layout but it is no less an enjoyable and memorable golfing experience.

GREEN FEE

: AUD$110 (weekdays), AUD$140 (weekends).

Resort guests $80 (seven days).

THE RESORT : The Joondalup Resort is five-star with 70 rooms and suites, six well-equipped function rooms, two bars and a restaurant boasting inside and al fresco dining overlooking the lagoon style pool. The resort also has a business centre, baby-sitting service, a gymnasium, walking track, tennis courts and a volleyball green.

PHONE : +61 8 9400 8811.

3/23/07 10:25:24 AM

feature

■ The par-3 8th at Horizons is capable putting a big dent in your scorecard before reaching the turn.

LE MEILLEUR HORIZONS RESORT

When receivers moved in to manage Horizons Golf Resort in March 2004, many thought it would be the beginning of the end for the course.

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36 But just over a year later, and despite the odds, a new owner in the Korean-based Le Meilleur Pty Ltd was found and the Port Stephens resort was saved.

As is normally the case when a new owner takes over a golf course or resort, the condition of the layout can suffer as the new management try to trim costs where possible. This has not happened at Horizons, where the course is as good as it was prior to hosting the ANZ Championship in early 2004.

There has never been any question about the quality of the design at Horizons. Laid out through vast tracts of wetlands, the undulating but generously wide fairways are punctuated by cleverly placed bunkering.

The wetlands come into play on many holes, especially the opening holes to both nines. But the scrubby hazard is perhaps at its most intimidating as you stand on the tee of the 153-metre par-3 8th. With the wetland hazard encroaching from the right and wrapping around the back of the green, the urge is to not over club from the tee. This brings the bunker 10 metres short of the putting surface well and truly into play.

GREEN FEE : AUD$89 inc. cart. Carts compulsory on weekends.

THE RESORT : Fully-serviced, self-contained condominiums fringe the course, while resort apartments. There is a tennis court, BBQ area, swimming pool, sauna, spa and massage/facial facilities.

PHONE : +61 2 4982 0502.

One of the first duties of the new owner was to upgrade their course maintenance equipment and that had an immediate effect on the look of the Graham Marsh/Ross Watson-designed par-72 layout.

■ The Vines’ Ellenbrook course is arguably in the best condition it has been presented in for several years.

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3/23/07 10:26:45 AM

■ Despite the long running drought, Cypress Lakes’ playing surfaces remain in fantastic shape.

THE VINES RESORT & CO (Ellenbrook course)

There is so much to like about the Ellenbrook course at The Vines Resort & Country Club, particularly now that its conditioning is first class.

Another par-5/par-3 combination on the back nine will also excite. The 540-metre par-5 12th requires players to avoid a tall eucalyptus in the ideal driving line. A series of diagonally placed cross-bunkers complicate the second shot but it is advised to lay up in the right of the fairway.

Club selection is the vital ingredient to make three at the par-3 13th, which measures 230-metres from back markers. It is crucial that your tee shot finishes below the hole on this steep sloping green. A hint of a slice (for right-handers) with your tee shot will inevitably finish in one of the eight bunkers hugging the right of the green.

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The big dry gripping most of NSW is being felt hard in the Hunter Valley but an irrigation program where the resort, and many nearby wineries, is connected to a pipeline that draws water from the Hunter River has benefited the course.

This, and a water usage program implemented by course superintendent Merv Haywood, has helped resurrect the layout in recent years.

Serious golfers will appreciate the Cypress Lakes test. The layout, designed by American Steve Smyers, stretches 6,359 metres from the plates, over undulating (and, during summer, extremely fast running) ground.

To complement the continued improvement in condition was a move last year to re-route the course.

The course now starts from what was the par-5 10th hole and follows the remaining holes of the ‘old’ back nine. The new routing then really offers a different spin – the dogleg right 345-metre par-4 10th, formerly the 6th hole, takes golfers around the base of the hill housing the resort villas.

The design is very good and in recent times the fairway and greenside conditioning has improved markedly on the Ellenbrook layout to complement the quality of the holes.

One of the most picturesque holes at Cypress Lakes follows. The par-3 11th measures just 140 metres from the championship plates but there is little room for error, especially to the left or short of the green, which is cut into the side of a hill.

GREEN FEE : AUD$99. Discounts available for resort guests.

THE RESORT : The Novotel Vines Resort Hotel has 103 hotel rooms as well as 54 fully self-contained apartments. There is a 25-metre swimming pool, outdoor heated spa, fully equipped gymnasium, squash and tennis courts, two restaurants, two cafes and bars.

PHONE : +61 8 9297 0777.

GREEN FEE : $84 (Mon-Thurs), $98 (Fri-Sun) inc. cart.

THE RESORT : Cypress Lakes has more than 200 five-star villas ranging from one- to four-bedrooms in size. There are two tennis courts, two swimming pools, a gym, sauna and spa. The world renowned Golden Door Spa is also on-site.

PHONE : +61 2 4993 1555.

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Ellenbrook boasts some fabulous holes including the 536-metre par-5 3rd, where two massive blows are needed to venture beyond the bunkers lining the ‘lay-up zone’ en route to the green. You will also need to be hitting strongly when you reach the 174-metre par-3 5th, where club selection is vital to avoiding the sand or rolling off the steep slopes front and back.

It is testament to the hard work of Cypress Lakes’ course maintenance crew that the NSW resort is ranked No.19 ranking in the face of a worsening drought and the emergence of some exciting newcomers.

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Nine of the holes (1, 2 and 12 to 18) were designed by Graham Marsh and then partner Ross Watson back in the early ’90s and were used as the front nine for the Heineken Classic. Marsh returned a few years later to overss construction of a fourth nine to complete the Ellenbrook layout.

the Vines resort & Co (Ellenbrook course)

3/23/07 10:26:56 AM

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NOOSA SPRING RESORT

Noosa Springs makes its appearance in the 25 Best Resort Courses ranking, after celebrating the opening of the first stage of its resort accommodation last year.

Located less than five minutes’ drive from Noosa Heads’ cosmopolitan Hastings St, Noosa Springs winds its way across gently undulating terrain, through pockets of rainforest, along lake banks, through Bloodwood forests, before opening up to fairways flanked by Melaleuca trees.

Designed by Graham Papworth, Noosa Springs is not a long layout at 6,189 metres from the tips. But what it lacks in distance it more than makes up for in placing demands on strategy and club selection.

Some of the best holes at Noosa Springs can be found on the front nine.

The 339-metre par-4 2nd is visually stunning with national park and the beautiful Lake Weyba to be found beyond the out-of-bounds fence just metres from the left edge of the fairway.

Water plays more than a visual role on the trio of par-4s – the 5th, 6th and 7th – that line a large lake. While the lake is intimidating, Papworth makes sure there is enough room for golfers of all abilities to safely navigate their way from tee to green without incurring a penalty.

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GREEN FEE : AUD$110 inc. cart.

THE RESORT : The brand new Noosa Springs Resort, with twothree-bedroom apartments, overlooks the 1st fairway.

Tennis courts and a pilates studio are on site. At the time of writing, the resort was due to open a world class Day Spa and fitness centre.

PHONE : +61 7 5440 33

■ The Wangara/Aroona combination of holes at Royal Pines Resort requires accuracy over length, for a successful round.

ROYAL PINES RESORT (Wangara/Aroona course) Royal Pines Resort makes an entry into our Resort Courses ranking after the opening of nine new holes in 2004.

The new nine, Wangara (meaning west wind), when combined with the Aroona nine (which plays as the back nine for the ANZ Ladies Masters) provides the most interesting mix of holes at the resort.

The usual high standard of presentation remains, but Marsh’s new holes feature more dynamic bunkering and the massive, undulating greens certainly make putting a more complicated exercise.

While the Wangara nine is not long, there are nearly 50 bunkers and nine lakes scattered throughout, so accuracy is a must from tee to green.

The standout holes are certainly the par-3 2nd, which calls for a water carry all the way to the green, and the twin par-5s the 3rd and 5th. Both are genuine three-shotters for most players, who need to plot a way to the green between the penal bunkers en route.

The Aroona nine certainly climaxes with the closing hole – a 430-metre par-4 that narrows up between two bunkers on either side of the driving zone and calls for a long approach to a clover-shaped green guarded by more sand. It’s no wonder there have been so many dramatic finishes in the Ladies Masters on this hole.

GREEN FEE : AUD$110 inc. cart.

THE RESORT : Royal Pines has 330 luxury rooms and suites with either panoramic course, garden, hinterland or Gold Coast views. There are seven tennis courts, a swimming pool, health club, Day Spa and a kids club.

PHONE : +61 1800 886 880.

■ Luxury accommodation on-site has Noosa Springs debuting in our Resort Course ranking at No.20.

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3/23/07 10:27:27 AM

SEA TEMPLE G&CC

It does have to be seen to be believed – a links-style course in the tropics.

The formerly named The Links, Port Douglas, was purchased by the Juniper Development Group, owners of the adjoining Sea Temple Resort & Spa, in July 2005.

Designed by Mike Wolveridge and opened in 2000, the links course lies a pitch from Four Mile Beach and has the Great Dividing Range as a majestic backdrop.

The greens at Sea Temple are undoubtedly its starring feature. “Players of all abilities should be able to fashion approach shots into greens that don’t require the ball to hit and spin back,” Wolveridge said. “The links style is for greens to allow for a pitch and run shot to be played, and that’s what has been created here.”

GREEN FEE : $110 inc. cart.

THE RESORT : The resort offers 194 studio rooms or two- and threebedroom apartments as well as villas to choose from.

There is a Day Spa, swimming pools, gym and restaurant.

PHONE : +61 7 4087 2222.

MURRAY DOWNS G&CC RESORT

There are wide opened couch fairways with strategically placed bunkers and trees in most landing areas. No two holes run in the same direction and the wide open spaces leave the course susceptible to wind, making this 6,197-metre layout a monster from the championship markers.

There are some difficult holes at Murray Downs, but the 194-metre par3 5th is by far the hardest and subsequently is rated No 1 on the card.

Standing next to the medal markers can send a shiver up your spine as you look toward the flag and see nothing but water, sand and more water.

The 16th and 17th holes are all worthy of mention here. The 472-metre par-5 16th is a tight three-shotter with water left and sand right from the tee, making par a good score. The 17th, a 376-metre par-4, is arguably the best hole on the course with bunkers left and right from the elevated tee while the second shot has to be played across water to a gently undulating green.

GREEN FEE : AUD$35.

THE RESORT : The resort has 50 family-sized rooms and two-bedroom units. There is a heated tropical pool, indoor heated spa pool, toddlers pool, spa and lawn tennis court.

PHONE : +61 3 5033 1422.

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YARRAWONGA & BORDER CC (Murray course)

Like Murray Downs, the Yarrawonga & Border CC is hoping rain comes sooner rather than later. But the club is doing as best it can with what it has got and the results are still pretty good.

That said, Murray Downs’ course maintenance team has done remarkably well to keep the standard of presentation relatively high, given the lack of rain.

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This is probably reflected in the course, located five minutes’ drive north of Swan Hill on the Murray River, dropping seven places from No.16 in 2005.

Designed by Ted and Geoff Parslow, Murray Downs is an impressive course you will want to play more than once.

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Of all the entries in this year’s ranking of the nation’s 25 Best Resort Courses, Murray Downs is one of the most affected by the record drought.

While wild shots will find some very dry areas away from the fairways, the playing surfaces remain very good. In fact, the Penncross Bent grass greens are excellent and are usually trimmed tight to provide a slick surface.

■ The red bunker sand is a colourful feature of the Murray Downs layout.

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3/23/07 10:27:40 AM

feature

■ Yarrawonga’ Murray course has managed to improve one spot despite the worsening drought along the Murray River.

In 2005 the Murray course was looking a little tired and unkempt in some areas. But when we visited the layout in early 2006, the Murray course’s presentation was outstanding. The greens, in particular, were all in superb condition, which was even more surprising considering the thousands of golfers that trudge over them every week.

The Peter Thomson/Mike Wolveridge designed Murray layout celebrates its 21st birthday in 2007, having been opened in 1986 with an exhibition match between Thomson and his old mate Kel Nagle.

Laid out beside the Murray River, the Murray course has a distinctive Australian feel to it – thanks to the towering River and Red gums that line the fairways and the lagoons that attract a plethora of birdlife.

Some of the best holes can be found early in the round when the layout reaches the north bank of the mighty river. The 470-metre par-5 runs along the river bank with only a row of river gums and wattles separating the left of the fairway from the water while the right is heavily treed. The approach

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It is easy to see why it took less than a year between the land being purchased and the course opening for play as Thomson and Wolveridge left as much of the land alone as they could.

to the elevated green is tricky with a large gum and bunker guarding the putting surface.

At the very next hole the Murray course bares its teeth with a classic par-4 of 382 metres. Three large mounds to the right of the driving zone, forces the tee shot left but from this angle the approach is difficult with trees, water and sand to contend with on the approach.

GREEN FEE : AUD$36 (Sun-Fri), AUD$42 (Sat).

THE RESORT : All full-self-contained accommodation in a choice of cabins, apartments or luxury suites, all with either course or bushland views. There are tennis courts, a swimming pool and bowling greens on site.

PHONE : +61 3 5744 3983.

RYDGES CAPRICORN (Resort course)

The Peter Thomson and Michael Wolveridge-designed layout moved into the ranking courtesy of improvements in its presentation.

As has been noted previously in this feature, several courses have suffered at the hands of the long-running drought and the two courses at Rydges Capricorn are no different. But some rain in recent times has seen the Resort course’s playing surfaces improve.

The Resort course is not a taxing golfing experience – making it the perfect complement to the much harder Championship course – with generous fairways and big greens.

However, there are some difficult offerings. For example, the 202-metre par-3 5th requires a solid fairway metal tee shot over ground that dips and rises toward the putting surface. Its large green is typical of those throughout the course: the breaks are subtle and always difficult to read.

While the fairways are wide, so too are the cuts of rough. So you won’t lose too many balls. But trying to hit your ball from the thick Couch grass rough can be penalty enough.

GREEN FEE : AUD$74 (18 holes), AUD$60 for resort guests.

Unlimited daily golf is AUD$110 for visitors, AUD$95 for resort guests.

THE RESORT : Set on 20km of secluded coral reef coastline, the resort has a wide selection of rooms, apartments and suites.

The Resort’s facilities include water sports, horse riding and poolside massages.

■ The Resort course at Rydges Capricorn is an enjoyable layout for regular golfers and novices.

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3/26/07 10:41:31 AM

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3/23/07 12:14:22 PM

the game | tech check

Offsetting Mistakes T

he Professor offers a reader advice on whether he needs to switch from his old blade irons to a set designed to make hitting the ball easier.

Joe Thomas from Turramurra writes: “I play off a 14 handicap and have been using MacGregor blade irons for the past 20 years. I am about to invest in a new set of irons and have been advised I would improve markedly if I chose to use offset irons. What makes offset irons easier to hit than blades?”

Clubs with more offset are designed to help players overcome a slice. An offset clubhead hits the ball fractionally after a club with little or no offset. This split second allows the player to continue rotating their hands through the shot, making the clubhead square up to the target at impact.

This ultimately means that if you have a slice then an offset club will help to address your problem.

So are offset clubs easier to hit?

Firstly, let’s confirm what offset is, why we have it and then if it is right for your swing.

Offset, in golf club design terms, is a measure of where the leading edge of the clubface is relative to the leading edge of the hosel. The further behind the hosel the leading edge is, the more offset the club is.

Long irons have more offset (around 2mm in a forged 3-iron and up to 6mm in an oversized 3-iron), and the amount of offset decreases as you look through the bag to the shorter irons.

Offset as a design feature alone does not make a club easier to hit, it just makes the club a little easier to hit straight. There are far more important factors to consider if you are looking for a club, which is easier to hit than your 20-year-old blades.

First things first … before you buy your new set, attend demo days or trial the product first. Then, whatever clubs you decide to buy, make sure you get properly custom-fitted because even good technology can’t overcome poorly fitted equipment.

Most leading manufacturers have a club that fits this bill, and because many cast, perimeter-weighted models are used on Tour, these clubs can often look and feel similar to blades (which the pros like), while being easier to hit (which amateurs like).

Finally, you may also want to look at oversized heads because the bigger the head the more forgiving it will be. These types of clubs often have wider soles, which help get the ball airborne and are generally aimed at mid- to high-handicappers with slow or medium swing speeds.

The head size you select is a matter of personal preference as many players used to blades simply can’t feel confident or happy standing over such a strikingly larger clubhead.

43

What you will find, with all club options available on the market, is the amount of offset increases with the intended playability of the club. In other words, the oversize iron is going to be more offset than the cast perimeter weighted club, which in turn will have more offset than forged blades.

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So while offset is helping you hit straighter, there are many other technologies at play in finding a club that is easier to hit.

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Secondly, if you want an easier to hit set of irons, look for clubs with more perimeter weighting. This will usually be a cavity back iron that has been made using a casting process as opposed to being forged.

Having more of the weight around the perimeter of the head creates greater moment of inertia (MOI), or forgiveness. This means off-centre hits with these clubs will perform much better than off-centre hits with a blade iron.

Do you have an equipment or technology question for us?

If so, send you query addressed to insidegolf@heritagemedia.com.sg or by letter to Inside Golf, 20 Ayer Rajah Crescent #09-09/10, Singapore 139964 Forged blade irons are designed for elite players who like the shot-making benefits the sleeker head design can give them.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Offset irons, where the leading edge of the club sits behind the shaft, are designed to help the average player hit better shots more often.

iGolf_pg43.indd Sec1:43

3/23/07 10:51:06 AM

the game | in the swing

How To

FLUSH IT like Robert Allenby

I

n golfing circles Robert Allenby is known as a ‘flusher’, such is the very high quality and consistent nature of his ball-striking.

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While the majority of Touring pros are certainly very good ball-strikers, there is a small percentage of players who are generally regarded as the cream of the crop … they are the flushers.

Allenby falls into this group alongside the likes of Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Steve Elkington and Geoff Ogilvy.

To ‘flush it’ means to hit the ball out of the sweetspot of the clubface time and time again. Mis-hits are a rarity for players like Allenby and this ball-striking ability only comes from a near flawless technique and thousands of hours of practice.

While I’m sure most people reading this don’t have the time to hit the driving range for hours on end, you can improve your game markedly by adopting the correct technique and working on it when time allows.

Over the following pages I will pinpoint elements of Allenby’s swing – from his set-up to his finish position – you should be trying to copy.

iGolf_pg44-51.indd Sec2:44

THE IDEAL SET-UP Robert’s set-up is very natural to him so he looks very comfortable standing over the ball.

The most important thing to note here is Robert’s body shape. His right shoulder is lower than his left, which is indicative of his spine angle being tilted away from the target.

This has the effect of putting more angle in his right side and straightening his left side. This can be seen with the straight line from his left shoulder, down through his hip and knee, which is in contrast to his angled right side. This good body angle also puts Robert’s head ideally behind the ball, which is where it will stay throughout the swing.

With the driver, Robert’s stance has his feet positioned just outside the width of his shoulders. This creates a solid foundation for Robert’s powerful swing. Also, note how the ball is perfectly position in line with his left shoulder.

3/23/07 10:54:55 AM

THE FIRST TWO FEET

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It is often said most poor golf swings are born in the first two feet of the backswing.

For mine, never a truer statement has been made about the golf swing.

Perhaps the worst mistake average players make is to swing the club back too far in the takeaway as they have the misconception it will create a wider swing arc and increase the power they generate.

This is a myth.

In fact, it only makes you lose your body angles and, therefore, change your swing radius, which is the distance between the clubhead and your sternum during the swing.

The one thing ‘flushers’, like Robert, have in common is they maintain their body angles throughout the swing and keep a consistent swing radius.

Robert’s takeaway is a slight turn of the shoulders with no lateral body movement. Note how his hands have moved only a short distance compared with the clubhead.

3/23/07 10:55:04 AM

the game | in the swing

GETTING TO THE TOP

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Perhaps the most noticeable aspect of Robert’s backswing at this point is that his left arm is not perfectly straight, which is another misconception many average golfers possess.

A vast percentage of players believe their left arm (for right-handers) should be dead straight during the swing because that’s what they have read or seen in swing sequence photographs like these.

But, as this photo shows, the left arm doesn’t have to be rigidly straight. Robert’s shoulders, arms and hands are obviously as relaxed as they were at address, which is important in the process of making a full turn.

It is also worth noting that Robert’s body angles have not changed as his body starts loading into his right side.

3/23/07 10:55:11 AM

AT THE TOP

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Robert’s slightly bent left arm is still evident at the top of the backswing.

At this point of the swing, Robert shatters another commonly held view that your backswing needs to reach parallel (club shaft in relation to the ground) to be powerful.

Robert averages 269 metres (294 yards) from the tee, which is proof swing length doesn’t always play a major role in shot distance.

He has completed a full shoulder turn so his back is now pointing at the target, but his hips have only turned half of that distance. This resistance created by his coiling body will unleash its power within a split second.

3/23/07 10:55:15 AM

the game | in the swing

AT THE TOP

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Robert’s slightly bent left arm is still evident at the top of the backswing.

At this point of the swing, Robert shatters another commonly held view that your backswing needs to reach parallel (club shaft in relation to the ground) to be powerful. Robert averages 269 metres (294 yards) from the tee, which is proof swing length doesn’t always play a major role in shot distance.

He has completed a full shoulder turn so his back is now pointing at the target, but his hips have only turned half of that distance. This resistance created by his coiling body will unleash its power within a split second.

3/23/07 10:55:21 AM

FLUSHED IT!

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Centimetres from impact, Robert’s clubhead is just inside the target line.

His right elbow is still in nice and close to his body and you can see through the gap with his left arm (pic, top left). Perfect!

Robert’s position at impact is, again, spot on. As his body has uncoiled from its position at the top of the backswing, he has swung down into the ball with the club out in front of his body at all times. This has resulted in perfect impact.

It is interesting to see the effect Robert’s body rotation through impact has on his arms. At impact, the top of his left arm is in close to his torso and his right arm starts to come away from the body and rotate over the left (pic, bottom left).

Robert is also one of a host of top players, including Annika Sorenstam and David Duval, who allow their head to follow their turning body through impact, which dispells that other great misconception of “keep your head still”.

3/23/07 10:55:24 AM

the game | in the swing

FOLLOW-THROUGH

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With all the stored power now expended, Robert’s uncoiling upper body has finally caught up with his hips and both now face the target.

The rotation of the right arm over the left, which started a split second after impact, has continued with the right wrist now almost covering the left wrist.

If you look back at the photographs of Robert’s backswing, you will see how his left knee is always positioned under his left shoulder as his weight shifts back. Now on the followthrough, with his weight moving forward, his right knee can be found directly beneath his right shoulder.

3/23/07 10:55:34 AM

POSE FOR THE CAMERA

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Again, with the swing finished and the ball well on its way, Robert’s right knee can be seen directly under his right shoulder. This is a key point to examine as it is indicative of the great balance Robert has throughout his swing.

Robert’s balance at the end of his swing is so good that he could probably hold this position for several minutes, as if he was posing for a photograph.

You can only get this type of control over your body movement and swing through good technique. As I have shown, Robert’s technique is almost flawless and his swing is certainly one to model your swing on.

3/23/07 10:55:37 AM

the game

SNAPSHOT 1

2

ADAM SCOTT 2005 MASTERCARD MASTERS

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STATS World Ranking

No.4 (as of 18 March 2007)

Career victories

10

Major titles

Nil.

Top number

Scoring average, 69.11, ranking 3rd US PGA Tour 2006

Weakest link

Putts per round 29.86, ranked 173rd US PGA Tour 2006

3

4 5

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HITTING CRISP WEDGES Left shoulder is higher than the right, which indicates Adam’s spine angle has ideally been maintained during the swing.

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Adam’s extension down to the ball is superb and doesn’t change from driver to pitching wedge.

2

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The pitch is a scoring shot so accuracy is of extreme importance. That is why Adam’s hands remain quiet through impact and there is no ‘rollover’ release of the wrists, which you might associate with a power shot.

Adam’s pitch has left a very shallow divot. Shallow divots are the result of a better ball strike and equate to greater distance control.

4

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5

Adam’s pitching stance is much narrower than his normal stance and it is aligned slightly left of the target.

3/23/07 11:23:54 AM

the game | the rules

I’ll Be Bunkered L

illy from Barwon Heads writes in, stating that she has just taken up golf and would like clarification on four matters that she has faced involving bunkers.

Andrew Langford-Jones Director of Tournaments PGA Tour of Australasia

1. “My ball was in a bunker and I retrieved the rake from the other end of the bunker before playing my shot and in doing so smoothed out my footprints prior to playing my shot. Was this OK?” 2. “The ball, after being played, remained in the bunker but before I played my next shot I raked out the mess from my first shot. Was this OK?” 3. “On another occasion my ball rolled into a bunker and lodged up against a rake that had been left on the back slope of the bunker. When I removed the rake the ball rolled closer to the hole. Was I entitled to play the ball from where it finished?”

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54 4. “Finally, on a wet day my ball rolled into a bunker and finished in water at the base of the bunker. Unfortunately there was nowhere to drop my ball in the bunker without being in the water. Was I entitled to a free drop outside the bunker?”

Lilly you have asked four very good questions and I will attempt to answer them separately.

1. No. Under Rule 13-4, a player must not test the condition of a hazard prior to playing his or her shot. By raking out your footprints in retrieving the rake prior to playing your shot Lily, you have breached Rule 13-4 and thus incur a two stroke penalty.

2. Yes. Rule 13-4, however, has two exceptions. Exception 2 states, “after having made a stroke a player or his caddie may smooth sand in a hazard providing, if the ball is still in the hazard, nothing is done that improves the lie of the ball or assists the player in the subsequent play of the hole”. See Decision 13-4/36.

3. No. Under Rule 24-1a, you should, if possible, remove the rake and if the ball rolls it should be replaced in its original position. If the ball will not sit due to the slope then you should work the ball around

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■ Where possible, make sure your ball is out of the bunker before you start raking footprints.

3/23/07 10:58:05 AM

until it will sit, provided this spot is no closer to the hole than the spot where the original ball lay. If nowhere can be found in the bunker where this can occur then under Rule 28a, under stroke and distance, (a one-shot penalty) Lilly may return to where she originally played from or under equity (see Decision 20-3d/2) she would be allowed to drop out of the bunker for penalty of one shot as long as she keeps the pin and the spot where the ball finished in line.

4. Rule 25-1b talks about relief from casual water in a bunker. It states, “without penalty a player may drop his ball at the nearest point of relief in the bunker not nearer the hole”. In this case, there was nowhere to drop the ball without being in the water that was not nearer the hole.

Lilly, therefore, was left with two options: 1. In that part of the bunker that afforded maximum available relief, but was still in the water, or. 2.

Under penalty of one stroke, outside the bunker keeping the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot on, which the ball is to be dropped, with no limit to how far back the ball may be dropped.

Play It Again Sam Sam, from Western Australia, hit his ball into the trees. He then stated to his playing partner, “that’s gone I‘d better hit another”. His second tee shot finished in the middle of the fairway.

He advanced down the fairway and found his first ball on the edge of the fairway obviously having rebounded from the trees. He asks, “As I had not looked for more than five minutes was I entitled to play my original ball?”

Unfortunately Sam, Rule 27-2 states that for a ball to be a provisional ball you must inform your opponent in matchplay or your marker in strokeplay that you intend to hit a provisional ball. If you fail to do so and play another ball, that ball is not a provisional ball and becomes the ball in play and the original ball is deemed to be lost.

This sounds very much like what has occurred in your situation. Decision 27-2a/1 gives examples of statements that do not satisfy the announcing of a provisional ball.

They include: “that might be lost I am going to reload”, “that might be out of here”, “I’d better

hit another one”, I’ll never find that one, “I’ll play another”.

Bending Branches Terry, from Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula writes in asking what he should do when his ball is located under a tree. Is he permitted to bend the branches to enable him to hit his shot?

A player is entitled to fairly take his stance but must do so in the least intrusive manner that results in the minimum improvement in the position or lie of the ball, in the area intended for the stance or swing or line of play.

If, for example, instead of bending a branch to enable Terry to play his shot it was possible for him to obtain the same situation by entering from the rear of the tree then he must do so.

A player is not entitled at any time to bend branches around their legs or body in order to obtain a free swing at the ball. If, however, the only way to obtain a position to play a shot is by backing into a bush then this is permitted. See Rule 13-2.

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3/23/07 10:58:08 AM

the game | new stuff

Cobra Uncoils with Cobra Speed Pro D Driver Speed Pro Driver is the first driver designed and developed with feedback from the Cobra PGA Tour Staff and is X/Speed Tuned for extreme ball speed players. These traditional pear-shaped driver head are designed to create high launch, pro spin conditions and optimal distance. The Speed Pro D features a deep face and enhanced MOI of 4,500 for high launch and lowspin. The Speed Pro S features a shallow face and higher MOI of 4,900 for high launch and low-mid spin.

Cobra Speed LD Fairway Metal The Speed LD Fairway Metals boast an extended profile from front to back, and an increased crown slope to give deeper and lower centre of gravity, and higher MOI for high, draw-biased trajectory, and more distance and consistency from all turf conditions. Speed LD Fairway Metals are available in Speed LD F (3, 5, 7-wood), Speed LD M Offset Seniors’ (3, 5, 7, 9) and Speed LD M Offset Women’s (3, 5, 7, 9).

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3/26/07 10:49:43 AM

New Speed

Cobra Golf’s venomous lunge has greater reach now with its new line of King Cobra Speed LD and Speed Pro Drivers and Fairway Metals. The Speed LD and Speed Pro are the longest, straightest most forgiving metals ever offered from Cobra.

Cobra Speed LD Driver LD is the acronym for Limit Dimensions and what this means in Cobra Golf speak is that it has pushed the Speed LD driver to the very edge of USGA size regulations. With a 5,000 moment of inertia value, the driver has the highest MOI of any all-titanium driver. It also has the largest face in golf with a milled dual rhombus face insert for maximum accuracy and distance across the Hotter 9 Points.

The Speed LD Driver also includes the exclusive Speed Tuning technology which optimises ball speeds for all player types.

Cobra Speed Pro Fairway Metal Speed Pro Fairway Metals were also driven by Tour player feedback. These metals provide a lower profile for tight fairways, neutral weighting, high launch and pro spin conditions.

The result is optimal distance for extreme ball speed players.

The thin, 275 laser-welded maraging steel face insert maximizes ball speed and the integrated swing weight screw offers correct swing weight adjustments at factory. The metals are available in 13, 15 and 18-degree lofts.

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3/23/07 10:59:53 AM

the game | new stuff

MacGregor Technology I

f there is one company that never shies away from using the industry’s top technological know-how it has to be MacGregor.

Despite its historic background, the brand keeps pushing the envelope regarding material and design to make its clubs one of the most technological enhanced there are.

The new MacGregor MACTEC NV-NX Driver reeks of rocket science through its innovative construction. The driver features a super-thin 2.6mm titanium clubface that is reinforced on the inner side by a 2cm-diameter titanium “coin” that purports to help with the trampoline effect of the club. The crown of the driver club head is a mere 0.6mm thick, helping to position weight lower, to help launch tee shots on a higher trajectory. There is an additional 17g tungsten insert in the sole to optimize CG. The 450cc driver is equipped with MacGregor’s NX Quadra Action graphite shaft that loads in different sections to offer the best boom for the buck.

■ MacGregor MACTEC NV-NX Driver

The NV-NX Drivers come in lofts of 9°, 10°, and 11°.

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Macgregor follows up the NV-NX Driver with the new MACTEC NV-NX Irons. These strong-lofted clubs feature 360-degree maraging cup face to widen the sweet spot for extra strong trajectories. The NV-NX Irons are constructed with a hollow interior employing 450 maraging steel for the cup face, and 17-4 stainless steel for the body. MacGregor has put in a unique 30g Dual Tungsten Insert system that places the weights towards the rear in the 3 – 6 irons for maximum lift, and further forward in the 7 – PW for more control. The irons come in either NV Graphite or NS Pro 950 steel shafts.

■ MacGregor’s new NV-NX iron

MacGregor MACTEC NV-NX Iron Specifications Iron

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

PW

AW

SW

Loft

20

22

24

27

30

34

38

44

49

56

Lie

61.5

61.5

62

62

62.5

63

63

64

64

64

Swing weight) (R, SR

C9

D0

D0

D2

Swing Weight (S)

D0

D1

D1

D3

iGolf_pg58-59.indd Sec1:58

3/23/07 11:01:45 AM

■ The 3 – 6 irons come with the tungsten weights closer the rear to make it easier to launch the ball.

■ The NV-NX 7 – PW irons come with tungsten weights closer to the face of the club for better control on the trajectories

■ The hollow construction of the NV-NX irons optimizes the position of the center of gravity while providing a sweet sound on impact.

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Bridgestone’s Balls

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he golf ball market is spilling over with high tech gobs that fly through the air with the greatest of power, yet is light on your wallet. New from Bridgestone, the Tour B330 and B330s wedge themselves into the upper echelons of this burgeoning industry with Tour-proven consistency.

Stuart Appleby has already powered this ball to victory on the US PGA Tour. Bridgestone (also the people behind Precept and Tourstage) has put its name on these two balls so they must feel something for them. The technological features give us every reason to believe they will perform. The Tour B330 is dressed with a soft thermoplastic urethane cover for feel, and powered by a new solid speed core for greater distances. The ionomer inner layer between the two complete the triumvirate that helps you chew up the fairway, yet land your approaches softly on the greens.

The main difference between the B330 and the B330s is predominantly in the compression – 90 in the B330 and 75 in the B330s. Available in World of Golf outlets in Singapore.

iGolf_pg58-59.indd Sec1:59

3/23/07 11:01:54 AM

the game | new stuff

Roll On Compiled by Ju K. Tan

Designers are pulling out all the stops coming up with the next “it” putter. And we’re enjoying the battle. This year, several brands have come to the fore professing their unique way of helping us make more putts. We can only sit back and enjoy the ride…and the roll.

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■ Model P

■ Model M, center-shafted mallet style

■ Model V, bent-shaft Anser style

In The Groove With Gel They’ve done it with milled faces, and they’ve done it with C-grooves.

Now Gel Golf (www.gelgolf.com) has come up with a range of putters that uses scores of parallel groove to help us hit our putts straighter. And we all know that every putt is a straight putt.

■ Model A

Gel Golf’s Groove Technology helps to impart top spin on a golf ball almost immediately upon impact, preventing it to skid or hop off line.

The company professes “independent research has indicated that Gel Putters start to impart top spin almost instantly after the ball is hit”, compared to a standard putter where the ball will skid for about 20 inches before it starts to roll.

Some key features in the Gel Putters further help to enhance the balance and feel of the lub. Aluminum inserts provide a soft sensation on impact, and the added weight to the head encourages a smoother stroke.

Gel Putters come in a variety of head designs and typically have lofts of about 2°. (Available in Southeast Asia soon.)

iGolf_pg60-62.indd Sec1:60

3/26/07 10:54:01 AM

Ontic On Target If you’ve ever experimented on your hand position on your putts, you might be interested in M-Pulse putter from Ontic (www.mpulseputter.com). Revealed at the PGA Merchandise Show in January, this adjustable putter raised many eyebrows among the media circle.

Ontic putters have what they call Dynamic Sole Technology, which supposedly “allows the putter to be more consistent with their putting”. One of the main features of the M-Pulse Putter is the down-theline mass weighting system that puts most of the weight directly behind the ball for better contact, feel and roll. But the one key aspect of this club is

its USGA-conforming “Self-Adjusting Lie Angle Locking System” that allows for pure custom fitting.

This offers the extreme in lie angle adjustability and lets golfers custom fit the putters lie from 80 degrees upright to 58 degrees flat, all the while maintaining its face-balance disposition.

ProFound Revelation

iGolf_pg60-62.indd Sec1:61

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Designer Bernt Stellander, Master Designer at Profound, arguably stretched the limits of a putters moment of inertia to 5,462 g/cm squaredl with his construction, making it “more than 60% more forgiving than the top-selling putter of the last few years”. The putters are made of pure steel offering clear audio feedback on impact. There are no dampening inserts to mask the feel, but there is an insert BEHIND the putter face to act as a dampener so that golfers get the best of both worlds – feedback from impact without the vibration they detest.

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What you see is what you get – more so when you’re looking down at your putter when standing over a three foot knee-knocker. ProFound’s putters feature parallel sightlines that give a 3-D alignment effect to the club.

3/26/07 10:54:43 AM

the game | new stuff

Marxman Standard The Odyssey range just keeps getting bigger and bigger, and astonishingly, the putters just keep getting better. The new White Hot XG Marxman Putters imparts a heavy dose of elegance and sleek design into the Two-ball template. Gone are the circular disks. In their place are three slim lines that help your eye towards the target line.

This new “Hi Def� Alignment System is backed up by a low, deep center of gravity, and White Hot XG Insert Technology for the right balance of feel and feedback. The Marxman comes in Blade and Mallet designs. Available from Pan-West outlets in Singapore and the region.

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Nickent Squares Off N

ickent Golf has come into the box with the new 3DX Square driver featuring the new avant-garde square geometry. The club, designed by Master Designer John Hoeflich and new Nickent Director of Engineering Allen Chou, is equipped with Total Accuracy Control technology that professes to make your drives straighter by moving the center of gravity further back and lower in the club head. The high moment of inertia provided by the square profile helps to keep the head from twisting at impact.

Like the other square clubs in the market, the Nickent 3DX Square raises MOI across both the horizontal and vertical axes, giving greater stability on off-centered hits. The entire face is wider than your average driver, with improved bulge and roll from previous Nickent models.

The club head is made of titanium, and is available for S$499 at Grand Bigwin in Singapore from April 2007.

iGolf_pg60-62.indd Sec1:62

3/26/07 10:55:39 AM

the game | new stuff FT-5 At the top of the heap, its driver options are as exhaustive as they are reeked with the industries best technologies. The much-awaited Callaway FT-5 Driver, and its accompanying FT-5 Tour, is now here in Asia, and all indications are that this will be a valid successor to the popular FT-3. This is Callaway’s latest evolution using their revolutionary Fusion Technology. Now, they’ve put 50 grams of discretionary weight at all the right places in te carbon-fibred body of the 460 cc club head. The OptiFit Weighting System once again allows for Draw, Neutral and Fade dispositions, while the larger and more robust CT/VFT Titanium cup face is a conforming one that provides increased ball speed, and forgiveness even on miss-hits.

Callaway Drives On Callaway is starting 2007 by making a statement, or several, in the driver section of the golf equipment market. What it is saying is that it will not leave any segment unattended with its new families of clubs.

63 i n s i d e g o l f

Big Bertha 460 If you need a club with more forgiveness than the pastor in your local parish, then the Big Bertha 460 Driver is the one for you. The stretched head design produces a moment of inertia higher than any Callaway Golf all-titanium driver. The CG is deeper set for higher trajectories and the consistent alignment sole prevents the club from rocking at address. Other core technologies like variable face technology, True-Bore shaft insertion, and straight short hosel help make this club an Editor’s choice in Golf Digest’s Hot List this year.

Hyper ERC When all else fails, and money is no issue, then the Hyper ERC Driver may be the answer to your driving woes. This 460 cc all-titanium, USGA Conforming driver is made specifically for he Japanese market with specifications that cater more to the Asian golfer. The club face is a mere 4mm thin with a 2mm thin face perimeter. This combination enlarges the sweet spot by 160% compared with the previous ERC III driver. If that weren’t enough, you can squeeze out extra distance from the 23 gram weight chip placed in the heel of the club, helping your shots to a low, draw-biased flight

iGolf_pg63.indd Sec1:63

3/23/07 11:06:58 AM

the game | new stuff

Burning Up The Fairways TaylorMade’s new Burner and r7 SuperQuad drivers are about lightning pace and brute force.

The Burner (S$679 for the Asian version) is engineered to promote greater distance through faster speed. It facilitates faster swing speed and faster clubhead speed that results in faster ball speed.

Burner employs “SuperFast Technology” to make the club lighter and faster. That includes an extra-light, 42-gram grip that is 8 grams lighter than normal; and a long and light TaylorMade SuperFast RE*AX® shaft that weighs just 50 grams, and which stretches the length of the club to 46 inches. The club’s total weight tops out at 299 grams, which is approximately 20 grams less than a typical driver measuring 45 inches equipped with a 60- to 65-gram shaft. Meanwhile the longer length expands the swing arc. Combine the lighter weight with the wider arc and golfers will get a significant boost in distance with their shots.

The Burner is also incredibly forgiving on mishits. Its size, shape and strategic weighting create an extremely high MOI that makes the clubhead extremely stable and resistant to twisting when impact is made toward the toe, toward the heel, or high or low on the face. That reduces ball-speed loss, which reduces distance loss. The driver is available in lofts of 9.5°, 10.5° and 13° (HT).

The Burner also comes in a TP version. Differences include slightly shorter distance from the front to back of the clubhead, a 1° open clubface, a slightly shorter length (45.5”) and an ultra-light 50-gram RE*AX® TP shaft with ROMBAX and a .335 tip, by Fujikura. A heavier, 65-gram shaft by Graphite Design is also available. Unlike the Burner, which is draw-biased, Burner TP is engineered to promote a neutral ball flight.

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The r7 SuperQuad (S$1,039.50 for the First Edition; S$859.95 for the Asian version) is a powerful and adjustable new driver capable of launching the ball with what can accurately be described as a “fine-tuned explosion”. The driver combines the power and forgiveness of a 460 cc clubhead – the maximum size allowed by the USGA – with the ability to adjust launch angle and spin-rate. At 460 cc, the SuperQuad’s MOI is inherently high. Plus, it receives an MOI boost from the weight of the four ports and cartridges concentrated in the heel and toe areas.

The SuperQuad’s performance is further bolstered by the new 65-gram TaylorMade SuperFast RE*AX® shaft with .350 tip by Fujikura. RE*AX® is a tour-proven technology that reduces “ovaling” to promote greater stability and consistency for increased distance and accuracy. Four flexes are available: X, S, R and M. The r7 SuperQuad is available in four lofts – 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 11.5°. Its clubface alignment is slightly closed and its CG is exceptionally low, making it a great option for players in the improving and skilled category.

iGolf_pg64.indd Sec1:64

3/23/07 11:07:59 AM

the game | new stuff

Pro V1s Keep The Pace 65

Among the improvements to the next generation Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls is a new Staggered Wave parting line. The Staggered Wave design effectively increases the dimple surface coverage which contributes to improved aerodynamics and a more consistent ball flight.

The Pro V1 and Pro V1 also sport new Alignment Integrated Marking (A.I.M.) Technology side stamps. The designations of Pro V1 and Pro V1x have been integrated into the side stamp and are accompanied by extended arrows on each side of the model name.

iGolf_pg65.indd Sec1:65

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The latest variants of the Pro V1, the new Pro VI and Pro VIx, looked set to carry on the mantle of its successful predecessors. It is only early in the 2007 season, but the new golf balls have already made their mark by helping their owners – Vijay Singh, Aaron Baddeley, Paul Goydos and Charley Hoffman – capture four of the first five events on the 2007 PGA Tour.

The Pro V1 golf ball has a three-piece multilayer construction, designed for serious golfers of all levels that prefer Tour-validated technology and performance. It features a soft, polybutadiene 1.530” core and an ionomer blend casing layer that combine to provide high speed and low spin for long distance off the tee. The New Pro V1 has a very thin Urethane Elastomer cover that surrounds the casing layer and contributes to exceptional feel and short game control into and around the green.

i n s i d e

S

ince taking the golf industry by storm in the fall of 2000, the Titleist Pro V1 ball has become the high performance standard by which all other golf balls are compared.

The Pro V1x golf ball has a multi-layer fourpiece construction featuring a dual core, ionomer casing layer and Urethane Elastomer cover, designed for serious golfers of all levels seeking long distance with Tour-validated feel and performance. The dual core of the New Pro V1x includes a soft centre and more resilient outer shell. In combination with the new, thin, softer Urethane Elastomer cover formulation, the New Pro V1x provides very low spin off the tee for long distance, improved Drop-and-Stop control into and around the green and softer feel than the prior generation product.

3/23/07 11:08:52 AM

the game | club review

MIZUNO MP-67 IRONS PLAYER RATING

MICHAEL WILLIAMS HANDICAP: 3

Appearance

Love at first sight

10/10

Playability

As good as the player

9.5/10

Balance

Superb

Feel

Sweet

TOTAL

MODEL & SHAFT PLAYED: Mizuno MP-67 irons (3-iron to pitching wedge) fitted with True Temper Dynamic Gold stiff steel shafts.

IMPROVED SOLE A cambered mid sole and rolled leading edge delivers clean ball contact.

First ImpRession: It seems Mizuno has taken the best elements of the MP-32 irons and added more weight to the flange to create the MP-67 irons. I think this gives the set a nice mix of shot shaping ability and just the right amount of forgiveness.

Verdict: I decided some time ago that blades were not going to find there way back into my bag, because they didn’t give me enough forgiveness to make up for their fantastic feel when struck well. As a result I am using a set of forged irons with a small cavity.

That said, the MP-67s have changed my mind.

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These irons felt just as harsh as other blades I have used when hit towards the toe. But I felt the sweetspot was just as large as the forged cavities I now use.

9/10 9.5/10

95% The feel off the clubface for well struck shots could only be described as extremely smooth; at times I didn’t even feel the ball off the clubface. Sometimes when you like the look of a club this much, the performance turns out to be disappointing. But the MP-67 backed up the looks beautifully, with good control on the long irons and good feedback for shots not quite hit out of the centre.

The spin generated by the irons was certainly greater than what I get with my current set, but I could control this without too much trouble.

From the moment I saw these clubs I thought they would look great in my bag. After using them I think I could easily justify leaving them in my bag.

CUT MUSCLE ‘Cut Muscle’ technology allows the muscle pad to be placed higher in the blade for a solid feel.

iGolf_pg66-67.indd Sec1:66

3/23/07 11:11:17 AM

IMPROVED SOLE The ‘Cut Muscle’ enables each iron to be fine tuned for an ideal trajectory.

GRAIN FLOW FORGED Each iron is grain flow forged from a single billet of 1025E steel for a soft, yet solid consistent feel.

PLAYER RATING

MARK DIXON HANDICAP: SCRATCH

Appearance

Clean

9.5/10

Playability

Superb

9.5/10

Balance

Very Good

Feel

Smooth

TOTAL

MODEL & SHAFT PLAYED: Mizuno MP-67 irons (3-iron to pitching wedge) fitted with True Temper Dynamic Gold stiff steel shafts.

First Impression: From the moment I first saw these clubs I knew they had come from Mizuno.

If you forget about the cut muscle indent in the back of the club, the MP-67 irons remind me of some of the great Mizuno models from recent years like the

Verdict: There is not much change from the 3-iron to the wedge in terms of design, just a more tear-drop shape as the set gets down in to the wedges.

iGolf_pg66-67.indd Sec1:67

94% It’s always nice to hit a new club, but I assumed there would be a few holes of adjustment needed. However, I was striping shots out of the sweetspot with these irons almost from the first shot.

FACTS& FIGURES Suitability: Low handicapped players.

True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts in stiff and regular flex.

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet.

I did notice that these irons produced a slightly higher trajectory and carried a similar distance to my current set of irons. In fact, the feel off the clubface was also very similar to my own set, so any adjustment was almost immediate.

The scoring clubs, from 8-iron to pitching wedge, performed very well. I liked the nice compact head and matt-finish scoring lines, which gave me the confidence to really squeeze the shot and make a good compression. It also is a nice aid to confirm alignment before you pull the trigger.

Finally, this was a great set and I would love to be playing with them on a regular basis.

Left handed models?: No. Mizuno says: “The Mizuno MP-67 iron takes the muscle back design to the next level through the use of a unique ‘Cut Muscle’ design to deliver superb feel and workability.

“The MP-67 irons are ‘Grain Flow Forged’ for the softest, most consistent feel in the game, with the cut muscle design precisely positioning the centre of gravity (CG) in each club for an ideal trajectory, enhanced solid feel and accurate ball control.

“A rolled leading edge, cambered mid-sole, and rolled trailing edge deliver consistent striking ability from all types of lies, while modified U-grooves produce the ideal spin rate for playability from anywhere on the course. The MP-67 long irons achieve a mid-high trajectory, while the scoring irons deliver a mid-trajectory.

“The MP-67 is crafted from 1025E pure select mild carbon steel using Mizuno’s patented grain flow forging process to provide the ultimate soft, solid, consistent feel and quality from clubhead to clubhead.

“The cambered sole of the MP-67 delivers a precise shot making capability to the player from all types of lies.

“The MP-67 irons are available in any combination from 2-iron to pitching wedge, with True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts as well as Golf Pride Tour Velvet 58 round grips fitted as standard.”

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I know the grips on these irons are standard grips for professionals and better players but I prefer a cord or half cord grip and I think the last thing you want is any tension in the hands when using these babies. So if I was to change anything, I would be putting on some half cord grips.

9.5/10

i n s i d e

MP-37s and MP-29s. The thick flange and thin top line is a great combination for a very simple look at address.

9/10

3/23/07 11:11:46 AM

the game | ball review

TAYLORMADE TP RED/TP BLACK

i n s i d e

g o l f

68

Brian Yates

Daniel Minogue

Handicap: 3

Handicap: 13

Verdict: After using both the TP Black and TP Red ball I can confidently say each ball offers different feel and performance characteristics.

Distance was on par with other premium balls I have used. The feel at impact, whether I was using the driver or a lofted iron, was very solid.

The TP Red and TP Black had good stopping power.

But I preferred the spin control I was able to get with the TP Black. I felt the TP Red offered too much spin – especially when using the sand and lob wedge.

With top-end-of-the-market balls like these, it was nice to see the TP Black lasted a full round with only minor scuffs. The feel of the TP Black off the putter was as good as any ball I have used. Sign me up!

Rating: (TP Black 9/10); (TP Red 8/10).

PENETRATING LAUNCH The TP Red delivers the lower Tour-like ball flight, which is preferred by pros and better players.

LONGER CARRY The TP Black’s thicker mantle promotes a higher launch angle for greater carry.

H

iGolf_pg68.indd Sec1:68

Michael Williams handicap: 3

Verdict: I like and use several different three-piece ball models and after playing TP Red and TP Black, I found the balls to be quite different.

I found both balls performed well in terms of length when hit with the driver, with the TP Black setting out on a slightly higher launch angle than the TP Red. For mine, the TP Red shined on iron shots into greens. The TP Red had a good ball flight and gave me just the right amount of stopping power with mid-irons and wedges.

I also found I could not shape shots with the TP Black as well as the TP Red and once on the green, I believe the TP Red had superior feel when putting.

Even though the TP Red scuffed up a little more during just one round, I felt more comfortable using it than the TP Black.

Rating: (TP Red 9/10); (TP Black 8/10).

&

FACTS FIGURES

Verdict: My ball flight tends to be quite low, so I was really interested to see how these new TP balls would perform compared to the premium ball I now use.

I must say, I was pleasantly surprised with the distance of the TP Black off the tee. The TP Red offered similar distance but I preferred it when came to shaping shots left or right.

My stock shot is a draw but I can usually fade the ball when I really need to. Using the TP Black, I found it difficult to fade the ball at all without feeling that I was hitting a big slice. The TP Red on the other hand allowed me to play a fade quite easily.

The information on the ball sleeve stated the TP Black had a lower trajectory, but I couldn’t see much of a difference between the balls.

Spin with both balls was very good, without the excessive spin that sometimes comes with other threepiece balls, especially when using short irons.

I liked both balls but preferred the TP Red. Rating: (TP Red 9/10); (TP Black 8/10)

SUITABILITY: TP Red – Better players seeking a lower Tour-style launch angle. TP Black – Better players wanting a higher launch angle for increased carry.

HOW MUCH?: $89 per dozen.

TAYLORMADE SAYS: The TaylorMade TP Red and TP Black balls are already making an impact among Tour players, with early converts including Sergio Garcia, who uses the TP Red and Justin Rose the TP Black.

The three-piece Tour Preferred (TP) Red and TP Black balls have a unique neodymium catalyst material that produces a rubber core suited to the latest large headed titanium drivers.

The TP Red has a larger core and thinner mantle compared to the TP Black. The TP Red delivers a lower spin-rate off the driver and a lower, Tour-like launch angle. In contrast, the TP Black’s thicker mantle allows the ball to slide up the clubface at impact, which leads to a higher launch angle, while the thicker mantle and smaller core promotes an even lower rate of driver spin. The result is increased carry and distance.

The TaylorMade logo on the TP Red and Black is stamped horizontally on the seam of the golf ball. This is at the request of players who prefer to align the seam with the target-line when putting.

[Contact TaylorMade-adidas on 1800 700 011 or visit www.taylormadegolf.com]

3/23/07 11:12:48 AM

the game | tournaments

A Finnish Finish Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open, 15 – 18 February 2007, Damai Indah Golf and Country Club

T

he work was cut out for him but he held firm and his efforts paid off in grand style. Mikko Ilonen of Finland reached two milestones on 18 February at the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open held– his first ever professional title and in the process, became the first ever Finn to win an Asian Tour and European Tour co-sanctioned event.

all week. I had a really good start to the week and I have been trying to keep my mind clear on the golf course, but off the course it’s really tough. Obviously we have had a long week, a lot of waiting, but finally now it’s over it feels really nice,” said Ilonen.

Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open Final Results Ilonen, 27 (pictured with trophy), battled through the inclement weather and fended off a charging field to complete the final round with a one-underpar 70. The Finnish talent delivered a winning total of nine-under-par 275 and walked away with the top prize of US$175,000.

PLAYER

R1

R2

R3

R4

TOTAL

SCORE

1

Mikko ILONEN (FIN)

66

68

71

70

275

-9

EARNING (US$) $175,000.00

2

Andrew TAMPION (AUS)

68

66

73

69

276

-8

$78,296.00

2

Shiv KAPUR (IND)

67

73

69

67

276

-8

$78,296.00

2

Frankie MINOZA (PHI)

71

68

66

71

276

-8

$78,296.00

5

Thammanoon SRIROT (THA)

72

67

71

69

279

-5

$40,635.00

5

SUK Jong-yul (KOR)

69

68

69

73

279

-5

$40,635.00

7

Alexandre ROCHA (BRA)

72

68

73

67

280

-4

$31,500.00

8

Chapchai NIRAT (THA)

68

69

72

72

281

-3

$23,590.00

8

James HEATH (ENG)

70

70

70

71

281

-3

$23,590.00

8

Tony CAROLAN (AUS)

71

71

67

72

281

-3

$23,590.00

11

Rick GIBSON (CAN)

72

70

72

68

282

-2

$15,703.00

11

Simon DYSON (ENG)

70

71

71

70

282

-2

$15,703.00

11

Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA)

75

69

72

66

282

-2

$15,703.00

11

Christian CEVAER (FRA)

68

72

71

71

282

-2

$15,703.00

11

Henrik NYSTROM (SWE)

70

69

72

71

282

-2

$15,703.00

11

Scott STRANGE (AUS)

69

69

72

72

282

-2

$15,703.00

11

Gareth DAVIES (ENG)

71

67

72

72

282

-2

$15,703.00

11

Thongchai JAIDEE (THA)

72

67

71

72

282

-2

$15,703.00

11

Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA)

65

74

70

73

282

-2

$15,703.0

69 i n s i d e

Filipino Frankie Minoza, who won the Philippine Open in early February, was piling on the pressure midway through but he suffered a double bogey on the 14th hole and finished even-par for the day in joint second spot. After having accumulated US$78,296 for his efforts this week, Minoza is currently in sixth place on the new UBS Asian Tour Order of Merit leader with a total earning of US$150,442 (as of 19 March 2007).

India’s Shiv Kapur enjoyed a solid outing as he also completed his round in tied second after a 67 alongside Australia’s Andrew Tampion who shot a 69. “I have been thinking about it (winning)

POS

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Shin Shows The Way LAGT Thailand Ladies Open presented by Tourism Authority of Thailand, 7 – 9 March 2007, Green Valley Country Club

T

he rest of the field were playing catch up from day one at the Thailand Ladies Open held at the Par-72 Green Valley Country Club. The source of their despair was last year’s Korean LPGA Rookie of the Year, Shin Ji-yai (pictured with trophy).

Shin was uncompromising in her pursuit of victory and and never lost her lead during the three-round tournament. She signed off with a 5-under 67 in the final round for a total of 206 – 10 strokes ahead of Korean compatriot, Na Da-ye and 11 strokes ahead of joint third-place finishers Ji Eun-hee and Kim Ha-neul, also from the same country. The stocky Shin, who won three tournaments and finished runner-up in five others last season said it was her preparation the night before the final round that saw her put on a good effort.

Shin posted birdies on the holes 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 13th, 15th and 18th. She also had an eagle three on the

iGolf_pg69.indd Sec1:69

par-5, 11th hole after her second shot with an 8-iron stopped one foot short of the cup. Dubbed as Korea’s next big thing, Shin is all set to take her challenge to the USA in the US Ladies Open in June.

Na, who played to par for her 216 total felt it was not right to play aggressive especially after learning that Ji-yai had widened the lead. “I adopted a soft approach and played it safe,” she said, adding that the hot weather had virtually drained her energy.

However, Kim, playing in her first tournament, failed to make a dream debut by winning it. The 20-year-old from Seoul was within the range to capture the title but failed after posting a 2-over 74 for a 217 total. She shares the third spot with last year’s Order-of-Merit winner Ji Eun-hee.

Apart from Shin, Ji was the only other player to record an under-par score in the final round when she carded a 1-under 71.

LAGT Thailand Ladies Open presented by Tourism Authority of Thailand Results 209

: Shin Ji-yai (Kor)

216

: Na Day Ye (Kor) 71-73-72

217

: Ji Eun-hee (Kor) 73-73-71; Kim Ha-neul Kor) 77-66-74,

218

: Wang Chun (Chn) 72-72-74

220

: Libby Smith (USA) 71-74-75; Titiya Plucksataporn (Tha) 72-73-75

223

: Onnarin Satayabarhphot (Tha) 77-72-74; Iida Maria Priscila (Bra) 73-76-74; Pornanong Phatlum (Tha) 74-73-76

3/23/07 11:13:48 AM

the game | tournaments

Hail The Haig Johnnie Walker Classic, 1 – 4 March 2007, Blue Canyon Country Club, Phuket, Thailand

By Foo Yong Han

N

ew South African golf star-in-themaking Anton Haig scored one for the springboks as he bounded to glory in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Phuket. Following in the footsteps of countrymen Retief Goosen and Ernie Els, Haig came from behind to win the European Tour/Asian Tour co-sanctioned event in a playoff against compatriot Richard Sterne and England’s Oliver Wilson. Haig, who turns 21 in May, sank a 10-foot birdie putt in the first hole of a sudden-death shootout to take the title.

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The new Johnnie Walker champion, who joins luminaries including Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods as a winner of the popular event, showed nerves of steel to force his way into the play-off after the leading trio finished tied on 13-under-par 275.

“It feels absolutely amazing,” said Haig, who earned nearly US$405,000 for his career’s biggest triumph yet. “At the start of the week, I didn’t think this was actually going to be possible. But after that 64 (on day two), I knew I was hitting the ball good enough to win, and thank God that driver went straight for me today and the putts fell. And the putt on the last (playoff hole), what a feeling that was! If only I could explain it in words!”

Trailing Wilson and overnight leader Sterne by one stroke with the last to play, Haig pulled off a gutsy birdie after finding a lucky break when a wayward drive ended in a safe spot. He nailed a wedge from 98 yards to three feet to join the play-off, and then sealed a memorable triumph.

After his putt disappeared into the hole, Haig leapt for joy towards his parents, Tony and Lorraine, who had flown over this week for the Johnnie Walker Classic. “I thought, “oh, this is trouble,” after I hit the drive on 18 in regulation and I thought I had actually lost the tournament there,” he said.

iGolf_pg70-71.indd Sec1:70

■ Haig’s win catapulted him to the top of the UBS Asian Tour Order of Merit.

3/23/07 11:14:41 AM

■ Things didn’t quite blow Richard Sterne’s way on the final day.

“But I got a good break and had a shot. The ball was lying on a down slope, not lying too good, but I hit a great lob wedge, one of the best shots I’ve ever hit, to about three foot and made it for birdie. And then the play-off hole, I hit a smooth wedge to about 10 feet and made that. What a feeling, birdieing one of the toughest holes out there.”

Haig, who has been rated highly by his more famous compatriots, Els and Retief Goosen, moved up to the to the top of the UBS Order of Merit with US$421,889 with his second Asian Tour triumph and his maiden European Tour title. The win also gave him a priceless two-year exemption onto the European Tour.

The 17th is a tough hole. I hit a good putt there and hit a good putt on 18 in regulation and again in the play-off. But nothing went in,” he added.

It was Wilson’s second defeat in a play-off following his loss to countryman Paul Casey in the 2005 Volvo China Open and he took it in his stride. After leading briefly with a birdie on the second hole, Wilson dropped successive bogeys on the sixth and seventh but clawed his way back into the hunt by birdieing the par fives on the back nine.

“Anton did well. I had my chances and didn’t take them. It was easy from the middle of the fairway, both in regulation play and in the play-off and I didn’t get the ball within 20 feet. That was disappointing. I hit a great putt in the play-off but probably gave myself too much to do with Richard and Anton well inside me,” said Wilson, who stared at a 25-foot birdie putt in extra time.

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World number eight Goosen, a two-time Major champion and winner of the Johnnie Walker Classic in 2002, settled for fourth place after a 70, finishing three strokes outside the play-off while former US Masters winner Mike Weir of Canada was a further stroke back after a 67.

Two-time Johnnie Walker Classic winner Els settled for a share of sixth place alongside Scotsman Colin Montgomerie, South African veteran David Frost and India’s Gaurav Ghei, who was Asia’s best finisher.

71 i n s i d e

“Hopefully there will be many more to come. I will keep fighting and hopefully be as good as Ernie and Retief one day,” he said. Sterne, who charged into contention with a pair of course record-equalling 64s after opening with a 75, came closest to forcing a second extra hole but his birdie attempt from 12 feet hit the edge of the cup. Ultimately, he would rue a co stly bogey on 17, which saw him relinquish the lead which he had held for much of the back nine of a thrilling Sunday afternoon. “It was close,” said Sterne. “I played my best but it didn’t go the way I wanted to go. It’s great for Anton. I’m disappointed but I did my best.

■ It wasn’t Englishman Oliver Wilson’s time to win this year, but he did take home US$211,050 for his tied runner-up finish.

Johnnie Walker Classic 2007 Final Results POS

PLAYER

R1

R2

R3

R4

TOTAL

SCORE

EARNING (US$)

1

Anton HAIG ( RSA)

71

64

70

70

275

-13

$404,993.00

2

Richard STERNE ( RSA)

75

64

64

72

275

-13

$211,050.00

2

Oliver WILSON ( ENG )

68

66

70

71

275

-13

$211,050.00

4

Retief GOOSEN ( RSA)

68

68

72

70

278

-10

$121,500.00

5

Mike WEIR (CAN )

66

78

68

67

279

-9

$103,032.00

6

Colin MONTGOMERIE ( SCO)

69

70

70

71

280

-8

$68,283.00

6

Ernie ELS ( RSA)

73

70

67

70

280

-8

$68,283.00

6

David FROST ( RSA)

69

70

72

69

280

-8

$68,283.00

Gaurav GHEI ( IND)

69

73

74

64

280

-8

$68,283.00

10

Richard BLAND ( ENG )

68

70

72

71

281

-7

$43,557.00

10

Simon HURD ( ENG )

73

71

66

71

281

-7

$43,557.00

10

Jean VAN DE VELDE ( FRA)

72

69

71

69

281

-7

$43,557.00

10

Iain STEEL ( MAS )

69

73

70

69

281

-7

$43,557.00

6

14

Richard LEE ( NZL)

67

70

70

75

282

-6

$36,450.00

14

Marc WARREN ( SCO)

68

72

71

71

282

-6

$36,450.00

iGolf_pg70-71.indd Sec1:71

3/23/07 11:14:45 AM

the game | tournaments

Liang Steals The Limelight Clariden Leu Singapore Masters 2007, 8 – 11 March 2007, Laguna National Golf and Country Club

By Foo Yong Han

C

all it conspiracy, blame it on the sweltering weather or attribute it to a stroke of misfortune. The early exit of Ryder Cup heroes – Ian Woosnam, David Howell, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood – after two rounds of the marquee Singapore Masters raised eyebrows and set tongues wagging.

After all, this was one-third of the inimitable European team, led by Woosnam, who convincingly defeated a strong American contingent spearheaded by Tiger Woods last September. Were they, in particular Howell, Clarke and Westwood conserving their efforts for the World Golf Championships-CA Championship, which was to be held in slightly more than a week’s time, 20 – 25 March to be exact?

Whatever the reason for their underachievement, the tournament was not short on talking points. In fact, the drama begun even before the first tee shot was made. OSIM, last year’s sponsors for the event, had decided to discontinue their association with the event and the organiser, ex-Parallel Media Asia Ltd and now renamed Global One International, was caught in a spot. With time running out, Global One managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat and unveiled a new title sponsor, Swiss private bank Clariden Leu, one week before the slated start to the Singapore Masters.

i n s i d e

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72

Even the best writer from Hollywood could not have written a better script. Clariden Leu was formed in a little less than two months (see

■ Liang Wen-chong makes history as the first-ever Clariden Leu Singapore Masters champion.

iGolf_pg72-74.indd Sec1:72

■ China’s No.1, Liang, won US$183,330 for his week’s work and moved to 2nd place on the 2007 UBS Asian Tour Order of Merit after this tournament.

3/23/07 11:15:37 AM

Wealth story, pages 112) before the tournament and the event was the perfect opportunity for announcing its presence to the public.

Branch Manager of Clariden Leu’s Singapore front office, Urs Brutsch, said: “The Singapore Masters has a track record in producing stars and comes with a credible reputation as the only men’s golf competition sanctioned by the European and Asian Tour. Coupled with the rising stature of golf in Singapore, we felt this is the right time to generate brand awareness and hope to be involved in some significant capacity for the next few editions.”

The sponsorship tank filled, the tournament could begin in its customary fanfare and all eyes were naturally trained on local defending champion, Mardan Mamat, and of course, the Ryder Cup quartet. The tournament also made news with its record field of 204 pros and consequently, the need to use both the Classic and Masters courses for the first time since the tournament debuted in 2001, a marked increase from the 150-odd golfers who participated in each of the previous tournament editions.

It seemed only like yesterday when a composed Mardan triumphed in the most dramatic of circumstances. Flashback to the par-3 17th of the Masters course on that monumental Sunday, 11 March 2006.

Mardan was only two strokes ahead of his ‘tormentor’, then defending champion, Englishman Nick Dougherty – who incidentally, also featured in this tournament – and faced a major hurdle, the dreaded water hazard between the tee and the green. Both he and Dougherty safely negotiated the watery trap and turned in par saves on the most difficult hole on the course.

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Dougherty proceeded to tighten the screw by halving the deficit with a birdie on the par-4 18th. Mardan, unfazed, kept his focus and tapped in for a par and made it to Singapore’s history books.

■ India’s Jyoti Randhawa had a promising start to the tournament, but fizzled over the weekend, ending up in joint-8th position.

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Perhaps it was the two years of exemption from the European Tour qualifying events that robbed him of practice. Perhaps it was a lack of sponsorship support, particularly from local sports associations,

which could have helped him improve his game or perhaps it was simply a case of hitting his peak and unable to reach the same heights anymore.

And so it proved, Mardan finished a disappointing 24th in the tournament and nearly missed the cut. Bogeys at the 8th, 13th, 14th and 16th at the supposedly easier Classic course nearly threatened to send him to an early shower, but he managed to scrape through.

Any chance of Mardan staging a comeback in the final round was scuppered with bogeys at the 3rd and final three holes, not to mention carding a few pars when they could have been birdies. To be fair to Mardan, his drives and fairway shots are competent, seldom finding the rough and finding the greens after the second or third shot. It was poor putting which did him in. The epic victory last year suddenly seemed so distant.

■ Iain Steel’s tee shot on the first playoff hole found a watery grave, drowning his dreams of a first Asian Tour victory.

iGolf_pg72-74.indd Sec1:73

The real thrill of the Singapore Masters came in the last hour of the final round. Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand), Iain Steel (Malaysia), Jyoti Randhawa (India), 2005 tournament winner Dougherty, Liang and Jean van de Velde (France) took turns to sit on the top spot in a golf version of musical chairs.

3/23/07 11:15:41 AM

the game | tournaments Clariden Leu Singapore Masters 2007 Final Results POS

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PLAYER

R1

R2

R3

R4

TOTAL

+/-

PRIZE (US$)

1

LIANG Wen-chong (CHN)

64

72

2

Iain STEEL (MAS)

70

65

68

73

277

-11

$183,330.00

71

71

277

-11

$122,220.00

3

Simon DYSON (ENG)

71

69

4

Anthony WALL (ENG)

68

72

67

71

278

-10

$68,860.00

72

67

279

-9

$43,285.00

4

Jean VAN DE VELDE (FRA)

68

71

71

69

279

-9

$43,285.00

4

David LYNN (ENG)

72

68

70

69

279

-9

$43,285.00

4

Nick DOUGHERTY (ENG)

70

72

66

71

279

-9

$43,285.00

8

Craig SMITH (WAL)

72

70

71

67

280

-8

$21,835.00

8

Scott BARR (AUS)

70

69

71

70

280

-8

$21,835.00

8

LIN Keng-chi (TPE)

73

68

69

70

280

-8

$21,835.00

8

Terry PILKADARIS (AUS)

69

72

67

72

280

-8

$21,835.00

8

Peter LAWRIE (IRL)

66

70

70

74

280

-8

$21,835.00

8

Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND)

65

68

72

75

280

-8

$21,835.00

14

Peter SENIOR (AUS)

70

70

73

68

281

-7

$15,198.33

14

Scott STRANGE (AUS)

69

73

70

69

281

-7

$15,198.33

14

Chinarat PHADUNGSIL (THA)

69

71

71

70

281

-7

$15,198.33

14

Francesco MOLINARI (ITA)

69

70

70

72

281

-7

$15,198.33

14

Peter O’MALLEY (AUS)

71

70

69

71

281

-7

$15,198.33

14

Thongchai JAIDEE (THA)

69

69

69

74

281

-7

$15,198.33

20

Oliver WILSON (ENG)

69

72

70

71

282

-6

$12,622.50

20

Joakim BACKSTROM (SWE)

73

69

69

71

282

-6

$12,622.50

20

Martin KAYMER (GER)

66

73

71

72

282

-6

$12,622.50

20

Robert ROCK (ENG)

71

70

68

73

282

-6

$12,622.50

24

Robert-Jan DERKSEN (NLD)

73

69

72

69

283

-5

$10,945.00

24

Marcus BOTH (AUS)

72

69

72

70

283

-5

$10,945.00

24

Matthew ZIONS (AUS)

68

71

73

71

283

-5

$10,945.00

24

Hendrik BUHRMANN (RSA)

71

69

71

72

283

-5

$10,945.00

24

Mardan MAMAT (SIN)

68

73

70

72

283

-5

$10,945.00

24

Andrew COLTART (SCO)

69

69

72

73

283

-5

$10,945.00

As time wore on, only Dougherty, Steel and Liang looked the more likely winners.

Dougherty, who was leading on the back of seven birdies after playing the 15th, contrived to throw his chances away for good with double bogeys at the 16th and 17th.

Eventually, it was Steel and Liang who prevailed with 11-under 277 scores resulting in a playoff. For Liang, it was a remarkable turnaround in fortunes after he doublebogeyed at the 15th. But Dougherty’s slip-up and Steel’s double bogey at the 16th allowed Liang to catch up, scoring a birdie at the 16th and carding pars at the final two holes.

If there wasn’t enough drama during regulation play, there was more during the sudden death at the 18th. Liang hit the fairway with his tee shot, only to sit back and watch Steel sail his ball in the pond. It was all but over at that point, and Liang went on to snatch the inaugural Clariden Leu Singapore Masters title with style.

Liang Drives Honma To Victory Liang Wen-chong’s win at the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters this year chalked another victory for Honma golf clubs.

Liang used a Honma Beres TW 912 Driver to chew up the fairways during the week. The high MOI driver is constructed of Proprietary Enhanced Hard-faced KS120 titanium, and armed with Honma’s own ARMQ graphite shaft. The Chinese star was also armed with Honma’s classically styled TW 901 irons. These perimeter-weighted clubs feature mild steel construction for feel and a rounded sole for shot-making versatility. A wide flange also offers greater forgiveness on off-centred hits.

Honma clubs are available from Pan-West in Singapore (www.pan-west.com).

iGolf_pg72-74.indd Sec1:74

3/23/07 11:15:44 AM

Liang Inside Golf 4 Pathed.indd 1

3/20/07 5:53:53 PM

destinations | courses

Twin Water After a short period of decline, one of Queensland’s best known courses is looking better than ever, according to Brendan James.

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■ Bunkers dictate the line of play on Twin Waters’ short par-4 12th hole.

iGolf_pg76-78.indd 76

3/23/07 9:55:56 AM

■ Glenelg has been remodelled to be far more memorable and picturesque.

77

That round was in mid-2004. On reflection I guess I had been spoiled over the years as I had played the course mainly during times when a major event, like the Holden Scramble National Final, was being contested. It’s no secret that if you want to see a course at its supreme best, it has to be seen when a big competition is being hosted.

My round back in 2004 was a huge disappointment, not so much in the scoring department but because I had always considered Twin Waters one of my favourite Queensland courses and, on that occasion, it fell way short of its usual high standard of conditioning.

But I have always been a believer that the most important thing for resort and public access courses to get right is presentation. The condition of these types of courses must be of the highest standard more often because bad

iGolf_pg76-78.indd 77

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I

presentation is bad for business. Aside from times when a course must undergo renovations, the moment a course drops its guard on presentation, the word goes out on the golfer’s grapevine and people start thinking about other layouts they can possibly play.

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have to make a confession straight up. I have had the privilege of visiting Twin Waters many times since the early ‘90s. But after my last round on the Sunshine Coast course, I vowed it would take a team of wild horses to drag me back and play the layout again.

However, word on the golfer’s grapevine in recent times has been nothing but positive about Twin Waters. A naturally curious person, I couldn’t help myself during a recent trip to the Sunshine Coast and dropped into Twin Waters for a look. And there wasn’t a wild horse in sight.

3/23/07 9:56:02 AM

destinations | travel

■ The par-3 2nd brings water into play for the first time during your round.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the par-72 was in fantastic shape.

The tees and greens were beautifully manicured and each fairway had an almost flawless cover of well-kept Couch grass. The dozens of bunkers around the course were also very well maintained, with not a hint of a weed to be found.

In short, the rejuvenated Twin Waters is an enjoyable course for players of all abilities.

The impeccable condition of the course brought a smile to my face.

The fact my visit was on a weekday, with no major event coming up, just broadened the smile.

The trio of holes, starting at the par-4 6th, that flank picturesque lakes call for some straight and strategic ball-striking to avoid watery outcomes.

Of these, the 379-metre par-4 8th is the toughest, as it demands a tee shot to be struck over water to a fairway that sits diagonally to your approach. Players daring to shorten the hole with a drive down the right half of the fairway need to avoid a massive bunker wedged between the lake and the fairway.

While the vast improvement at Twin Waters can probably be attributed to a team effort across the board, from management to the course maintenance crew, there is little doubt the club’s new owner has had a huge impact.

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The course was sold by Lend Lease Developments in July last year to Japanese surgeon Dr Tsutomu Yamaji. The Osaka-based Dr Yamaji is a passionate golfer and is a member of several clubs in Japan. It is understood that after he purchased the course, which is no longer part of the nearby Twin Waters Resort, he continued the big spend with the aim of presenting a layout of the highest standard.

On what I saw recently, Dr Yamaji has a course he can certainly be proud of.

The much improved presentation of Twin Waters now fully complements the Peter Thomson, Mike Wolverdige and Ross Perrett design, which offers generous landing areas in between its hazards, making it an ideal layout for the part-time public player or holidaymaker.

That said, there are still considerable challenges for the better player with ominous schemes of bunkers, numerous water hazards, rows of mounds and often thick bushland to contend with near the edges of most fairways.

And there are several holes every player will commit to memory long after they have pulled out of the car park.

One of my favourite holes comes early in the back nine. The 325-metre 12th is a terrific short par-4 that tempts the longer hitter, in the right wind conditions, to blaze away with the driver to try and roll their tee shot up to within a chip shot of the putting surface. But the slightest mis-hit can be gathered in by one of nine bunkers lining the fairway.

Another memorable hole is the 202-metre par-3 17th, which is arguably the toughest one-shotter on the course. It certainly had Greg Norman’s measure during the 1997 Holden Scramble National final, when he played the hole with each of the leading teams.

Swirling winds made club selection difficult, even for the then top-10 world ranked Shark, who only managed to hit the green with 50 percent of his tee shots. However, his best effort was just a tap-in away.

The course was in outstanding shape the day Norman played and now, nine years on, Twin Waters has returned to its glory days.

■ The par-3 7th is among an impressive trio of holes on the front nine.

LENGTH: 6,183 metres (championship tees); 5,835 (social); 5,260 metres (ladies).

iGolf_pg76-78.indd 78

GREEN FEE: AUD$70.

PAR: 72.

ADDRESS: Ocean Drive, Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, 4564.

ACR/ACWR: 72.2/72

PHONE: +61 7 5457 2444.

DESIGNER: Peter Thomson, Mike Wolveridge and Ross Perrett (1989).

WEBSITE: WWW.TWGOLF.COM.AU

HOW TO GET THERE: From Brisbane, follow signs to Sunshine Coast. Take Maroochydore turn off and follow signs to Mudjimba and airport. Turn right into Ocean Drive from David Low Way, go through two roundabouts and turn left into the club.

3/26/07 11:01:21 AM

destinations | courses

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Angkor Golf

Siem Reap might be known for the Angkor Wat, but with the opening of the Sofitel Phokeethra Royal Angkor, golf might be following close behind.

By Jeremy Craig

destinations | courses

W

hen one thinks of Cambodia, images of ancient temples set in verdant jungles come to mind as well as do thoughts of its rather troubled recent history. Several decades of relative stability and millions of tourist dollars later, the game of golf has found its way into this country in the form of the Sofitel Phokeethra Royal Angkor Golf Club.

While not the first course to open in Cambodia, it is the first to open in the Siem Reap area – the preferred destination of the vast majority of tourists going to visit the spectacular Angkor Wat temple complex just outside town. With two other courses under construction, Siem Reap is emerging as a fledgling golf destination.

The course is reachable via a spine-jarring hour-long car ride outside of Siem Reap.

Phokeethra is built on reclaimed farmland abutting an ancient baray (reservoir) that was part of the vast irrigation network used by the Angkor civilization from 11th to 13th century.

This system kept an estimated population of one million fed that time. Today, a more modern irrigation system regulates the water surrounding the course to ensure that it gets enough water even during the long dry season.

V. Golf Design from Thailand, spearheaded by architect Veeyos Phetbuasak, were entrusted to carve out the Phokeethra course in this outpost of Siem Reap. This is the same company that put together the popular Lam Lu Ka Country Club outside Bangkok, and the similarities are palpable..

Like Lam Lu Ka, Phokeethra is equipped with fairways rising from the large water hazards leading to greens that are moderately elevated. While the course really is dead flat, lots of work have been done to contour and define the fairways with the landing areas nearly always in clear view from the tee box.

The course plays an impressive 7,191 yards off the tips with the blue tees measuring a more bearable 6,632 yards.

Paspalum grass is used on both the

fairways and greens and the course was really in immaculate shape thanks to the efforts of chief greens keeper Jirapon Thangkham. The putting surfaces were playing to about 9.0 on the Stimpmeter, but could easily get up to 11 or so if they wanted to. This said, the greens rolled very true and the ball went where I hit it – a welcome change for someone used to the marginal greens of many courses in Southeast Asian.

The rough was not particularly punitive, as the ball tends to sit on top of the grass rather than nestle down into the deep stuff. Most of the generous fairways are lined with trees that do not really come into play that much as they are still quite small. Bunkers threatened on nearly every shot with the large greens all well protected. The areas around the putting surface are mostly cut down to fairway length so the punch and run shot can be useful on many occasions. On some of the holes running it up with a 7 or 8 iron is a better play than trying to throw your ball in with a lob wedge.

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■ The clubhouse at Phokeethra is as cozy as it is well appointed.

iGolf_pg79-81.indd 80

3/23/07 9:58:31 AM

■ Low banks provide a natural edging to the course’s water hazards.

81

A double fairway with a creek in the middle makes the tee shot on the 16th very interesting indeed (I aimed at the creek as

iGolf_pg79-81.indd 81

Sofitel Royal Angkor manages the Phokeethra Country Club, entrusting the reins of the cozy and well-appointed clubhouse to the ebullient Maximilian Kaendler. A chef from the Sofitel is on hand to provide a nice mix of local Khmer food and golf course standards like the ubiquitous club sandwich.

Cambodia is not exactly the first place that comes to mind when planning a golf getaway, but things are likely to turn around soon.

With Phokeethra opening the floodgates, and two other courses scheduled to open very soon (a Nick Flado design is opening in July, and a Korean-financed course is

under construction), there is everything to indicate that Siem Reap just might be the golf destination of the near future.

My only real quibble with the course is the high green fees. At US$120 green fees, plus another US$30 for buggy and caddie, you are looking at a US$200 day after accounting for travel to and fro as well as food and beverage. This is an expensive round of golf by any standard, particularly with so many other cheap rounds of quality golf to be found in the region and the low price of everything else in Cambodia. A Nick Faldo design course is due to open in July and another Korean-financed course is under construction. Hopefully some competition will drive down prices a bit to more rational levels. Despite the cost, if you find yourself in Siem Reap and are a bit “templed-out”, Phokeethra offers a surprisingly good round of golf on a very well maintained track.

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Phokeethra’s championship aspirations are revealed in the closing stretch of holes, apt finishes to this year’s Cambodian Open, an Asia Tour event. The 15th offers a 169-yard par 3 over water to a kidney-shaped green with bunkers front and back. From the tee, it looks a lot like the hallowed 12th at Augusta and club selection is key given the varying winds.

I haven’t hit a straight drive in about 2 years).

The signature 550-yard, par-5 18th is as good a climax to a golf course as any. The fairway here has water right and large fairway bunkers on either side of the landing area.

The second shot offers up a nice risk-reward where you have to choose to lay up short of the water hazard or take a longer club and try to fly it over. Landing short will leave you about 150 yards into a heavily contoured green while going for glory will result in a simple pitch shot – provided you have the length to get 500 yards in two strokes.

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The driver can stay in the bag for most of the front nine with water crossing the fairway about 240 yards out on several of the first few holes. The 4th hole is a 535-yard, dogleg right, par-5 where a long iron off the tee is required to lay up short of the water running through the middle of the fairway. After that, another long iron is probably the right play to set up an approach to a green that is guarded left by water and right by a bunker.

Through the turn, the course offers a nice combination of short and long par-4s and 5s.

The par-3s are all interesting and range in length from 135 to 217 yards off the blue tees.

Sofitel Phokeethra Royal Angkor Golf Club, +85 5 63964600, esgolf@SofitelRoyal-Angkor.com, www.accorhotels-asia. com/3123, green fees from US$120.

3/23/07 9:58:33 AM

destinations | travel ■ The eclectic and lively décor of Amalia reflects the restaurant’s Moroccan-Mediterranean identity.

Manhattan Dreaming

82 g o l f

By Ju K. Tan

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New York, New York, the city that never sleeps. In this metropolis of skyscrapers hotels, define the standards where all other cities follow. But just when you thought all has been tried and tested, the entrepreneurial Vikram Chatwal still manages to tweak our attention with a boutique property that mixes the avant-garde with sensibility.

W

e love to dream. We embark on this subconscious journey to the unknown, letting our wildest fantasies take flight. This is the premise that is the foundation of Vikram Chatwal’s Dream New York. His whimsical take on what he calls “l”hautel couture” defines the hotel as a place where real life ends and a dream begins.

■ Retro stripes and art décor trims define the “stripe bar” where anything can happen.

iGolf_pg82-84.indd 82

This exquisite rendition of a hotel – calling it such is rather a travesty to its quirky but appealing disposition – welcomes you with its attention to the kinds of detail you never quite expect. The attentive concierge is one thing, but when you have tropical fish of all colours in a 5,000-gallon tank in the middle of the lobby greeting your entrance, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, you know you will be in for something different.

3/26/07 11:04:26 AM

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■Alice in Wonderland might not feel totally out of place amidst Dream New York’s whimsical touches.

Mirrored ceilings reflecting blown glass flames, decorative columns, huge charcoal murals all offer a special sense of being that exudes through every pore of Dream New York. The journey continues from the elevators playing cool, lounge tunes right into your rooms, moodily illuminated with an ethereal glow of blue.

dressed in 380-thread Egyptial Cotton. Road warriors can rest comfortable knowing there is high-speed broadband Internet access in every room, not to mention the large Panasonic high-definition plasma television and Bose Wave sound systems to help you while away that rare, lonely Manhattan night.

But Dream is more than its rooms.

Sure, the accommodations at Dream have everything you can ask for in a hotel room in the Big Apple. Beds are specially designed by the Sealy Corporation with six-inch pillows

iGolf_pg82-84.indd 83

The whole establishment reflects a holistic sense of being where the life of all its facilities comes together to offer guests a top-to-

toe sensation of being in the center of it all. The Striped Bar is a natural first stop as you warm up to an evening of libation and culinary excursion. This pseudo-retro drink station is more than a place to top-up your gin and tonic before a night on the town.

Comfortable, casual, and cool, it can be a destination in itself, but that would deprive you from a step further into the gastronomic focus of Dream NY. For that, you might want to partake in the menu of Amalia. Located through the lower

3/26/07 11:04:42 AM

destinations | travel

level via a historic carriage house ramp, the resident restaurant is nicely decored with glazed brick and lit by an Austriancrystal chandelier. Chef Ivy Stark conjures a list of delicacies that combines flavours, colours, and smells that compliment the distinctiveness of the space. Her palate is tinged with a sense of North Africa accented with the Mediterranean. Chorizo Stuffed Crispy Chicken and Vegetable Tagine help to blend the rusticity of Moroccan style with the familiarity of French cuisine.

Dream NY’s trump card is the Chopra Center and Spa located within its property.

Created by physian, author and well being extraordinaire Dr. Deepak Chopra, the Center offers the gamut of Ayurvedic treatments, reflecting the ancient Indian science of mindbody balance.

Upon your consultation with one of the Center’s qualified proponents of Ayurveda, you can engage in a series of therapies that might include yoga, guided group meditation, as well as treatments to perk up your dominant dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, whatever the case might be). Get rubbed with an Abhyanga friction massage using herbal oil by two therapists, or relieve tension through the Vishesh Deep Tissue. To enhance immunity, you might want to sample the Abhy-Shiro that combines massage with the soothing sensation of warm oil streaming over the forehead. Once done with that, the Gandharva Harmonizing Facial might be just the thing to clear out the façade.

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The Chopra Center at Dream New York epitomizes the hotel’s identity of addressing the spiritual needs of the intrepid traveler.

We go forth to explore a new destination, be it to see something new or to experience it.

Dream New York offers a calming yet inspiring abode to leave your bags and worries behind, letting you slip into the caress of a place that cares.

■ The rooms here has everything you can possibly need to get rid of those travel blues.

Dream New York, 210 West 55th Street, between Broadway and Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10019, +1 212 2472000, www.dreamny.com

■ Mirrored walls, flaming lamps and a 5,000-gallon fish tank make for a lobby that you’ll be hard pressed to forget.

iGolf_pg82-84.indd 84

3/23/07 10:01:29 AM

•MAKE THEIR DAY• Make Their Day programme, as the name suggests, is a programme by Care Community Services Society together with corporate sponsors / donors to make a day in the lives of the beneficiaries a memorable and meaningful one.

In the cause of our work, we noticed that many of our clients could not put a smile on their faces and they seemed robbed of their joy with some even losing hope for the future. The constant pressures brought about by the challenges they faced, had overwhelmed them and taken a toll on their wellbeing (physical emotional and mental). This had also to a large extent challenged their faith in life and their faith in people. For some, the challenges had become so overwhelming that they dreaded opening their eyes to step into the new day. They had no idea how to overcome their challenges.

As a result of our observations, CCSS decided to launch the programme “Make Their Day” to bless our clients. This is a “no strings attached” programme. Our clients do not have to make a single payment or put in any effort on their part.

What we hope to achieve is help restore their hope and reignite their confidence to face the future, helping them to lift up their heads to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Help us put a smile on the faces of our clients or beneficiaries. How do we make their day?

Since the beginning of 2007, CCSS has helped two families under the “Make Their Day” program. In the 1st case, we worked with Singapore Contractors Association, Woh Hup Pte Ltd and VSL to do a complete makeover for a 3 room flat in Macpherson. The late father of Mr. T was a client of ours. Mr. T lives with his mother and brother, who are both mentally challenged.

Being the sole breadwinner, Mr. T struggled to keep the home intact. Mr. T is very grateful for the makeover done to his home and it was just in time for Chinese New Year too! Here are some pictures of what had been done.

In the 2nd case, we helped a secondary school girl who wanted to attend the school’s annual leadership camp in March 2007. Being a foreign student, she was not granted any subsidy for the camp.

Her mom is terminally ill and her dad, being a foreigner on social visit pass, can’t find a job in Singapore.

She had to juggle the heavy responsibility of being her mum’s caregiver, doing the housework and attending to her studies. A sponsor came in to meet the need of

this girl, paying for the camp fees in full. She was elated and deeply grateful to this sponsor.

Would you like to be part of this impacting and meaningful programme?

CCSS invites you to partner with us by being a corporate or individual sponsor / donor of our Make Their Day Programme. For more information, please call Ms. Daryl at 62987337 or email Daryl at daryllee@carecom.org.sg Your partnership will make a difference in the lives of our beneficiaries.

Sow a seed, nurture a life.

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Decadence Revisited More than 10 years has passed since Banyan Tree Phuket introduced the world to a unique world of pampering. Ju K. Tan returned to one of Thailand’s most luxurious spa resort to find that some things do get better with age.

■ Banyan Tree Phuket’s two-bedroom villa.

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Not so, these days. Even though there may be reasons to celebrate the coming of age of this teardrop-shaped island in the Andaman Sea (even though I wouldn’t be one to admit so) the line where tourism ends and commercialism begins has been crossed many moons ago. I first visited Phuket back in 1994. Admittedly, things were a little different then. Sure, Patong was Patong.

We all know now, that even a devastating tsunami cannot deter it from serving man’s most basic needs. But where land and beach was lined with untouched natural landscape, now is taken up by a vast supply of condominium homes erected with little regard to what makes an Asian resort island special.

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In my first visit, I had the privilege of discovering the magic of a new resort concept in Asia, the Banyan Tree Phuket Resort and Spa. It was a resort ahead of its time then. More than a decade down the road, and it is heartening to see that not only has stood the test of time – and in no small measure, the onslaught of new establishments throughout the region – but have continued to reinvent themselves along the way.

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he rate by which Phuket grows never fails to amaze me. Not too long ago, this southern Thailand island was populated by bohemic types trying to escape the toils of cities, running away to an island surrounded by the beauty of nature, and beaches that face the open oceans.

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■ Lush landscaping define the Spa Pool Villa.

This time round, the Banyan Tree Phuket was undergoing some renovation work in the main lobby area of the resort (nice to see that they are not adverse to close an entire area to take care of maintenance issues), but the spa reception was more than adequate to take care of mundane chores like checking in. The Spa here is indeed an entity in itself, and very much a bona fide destination for the traveler looking for a spiritual and physiological retreat to regain a balanced sense of well-being.

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destinations | rooms ROOMS. Banyan Tree not only belongs to the second set, but arguably invented it themselves.

Their spa villas still hold a cache that few have managed to replicate, and this time they’ve gone one better with the Spa Ryokan programme.

Specially constructed spa “ryokans” offer guests a unique one-night experience in a beautifully appointed Royal spa villa specially designed for the occasion. You can check in in the afternoon, enjoy the villa for the night, then begin the next morning with breakfast and a spa treatment before checking out.

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Those with a little less time on their hands, but who also want to sample the spa’s strengths can opt for the Royal Banyan package. This three-hour signature programme ■ No better way to while away three hours than with originates from the a Royal Banyan spa programme that incorporates Royal Thai Palaces and traditional compresses of Thai herbs. incorporates an oil-free Thai acupressure massage and Banyan Herbal Pouches applied to the Service with a smile is the undercurrent body. There are few better ways to while that flows through all donning the Banyan away a lazy afternoon than this.

Tree-logoed attire. From the concierge to the spa attendants, theirs seem to be a genuine If there is one market that does not seem sense of care and effort in making your stay to waver at any point of the economic cycle, a memorable one. it must be the luxury market. This is one tenet that Banyan Tree understands, and they As one of the main focal points of the have gone the distance with this super luxe resort, the Spa has undergone some form concept at their Phuket resort. I remember, of upgrade. The menu has evolved to one during my first stay here, that the villas were that centers on mainstream treatments, an uncanny exposition of sophisticated travel. which is probably a good thing. I always feel With this recent visit, that image was blown that doing a few things very well is far more out of the water with what I saw at the new effective than doing too many things poorly.

Banyan Tree Phuket.

Just walking through the spa pavilion is The resort has put together 22 new therapy in itself. Lily ponds and the trickle stunning DoublePool Villas (yes, not one of running water lull you into a sublime state pool, but two) that feature ten-metre-long of mind, and that is even before one of the infinity pools overlooking a beautiful lagoon. well-trained therapists (Banyan Tree has an At US$2,000+++ per night, these are not for academy that trains its own therapists) puts people counting their pennies, but they do her hands on you. provide a type of stay that is second to none.

These villas blend Thai architectural accents In the world of spas, there are treatment with Western contemporary design, resulting rooms, and then there are TREATMENT

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Each villa reeks of exclusivity with a private compound measuring from around 1,530 to 2,185 square metres, draped with lush tropical landscaping. Full-length glass windows adorn the living and bedrooms bring the grand outdoors in, but if you want to engage the elements, just open up the door and jump into your own private pool.

If you are wondering what you get for that rather lofty price tag, picture this: 24-hour butler service, in-villa personal chef; daily invilla cooked breakfast, choice of daily in-villa afternoon treats or evening cocktails; 30-minute massage lesson for couples; and they will even through in a special turndown gift from the Banyan Tree Gallery.

But the Banyan Tree Phuket is more than just the mortar, steel and wood that is so eloquently crafted through the property. It is more than the luxuriously green setting

by Bang Tao Bay, an immaculately pristine beach in a quiet part of bustling Phuket.

What gives it the extra edge is its willingness and creativeness in thinking of ways to make guests not only feel at home, but also feeling that they never have to return to theirs.

Complimentary yoga sessions help you limber up for a day of lounging around. Feel like a bike ride? The concierge will not only arrange a bicycle but also tell you where to go. Other activities include visits to the local wet market or trying the traditional art of batik painting. And if there is one element of decadence that is as imaginative as it is pragmatic, it must be their new poolside “cool down” service.

When the temperature at Phuket goes up (and it will surely do in the hot months of April, May and June), attendants spend 10 minutes going through a ritual aimed at cooling down the guests by the pool. They put on eye masks, cool towels on your feet, compresses on your head, and top it off with a peppermint spray on your entire body. Servings of cool fruit and sorbet finish the process by bringing your insides into a congruent state of being.

Banyan Tree’s tagline asking us to “Indulge In Your Senses” is almost redundant here in Phuket. You cannot help but do so within the realm of its decadent environs. Time has a way of changing things, and in the case of this resort, it has worked well in its favour.

You can bet it won’t be another 10 years before I make a return trip here.

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■ The elegance of Banyan Tree Phuket’s Pool Villa is timeless.

Sail Into The Sunset With The Sea Gypsy If the wonderful villas at the Banyan Tree Phuket are not enough to keep you from venturing afield, then you might want to consider booking a trip on the resort’s very own Sea Gypsy Yacht. The property recently launched its Stay and Sail package where guests can book the entire vessel for a day out at sea, yet not leave any of the Banyan Tree trappings behind.

The Grand Banks yacht comes with a crew and captain that will take you on a seaward journey to many of Phuket’s surrounding idyllic islands.

Along the way, you’ll still get to enjoy the trademark service, not to mention specially prepared meals on a secluded beach. Guests can snorkel with the Andaman’s sea rich marine life, go kayaking through limestone caves, or just take in the great scenery like Tapu Island (of “James Bond” fame) from the comforts of the yacht’s deck chairs.

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■ Tamarind Restaurant should take care of all your gastronomic well being needs.

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destinations | rooms

Laguna Phuket Golf Club What was then called the Banyan Tree Golf Club is now known as the Laguna Phuket Golf Club. With this rebirth comes a rejuvenation of a course that is as underrated as it is enjoyable to play.

By Ju K. Tan

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â– : The island green at the 9th.

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olfers often associate Phuket with the Blue Canyon Golf Club. But to overlook some of the other excellent layouts on this island is a travesty to the game, and certainly to their search for golf enjoyment.

As far as resort courses go, Banyan Tree’s very own Laguna Phuket Golf Club (it shares the same driveway and main entrance with the resort), is as good as any to play on while engaging in the other hedonistic distractions at the resort and spa.

The 18-hole course has gone through some

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major renovations through the years, and now stands up well against any layout on the Thai holiday island. The overall, flat design by Max Wexler and David Abell still defines the friendly disposition, but the details have been flashed out, giving many of the holes added character and challenge.

The course plays to 6,654 yards from he back tees, just enough to keep low handicappers happy. Those unconcerned with their scores, and just want something strenuous to do so as not to feel too guilty about their spa treatments, can certainly enjoy the easy walk

and picturesque tapestry of scenic lagoons, coconut groves, and dramatic backdrop of the surrounding mountains.

There a couple of holes that can get you worked up if par is a concern and a goal. The 373-yard 9th is a tough cookie that demands a healthy thump to the right of the fairway if only to allow you some semblance of a chance to hit the island green on your second shot. Then the rather monstrous 612-yard, par-5 17th needs a long drive then a second shot over water, and a third that circumvents the pond before getting to the green.

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■ Want a challenge? The long, 612-yard, par-5 17th should give you all you can handle if par is what you’re looking for.

91 i n s i d e g o l f ■ Bunkering has been improved through the years, lending the course a new lease in life.

But overall, Laguna Phuket offers a nice mix of holes that tests all the shots in your bag without making you feel like you want to throw it all into one of the many pretty ponds. Playing a round here will certainly not spoil your walk.

Laguna Phuket Golf Club, +66 76 270991, email golf@lagunaphuket.com, www.lagunaphuketgolf.com, green fees BHT 3,400 (visitor), BHT 2,890 (Laguna Hotel guest).

■ The Banyan Café at the course is just the place to tell stories about the birdie that got away.

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3/23/07 10:02:58 AM

destinations | travel update

Sofitel Luxury Down Under

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he Mansion Hotel at Werribee Park relaunches as Sofitel Mansion & Spa to offer you all-new, exclusive 5-star services and amenities. It joins the prestigious Sofitel network to present the finest, luxury boutique hotel in Australia.

The resort provides 91 deluxe guestrooms, each offering top-notch luxuries including Sofitel My Bed, LCD TV screens, Roger&Gallet amenities and the latest furnishings.

Launching together with the exceptional hotel is the first LeSpa in Australia.

Be thoroughly pampered with eight beautiful spa treatment rooms that embrace a unique Lancôme beauty studio and VIP treatment suite with access to a private hamman (Turkish steam room). LeSpa will be your ultimate destination for relaxation, especially with their extensive range of lavish Decleor, Lancôme and

Li’Tya body and beauty treatments, highly trained therapists and the highest levels of professionalism.

Spectacular gardens of Werribee Park set a perfect ambience for utmost dining pleasure at Joseph’s Restaurant. Whether it is weekend tea or a romantic dinner, every food and wine experience will be memorable.

In celebration of its new name, Sofitel Mansion & Spa presents a special ‘ Relaunch Package’ that includes overnight accommodation, full breakfast for two in Joseph’s Restaurant, a bottle of Moet & Chandon on arrival and a Decleor gift pack from AUD$345 per couple.

Please contact +61 3 9731 4000 or email reservations@mansiongroup.com. au for reservations and information.

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Accor Première R Vacation Club in Bali

iding the wave of Bali’s increasing tourism demand, Accor Première Vacation Club (APVC) announces their launch of its first Asian resort property for members. Situated in one of Bali’s most stable, popular and infamous family oriented spots, this new resort in Nusa Dua provides other Australian and New Zealand members their very first Asian destination.

Surrounded by unparalleled Nusa Dua Golf and Country Club and beautiful Nusa Dua beach, APVC offers 23 luxury club apartments that feature spacious studios as well as one, two and three bedroom units. Ground floor apartments also include plunge pools. Fit-outs are Balinese inspired, with generous living areas and airy bathrooms.

Members can an expect an extensive central wet-edge pool area with water wall features, al fresco dining ar areas, in addition to many family facilities,, such as the popular pop ular Dolfi kids club. c The best part of this membership are entitled to membership is APVC members m a flexible, they have usage ble, points-based timeshare system, where wh rights too any of the Club’s accommodations, accommodations, with access to affiliated Accor properties across the Asia Pacific Pac fic without ithout time or destination destinatio des on restrictions. Moreover, eover, existing Club members need ed not make further fu capital contributions benefits ions to enjoy the latest late t benefit ts as access to nnew locations is automatic. ma

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■ Guests at the Accor Premiere Vacation Club can tee it up at the Nusa Dua Golf Club in Bali.

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3/23/07 10:04:05 AM

Angsana Spa’s Japan Debut

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he long awaited Asianbased Angsana Spa (www. angsanaspa.com) blossoms in Japan. With its characteristic emphasis on a natural and holistic philosophy, guests can look forward to a refreshing array of quality treatments at The Angsana Spa Crowne Plaza Kobe. Reinforced by its focus on balance – a balanced body, mind and spirit – this luxurious hotel spa provides a unique blend of East and West techniques, infusing natural ingredients with the therapeutic sense of touch.

Enter into 630 square meters of eight double treatment suites, including a deluxe double tatami suite, a deluxe double suite with steam, shower and spa bath and six double suites with shower facilities. Signature treats include the Angsana massage, Legend package and Siam massage.

In close proximity to other lifestyle districts such as Kitano and Sannomiva, the Angsana Spa Crowne Plaza Kobe is a revitalizing stop you won’t want to miss.

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n addition to the 13 Marriott Executive Apartment hotels across the globe, Marriott International introduces The Mayflower in Jakarta, Indonesia. Located in Jakarta’s central business district within the web of multinational corporate offices, entertainment, restaurants, shopping and the Soekarno-Hatta Jakarta International Airport, The Mayflower is a distinctive hotel in its league.

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Marriott’s Latest Executive Apartments

Setting itself apart from traditional serviced apartments, this hotel offers 96 elegantly furnished studio to three-bedroom apartments of contemporary décor. Its upscale, high-end luxury units combine the indulgence of quality hotel services with the comforts of your own home to cater to your needs. Residents will be met with greater connectivity to their environment, which stimulates productivity, socializing and relaxation opportunities.

The Mayflower offers all-day dining options, an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness center, high-speed internet access and a dedicated business center. Every apartment also features a fully-equipped kitchen, separate dining area, plus a home entertainment system in both the living and master rooms.

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3/23/07 10:04:57 AM

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golf life | body + mind

It’s In The Bag Nothing reflects the kind of traveler you are better than the bag you carry. This month, we help you find yourself in a compilation of the trendiest totes that you’d be proud to shove in any overhead cabin.

Compiled by Antoinette Tan Influential global brands Samsonite and Alexander McQueen have combined their talents to create the hottest luxury travel collection, the Samsonite Black Label by Alexander McQueen. This sophisticated range in black and bone, such as the AI1, features designs and patterns of nature fused with the latest technologies. As the ribcage protects our organs, McQueen designs the AI1 travel piece that reflects this concept, to protect your belongings.

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The most fashionable Four-Wheel Drive, Samsonite Sahora Brights Spinner® cases (55, 66 and 77cm, in Red, Black, Lime and Pink) offer maximum unmatched maneuverability.

Efficiency is freedom and excitement with these stylishly coloured, high-glossed, slick and state-ofthe-art soft and hard-side hybrids that pack in a gamut of features.

With a touch of British novelty and charm, the latest bags from the Lulu Guinness Spring Summer 2007 collection are refreshing, contemporary and stylish. In chic onyx and white canvas, the elegant Large Stamped Suitcase set with endearing and multi-hued embroidered badges inspire travel afar. Bag connoisseurs will also find sensational 40’s inspired and flirty totes at Sole 2 Sole at the Mandarin Gallery.

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A sparkling facelift after a successful season last Spring/ Summer, Lacoste Pique Star Medium Flat Tote in Blue Sparkle is set to take you places. Available also in White and Pink Sparkle, the range comes in small flat, medium flat, medium vertical flat totes and the clutch purses, great for day outings, which carry on into the night. Simply party on!

Part of the Lacoste Spring/Summer 2007, the Crocodelle Large Boston Bag in Summer Sand is created with sporty yet chic nylon and makes the ideal bag for the individual leading an active urbanite. Its clean design and practicality blends detailing, branding, soft calf leather trim and smart external pockets. Available in pearl white too, and in a vertical shopping as well as a medium messenger bag.

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Lacoste Sport Retro makes the cut from court to street, with a new colour update. Classic green and chic black hues present a more urban take to the white and blue ones that were introduced previously.

Befitting both men and women, this graphic assortment satisfies most fitness-related needs.

Don Fitness Bag in Lacoste Green for your quick getaway or upcoming golf trip.

For 96 years, Samsonite has been providing superior products and services as a worldwide leader in its league, and now with the Timberland Company, a new, integrated collection of Timberland travel packs and gear is born. This range leverages on Timberland’s outdoor heritage and benefits such as light weight, shock absorption and protection with Samsonite’s global expertise in travel product design, development, craftmanship and manufacturing.

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3/23/07 10:36:34 AM

golf life | style

Casual Flair Women golfers around the world in the past have had a peeve with the dearth of fashionable apparel they can proudly wear on the course.

They needn’t worry too much anymore. Designers around the world have been making a crossover from catwalk to fairway giving birth to a new wave of brands any 3-iron-toting fashionista will be proud to have in her closet.

By Ju K. Tan

Here are two new brands that we might do well to keep our eye on.

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3/23/07 10:38:22 AM

JoFit images courtesy of Dawn Peppi

JoFit Joanne Clarke, founder of JoFit (www.jofitgolfwear. com), is as athletic as they come. She’s played volleyball, softball, ice hockey growing up in Calgary, and is also an avid golfer. The sprightly American has transferred her passion into pallet and created a range of golf clothes for a new generation of women golfer.

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“I’ve tried to create an athletic golf line that women can also go out on the town with,” Clarke resonates the trend that is driving the new wave of women’s golf apparel. “I like classic lines, things you can wear from the office to the course without missing a beat. As more women get into the business world, and start playing golf, multi-functional pieces like what we have start making sense.”

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JoFit lines are accented with sporty innuendos, trim cuts, and subtle details that sets it apart from the competition.

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1 The Jo-capri double tie, wide waistband

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and lower rise is both comfortable and creates a look of a flatter abdomen. The stretch fabric also lets you swing freely.

2 JoFit’s Jo-vest is a rayon/nylon v-neck vest that is hip-length and fitted for that sportier silhouette. Available in Aqua and Black.

3 Jo-Capris and Jo Polos fill a new line that is comfortable and flattering, and wearable on or off the golf course.

4 The Jo-jersey is made of long poly/spandex blend, offering a sexy, cling-free fabric with a fitted cut and accented with a flattering, sporty side stripe.

5 JoFit’s tagline says it all.

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3/23/07 10:38:27 AM

golf life | style

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Iconic

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Golf apparel doesn’t quite need to be designed by rocket scientists, but it doesn’t hurt. Leslie Kwok left her engineering job with NASA to start golf fashion label Iconic and hasn’t looked back since. “I’ve been a keen golfer for a long time and found that clothes for women were just terrible,” confesses the Californian.

Kwok put aside her space programme role and embarked on a journey into the universe of fashion retailing, creating a line that reeks of functionality, but highlighted with style and colours. “I love the outdoors and the activities related to it,” Kwok adds. “Clothes designed for the outdoors, like golf apparel, need to enhance performance. At the same time, we all need to look good out there as well.”

Iconic’s 2007 Collection features high performance fabric and a casual, elegant style that is at the same time contemporary and sophisticated. The range is targeted at up-scale, fashion conscious women golfers looking for that extra edge in today’s golfwear.

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3/26/07 11:26:39 AM

golf life | style

Beat The Heat With Adidas Golf

by Antoinette Tan

TaylorMade-Adidas Golf strutted their Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter collections recently at a fashion show during the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters at Laguna National Golf and Country Club. They showed why they are one of the front-runners in providing performance fabric with an eye for style.

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ith rising temperatures (of your opponents as well as the weather), it’s time to analyze what you wear to your game. Gone are the days of sweat marks on your pants. The next big thing to hit us: cool fabrics that do just that.

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Beat the heat and keep your cool with the latest Adidas Golf range, featuring ClimaCool® apparel. This is made from 100% Coolmax Extreme fabric with golf-specific mesh ventilation, translating to skin temperature reduction, superior moisture management as well as efficient airflow. It dries rapidly, allowing maximum comfort. Furthermore, ClimaCool® also offers UV protection. Yes, important body protection from any harmful rays!

The best part? This collection showcases practical yet trendy outfits in vibrant hues, including sunny yellow and orange, lime green, stunning pink, tangy brick as well as chic, classic white pieces. Softer materials such as the ClimaCool® also ensure utmost comfort through the most awkward of golf swing. It is also more durable, lasting longer than other natural or synthetic fibers.

■ Climacool Motion Color Block Zip Mock in Pistachio/Steel

Stylish pattern and sporty swatches provide accents to the plain palette of golf style. Slim cuts for the women’s line bring out the slender silhouettes while roomier shirts appeal in the men’s lines. Easy style for the busy golfer allows easy transition from the bar to the putting green anytime.

■ Climalite Block Stripe Polo in Kiwi/Canary

■ Diamond Print Short Sleeve in Pinot/University Red

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■ Micro 3-Stripe Polo in Clementine/Pinot

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■ Climacool Motion Color Block Polo in White/Apple with Climacool Plaid Skort in Apple/Key Lime

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■ Climalite Short Sleeve Zip Mock in Tangerine/White

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golf life | the 19th

■ Chef Lino Sauro whisks you into a world where contemporary meets tradition via his creative dishes.

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LA FUSIONE

By Antoinette Tan

A new resident chef, a renovated restaurant as well as a fresh, innovative menu to tantalize palates. Enter DOMVS at Sheraton Towers Singapore for a fusion of the senses!

Ambient Excellence A step into DOMVS (pronounced “dohm-ers”) takes you into a realm of synthesis, of uniqueness, and of specialty.

with the play of light and space - such as the open wine shelves and glass walls for the kitchen, with furniture upholstery and carpeted floor – make DOMVS an enticing experience.

Inspired by Baroque influences as well as the quest for creativity and balance, DOMVS is a picture of harmony and poise – balanced shapes, colours, senses and emotions.

This chic restaurant sits 52 in the main dining area, and an additional 12 diners may enjoy the exclusivity and privacy of the Celebrity Room. Wherever you are in DOMVS, the soothing hues and classical Italian tunes are bound to whet your appetites.

Tastefully designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates, the straight lines of the curtains’ pleats, the clean edges of wall-mounted mirror panels, the large slabs of granite tabletops and the structured door frames perfectly harmonize with the curves on the chair backs, the sexy gold door finger-plates, the fluid forms of serving glassware and the bauble prints on the fabrics. A neutral palette and black accents together

Epicurean Delights Offering the same authentic Italian culinary experience, diners can now expect a new, exciting menu with a Sicilian twist. Chef Lino Sauro hails from Palerno in Sicily and has much to share about his influences and techniques.

Greeting us before embarking on his special menu for the day, Chef Lino Sauro presented his Amuse Bouche, Deep Fried Foie Gras on a bed of bell pepper jam. Albeit a small bite-sized square, it was the explosive beginning of a culinary adventure.

Next up was Buffalo Mozzarella cheese from Campania, Oxheart Tomatoes & fresh Basil. This was a fabulous starter to our meal, simultaneously soothing and exciting our palates. The cheese was neither rubbery nor pungent (as with several types of cheese), but its texture was a bit like firm and chewy toufu. Complemented with fresh, crunchy tomatoes and basil, the combination was perfect.

For our main course, we were presented with Homemade Spaghetti with Scallops, Mussels, Calamari and Scampi and Codfish served with whole Tomato Confit and Anchovies Sauce. Both were extremely well paired with the in-house wines served.

Chef Lino’s spaghetti was one of the best pastas I’ve ever tried.

His light-handed methods showcased the freshness, healthiness and fragrance of its accompanying seafood. No sauce was added, just the fusion of cherry tomatoes, olive oil, basil and natural liquids from the cooked seafood. Presented on a frosted, gilded glass dish, the tastes, colours, scents and patterns from the swirls were simply unforgettable.

Besides their new A la Carte menu of Italian passion and Sicilian sizzle, diners may also opt for a 2 or 3-course Set Lunch Menu that is refreshed monthly, a 7-course Gourmet Menu with complimentary Amuse Bouche and Coffee or Tea, or the Chef’s Special based on seasonal produce.

Chef Lino aptly adds that “there are too many Italian restaurants stuck serving classical Italian dishes. Although I have not forgotten my roots, I have introduced something different, something modern with tradition, something of a different presentation: an Italian menu infused with a Sicilian twist.”

DOMVS Lobby Level, Sheraton Towers Singapore, 39 Scotts Road Hours: 12 to 2.30pm and 7 to 10.30pm For reservations, call +65 68395622

■ DOMVS’ Risotto with ‘Primo Sale’ Sicilian Cheese and Balsamic Vinegar.

Born in Sicily, Chef Lino Sauro has worked all over Italy, Switzerland and Germany for the last 16 years.

He believes that Italian food can be healthy and indulgent at once, especially since Sicily’s seafood, fruits and vegetables are infamous for its quality and freshness.

I couldn’t resist asking what his favourite ingredient was.

Smiling, he said, “Tomatoes. It can be used as a dessert, with fish, with meat and it can even be used alone as an appetizer.”

His first posting in Asia, the handpicked resident Chef Lino is excited to showcase his culinary flair to discerning diners in Singapore. The innovative Chef reveals his desire to read, fueled by the passion to constantly keep himself updated. “New inventions are not exactly real, they are more about rediscovering, updating and transforming to create a different taste, with your own personal touch.

Importantly, a chef needs passion,” claims the humble 36-year old.

Having tried his dishes, I beg to differ. This chef has broken the boundaries of what is considered classical Italian, simply by infusing his unique Sicilian talent and creativity.

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A must-try is their Sweet Cous Cous cooked in milk and saffron, with White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Cream, and Mint ice cream (Arancine dolci di cous cous) dessert. Chef Lino turned the Middle Eastern/North African staple grain into a heavenly dessert dressed with a layer of dark chocolate sauce, and served with cool mint ice cream on a crispy biscuit. Sheer indulgence.

Sicily: A must-visit destination, the crossroads of cultures.

Through a long history of conquest, Sicily is known for its unique character and rich mixed heritage, including European, Saracen and Arabic influences. As such, Sicily’s architecture, landscape, culture, food and drink reflect these. For example, Chef Lino explained, “Although cous cous is from the Middle East, Sicily has one of the biggest cous cous festivals around.”

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Delicious, intriguing vegetables were served with the Codfish.

Balancing the smooth and consistent anchovies sauce were a uniquely skinned and slightly sour tomato confit as well as an over-turned shot-glass portion of boiled green vegetables in lemon juice.

Viva La Sicilia

golf life | body + mind

Saving Face

Compiled by Antoinette Tan

Recent reports on the enlarging hole in our depleting ozone layer translate to damaged skin and deteriorating health. Any golf game, or any exposure to the sun in fact, should be preceded by sunscreen. Here’s our quick list to help you put your best face safetly forward under the sunshine.

Cosme Decorte White Protection SPF 27 / PA++, $68, is a moisturizing veil which completely protects skin against dehydration and assaulting UV rays, preventing the formation of spots and freckles. Gliding smoothly onto skin without any stickiness, it makes a great makeup primer too.

The latest Helena Rubinstein Premium UV SPF 40, $82, of the Divine White range employs Diamond 4C action and hightechnology whitening. The goal?

To Cut down melanin production, to Crush skin-darkening enzymes, to Colour prevent and to Clarify, unveiling diamond-like skin.

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A combination of comfortable, lightweight texture and high SPF sun protection, Clinique presents Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40, $45. It contains a blend of powerful anti-oxidants, restorative ingredients and effective sunscreen agents to calm and protect skin.

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Estée Lauder’s Nutritious range neutralizes, detoxifies and infuses for achievable, radiant, healthy skin.

Nutritious UV Protector SPF 50 / PA ++, $65, utilizes cutting-edge technology and ingredients to neutralize external stressors, revealing skin that looks and feels luminous and smooth.

DiorSnow Sublissime UV Base SPF 50, $70, contains triple skin-lightening pro-active ingredients and fast-action Luminosity Enhancing System for beauty that radiates from within. It prevents and corrects excess pigmentation, combats surface dullness, hydrates, brightens and counteracts harmful UVA and UVB rays.

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A high protection sunscreen, Beauté de Kosé Ultra Sun Protector UV, $37, provides stress-free, barely-there texture and skin protection which suppresses photo-aging.

It blocks out UVA and UVB waves and is formulated with abundant moisture retention agents and emollients.

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Catered to the active, Laneige Sun Block Leports SPF 50+PA+++, $42, offers high protection against UVA and UVB rays, air pollution and free radicals. Newly formulated with its fresh, cool emulsification combination, it controls excess sebum production. Check out its pocket-sized design!

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golf life | body + mind

GYM i n s i d e

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â– Tour Player Martin Doyle works on his right side strength to improve his body rotation.

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3/23/07 10:43:44 AM

S E I K N JU n Blake in the 21st century. Marti me ga t en fer dif a is y lf Go onah links training facilit Mo a’s ali str Au lf Go at y spent a da rmances s in getting the best perfo nd tre g gin an ch e th e se to te, players. out of elite, and not so eli

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reg Norman, a gym rat from way back, probably started it. Tiger Woods has confirmed it, with his ripped upper body and his (famously) secretive work-out routines and of course, his domination of the game.

The same could be said for the premier female player Annika Sorenstam, whose game surged a few years ago when she got herself fit, toned and taut. Or for Vijay Singh – another gym devotee – or even for Ernie Els, a notorious beer-swiller, who has trimmed himself down in recent times.

Elite golfers are now required to be athletes for the first time in the game’s history.

It’s not just the professionals either, although it’s true that they don’t go

anywhere without their personal trainers, not to mention mind gurus and coaches.

The trickle-down effect is impressive.

Down at Golf Australia’s elite training facility at Moonah Links, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, all the best amateur players from around the country are tuned to the new ways.

The big shoulder turn is in; the pot belly is out.

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Prevention rather than cure is what he preaches. McMaster, a good player himself who runs possibly the world’s only golf-specific injury clinic in the Melbourne suburb of Carnegie, is about preparing the body for golf so that it can thrive, and also survive over the long-term.

107 ■ Doyle does some strengthening work with a ‘handful’ of chin-ups.

“It’s the (Andre) Agassi effect,” he says. “We don’t just want them to be athletes. We want them to be athletes who last.”

The drills are meant to make the “abnormal movement” of the golf swing easier to perform.

McMaster pushes his subjects with his golf-specific exercises, designed to enhance their ability to make a fluent golf swing. He doesn’t call them stretches. ”I don’t like the word because it implies over-stretching, and that takes away from feel in golf,” he says. “I call them `toothbrush exercises’.”

“We look for sequencing,” says McMaster. “The best example is that when you hop in your car, you go through first, second, third, fourth gear right up to fifth. A top player doesn’t go to the range and start smashing his one-wood. He starts with his short game and works up.

What they want from their subjects is suppleness, ability to turn in the golf swing and coil, creating extra torque and power.

The exercises focus on core muscles in the midriff and upper thighs; golfers aren’t required to do massive bench presses like a footballer might.

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“Golf used to be the game for unfit people. Now it’s becoming a game to keep people fit.”

McMaster runs the physiotherapy section of the academy but it’s not effects he is on about, it’s causes. “I still treat injuries,” he says. “But I don’t want to see them.”

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“It’s come full circle,” says Ramsay McMaster, a Melbourne-based Scottish physiotherapist and golf trainer, who works with dozens of top professional players around the world.

Now if talking was an Olympic sport McMaster would be representing his native Scotland, and on this day, he is imploring his audience of footballers, netballers and assorted journalists to push themselves as they sprawl on the floor on the Moonah Links academy.

“That’s what we’re after. It gets you in the zone that you’re all trying to find. The club golfer usually comes from his desk or from his car and rushes up to the 1st tee at Huntingdale or Metro and his first shot goes over the fence and he wonders what went wrong.”

But does it help when you are standing over a two-metre downhill slider? Perhaps not, but then the players wouldn’t be bothered if it did not give them some sort of edge.

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golf life | body + mind

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■ Overactive legs during the swing can be detrimental to your swing.

McMaster claims that he can quickly shave shots off amateur players’ handicaps; he acknowledges that with top players, it is more difficult.

But the fact is that the best player in the world, Woods, works out several hours a day most days of the week, and often quotes the likes of Hank Kuehne and Charles Howell as examples of the modern game with their lithe builds and long-hitting.

“I’m convinced if you increase your flexibility, you’ll add power to your swing,” Woods says on his website.

The pencil-thin Australian Robert Allenby is another good example of what is becoming the ideal body type for an elite golfer, and McMaster cites the Swede Henrik Stenson, an emerging player whom he has worked with. “His (Stenson) coil is absolutely amazing,” McMaster says.

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■ Using a massive rubber band, this resistance drill helps keep the legs workly properly.

Of course, there are also exceptions. Craig Parry once lost weight and adopted a fitness regime in an effort to improve his golf, but played so poorly that he soon gave up on it. He isn’t convinced. Nor is John Daly, the rotund American who once said he “threw up every time I worked out”. Both Parry and Daly have bucked the trend with good results, but they are throwbacks, and all the evidence suggests their type is on the way out.

“The thing is with Daly, how good could he be? We don’t know,’’ says McMaster. “On the law of averages, they can’t get away with it.

What we should be looking at is going down to the Tour schools and looking at how many overweight players didn’t make it.”

The academy, located just a couple of hundred metres from the Moonah Links pavilion, was previously part of the Australian Institute of Sport. That changed in late 2005 when the Federal Government withdrew

its funding for the facility in a row over the tardiness of the two major amateur bodies, Women’s Golf Australia and the Australian Golf Union, to merge their operations.

The two groups have since merged and the new governing body, Golf Australia, has taken over the academy. One of its first moves was to open the academy to the public, firstly to fill the gap in the calendar when scholarship-holders go home, but secondly to help fund it. Anyone can have a day under specialist tuition for $800, although Golf Australia is realistic enough to know few individual golfers will be in that market; their first clients were corporates arriving in groups.

Golf Australia likes the idea of giving the public a peek at what the top players do.

“It’s difficult for people to understand how good these elite players are,” says Golf Australia chief executive, Tony Hallam, one of several who went through the program himself recently.

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On this day, attendees were wired up with electrodes by Lumsden, another Scot, and had their bodies brought into threedimensional computer image of the golf swing. Once the simulation is on the screen, Lumsden compares the data on areas such as shoulder rotation, hip sway, head movement and swing path with the numbers already in the system for topline players.

When you have to make your golf swing with an electrode strapped to your head with a beeper

that goes off if you move your head too much, you know that golf has moved into the 21st century. When you stand on the 1st tee with a million swing thoughts in your mind after being told you have too much movement with your head and hips but not enough shoulder turn, you’ll know what it’s like to have a thorough examination of your game.

For the corporates and hackers who are now going through the academy at Moonah Links, it’s an eye-opener, for golf still carries this image of an ancient, old-fashioned game.

But to the big-time players, it’s just business.

■ Working on core strength is one of the major facets of gym work at the academy.

“The game is very different from what it was.’’

Emphasis on fitness is merely one aspect of the academy’s operations. Mark Holland, a former Tour player with a thousand anecdotes, heads the coaching. Holland draws upon expertise from the likes of McMaster and biodynamics expert Ryan Lumsden to underpin his coaching.

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■ Coach Mark Holland works through a feel drill with a player on the driving range.

3/23/07 10:44:37 AM

golf life | body + mind

Circle Of Life

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Off the beaten track, Samsara Spa resonates with all the enticing allure of a Bangkok hideaway, with none of the seediness.

By Ju K. Tan

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■ Samsara treatment room

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hrow a plate of pad thai anywhere in Bangkok and you would probably hit the frontage of a spa. But then, there are spas and there are spas, and any traveler to the heart of the Thai capital can attest that there are a considerable number of these outfits that offer services that go beyond your healthy well being.

That having said, there are few experiences more fulfilling and rejuvenating than going to a bona fide spa in Thailand. And if you’re looking for just that, and nothing more, then a trip to Samsara Spa will open your eyes to the best of Thai therapy.

Samsara is Sanskrit for “circle of life”.

Although that adage might be stretching it a little, there is everything to indicate that you will find some level of renewal when you leave this charming outpost near the famous Jatujak Market. In fact, a trip to the famed alleyways of knick-knacks and knock-off fashion is a great precursor to a visit to Samsara Spa. Taking one of their myriad therapies is certainly antidote to an afternoon of elbow-bashing through the narrow corridors of that retail labyrinth.

■ Therapeutic stones are used in several of the spas unique treatments.

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■ Healing stones at Samsara.

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The requisite water-feature in the lobby notwithstanding, Samsara’s décor is pretty understated with the usual touches that hint of its Thai heritage. There are interesting features, though, like the doorways that were taken from an old home. They don’t do much to the overall look of the place, but reflect the thought and authentic approach adopted by the proprietors.

Décor is, however, secondary to the quality of a spa. And even though Samsara Spa does provide very conducive treatment rooms – both individual and couple – the quality of the place is

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mostly found in the way customers are treated.

Therapists are expertly trained by Terry Liew, noted spa trainer based in Singapore, and their attitude and proficiency in the art of massage ranks with the best of any spa in Thailand.

Customers have a whole gamut to choose from.

They can play it safe with the traditional Thai massage, soothe their muscles with Marble Hot Stone Therapy or find physiological comfort in the Chinese-based Chi Nei Tsang. For those keen on Ayurvedic treatments, Samsara offers a full Abyangha body detox, Shirodhara (pouring of oil on your forehead), Pindasveda (a type of heat treatment), and will be able to help you derive a programme directed towards strengthening your immune system. Of course, if you just want a head and shoulder massage, or facial, Samsara will amply provide as well.

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The quaint shophouse that is home to Samsara is not immediately obvious from the main street. But it is conveniently located at the Saphan Khai Skyrail station just one stop away from Jatujak. The surroundings, fraught with street-side peddlers of faux artifacts and cheap watches, do not give anything away as what you will expect. But once through the elegant entrance of the spa, you immediately slip into a state of assurance that this is the right place to regain your peace of mind.

packages. These typically include some sort of scrub or wrap to turn your muscles supple, then topped off with one of the many massages on tap. Needless to say, that there are fewer more relaxing ways to spend an afternoon in this harried city.

Samsara Spa, 1575/53-54 Paholyothin Rd., Samsaen-nai Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Thailand, +66 2 2784054, info@samsaraspathailand.net, www.samsaraspathailand.net

If you do have a little time on your hands, say two to three and a half hours, you might want to immerse yourself in one of the Spa’s many

3/23/07 10:46:13 AM

golf life | wealth

Banking On

Clariden Leu j i n s i d e

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Clariden Leu is a leading Swiss private bank that is focussed on wealthy clients. It offers its clients the advantages of a seamlessly integrated personal advisory service that gives serious thought to client’s individual concerns and ideas. Foo Yong Han takes a peek into this stratospheric echelon of high finance.

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anks are hardly what they used to be. These days, they range in variety, catering to different people and needs.

Retail banks, saving banks, investment banks, banks for individuals, banks for corporations, and even banks for banks, the list goes on.

If there was one area where competition is heating up in Singapore, and our part of the world, it must surely be in the private banking sector. These are specialized institutions that take care of society’s uppermost echelon - the high net worth individuals. Many mainstream banks offer some form of private banking service on top of their entire slew of corporate and individual financial services, but if there were one bank who’s main concern is the well being of the well heeled, it is Clariden Leu. As Swiss private bank, Clariden Leu (pronounced “loi”) is new in identity but rich in private banking tradition. It made a grand entrance into public consciousness last month as the title sponsor of the prestigious Singapore Masters (see Tournaments, pages 68-70). The bank was less than two months old when it made its first foray into major sport sponsorship. Clariden Leu is the creation of the merger of Credit Suisse’s independent private banking

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subsidiaries – Clariden, Bank Leu, Bank Hofmann and BGP Banca di Gestione Patrimoniale and the securities dealer Credit Suisse Fides. With a sum total of CHF 124 billion worth of assets under management and 519 years of experience in private banking, Clariden Leu is one of the five largest providers in the Swiss private banking industry.

Urs Brutsch, Managing Director of Clariden Leu’s Singapore branch explains the traits which are needed to make a time-honoured institution like Clariden Leu tick: “Exclusivity in providing the very best in terms of clients care, expertise and style. Dynanism in offering a wide range of forward-looking investment products and individuality in ensuring the very best in tailored solutions by providing personal client care and the professionalism of an innovative, structured advisory approach.”

Loyal to its roots as a private bank, Clariden Leu offers its services to consumers who have, at the very least, US$1 million in assets: “Our clientele consists of wealthy clients with sophisticated wealth management and product needs, affluent individuals with potential, and entrepreneurs. That does not mean they must have one million dollars in physical assets. Rather,

their assets must have the potential to reach the one million mark or more. The determing factor is not the client’s level of assets but his or her needs and potential,” explains Brutsch.

In the world of banking, the spectre of fraud is never far from rearing its ugly head. To ensure the suitability of its clients, Clariden Leu does extensive background research before it commits to them: “We assess potential clients by talking to them about their background, the type of business they are running, the origin of their assets, their business partners and about their families. We do a comprehensive analysis of the clients needed for our evaluation,” reveals Brutsch.

Most of Clariden Leu’s prospective businesses are recommended by existing clients. “Many new clients are referred to us by current clients or our employees who had worked with the clients in their previous banking jobs. In fact, referrals are the source for the majority of our new transactions,” underlines Brutsch.

Clariden Leu stretches the clients’ dollar by helping them invest wisely and save judiciously: “We aid clients in codifying how they hold their assets. Clients hold their assets through different

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means: trust, foundation, offshore companies, life insurance policies, etc. With a professional wealth management services team in the background we can provide specific solutions for the clients and their individual needs,” indicates Brutsch.

Clariden Leu’s business falls into two key categories – investment management and financial planning: “For investments, we decide whether we want to buy shares or bonds, etc. for the clients. Financial planning or structuring of assets includes succession planning. Succession planning involves the accumulation of sufficient finances to ensure clients’ spouses and kids are well taken care of should anything happen to them. Our structured advisory process helps us to give our clients individual advice that is in line with their current profile,” Brutsch points out.

Urs Brutch Managing Director Clariden Leu Bank Urs Brutsch, 46, started his career with Credit Suisse in Schaffhausen and Geneva. After obtaining his federal diploma in Banking Studies in 1986 he moved to Singapore. From 1989 he was responsible for the Private Banking activities of Credit Suisse in Singapore and South East Asia, initially running the Representative Office and from 1997 onwards, the branch - focusing entirely on Private Banking.

From 1999 until 2004 he was responsible for the Private Banking activities of ABN AMRO Bank in Asia Pacific, based in Singapore. His responsibilities included the development and execution of the regional strategy and covered the booking centres of Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Taiwan and Indonesia. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the global International Private Client business of ABN AMRO. In October 2004 he joined Clariden Asset Management Singapore as its Managing Director. With the merger to Clariden Leu Brutsch was appointed Managing Director of Clariden Leu Singapore and Director of Clariden Leu Asset Management Hong Kong. Brutsch currently resides in Singapore with his French wife and two children – a boy and a girl.

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“Secondly, we are out to build relationships.

Emotional quotient has become more and more rare. We make the client understand we want a long term relationship and not concentrate only on selling a product today and rolling out revenue three months later.

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Brutsch identifies three areas where Clariden Leu can maintain the edge over its competitors: “First of all, we want the best and what I mean by the best is experienced people who have been in the industry for years. These personnel must be in it for the long run as we feel it is vital to have a stable team.

“Thirdly, we constantly attempt to upkeep our investment management capability at an optimum level. Relationship managers, who handle client’ concerns and plans, must work closely with our in-house market analysts and investment specialists who are economy savvy.

Through this well-oiled synthesis, we are able to give the returns clients expect from their initial investments,” Brutsch remarks emphatically.

With its heritage of private banking, Clariden Leu manages a portfolio of billions and stewards like Brutsch oversees operations manned by 1,600-strong staff in over 20 locations worldwide tending to more than 60,000 private client relationships. It is presently the fifth largest private bank in Switzerland and its growth continues unabated.

3/23/07 10:46:58 AM

golf life | people

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â– Colin Kelly, Regional Director, Asia Pacific, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

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Man In Motion Colin Kelly, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Director, Asia Pacific, is no stranger to speed. His varied career has led him through illustrious stints at British Rail, British Aerospace, Rover, as well as the Cunard Line of leisure cruising. After sailing the high seas of travel, and crossing borders on rail, he brings panache to the world of luxury automobiles with his position at Rolls-Royce. He slowed him down recently, if only to ask him a few questions on what it takes to sell million-dollar cars to the Asian market.

Compiled and edited by Ju K. Tan

IG:

IG:

IG: What is the current direction for Rolls Royce, and what sorts of strategies are in place to bring it to the next level?

CK: We started out in 1998, when we became the custodian of the brand, to design a build a contemporary Rolls-Royce Motor Car. The car needed to be in keeping with the ideals and values of Sir Henry Royce: “Strive for perfection in everything that you do. Take the best that exists and make

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In the meantime, we launched the Extended Wheelbase (EWB) version of the Phantom and last month, the Phantom Drophead Coupe, which will begin deliveries in Asia later this year. Last year we announced plans to launch another family of cars, slightly smaller than the current Phantom family. This family of cars will be in addition to the Phantom family and further solidify our position at the pinnacle of the super luxury segment.

IG:

Why do you think Rolls Royce has held its premium brand image through its long life? What do you think it will take to keep it there?

CK: In its 104-year history, Rolls-Royce has always been associated with excellence in engineering and craftsmanship. During the 1930’s, Rolls-Royce simultaneously held the world speed record on land, sea and air. So the highlights of such a history, where the brand has always been associated with the wealthy and successful of this world, have given it recognition and a status second to none. The challenge for us today is to continue to design and build

cars that live up to the principles of our founders and represent the best in \design, materials, craftsmanship and build.

IG: What are your philosophies regarding managing and motivating your work force to attain the goals that you have set?

CK: Our business is not overly complex. To be successful we need to have a team of people that have values consistent with our company, have the right, positive attitude and are prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure that our owners are delighted with their decision to purchase a Rolls-Royce. In small teams like ours, everyone needs to be a self-starter and largely self-motivated. My job is to help them to be successful by ensuring that we have clear roles and responsibilities and help remove any barrier to success, which in turn is the same as making our customers happy.

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What is different about the auto industry that separates it from the others that you’ve been involved in?

CK: The obvious difference is the actual products, cars versus other consumer goods. However, although we are a car company and part of a very successful and prestigious Group, BMW, we are a very niche offering at the high end of the market. The auto industry is extremely complex, highly regulated and for the most part very focused on quality and efficiency.

Our product, the Rolls-Royce, must live up to all those parameters and more, delighting some of the most successful and wealthy people on the planet.

it better. When it does not exist, design it” and also, “Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble”. With these guiding principles we designed the new Phantom, built a new manufacturing and world headquarters in Goodwood, UK, set up a new dealer network and launched the Phantom in 2003. Last year we sold 805 Phantoms worldwide, the most RollsRoyce cars in 16 years!

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Having been involved with different industries in your career all the positions that you’ve held?

CK: In all these industries, I was dealing with a pinnacle product and as such the expectation of the clients and customers was extremely high. Also, in all these cases customer satisfaction was paramount to our success.

IG:

What sorts of successes have you seen since you joined the team in 2002?

CK: When we launched the car in 2003 we knew that we had one chance to get it right. Either this was a real Rolls-Royce of the potential customers and the media would have deserted us. So the combination of all the work in launching the car and the response of the customers and the media has to be a major success. Rolls-Royce exported cars to more than 50 countries around

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golf life | people

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trust and is blessed with beautiful countryside, wildlife and a great management and greens team. However, recently I played The Cut, south of Perth and it was spectacular.

the world in 2006 and currently has 79 dealers.

Finding the right dealer partners in the Asia Pacific region is another success and pragmatically growing the business in the region. We have the highest volume dealer in the world in Tokyo and China, as the third largest country market after the USA and UK, is certainly another reason to be proud of our achievements so far.

IG: Do you play golf? And if you do, what is the most memorable golf experience you’ve had to date?

CK: Yes I do play golf but not as often as I would like. I have had many enjoyable and memorable experiences on the course.

The first that comes to mind was my first hole in one at Ashridge in England. Next was my second hole in one in Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA. Still looking for number three!

My favourite course is Ashridge in Hertfordshire, England. I am still a member there. It shares its land with the National

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What developments, if any, do you see going on in the luxury car market?

CK: I can really only speak for our portion of it, which as I say, is at the very top. We will continue to make small numbers of beautiful, exclusive cars. Our ability to bespoke or custom make these cars will also continue to grow as our capability expands along with the expectations of our clients.

of the car is tax and while business tax in Singapore may be low compared to some other countries, car and luxury tax can be higher. Most of our owners love cars, have several cars and enjoy beautiful things that are exclusive.

IG:

IG:

What can we expect from Rolls-Royce in the near future?

CK: This year, we’re rolling out the Drophead Coupe and towards 2009/early 2010, the next family of Rolls-Royce cars. These will be smaller than the Phantom family. Along with all that, we look to see growth in our dealer family as we move towards 2010.

IG: Why do you think that even though cars are so expensive in Singapore and the region (compared to the West), that people still don’t baulk at spending so much money on a mode of transportation?

CK: Our customers are usually successful entrepreneurs and businessmen. They know that the difference here in the cost

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Rolls-Royce’s Regal History R

olls-Royce Limited was a British car and aero-engine manufacturing company founded by Henry Royce and C.S. Rolls on 15 March 1906 and was the result of a partnership formed in 1904.

Royce built his first motor car in 1904 and in May of that year met Charles Rolls, whose company sold quality cars in London. Agreement was reached that Royce Limited would manufacture a range of cars to be exclusively sold

by CS Rolls & Co – they were to bear the name Rolls-Royce.

Success with the cars led to the formation of the Rolls-Royce company in March 1906 and to

the launch of the six-cylinder Silver Ghost which, within a year, was hailed as ‘the best car in the world’. The Phantom I – the antecedent of the Phantom Drophead Coupe was Rolls-Royce’s replacement for the Silver Ghost. It debuted in 1925 and spawned several generations of Phantoms the world has came to recognise and covet.

Rolls-Royce Motors was created from the demerger of the Rolls-Royce car business from Rolls-Royce Limited in 1973. In 1980 RollsRoyce Motors was acquired by Vickers. In 1998 Vickers decided to sell Rolls-Royce Motors.

The leading contender seemed to be BMW, who already supplied engines and other

components for Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars.

However their final offer of £340m was outbid

by Volkswagen, who offered £430m.

However, complex corporate factors prevented either Volkswagen or BMW from wholly owning the rights to the Rolls-Royce trademarks (the Rolls-Royce name and the logo). The two motoring giants later surprisingly came to a compromise. From 1998 to 2002 BMW would continue to supply engines for the cars and would allow use of the names, but this ceased on 1 January 2003. From that day on, only BMW would be able to name cars “RollsRoyce”, and VW’s former Rolls-Royce/Bentley division would build only cars called “Bentley”.

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3/23/07 10:47:50 AM

golf life | auto

Crème de la Coupe

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he adroit engineering and distinct, traditional build of Rolls-Royce’s new Phantom Drophead Coupe – a two-door, four-seat convertible – can be interpreted as an au courant version of its 100EX, a striking experimental drophead unveiled in 2004 to celebrate its centennial existence. Elegant and stateof-the art, the 100EX shaped the future direction of the brand.

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The coupe’s exterior lines echo the timeless styling of the great Rolls-Royce cars: a long bonnet, large-diameter wheels, short front and long rear overhangs and the quintessential dynamic line descending along its flanks. The Phantom Drophead Coupé has been carefully crafted to be aesthetically pleasing, yet practical too.

Form and function here have equal billing. The simplicity of the design belies a car built to provide years of effortless service.

One of the best visual clues to the Phantom Drophead Coupé’s character can be found at the rear. The picnic boot is the very essence of automotive affability.

The only type of its kind on any convertible, it offers easy access to the luggage compartment as well as providing comfortable outdoor seating for two adults.

The boot is spacious enough to house three sets of golf clubs. Importantly, this space remains intact whether the top is up or down.

An entirely new palette of nine exterior colours has been developed for the Phantom Drophead Coupé: Metropolitan Blue, Admiral Blue, Jubilee Silver, Diamond Black, Duck Egg Blue, Semaphore Yellow, English White, Woodland Green and Ensign Red. These are complimented with hood colours in Silver, Black, Beige, Navy Blue, Deep Red and Deep Green.

Two of the most visually stunning options are the teak decking for the rear hood cover and the brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar. First seen on the 100EX experimental car in 2004, these are signature elements of the Phantom Drophead Coupé look. The brushed finish of the bonnet and A-pillar apes the classic Phantoms of the ’20s and ’30s but with a delightful 21st century twist.

The hood is the largest of any modern convertible. Its acoustic insulation is exemplary, with five layers of insulation material between occupants and the outside world. Lined with a cashmere blend, the structure is more like a bespoke suit than a traditional fabric roof. Rolls-Royce was keen to use a fabric roof rather than a folding hard-top for many reasons, not least aesthetics. A further benefit of the tailored, soft-top roof is the relatively small space required to stow it.

The Phantom Drophead Coupé has been designed as a car in which to enjoy the elements. The all-weather surfaces of the interior have been designed to handle what nature can throw at them. To this end, a number of notable features can be seen throughout the interior. Firstly, the seats have no ridges in them, giving a smooth surface so that moisture can be wiped straight off. In place of traditional mats, wholly more practical sisal mats are used. Even the carpet itself employs 21st century materials designed to deal with the moisture and humidity encountered in many areas of the world.

The front seats are slimmer than the Phantom’s but still offer an uncompromised degree of comfort. Integrated seatbelts are mounted directly onto them, while active head restraints and seat squab airbags give further protection to the torso and head.

The driving position is set deliberately high to give a commanding view of the road over the long bonnet, and the curved rear lounge seats offer an intimate, social environment for passengers. Rear legroom is excellent and marks the car out as a true four-seater.

An exceptional sound system has been specially designed for the Phantom Drophead Coupé, taking into account the differing acoustic properties of the convertible. Nine channels of sound arrive via 15 speakers, creating a stereophonic experience to impress the most hardened audiophiles.

For occupant safety, crumple zones directed into Y-shaped chassis members and the main understructure – the strongest part of the chassis – aim at handling front

■ Lined with cashmere, the folding roof has five layers of insulation to keep unwanted noise out, and high fidelity music from the 15 interior speakers in.

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■ The picnic boot is just the thing on weekend jaunts to the beach. If not, then the space within can pack away three golf bags for a round at the club.speakers in.

Rolls-Royce’s Topless Beauties impact. Side impact intrusion is minimised by the double-skinned floor construction, strong side sills and integral side impact bars in each door. Additional braces above and below the engine bay and under the rear axle add further rigidity to the space frame.

Even though the brand from Britain is notably famous for carrying diplomats and luminaries the world over inside its luxurious confines, Rolls-Royce has also rolled out more than its shares of convertibles for the jet set. The new Phantom Drophead Coupe is the latest version in a long list of exquisite hair-rufflers that have made cruising along the French Riviera an art form.

Other safety systems include intelligent braking and restraint systems, combined with integral seatbelts. As a result, the Phantom Drophead Coupé is perhaps the safest convertible car on the market. A discreet camera nestles underneath the numberplate to provide an excellent split-screen view of the road ahead, via the on-board monitor, to help when parking or when pulling out of a side road.

The Phantom Drophead Coupé’s advanced aluminium spaceframe is at the heart of its refined, dynamic driving experience. Lightweight and exceptionally strong, it impacts positively on ride, comfort and safety. Its inherent rigidity is essential in isolating vibration and maintaining the hushed interior calm associated with the brand.

■ Rolls-Royce 20/25hp Drophead Coupe by Park Ward from the 1920s.

Craftsmanship can be found throughout the Phantom Drophead Coupé, from the largest, most visible parts down to the smallest, unseen detail. By constructing each car with the same enthusiasm and passion with which it was designed, Rolls-Royce ensures that each one will offer a unique motoring experience, both to its owners and to all those who will travel in it.

■ Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I & II by H.J. Mulliner (1959 – 1962).

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Rolls-Royce, an automotive icon personifying class and comfort, has shown it has another dimension to its marque – heart. Rolls-Royce donated more than US$1.6 million of the US$2 million it collected for the sale of its first Phantom Drophead Coupé in America.

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The deal for the Drophead Coupe was closed on 27 January at a charity auction held during the annual Naples Winter Wine festival in Florida. A Naples, Florida, native bought the car and will take delivery of the car later this year. The winning bid of US$2 million is the single highest price paid for any lot in the event’s seven-year history and, it is believed, makes this Phantom Drophead Coupé the most expensive new car ever sold in the USA. Rolls-Royce launched the new Phantom Drophead Coupé at the Detroit Motor Show in early January. The two-door, four-seat convertible is hand made at the company’s headquarters in Goodwood, England. It combines the latest in lightweight aluminium technology, elegant design and the very best handcrafted materials. The result is a car that many have already hailed as the ultimate in open top motoring. An extensive order bank already exists, with all of the 2007 cars allocated. Full production starts in the summer.

■ Rolls-Royce Phantom II by Hooper (1932) owned by H.H. The Mir of Khaipur.

The beneficiary of Rolls-Royce’s magnanimity is the Naples Children and Education Foundation, which supports charitable and educational programmes to improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged or at-risk children.

This is the third year that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has worked with the Naples Winter Wine Festival, raising many hundreds of thousands of dollars for good causes.

■ Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible

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golf life | communi-tee

HSBC’s Sri Lankan Golf Showcase

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lobal banking giant HSBC played a part in promoting Sri Lanka as a golf destination with the wwwwsecond annual SriLankan Strokes held from 22 to 24 February at the picturesque hill station of Nuwara Eliya.

HSBC’s golf-playing Premier members from Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and India were invited to tee it up at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Course that dates back to the country’s colonial days. Overall winner for the ladies’ category, Ms Roshini Sangani, and overall winner of the men’s category, Mr L T Samarawickrama, walked away with trophies and SriLankan Airlines business class return tickets to selected destinations. Other category winners also won return air tickets courtesy of the airline.

Ms Sangani and Mr Samarawickrama had the best net handicap score over one Stableford round.

In addition to the HSBC Premier trophy, the winners will be invited to witness the HSBC Champions Tournament, to be held in Shanghai, China, this November.

The participants of the tournament also enjoyed exclusive tour packages from SriLankan Airlines, which includes airfare, airport transfers, accommodation at one of the partner hotels of the tournament, shuttle service to and from the golf course, caddy and green fees and invitation to the gala awards dinner on the final day of the tournament.

Non-golf playing friends and family enjoyed the charm of Nuwara Eliya or “Little England” as it is also known, with its colonial style buildings and mild weather.

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